I am going to call this 29th meeting to order. Today we continue our hearings with regard to the study on land use and sustainable economic development for first nations communities.
Today we have the privilege of having with us Chief Couchie. She comes from the Nipissing First Nation.
We do thank you, Chief, for coming. We know that you have a lot of wisdom with regard to the matter we're studying. You were one of the first first nations involved in the First Nations Land Management Act, and you as a nation have been a trailblazer for others. So we want to thank you for being here today.
Colleagues, my understanding is that there is an impending vote in the House of Commons, and the expectation is that the vote will happen some time during the committee meeting.
We'll be expecting bells at some point, Chief, but we're hopeful that we can get through at least your opening statement before we have to skip out for votes.
We'll turn it over to you, Chief, and we look forward to your opening statement.
Thank you.