We have to remember that many years ago, our own men were denying that it was a reality in our communities. Today we notice that we have more and more aboriginal men supporting our fight on this matter.
There are many solutions, but because of time constraints I will just say that we need role models, men and women, and we need to make sure that they are talking to their brothers and saying that there is zero tolerance for violence within our communities.
As to the way we treat the perpetrator, we have to respect that some first nations wish to have control of their justice system. We have to respect that. In my view, a good relationship and partnership would ensure that, if Atikamekw Nation wished to have control over justice, of course respecting human rights, we have to acknowledge that. If some want something else....
Do you understand what I'm trying to say, that it's not mur à mur?
Regarding the protocol for the families, I reiterate that you need to have them here for a day or half a day.
I was invited to meet the Zonta Club in Sault Ste. Marie not long ago, where 250 people were in attendance, of whom 30 were aboriginal. I asked them the simple question as to how many of them had lost a mother, a sister, a cousin, or a daughter, and 29 aboriginal women stood up. I asked the same question to the Canadian women who were there. Out of the 220 others there, only one stood up.
That was only in southern Ontario. Can you imagine what the picture is across all of Canada?
We have a big task, and I want to make sure that this is not a one-shot deal, but that we will really work together. Believe me, we will make a change, if that partnership is well understood by all of us.
Thank you very much.