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JUSTIN TRUDEAU HONOURED BY TSUUT'INA
FIRST NATION AS 'THE ONE THAT KEEPS TRYING'
Prime minister granted honorary headdress and aboriginal name on First Nation just southwest of Calgary
CBC News Posted: Mar 04, 2016 6:43 AM MT Last Updated: Mar 04, 2016 4: 37 PM MT
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poses after receiving a ceremonial headdress while visiting the Tsuut'ina First Nation near
Calgary. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received thanks for his commitment to indigenous issues during an
elaborate ceremony on the Tsuut'ina First Nation near Calgary Friday, where he was bestowed with
a traditional headdress and an aboriginal name, Gumistiyi, which translates to "the one that keeps
trying."
Trudeau received the red carpet treatment as he arrived at Tsuut'ina for private meetings with First
Nations leaders before he and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde were presented
with the honorary headdresses.
Once the public ceremony began, Trudeau received applause and shouts of approval as he spoke of
how important it is, in his view, to renew Canada's "nation-to-nation relationship" with its indigenous
people.
"I commit to you that the Government of Canada will walk with you on a path of true reconciliation, in
partnership and in friendship. I will not lose sight of that goal," Trudeau told the gathered crowd.
"I will remember the responsibility of the great honour you bestow on me today."
In his opening remarks, Tsuut'ina Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot thanked Trudeau and his government
for committing to a national inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women.
"Our women are central in our community and give you thanks for recognizing the importance of
justice for our women," Whitney-Onespot said.
Trudeau had accepted an invitation from Tsuut'ina to formally meet with band leaders and be briefed
on First Nations issues including missing and murdered women, adequate water, social programming
and economic development.
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