Every day brings opportunities to connect, listen and bring forward our Nations voice to important matters. We are involved in a continuous flow of important conversations to explore how we can best serve our communities. There is never a dull moment.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I invited municipal, provincial, and federal leaders to meet with me on September 29 to discuss the priorities of our Nation. I also asked them to reflect on a simple but important question: How will you help move reconciliation forward and demonstrate your commitment to the Calls to Action in a meaningful way?

From the many voices heard that day, I did not doubt that our current leadership has a sincere desire to contribute to a better future but action requires more than words and good intentions, it requires changes in legislation that include Indigenous voices and speak the truth of our history; the Indigenous people of Newfoundland and Labrador have always been here. Reconciliation is not a single day. Every day brings an opportunity to turn reflection into action and shape a better future for all of us.

On September 30, I attended the First Light Rally for Reconciliation in St. John’s, standing with survivors and their families while honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools. I am grateful to our Council members for their ongoing dedication to supporting our Nation. Despite the challenges of serving a large territory, we remain committed to finding creative and flexible ways to stay connected and accessible to our members.

I also had the opportunity to attend the West Coast Business and Investment Summit, where our Nation participated in discussions on land and culture, engagement, and investment. Throughout these conversations, we emphasized that our priorities remain rooted in environmental stewardship, social well-being, and sustainable economic benefits for our communities. As highlighted in Call to Action 92, reconciliation is not only about acknowledging the past; it is about taking concrete steps today to build respectful partnerships, create opportunities, and share the benefits of economic growth.

There is important work ahead, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with government and industry leaders, as well as our valued members across our territory. Together with Council and staff, we will continue working to strengthen relationships, advance our priorities, and create lasting benefits for our Nation.