Thank you very much, Chair.
Thank you very much members of the committee. I'll be very brief, for the sake of time.
As a former police person, I co-chaired the forum, and the forum was excellent in that we allowed all people who were affected to speak openly about their experiences, historical, current, and ongoing. It was very painful to listen to a lot of the submissions.
I support the National Chief in that the inquiry, action, and programs have to begin immediately. Action has to happen because the situation is going on as we speak. All-inclusive programs have to be delivered from the ground up. In other words, the aboriginal people should be fully immersed and consulted on the situations, from their community right into the urban centres or the municipalities.
As a former police person, I can tell you there is a lot of work to do, and the word “racism” will come out, because I've observed it. I did work in B.C. As a matter of fact, I worked in Chilliwack. I think that's where Mr. Strahl comes from. There are about 15 first nation communities in the valley. A lot of times, you can't even tell which is the nation or which is the municipality.
There are issues of territorial jurisdiction, perhaps, by police services that have to come together in unison.
My elder—who is a former chief and my uncle—often reminded me that the first nation people, the aboriginal people have been studied to death. What we need is action. What we need are programs. I reiterate this as well because I've heard it several times now: it is a Canadian problem. This is not just a first nations or aboriginal problem. This is the responsibility of this country, and we are all included. There are no silos, no territories in terms of programs. It's all-inclusive: education, health, justice, policing. We are all impacted, and we have to work together to address this issue for the future of this country. In my observation, this country is still developing, and we have to develop it collectively.
With that, isniyés. In my language that means thank you. [Witness speaks in his native language] means good, good work. I hope your work has results.
Thank you.