Order.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), this committee, the status of women committee, is studying violence against aboriginal women. In this study we have a parliamentary committee that is made up of members of all political parties. There are four political parties here. We are non-partisan in many ways, in which we really try to come together and as Parliament resolve some of the issues that we believe need to be resolved.
What we're looking at is the fact that violence against aboriginal women has been going on now for a long time, and that to be kind, with the best intentions of everyone....
Everyone has put various efforts into this--governments, institutions, and community groups. We haven't really been able to make a difference, and it continues, so we want you to talk to us a little bit about the root causes, about the extent and the nature of the different types of violence against aboriginal peoples.
We have been going into reserves. We've been going into isolated areas. We've also been going into cities. We know that the forms of violence against aboriginal women in isolated areas, on reserve, and in the cities have actually different elements to them and may require very different solutions. So we're also asking you for solutions. We hope you know that you can speak freely and that we will listen. We want you to be as frank as you possibly can.
We will begin with a presentation of five minutes from each person. I will give you a two-minute signal and then a one-minute signal so that you can wrap up. I know you might think that in five minutes you won't have time to say all your things, but that can be fleshed out within the question and answer period. You will get an opportunity, as we do in question period in the House, not to answer the question but to make sure you get your point in. You can at least make up for the time if you don't get any of the statements you need to make.
We do not yet have anyone from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. They were supposed to be here today. If they come late, we will welcome them and have them make their statement to us.
I just wanted to recognize in the audience Mabel Todd. Mabel is 76, and she was part of the Walk4Justice. She walked across Canada.
Mabel, would you stand up and let us all honour you?
[Applause]
Thank you very much for gracing us with your presence today. We're honoured to have you here.
We also want to thank the Coast Salish peoples for allowing us to be able to have this meeting on their territory.
I'll begin with Russell Wallace, Warriors Against Violence Society.
I want to thank you, Mr. Wallace, because we don't often see a lot of men coming to speak at these issues. I know that men care, but it would sometimes be really nice to make sure that they want to stand up and be counted. So thank you for coming.
You have five minutes, so please begin. I'll give you a signal at two minutes and then at one.