Good morning.
First of all, I'll let you know that I am a proud son of my late father, Leo, who landed on Juno Beach during the Second World War. I have an older brother who served 30 years. I myself did 27 years in the service.
I'm here representing Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, the official representative of section 35 rights holders in Saskatchewan. We are a government that operates for and by Métis citizens, dedicated to preserving and advancing the rights, identity and well-being of the Métis people. We are currently working to negotiate a modern-day treaty with the Government of Canada to advance the interests of our citizens, including our brave veterans and their families.
As the veterans representative for the MN-S, I will speak in regard to the things that matter to the Métis veterans. What is important to Métis veterans is predominantly the same as what's important to first nations and Inuit veterans. Some of these things are just sharing stories, supporting the veterans and their families, supporting the transition, and recognition where distinction is key. Indigenous people have always been left out of the history and the stories being told. A prime example is how few people know about the critical role of the code talkers. Métis have also had this plight, but to the degree that society and history have often taken a pan-indigenous approach in sharing the histories and achievements of our peoples, because we did fight alongside our first nations cousins, what's important is distinction and ensuring that our Métis pride is visible.
To this end, some of the key priorities in Saskatchewan include identifying veterans in Saskatchewan, building connections with them, helping them connect with each other and beginning to document and collect their distinct stories and experiences. I myself know that when we talk about anything to do with veterans, there is a cut-off when it comes to remote parts of Canada. There is a huge disconnect.
Thank you.