Canada’s Governor General, David Johnston. Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck.
It was a visit 142 years in the making and it was well received.
Canada’s Governor General, David Johnston, took part in the Treaty Four Protocol Ceremony in Fort Qu’Appelle on Tuesday afternoon and promised that reconciliation would be more than words and apologies.
The historic visit had its moments of levity, but there was also serious talk about the duty and obligation the governor general has to First Nations people on behalf of the Queen and the Crown.
Johnston says his job is to listen, to learn and to help turn words into action.
“Important as they are, words spoken, and gestures of friendship made at ceremonies such as this one are not enough,” he said.
Chief Michael Starr, who was representing the Treaty Four Chiefs Council, says there is still a lot of pain, especially among First Nations youth.
“They are hurting,” he said. “We need those resources to help the system, the education system, the health system — all the systems the treaties promised us.”
AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde says progress is being made, but he wants the governor general to keep up the pressure on the Prime Minister.
“And you will put into the ear of the Prime Minister and cabinet something from here,” he said. “You will take that back with you and you will make it grow.”
The Treaty Four Protocol Ceremony is held every September in the Qu’Appelle Valley, which is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Regina.