One of the things we have contemplated, especially considering our unique geographical location in this country, is that perhaps we should look at treaty claims and the creation of a third, different claim category, instead of the existing ones, which would give due consideration to super-unique locations.
To one of the other points you made, I will tell you that currently we do have a settlement on offer, and we support all of the other positions made by members, the extinguishment of the right, which ends up in the language of the agreement itself. We are heading into the process where we have to go to the members for ratification. Being the second-largest community in Canada, behind Chief Hill's, we have a lot of members in our community. When Canada comes forward and tells us that we need to ratify in accordance with the referendum requirements, this means we have to have a double majority to accept it, because it's a surrender-type thing. In Akwesasne, there are 8,000 registered people who are 18 years and over, so a double majority is 4,000 people.
First, for us to achieve that number is almost impossible. We have been working on a specific one and saying that we have to find a way around this. The other thing is that, when we talk about the return of lands and the compensation aspect, I can tell you that, for us, to take it to the community and say that we are not getting any land back and we are getting this kind of money makes it an uphill battle also.
As we move forward, if we look at revamping some of the existing categories or creating a new one, this all needs to be taken into consideration. In a community of 1,000 people, it's easy to reach 200 people, no problem. But I can tell you that I don't know where all those 4,000 Mohawks are. I know a lot of people—I have a large community—but they are moving all over the place in Canada. That's something that needs to be given serious consideration.
I know that's a bit off topic there, but I think that, as we move forward, these are things that need to be considered.