Thank you very much.
Sandra, this woman told you that you weren't walking with the land, and I understand that very well. I was born in the red light district in Montreal. It is very similar to the Hastings district in Vancouver. When I go back to my neighbourhood, whatever happens, I feel confident. My roots are there, and I am walking with the land. I am not frightened. I feel at home, and I am walking with the land.
And so I can understand what that woman said to you. When one is on one's own land, one feels at home. How is it that after so many years people have not yet understood that this is your land? How do you explain that after all this time, you still have to fight? How is it that we still have to do tours like this one and that you still have to repeat to us again what you have just told us? Why is that? How is it that after so many years, people have still not understood? I am ashamed. I am ashamed. I don't know what to say to you. I am at a loss.
I would like all Canadians to be educated about this, to be taught about our history and to know that aboriginal people, the first nations, were not immigrants, but came from here. You welcomed us, you agreed to let us live on your land and agreed to conclude treaties. You are entitled to the money we give you today, it is your due; it is not charity. We are refusing to give you your due. I want people to know that. How can we do that? Tell me.