I'd like to respect our fellow first nations for all being here today.
I'm from the Blood Tribe, and I'm here on behalf of our chief, Chief Weaselhead.
Standing committee members, I think you're well aware of our position on the current issue, Bill C-428, and I encourage you all to study our paper.
Our position is pretty clear. The Blood Tribe is of the view that Bill C-428 has the potential to adversely impact our rights. Therefore, Canada was obligated to consult with us prior to introducing such proposed legislation. We recognize that the Indian Act is fairly outdated. However, our main concern is that there has been no meaningful consultation with first nations, including the Blood Tribe.
Again, I go back to what the chief said about the Prime Minister. We have him on record recently stating:
Our government has no grand scheme to repeal or unilaterally re-write the Indian Act. After 136 years, that tree has deep roots. Blowing up the stump would just leave a big hole. However, there are ways, creative ways, collaborative ways, ways that involve consultation between our government, the provinces and First Nations leadership and communities. Ways that provide options within the Act, or outside of it, for practical, incremental and real change. So that will be our approach, to replace elements of the Indian Act with more modern legislation and procedures, in partnership with...First Nations.
How does the federal government, with all due respect to Mr. Clarke, of which he is a member, reply to this hypocrisy?
Constant bills are being pushed on our people without our input into them. That's why we're here today.
That's all I have to say. Thank you.