I'd love to answer that.
I have chronological steps for how we can work better and do better. The first thing is recognizing Métis people as section 35 rights holders. I think that's key, and everything else should follow.
Another thing is to identify and educate yourselves on all the affiliates that are available, or not available, in the word “Métis”—the different demographics of our communities. Inherent rights are all Métis rights and we all enjoy them, but when it comes to the demographics of the communities and different governance models, the Métis settlements are legislated in the province of Alberta. I think governments need to educate themselves on different affiliates so the money gets in the hands of the proper communities.
The funding will follow once we assert our rights, but governments need to educate themselves that Alberta is unique to Canada. It has eight Métis settlements, 9,500 members on a land base of 1.2 million acres, and legislated, fee-simple provincial land. That will separate us, but I don't ever come with the attitude that we're better. I think Métis people have inherent rights, and section 35 rights will secure those inherent rights. All we have to do is educate the government on how to split the funding.
I'll leave you with this: Leave no one behind. I think that's the key. Educate yourselves on everyone and leave no one behind, because the Métis settlements have been left behind for far too long. My hope is that we'll get a day where we're heard and represented in the federal budget.