Human Resources committee  Thank you.

Human Resources committee  Treaty rights in the three core areas: housing, health, and education.

Human Resources committee  Yes, I do believe that. I know we have a provincial fund right now that was given by the feds for off-reserve housing. I know they've moved three projects already. I have one here. It's—

Human Resources committee  Yes, that one, and that's partnering with the government and partnering with the real estate branch, one of the head ones in Manitoba in real estate. It goes a long way, and I don't think you could separate the two. I don't think you could separate the two, because housing on-reserve is no different from any housing.

Human Resources committee  We are unique, and we need unique solutions. Thank you.

Human Resources committee  I have that here, yes.

Human Resources committee  Yes. Those are accessible for probably three to six weeks. Six weeks is a good end by a winter road.

Human Resources committee  Absolutely. I hear from my own community members, “Are you in Hawaii? Are you in Las Vegas this week?” You know what, I don't really hear that, but I hear it from other chiefs. Please, no offence to the MPs, no offence to MLAs, but first nations leaders are unique. We are accessible 24/7.

Human Resources committee  Yes, there are a few bad apples. Speaking of my own case, since April I have had two weeks of annual leave. That is how dedicated I am. It's not so much dedication, but I can't take time off because things need to be addressed. Thank you.

Human Resources committee  I have a recommendation with respect to housing, but it could go into other areas. Just in Manitoba alone, our backlog for first nations housing is 16,000 homes, roughly $2 billion. Here's a recommendation. There's a paper mill right next door to our community, Sagkeeng. They've been in existence 83 years now, and I've said all along that with all the forest there, all the nice territory, all the nice trees, it's a shame that it goes to paper.

Human Resources committee  I mentioned briefly the systemic cycle of housing, health, and education. As you know, there's a cap on those three areas, the three core areas of our governments. A 2% cap was imposed in 1996, and that cap has to be lifted. No doubt. Just in my community alone this year we had to turn away 30 students who were ready for university, because we just don't have the money.

Human Resources committee  It's dead? Well, let's give it some life.

Human Resources committee  Thank you, Anita. Obviously this wasn't a rehearsed conversation.

Human Resources committee  Kelowna asked for 0.5% of the GDP. I don't know where the other 99.5% is going. Anyway, all the resources on our territory, all the future growth and the very economic prosperity of this country will depend on activity on first nations lands, and we have to be a part of the solution and part of the opportunities—of course, respecting the environment and the future generations.

Human Resources committee  Good morning, and thank you. First of all, welcome to the Treaty 1 area. I'm a chief of a Treaty 1 community, the Sagkeeng First Nation, an hour from here. I want to thank the panel for giving us this opportunity. Of course I bring greetings from the grand chief, and I speak for 64 first nations today--that's who I'm speaking for.