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Jean Chrétien appointed Adrienne Clarkson Governor General, in 1999. She had come to Canada as a refugee from Hong Kong in 1941. Clarkson was followed by Haitian-born Michaëlle Jean in 2005.

The symbolism of all these non European-origin appointments has played a significant role in the evolution of Canada as a welcoming, tolerant and all-inclusive society. Similarly, the appointment of an indigenous person would send a very powerful signal to all Canadians of the respect and regard that we owe Indigenous Peoples.

The visits by these high-profile public office holders to schools have a profound, positive and lasting impact on young Canadians, symbolizing the kind of country Canada is or that we are trying to build – in which everyone is equal and treated with respect. As well, the appointment of an indigenous person would help dispel the negative, stereotypical images embedded in our history.

Canada, unfortunately, has some nasty history. For instance, no indigenous person was invited to the three constitutional conferences, which culminated in Canada becoming a Confederation, although they had been here long before the European settlers. In fact, while women were granted the right to vote in 1918, Indigenous Peoples were not allowed to vote in a federal election without losing their treaty status until 1960.

Most white Canadians (for lack of any other term) are geared up to celebrate “150 Years of Confederation” on July 1. Indigenous Peoples, however, consider it a continuation of colonialism, as they were forced off resource-rich, arable land and herded off onto reservations. According to one Manitoba indigenous leader, Derek Nepinak: “We don’t have a lot to celebrate when it comes to 150 years of assimilation and genocide and marginalization.”