I think this is about the aligning of laws. First nations should have law-making powers, and that needs to be recognized at all levels of government. For far too many years we've been left out of discussions, and even up until the 1960s we were not able to vote. As we evolve as first nations, as treaty evolves and as government evolves, I think there is a tremendous opportunity to work together to recognize the inherent rights and jurisdiction of first nations and to support those moving forward.
When there is a will, there is always a way. I think history has told us that when there is political will, things can happen. However, when it comes to first nations people, the political will has always been to eradicate us and to assimilate us and to exert control over us. This is an opportunity for Canada, from a non-partisan perspective, to come together with us.
Meegwetch.