Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I am concerned that some people don't think we are an actual indigenous group and that some people don't believe us when we say we are Métis. We should be proud of who we are. We should be able to say, without repercussion, that we are indigenous, that we have an identity, that we have a way of life and that we are strong, proud Métis people who have a culture and a language, which is Michif.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  One of my fears is that we're treated differently than first nations. We are not given the resources that are given to first nations. We aren't really considered as first nations. We're sort of cast aside when we shouldn't be. If we say we're indigenous—and this is my personal opinion—we are telling the truth.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We can practise our way of life, show people that and be proud of who we are. We can tell people who we are. We shouldn't be afraid to show our Métis identity. We should be involved in our communities. We should proudly speak our language of Michif. We shouldn't be afraid to show our personalities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  [Witness spoke in Michif] [English] I am 17 years old. I have cerebral palsy. I am in grade 12 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. I am a descendant of the half-breed adhesion to Treaty 3. My ancestors are from the northwestern Ontario Métis community in the traditional territory of Treaty 3—Rainy Lake, Rainy River, Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul.