Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank Chief Bernard and Chief Ginnish for their important testimony.
Chief Ginnish, it's good to see you again. I met you with the fisheries and oceans committee when we landed in your community. Thank you so much for hosting us a few years back.
You've been really vocal the last few months about the systemic racism that's been directed at the Mi'kmaq, especially when it comes to the Sipekne'katik . You've also been speaking out about the justice system and the systemic racism that's there. Chantel Moore was from my riding of Courtenay—Alberni. I want to, and the Nuu-chah-nulth people also would like to, extend our gratitude to you for speaking out about the injustices, not just to her but to indigenous people.
On the theme of systemic racism, we've heard at this committee that many indigenous people have to just break the law for the right law to be put in place. I would imagine that this leads to greater instances of criminalizing indigenous people who are simply practising their inherent rights. Can you talk about the systemic racism and how you see these repeated sets of biases that the government is bringing to the table? What needs to change?
I'll start with Chief Ginnish and then I'll go to you, Chief Bernard.