Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There really is a need for proper time and necessary resources. One of the ways we look to achieve support from political organizations is to see when they are having their meetings and then bringing forward a resolution that is consistent among the three political organizations, so that we have consensus through them as a part of the First Nations Leadership Council.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Basically, talk to communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There is a lot involved in that question, and I don't know if we really have the time to answer that, other than the fact that I really feel that B.C. needs to be consulted, and there needs to be a process for B.C. to really make an informed decision.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I believe I was there, but I did not participate in that topic at that time. I don't really recall, other than someone highlighting for me that this is it, this is our opportunity for consultation: where do we go from here? There was a bit of concern because of the lack of opportunity to have a forum dedicated to walking the leadership through what was being intended.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I guess the bottom line would be to have the first nations' input, so that when there is a selection process it's fair and just and there is confidence in the final process that's in place. This is a very serious process, and we need assurances that there will be a fair outcome.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There are 203 chiefs.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Approximately just under 80.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm a member of the social development committee on behalf of my community, Lytton First Nation, and I am a council member of Lytton First Nation.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I think the chiefs really haven't had much of an opportunity to consult with their community members, and so as a result, as an example, we do have a chiefs council meeting coming up later on in the week, and based on our report, then the chiefs will consider how they're going to carry out community dialogue.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's a possibility, but it's also likely that a lot of the new leaders have no idea what specific claims are.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I guess the thing that really comes to mind is that there needs to be complete fairness to move all communities forward to resolve their specific claims, and I don't know if this would really, truly be the process to do that. When we see communities that, as Jody had confirmed, had been rejected and now have to wait for the tribunal, there is such frustration of our leaders right now that we really need to see some positive early wins.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Hopefully this would come with a definite commitment for amendments to this bill for sure.