Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and committee members, for hearing our presentations today. As you've heard, my name is Sharon Stinson Henry. I'm the chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, located in central Ontario. Gchi miigwech for having us here. It is an honour to

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I don't mind at all. I agree with Chief Louie. Rama First Nation has always been proud and progressive. In leadership, long before I came along, we've always done well, despite the obstacles. I'll give you one quick example of our getting involved with the St. Eugene resort op

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just briefly, it's an excellent question. While I agree with Chief Louie, I really do think that education is paramount. You cannot get a job without a minimum education of grade 12. In my first nation community we've been fortunate that our people are

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. Aaniin kinaweya. Good afternoon, everyone. [Witness speaks in her native language] My name is Sharon Henry Stinson. I'm the chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation in Ontario, but I'm appearing before the committee—and I thank you for hearing me today—as a me

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Aaniin kina weya. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today. I would like to start by acknowledging that we are on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin and Anishinabe people. My name is Sharon Stinson

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Okay, thank you. The board feels there is already a lot of jurisprudence in Canada—and I'm not a lawyer, so if I say something that I ought not to, please forgive me—and internationally with regard to FPIC. Quite frankly, as a former chief, I found that the worst thing any leade

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We're a national board—

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No. We are an advisory board to the federal government, and we are appointed through an Order in Council. There are currently 10 members on the board. Some are being replaced now as we speak. It's a rolling board, so people come and go. In fact, I'm finishing up my term shortly.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If we have those gaps filled, the economic outcomes would be beneficial, not just to indigenous peoples but to all Canadians.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The money spent on social programs, prisons, everything else—

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  —some $27 billion. Take a look at that report. You were saying, sir, that something was not clear.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If you look back at our history, you see that we are the first peoples. It's a simple answer. You look at land claims today. Quite frankly, it's simple. In fact, our board chair, Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos—I'm sure you've heard of him—is the one who asked that we raise this

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Does that clarify it for you?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's a big piece.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I just mentioned in my remarks, in answer to an earlier question about going through the land claim process, that we'll never get the land back. I can say that. Chief Clarence can say that.