Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
“ESCAPE THE STIGMA” CARNIVAL, PRESENTED BY KIDTHINK
RBC Convention Centre
Friday, April 11, 2025, 6:45 p.m.
(please check against delivery)
Friends and supporters of mental health and believers in opportunities for all children, it’s a pleasure to join you for this magical evening.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I would first like to acknowledge that we are gathered in the heart of Treaty One land and that our province is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene, Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation and the homeland of the Red River Métis; and on lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
Manitobans respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty-making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
The health of any society can be measured by its commitment to the health, development and education of its youngest members.
And a society’s commitment to justice and fairness can be gauged by seeing what it does to allow all young people to grow socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically.
And so tonight, by being here to support Kidthink and its programs you are helping Manitoba to be the place of equity and opportunity we want it to be.
Like you, I’m looking forward to the performance later tonight by Manitoba’s great escape artist Dean Gunnerson.
And I can’t think of a better metaphor for the cause you are supporting.
As somebody who spent a number of years involved in the K-12 education system, I know that the labels and limitations placed on children can be as confining as the handcuffs and straitjackets cast off by escape artists since Harry Houdini.
Compassionate, supportive and evidence-based interventions — combined with a greater societal understanding of the diversity of the human mind — can help children can break free of those metaphorical restraints.
To all of those who have made this evening possible, and all of you for supporting Kidthink, thank you for your commitment to helping young people thrive and helping us see the unique value in all kids.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
