Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  After Bill C-31 gave the women back their rights, there was a ceremony that took place where we welcomed the women back. Then the children who are, if you want to say, products of mixed marriage have to meet a criterion of four out of eight great-grandparents. We tried to move aw

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I think we made compelling arguments on being mindful about how opening up registration has an impact on each individual community. At the same time, we're aware, like you said, that this law is going to affect every—

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I didn't get a chance to answer the last question, which was basically along the lines of what could be the suggestion for phase two moving forward. I think you're right. I think you do need to address the discrimination because, as you said, it affects all the first nations ac

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I just think Canada is in a conundrum one way or another, because you're not going to please everybody. I know she's saying that this is all you have to do and that's it, but at the same time, there's the impact it's going to have on first nations across Canada. As Mr. Rusnak m

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, Ottawa Indians.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I know it's funny, but in terms of the connection to being tied to a community, if they don't meet a specific community's criteria—were it to do a section 10.... If they don't, well, then they have to go somewhere. They have to be tied to somewhere.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, it's true.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  When the Conservative government was still in office and the Supreme Court ruling came down, they made an appeal. Then when the Liberals got in, they withdrew the appeal. That, to us, at the forefront.... They should have consulted on whether we thought that was a good move. Ju

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  —we were never fully consulted, but we found out about it after the fact. I just wanted to make that clear. Thanks.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I find it very surprising that Chief Rick O'Bomsawin—you're familiar with him—didn't know about it, because I even questioned him when they came to present in Montreal with regard to the S-3 amendments that were going to be coming. I asked him point-blank. I said, “Chief, did you

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Of course we were aware. We were aware once the decision happened, and we looked at it, and we said, “Oh my god.” When you look at blood quantum, we were very worried about how far the amendments were going to go to identify people as being status Indian under the Indian Act. W

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I don't think Canada can make Mohawks. How this gets to be reconciled is beyond me. We've tried to come up with ideas of putting them on a general list, and if they can pass through our criteria, then we'll welcome them into the community, but if not, well, you made them Indians.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  First I want to speak specifically about Bill S-3. As the grand chief mentioned, the matter of membership and registration we feel is one that's integral to governance matters for first nations. The fact is there has been no meaningful consultation. We're aware there are going

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer.