THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, September 24, 2024
(90)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 9 a.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Coyle, Francis, Greenwood, Hartling, McNair, Prosper, Sorensen, Tannas and White (10).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Audette (1).

Participating in the meeting: Sara Fryer and Antoine Csuzdi-Vallée, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 26, 2023, the committee continued its examination of the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and any other subject concerning Indigenous Peoples. (Topic: Canadian Human Rights Framework)

WITNESSES:

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada:

Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister;

Krista Apse, Director General, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Secretariat.

As an individual:

Jennifer Moore Rattray, Former Ministerial Special Representative to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations - Call for Justice 1.7.

The chair informed the committee that following a request by the Indigenous Senators Working Group, a new option for the Senate public website, as well as the broadcast display banner for committee meetings and chamber sittings for senators, has been added. Specifically, all senators, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, now have the option to acknowledge a traditional territory next to their home province or territory, which is a sign of recognition and respect for the special relationship of Indigenous peoples with the land. All senators can also add Latin alphabet-compatible Indigenous languages, including the equivalent for “the Honourable”.

Jennifer Moore Rattray made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:56 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:05 a.m., the committee resumed.

Valerie Gideon made a statement and, together with Krista Apse, answered questions.

At 10:34 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:38 a.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report.

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in-camera portion of today's meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or staff, and that the audio recording be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to request a complete and detailed response from the government to the committee’s twentieth report (interim) entitled Missing Records, Missing Children, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on July 25, 2024.

At 10:46 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee