Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank our guests for being here.
I should start off by saying that I am not a regular member of this committee, but I certainly feel very privileged to be here today during the study that's taking place at this committee.
I'm from Saskatchewan. I represent the riding of Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar and perhaps have the largest first nations and Métis population in the city of Saskatoon in my riding. It is also home to the Gabriel Dumont Institute, which has been talked about today. I have also had the privilege of attending the Back to Batoche celebrations in Saskatchewan, and working somewhat with Claire Bélanger-Parker on the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Northwest Resistance.
In 2010 Premier Brad Wall proclaimed 2010 to be the year of the Métis in Saskatchewan. I know there was a very significant ceremony that took place in which the premier was presented with a Métis sash. That sash now resides in the legislative chamber and is part of the ceremonies whenever the House sits. So I know we recognize the contributions that the Métis people have made economically, culturally, and socially to our province.
In talking about the various issues that have been raised here today, I'm wondering, Mr. Chartier, if you could talk a little bit about Batoche and the role it plays in the province in terms of telling the story. I know there's an interpretive centre at Batoche.
Also, in reflecting back on the 125th celebration--I know you were there and had an important part in that--would you describe for us best practices that you saw in the development of that celebration, moving forward to 2017?