to celebrate the signing of an MOU with Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
July 7, 2012
Check against delivery.
Good morning/afternoon, Elders, ladies and gentlemen.Thank you for that kind introduction. It gives me great pleasure to participate in today's historic event and to sign, on behalf of Canada, a memorandum of understanding with Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
The MOU that Chief Darcy Bear and I will sign today is an important milestone along the path of renewing and strengthening our relationship.
I clearly believe that the best way to address longstanding issues is through respectful dialogue. I am confident that these talks will succeed because Whitecap Dakota First Nation has a strong record of working in collaboration with the Government of Canada, and indeed with all its partners.
This Founders Statue behind us commemorates the historic meeting of John Lake and Chief Whitecap, and the pledge of two leaders looking toward a future of cooperation and partnership.
In fact, as many of you will know, Chief Whitecap played a key role in the founding of Saskatoon. In 1883, he helped a pioneer by the name of John Lake find a good spot to establish a settlement. That spot is not far from here, along the South Saskatchewan River. A few years ago, Whitecap Dakota First Nation and the City of Saskatoon held special celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of the event.
And just a few weeks ago, I was here to launch the War of 1812 commemoration events in your community. These events reflected the past – through war and peace ceremonial dances – and also looked to the future through an Education Day. Each one presented a significant opportunity to pause, to reflect and to honour the contributions Aboriginal people have made and continue to make to our country.
Partnership is one of the cornerstones of your community's success. Collaboration with outside groups has enabled your community to create and take advantage of a wealth of educational, social and economic opportunities. Not only do you operate commercial and housing developments, a school and health clinic, and a for-profit water utility, but you have created the Dakota Dunes Golf Links, which was named Canada's best new course in 2005. In short, yours is a community that has found ways of working with the government and industry to become healthier and more self-sufficient, with a population that is more engaged in all our economy has to offer. This is a success we would like to see replicated in First Nation communities across the country.
This success symbolizes the kind of progress we discussed at the historic Crown-First Nations Gathering in Ottawa in January. It clearly demonstrates our shared goal for Canada, in which all First Nation people participate fully in our social and economic prosperity.
An important milestone along the path of renewal and reconciliation was the Framework Agreement on self-government that Chief Bear and I signed immediately following the Gathering. That agreement sets out a process for negotiations towards a self-government agreement, through which Whitecap Dakota First Nation will acquire law-making powers, including how the community will manage its resources, preserve its culture and build on its economic development successes.
Today's signing also sends a powerful signal of this government's willingness to enter into constructive discussions. We welcome the opportunity to move forward with willing partners in a spirit of collaboration.
With the signing of this agreement, Canada commits to moving its relationship with Whitecap Dakota First Nation forward. I wish all the community's members every success as you move into a bright and promising future.
Thank you.
