Jaime Battiste at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee

Thank you very much.

I am coming to you from the Mi'kmaq community of Eskasoni, which is on unceded land.

I've heard Mr. Williams and Ms. Gabriel talk about barriers that exist for indigenous people and about institutional racism.

I am reminded of my friend, the late Donald Marshall Jr., and his inquiry. His wrongful conviction highlighted racism within the justice system and made several recommendations about inclusion in education. I am wondering in what ways we can best decolonize education, take down barriers that exist for indigenous people in education, and at the same time, create awareness of our shared indigenous histories and contributions to Canada.

If you could each do two minutes, that would be very helpful.