I really appreciate the question, Ms. Idlout.
I think pretendianism needs to be denounced. It's deeply harmful. It disrespects indigenous peoples and all the hard-fought battles that they have won to date.
I have been speaking with indigenous elders and community leaders, and that work will continue. The questions that I've been asking are these: How do we build trust in the relationship going forward? How should I best talk about who I am, my family and their history?
To Ms. Sinclair-Desgagné's conversation, I'm going to check in—and I have checked in—with indigenous leaders and elders about using Cree in my speeches. Do they still want me to do that? Do they still think that it's appropriate?
I'm having these conversations. I think that's part of my own learning journey here, Ms. Idlout, and I will continue to do that.
I will take your advice as well on how I should make amends, because I never intended to be unclear about my history or my family's history, and I think that is an important personal act for me when it comes to reconciliation.