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Thank you very much Jason (Good Striker) for that kind introduction.

I’d like to acknowledge that we’re gathered on the traditional territory of the signatories of Treaty 7.

I’d also like to recognize the Métis people of Alberta, who share a deep connection with this land.

It’s a pleasure to be here with my hard-working caucus colleagues…

…and Calgary Public Library staff, who must feel so proud to work here.

Thank you to Elder Martin Heavy Head for that blessing and thank you to the incredible Chief Crowfoot School Drummers and Dancers.

I am honoured to be here with you.

They said this was the most anticipated library opening in the world.

Now I see why.

It’s magnificent, and a fitting tribute to the ingenuity, creativity and pride the people of Calgary have for this great city.

Inside and out, this library really is something to be appreciated in person.

And I can’t think of a better place to house Calgary’s first Indigenous Language Resource Centre.

I am so proud to announce that we are investing $1 million to help the centre get started.

This will enable us to do more together to protect, preserve and promote Indigenous culture, right here in Calgary.

Especially when it comes to languages.

The UN declared 2019 to be the Year of Indigenous Languages, and this declaration is more than symbolic.

Reclaiming or learning a language is empowering.

For many people, that journey will begin through the Indigenous Language Resource Centre.

The money we are announcing today will be used to ensure that these indigenous languages will be collected, preserved and taught.

This will be only the third centre of its kind in Canada.

We know that language preservation is a foundational component to reconciliation.

Kids will be able to study and use their ancestral languages.

They will grow and learn from the guidance of Elders and traditional storytelling programs…

And the stories told within these walls by the incredible Indigenous speakers and authors in this city and across Canada.

And though this space will become a hub of Indigenous learning in Calgary…

Many of the materials will be available to anyone who has a library card – regardless of where they live.

These stories are important to everyone: They help keep indigenous cultures rich and vibrant…

Demonstrating the timeless resonance of traditional teachings…

And to help further the cross-Canada need for reconciliation.

Everyone will have the chance to learn about Indigenous experiences…

…as we make progress together toward a future of mutual trust and respect.

There’s no better place to do all that than this magnificent library.

Libraries, after all, are an important part of that.

In 2016-17, we brought in a program to help people living on-reserve and on-settlement access libraries.

Since then, almost 4,400 library cards have been issued to people living on reserve and settlement.

Today’s investment builds off important work like that.

And I hope the new Indigenous language centre will give even more people reason to visit…

And reason to learn.

They’ll be able to learn about their heritage from the very people who have kept it alive – in the face, at times, of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

And I do want to say…

Pictures we saw from the US this past week…

…of an Omaha tribe Elder at a rally in Washington…

…only underscore the importance of reconciliation.

We must and we will work toward reconciliation.

We will work toward positive change.

This centre is a part of that – part of that work toward positive change.

As the centre takes shape, I hope everyone will make the most of what it offers.

I want to thank the Calgary Public Library…

The Indigenous groups and individuals who will share their knowledge and culture so generously…

And everyone involved in setting up and running the centre.

I thank you for the work you’ve already done, and the work you will do, to write a chapter in the story of reconciliation.

I’m delighted to be able to support you in that work.

I wish you all the best, and many happy hours of learning and discovery.

Thank you.

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