--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that…" description: "\"We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53c/romeo-leblanc-48117_aboriginal_we-owe-the-aboriginal-peoples-a-debt-tha_2030394.jpg" --- # We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four… ![“We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart.” quote by Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53c/romeo-leblanc-48117_aboriginal_we-owe-the-aboriginal-peoples-a-debt-tha_2030394.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53c/romeo-leblanc-48117_aboriginal_we-owe-the-aboriginal-peoples-a-debt-tha_2030394.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53c/romeo-leblanc-48117_aboriginal_we-owe-the-aboriginal-peoples-a-debt-tha_2030394.jpg) > “We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart.” [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Acknowledging historic injustice and urging genuine partnership and heartfelt change for Indigenous peoples in Canada. **In simple terms:** Recognize past wrongs and build true partnership with Indigenous peoples. Key Takeaway Act with empathy and collaborate for a shared future. Themes reconciliation justice partnership indigenous rights Mood reflective hopeful determined Type call to action inspirational When to use this quote - policy making - community projects - education curricula - public dialogues Key Concepts colonial legacy social healing national identity Questions to Reflect On - How can individuals foster heartfelt reconciliation? - What concrete steps can institutions take? A Different Perspective Legal reforms alone cannot change deep‑seated attitudes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aboriginal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aboriginal/) [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Canada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/canada/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Reconciliation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reconciliation/) ## Related quotes > [The aboriginal peoples of Australia illustrate the conflict between technology and the natural world succinctly, by asking, 'What will you do when the clever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winona-laduke/the-aboriginal-peoples-of-australia-illustrate-the-conflict-between/) [Winona LaDuke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winona-laduke/) > [It is impossible to restore the sustainable societies of indigenous and aboriginal peoples. But the values they embodied - careful stewardship of the earth,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-seabrook/it-is-impossible-to-restore-the-sustainable-societies-of-indigenous/) [Jeremy Seabrook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-seabrook/) > [Reconciliation will not work if it puts a higher value on symbolic gestures and overblown promises rather than the practical needs of Aboriginal and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-mundine/reconciliation-will-not-work-if-it-puts-a-higher-value-on-symbolic/) [Warren Mundine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-mundine/) > [I have written with some amazing singers and songwriters - the moment with Snoop Dogg was amazing - but being able to tell an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-mauboy/i-have-written-with-some-amazing-singers-and-songwriters-the-moment/) [Jessica Mauboy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-mauboy/) > [“If they follow the way of Money Chiefs, they shall die. Earth is sick and can no longer care for her children. Now, Earth’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fr-d-ric-perrin/if-they-follow-the-way-of-money-chiefs-they-shall-die-earth-is-sick/) Frédéric Perrin > [Over 120 Aboriginal communities run their own health services - some have been doing so for 30 years. They struggle with difficult medical problems.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malcolm-fraser/over-120-aboriginal-communities-run-their-own-health-services-some/) [Malcolm Fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malcolm-fraser/) > [The families of Aboriginals who have died in custody in NSW will suffer again because of these white lies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-murray/the-families-of-aboriginals-who-have-died-in-custody-in-nsw-will/) Arthur Murray > [The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors for his poverty and simplicity. They forget, perhaps, that his religion forbade the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-alexander-eastman/the-native-american-has-been-generally-despised-by-his-white/) [Charles Alexander Eastman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-alexander-eastman/) > [In 1995, the Paul Keating Labor government commissioned an inquiry into the forcible removal of Aboriginal children.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-flanagan/in-1995-the-paul-keating-labor-government-commissioned-an-inquiry/) [Richard Flanagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-flanagan/) > [Genius . . . arises in the natural, aboriginal concern for the conscious unity of all phenomena.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-hunter-austin/genius-arises-in-the-natural-aboriginal-concern-for-the-conscious/) [Mary Hunter Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-hunter-austin/) > [We've had real strong aboriginal male artists who've crossed over to the mainstream who have toured the U.K., who have been a massive influence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-mauboy/we-ve-had-real-strong-aboriginal-male-artists-who-ve-crossed-over-to/) [Jessica Mauboy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-mauboy/) > [Aboriginal people are key because they have a different sense of where we belong and how we interact with nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-suzuki/aboriginal-people-are-key-because-they-have-a-different-sense-of/) [David Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-suzuki/) > [One of my earliest memories is being backstage at 'Bran Nue Dae' in Darwin when I was about eight. It's such a fun, happy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shari-sebbens/one-of-my-earliest-memories-is-being-backstage-at-bran-nue-dae-in/) [Shari Sebbens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shari-sebbens/) > [I'd much rather people knew me as a good tennis player than as an aboriginal who happens to play good tennis. Of course I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evonne-goolagong-cawley/i-d-much-rather-people-knew-me-as-a-good-tennis-player-than-as-an/) [Evonne Goolagong Cawley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evonne-goolagong-cawley/) > [I won the seat of Oxley largely on an issue that has resulted in me being called a racist. That issue related to my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pauline-hanson/i-won-the-seat-of-oxley-largely-on-an-issue-that-has-resulted-in-me/) [Pauline Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pauline-hanson/) ## More by Romeo LeBlanc > [As I assume my responsibilities as your representative, I wish to assure you of my loyalty and devotions, as well of my determination to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/as-i-assume-my-responsibilities-as-your-representative-i-wish-to/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [The hope of courage lies in every heart, together with the fear that we will fail. When the test came, you did not fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/the-hope-of-courage-lies-in-every-heart-together-with-the-fear-that/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [If I am to be known for anything, I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians, for knowing a little bit about their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/if-i-am-to-be-known-for-anything-i-would-like-it-to-be-for/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [I am told that there is a proverbial phrase among the Inuit: 'a long time ago, in the future.' Let the children see our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/i-am-told-that-there-is-a-proverbial-phrase-among-the-inuit-a-long/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [ We send our \[peacekeepers\] off to some disputed zone, full of local intrigue and power blocs and uncertainty and danger, and they are supposed… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/we-send-our-peacekeepers-off-to-some-disputed-zone-full-of-local/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [If I am to be known for anything as governor-general, I would like it to be for encouraging Canadians, for knowing a little bit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/if-i-am-to-be-known-for-anything-as-governor-general-i-would-like-it/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) > [I fear that by gaining a limit, we'll lose an excuse.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romeo-leblanc/i-fear-that-by-gaining-a-limit-we-ll-lose-an-excuse/) [Romeo LeBlanc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) [Explore all 8 Romeo LeBlanc quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romeo-leblanc/) ## More Aboriginal quotes > [I won the seat of Oxley largely on an issue that has resulted in me being called a racist. That issue related to my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pauline-hanson/i-won-the-seat-of-oxley-largely-on-an-issue-that-has-resulted-in-me/) [Pauline Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pauline-hanson/) > [I'd much rather people knew me as a good tennis player than as an aboriginal who happens to play good tennis. Of course I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evonne-goolagong-cawley/i-d-much-rather-people-knew-me-as-a-good-tennis-player-than-as-an/) [Evonne Goolagong Cawley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evonne-goolagong-cawley/) > [One of my earliest memories is being backstage at 'Bran Nue Dae' in Darwin when I was about eight. It's such a fun, happy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shari-sebbens/one-of-my-earliest-memories-is-being-backstage-at-bran-nue-dae-in/) [Shari Sebbens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shari-sebbens/) > [Aboriginal people are key because they have a different sense of where we belong and how we interact with nature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-suzuki/aboriginal-people-are-key-because-they-have-a-different-sense-of/) [David Suzuki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-suzuki/) > [We've had real strong aboriginal male artists who've crossed over to the mainstream who have toured the U.K., who have been a massive influence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-mauboy/we-ve-had-real-strong-aboriginal-male-artists-who-ve-crossed-over-to/) [Jessica Mauboy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-mauboy/) > [Genius . . . arises in the natural, aboriginal concern for the conscious unity of all phenomena.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-hunter-austin/genius-arises-in-the-natural-aboriginal-concern-for-the-conscious/) [Mary Hunter Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-hunter-austin/) > [In 1995, the Paul Keating Labor government commissioned an inquiry into the forcible removal of Aboriginal children.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-flanagan/in-1995-the-paul-keating-labor-government-commissioned-an-inquiry/) [Richard Flanagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-flanagan/) > [The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors for his poverty and simplicity. They forget, perhaps, that his religion forbade the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-alexander-eastman/the-native-american-has-been-generally-despised-by-his-white/) [Charles Alexander Eastman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-alexander-eastman/) > [The families of Aboriginals who have died in custody in NSW will suffer again because of these white lies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-murray/the-families-of-aboriginals-who-have-died-in-custody-in-nsw-will/) Arthur Murray > [Over 120 Aboriginal communities run their own health services - some have been doing so for 30 years. They struggle with difficult medical problems.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malcolm-fraser/over-120-aboriginal-communities-run-their-own-health-services-some/) [Malcolm Fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malcolm-fraser/) > [“If they follow the way of Money Chiefs, they shall die. Earth is sick and can no longer care for her children. Now, Earth’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fr-d-ric-perrin/if-they-follow-the-way-of-money-chiefs-they-shall-die-earth-is-sick/) Frédéric Perrin > [I have written with some amazing singers and songwriters - the moment with Snoop Dogg was amazing - but being able to tell an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-mauboy/i-have-written-with-some-amazing-singers-and-songwriters-the-moment/) [Jessica Mauboy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-mauboy/) > [In the European tradition, rivers are seen as divisions between peoples. But in the Aboriginal tradition, rivers are seen as the glue, the highway,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ralston-saul/in-the-european-tradition-rivers-are-seen-as-divisions-between/) [John Ralston Saul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ralston-saul/) > [People look at me, and they don't see what they think is a typical Aboriginal. I always thought I'd be the white person in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shari-sebbens/people-look-at-me-and-they-don-t-see-what-they-think-is-a-typical/) [Shari Sebbens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shari-sebbens/) > [The most ultimately righteous of all wars is a war with savages, though it is apt to be also the most terrible and inhuman.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-roosevelt/the-most-ultimately-righteous-of-all-wars-is-a-war-with-savages/) [Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/) [Browse all 184 Aboriginal quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aboriginal/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full partners in developing an even greater Canada. 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