That's a good question, and it's a deep question for me because all I know is being Métis. That's all my parents know, and my mooshoom, my grandfather, as far back as Cuthbert Grant and beyond, who was a direct descendent.
We've known to be who we are. We've known that we've had issues with Canada throughout our history. We've created our own language. We have our own distinct culture and language. We came from generations of European and first nation descent. As a result, we established our own ways and laws. We've always practised our own ways and laws.
I was raised as a road allowance kid. I was born in 1966. I was also almost taken by the sixties scoop within minutes, but because I had an uncle who could read English, he was able to say, “No, they're going to take him away. They're going to steal him”. They knew that we were having children stolen from hospitals throughout Canada, especially Métis children. My mother was a residential school victim as well, which I didn't even know until 1993, because she wouldn't talk about the impacts.
The impacts and policies of Canada have definitely affected us deeply and immensely and continue to this day. I wear this pin proudly as a Métis citizen and as a Métis person because, as they say, you will live and die for your belief. I will live and die for my belief.
Nehiyaw nisitohtamowin—we speak the language; we speak the culture.
You go back home today, and you see people still struggling. In my very own family, Naomie—of Naomie's principle—died of a drug overdose last year. She suffered through her mental illness, her issues and trying to get the right help. Culturally sensitive help was not available and, as a result, she died in care, and we're going to say that. She was 22 years old. She died within a system that was colonial and not built for her success.
Yes, I am here today to say that we are Métis people, and I stand strong about what we believe and what we do. You need to know our story. I call this the grassroots Métis, the ones in the trenches, the ones who come from the resistance of 1885 who also understand the struggles we've had in this country. I believe that we are rights holders according to section 35, and I stay with that. That's why I believe I am Métis.