Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  As one of the first steps, there have been so many recommendations from the various organizations and institutions over the last 20 to 30 years, I think it's time we started actioning some of those recommendations on the ground in the north.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you very much. The first nations financial act is not equal across Canada. In the north, we can't access it unless you are first nations and on reserve, or under the Indian Act. Now you have land claims and self-government agreements. If you have a self-government agreemen

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I come from a family who are interactive with the Métis, the Dene and the Inuit because our traditional territory went from Yellowknife all the way to the Arctic coast. Sir John Franklin was actually guided by our famous Chief Akaitcho up and down the coast, to Fort Chipewyan in

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Unfortunately, I did not get the interpretation.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We all have roles to play in developing the economy of the north. That includes a partnership. However, those partnerships have to have real activity. We're dealing with a multitude of participants, whether it's government and indigenous governments or indigenous business. That

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I can answer that very clearly: No. For the indigenous peoples in the north, because there are no reserves and because of the programs being transferred to third parties like the GNWT and CanNor, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has really stepped back.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you very much, Michael. As you mentioned, we've been involved in utilities and the oil and gas sector for many years. As the mining industry is driving the economy in the Northwest Territories, especially in the diamond areas, for a number of years the indigenous groups ha

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, the funding programs in the north are like more programs designed for communities and municipalities. For example, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency provides funding directly to the government of those territories and municipalities and various program dollar

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That is also an issue with southern contractors and consultants. There are some based in the north. I wanted to get focused a little bit more on the programs. With programs, the most you can apply for is $15,000 or $25,000. With the coalitions initiative and the strategic plann

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes. There has to be some adequate financing. Part of that is looking at some investment dollars for infrastructure. Once that's in place, that can be used to leverage private equity and be able to start looking at a planned economy versus the reactionary economy that we've exper

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, I'm not sure if I sold you those diamonds but....

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Okay, thank you. We hope to end the economic inequities facing indigenous communities to achieve true economic reconciliation and to become major drivers in the NWT economy. There's a requirement for adequate resources to develop land use, economic and mineral policies to facili

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the standing committee for inviting me to make a presentation. I'm speaking to you today as the president and CEO of Denendeh Investments Incorporated, which is the business arm of the 27 first nations of the NWT, and as the spokesman for the