Thank you very much for the question.
I think I noted a couple of key points in my presentation, notably recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge systems and respect between scientists and indigenous knowledge-holders.
I think that at the root of a lot of the conflicts we see, or the lack of strong and healthy relationships between scientists and indigenous knowledge-holders, there are the issues of land and resource rights that are often an undercurrent. Until we address those issues, it can be hard to get past conversations of epistemology.
I'll mention a couple of other key points. I've been working, for example, with the Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan first nations, and we've funded a number of community-based resource management projects over the last five years, recognizing the importance of indigenous people doing their own research on their own terms, communicating their knowledge in different ways and addressing capacity issues at the local level. Many communities are so chronically underfunded and the gaps and needs—for example, for youth engagement—are so great that it's a constant uphill battle in many cases.
I think the recognition, again, of land and resource rights is so critical. These aren't just issues that matter to Alberta first nations or Métis communities. These are about all Albertans or all Canadians, so I think that if we can solve these problems together, it's not just of benefit to them but, as I said, to everyone.