I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 123 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
I want to start, as we always do, by recognizing that we are gathered on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, and express gratitude that we're able to do the important work of this committee on lands they have stewarded since time immemorial.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the committee is resuming consideration of Bill C-61, an act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on first nation lands.
I would like to welcome the witnesses for our first panel.
From the Assembly of First Nations, we have National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Alongside her are Christopher Rapson, legal counsel, and Irving Leblanc, former director of infrastructure and safe drinking water.
From the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, we have Chief Betsy Kennedy, acting grand chief. She is joining us by video conference. From Cold Lake First Nations, we have Chief Kelsey Jacko. From the Kehewin Cree Nation, we have Chief Trevor John.
Welcome, everybody. You will each have five minutes for your opening statements, after which we will proceed with the rounds of questions.
With that, we will start with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse.