Welcome to meeting number 46 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
We acknowledge that we are meeting on the unceded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinabe people.
Today we are beginning our study on indigenous languages.
We are pleased to welcome Blaire Gould, who is the executive director of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, as well as Gerry Guillet, who is here in person, who is the director of education at the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority. Welcome to both of you.
Just before we get going, I'll make the usual introductory comments.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For interpretation, those using Zoom can choose floor audio, English or French using the little globe icon at the bottom of the screen. Those in the room can use the headset and select their preferred channel. When questions are asked in Inuktitut, choose the interpretation language of your choice.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as well as we can.
Each witness will have five minutes for opening remarks. We will start with Ms. Blaire Gould.
Ms. Gould, if you are ready, the floor is yours for the next five minutes.