For nehiyaw people, belonging is not based solely on federal categories of administrative law. We have the word “wahkohtowin”, which talks about kinship. The real issues—the real concerns—are related to housing, infrastructure, education, health services, treaty, land entitlement, membership, governance and community.
As my closing comments, pass Bill S-2 as amended by the Senate in the short term, provide immediate funding for first nations, transition to a process that recognizes first nations jurisdiction or citizenship belonging and ensure any reforms respect treaties, treaty rights, indigenous nehiyaw laws and the inherent right of self-determination.
Meegwetch.