Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I have done some things with Kamloops, so I have a basic understanding of it. But it's not something that the Yukon first nations have really been involved in or know much about. Backing what Peter had to say, it's difficult sometimes for our development corporations to receive financing, but it's much more difficult for our first nations citizens to get financing if they're entrepreneurial.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in has made an investment in the power line that was built between the Mayo hydroelectric dam and Dawson City. We made a multi-million dollar investment in that. It has good, long-term return.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There are several agreements in place right now with different first nations--the Kaska--and we're currently in negotiation with two mining companies. I think they're getting better. I mean, first nations are starting to understand the benefits that can come from that. I believe that you, certainly, are moving forward quite strongly in oil and gas.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'll just use an example of the Infrastructure Canada and the Building Canada funds over the last couple of years. Because we're self-governing first nations, we don't have access to the Indian and Northern Affairs funding for first nations infrastructure. So when Infrastructure Canada came to the Yukon to negotiate the Building Canada funds, first nations weren't included, yet those are the funds we have to utilize to build infrastructure in our communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's fair enough. Having said that, I'm going to heap a bit of praise on the federal government here. Much like Vuntut, I think the federal government has been very good to Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in. We have accessed a lot of money over the last dozen years to implement several housing programs, to make investments in businesses, and for pre-business development.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. My name is Gary Wilson. I'm the director of business development and strategic initiatives for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in. I work for the government, but I also serve the development corporation around many initiatives. So I wear several hats, as many of us do. I work for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in.