Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
PREMIER’S PRAYER SUMMIT
Government House
Monday, September 9, 2024
(please check against delivery)
Fellow Manitobans, members of the Legislative Assembly, welcome to Government House.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and in the homeland of the Red River Metis, and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene and Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation. And I acknowledge that northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As Manitobans, we 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.
In our efforts as a society to encourage greater understanding and solidarity among an increasingly diverse population, Manitobans will need a spirit of reflection and an openness to wisdom and truth.
For nearly 90 years, the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has begun each day’s proceedings with a prayer expressing those sentiments and committing the men and women in attendance to work for the good of Manitobans.
While the values of that prayer are as valid now as ever, today we meet to discuss the wording and consider whether it should be modified to reflect the province we live in today and the many beliefs of its people.
As Lieutenant Governor, I am pleased that this official residence is the site for a meeting where you can share your thoughts openly in a non-partisan and accepting environment.
I invite you to share and to listen today, as together you consider those powerful words that will be used in the future in the heart of our province’s democracy.
May wisdom and understanding guide these discussions.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
