SPEAKING NOTES for The Honourable Jim Prentice at the Indian Village, Calgary Stampede

SPEAKING NOTES for The Honourable Jim Prentice Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians at the Indian Village, Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Alberta
July 6, 2007

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Thank you.

It’s a real pleasure to represent Canada’s New Government here at the Calgary Stampede’s Indian Village.

I want to begin by emphasizing the importance of strengthening and maintaining Aboriginal culture— the contribution that this has made to Canada as a nation.

I’d also like to welcome everyone who has traveled here — from throughout Canada and around the world.Here at the Stampede, we celebrate Alberta’s history, its lifestyle and its people. This event has always been about bringing people together — to celebrate what we’ve built, together.

First Nations have been partners in making this province the prosperous society we enjoy today. And that’s why the Treaty 7 First Nations and the Indian Village have always played such an important, valuable role in the Stampede.

At the first Stampede in 1912, you were here. When the Stampede became an annual event in 1923, you were here.

I’m sure we have elders with us today who’ve been part of the Indian Village since they were children, and who now bring their own children and grandchildren. And that inspires First Nation youth to feel pride in their heritage and carry forward these traditions. Because they can see how the Indian Village attracts huge crowds who want to learn more about the Plains Indians.

The First Nations of Treaty 7 have such a proud legacy in the building of our country and this province. Treaty 7 opened the way for a transcontinental railway, linking Canada from sea to sea. Treaty 7 made possible the increased settlement that eventually led to the creation of Alberta.

The Treaty 7 First Nations have a history of thoughtful, articulate and strong leaders who advanced the rights of First Nation people, and in doing so, made Canada stronger. James Gladstone, for example, a member of the Blackfoot Nation, and the first Status Indian in the Canadian Senate. Appointed by Prime Minister Diefenbaker in 1958, he helped Aboriginal people win the right to vote.

Today, Aboriginal people contribute to our society in public service, business, the arts, as doctors, teachers and in so many other fields.

So, as we gather here at the Indian Village, we’re here to celebrate the history of Aboriginal people, the strength of present-day First Nations, and the future of shared prosperity we can build in partnership with each other.

And I want to wish all of you an exciting and memorable 2007 Calgary Stampede.

Thank you.