Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  As was spoken of earlier, the economic engagement of indigenous peoples has been systematically legislated out. There were thriving and engaging economies and trade north, south, east and west before reserves were created. Past systems.... All of those barriers did not enable indigenous peoples to engage in the economy.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for that question. For First Nations University of Canada, one of the principles that we have is being responsive to communities across the country. An example of that is that we are certifying a Mohawk language program in Fort Erie. We've had programs in Northwest Territories.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Sure. Thank you.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the comment and the question. I'll begin by saying that there is this unique relationship between the federal government and first nation communities, which is entrenched within not only the treaties but also the Canadian Constitution. There is a commitment the federal government has to first nation communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The cost is dependent on the commitment of an organization. The institute itself is going to be housed within First Nations University of Canada. Right now, we have just under $7 million that will help launch the institute. A municipality, say, might choose four calls to indigenous economic prosperity that it's going to focus on.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, I can. Thank you for that comment and question. The national indigenous economic strategy that was launched two years ago, in 2022, was, as I mentioned, under four categories—infrastructure, finance, people and lands. There are approximately 25 calls to indigenous economic prosperity under each one of those categories.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's Prince Albert. It's in northern Saskatchewan. We have a campus there. We have three campuses. Even though the building is owned by Prince Albert Grand Council, which is a first nation organization, the employees within that campus do pay all taxes. That is a challenge we have right now with CRA.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Okay. Thank you.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for those comments. I think what we are doing is, to a large degree, positioning ourselves to take steps into new territory. Of course, there has been dialogue for many years about how first nations or indigenous peoples benefit or don't benefit from the taxes that are imposed upon them.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  —of indigenous knowledge systems. The institute is on its way to being launched. It is something that you will hear more about in the coming few months. Gichi meegwetch.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Aaniin, everyone. I'm humbled to join you today from Treaty 6 territory. I am originally from Fishing Lake First Nation, which is in Saskatchewan. It's a Saulteaux, or Anishinabe, community. I'm also president of First Nations University of Canada. Today, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), this committee has undertaken a study to examine economic reconciliation, including ways that existing tax revenues from businesses on first nation territories might be placed under the control of those first nations themselves.