Veterans Affairs committee  In relation to the map of Canada, look at the various distances and how far apart the friendship centres are. I would make a regional map that the unit can display in that circumference, within that. I've done this with the province for a lot of years and in the north for Canada.

Veterans Affairs committee  In Alberta we just started with that, interviewing the community and finding out where the elders are. With the Alberta portion that I'm part of, we have a list now of the communities. They're coming forward, but we're still missing those on the streets and wherever.

Veterans Affairs committee  We have a process, and we're going to make a motion at our national meeting to put it forward nationally. This was the first step here.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. I've been a member of the Legion now for just about 50 years. I still work in that capacity with our Lac La Biche branch and at different Legions in following up with that. Rarely do we see an indigenous veteran going into a Legion and participating or sitting at any table.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes.

Veterans Affairs committee  I would add that in Alberta the Métis Nation takes a lead role in exactly what you're referring to, especially through Batoche. Going there as a regular force member and as a veteran after, I still participate when I can.

Veterans Affairs committee  That was one of the things about coming here. How can we support what's being studied now, or, if there are gaps in the system, what role can we play? We're out there already, and especially with our friendship centres across Canada, it's a simplistic form of understanding that.

Veterans Affairs committee  If I'm new in a community and on the street and so on, I'll do a little walkabout. How long has he been sitting here? Who's his family? Who's his extended family? I work that way. Maybe there's a tap on the shoulder from an aunt or an uncle who's been concerned. This is when we o

Veterans Affairs committee  Sure.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. Sorry....

Veterans Affairs committee  I covered all my wounds in my.... I hate using the word “racism”—I think at the time it wasn't meant that way—but you were called “wagon burner”, “chief”, and everything like that. I had a little more hair than this, and there were some things that I.... When I'd come home, my

Veterans Affairs committee  [Witness speaks in Cree] I am Wally Sinclair, a member of the Sawridge First Nation in Slave Lake, Alberta, and I am honoured to be here. I am also a board representative of the National Association of Friendship Centres. I'll have my colleagues introduce themselves, please.

Veterans Affairs committee  I am going to briefly let him share why we're wearing orange shirts today, please.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you. Greetings, distinguished members of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. It is an honour and privilege to appear before you today. I thank you for this opportunity to share with you the work of the friendship centre movement and the National Association of Frie