I call this meeting to order.
Good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to welcome you to meeting number 79 of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
We acknowledge we meet on the unceded and traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples.
We're meeting today in hybrid format, as allowed under the Standing Orders. To members participating virtually, you know the drill. I'm not going to spend time on it. We want to hear from our witnesses.
We're going right to our witnesses for opening statements. Before we do that, though, I want to introduce and welcome our panel.
We're going in alphabetical order today. Starting with the Métis Nation of Alberta, we have Andrea Sandmaier, president, who is joined by Audrey Poitras, former president.
From the Métis Nation of Ontario, we have Margaret Froh, president. We also have Mitchell Case, regional councillor, Region 4, Métis Nation of Ontario.
Last but not least, we have Métis Nation-Saskatchewan's representative, Michelle LeClair, vice-president.
Welcome to each of you. I know you've waited a long time to join us at our committee.
We're going to give each of you five minutes for your opening statements. I have a handy card system here. When there are 30 seconds left on the clock, I'll show you the yellow card. When the time is up, I'll show you the red card. Don't stop mid-sentence. Wrap up your thought. It will be the same when we get into the questions. It's a way of keeping things flowing without my having to jump on the microphone to interrupt you. Look up once in a while. I'll ask the members to do the same thing. I'll keep track of the time. I'll give you the flag when it's time.
If you're ready, Ms. Sandmaier, and if you're doing the opening statement, the floor is yours.