Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We'll be having our own territory, our own land and a resource agreement where we're going to be managing roughly 25,194 square kilometres of land. We'll be managing the lands and resources within that territory, which includes the governance.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. I'd recommend dealing with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation directly and doing a proper assessment, getting us to do the assessment on a needs basis on how we can develop our own program, which will eventually sustain itself. What we're planning on doing with the $6 million we have is something totally different from how the GNWT has dealt with housing over the years.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. As I've mentioned, the Northwest Territories Métis Nation has never received housing funding. This year is going to be the first time, so we definitely have a lot of catch-up to do. We have first nations in the Northwest Territories specifically on reserves that have received up to $60 million so they can build up to 10 to 15 houses in their communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, we're recognized as Métis people. We have section 35 rights, protected by the Constitution as well. We're part of one of the recognized aboriginal peoples of Canada through UNDRIP, and we haven't received equitable treatment. They've dealt with the Métis National Council over the years, but not with the indigenous Métis of the Northwest Territories.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I believe our numbers are counted in with the Métis National Council, something that we have opposed. For the 27 years I've been there, we've opposed that. I've made that clear to all the INAC ministers I've met over the years. Settling a land claim with us is very important for the Northwest Territories.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. I think they have to deal directly, on a government-to-government basis, with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, for one thing. We've been lobbying for a long time. I've been involved in this for 27 years now. I've continually and always put it through that the Métis National Council does not represent the Northwest Territory Métis Nation.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes. I have just a couple of more points. In our recommendations, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation seeks access to federal housing programs and funds on a par with first nations to address the housing needs of our Métis members and communities. The Métis Nation is requesting the Government of Canada to take meaningful steps to provide annual distinction-based funding to the Northwest Territory Métis Nation so that the Métis Nation can provide adequate housing programs and services to our indigenous Métis members.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. As president of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, I am pleased to have the opportunity to appear before the standing committee on aboriginal peoples. Here is some historic background on the indigenous Métis of the Northwest Territories. We have a distinct history, culture and way of life separate and independent from the Dene people, with whom we share relations.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In the meantime, I did email all my speaking notes, so hopefully you can just take my speaking notes and go with that. It's unfortunate that that's the way this is going. It seemed to be fine earlier when we did a test.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Okay. Can you hear me now? Is it a bit better? I don't know. I did the sound check.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. As the president of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, I'm pleased for the opportunity to appear before the standing committee on aboriginal peoples. For a little background, indigenous Métis in the Northwest Territories—