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Chief Justice, honourable members of the platform, honourable members of the audience, honourable students:

I'm not really that prepared to make any comments, but I have a few notes to make. It is my honour to be here today in celebration and thanks. In celebration, because it's a new building; it's a new beginning. In thanks, because of all those who have given so generously towards this amazing structure, particularly you, Mr. Allard. Thank you, sir, for your generosity.

It's also a time of transformation, from the old to the new. From the Curtis Building to Allard Hall. I like that. Nothing changes, but nothing stays the same for too long. Everything is in constant transformation, in fact. Perhaps today we are putting away Einstein's theory of the speed of light. It serves to remind us, however, that there are some things that must remain the same. This university, this faculty, enjoy an international reputation that must be handed from one generation to the next. It's not built of bricks and stones, but it's built on ideas. It's built on the energy and intellect of those participants at this university and particularly in this law school. We are standing on the shoulders of the many great men and women who have come before us. The students here are challenged, I think, to maintain a high standard, not only in personal conduct but as the guardians and defenders of the very foundation of our very democracy. Those cherished principles and freedoms that we saw fit to place in the highest law of the land, our constitution. Yes, we're in a new building, but as with everything, someday even this will fade away. But my dear people that which we believe in, that which we stand for, that which we even give our lives for, can never change.

I'm so honoured to be here, in this new beginning, where this faculty, at this university, has saw fit to set aside space for the development and growth of aboriginal concepts in law. And I've come bearing gifts, pot latching if you will. For you, Dean, I'd like to present to you with this to kindly place in that hall as a reminder of this new beginning, but also s my thanks for this wonderful notion and idea of aboriginal space in this amazing facility. You'll pardon me – I wrapped it myself at 5 o'clock this morning. This is elastic band; it's to remind you to be flexible, yet organized. And it covers the seven points of our original aboriginal faith. The seven laws that I hope will be taught here, in this school. Because we have laws that go back centuries and we still believe in them today.

Thank you so much.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
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Canada V8S 1V9
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