Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 17 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, June 3, 2003
(30)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 9:08 a.m. in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Thelma J. Chalifoux, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Austin, P.C., Chalifoux, Chaput, Christensen, Forrestall, Gill, Léger, Sibbeston, Stratton and Tkachuk (10).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators St. Germain P.C. and Watt (2).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Mary Hurley, Research Officers

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, the committee proceeded to examine Bill C-6, An Act to establish the Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims to provide for the filing, negotiation and resolution of specific claims and to make related amendments to other Acts.

WITNESSES:

From Tsuu T'ina Nation:

Mr. Jim Big Plume, Lands and Treaty Researcher;

Mr. Ron Maurice, Legal Counsel;

Mr. Gilbert Crowchild, Councillor;

Mr. Stanley Big Plume, Councillor.

From the Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa Tribal Government:

Chief Chris Shade;

Mr. Will Long Time Squirell, Council Member.

From Saddle Lake First Nation:

Mr. Eric J. Large, Councillor.

From the Prince Albert Grand Council:

Chief Marcel Head, Chief of Shoal Lake Cree Nation;

Mr. Al Ducharme, Executive Director;

Colleen Youngs, Coordinator and Research Technician, Specific Claims;

Chief Harry Cook, Lac La Ronge Indian Band;

Mr. Charles Whitecap, FN Government Specialist.

Chief Shade submitted a brief and made a presentation.

Mr. Jim Big Plume and Mr. Maurice made a presentation.

Chief Shade and Mr. Maurice answered questions.

Mr. Large made a presentation and answered questions.

Chief Head made a presentation, submitted a brief and answered questions.

Chief Cook made a presentation and with Ms. Youngs and Mr. Ducharme answered questions.

At 11:15 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 4, 2003
(31)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 6:34 p.m. in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Thelma J. Chalifoux, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Austin P.C., Chalifoux, Christensen, Gill, Léger and Stratton (6).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Mary Hurley, Research Officer.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, April 2, 2003, the committee proceeded to examine Bill C-6, An Act to establish the Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims to provide for the filing, negotiation and resolution of specific claims and to make related amendments to other Acts.

WITNESSES:

From the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs:

Chief Stewart Phillip, President.

From the Alliance of Tribal Nations:

Grand Chief Clarence Pennier, Yemal Syiam (President) of the Sto:lo Nation.

From the British Columbia Treaty 8 First Nations:

Chief Roland Willson;

Ms. Deborah Smithson, Research Director.

Chief Phillip, Grand Chief Pennier, Chief Willson each made a presentationand then, with Ms. Smithson, together answered questions.

At 8:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee