Good morning.
I want to cut right to the chase and I'm mindful of the time. I have five recommendations I'd like to bring forward. We will make a full submission in time for the mid-October deadline.
First, I want to mention that we need to adopt the recommendations of the B.C. specific claims working group, and we need to continue to engage with first nations in B.C. directly. B.C. is so very different from the rest of Canada.
I have recommendations specific to dealing with our Nlaka'pamux claims.
The first is to visit our homeland. We need to ensure that any government official involved in claim negotiations and/or assessment visits the lands at issue in a claim with the leadership and community members advancing the claim. Many claims from our region arose out of circumstances where the government failed to show up to protect our interests. Resolving these grievances requires engagement on the ground.
The second is to consistently fund the work of resolving these grievances. Multi-year funding for research units would ensure efficiencies and work planning and execution. Fund our communities to participate fully in negotiations. Finally, fund whatever government department or independent body will be party to the process at adequate levels.
The third is to communicate with our nation directly. There are opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings for these transportation corridor claims. We have ideas on how to move these forward. Appropriate government representatives with decision-making authority need to engage with us directly.
The fourth is that joint oversight ensures government emissaries act in a principled and disciplined manner in keeping with the honour of the crown and UNDRIP. Joint oversight is the only way to keep the government accountable for its actions or inactions.
Finally, the last recommendation is to create fundamental systemic change, which provides for jurisdiction of the Nlaka'pamux and other indigenous nations.
I have one point. We've heard so many committees in the past. I have a question for you. After all of our efforts to inform the Government of Canada about specific claims and after all the reports and studies and commissions that have happened since 1948, what is the purpose of this study that you have undertaken now?
Thank you.