Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Family is the most important institution of all. No matter what, when we started Peyakowak in Saskatchewan, it was the families in the long run who guided us. They were the ones who taught us. In the long run, when you go to assist families you need to see the intergenerational t

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Not really, sir, because I can't read your mind in regard to what you're trying to lead me to, but I can make a comment there. The only thing in regard to prenatal and to children is the investment into mothers, which is already being made in the programs that are there. However

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Family is the most important of all, and then you have to remember, when we say “family”, I don't just see mom and papa. I see that whole big picture of people who are standing behind them as well. We are rich when we look at that aspect.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It may represent the considerations, sir, but what you need to realize is that we're invisible. We were not talked to. I don't want to use the word “consulted”. I need to move beyond that frame of consultation. If we don't have respectful relationships to actually work together

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Throughout the years, as someone who has been asked that question, but also because of my dealings with the state, I will say that what may be in the best interests of a non-first nation child may not be in the best interests of a indigenous child because we come from a distinct

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  At this point in time, you need to cease and desist and really start on respectful relationships with people. The pressure being put on the communities you are starting to feel and the backlash is there. You need to realize that we have a different government style than this stat

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the honour of being here today. If you could indulge me for 30 seconds, let us have 30 seconds of silence for all the children who have died while in care. In your mindset as well, get ready for the reality that some of the present children in care may not return

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's entirely up to you. This is the year 2019. My wish for you is that, by the end of the year, you have an actual smudge policy that respects indigenous people coming into this space. To have my voice heard is one thing, but to have my voice honoured is another. Frivolous word