Popular interest and concern in the North – stimulated by dramatic discoveries, technological achievements and up-to-date information on the media – have made Northern development a national endeavour and the whole area a showpiece in which a distinct image of Canada can be identified and reflected for all Canadians and other nations to see. Canadians are watching closely the evolution of national purpose and identity in the North and together with people outside have particular great promise for future resource development.
The people of the North have survived for many centuries in spite of the harsh conditions prevailing there. In recent decades the native northerner have been offered new opportunities and facilities for strengthening their capacity to survive. But survival for them must be more than mere substance supplemented by Government subsidy. It must above all permit the people themselves to make their own choices as to the place they wish to occupy and the part they wish to play, in the evolving society of Canada, North and South of the 60th Parallel.
