[Open in Michif……]   [Greetings in French…]


Good Morning. My name is Ry Moran and I am from Victoria, British Columbia. I would like to begin by thanking her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, for hosting this special and elaborate event. We would like to especially thank our Elders, family, friends and other guests, who are here to witness this commemorative occasion with us. We also thank the people who have supported our nominations and all those who have encouraged us along the way.


I am honoured and privileged to be speaking on behalf of the recipients of such a prestigious award. It is with great respect that I thank the National Aboriginal Health Organization for having such a truly special program. This Role Model program demonstrates that dreams can be achieved through perseverance and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.


These role models represent courage, hope, dreams, determination and dedication. They have set a standard for national excellence in pursuits ranging from preserving culture and language to success in health, arts and athletic achievement. Just as a stone dropped in water creates waves, the positive action and influence of these 11 individuals extends far beyond that of a single person. Their communities, friends, family and associates know them as leaders. With this national award, they will serve as a guiding light for upcoming generations as they navigate through the uncertain waters of their futures.


The future of Canada is its youth. We live in an era where young Aboriginal Peoples are the fastest growing population in Canada. This is also an era where the cries for healing and the want for reconciliation ring louder than ever before.


Aboriginal youth of Canada today need positive influences in their lives to strengthen both themselves and their communities. Role models play a critical role in this process. By sharing our stories, working hard and seeking support through mentors who live positively, our goal is to help young Aboriginal people be the most successful they can be.


This honor bestowed upon us is a symbol of our upcoming duty. Is it our responsibility as Role Models to maintain an ongoing commitment to ourselves, our communities, our dreams and the values we treasure in our hearts if we want to leave the world a better place than how we found it. Our task this year will be to encourage young people to pursue their dreams; to inspire each and every one of them to lead their own way to lasting success and happiness. We are tasked to be leaders in our communities, to share our stories with our peers and to create positive images of Aboriginal Peoples in Canadian society. It is up to us to shape what experience will be had on this planet 7 generations from now. This award we hold in our hands is thus as much a promise of future commitment as it is recognition of past success.


I am exceptionally proud to speak on behalf of every one of these deserving individuals. They are people I look forward to calling my friends long into the future. I personally want to wish them every success, and hope their lives continue to shine as brightly in the future as they have to this point.


Meegwetch, Merci, Thank you.