Much like Peter says, for example, there's the language loss. Language can be restored in one generation. I believe one generation is a good target.
I also believe the government has to give the responsibility back to the people it serves. They just have too much control over our lives.
I worked in Nelson House for ten years, with the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. When I left that community, the board I worked for asked me what the number one issue in their community was. To me, it was the issue of wellness. Because oftentimes all we do is blame, we have a difficult time dealing with the shame in our lives. So I believe we have to take back control that is rightfully ours.
A couple of years ago, I heard Reg Alcock, the former President of the Treasury Board. He was speaking to the chiefs, and he said that as President of the Treasury Board he had big responsibilities. At the same, he questioned his authority, but he said he knew the federal government had fiduciary responsibility to the first nations of this land and that the government should leave them be. He said the government should fund them with something like federal transfer payments to the provinces. They should send the first nations the money and let them decide where it goes.
But, no. As Chief Neepin said, something like 160 reports have to be done by first nations in terms of accountability. As first nations people, though, we have to have control of our lives. That's the only way.
Thank you.