I'm happy to speak, because I have difficulty when a person addresses certain issues.
Personally, the word “racialized” cuts me to the core. I'm not a race. I think it's important to say so.
I will now speak about consultations with aboriginal people. Today I'm here out of choice, as an aboriginal woman. I took the steps. Ms. Ste-Marie was the one who told me that a consultation was taking place. I think we must also be responsible for demonstrating willingness. I will also talk about the matter with the chiefs and verify their interest and how they view the consultations.
I think it's worthwhile to sit down with aboriginal people. It's a first step in terms of consultations. I don't know whether I'm the first aboriginal women to come here, but I'm happy to be here. I think you'll have the opportunity to hear from other aboriginal people. The door is open.
My role will also be to inform others that the consultations do not end today and that there will be more consultations at some point.