Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Duncan—or John, as I've come to call you—for the question.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  This is a really important question, and one that I hope I'll be able to provide an answer to that makes clear the distinction between what you're asking--between Bill C-3 and the exploratory process. I do not necessarily see the two as existing in isolation. I view Bill C-3 and the amendments to the Indian Act and the rectification of discrimination as it is right now, and potentially as it could be to rectify all gender discrimination, as a step forward certainly.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Right. The second generation cut-off that will ultimately result is not something that will be addressed within the scope of this particular bill. I certainly recognize that as a result of Bill C-3 in its current form, there is going to be an influx of potential persons who are eligible to be registered.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm kind of dating myself a little bit in that in 1985 I was 14, but in my home community, where I'm on council, we are having dialogue and discussions around the potential influx of people who are coming in. The persons who worked within our communities at the time were somewhat inundated by applicants coming back, though some communities weren't at all.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  You can call me Jody.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the question. In terms of extinguishment, I want to make sure I have your question right with regard to the current rules for registration. Are you referring to the future generational cut-off?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the question. I recognize that there is a divergence of opinion among first nations leadership and first nations generally across the country. As I indicated in my statement, I believe that any discrimination should be eradicated in this day and age. The question of consultation is somewhat difficult for me to address, because there is some assumption that there is a need for consultation to amend the Indian Act.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the questions. With respect to the proposed amendment to paragraph 6(1)(a) that you suggest, I recognize that this is the amendment put forward by Sharon McIvor herself to remedy the situation before the days of 1985 and to provide paragraph 6(1)(a) status to those people who come before that date.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the important question. As I indicated somewhat, and will elaborate on now, an exploratory process that will be impactful or actually create change must be rooted in the communities, and it must recognize that the communities or the first nations across this country are distinct, just as they are similar in certain circumstances.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for that question. With respect to discrimination in any form, I do not agree with it whatsoever. I believe it would be the position of any reasonable person, as you say, to eradicate discrimination wherever and whenever possible in today's age. While I see the remedy of gender discrimination with respect to Sharon McIvor, there are several other places where the Indian Act discriminates by virtue of gender.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. The documentary was Dancing Around the Table, and thank you, that was my father, Bill Wilson. With respect to the exploratory process, while, as I said in my statement, I applaud Minister Strahl for advancing this process, I believe we are at a time in our history as aboriginal and first nations people that we need to go beyond exploration and information-gathering to the point where we are actually empowering our first nations communities on the ground to determine for themselves how best they want to move forward.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's an absolutely fair statement to make. Gender discrimination will continue to exist.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the question. I am a lawyer, and looking at the complexities of legislation, I can certainly relate to the way you're feeling. In terms of adequately responding to the specific circumstances with respect to Sharon McIvor, this bill addresses that aspect specifically.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I haven't done it before, but I am a quick learner.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I would like to thank you, Chair, and the members of the committee for welcoming me here today to speak on behalf of Bill C-3. I would like to acknowledge Karen Campbell, who is from our offices, and acknowledge as well the national chief and my fellow colleague, Regional Chief Guy Lonechild.