Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Gentlemen, thank you for agreeing to appear before us today. Welcome also to our guests.
Today, and for some time previously, we have been talking about Canada's 150th anniversary. But first nations have been on this land for quite some time longer, at least 12,000 years, and probably much longer than that. A lot has happened in that time. Colonialism, of course, has left its mark. Some land claims have been met with a yes, others by a no. It has varied a lot.
As well, some witnesses have talked to us about a survey that indicated how Canadians are reacting to the desire to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary. But in those statistics, there were no precise figures about first nations.
Perhaps Mr. Chartier could talk about the Métis nation. Mr. Cyr, I am not sure if you feel able to speak for first nations in general, or for the Odawa nation. Still, I would be interested in knowing how first nations are reacting to the celebrations planned for Canada's 150th anniversary.
You can both answer, in whichever order you prefer.