Mr. Kinew, I think you're absolutely right that this is about picking the low-hanging fruit as opposed to tackling the real problem, which is the relationship. By tackling the relationship, as you've indicated, the solutions will be there.
We've heard from a variety of witnesses who have indicated that the first people are the ones who will be able to assist in guiding this government in being able to have the proper legislation, if that's what needs to be in there, in ensuring that the relationship is rebuilt and, as well, ensuring their ability to govern on a nation-to-nation basis.
Mr. Clarke mentioned about feeling like a second-class citizen. I can tell you that when I spoke to Chief Moonias this week with respect to the string of suicides and the attempts of suicide in his community, he said that he thinks that they feel more like refugees than they do the first people in this country.
Also, Mr. Clarke mentioned that the Indian Act hasn't been on the radar. The fact of the matter is that if we're getting comments like that, then it's obvious the apology may have been for nothing, and the crown-first nations gathering may have been for nothing. The crown-first nations gathering was an opportunity for the government to have those discussions and consultations with the first nations, to be able to resolve the issues that the Indian Act has brought forward and the problematic areas that have come along the way. We've had successive governments that have refused basically to rebuild that relationship, so I understand that.
I want to ask you whether or not you think it is impossible or too onerous for the government to consult with the first nations. I know you mentioned that you feel that it can be done, but do you think that it's too onerous on them? My understanding is that if there's a will, there's a way. We're talking about 600 and some first nations, not 6,000 and some. Could you reflect on that and give me your point of view?