Legislative Assembly in Nunavut, Canada, 4 October 2002
Published
I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.
Your Excellencies, Prime Minister, Honourable members, Elders, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is the greatest pleasure for Prince Philip and me to be back in Canada again for this visit to mark my Golden Jubilee. I am particularly pleased that our first stop is Iqaluit, and that we have been able to start this tour amongst the people who made us feel so welcome eight years ago when we visited Baffin Island.
Lorsque nous sommes venus au Canada en 1951 (dix-neuf cent cinquante-et-un), le Prince Philip et moi avons pu apprécièr la sérénade des jolies cornemuses de la Nouvelle-Écosse, savourez la cuisine traditionnelle du Québec, faire de la danse carrée à Rideau Hall, avoir l'experience d'une averse aux Chutes Niagara, admirer du train le panorama des Prairies... et nous avons apprécié chaque minute de notre séjour au Canada.
But our first journey North had to wait until 1959. It was only then that we came to know a people whose heritage - and eloquent forms of cultural expression -are rooted among the earliest sentiments of this vast and beautiful land.
Whether your saga is narrated by the great storytellers, or through history books, it is a compelling account of migration, resourcefulness, and instinct for survival. You have created harmony with the environment - one that you regard as a gift to be cherished, not an inheritance to squander.
Your land is indeed your strength. For the past three years, this rich expanse has been yours in its most precious sense and it bears the name you chose: that speaks of your ancestors, Canada's original citizens, one of the nation's founding cultures; that speaks of your Elders, whose lifelong struggles are part of the foundations upon which you are building a bright future for the Nunavummiut; and that speaks of your youth, to whom you entrust that future. They are the key to increasing prosperity in the Nunavut of tomorrow.
With the values you pass on to these leaders-in-waiting, and your belief in life-long learning, many opportunities for shared success will be created, not in far-off urban centres, but at home - in the towns and cities and wide, open spaces of Nunavut.
Mesdames et messieurs, merci de vous joindre à moi pour la celebration du cinquantième anniversaire de mon règne en tant que Reine du Canada. Au cours de ces cinq décennies, plusieurs événements mémorables ont façonné ce pays qui jouit d'un si grand respect à travers le monde.
Some I witnessed myself during my twenty-one previous visits - EXPO '67 and Canada's Centennial; the Centenary of the Northwest Territories; the '76 Olympics; the proclamation of the Constitution of Canada; and Canada's 125th Birthday.
These memories - and so many others over these fifty years - help to explain not only the admiration but the deep affection I feel for this country and for Canadians everywhere.
Prince Philip and I look forward over the next eleven days to visiting every region of the country, to travelling to familiar sites, and to others we have not seen before, to encountering old friends from earlier trips and making new ones, and at every stage renewing our links with the colourful history of this nation.
Taking its rightful place in this Canadian story has been the birth of Nunavut in 1999. The designation of your homeland as the newest territory in Canada - and in the Commonwealth at large - is history in the making. Prince Philip and I congratulate you for bringing your dream to reality.
I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory. I thank you for welcoming us so warmly here today on this first stop of my Canadian Jubilee tour.
Nakurmiit ammalu quviasugitsi.
Related content
60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004
I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.
Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004
The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight, centenary of being open to the public, 19 May 2004
The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.
State Banquet, Buckingham Palace, President of Poland, 5 May 2004
We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.
Lunch at the Hotel Matignon, Paris, 6 April 2004
I ask you to join me in a toast to the French Republic, to the President and to the prosperity of its regions and cities.
Visit to Toulouse, State Visit, France, 7 April 2004
It is fitting that my visit to France should end with this impressive example of Franco-British and European co-operation.
Hôtel De Ville in Toulouse, French State Visit, 7 April 2004
Links between Britain and Toulouse have existed over many centuries.
French Senate, State Visit to France, 6 April 2004
Democracy is the most precious gift we have and we can never take it for granted.
Centenary of the Entente Cordiale, State Banquet, Paris, 5 April 2004
Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale.
Arrangements for The Queen's Christmas Broadcast to the Commonwealth
Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting reception, Nigeria, 3 December 2003
Nigeria has much to be proud of.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will pay a State Visit to France
State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003
We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.
Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003
Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.
Opening of the exhibition 'Women and War', Imperial War Museum, 14 October 2003
Over the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then, women in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth have faced and overcome all manner of challenges.
State Visit by the President of the United States of America
A speech by The Queen at the Russian State Banquet, 2003
Russia has established itself as our partner and our friend.
Ottawa, Canada, 13 October 2002
Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.
Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002
I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.
Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, 7 October 2002
Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.
National Space Centre in Leicester, 1 August 2002
Over this Jubilee summer I have travelled widely, but I hope I will be forgiven for having limited my tour to the earth's surface.
Opening ceremony of the 17th Commonwealth Games, Manchester, 25 July 2002
It is my pleasure in this my Golden Jubilee Year to declare the 17th Commonwealth Games open.
Golden Jubilee visit to Liverpool, 25 July 2002
I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.
Opening of the new City Hall building in London, 23 July 2002
Your new building, which is so clearly based on ideas of openness and accessibility, will provide an exciting forum for Londoners as your debates ebb and flow.
Visit to Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, 17 July 2002
Ipswich, Norwich, and Cambridge have all become centres of excellence in their different ways.
Lunch in Newport, South Wales, 13 June 2002
The mountains and valleys are as beautiful as ever, but it is in rural life that some of the greatest transformation has taken place.
End of The Queen's UK Golden Jubilee tour, Preston, 5 August 2002
I have been profoundly moved by the affection shown and by the warmth of the response to my Golden Jubilee.
A speech by The Queen on her Golden Jubilee
I hope that these celebrations will remind us of our shared heritage and what it means to be a united people, enjoying the support of families, friends and neighbours around...
Visit to Stormont, Northern Ireland, 14 May 2002
This Assembly can demonstrate that it is possible to build trust, and in doing so continue the building of a new Northern Ireland.
Reply to the Loyal Addresses by both Houses of Parliament, 30 April 2002
I would like to pay tribute to the work you do in this, the Mother of Parliaments.
Newspaper Society lunch, London, 26 March 2002
Your newspapers are an intrinsic part of the communities they serve, they give us a very special insight into what is going on around the country.
Royal Warrant Holders' Association Golden Jubilee lunch, London, 20 March 2002
The Royal Warrant of Appointment is an ancient and honourable institution. It symbolises excellence.
Opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government, Australia, 2 March 2002
It is our very diversity which makes the Commonwealth strong.
Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane, Australia, 3 March 2002
We have both been struck by both the diversity as well as the dynamism of Australia, and the vigour and humour of Australians everywhere.
Adelaide Festival Hall, Australia, 27 February 2002
Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...
Maori gathering at Rehua Marae, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25 February 2002
New Zealand is working to improve and strengthen all the various relationships between Maori and the Crown.
State dinner in Wellington, New Zealand, 25 February 2002
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to have served as Queen of New Zealand for these fifty years.
Golden Jubilee gathering of Privileged Bodies, 21 March 2002
Privileged Bodies are held in great respect, not just in this country but throughout the world.