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24 March 2010
My interest in being your Executive Director since June 16, 2003 is not simply or primarily strategic. This land and its villages, such as Gitanmaax and Hagwilget, are extensions of me and my family.
From my office, I see where my mother Elsie Sebastian lived in early childhood, where my grandmother (Helena Green) lived, and where my great grandfather, Yagosip, lived. And, as I look out on the lax yip, I see in my mind the dwellings, smoke houses and fishing sites that my uncles, both Lutkudziiwus - and my great-grandparents and all our families - inherited and were prepared to step into the hope and promise that is Canada.
After becoming a lawyer in 1982 I immediately returned to our territories. I worked hard to keep abreast of concerns that would make a difference in the lives of everyday people - of all races. I appreciate the value of our hereditary chiefs, as bright men and women, masters of procedures in the feast hall - liligit, and shapers of valuable reconciliation processes with the government.
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