Arnold and I had an opportunity to discuss this last night, and I've had an opportunity to give it a lot of thought since. My mother is Québécoise and her family has been here since the 1600s. I can assure you that somewhere along that way, I know I've had indigenous uncles in the past. There likely is some strain of DNA within me that could be indigenous, but I can assure you— having the blessing of being on this committee and at least having some level of education on indigenous issues and historical injustices and having a number of close friends among the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in my riding, and having that benefit—I am not indigenous in spirit because I was not raised that way and if there were members, it was generations and generations ago.
I would never try to get status, but my concern is that doesn't mean to say that there could be many out there who would say they had indigenous background and want status now, but culturally or historically there is no connection. The Mohawks who were here stated emphatically that those people don't understand our language, our culture, or our community.
I'd be deeply concerned about individuals trying to utilize that as a pathway into status, and I think it would be very unjustified for them to do that. I understand the spirit of what you're trying to accomplish, and I respect that, but unfortunately, it wouldn't be fair to a lot of indigenous communities.