At a Ceremony Marking the Creation of Nunavut

She really, really wanted to come. Unfortunately, one of our grandchildren was in an accident and Aline had to go to her. But she told me: "Jean...make sure you say hello for me." And I always do what she tells me.

Today is as important to her as it is to me.

She was there with me in those days when I was Minister of Indian Affairs. When our eyes were first opened to the life of the North. And to the richness of Inuit culture. The kindness of the people. Their deep attachment to the rugged beauty of the land and to the ways of their ancestors. And to the dream of Nunavut. A dream for so many people.

It is a time that is still so close to my heart. And words cannot fully express my pleasure at being Prime Minister on the day when that dream comes true.

Today, we have the great privilege of being part of history in the making. A rare and precious opportunity. Fifty years from now, school children will be reading about this day in their text books. Our families will be able to say that we were there. When we, together, redrew the map of Canada. And helped to achieve the long-promised destiny of the people of the Eastern Arctic.

What we affirm today, with the stroke of a pen, is the end of a very long road. A road begun by leaders like Tagak Curley and Jose Kusugak three decades ago. Traveled by John Amagoalik, Rosemary Kuptana and Jack Anawak. And concluded today, in the presence of Canada's newest First Minister, Premier Paul Okalik.

I traveled at least part of the way with you. Laying the groundwork for the first fully elected Legislative Assembly in the Northwest Territories. Giving the people of the Eastern Arctic a voice in their affairs and their future.

Playing a role in the establishment of Auyuittuq national park reserve, the first such reserve to be created in what has, today, become Nunavut. And helping to begin a partnership that now finds Inuit and the Government of Canada working together to preserve the diverse beauty of the North, for all time, in our world famous national park system.

And I have watched, with great admiration and respect, as the people of Nunavut have assumed more and more authority. Demonstrating their determination to build a vibrant, new territory.

At the same time, over that same long road, Canadians of the south have come to recognize the right of Northern people to take control of their destiny. As a nation, we have come to understand that our country is made up of different communities. Each with a unique identity and unique values. Values that enrich and strengthen this common project we call Canada. For me it is a source of tremendous pride that, through the creation of Nunavut, Canada is showing the world, once again, how we joyfully embrace our many peoples and cultures.

The new Government of Nunavut will reflect this diversity; incorporating the best of Inuit traditions and a modern system of open and accountable public government.

The challenges confronting this new government are great. No question. But we would not be here today if Northerners were not a resourceful and resilient people. I have every confidence that the young and dynamic population of Nunavut is up to any challenge.

This is a day of great joy for me, for the Inuit and for Canada.

Some of the Elders here may remember a trip that Aline and I made to the North almost thirty years ago, in the company of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. At one point I was asked to lead everyone in singing "O'Canada." Which I did, but in the only way I knew how, in French. It was a solo that I don't think anyone will forget, least of all Her Majesty.

I am excited today. But I promise you I won't break into song.

Ladies and gentlemen, Nunavut is yours. You now have the tools to make your future. Roll up your sleeves, dig in, and make Nunavut all that it can be. For you and for your children.

Vive le Nunavut! Vive le Canada!