I wasn't expecting that question, but it should be an easy one to answer.
Yes, I grew up in the Kitigan Zibi first nation. I lived there. I went to school there.
I would say that lived experience, actually for both Valerie and me, is very much part of the work that we do. I worked in the community for many years. I worked on community development initiatives, a crisis shelter and an addictions treatment centre. I ran the health and social services program in Kitigan Zibi. I certainly learned a lot. My hat is off to all people who work in community, because it is the toughest job I've ever had.