Status of Women committee  I would reiterate the notion of accountability. When funds are given, who makes the particular bodies accountable for their distribution? How long is it taking to get those funds out there? Who's overseeing the distribution of funds? Who's determining which applicants are conside

Status of Women committee  The intersection between industry and indigenous peoples will continue to increase, in large part as industry becomes aware of our capacity. I think that industry is really underinformed about what we could possibly bring, and what we do bring to many professions.

Status of Women committee  I would totally agree with that, Val.

Status of Women committee  If I can interject here, while $22 million is great, I think one of the key things that are often lacking is the accountability and how effectively those funds are administered. We would find that—and I think my colleagues on the first nations council would agree—from kindergarte

Status of Women committee  Even in terms of infrastructure, if you're going to build a building to service indigenous peoples, consult with us on what works for us, what kind of space we need to learn effectively.

Status of Women committee  Sometimes the opposite holds true. If you have a name like Crowshoe, you might be preferred because the hiring committee wants to be perceived as hiring indigenous. How better than to have someone called Crowshoe as opposed to Steeves?

Status of Women committee  That would really assist in terms of education, because for people who do not want to leave their communities, if they have Internet access they can do online training in so many different areas.

Status of Women committee  I would reiterate that the notion of mentorship is embedded in our communities. It's part of the culture. All of us on council are role models within the community; we take it up professionally, and personally as well.

Status of Women committee  There are many similarities because, of course, we have first peoples blood, as well. There are many similar cultural...but in terms of specifics, people have talked about education and funding. As Métis people, we have far less funding available to us, so when we are looking a

Status of Women committee  Good morning. We are honoured to be here. As background, Statistics Canada reports the largest population of Métis people is in Alberta, where approximately 97,000 Métis live, fully 21% of all Métis in Canada. The council was formally established by ministerial order to provid