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. 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.