Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I can only speak for when I came in, in December 2012. My time has been brief, so I can't speak for other grand chiefs or previous chiefs. From when I started until now, we have just looked at the bill. We've seen it and studied it. That's where I'm coming from, because I just go

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Based on every individual band's election system, whether it's a two-year Indian Act term, a three-year custom law, or a four-year term, it would have to be taken into consideration. At band level, I know that at Ermineskin we've talked about it a few times over the years, talkin

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, it does.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Well, I guess, based on the region or the area, that would be up to their discretion. I can't speak for them. They have different decision-making powers, so I can't comment on that. I'll just leave it at that. I won't say too much more, because a lot of it has being discussed.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Speaking for Ermineskin and Treaty 6, I'd say it's a good question. We follow our systems, our customs and bylaws. Corrupt election practices and all that is addressed in our codes. That's where the issues are dealt with, when they come to the table and we deal with them. I don't

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Speaking for myself and Ermineskin, we have our constitution. We have our election code. We have our code of conduct that we follow at Ermineskin. When we have election disputes, we have a mechanism there that we follow. That's how we deal with our issues when it comes to elect

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I don't want to say too much more. I agree with what the grand chief is saying. I guess the problem I have, having been here before and again today, is that when I talk about these bills and we bring in our concerns, the concerns aren't addressed. That's my main concern again t

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I, too, would have to agree that until I get that direction from my chiefs, it would be hard to decide on it.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Speaking for my own reserve of Ermineskin, we have an election appeals board. We have a timeframe in between elections that deals with issues. When those issues do come up, it goes to the appeals board and that's where they are dealt with. It has been working for us the last fe

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's true. They have their own appeal board sitting there dealing with the issue. Speaking for Ermineskin, that's how we do ours, when it comes to the appeals.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We're under custom.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, I think it would be good to take that into consideration. I know that a lot of the tribes have their own internal way of dealing with issues. I think it would be a good step if they did that. I see more problems if we're not going to be sitting at the table discussing these

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Good morning. [Witness speaks in Cree] Today I am speaking for the Confederacy of Treaty 6 on Bill C-9. I am pleased to appear today on behalf of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations as well as my home nation, the Ermineskin Cree Nation. As grand chief of the confederacy

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I guess lately we've been having these meetings and sessions, but I know I echo what Grand Chief Twinn is saying, that we shouldn't have one-day consultations across the country and conference calls. That's not consultation. I agree with the grand chief that we must have a lot of

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Chairman. Thank you and good morning, members of Parliament, staff, chiefs, and technicians who are here today. I am Chief Craig Makinaw from Ermineskin Cree Nation and also the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6, representing 17 first nations. I'd like to i