Madam Chair, for too long now we have unilaterally decided what is good for First Nations. They are mature and they have been around much longer than we have and are capable of deciding for themselves what is truly important to their communities and which rights and laws must be brought in to address their real needs, not perceived ones.
We are talking about the same rights for all women. These may not necessarily be the same rights than aboriginal women need. They need similar, but not necessarily the same rights. They need rights that are applied differently because the reality they experience as members of First Nations communities is different.
Thank you.