The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of the eight youth participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023 as well as Elders Simon Brascoupé, Ruth Kadlutsiak and Reta Gordon. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Francis.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I rise today to give a warm welcome to the participants of this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders. These eight inspiring youth are here to share their perspectives on this year’s theme: Indigenous education.

Honourable colleagues, this issue is very close to my heart. As a former teacher, I know that quality education can uplift and empower our youth to succeed. I have seen first-hand the power of education in a classroom setting, but I have so much to learn from these youth who are here today. These young Indigenous leaders are here to share their experiences on education with us, and it is in our very best interest to listen.

It is now my pleasure to introduce two of these wonderful Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders participants.

Dylan Adam is Métis from Princeton, which is in my home province of British Columbia. For the past five years, he has served as the youth representative for the Vermillion Forks Métis Association. In this role, he has helped organize community events and worked to promote Métis culture. Mr. Adam is currently a full-time student at the University of British Columbia — Okanagan where he is pursuing a degree in political science.

I would also like to welcome Helaina Moses. She is a 27‑year‑old member of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation in Mayo, Yukon. She grew up learning how to hunt, trap and fish with her grandfather. He learned those skills at a young age because he did not have access to grocery stores or highways. Ms. Moses credits both her grandparents for teaching her to become an environmentalist. She also ran for her local band council because she believes her government needs young, strong voices advocating for change.

Honourable senators, please join me in welcoming this incredible group.

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Honourable senators, it is my pleasure to stand today to welcome the participants of this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders. These eight young people are joining us as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month in June. It’s a time to honour the resilience, contributions and storied history of the Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples across the country. It is also a time to reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the many ways in which our country has failed Indigenous peoples.

Honourable colleagues, the youth here today remind us that we can do better. They are working hard to support their respective communities, and they are true role models for Indigenous youth across the country.

Their presentations to our committee this morning were heartwarming and inspirational. It is with my deepest respect, awe and gratitude that I stand before you to introduce two of these young leaders.

I would first like to welcome Dina Koonoo who has come all the way from Pond Inlet to be with us. She is the manager of the Early Years program for Pirurvik Preschool in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. As part of her role, Ms. Koonoo facilitates the support of mothers, fathers, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families. She especially loves working with women and children in her community.

I would also like to introduce Katherine Merrell-Anderson who is from Elizabeth Métis Settlement. She’s joining us from Treaty 6 territory, also known as Edmonton, Alberta. She is a social worker in a school district where she works to ensure that her students have a safe environment to connect to their culture.

Honourable senators, please join me in welcoming Ms. Koonoo, Ms. Merrell-Anderson and the rest of this amazing group of young Indigenous leaders.

Hon. David M. Arnot: Honourable senators, I rise today to welcome and celebrate this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders participants. It has been an incredible honour to participate in this event as the Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.

I have had the opportunity to meet with this dynamic group during a beautiful reception last evening and again this morning for the opening ceremonies. What strikes me most is their passion. It is clear that they care deeply about their communities and the work that they do. Honourable colleagues, I hope that you will take the time today to listen to their stories and ideas. May we all work together to create a better country for First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth.

I would like to introduce two more of the participants to you today, both with Saskatchewan connections.

Chante Speidel travelled here from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she studies at the University of Saskatchewan. She is Swampy Cree from the Treaty 4 territory in Manitoba, the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. She’s also Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. She’s a Lakota speaker. In 2017, when she was 15 years old, she became a national leader as the youth ambassador for the Manito Ahbee Festival to raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. She is also the youth adviser for the Oyateki Partnership, and she manages her own youth-led organization named Techa Oaye.

Also from Saskatchewan is Paula MacDonald. She’s a Saulteaux-Cree deaf woman and a member of the Pasqua First Nation, from Treaty 4 territory. She now lives here in Ottawa, where she advocates for the Indigenous deaf youth community throughout Canada. She attends talking circles to share the voices of Indigenous deaf youth. Her long-term goal is to continue working with Indigenous deaf communities to improve accessibility and provide expanded resources for the home, school, community and health care sectors.

On behalf of the Senate, thank you both for being here.

Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today during National Indigenous History Month to pay tribute to the participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders — an event hosted by the Indigenous Peoples Committee, with support from the Senate Communications Directorate.

Each year, Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders provides participants — who represent the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples — with a unique opportunity to learn more about the role of the Senate. More importantly, the event provides us with a chance to learn from them.

In line with the theme of this year’s event, which is education in all of its forms, Indigenous people aged 18 to 35 were invited to share their knowledge, experiences and perspectives a few months ago. Out of the more than 100 written submissions received, eight young people were invited to travel from their communities across Turtle Island to meet face to face with senators in Ottawa this week.

Yesterday morning, participants had the honour of meeting Governor General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, at Rideau Hall, and in the evening attended a welcome reception in the Senate.

Earlier today, four participants testified at the Committee on Indigenous Peoples. The remaining four participants will appear later tonight. I hope all senators take the time to listen, learn and support these remarkable young leaders.

I want to now introduce you to two of the participants in more detail.

Audrey-Lise Rock-Hervieux hails from the Innu community of Pessamit, Quebec. She is the creator of the blog “Maman Autochtone.” She also works for Puamun Meshkenu, a non-profit organization that supports Indigenous youth, and for Terre Innue, a film production company. Audrey-Lise hopes to use her voice to empower Indigenous youth to make their dreams come true.

Muin Ji’j, or Bertram Bernard, is a Mi’kmaq business researcher and professional from Eskasoni First Nation. He completed a Master of Business Administration at Cape Breton University, where he focused his research thesis on improving the socio-economic well-being of Indigenous people in Canada. More recently, Muin Ji’j was accepted into the Harvard Business School’s Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities certificate program.

Honourable senators, please join me in giving Audrey-Lise, Muin Ji’j and the rest of this group a warm welcome. Let’s make their visit a memorable one. Wela’lin, thank you, tshinashkumitin.