Honourable senators, Senator Audette has asked me, rather in a spirit of the moment, to speak today. Across the street, the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly is currently meeting. Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, councillors, youth and grassroots leaders from across Canada will be joining us in the gallery and online today.

The Assembly of First Nations, or AFN, is the national advocacy body, representing 634 First Nations across Turtle Island. It is a body comprised of an assembly of Chiefs who, in turn, elect a National Chief whose role is to push the priorities that the assembly agrees to by passing resolutions.

As a former Chief and Regional Chief, I have acute awareness and understanding of the work that Chiefs do on behalf of their people. I know the competing priorities on a Chief’s time and the delicate balance of addressing issues at the local, provincial, territorial and national level. It is not an easy job.

On behalf of Senator Audette and myself, I want to acknowledge and thank Chiefs all across this country for your service and your dedication to your communities and your nations.

I want to thank the youth who take the time to learn from and support their leaders as they train and nurture themselves to become leaders themselves.

I want thank the women, the grassroots leaders and all those who step forward to push hard on what they believe in. It is your energy, devotion and love for your people that make us, in turn, want to push harder and be unwavering in our support for you and your priorities.

Wela’lioq. Thank you very much.