I will call the meeting to order.
Even though we have two witnesses who have not yet arrived, we will begin with what we have. We also have Chief Whiteduck, who is going to be here at noon, so we will begin with the three witnesses who are here.
This committee is meeting pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) to conduct a study of violence against aboriginal women. We are looking at the extent of violence against aboriginal women, the root causes of violence against aboriginal women, and the forms of violence against aboriginal women--in other words, is it societal violence, is it domestic violence? We're looking at the whole nature of violence against aboriginal women and the root causes.
Having said that, I will begin. I just want to let witnesses know that you each have seven minutes to present. Please look at me occasionally. I will give you a two-minute warning and then a one-minute warning, because we really need to be as tight as we can so that we can go to questions and answers. If you cannot finish what you have to say, be sure that when you get a question, you throw it in so that you can still get it on the record.
I will begin with the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies.
Welcome, Kim.