Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If we can have certainty that other claims under $150 million, or wherever there are claims in the numbered treaty areas and in B.C., will not jeopardize our position, be our guest. But from the Six Nations point of view, any act that asks us to accept dollars for land rights settlement and then in turn asks us for certainty that we'll cede, surrender forever, is repugnant.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The Six Nations position is that this piece of legislation can't do anything for us. That's why we're requesting it be withdrawn. Thank you.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In terms of what we see as a settlement for the Six Nations of the Grand River, in 1794 the Haldimand Tract, six miles on either side of the Grand River from mouth to source, was made our land. Those lands were put there for our perpetual care and maintenance, meaning those lands have to look after the seventh generation from my day on and from their day on.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I would suggest the Government of Canada contact our community and ask what our consultation protocol is in any areas where legislation is going to be proposed that's going to affect us.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Again I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. My time is short, so I'll cut to the chase. As I said, my name is Bill Montour, and I'm the elected chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River. We are located in southwest Ontario, just west of Hamilton. Six Nations is the largest first nation in Canada, with a total population of over 22,000 citizens.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair and honourable members of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. Sekon, skano! Before I start, I would like to acknowledge that Grand Chief Steven Bonspille from Kanesatake is with the witnesses. He didn't get a chance to get his name on the list. I just wanted to make that point.