Having a quorum now with proper technical connection, I accordingly will call this meeting of the indigenous and northern affairs committee to order. I'll start by acknowledging that, in Ottawa, we meet on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin people.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on February 25, 2021, the committee is continuing its study on the subject matter of Bill C-15, an act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The artwork that you see behind me is a photo of a remarkable group of sculptures located near my office at the site of the 1813 Battle of Stoney Creek, four “nine-foot-high granite eagle figures inscribed with symbols and text arranged on a circular plaza.” The artist, David General, is Oneida, a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River who works in “a distinctive style” using “interpretations of the cultural traditions of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek communities to address the theme of healing and reconciliation.” I am sure that it will be in that spirit that we conduct the business before us.
Members of the committee and witnesses, please speak in the language of your choice. You can select the language at the bottom centre of your screen, in the globe, where you will find “English” or “French”. When speaking, ensure that your video is turned on, and please speak slowly and clearly. When you are not speaking, your microphone should be on mute.
We have our witnesses ready. We have Professor Brenda Gunn, a professor from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. From the Indigenous Resource Network, we have Arnie Bellis, chair; and Heather Exner-Pirot, research adviser. I believe we've agreed that Thierry Rodon, as an individual, will be the third member of the opening panel.
Professor Gunn, please go ahead for six minutes.