When the first ships hit the shores of North America, the instructions were to lay claim to what was believed to be unclaimed lands, so that it would become the property for whom the ships represented.

This was to include the inhabitants of those lands so they would be subject to the whims of that imported authority.

The authorities in question have conditioned its people to this state of mind through many centuries, in some cases it was fine tuned to have the most impact. Listening to who and what occupied the encroached ground was not part of the thinking at the time.

In Europe, resources have always been in demand, and that demand was met to maintain stability. Having access to resources empowers a nation to maintain its sovereignty. Proclamations were issued to turn most of Canada into an exclusive economic zone by the upper crust of society in those days. It is not unusual for these far flung subsidiaries of the initial founding authorities to continue the conditioned thinking in how resources should be extracted in modern times.

This type of thinking has led to standoffs of varying methods over the years where questions were raised as to who owns these resources and under what authorities.

Through the many years, especially since the 1960s, aboriginal people have been finding their voices to protest the methods used in accessing lands to extract raw material, especially in questioning the authority under which the extractions are authorized.

Aboriginal people have made headway in achieving recognition for lands and governance, especially in having a say in their community development. Many inroads were made by having more graduates in high schools and continuing towards higher levels of education. It is quite safe to say that Canada and the corporate community have started to embrace the original inhabitants of this land as true partners. It will take more time in different sectors, but conditioning takes time to unravel.

Achieving these goals, which were thought to be unachievable a few decades ago, is a cause for celebration. It is about recognition of our languages, recognition of our cultures and being rooted in our way of lif while at the same time embracing the modern world - being strong like two people.

One of our biggest challenges to our communities are drugs, alcohol and complacency, and yes they are just challenges. They can be dealt with by traditional strengths and modern methods, but it still needs a beginning like next Monday's Aboriginal Day.

• John B. Zoe is the acting executive director with Tlicho government and former land claims negotiator. He holds an honorary doctorate of law.