Evidence of meeting #130 for National Defence in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was know.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
Okay.
As you know, or maybe you don't know, we are in third reading of Bill C-77 that would make to the military justice system. It incorporates the Supreme Court's Gladue decision, which ensures that indigenous members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the right to be treated based upon culture, rather than the hard regimens of the forces. Do you see that as a positive move as well?
February 26th, 2019 / 4:55 p.m.
Conservative
Third Vice-Chief, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
I have mixed feelings on that specifically. I have my own personal feelings, but I'm not here to provide my own feelings, as I represent my organization. Having said that, we as first nations have our own customs, our own traditions, and each region has its own protocols. If we're in Wainwright, we're in a treaty territory. If we're over in Kingston, then we're in, I believe, Mohawk territory. But, as I said, we have one Creator and everything is focused on that. Protocol-wise, I really think it is a good idea to incorporate that, not only for first nations but also for those who find this attractive to the individual's persona.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
As you know, and as we've talked about, often when you're doing recruitment in the armed forces you want to be able to see yourself in the armed forces. I know that Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in my riding in Manitoba has a high participation rate in the armed forces, both in Canada and the United States, because of the legacy of Sergeant Tommy Prince, the most decorated indigenous member of the Canadian Armed Forces, a member of the Devil's Brigade in World War II. He fought in Korea.... He had just an amazing service record.
Now, Ms. Pope, you were saying that you only came across four or five other indigenous members. I look at things that are happening today, and at Jody Wilson-Raybould, who has this great legacy of being Canada's first indigenous female justice minister. How do you feel about the treatment she's received from the government today?
Indigenous Advocate, As an Individual
I think it speaks for itself in regard to how indigenous women are usually marginalized and continue to be marginalized even in other institutions. I'm hopeful that indigenous women will not be martyrs anymore, but continue to lead positive, inclusive change. I wish the best for her because I know it's hard being a politician out there for the community.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
All right. I think that's it for us today.
I want to thank you all for coming. We appreciate your time and we very much value your input. Thank you very much.
The meeting is adjourned.