Status of Women committee  Well, there needs to be something done immediately, and this is an instrument we have that's ready to go. People are saying yes, we need to ensure that...because it's mostly women and children who are affected, even though there are men, and I can give examples of that. It's about the underlying jurisdiction in the end, but right now let's put whatever we can in place to ensure that these women and children are protected through this process.

Status of Women committee  Well, there are the three models out there right now, but there are other ways of going at it as well. There might be other options.

Status of Women committee  Thank you for raising that and having me qualify what I did say. Concerning the acceptance of the legislative models, what I was talking about--and I didn't underscore this--is that when we look at the gap, or the void as it's being called, I'm talking about that kind of acceptance within the Indian Act itself.

Status of Women committee  On what I'm talking about, the minister is saying he's going forward with legislation, and that's something the communities are coming to accept. But in any legislation model, we need to have a discussion around implementation that supports the traditional government system within the communities.

Status of Women committee  I'd be more than happy to. When we look at our communities as they are today, there is a huge struggle because of a lack of understanding on the part of the non-aboriginal community about where we were as communities and about our ownership of land. We'll just deal with ownership of land.

Status of Women committee  Thank you. I asked the minister if I could address it, because being a first nations woman who's lived in my community for 57 years this year, I think I've had the experience that you've described. I've also travelled across the country since I've come on, and talked to individuals who have experience and expertise, whether they're lawyers or judges, first nations, who have been working in this area for a number of years, and I have to say that without exception I am being told that the issue of the power struggle that is being presented is something we need to be very careful about.

Status of Women committee  I'd be happy to answer. We started the consultation process, and September 29 was the launch. The Native Women's Association, the Assembly of First Nations, as well as the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs are out there as we speak. The Native Women's Association has been ahead of everyone.