Canadian Heritage committee  I think I would just relate. Everybody has a history. Everybody has something that they connect with, and it would just be the connection, the relation that I would have with them, the understanding. Everybody has compassion. Everybody in some way or another understands that they

Canadian Heritage committee  I actually think there would be a celebration throughout North America. The Mi'kmaq people reside not only here in the eastern part of Canada but all over the world, and to have something like that come back home would set a precedent. It would be amazing to have that.

Canadian Heritage committee  Honestly, the effect on the community has been awe and disbelief: Is this really going to happen? It's something that would be so meaningful if it happened. A lot of the things we have tried over the years haven't happened. There are always good intentions, good intentions, good

Canadian Heritage committee  Absolutely, and it just gives all other first nations people the hope that maybe what they attempt will happen. We set the groundwork here. We have opened the door for them, and to have that would be wonderful.

Canadian Heritage committee  You absolutely do.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes—

Canadian Heritage committee  It's just a thing.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's just an item. Yes, I agree with you entirely. Hopefully, if it does happen that these first nations communities get the support they need to have these artifacts or historical things brought back, the history will come with them. That history can then be told and shared. Th

Canadian Heritage committee  Absolutely. There could be a partnership between us and other indigenous communities. There's absolutely a door that can be opened. To have that connection and to be able to share and support that would be beyond words. Having that support and connection would be something that I

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes.

Canadian Heritage committee  I totally agree with you. There is a struggle with first nations communities having the ability to properly store and properly tell the story. It does need to be supported. It does need to be helped. Millbrook is fortunate enough to have that centre, where we actually have the r

Canadian Heritage committee  It was amazing. Her name is Genevieve. Genevieve was over the moon and then back. She's just so supportive.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's a good journey, yes. She's so supportive and so understanding. As I mentioned, she is first nations as well, and they're also wanting to repatriate some of their stuff back. It's one of these things that enlightened her—and the fact that there is hope. Right now she's on m

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you.

Canadian Heritage committee  I do. Hello and good afternoon, Madam Chair and committee members. My name is Heather Stevens. I'm a Mi'kmaq woman from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia, as Bill said. I am here before you this afternoon to address Bill C-391. In doing so, I'm going to tell you a bit about