But words are not enough. Our words must be accompanied by actions. But assistance needs to be community-led, responding to communities' needs and priorities. Finally, the impact of centuries of dispossession and alienation cannot be reversed by quick-fix solutions.
Reconciliation takes time.
It's difficult and requires real commitment and determination for the long haul. None of these things will happen by themselves. And Canadians, like Australians, very much wish to be part of a confident and harmonious nation as we approach the turn of this century. The efforts being made now in Canada to reconcile our differences to recognise the unique place of aboriginal peoples in our federation and to forge a renewed partnership between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians will be key to meeting this twofold challenge. There can be no doubt that the original friendship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal societies reflected in Canada's history must be restored.