THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
EVIDENCE
OTTAWA, Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met with videoconference this day at 6:53 p.m. [ET] to study Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day; and, in camera, to examine and report on the Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders.
Senator Michèle Audette (Chair) in the chair.
[Translation]
The Chair: [Innu-aimun spoken]. You’ve travelled a long way. [Innu-aimun spoken] the Anishinaabe people.
[English]
Before we begin, we all know, as senators, how we have to take care of the amazing people behind us who do the interpretation and translation for this meeting, so let’s ensure that we don’t bring the earpiece too close to the microphone, iPhone or iPad. If we don’t use it, we can keep it on the sticker placed on the table. Thank you.
I mentioned in innu-aimun an acknowledgment of the Anishinaabe people of this land. I say thank you to them and to the ancestors who lived on this place, who welcome us on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Nation and many other nations also, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Canadiens and some Québécoise — half of me, I would say — from across Turtle Island.
I am Michèle Audette, Innu from Mani-Utenam, and chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.
I would like to invite my beautiful colleagues to introduce themselves.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: Nancy Karetak-Lindell. I represent Nunavut.
Senator Pate: Kim Pate. I live here on the unceded, unsurrendered and unreturned territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation.
Senator McPhedran: Marilou McPhedran, independent senator for Manitoba, which is Treaty 1 territory and also the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.
Senator McCallum: Senator Mary Jane McCallum. It is good to see you again. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Manitoba region.
Senator Clement: Bernadette Clement, for Ontario, but I’m from Cornwall, Ontario, located on the traditional territory of the Mohawk people of Akwesasne.
Senator Tannas: Scott Tannas from Alberta.
Senator Sorensen: Karen Sorensen, Alberta, Banff National Park, Treaty 7 territory.
Senator Greenwood: Margo Greenwood. I’m Nihio from Treaty 6 territory in what is now known as central Alberta. I am here from British Columbia.
[Translation]
The Chair: Thank you very much.
[English]
I want to also acknowledge the people that came yesterday and were amazing witnesses. Welcome back to the APPA committee.
It is a great honour to continue this work on the study of Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day.
Today, the witnesses will be by video conference. You will hear a mix of French and English when I speak with you.
We welcome Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, Educator, Educational Consultant, Professor, Historian, from Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation. Also, as an individual, we welcome Florence Hamilton, founder and owner of the Dene Routes.
Thank you for being here with us. Even though it’s virtual, we will hear you and feel your spirit in this room. We can start with the opening remarks from Ms. Tsannie-Burseth.
Rosalie Emilie Tsannie-Burseth, Educator, Educational Consultant, Professor, Historian, Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation: Good afternoon. I would like to recognize the distinguished assembly of senators. My apologies, your names went by too fast.
I would like to acknowledge the chiefs who are there: Lucy Antsanen, my colleague and friend; Modest Antsanen, my friend and cousin; and Dene representatives. Today, I see Florence on here. It is awesome to see you.
Today is a significant occasion, as we honour an individual whose character has positively influenced the Dene community for more than three centuries.
First, I want to thank Senator Mary Jane McCallum for her unwavering agenda to recognize Thanadelthur.
[Indigenous language spoken].
My name is Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth. I am from the Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation in northern Saskatchewan. I am situated in Treaty 10 territory. I am a lifelong learner.
I put together some notes, which is something that I’ve done for many years. I have studied Thanadelthur and listened to the Elders tell her story.
Thanadelthur was captured by Cree in 1713. She and her family were hunting in the Barrenlands in the vicinity of Chesterfield Inlet and Eskimo Point, now known as Arviat. She and another young Dene woman were captured. The girls were held captive by a Cree leader.
Thanadelthur and her Dene friend escaped captivity. According to oral history passed down by Elders, she followed the Cree back to their post, while another version suggests that she and her friend fled when their captor was attending a tribal meeting. During their escape, her friend died just days before Thanadelthur encountered Hudson’s Bay Company men who were hunting geese near the fort.
Exhausted and near starvation, she collapsed close to Ten Shilling Creek. One of the hunters initially thought she was an animal, but upon noticing movement, he investigated further and discovered her. The men brought her into the fort to recover.
For those interested in fiction inspired by historical accounts and archives, James Houston’s novel Running West offers a romanticized account, including ceremonial details and the traditions of the Dene.
Very quickly, James Knight realized she was an asset to the company. She wore a gold amulet, and he questioned her about it. She told Knight tales of “gold, copper and wealth on her homeland.” Governor James Knight had an agenda. He aimed to bring the Dene and Cree together for peace negotiations. During this period, intertribal conflicts were widespread, with the Cree possessing firearms and essential tools. The Cree deliberately prevented the Dene from trading, keeping them at a distance until a young woman stepped forward and made her mark in Canadian history.
Thanadelthur was determined to fulfill her mission. While captive, she observed the guns and tools used by the Cree and realized their usefulness for her people. She deeply desired a better life for them.
She took leadership of the expedition with William Stuart, who was assigned to protect Thanadelthur due to the hostility of the Cree toward her. Thanadelthur managed every aspect of the “walk for peace,” drawing on her traditional teachings to guide the group, day and night. When they arrived in Dene territory, she was well acquainted with the northern boreal landscape. The land itself, along with ancestral stories passed down through generations, provided her with direction, as these narratives had long guided the Dene people.
The oral stories are part of her narrative. Much about Thanadelthur remains unrecorded in archives and literature. Her story continues to live on within the memories of the Dene people. She is cherished by her community, with Elders sharing various accounts of her life.
After she came upon a massacre of her kin, she was enraged. William Stuart and the Cree did not want to go any farther. They were deathly afraid of the Dene. Although, the Cree had guns, they feared the Dene: with their strength and accuracy in using spears, they knew they would be killed. By the time you load a musket, the spear will have reached its target. Stuart said, “This mission is done; we cannot go any farther. It is a lost cause now.” Thanadelthur stepped in and said, “Please give me 10 days. I will find my people and bring them back for a peace negotiation.” The Cree were skeptical about her request. Being the strong-willed person she was, she convinced them to stay. She was only given 10 days. They told her, “If you are not back on the tenth day, we will leave without you.”
The 10 days are not recorded in history; it is recorded in the minds of Dene through oral storytelling. She began her journey alone. She was in Dene country. However, convincing her people was a difficult task. With all her might and persuasion, she managed to convey her message. She was hoarse from yelling out to her people, [Indigenous language spoken] “I am Thanadelthur.” Someone heard her. An Elder sent two young scouts and runners to find out where this voice was coming from. The young men saw her at a distance. She was wearing red. They hid in snow drifts and jumped out when she approached. She nearly fainted, and they realized she was Dene. Someone said, “We thought you were dead.” The scouts ran back to tell the Elders that it was Thanadelthur. They were so happy to see her alive.
Thanadelthur told her people she brought gifts from the company and urged them to make peace with the Cree, assuring them it would end their fear. She offered tools, tea, sugar, tobacco, files and hatchets, which were unfamiliar to the Dene. An Elder predicted the gifts would help but might also bring sickness.
The camp waited for 10 days. Stuart and the Cree waited for Thanadelthur, and on the tenth day and the last hour, it was an epic moment in history. She came over a hill toward the camp. [Indigenous language spoken]. “I am back.” It seemed she was alone; her Dene people knew how to camouflage. She called out to her kinsmen, and her people stepped out of the trees.
At first, the peace talks stalled due to mutual distrust. Thanadelthur brought everyone together at the fire to share a pipe. She said, “Years from now, around the fires, whose names will be remembered from this day?”
After her death posthumous accolades recognize her. She is held with great honour, especially in the minds of Dene people through oral history. She is credited for honouring life to the Dene people.
Thanadelthur is considered the first woman in Dene history to be recognized as one of the few women who have achieved a place in the history of the Canadian North.
In 2000, Thanadelthur was recognized by the Government of Canada as a Person of National Historic Significance.
In 2003, she was also named an historical role model for youth by the Government of Canada. This acknowledgment was initiated by the Churchill Ladies Club and Sayisi Dene Chief Powderhorn.
In 2017, the Dene Sayisi of Tadoule Lake, the communities of Black Lake and Hatchet Lake, Dene First Nations along with Parks Canada, gathered, commemorating 300 years honouring her contribution to the Dene.
In 2017, Thanadelthur was bestowed honours with a commemorative plaque in Churchill, Manitoba, unveiled by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, said the following:
I am proud of the commemoration of Thanadelthur, an inspiring woman who occupied a central role in the consolidation and expansion of the northern fur trade. Her story highlights the significant contributions of Indigenous women in our country’s history, and her accomplishments, as a result of her peace-making attitude, are an inspiration for all of us. I invite all Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the land of Canada.
In 2019, the mayor of Churchill and citizens renamed Hudson Square to Thanadelthur Square.
In 2026, I have been working with a Quebec film company called Rebelles, which features series of short films that spotlight the lives of rebel women who found a way to break the rules to make the world a better place. Thanadelthur has been selected as one of ten rebel women in Canada who made history by following their passion for a better world. They will tell Thanadelthur’s story through collage animations. They use a mixture of archives and AI-created images to illustrate her story. We anticipate the release of this short film 14 minutes in length in the near feature.
I have seen many short essays written by Dene students from Wollaston Lake and many other Dene communities.
In her honour, we wear red on February 5, every year.
First and foremost, we should remember her in the hearts of the Dene people. Her legacy deserves to be preserved in archives, history books, educational curricula and film.
In 2017, I reached out to the Hudson’s Bay Company, requesting the construction of a large statue in her honour, recognizing her significant role in contributing to the company’s prosperity. Unfortunately, I never received a response. You know where Hudson’s Bay Company is now.
Thanadelthur was a striking young woman whose appearance played a role in her survival as a Cree woman who was spared women because she was pleasing to the eye. She was described as having a flat, brown face typical of a “copper” woman with large, doe-like eyes, a broad, handsome nose, full lips and dark black hair. Her eyes stood out the most, filled with determination and an intensity rarely seen in anyone, male or female. Despite being only five foot nothing, she possessed a strong spirit and refused to submit to any man in a time dominated by male patriarchy. She was not afraid to speak her mind and was respected, even feared, by those around her. Imagine how Canada might be different today if people embodied her qualities.
Her peace journey was so important to her that she used all her power and might to establish peace and was admired by people who knew her, including the company clerk who admired her.
William Stuart was full of admiration. He described her as follows:
Indeed, she has a devilish spirit, and I believe that if there were but 50 of her country men of the same carriage and resolution, they would drive all the . . . southern . . . Indians in America out of their country.
A remarkable young woman, deeply devoted to her people, emerged from history to make a lasting impact on Canada, an achievement worthy of respect. Her dedication to brokering peace and her leadership during a famous expedition played an important role in Canada’s prosperity. In recognition of her contributions, she is deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize and a national commemoration as Thanadelthur Day.
I support Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day, February 5.
She is my hero, my princess, my Cinderella. Mahsi’cho. Thank you.
The Chair: Thank you so much. You said rebelles in French perfectly. The next witness, Ms. Hamilton, the floor is yours.
Florence Hamilton, Founder and Owner, Dene Routes, as an individual: [Indigenous language spoken].
Hello, my name is Florence. I am Sayisi Dene.
Honourable senators, respected guests and everyone gathered around the table, I would like to especially acknowledge Senator Mary Jane McCallum for her work and dedication to this bill. Your effort to bring forward this recognition means a great deal.
I thank you, Rosalie, for your extensive knowledge and history on Thanadelthur.
I stand before you today as a Dene woman from northern Manitoba, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in support of Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day. This proposed legislation calls for the recognition of February 5 as a national day of reflection and recognition in Canada. This date marks the passing of Thanadelthur in 1717, a young Dene woman whose story is recorded in the journals of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Her name may not be widely known across this country, but her actions played a meaningful role in the early relationships between Indigenous nations and the expansion of the fur trade in the North.
Thanadelthur is described as a young Dene woman who showed extraordinary courage and intelligence during a time of uncertainty and change. She helped support communications between the Cree and the Dene Peoples, contributing to the efforts towards peace and understanding. Her role is also connected to the early development of the trade routes that helped shape the North and, ultimately, Canada itself.
However, while these records exist, I also want to acknowledge something important. Much of what we know about her comes from written accounts outside our own Indigenous oral traditions. Because of that, her story is understood differently among Indigenous Peoples today. As a member of the Sayisi Dene, I respect that the different Dene Peoples may carry different perspectives on how she is remembered.
That diversity of understanding is real, and it matters. But I also believe there is space for shared recognition.
For me, this is deeply personal. I did not grow up learning this story. It was only later, on my journey of reconnecting with my Dene identity, history and traditions, that I came to learn about Thanadelthur. When I did, I felt something I had been searching for: I felt pride: pride in her strength, pride in her courage and pride in what she represents as a Dene woman.
It made me reflect on something important. If our young people could grow up learning stories like this — stories that reflect who they are and where they come from — we could help build a strong sense of identity. We could help them feel proud. And when young people feel proud about who they are, they become stronger in how they walk in the world.
Recognizing February 5 through Bill S-225 would not be about rewriting history; it would be about broadening it. It would be about acknowledging that Canada’s story is incomplete without Indigenous women like Thanadelthur. This national day would honour Indigenous women in Canadian history, whose roles are often overlooked but deeply significant.
It would create opportunities for education about early northern relations, the fur trade era and the relationships between Indigenous nations and early trading companies. It would support reconciliation not only through word but through recognition, visibility and inclusion in our national story. It would ensure that future generations understand that Indigenous women were not passive in history but active contributors to the foundation of this country.
Honourable senators, Bill S-225 is not just about the past. It’s about how we choose to recognize history and how we choose to carry it forward. Recognizing National Thanadelthur Day would ensure that Thanadelthur is not only remembered in historical records but honoured as part of Canada’s living identity. It would send a message to Indigenous people, Canadians and future generations that these stories matter and that Indigenous women matter. I respectfully ask for your support in passing Bill S-225, An Act to establish National Thanadelthur Day. Mahsi’cho.
The Chair: Thank you very much.
I don’t know if you heard, but senators just applauded the two of you for your beautiful message.
[Translation]
We will now proceed to questions and comments with the witnesses, if the senators wish to ask questions.
[English]
Senator McPhedran: Thank you to those who are with us in the room and those who are with us online.
I want to pick up on a point that was quite recently made about instilling pride in young people. I want to invite more commentary on that. We know that we have a day, a colour and a history. How do you see using that, sharing that and seeing that result that you’ve talked about, which is increasing the pride in young people, and where that might take young people?
Ms. Hamilton: For myself, as I stated, I grew up disconnected from my Dene heritage, and it wouldn’t be until later on in life that I reconnected and found my voice through reconnecting to my Dene heritage and being filled with pride. Now this is what I do. I share in the community, I share her history and I share the importance of learning about who we are as Indigenous Peoples.
I’ve spoken to thousands of people and thousands of visitors who have come through Churchill, and not only people from here, but people who come from other parts of the world. They leave my presentation saying, “I am a part of Indigenous heritage, and because of your presentation, I’m going to go home and look into that part of my heritage.”
I know, from self-experience and reaching out to the younger generation, that light that you put in their eyes, and it’s in their heart. Our young people are walking with that strength and that courage, like Thanadelthur, but they don’t know it yet. It needs to be brought out.
Senator McPhedran: Thank you. May I ask if you were involved in creating the naming of Thanadelthur Square in Churchill?
Ms. Hamilton: In a small part. At the time, I was working at York Factory First Nation, a national historic site. When I came home, the renaming of the square was taking place. I played a very small part in it, just being present there. I understood that that work was being done.
Senator McPhedran: Thank you.
Senator McCallum: Thank you to everyone again for coming in: those in person and those presenting online.
Could you tell us how many years you have kept her story alive, and how many bands or grassroots groups were involved in deciding that a national day is the most appropriate way to honour Thanadelthur’s legacy? What other ways of commemorating her have been discussed? You did say part of that.
I’m just trying to give the committee a sense of all the work you have done over the hundreds of years through the oral story, but also when you had the Treaty 10 gatherings and went to different communities. Can you tell us a bit about that history? I’ll ask Rosalie. We were together in Brochet and in Lac.
Ms. Tsannie-Burseth: I was raised on oral stories of Thanadelthur. I was raised to honour her almost like a fairytale person. I’ve studied her for years. I’ve taught at universities. I teach teachers who are interested in the history of First Nations people in general anyway. I always have a chapter on Thanadelthur. I pass her story along. We’ve organized the Treaty 10 gatherings.
I remember when I first made contact with Churchill, it was December 18, and I knew 300 years was coming up. So I looked through the phone book or Googled it and found the number for Churchill. I connected with someone from York Factory, and I said, “I’m really interested to know what Churchill is going to be doing for Thanadelthur because 300 years is just around the corner.”
After I did my spiel about her, they said, “Oh, it’s not really this department. I’ll connect you to Parks Canada.” Then I ended up talking to someone named Mike. I had to talk fast. It was almost the Christmas holidays, and it was the very last hour when I called. I told him I was really interested in gathering Dene people. He said, “Oh, my god, 10 minutes ago, we were just talking about that.” His name was Mike, and he had said, “I wonder if any Dene people would be interested in this 300-year commemoration.” He said, “You phoned in perfect timing.” That’s how it started.
Since then, we’ve done two trips up to Churchill, and we’ve taken some Elders. What really resonated with me in my heart was taking the Elders. We took them out on a tour on the ocean, and we went to the fort. Some Elders said — I’m sorry. I was raised — [Indigenous language spoken]. The Elders raised me, and she was about 76 years old. I heard all these stories about Thanadelthur. I never thought I would come here to see and learn about it from a different perspective. That really gave me something in my heart to further do the work I’ve been doing about her.
As teachers — Lucy and teachers who are in the assembly here — know that you want to inspire the minds of young people. Sometimes, if you ask students, “Who is your hero,” most likely it might be Batman, but I’ve kind of reversed that by saying, “Thanadelthur.” She is the one who should be our hero.
I do it in different forums. I would like to continue the oral histories. I have a lot of stories about her, so I would like to continue with that as well. Storytelling is really something. You inspire kids. You have them in front of you, and you tell them about this little girl back in the 1700s trying to make a difference for her Dene people and the strength and resilience that she had. That’s part of the work I do. I do a lot of writing, and a part of my writing is about her too, still.
Senator Clement: Ms. Hamilton, the way you spoke inspires me to tell a personal story.
I’ve been saying in my speeches in the past year that we need to say their names, so I’ve been saying the names of the women who inspire me in my speeches. Yesterday, I felt a bit intimidated to say her name because I didn’t know if I could say it: Thanadelthur.
I was responsible for scroll for my group of senators. What that means is that every day we would look at the bills that were being discussed and put them on the list for discussion. Senator McCallum has been working on this, as you know, for a long time. I have seen that bill on our Order Paper for a long time. In our meetings, we would say, “What’s that bill?” Then we would struggle to say the name, and we wouldn’t say it. I regret that now because now I know more about who she is, and I wish that I had been able to say her name in those meetings to show how important this woman is. Thank you for that inspiration.
I have a question for Ms. Tsannie-Burseth. You were talking about a video, and you were describing her looks. I think it’s interesting to describe a hero’s looks. I can picture her with her doe eyes and her skin.
So I am just asking you about the short video you were planning or that you had made. This story could be a movie — Hollywood, absolutely. This story has that breadth. Could you speak more about the video and what plans are around that? I know Lucy was talking about the documentary yesterday, but you were talking about a video — getting this story out to more people.
Ms. Tsannie-Burseth: I’m helping with the script right now because we have some Dene words in there. They’ve done a lot of research. It’s an honour for her to be selected as 10 of the most influential women in Canadian history. We’re working on it now, but I can’t say any more than that. I did mention her anniversary. They’re going to consider that, as well.
It really is a beautiful story because they have a little bit of a spin to it where it’s more like a cartoon. It’s animated. The videos that I’ve seen talk about the women who made an influence in history, and I really like it. I think it’s worthwhile. It’s geared for people aged 12 to 16, but adults, in general. I love that it’s going to be happening.
Senator Clement: Thank you.
The Chair: Even if we give you a little moose, caribou or geese, we could have a little more information — a tip? Okay.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: It was wonderful to hear yesterday and today the stories. Hello, Florence.
Your story really struck me because so many people’s stories are about how, late in life, we go back to our roots. It’s always really sad to hear that we didn’t have that opportunity growing up. Many of us went to residential school, so that stopped us from learning about our own cultures. The fact that you took this up quite late in life, as you were saying, and shared your story, struck me.
Is it now being put into schools? Rosalie can answer afterward. Is it part of the curriculum now? What are you doing to ensure that the story is in the schools and not other material that we can’t really relate to?
I’ll start with Florence, and then Rosalie can answer too.
Ms. Hamilton: Hello, Nancy.
Yes, it is being taught in schools now — the story of Thanadelthur. Here, in Churchill, it has been since the 215 children who were found that there are a lot of Indigenous cultural teachings in the school now. So, they’re really starting to learn about the history around this area of the Indigenous Peoples. When I went to school, I never heard any of that history. I didn’t hear anything about my people. I didn’t hear anything about Thanadelthur. There is great history on my grandfather, as well.
I’m proud to say that it’s all being taught in school today. We have a few Indigenous teachers in the schools who work with the children, teaching them the language. The drumming is in the schools. There is a lot of cultural teaching in schools today and Indigenous history.
Senator Karetak-Lindell: That’s good to hear.
Rosalie, would you like to add to that?
Ms. Tsannie-Burseth: Okay. As I said earlier, oral storytelling has to continue, because that’s how I learned — as well as the teachers. You asked if there is a curriculum. It is a big job ahead of us to do that, to ensure it’s in the history books.
When we went to Churchill in 2017, we had a group of students who did a script. We re-enacted Thanadelthur’s story there. One of the students who helped was a young Dene woman who was studying in Toronto to be a script writer. We were so lucky to have her. We chose a young woman from Fond du Lac. She fit the description of Thanadelthur — very beautiful.
We took that story to Churchill. Being a teacher, I should realize that, at one point, we talked. There were some comments in the script that talked about the “dirty, mangy dogs.” This was toward the Cree. We had a discussion about that. I apologized. I should have read that beforehand but we’re getting this from the books.
For us, the Cree, you can see they usually didn’t take young women in captivity when they were beautiful — so the owners gave life that way. [Indigenous language spoken] in Dene means “they gave them life,” not in terms of birth, but in terms of keeping them alive.
If I were to do this again, I’d like to have a lot of children involved in acting and script writing, and do a more refined history in a really positive light. At one point, the Dene were in the middle, the Inuit were in the North and the Cree in the South. So it’s through the history that we had intertribal wars, but, now, we’re working together with land claims. We’re working things out. It’s not that we’re angry with each other anymore; this was 300 years ago.
I appreciate the fact that Senator McCallum went and started the process of reconciliation with the Cree and Dene. I was there. It was very powerful.
That is the type of reconciliation our students have to learn about, not only how she went through life, but how we need to reconcile. She would be another concept about missing and murdered women. We put all of that into the curriculum together, and there are a lot of ideas. I am a curriculum writer, as well, and I know Lucy has done quite a few books. I’ve written an article about her. I like writing, and I write about her. Anyone who would listen to me, I would tell them.
When I tell that story about the 10 days, that epic moment, I surprise myself of not being teary-eyed, because that was a moment in history. When a woman says she is going to do something, she does it. This is where she really put this whole story on the map in Canada.
Senator Prosper: Thank you to our witnesses here. I am so appreciative of you for sharing your stories and the activities that you’re undertaking. I see how it connects Indigenous Peoples, not just in your regions. It derived from your region, but it provides a ray of hope to all Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people, as well.
Reconciliation is a subject that has been discussed largely within the Indigenous and non-Indigenous context under the guise of truth and reconciliation, but there’s also another element of reconciliation that has been underpinning a lot of this, and it’s reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples within communities. I can only imagine how that really translates with all your efforts, for everything you do, and how it really empowers our youth and our people.
Just going back to you, Ms. Hamilton, you mentioned pride and your own journey and the connection between pride and self-esteem and how we as Indigenous People have been deprived of our history. Even the history that’s there is from another perspective and lens and not from our own lens.
I don’t have a question specifically, but I just want to recognize your dream and your work. The impact of that will have lasting effects through multiple generations. I just want to recognize that for you, and thank you for that. Wela’lioq.
Senator McCallum: Thank you for that, Senator Prosper, and everyone in this room. Yesterday, I could feel the spirit in this room; it was beautiful.
I want to thank the Dene for sharing their vulnerability and not being afraid to show it to us.
I want to acknowledge my father for demonstrating his respect and care that he had with the Dene people. He was actually there more than on our reserve because his trapline was there.
This is a generational work that we carry forward together now, because the Crees moved in, in 1924, so it was starting again. But I needed to appeal to you for some help. We’re going to need your help to appeal to the House of Commons to speedily pass this bill. I’ll talk to you about it and have leadership, grassroots, and your advocates could help with that. That would be appreciated. Thank you.
The Chair: Thank you.
Senator Pate: I wanted to thank everyone and thank Senator McCallum for bringing this forward and for persisting. I echo what Senator Clement said. Many of us were saying, what is this bill? It has been such an incredible privilege to learn about it through this yesterday and today. Thank you for all your work. It has made me want to go look for more.
The Chair: Now we’ll go to a clause-by-clause examination.
Is it agreed that the committee proceed to a clause-by-clause examination?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[Translation]
The Chair: Shall the title stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the preamble stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall clause 2 carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[English]
The Chair: Shall clause 3 carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[Translation]
The Chair: Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the preamble carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[English]
The Chair: Shall the title carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[Translation]
The Chair: Shall the bill carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Does the committee wish to consider appending observations to the report?
Hon. Senators: No.
The Chair: Is it agreed that the chair reports this bill to the Senate, in both official languages?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
[English]
The Chair: We will now move in camera.
(The committee continued in camera.)
[Translation]
(The committee resumed in public.)
The Chair: Honourable senators, is it agreed to adopt the budget request for 2026?
Senator Pate: Yes.
The Chair: Thank you, Senator Pate. I see that everyone around the table agrees.
Honourable senators, the budget will be submitted to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration for consideration by the Subcommittee on Senate Estimates at the next meeting. This brings us to the end of our meeting today.
(The committee adjourned.)