THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
EVIDENCE
OTTAWA, Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met with videoconference this day at 9:01 a.m. [ET] to consider Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day.
Senator Michèle Audette (Chair) in the chair.
[English]
The Chair: Honourable senators, [Innu-aimun spoken].
[Translation]
I want to thank the Anishinaabe people [Innu-aimun spoken] the chiefs here with us [Innu-aimun spoken].
[English]
Before we start, I would say that conversation, meeting or committee — but also sacred. I have to say it’s very — on my behalf, personal — to say it is sacred. I just want to remind you that we have amazing people behind me who do the translation and interpretation so you can understand my “franglais” or my French. Let’s make sure that we use the device they provide us with: the earpiece is not too close to the microphone. If you don’t use it, there is a beautiful sticker — you can put it there. Thank you for our colleagues in the back.
In Innu, I was saying thank you to the Anishinaabe People, who welcome us every day on this sacred, traditional, unceded territory that is called Ottawa — of course, for many other nations, like the Métis, the First Nations, Inuit and people across Turtle Island.
My name is Michèle Audette. I’m your chair for the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, and I would like that my colleagues introduce themselves.
Senator Prosper: Paul Prosper from Nova Scotia, Mi’kma’ki territory.
Senator Pate: Welcome, and thank you for being here, everybody. I’m Kim Pate. I live here on the unceded, unsurrendered and unreturned territory of the Alongquin Anishnaabeg Nation.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: [Inuktitut spoken] My name is Nancy Karetak-Lindell, and I represent Nunavut.
Senator Tannas: Scott Tannas from Alberta.
Senator Francis: Brian Francis, Epekwitk, Prince Edward Island.
Senator Sorensen: Karen Sorensen, Alberta, Banff National Park, Treaty 7 Territory.
Senator Greenwood: Margo Greenwood, Treaty 6 Territory in British Columbia.
The Chair: I also want to acknowledge the people who are coming with you behind, so [speaking Indigenous language]. I want to also say that our dear colleague, Senator McCallum — it is an honour to have you as a witness here in our committee. We will be studying Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day. Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming you, the sponsor, at this table, along with the leaders and Chiefs beside you: Grand Chief Garrison Settee [Indigenous language spoken], with your colleague, assistant Kevin Carlson; kwe again to you. We also have Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot. Kwe again. We will also hear your opening remarks as one panel. So, if you are ready, we’re ready to listen to you.
Hon. Mary Jane McCallum, sponsor of the bill: Thank you, and welcome to the people from Manitoba. It’s so good to see you.
It is on the battlefield of culture that our opportunities, rights and futures are determined and what our roles can be in transforming it for the better. This is from Understanding Cultural Geography: Places and Traces, by Jon Anderson:
Thanadelthur, in her role as “Ambassadress of Peace,” played a crucial part in the expansion of the English fur trade.
Bill S-225 is not only about the conflict that initially existed between the Cree and Dene but came to involve the Europeans. The period we’re looking at is the late 1600s and early 1700s. The Turtle Island that existed at that time was changing, with the establishment of the North West Company among the tribes that had thrived on this land since time immemorial. It was about introduction of capitalism — a market economy with amassing wealth — and that was foreign culture.
Within this context, look at the power dynamics of being First Nations, of being a Dene woman — a youth in a fast-changing world that included living in the reality of colonialism that would eventually lead to colonization.
When the Cree kidnapped Thanadelthur from the area of what is known as Arviat today — and they did wander over all of this land — it set in motion events that were to test her strength, intelligence, compassion, courage and determination. From this identity position, Thanadelthur draws our attention not only to risks and threats at the young age of 16 but also highlights the ways in which, despite the violence against her, she was able to forge complementarity. She understood and acted to change the situation to better the volatile economic situation by, first, establishing a peaceful coexistence between the Dene and Cree, despite great danger, including the threat of death, yet forging on to a then-established relationship with the Europeans. Remember that, in order to do this, she had to be trilingual at the age of 16 — Dene, Cree and English.
By establishing peace, she demonstrated that conflict was not the right way to comprehend and conduct lives but that compatibility played an important part in learning to adapt to and live alongside other cultures. We see how extraordinary she was and that she demonstrated that everyday coexistence could become normal and come to define places to make the situations work to improve relationships at that time and at that place for the common good.
The partnerships she spearheaded at that time worked so that each culture took the opportunities the others offered. Peace between warring tribes, economy, employment and security; however, we need to remember that the partnership was born in struggle and conflict, and that the multi-culture it represented needs to be renewed with every generation.
Bill S-225 is an important ongoing step in reforming the peace alliance between the Dene and the Cree today. Her words, actions and process of peacemaking changed the status quo of economy and relationships at that time. She was able to make a place and leave a trace of herself that reflected the identity of who she was and where she was by remaining authentically herself. This, at a time when the process of “othering” based on racism and ethnicity, was being forged, as this was the era of colonization and empire, a new phenomenon for the original peoples. She was able to unify multiple cultures and live in partnership, despite the diversity.
What is also extraordinary was that her name has been kept in history. For the majority of First Nations, the words “Aboriginal man” or “Aboriginal woman” identified them in history books, journals and archives and kept them invisible and silent. But her name is enshrined in history.
Thanadelthur has accomplished so much in building Canada through sheer will. Canada, including the Senate and the other place, needs to celebrate her work, her legacy and life and help enshrine her in history. Thank you. Kinanâskomitin.
Garrison Settee, Grand Chief, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.: [Ininimowin language spoken.]
I’m honoured to be here at the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to support and advocate for the recognition of National Thanadelthur Day, and Bill S-225 is something that is very significant. It has been 310 years, and we are here talking about this brave and courageous woman that deserves to be honoured in our current society because of who she was and what her legacy is to this day.
I’m very honoured to be here with my Dene relatives. There have been conflicts throughout our past, but today we stand here together in unity to support this history that has been left out of mainstream Canadian society.
I’m honoured to be here to stand before you, to advocate and to work with Senator McCallum to ensure that this happens, because it’s only proper and appropriate.
I want to ask my assistant to address this all of us at this committee meeting.
Kevin Carlson, Assistant to Grand Chief, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.: Good morning, [Indigenous language spoken.], honourable senators.
The Manitoba Keewatinowi chiefs support Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day. At our annual General Assembly in August 2023, the chiefs unanimously passed Resolution #2023-08-05 to inaugurate February 25 as Thanadelthur Day.
Our chiefs resolved to encourage Senator McCallum to call upon the governments of Canada and Manitoba to honour Thanadelthur by creating a day in recognition of the impact that she had in bringing peace between the Dene and Cree Nations, as well as that of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Our leadership further called upon the Government of Canada to adopt legislation establishing February 25 as Thanadelthur Day.
The Denesuline nations encouraged Canadians to wear red on February 25 to honour Thanadelthur, as she wore red through those peace negotiations 310 years ago, to be visible to her people.
I spent some time on the web over the last few days to see what the general public knows about her contribution to Canadian history. Thanadelthur is celebrated for several reasons. This is quoted from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre:
Diplomacy: Her successful negotiations between the Cree and the Dene as a prime example of effective diplomacy in conflict resolution.
Bravery: Her journey, survival, and willingness to be a peacemaker in a volatile environment highlight her extraordinary courage.
Impact on trade: The peace agreement she brokered opened up new areas for the fur trade, which significantly impacted the economy of the region and the expansion of European enterprises in Northern Canada.
Cultural ambassadorship: Thanadelthur also served as a cultural ambassador, helping to bridge the gap between different Indigenous cultures and between Indigenous peoples and the Europeans.
Thanadelthur — and I’ve spent all weekend practising. My wife is Dene, and she said, “No, if you say it wrong, it’s going to sound like you’re throwing something at somebody.”
A peace negotiator, a guide, a teacher and an interpreter. She was born in 1697, likely in present-day Manitoba, and died on February 5, 1717, at York Factory in Manitoba. She’s known as the ambassador of peace. Thanadelthur negotiated peace between the Chipewayan and the Denesuline Cree Peoples during the early fur trade.
She was instrumental in creating ties between the Chipewayan People and the Hudson’s Bay Company, as well as expanding the fur trade in the Churchill, Manitoba, region. That comes from the Canadian Encyclopedia.
I’m going to leave you with one final quote from my esteemed friend Rosalee Tisani Verset, a former chief of the Hatchet Lake Dene Nation. While Thanadelthur’s life is documented in scholarly works and Hudson’s Bay Company journals, those records don’t tell the entire story. This reason sums up the importance that the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, or MKO, chiefs view that the story and recognition of this brave young Dene hero must be honoured, recognized and taught in Canada. For, without her journey and her bravery, Canada would not exist as we know it today. Mahsi’cho.
The Chair: From the Sovereign Keewatin Yahthi Nations Grand Council, Grand Chief, Walter Wastesicoot.
Walter Wastesicoot, Grand Chief, Sovereign Keewatin Yahthi Nations Grand Council: Good morning. I’m honoured to be here to bear witness to the proceedings. My name is Walter Wastesicoot. I’m the Grand Chief of the Sovereign Keewatin Yahthi Nations Grand Council. I am a citizen of York Factory First Nation.
The Dene and Inninu, of what is now northern Manitoba, have had an alliance under the Keewatin Tribal Council since 1979.
The Tribal Council is a service organization providing services to Barren Lands First Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, Manto Sakahigan First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Sayisi Dene First Nation, Shamattawa First Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation and York Factory First Nation. Two nations are Dene and nine are Inninu.
“Inninu” is the term that you use, which is Cree. You use the word “Cree”; we use our own name, Inninu.
On December 17, 2025, these 11 nations adopted the constitution of the Sovereign Keewatin Yahthi Nations Grand Council, or Sky Nations Grand Council. They have acted on their inherent right to self-determination and created a regional government to represent their collective interests now and into their future.
Keewatin means north in the Inninu language, and Yahthi means north in the Dene language. Hence, both peoples are represented in the Sky Nation Grand Council.
As part of our nation-building exercise, we’ve conducted archival and other research and confirmed that Thanadelthur paved the way for peace among our peoples. Almost 310 years of history is credited to her bravery, patience and passion for harmonious relations among our peoples.
We believe this achievement is worthy of the recognition being proposed at this time through Bill S-225, National Thanadelthur Day. Let’s make February 5 of each year Thanadelthur Day. Thank you.
The Chair: Thank you very much. I will pass the floor — how do we say in English? If colleagues want to ask questions to the witnesses.
Senator Francis: This if for any one of you. Do you envision this day acting as a catalyst for tangible policy changes regarding the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls? If so, how?
Mr. Wastesicoot: If February 5 is recognized as Thanadelthur Day, going forward, our people will begin to learn a piece of history that has long been forgotten.
Right now, our young people struggle with identity. They find relief in behaviour that is not good for their health. Learning the story of Thanadelthur brings a sense of pride and purpose and helps them to recognize that we weren’t just silent people participating in colonization.
Senator Francis: Thank you. Anyone else? Senator McCallum.
Senator McCallum: I need to hear the question again, sorry.
Senator Francis: Do you envision this day as acting as a catalyst for tangible policy changes regarding the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls, and if so, how?
Senator McCallum: In the work I do, I go to a lot of schools and engage with students from Grade 4 to Grade 12. This is in Winnipeg. Three weeks ago, I went to a high school, and it was called the “living library.” Every person is a living library. They come, share and students ask questions. I think that would be such a good example to reach out to high schools across Canada and ask them to start looking at the history of how women have shaped Canada.
Mr. Settee: I think it is important to realize that the narratives that have been told throughout history, as has been mentioned, a lot have recognized men and the wars that have happened. Then, men appear to be the heroes. A lot of that was because of their success in war, but this is an incident where a woman has created peace and cooperation between two nations. It’s something that was unheard of.
In our history, women are respected and honoured, but the Western view, as always, undermines women. So, it’s 310 years later, and this is reconciliation, honouring the dignity of this woman who has never been recognized before in our history. I think it is time. It has been 310 years, which is a long time to take to recognize Thanadelthur as a woman that had courage and demonstrated a heroic spirit. It’s long overdue.
Mr. Carlson: The simplest way of looking at it is that young people today are lost. In our region, they adopt cultures that they find on TV, the internet or some other form of media. What we have here is a shining example from over 300 years ago of what a young girl in our northern First Nations can truly be, and that’s a leader, negotiator and bridge builder. She can be whatever she wants to be. They’ve done it for millennia.
Senator Prosper: Thank you for all our witnesses here. Your presence is much appreciated. Senator McCallum, thank you for this endeavour and for bringing this forward as we are here today.
I have a question for both Grand Chief Settee and Grand Chief Wastesicoot. I’m just curious about the significance of this day — a national recognition of Thanadelthur, and the story and legacy that live in the hearts and minds of your people.
Can you share what this recognition could potentially mean for you, your people and your communities?
Mr. Settee: What is very important, senator, is that the Dene in our communities in the North live in isolated communities, and they need something positive about them to be recognized nationally. Young people need to know that their history is rich and that it should be recognized. This is one of those stories that comes out of their history and culture about a person who was so young and so courageous. That story needs to be told, not only in our classrooms but in our history books; it should be recorded there. This was something that was very significant at that time, and it is still very significant today.
The Dene young people need to be proud of who they are. We want to support that as much as we can.
Mr. Wastesicoot: We have a history of the residential school experience in the North. Many of us travelled for a few days on a train from Churchill, Manitoba, to Dauphin, Manitoba. Many of those people were Dene. They had been forced to relocate to Churchill. They lived along the shoreline at a place called Dene Village. From that experience in residential school, many of us were lost, as one person said here, and we found comfort in alcohol and drugs. That proved to be the wrong way.
Recognizing something like this today would bring a different perspective in the North and would open up discussions on our true history. You heard one of the presenters here talk about The Canadian Encyclopedia, referring to the Dene people as Chipewayan. That’s not who they are. That’s an error in history right there.
When we open up this discussion on Thanadelthur and her contributions to what is now Canada and what is now the harmonious relationship we have with our Dene brothers and sisters, that opens up a different paradigm altogether, not just for us as people who have survived different experiences but for the young generations that are coming — the future generations of our people. It brings a sense of pride and purpose, as I’ve stated.
Senator Prosper: Wela’lioq, thank you.
Senator Sorensen: I just want to follow up on some of these responses, and most specifically Senator Francis’s question, I think.
I’m going to try to say the name, so just bear with me. I want to include it in the question. Is the legacy of Thanadelthur — I’m assuming, based on the responses so far, that her story is not widely taught in Manitoba, so I presume not elsewhere in the country. It’s not part of, say, the public school curriculum in a history book. Then, I would just add to that: is there anywhere in Manitoba that you could go — a museum — where you would see her recognized in any way?
Mr. Wastesicoot: — someone right here.
Senator Sorensen: Is that okay, Madam Chair?
Mr. Wastesicoot: May she speak?
Senator Sorensen: If she could come forward to a mic. Thank you very much.
Lucy Antsanen, Knowledge Keeper, Northlands Denesuline First Nation: I am an educator. My name is Lucy Antsanen. It will be part of my presentation, and I have been diligently presenting throughout Canada and educating people — adults and children. I wrote a few books, and I’ve done a lot of videos, including recognizing her on International Women’s Day on March 8.
This has been my passion as a mother, grandmother, educator and Dene woman. I speak my language, and I carry the stories of our ancestors. I bring it into the classroom in Winnipeg and across the nation.
So, I am the walking encyclopedia for her story.
Senator Sorensen: Thank you for the work you’re doing as one individual. Obviously, by passing this bill, we would be able to emphasize and grow your work.
Ms. Antsanen: Yes.
Senator Sorensen: If those videos are available, I would love to see one. I don’t know if there is a link or something. Thank you very much.
The Chair: She is also a witness for the next panel, so we are lucky.
Senator Greenwood: First, thank you to all of our guests for being here to support this important work. Thank you, Senator McCallum, for bringing this forward and for being tenacious about it. I’m grateful.
A few things occurred to me about National Thanadelthur Day. I was thinking about that national day and also about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79 around a framework for Canadian heritage and the commemoration of Indigenous history. I think it fits really well within that Call to Action, in my humble opinion. A day like this is a powerful part of all of our history; it doesn’t belong to one area but lifts all of us up. As I thought about that, I thought about the many women — and that’s not to discount men — but there are many women across these lands who have led when we needed them most. I think she is one of them, as you speak of her today.
So, I started to have a little dream as I was sitting here, thinking, “How do we open a day like this to” — as you were thinking about young people — “to contemporary leaders, contemporary heroines. There are past heroines, too, that we could lift up.”
I think of the Nobel Peace Prize. Why would we not have a peace prize on a day like this that would go far beyond lifting up this person’s name — this young woman’s name — but opening that so that we recognize all of the women — Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis women across this country — who have done astounding work on behalf of our people?
I am not sure where the question is in that, but I would love to hear your response. I think it is important that we do this work. Especially if we are trying to role model for the generations coming behind us, it gives them something to aspire to. We teach our history, but we lift them up at the same time. That, to me, is a very exciting piece of work or a potential door that this may open for all of us on these lands.
I would love to hear your response, all of you.
Mr. Settee: I wish to thank Lucy Antsanen for her opening comments here. I went to school with Ms. Antsanen. She is a former student at Brandon University; we graduated from there. I’m also an educator, so it is very important to us that our narrative is told, not only among our First Nations but also in the curriculum of Manitoba. There should be a provision for a story like this.
She has written books on this and done many things to honour the legacy of Thanadelthur. I think it is one of those things where we continue to advocate that this be incorporated into the curriculum of our educational institutions in Manitoba.
Also, we should establish an award or recognition for young people, especially young women, who exemplify courage for them to be honoured with an award bearing the name of Thanadelthur. If there ever were a statue to be made at the legislature, this is one of those things that I would also advocate for. I think it is only proper. Thank you.
The Chair: Honestly, we all witnessed — not you, grand chief — but a beautiful gesture behind you. Ms. Antsanen went like this.
Mr. Wastesicoot: I wanted to add that each of us here knows the final resting place of our loved ones. I did not know the final resting place of my grandmother until May 2022. My wife and I journeyed to find her final resting place.
In our research for our nation-rebuilding exercise, we believe we found the final resting place of Thanadelthur. There are three sites there. The one in the middle washed into the water, and we believe that was hers.
However, when you consider creating National Thanadelthur Day on February 5 each year, also consider a monument at that final resting. We do it for our immediate family members. It is important that we do the same for this brave young lady.
Thank you.
Senator Pate: Thank you to all of you for being here. Thank you, Senator McCallum, for bringing this forward.
I would like to provide an opportunity for each of you to talk more about what you just were talking about: What other efforts need to be put in place to help recognize the contributions of women and girls that, historically, have not been recognized. Also, to further the interests of reconciliation in this country, having an accurate and more complete history strikes me as vitally important, not just for young people coming up but for all of us.
Any other suggestions you have in addition to what you just said would be well appreciated. I do not know if you want to start, Senator McCallum, or if you want your colleagues to start.
Senator McCallum: I will let the leaders start.
Mr. Wastesicoot: I will share a story about the — that arrived on the shores of what is now York Factory. When they arrived here, they asked my ancestors who those people were to the northwest, and our ancestors said those are “Chipewayan.” It was not something derogatory or negative. It was how they distinguished them from others.
When the same people asked who those people are further to the north, our ancestors responded —. It became “Eskimo.” Those two labels, “Chipewayan” and “Eskimo,” were accepted by these two groups because that is how the new people recognized them.
One day, the Dene said, “No, we are not ’Chipewayan’; We are Dene.” It was the same thing with the Inuit; they said, “No, we are not Eskimo; we are Inuit.”
The story remains that we, as a people, continued to accept the term “Cree” as a piece of our identity when it is not. It comes from further east when the Jesuit missionaries converted the Inuit people to their religion. They called them “cristinos.” Then, over time, it became “cris,” and then we had “Cree” today. That is the kind of history that needs to be corrected in this country if it is to be truly reflective of the diversity that exists here. We have to walk in truth and honesty. Thank you.
Mr. Settee: I think we have to go back in history and examine some of the archives that have been created, because a lot of the narratives in those archives are not accurate. We should know the correct history, because a lot of narratives have been told about us and our people for a long time that are not correct.
Usually, when we went to school in our early years, when you look at the history of Canada, there is one page dedicated to Indigenous people, and it involves the fur trade. However, there is a whole history that has never been told by Canadian society. That is very important.
This is one of those stories that should be incorporated. When we look at the archives and at our educational institutions, they are still perpetuating stories and narratives that are not true. I think we should correct the narratives and tell what is really true.
That comes from our people. There is an oral history that has kept and sustained us for a long time. We should seek out these stories and histories because those tell the truth narratives of who we are as a people. That has to be corrected.
Senator McCallum: When I look at the role that we have as senators — that I work with the First Nations across Canada — as Ms. Antsanen said to me, “You don’t belong to just us anymore; you belong to Canada.” She set the bar for me.
But when I do this work — so the leaders go through the Chiefs, and then I take direction — my focus is very specific here: It is to look at the Dene and Cree where we live in Brochet and Lac Brochet. I did an apology to the Dene, knowing how violent the current day was, and now we’re peace building between Lac Brochet and the Treaty 10 area. We gathered together in July; we all met there. The Treaty 10 Chiefs came from Saskatchewan. We were looking at how we could rebuild this peace treaty. We focus a lot on that. They come down through — it is three days with portages. They come down, and then, when the big boats come around the corner, everybody starts to drum. There is a fire going, and we bring them back to their homeland because the Cree actually chased the — the Dene left because of the Cree.
So, there is a lot of history we have to correct. That’s their traditional homeland, and it is mine, as well.
We focus on that.
Two or three years ago was one of the best meetings we have ever had; where the Crees fed the Dene. They went fishing every day. They provided them caribou and moose. They cooked for the Dene. On Saturday, the young Cree men took the Dene out to their traditional homes, where they used to live.
It is that kind of activity that I look at forging. I work very closely with my teacher, Lucy Antsanen. That is where my focus is right now: creating a link between the youth in Lac and the youth in Brochet.
Senator Clement: [Mohawk spoken] I say that in Mohawk because I’m from Cornwall, Ontario, which is on Mohawk Territory. I’m pleased to be listening to you this morning. Thank you, dear colleague, Senator McCallum, who belongs to Canada but to us, in particular.
I’m a senator from Ontario, but I love Manitoba. I want to say that because my mama, a Franco-Manitoban, is from Elie, Manitoba. I think that part of the country right now is providing many of us with a lot of inspiration. There is a lot of interesting leadership in all corners of that space. It feels good.
I was in Churchill, Manitoba, last summer, and I stood in the square that is named for her. When you stand in that space, take a picture and you see her name there, I felt that this is the woman whom Senator McCallum has been talking about. It felt important to feel that and to be there.
My question is for Grand Chief Wastesicoot — or Smith, as you said. I was listening to you when you talked about harmonious relations. I want you to lean into that. Right now, it is not just young people who need inspiration; I need inspiration as a woman. I feel like we’ve taken a step back in terms of women in leadership roles. It feels like that.
The timing of this is so interesting. I feel like women leaders really get harmonious relations.
I wonder if you could lean into what you meant by that or what you see in her history that could provide inspiration to me, other allies and everyone, really.
Mr. Settee: Thanadelthur lived during a time of turmoil. There was a conflict between the Dene and the Innu, and then there were the uncertainties of these — who had just arrived on the shores of Hudson Bay. Then, there was her own capture by our ancestors. She was able to rise above all of that and work with two Peoples to bring that harmonious relationship together.
When I think about harmony, I have a very powerful woman in my life, Dr. Jenny Wastesicoot. She is my wife. She tells people she came to residential school to rescue me. I believe that. She is very strong.
People have asked me how it is that we have been able to be together for so long. This summer we’ll celebrate 50 years together. It is about that harmony. I give in. I learned a long time ago that it is pointless to argue with her. That is why she is the doctor.
For me, it comes to having compassion for others.
I will share a story of a young Dene girl who returned to Churchill from residential school. Her people had moved away from Churchill and out onto the land at what is now known as Tadoule Lake. My parents took her in. She became my sister, and I became her brother. We have had that long-standing relationship in that way. Later on in life, my son had two sons with a young Dene woman. Their great-grandfather is my lifelong friend.
This story of Thanadelthur really means a lot to me, personally. If I could, I would leave a piece of my spirit here with you to guide you in your deliberations. All parliamentarians need to stand up and do what is right. Thank you.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: I am sitting here, listening. I am an Inuk from Arviat, so my history is entwined with yours. I know the people from Churchill, Manitoba. I read the book of someone who now lives in Tadoule Lake who used to live in Churchill, Manitoba.
I feel that our lives and our histories are very connected. I really understand what you are saying about your name. I imagine it was something else before. Because that is what happened to many of us. When someone who was registering people could not pronounce a name, they just gave them a random name that they thought of at that moment. That erases us as people because we now have to carry on that name. I had a grandfather named Joe Curly, and he definitely was not known as “Curly” — he just had curly hair. His name was —, but no one could pronounce it, so he became “Curly.”
We have to take back who we were because our history, as you said, is not written in the right way.
I grew up reading about Jane and Dick and Sally and Spot. I would love to have heard stories I could relate to, such as Thanadelthur.
We need those kinds of stories. I mean, they’re not stories, they’re history. We need to carry that kind of pride for our own people. I think this is a real start.
I do understand what you’re saying. Everything you’re saying can be related to my people too as Inuit. There were warring times between our people too, but we don’t hear about those in school; we don’t learn about them in history; I think it’s time that we do.
It’s sad that we don’t know our own history and don’t see it reflected in history books. My father worked for the RCMP, so when we look for any historical data — and his grandfather did too — we have to look at the archives. We know that is not the real story either, or it’s written from someone’s point of view that didn’t understand ours.
I really enjoyed hearing about this and the work that Senator McCallum is doing, because it’s just the tip of the iceberg. You think of all the other stories out there we could be hearing and reading about and putting on the internet so that our kids are hearing.
It’s not so much a question but an affirmation of everything you’re doing here today and what we’re hearing. Those are the kinds of stories we should be hearing in our schools. I know Senator McCallum has talked to me about events she goes to. We were flying back to Winnipeg one day, and she was talking about that, and how we need to go back and forge some of those partnerships.
I’m proud to say that because of the land claims overlapping between Churchill and my community of Manitoba and Nunavut, they’ve signed off on the overlapping areas. They’ve come to an agreement that they now have a tool to work some issues out. Because obviously you’ve been in our land and we’ve been in your land, and we have overlapping issues.
I want to hear from you also, like, what do we need to do to ensure that it’s the correct history we’re teaching in school and sharing? How do we get those opportunities?
I know we’re trying, but we’re always racing against time because the people who know those stories are passing away all the time, and we have to try and catch those stories and include them. What things can we do?
Mr. Settee: I want to contribute, senator, thank you for those comments.
As a former teacher, I think a good place to start, for all of us, is to give you an assignment. We have to learn how to pronounce her name and say her name correctly, and that’s a good start. That’s your assignment, thank you. I have to go now, but thank you very much.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: That’s surprising, in a way, because I say that too. I get really upset when people do not pronounce names correctly. I am always telling people, learn to say names before you read your speech.
Mr. Wastesicoot: We have our Knowledge Keepers, like Lucy Antsanen, sitting behind me, and there are others in the North.
One thing to keep in mind is that the early recorded data, when the Benlai or the Amistova first arrived here, they travelled with young people who recorded everything. It is important to note that what they recorded was based on their life experience up to that point. If they interpreted something that they witnessed, then that could be an error instead of documenting factual observations.
Senator Tannas: I also travelled with Senator Clement to Churchill and was struck by the same feelings. I am delighted to be able to support this bill. I want to thank you for the distance that you have come to provide your testimony. Having travelled at least part of the way to Churchill, I know this is a sacrifice, and it is also important enough for you to spend the time.
I would say, I was struck by Senator Greenwood’s suggestion. Something that you may want to think about is a prize, an award that you would give annually. You could jury it — the people of the community could jury it. People could be nominated from across the country, young, 16, 17-year-old Indigenous women displaying wonderful leadership qualities. I think you would find ready sponsors who would be willing to provide additional resources to make it a meaningful and lasting kind of an exercise. It would be something I think would even go further to highlight the day. You could award it on the day, or name the winner on the day. It’s a beautiful idea.
I would offer my office and myself as somebody that would help if that were an initiative that you wanted to take on, and I know that others would as well. Thank you again.
The Chair: I love the beautiful smile you have, Senator McCallum.
Senator Prosper: There was a reference earlier. I think it was Grand Chief Settee who talked about or mentioned reconciliation. When I think of that — we all tend to think of that at times — the context is often between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and that reconciliation of history and a shared vision of the future.
What strikes me, particularly Senator McCallum, when you mentioned the ceremony of people coming, drumming, sharing food, taking people out on the land, that has a way of reconciling reconciliation among Indigenous people, which is representative, I would imagine, of the legacy of this incredible and young Dene woman.
Can you share any insights where that legacy lives within the community, within youth, within the spirit of the people and of the land?
Ms. Antsanen: Let me get my composure back, first.
I am the survivor of that relocation, 2007. Dr. Mary Jane McCallum made an apology to the Dene, but I didn’t know about it.
I was in Brandon for my summer holidays. My younger brother said, “I’m going to go to Brochet, are you going to come?” And I said, “For what”? The 100-year treaty gathering. Right away, the anger rose in me; I have no good memories. Why should I go?
I was eight years old when I left Brochet in 1975. The first sign of post-traumatic stress disorder became visible to me when I was 16 when I saw people consuming alcohol. Six months later, when I saw the word “Cree,” because of the history that happened in Brochet. Then, I heard of that apology from a friend who came to a funeral back home; a month after the apology was made. I gasped, and I burst into tears. I cried a lot. My soul needed to hear that, and that was the beginning of healing that big scab in my soul.
Three months later, I saw this beautiful lady at the airport, and I said, “I heard of the apology” — boom — the well came back out. Having somebody say, “I am sorry,” begins that healing.
Three years ago, I was the Master of Ceremony for that treaty gathering. I was that little girl who went back to the islands where we used to live, my dad being a commercial fisherman. My brother behind me was a young man. We did not go to residential school. My mom and dad protected us from that. We lived at the day school. We went to school there, and we were punched and ridiculed. Our family, once again, saved us from that and took us out.
Councillor Antsanen behind me is one of them who refused to go back because of our memory. I’m the young one who went back. It feels good to go back now; due to that reconciliation, we are living together, eating together and dancing together. People who did that to us called me over and personally said, “I am sorry” on behalf of their families. That does a lot of good for the little girl in me to heal. That is reconciliation. That makes us become an adult because that child in us is crying still.
Now I’m beginning to live, and I tell good stories. I shared with my brothers and sisters, who are Cree, not only from Brochet, but from York Factory, Fox Lake, Oxford House — and the list goes on. This is when we laugh together, we eat together and we dance together. That’s how this truth and reconciliation needs to happen: We need to come truly and not just for today. It’s not just about tepees and beads; it’s about living together and hugging truly, and a lot of us know how to do that. Mahsi’cho.
Senator Prosper: Thank you for sharing your spirit. All of you. Thank you.
The Chair: I will try in English to say that one of the teachings you shared with me one day, senator — you said that when a woman rises or is lifted up that all women rise or are lifted up. The first time Senator McCallum made her motion or spoke in the chamber, I was one of those who didn’t know about this amazing young woman. As an Innu woman, myself, because of you, senator, I learned that we have women who made history. She was 16 years old. Again, I want to say thank you.
There is a teaching. As a beader, my auntie says, “Each time you have a design, it’s your great-great-great-grandmother who passed that design, even though you never met her.” I saw two women across this circle, let us say — the ancestors brought two women to connect again but for the country this time.
I want to say to you thank you so much, and thank you to my colleagues.
[Translation]
Colleagues, let’s continue.
[English]
The next panel will be Lucy Antsanen and Modest Antsanen, who will share their stories, their truths and share their voices to all of us. Thank you very much. Lucy Antsanen, you can start.
Ms. Antsanen: Maci Niholtsine. Maci du dzine Nugha ni ah. Honourable senators, my name is Lucy Antsanen. I am a member of Northlands Denesuline First Nation. I grew up in Brochet and Lac Brochet, Manitoba.
Before I begin, I will thank Senator Mary Jane McCallum for introducing this important legislation first as Bill S-274 on September 21, 2023, and now as Bill S-225. Your kind words during the second reading touched my heart. I am forever thankful for the way you have honoured Thanadelthur and acknowledged the shared history of the Dene and Cree. Kinanâskomitin.
I would also like to thank Senator Marilou McPhedran for your beautiful tribute to Thanadelthur on February 24, 2026, and for wearing red to honour Thanadelthur. Maci chok, from the bottom of my heart. [Indigenous language spoken]
I am here today to urge you to support Bill S-225, An Act to name February 5 as National Thanadelthur Day. I want to tell you why this bill is important, not just to me but to Indigenous youth and all Canadians.
I was 26 years old when I first heard the name “Thanadelthur.” I had just bought myself a red parka and showed it to my mother. My mother said, “Just like Thanadelthur, you got yourself a red jacket.” Then she told me, “Long ago, the Cree had guns, and they were killing our people. Because of Thanadelthur, we are still here today.” She also mentioned that Thanadelthur had made contact with the — and shaped our history. That means “Caucasian.”
Years later, while I was in university, I came across her name again. At the time, I was learning about many injustices that were inflicted on Indigenous Peoples before Confederation. The material was very heavy and painful, but, then, in a reading on Indigenous women in the fur trade, I came across a paragraph about Thanadelthur. Halfway through, I paused and said to myself, “Wait a minute here. This sounds familiar.” I went back and read it again. Slowly, I whispered to myself, “Tha-na-del-thur, Ttha-na-del-th’ur! Thanadelth’ur!” Then I remembered that my mom had told me about her.
I cannot explain how ecstatic I was then. The light in me ignited. I feel a deep sense of pride — pride as an Indigenous woman and pride as a Dene woman. That moment changed my life.
For the past 32 years, I have dedicated myself to learning, sharing and honouring the life and legacy of Thanadelthur. In the beginning, there were very few resources about her, but I started telling the story about her, presenting at education conferences, Indigenous gatherings, school assemblies, churches and at treaty gatherings across Canada. I have written a few children’s books and filmed YouTube videos. I am currently working on a documentary about her story.
Slowly, changes began to happen. Everyone in our community of Lac Brochet began wearing red on February 5. Elders were invited to the school to share her story. In 2002, the Petit Casimir Memorial School officially recognized February 5 as a day of honour and commemoration of Thanadelthur. Today, that recognition has grown into a full week of learning and celebration. Our school created bulletin boards, students participated in assemblies, and community members gathered for a feast. There are gift-giving dances, speeches and shared stories that keep her legacy alive.
Her recognition has grown beyond our community. In Churchill, the town’s central gathering space was named Thanadelthur Square. It is because of Thanadelthur that Churchill became a trading hub in 1717, and, yet, despite this progress, her story is still not widely known, even among our Dene communities.
That is why this moment happens: It is time for Canada to hear her story. Passing this bill would ensure that Thanadelthur’s legacy is recognized nationwide. It would create opportunities for education, reflection and pride.
Thanadelthur has shaped who I am today. She has given me pride in my identity. I want our children to learn about her in the very beginning, in daycare, headstart programs and throughout their school years. I want our Indigenous youth to know that their ancestors were leaders, peace makers and nation builders.
My 90-year-old uncle, Noel Antsanen, once told me in Dene, “You have been educated so you can advocate for your people.” Today, I am following his words.
Thanadelthur’s story is not just history; it is our living legacy. Through her actions, she taught us how to live with respect, build relationships and resolve conflicts peacefully. Her legacy stands as an example for all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
It is about overcoming hardships and working together for the benefit of everyone. As an educator, I teach figures, such as Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and more. These are important stories, but we also have powerful stories here — stories of our own grandmothers and grandfathers whose contributions have not been equally recognized in our national narrative. We who have the privilege of obtaining a Western education have a responsibility to speak for those who no longer can.
I stand before you today to ask for your support for Bill S-225, establishing National Thanadelthur Day on February 5. This is a meaningful step toward truth and reconciliation. More importantly, it opens the door for future generations to learn, understand and feel pride.
I want to mention that, last week, my 9-year-old grandson — someone mentioned Canadian heritage. They had a heritage fair in Winnipeg, and he won by presenting about Thanadelthur and her story. He’s only 9 years old, and he wants to go to the archives and study some more so he can present city-wide. He was excited and said, “Papa, I want to watch this on the internet. Please provide me with the internet.” That was about this session that’s happening right now.
So I hope those at the Crestview School are listening. I am truly honoured.
Meegweetch, ekosani, maci chok and thank you for your time.
I am the great-granddad of the treaty signer, the head councilman André Antsanen, and I stand and tell the story of my people. Maci.
[Translation]
The Chair: Thank you, Ms. Antsanen.
[English]
Now we will go with Mr. Modest Antsanen.
Modest Antsanen, Band Councillor, Northlands Denesuline First Nation: Good morning. Thank you. [Indigenous language spoken] Selot’ine, all relatives and honourable senators. I am here to express my strong support for Bill S-225, a bill introduced by Senator Mary Jane McCallum. Thank you.
My name is Modest Antsanen. I am an Education Band Councillor of Northlands Denesuline First Nation. I am from a small Dene community in northern Manitoba called Lac Brochet. I am here today to urge you to support Bill S-225, An Act to name February 5 as National Thanadelthur Day.
Chief Simon Denechezhe and the Council of Northlands Denesuline First Nation support Bill S-225. This act will honour a young Dene girl who negotiated a peace treaty that ended generations of conflict and bloodshed between the Dene and the Cree, and helped shape the development of Canada’s North.
Thanadelthur’s story is about bravery. It’s about love and caring for her people. It’s about working together peacefully. Her trailblazing efforts show us that our Indigenous women are resilient, strong leaders.
Thanadelthur’s story has survived for over 300 years through the stories told by our Elders. Our Elders always end the story by saying, “Because of her, we are still here.” Thanadelthur ensured we survived and that we have a better future. We owe a lot to Thanadelthur. Thanadelthur deserves recognition for her contributions to Canadian history.
Young Indigenous women and girls are actively seeking positive, authentic representation as they move through the challenges of both modern and traditional worlds. Establishing National Thanadelthur Day honours a young First Nations girl and recognizes the important contributions of Indigenous women in Canadian history. This recognition will have positive impacts on the well-being of our young women and girls moving forward.
Passing this bill is a symbolic, yet important, step toward truth and reconciliation. This bill brings light to the histories of Indigenous figures who contributed to the building of Canada and fostered peaceful relationships.
Designating February 5 ensures that future generations of Canadians learn about a remarkable legacy and the opportunity to honour the incredible woman that fosters a more inclusive national narrative.
As I honour and commemorate Thanadelthur, I urge the committee to adopt this bill to recommend swift passage through the Senate. Meegwetch. Thank you. Mahsi’cho
I wish to add that my Indian name is Betichok, which means caribou, a bull caribou. That is why I wear this medallion and vest, and my traditional colour is red. But it is hard to find a red shirt in the store unless you make them. I looked everywhere to find a red shirt, so the closest that I could get was burgundy. When you think of red, you know, that’s my colour — and February, and that is my sister.
I wanted to add that I’ve been on the council for 11 years. I worked in the school for 20 years in outdoor education, which is called “land-based” now; before that I was six years in framing. I did a lot with young kindergarteners to Grade 12 in land-base education and woodworking.
I trapped before that for 13 years. I did commercial fishing, summer and winter. I like summer better than winter — too cold to check nets. I just wanted to say thank you very much.
[Translation]
The Chair: Thank you. Thank you “coupou.”
[English]
The new word you say for thank you.
[Translation]
Thank you for your remarks.
[English]
Senator Francis: Thank you all for joining us this morning. My question is for anyone here. In your view, should the federal government commit to funding the creation of Indigenous-led educational resources to coincide with this day?
Ms. Antsanen: Thank you, Senator Francis. Who will say no to money, right? We have limited resources in our schools. A lot of times we have to steal resources by photocopying. The more we get — especially resources for our people and the stories of our people — that would be awesome. That would be like heaven for me, having more resources to use.
Because I spend many hours making photocopies of books for each — 23 students — so they can have a copy while I read to them. So, yes, more money, we are happy.
Mr. Antsanen: For me it is more stories about Thanadelthur, but other stories are legends. We need more stories put on paper for children to read. For me, we need more money.
One of them is Thanadelthur, but we have other legends we can put in books, children’s books we can read. We need more funding. Thank you.
Senator Prosper: Thank you to all of you here for sharing your stories.
Mr. Antsanen, thank you. I’m struck by your statement when you say it is because of her we are still here. There’s so much within a statement like that. You spoke earlier about your experience in education, particularly land-based learning, and your involvement with youth. And Ms. Antsanen, you also provide comments about more opportunities for education, reflection and pride; you linked pride with identity.
Can each of you share what that means? Or examples of how that pride is linked to identity through your experiences, particularly with youth, if you don’t mind? Thank you.
Ms. Antsanen: Senator, I cannot see your name. Senator Prosper.
Senator Prosper: Sorry.
Ms. Antsanen: Pride. I, too, grew up with Senator Mary Jane McCallum and the whole entourage of that series. We had no representation. In 1979, my teacher — I was very fortunate that I had a good teacher, a Dutch, in the spirit world. He brought the Dene stories into the classroom written by Margaret Reynolds, whom I finally got to meet last month, and there were Dene stories.
It was, like, wow. And we brought it home. We had a table conversation with our mothers and fathers. That meant so much to me than the series we grew up with.
Those stories that were introduced to me in 1979 I still use today to create resources. The Indigenous scholars who have written have given us so much identity, pride and meaning. As a girl and boy to hear that, it takes you to the sky, that it comes from our people, these teachings and words.
We have lots of wisdom. We had lots of magical stories, poetic, that are shared. I’m very fortunate to speak my language and to bring it into the mainstream language; it is very profound. It does wonders for adults and children alike. When I share those stories, people are honoured and uplifted.
Again, these are adults who are hearing these stories for the first time. They said, “We did not know we had that.” And I say, “We do.” I had the privilege to start asking questions when I was in university, in my language, and sharing the knowledge from our people. There is a lot of pride.
Our paths and our current time are meeting and becoming rich together. This kind of knowledge empowers our students, our youth, to say, “Wow, I didn’t know that.” “Wow,” meaning beyond just the words, that it is doing something to their spirit and giving them pride. Marsee.
Senator Prosper: Thank you.
Mr. Antsanen: For me, when I said, “We are here because of her.” When I think about things, I think 300 years ago. I think of February 5. Was there a calendar 300 years ago? That’s one thing. Why did she choose red? You know, Valentine’s Day, February, is red. Thanadelthur chose red, and then she went to look for her people. That is how they saw her — in red clothes.
When I think of the Canadian flag, I see red and white, and a maple leaf. As it happens, my colour is red. The other thing is, I was born on February 5.
Native people say, “Red people.” When I see the white in the Canadian flag, I see the Europeans, French and British who came to Canada. We all worked together for Canada to be what it is today. I wanted to add that.
When I worked in school, I could only work with the little groups that were there, so I chose to run for council. How could I help the kids? For 11 years, I have been on the council. I have always had the education portfolio because I care for kids.
It is hard for me to speak when I have a cold, and I get emotional sometimes.
If we had more resources, it would be a lot easier.
Thank you.
Senator Pate: Thank you to all of you for being here. Given that your grandson may be watching, I would like you to talk more about some of the other people you are telling your grandson about and maybe tell us a bit more about him as well.
Ms. Antsanen: My grandson is only yea high. The books that I wrote, first, I wrote the book for the early years because I am a teacher. The limited resources that are around there about Thanadelthur are for the middle years and up. One of the teachers asked me, “Do you have anything for early years?” I’m an educator. I speak the language. Who are you waiting for to write this story? You know the story, and you speak the language, bridge it together. So I wrote the early years book.
That covers grade school from kindergarten and up. But what about for the younger ones? What about my grandsons, who are not in school yet? What about the children who are out there who do not know? So I wrote a book for that young audience.
In the beginning, I dedicated it to the three grandchildren who are not in school yet. I started with the youngest one, Nick. I went with the way we call them: Nick, Cas and Bo — Nicholas, Caster and Bodhi. Bodhi is the eldest of the three boys. He is now in Grade 4. He is nine. The two boys who are in school now, Caster is going to the Manitoba School for the Deaf, and Bodhi. Both of them know the story. I read to them. They have their favourite parts.
Both of the boys want me to come to their school and tell the story during I Love to Read Month, and so I do that.
Then the school introduced the Heritage Fair. Bodhi said, “That is who I’m going to tell the story of.” I thought, hey, I heard that 32 years ago: I want to do my project on her.
So he did. He internalized that information, a nine-year-old saying, “I want to go to the archives. I want to see those maps. I want to see those journals.” I thought, wow, what did I create?
Imagine all of the little guys and little girls who know the story and who want to know the story of their people. Where are they going to go? This little guy says, “I want to go to the archives.” I did not even know what an archive was at age nine, let alone where Winnipeg was, because I was out in the boondocks growing up.
Telling this story — and thank you for asking about Bodhi — brings pride to them. Bodhi is part Cree and part Dene, and also Scottish and French, a mixture. This little guy is basically representing our country. Now he is getting ready and prepared for the city-wide Heritage Fair. That is the reason why he says, “I want to watch this, what is happening right now, and I want to go to the archives,” because he wants to build on what he had presented already.
The opportunities are great today with the media that we have, with the internet. He said, “I have to list my resources,” and I said, “You are only nine years old, but you have to list your resources?”
Thank you. Marsee.
Senator Clement: Hi, Bodhi.
Thank you again, Senator McCallum, and thank you to brother and sister for testifying so personally and emotionally. It is helpful to show that in public.
Ms. Antsanen, I want to interact with you. You said that pride and identity can take you to the sky. I loved the way that you said that. Thank you for referencing Harriet Tubman. For me that is a big moment of representation. I watched the movie about her life, the most recent one.
Can you talk about your documentary and what that is going to look like? Are you going to have language there? How are you going to tell the story in that format?
Ms. Antsanen: Thank you. Marsee, Senator Clement.
First of all, Harriet Tubman is my historical role model as well. She walked to save her people, the same as Thanadelthur. She walked kilometres from York Factory to our country, across the lands where mosquitoes are deadly and the winters can be fierce. Yet, it was for us to survive like Harriet Tubman.
Our stories carry so many skills and teachings. Learning about our people and our stories brings nationhood because our families, our grandfathers and grandmothers have taught us to be respectful and to care for each other. Our Inuit brothers and sisters have fed us when we were starving throughout our history. Our Cree brothers and sisters, like Horace McCallum, had fed our families during hardships as well.
Now, the documentary that we are working on is done by my work, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, under that umbrella. My colleague, Michael Hutchinson, used to be the anchor at CTV Winnipeg and also worked with APTN. He has very good writing, communication and directing skills. My colleague Daniel, who has been taking pictures and video footage — I call him my little brother. He’s Filipino — and my former colleague, Rachel, they took a lot of footage. We travelled. We have a little sister — I call her that — and she is East Indian. We went up to York Factory and took footage, and we went to the grounds of the Legislature in Winnipeg.
Within a few years of gathering information, we are at the tail end of that documentary. The stories are told by another sister colleague, a storyteller and a scholar, Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, whom you will hear from tomorrow, sharing our stories in Dene and in English. That documentary will be available soon. We are at the tail end. We are just piecing everything together. This will be a part of that story as well. It’s coming.
Senator Clement: Thank you.
Ms. Antsanen: Marsee.
The Chair: Thank you so much. This was a learning experience for me.
I would like to ask my colleagues if we can stay for the few minutes after this committee to do an in camera session to see how we should proceed with this important bill. There is another meeting tomorrow.
Before we go in camera, thank you so much. I will say “free moccasin” not as chair, but I wish that we can pass this bill. We are all independent. Colleagues, we will see tomorrow where we go with this important bill. Thank you.
Ms. Antsanen, you wanted to respond to Senator Prosper?
Ms. Antsanen: Yes. Senator Prosper, that quote by the Elders, “We are here because of Thanadelthur.” When our Elders tell the story about Thanadelthur, they tell us all the details, and at the end, humbly and thankfully, they will acknowledge her and say, “Because of Thanadelthur, we are still here.”
The guns were available to the Cree, who were the home guards around York Factory. They used the guns on us. We didn’t get to trade with York Factory. Our people didn’t get to trade. We were being killed. According to the Elders, we would have been extinct because of guns. Now, this is our way of thanking Thanadelthur. Because of her, we are still here to tell the story. Marsee.
[Translation]
The Chair: Thank you. We’re studying Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day.
[English]
Now we will proceed in camera.
(The committee continued in camera.)