First of all, thank you for coming to make your presentation to us. It was very informative.
I come from the Northwest Territories where, as you probably know, half the population is indigenous, 11 different languages are spoken, and many aboriginal governments are in the process of settling land claims or have settled them and are working towards self-government. There are many challenges on that front. The north has very different conditions from those on reserve. We also face other challenges, such as the high cost of living and things of that nature, including travel in an area that's very difficult.
In December at your Special Chiefs Assembly, you talked about a nation-to-nation renewed type of arrangement. Our Prime Minister also stated:
It is time for a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations Peoples. One that understands that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of First Nations in Canada are not an inconvenience but rather a sacred obligation
As I talk to the different people in this government, MPs, and different party members, I get a sense that there are all kinds of different interpretations. I'm also getting that sense from aboriginal people and aboriginal governments.
I want to ask you what that term, which you used and the Prime Minister used, means to you. What did you expect when you heard that, and how do you see that working with indigenous peoples across the country, especially in your community of Little Black Bear First Nation?