Thank you for that.
I talked about our treaty and our box. I've been in this position for two years, and it's relatively new. When I say that I'm not a politician, I know that one of my elders said, “You are, because you are in your position.” When I learn of the atrocities that our people have faced over 125 years.... This year in Treaty 8 territory, right now, we're having a celebration of the signing of Treaty 8. I'm missing the grand opening. It's a reminder of where we are today and how far we have to go with the Government of Canada, and the Province of Alberta as well.
It's difficult to look back. I walk around this land and see the grandeur of these facilities, and where I come from we deal with poverty every day. When it comes to legislation, we talk about co-development. It's a struggle for me to really put it into words, to express how I feel today. I feel it's a responsibility that I have to my people to really try to come and express what that is. A treaty was an obligation. We agreed to share the land, but we haven't seen it.
Our people have been very good treaty partners, but our partner in the Crown, the Government of Canada, hasn't reciprocated. We've seen it. We see it every day. I'm sure you guys see all the statistics, the opioids epidemic that has faced our people. It's not a quick fix. It's not just one thing. You can't come here and just think you're going to fix the water and the water issues, or you're going to come and fix the drug issues, the opioid problem. In my community, it's a global issue.