I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 112 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
I want to start by recognizing that we are gathered on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people and by expressing gratitude that we're able to do the important work of this committee on lands that they have stewarded since time immemorial.
Before we begin, I would like to ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents.
Please take note of the following preventive measures in place to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. Use only use the approved black earpiece; the former grey earpieces must no longer be used. Keep your earpiece away from all microphones at all times. When you're not using your earpiece, please place it face down on the sticker provided on the table for this purpose.
Thank you all for your co-operation.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I'm informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connections tests in advance of the meeting.
With that, I would like to welcome our first panel, which includes, from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Mr. Matthew Foss, vice-president, research and public policy.
From the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association, we have with us Mr. Andrew Leach, chair, board of directors, Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation.
From the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, we have Grand Chief Joel Abram, who is connecting virtually.
With that, I will turn it over first to Mr. Foss for five minutes for an opening statement.