Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I don't believe it's a step in the right direction, because it's a continuation of the history of imposed legislation within Canada. As I said, I believe the intention behind the legislation is good. The desire to change the Indian Act is something I agree with. However, because of my analysis of it, which is basically that there has not been thorough consultation with first nations people in designing the bill, I think it is just a continuation of the existing policies of paternalism rather than being a real step in the right direction.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I believe that pragmatism and considering political reality, I think, are really important, especially when we're dealing with issues like the Indian Act, which the average Canadian may not thoroughly understand. I respect that approach. However, I still think that every step we take down the road towards replacing the Indian Act should reflect a renewed commitment to a nation-to-nation relationship.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No, I don't think it can. I think that ultimately federal politicians definitely have a role to play in helping to bring about positive change for first nations people in Canada, but I don't believe that the role is to dictate what is to take place in first nations and other indigenous communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, I do. I do not begrudge MP Rob Clarke for making an attempt to tackle the problems posed by the Indian Act. I think that the sentiment is good. However, as I stated in my comments, to me the real challenge is not whether or not to get rid of the Indian Act, but rather what is the process that is going to replace it going to look like.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Okay, thank you. [Witness speaks in Ojibwa] I'll wait for the simultaneous translation to catch up there. No, it's okay, I'm just kidding. Good morning, relatives. My name is Wab Kinew. I'm the director of indigenous inclusion at the University of Winnipeg where I'm in the process of setting up programs that help to connect indigenous people with the mainstream economy in a way that respects indigenous values.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. Can everyone hear me?