Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Meegwetch.
I'd like to start by highlighting a historic event that took place on Parliament Hill right before our meeting. The Anishinabe community was given the building at 100 Wellington Street, the former US embassy. This is a very concrete gesture of reconciliation on the part of the federal government, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. I point this out because rarely have I seen chiefs in my community and other Anishinabe chiefs so happy to be here.
I'd also like to acknowledge the contribution of former Anishinabe Grand Chief Verna Paulson in helping to make this happen. It was truly a very touching and happy event for the Anishinabe people back home.
My first question is for the representative of NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association.
Mr. Leach, should a national indigenous organization like NACCA be responsible for designating indigenous businesses as such? You're present in all our financial institutions and in all the regions. Your track record shows that you support entrepreneurs at business hubs and that you offer programs for women and young people, among others. The recent gala you held in Gatineau was a great platform for networking and a moment of recognition for indigenous entrepreneurship.
I must also mention the leadership and dedication of members of your board of directors. My warmest greetings go to Jean Vincent, Shannin Metatawabin, Dawn Madahbee Leach and Magnolia Perron. I believe that the federal government can achieve and even exceed the 5% indigenous procurement target. Clearly, you're in a position to guide us in the initiatives and directions we should be taking regarding procurement and access to goods and services, with a view to fostering economic reconciliation.
Can you tell us about the First Nations Procurement Organization? It's a first to maximize the potential of First Nations businesses to access procurement opportunities and secure contracts through certification, networking, education and promotion.