Thank you to Beatrice Silver for the invitation to attend this celebration and thanks to the Squamish and Tsleil Waututh (Burrard) First Nations for whose traditional territory this is. I would also like to acknowledge the Chiefs, Council members and mayors who are with us tonight.

It is my honour to be here today. Since taking office as the Crown’s representative in British Columbia I have received many letters of congratulations. I feel however, that this is not so much a credit to myself, but rather a credit to all First Nations in British Columbia.

Aboriginal people have truly come a great distance since the arrival of Europeans to Canada. Our education prior to first contact was much different. The classroom was not a building with desks and chalkboards but rather it was the rivers, mountains, animals and plants, with our Elders as teachers. Although the daily lessons were somewhat different, the underlying teaching objectives have not changed. Respect, honesty, humility, courage, self-discipline and integrity are just a few of the universal values that formed the foundation of our teachings. Children stayed with their parents and grandparents. Children were not treated like under qualified adults but rather were accorded the same respect that was expected of them for others.

The Elders taught by many ways, including the oral tradition. It is no wonder that so many of our children have not faired well in the public system of education. I am told that 48 per cent of aboriginal students still do not complete highschool. The culture gap between First Nations and non-First Nations is still present and pervasive. This is why the Aboriginal First Nations Council in North Vancouver is so important in its objective of examining First Nations education situations, exploring possibilities and by acting to improve the education experience for First Nations students.

Thank you for your service and thank you for inviting me here today. I am truly honoured to be here with you.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8S 1V9

PHONE:(250) 387-2080

FAX:(250) 387-2078

EMAIL:ghinfo@gov.bc.ca

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