Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  First of all, on two fronts, I think it is worth noting that we began the evening with 80% participation in the election for national chief. I think your observation is an important one to note. Twenty-four hours later, we still had over 70%, which was astounding. I think it's important to note that the leaders do care deeply about what's happening with the state of the affairs in their communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Mr. Russell. I truly believe good process can produce good results. None of us likes process just for the purpose of process. I think our people and our communities demand much more than that. When I reflect back on 2005 and those discussions that occurred and I think about the work that has ensued since then, one example stands out, and it was our ability to really build on that process in 2005.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you so much. I see a clock behind you, so I will be self-governing this morning within the 10 minutes that you've identified. Good morning to the committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair. [Witness speaks in his native language] I come from the little village of Ahousaht, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, and it is our way to acknowledge the Algonquin people.

Health committee  On the point about the health officer, respecting what has been said in the question, in British Columbia the tripartite plan did result in the chiefs—and that's important because it's a jurisdictional matter as well, it's a treaty matter—participating in supporting the appointment of a first nations provincial aboriginal health officer.

Health committee  Actually, because you're talking about Manitoba, I'd like to defer to Grand Chief Evans, and if there is a moment I'll have a quick comment after.

Health committee  I think this is a really critical point. It's about not always looking just at treating the symptoms when the underlying causes are being avoided. It's that notion that wealthy is equal to healthy, more generally. And building on the grand chief's comments once again, it's also important to recognize that we would be having a similar conversation, I would expect--I would be looking to the experts to confirm--if we were talking about third world countries.

Health committee  I am not aware of an invitation. Not that I'm aware of.

Health committee  Absolutely. It would be absolutely necessary. As you say, some of these things speak for themselves, the inter-jurisdictional nature in particular, and the grand chief made reference to the issues in Manitoba and Ontario with resource planning. In my earlier remarks, I made reference to the tripartite notions as being a way of making sure these issues do not fall through the cracks.

Health committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. To members of the committee, thank you for the privilege of appearing here. I appreciate the vigorous focus on something so important. As has already been articulated here today, we're talking about the lives of people. Grand Chief, I echo the sentiments; please pass them on to the chief.