Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and good afternoon.
I'm very happy to be a part of this discussion this afternoon on urban, rural and northern indigenous housing. I'm from London, Ontario, where 26% of the general population identify as indigenous, but represent 30% of the population struggling with homelessness, which is a staggering statistic. We have the N’Amerind Friendship Centre in London, which recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. They have done such great work.
Maybe Ms. Nicolet you could talk about the origins of friendship centres and how housing grew to be one of the areas you have to address.