Okay.
The world will increasingly tie assertions of sovereignty to questions involving other expectations of the international community, including expectations as to the treatment of aboriginal minorities and regard for key environmental considerations.
Inuit are a patient and practical people. We know that the economic and social problems that we face did not come about overnight and will not be remedied overnight. We know that most of these problems are problems of history and circumstances, not prejudice or bad intentions. But we also know that sovereignty will not be enhanced if it ignores or understates the basic material needs of the permanent residents of the Arctic or if it fails to understand that the alienation of the young is the surest way to undermine respect for the law and tolerance for others. In that very real sense, sovereignty must begin at home.
I will move on to my last recommendation, which is number five.
Partnership with Inuit in the Arctic cannot be divorced from the Government of Canada's willingness or unwillingness to stand up for aboriginal rights everywhere. It is time for the Government of Canada to act in concert with the resolution adopted by the House of Commons and express its support, along with almost the entirety of the global community, for the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada's broader reputation and capacity in relation to arctic issues would also be enhanced by the reappointment of an arctic ambassador.
Thank you very much for allowing me to give you this presentation.