Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples
Issue 8 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 26, 1998
(12)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, met at 3:40 p.m., this day, in Room 505, Victoria Building, the Chairman, the Honourable Charlie Watt, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Adams, Andreychuk, Berntson, Chalifoux, Forest, Johnson, Taylor and Watt (8).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C. (1).
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Jill Wherrett and Mary Hurley.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday March 26, 1998, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-6, An Act to provide for an integrated system of land and water mangement in the Mackenzie Valley, to establish certain boards for that purpose and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.
WITNESSES:
From the Sahtu Secretariat Inc. (by vidéoconference):
Ms Ruby L. McDonald, Chairperson;
Mr. Gordon Yakeleya, Grand Chief, Sahtu Dene Council; and
Mr. Rick Hardy, Legal Counsel.
From the Northwest Territories Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (by vidéoconference):
Mr. Fred Koe, Deputy Minister; and
Mr. Peter Bannon, Director, Policy and coordination.
From the Gwich'in Tribal Council:
Mr. Richard Nerysoo, President; and
Mr. Brian A. Crane, QC, Legal Counsel.
From the Mikisew Cree Nation:
Mr. Ian Taylor, Director of Economic Development; and
Ms Rita Martin, Councillor.
Ms McDonald made a presentation and, with Mr. Hardy, answered questions from members of the committee.
Mr. Koe made a presentation and, with Mr. Bannon, answered questions from members of the committee.
Mr. Nerysoo made a presentation and, with Mr. Crane, answered questions from members of the committee.
At 5:50 p.m., the committee heard the representatives from the Mikisew Cree Nation on the issue of aboriginal self-government.
Mr Taylor and Ms Martin made a presentation and answered questions from members of the committee.
At 6:42 p.m., the commmittee continued its sitting in camera.
The committee undertook discussion of its future business.
After debate, it was agreed to request that the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development appear before the committee with respect to Bill C-6 as soon as possible.
It was agreed that the workplan and budget for the special study on aboriginal governance would be discussed at the committee meeting of Tuesday June 2, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.
At 6:55 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Tõnu Onu
Clerk of the Committee