Good morning. Pjila'si.

I wish all of you - Elder Dr. Raymond Tremblay, Elder and Grand Chief Ben Syliboy, National Chief Phil Fontaine, all Chiefs and delegates of the Assembly - a warm welcome to Nova Scotia.

I know many of you have traveled great distances to be here today. I speak on behalf of all Nova Scotians when I say we are honoured to have our capital city host your 28th annual assembly.

I considered it a privilege to accept Regional Chief Rick Simon's invitation to personally welcome all of you here this morning.

Let me begin by commending you on a successful and peaceful Day of Action.

In total, 100-thousand natives and non-native supporters gathered in a show of strength.

They stood together to protest the poor social conditions that afflict far too many First Nations; issues such as child poverty, addictions and inadequate housing.

When any group, in a country as wealthy as Canada, has difficulty providing for their children in a safe and healthy home, we must stand up, ask questions, find the answers and then act.

The issues of Fairness and Justice unite all Canadians. Especially when the tools used to secure those rights are dignity and determination; not conflict and confrontation. That's why the National Day of Action was such a resounding success.

As leaders from federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments we must find the path to prosperity for our people.

I, too, am engaged in a battle for fairness and justice for all people of Nova Scotia.

The federal government broke its promise to honour our right to be the full-beneficiaries of our offshore resources. They are forcing Nova Scotia to unfairly abandon the Atlantic Accord in this year's budget.

It is the economic development agreement signed just two years ago, meant to last until 2020. That broken promise is a barrier to Nova Scotia's economic independence.

It seems like such a basic matter of integrity: Make a promise. Keep a promise.

Sometimes what seems such an obvious matter of right and wrong becomes confused by rhetoric and politics.

I've been engaged in the battle to restore the Atlantic Accord for just five months. As difficult as its been, I know it simply does not compare to the past injustices that have fueled decades of disappointment and frustration within First Nations.

While on the journey to improve our communities, it can be difficult to avoid the traps of anger and frustration. But, as leaders, if we are to stay focused on gaining what rightfully belongs to the people we represent, we must avoid these pitfalls.

That's why it's so important to celebrate success when we see it - to nurture it and encourage its growth. It's important to pause and reflect...to consider the progress we make along the way.

And this year, in Nova Scotia, there is plenty of progress to celebrate.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum.

In 1997, all three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to discuss, investigate and negotiate the resolution of issues of mutual concern.

In 2002, five years later, Nova Scotia's thirteen Mi'kmaq Chiefs, the provincial and federal governments signed an Umbrella Agreement. It reaffirmed everyone's commitment to continue working together in good faith.

It took another five years, but finally, this past February 23rd, a Framework Agreement was signed. This historic document will ensure that the spirit of goodwill and cooperation we have enjoyed thus far...will continue as the negotiations process moves forward.

The Framework Agreement is part of a Made-in-Nova Scotia process that will ensure we reach our shared goal of building a strong Nova Scotia - culturally and economically.

Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaq have demonstrated admirable leadership during this lengthy process. They've provided a leading example of First Nations working with the federal and provincial governments toward a brighter future.

The Framework Agreement is an important tool in negotiating land, resource and governance issues.

On a separate note, I am also encouraged by the Federal Government's commitment to speed up the specific-claims process; a commitment announced last month by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Ottawa's proposed plan, entitled "Specific Claims - Justice at Last", will:

• Create an independent tribunal,
• dedicate annual funding for resolution of claims,
• and establish six-month assessment deadlines for all new claims.

The Federal Government has agreed to collaborate with the Assembly of First Nations this summer to develop legislation that will support this plan.

I know this issue will form an important part of your discussions over the next couple of days, and I look forward to hearing from National Aboriginal leaders before the Council of Federation meets next month in Moncton.

Given the success experienced in Nova Scotia so far, I know agreement on all fronts is achievable.

It will take a huge commitment of time, energy and patience on all our parts to reach a successful conclusion.

But the rewards of settling our differences are too great - and too near - for us to rest now.

The end is in sight - and this is what I envision:

A future where the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia assume greater control over the issues affecting their people and lands.

A future where the Mi'kmaq decide how their resources can be used in the best interests of their own people.

I see a culture that is allowed to thrive within self-reliant communities that maintain positive and prosperous relationships within Canada.

The key to that success lies in the health and well-being of any society's most valuable resource: our children and youth.

We cannot allow any harm to come to them because of the decisions we, as adults - as leaders - make.

They are our hope for a better tomorrow. They must be at the forefront of every choice we make.

I know this is a belief shared by Mi'kmaq leaders, the Nova Scotia and Canadian governments.

Just two weeks ago, in Membertou, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada joined Nova Scotia's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Baker, Community Services Minister Judy Streatch and Chief Terrance Paul, Vice-president of Mi'kmaq Family and Children services for Nova Scotia.

They announced another important agreement - a commitment to introduce early intervention and prevention services.

Together we will find a way to help families stay strong enough and healthy enough to avoid the kinds of crises that drive them apart.

We will find a way to do this while respecting the values and lifestyles of First Nations families. I know we will succeed because our motivation is our children.

We must work hard to ensure the public support garnered during the National Day of Action does not wane.

That's why my government's Office of Aboriginal Affairs is working hard to improve awareness and understanding of Mi'kmaq history, culture and current affairs.

To date, one-thousand and four-hundred civil servants have received Aboriginal Perceptions Training. Understanding is the best path to improved relations between government and the people who access our services.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs has also produced two videos: Wabanaki: People of the Dawn parts one and two provide thoughtful descriptions of the contributions made by First Nations people in Nova Scotia.

In fact, all delegates will find a copy of Part One in their welcoming packages. I know you will enjoy this award-winning and thought-provoking film.

This fall, every high school in Nova Scotia will receive a learning guide to accompany Part One of the People of the Dawn series.

When more people understand the vital role Mi'kmaq culture and heritage have played in our shared history, the more they will rally behind the efforts of First Nations.

I know the tasks that lie in front of us can seem mountainous - both in size and importance. As we scale these heights, the summit can sometimes disappear from view.

That's when we need each other most.

That's when we must pause, reflect and consider the progress we've already made to remind us that the summit is still within our reach, if only we persevere.

Then, looking forward, the summit will once again come sharply into focus. Together we will climb slowly, carefully; choosing firm footing that will support us all.

I want to conclude by wishing you success in your meetings over the coming days.

I look forward to working with all of you in the future - as we build bridges between First Nations and the rest of Canada - to ensure our mutual prosperity.

Thank you. Wela'lin.