Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says her hope for Canada is to have a nation where all young people can be free from judgment.

Simon was speaking to high school students at Mosaic Day in Regina Thursday, one day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

B次元官网网址淓ducation is a key to reconciliation. We must learn about each other to reach out to different cultures B次元官网网址� Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike,B次元官网网址� Simon said in her eight-minute speech, which she delivered in English, French and Inuktitut, the language of Inuit.

B次元官网网址淚t is our shared responsibility to record and teach the true history of Canada.B次元官网网址�

She encouraged the students to lead with understanding and respect, and raise issues with family and friends.

B次元官网网址淭ogether, letB次元官网网址檚 engage with the diverse communities that make up our country, to create a nation where all young people can take control of their destinies, where they can be who they are free from judgment. That is my hope, and I hope that is your hope as well. That is what I work toward,B次元官网网址� Simon said.

The Governor General said she was forced to attend a federal day school as a child in Nunavut and was punished for speaking Inuktitut.

However, she also acknowledged the progress Canadians have made toward reconciliation.

B次元官网网址淭oday, Indigenous children can go to school in their own community, learn and speak their own language wherever and whenever they want. And now they have the opportunity to further their educations, something I didnB次元官网网址檛 have when I was growing up.B次元官网网址�

Simon was one of the speakers at the Miyo-wiciwitowin Day event, which aimed to bring together 10,000 students, business leaders and members of the public.

The organizing committee said the dayB次元官网网址檚 name draws on a Cree phrase that means B次元官网网址渨alking together in a good way,B次元官网网址� or reconciliation.

The event was meant to educate people ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday.

Other speakers included RoseAnne Archibald, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, along with survivor stories and performances from Indigenous artists.

On Wednesday, Simon visited the James Smith Cree Nation northeast of Saskatoon, where members continue to grieve loved ones killed in a stabbing rampage earlier this month.

B次元官网网址擬ickey Djuric, The Canadian Press