Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  My understanding is that the federal government has already stated they want to consult the Naskapi on all of what we're doing. They've already written to that effect, as far as I know. Certainly the negotiators have signed letters saying, please come to this table that we're setting up to discuss issues of concern to the Naskapi.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Well, one, there were letters signed by all of the negotiators. Several meetings have taken place--in Quebec City, Montreal.... So meetings have taken place; we've discussed these matters. I think we're there wanting to discuss. All the negotiators have gone to these events. My understanding is that the Naskapi leadership went to the Cree-Naskapi Commission, they placed their concerns, their perspective, before this commission that looks at Naskapi issues, and they said yes....

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's for an advocate for the Naskapi to come forward and say, yes, please do something.” We think we have opened the door for that dialogue to take place.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I only have the English version of what the Quebec minister, Minister Pelletier, wrote, but I understand from the English version that he's committed to consulting the Naskapi when new powers come to the negotiating table. We've set up a side table, and the negotiators have invited them to participate at the negotiation, at the table, on numerous occasions.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The Naskapi community actually is just outside of Nunavik. It's just south of the 55th parallel. Their traditional lands are clearly north, in Nunavik, but the community itself isn't part of Nunavik. The question about the territorial claims, I think, is one that's critical to hear, because it's been addressed by the land claim agreements.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  —and we're amalgamating that into one institution.