I will greet you in four languages.
Tansi, Cree; aaniin, Saulteaux; tanshi, Michif; bonjour, French.
[Witness speaks in Cree]
Thank you, Creator, for this day.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the land and the indigenous people of the land. My spirit name is Okisewâtisiw nôtinikêwiyiniw iskwew, which means kind-hearted warrior woman.
Today I will speak about pimâtisiwin—life. As a Cree grandmother, I hold much responsibility for my children, my grandchildren, and the future generations. I want to leave good footprints for them to follow and to pave the way forward in a good way, just as my ancestors have.
The resiliency of the indigenous peoples of this land is evidenced by the fact that we are still here. We are continuing to remember who we are, as the first peoples of the land, and to understand the impact that colonization and residential schools have had on many nations.
All Nations Hope Network is a non-profit corporation incorporated under the Province of Saskatchewan as a charitable organization. The network strives to promote spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being for the people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. The organization respects diversity, equity, and equal partnership. The network is an inclusive service provider, and it offers holistic perspectives that incorporate different genders, ages, nations, and life experiences.
The vision was created in 1996 and incorporated in 2004. Since the beginning, the foundation has been based on indigenous ways and knowledge. Living documents over the years have identified the importance of keeping the tradition and teaching life as we move forward in working with the indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan.
Today the House of Commons is creating a living document that will bring pimâtisiwin—life—to indigenous peoples of the land called Canada. The network is leading with an indigenous perspective incorporating indigenous languages, ceremonies of healing and celebration, medicines, teachings, dances, songs, drumming, arts, and indigenous science. The engagement and involvement of first nations and Métis elders promotes ownership among indigenous peoples. We envision healthy individuals and communities where the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of indigenous people is met, and where they are meaningfully involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
The network has assisted in the creation of, and will continue to support, the Saskatchewan Indigenous Council on HIV and AIDS, which has been instrumental in developing, releasing, and implementing the Saskatchewan indigenous strategy on HIV and AIDS that was released December 1, 2014. The council consists of many experts and experienced members from across Saskatchewan. The council has engaged and consulted with many groups in Saskatchewan and on many health and social issues related to HIV and AIDS. The council envisions indigenous people exercising their inherent right to determine their holistic health. The mission is to develop, promote, and implement action on prevention, care, treatment, and support to lower the impact of HIV and AIDS and other related issues such as hepatitis C, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, and comorbidities from HIV and AIDS experienced by indigenous people.
We value adaptability, functionality, and sustainability as part of life and being. In 2011 the network, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Regina Qu'Appelle Region, conducted a behavioural and biological survey to determine the prevalence of HIV and associated infections, behaviours, and social demographic factors among the aboriginal population in Regina. The A-track system recognized that aboriginal peoples shared control over the data. It also reflected aboriginal customs and was based on the tenets of mutual respect between all stakeholders, recognition of shared responsibilities, aboriginal community involvement, and utilization of local existing expertise.
A strong relationship—