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.

Today I stand before you to advocate that first nations should have autonomous control over the existing revenue streams from their own territories' resources. We've already heard one example.

One thing we're doing—this is beyond the notes here—at First Nations University of Canada is launching a national indigenous economic prosperity institute. At this pivotal moment in our ongoing journey towards economic empowerment and self-determination for indigenous communities throughout Canada, the national indigenous economic strategy—and this is the connection here—which was launched two years ago, is a foundational and essential document and one that encourages and guides economic reconciliation in Canada.

The NIES is a blueprint for the inclusion of indigenous peoples in the Canadian economy and envisions a future where indigenous peoples have an equal voice in managing and benefiting from natural capital and the systemic and legislative barriers to accessing capital are removed. Indigenous futures should be self-determining, and that also includes the control of this capital.

This is where the national indigenous economic prosperity institute, which was publicly announced at the Bank of Canada just last week, has a significant role. The institute directly responds to the calls to economic prosperity outlined in the national indigenous economic strategy, specifically call to economic prosperity number 79, which reads:

Establish and empower an Indigenous Institute to collect and govern Indigenous data about population, businesses, lands, and resources.

This would also include information related to taxation and business. It continues:

This Institute will monitor and measure implementation of these Calls to Economic Prosperity.

There are 107 calls to economic prosperity under four categories, including people, infrastructure and lands. The national indigenous economic prosperity institute aims to address economic disparities by fostering sustainable development and creating new pathways to prosperity.

Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of this land, possessing invaluable knowledge, culture and traditions. Despite this, many indigenous communities face economic challenges that hinder their full potential.

The institute will serve as a catalyst for change, promoting innovative solutions and fostering economic resilience within indigenous communities. It will provide a platform for indigenous-led research, development and implementation of economic strategies tailored to our own unique needs and strengths. Also, by facilitating access to resources, training and mentorship, the institute will empower indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, create sustainable business models and enhance financial literacy. It will also support policy development and advocacy efforts to ensure indigenous voices are heard and integrated into broader economic policies.

Through these efforts, the institute aims to help build a robust and vibrant economic future for indigenous peoples, contributing to the overall prosperity and well-being of our communities.

This institute is both meaningful and inspirational. It's a beacon of hope, a source of creativity and motivation, and a hub of innovation. It will provide training, research and resources tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of indigenous communities.

This institute is made possible with the generous financial support of two foundations in particular: Mastercard Foundation and McConnell Foundation. This is a demonstration of their commitment towards economic reconciliation. This is also what we are hoping to see demonstrated within all forms of government, federal and provincial.

We at First Nations University of Canada are profoundly committed to the principles of self-determination and economic empowerment for indigenous peoples. This institute aligns very well with our own principles and the foundation that we have—

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