THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 6:45 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the deputy chair, the Honourable Margo Greenwood, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Audette, Boniface, Clement, Francis, Greenwood, Karetak-Lindell, McCallum, McPhedran, Pate, Prosper, Sorensen, Tannas and White (13).

Participating in the meeting: Sara Fryer and Allison Lowenger, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements).

WITNESSES:

Assembly of First Nations:

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief;

Julie McGregor, Acting Chief of Staff.

Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs:

Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer and Elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council (by videoconference).

National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association:

Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.:

Garrison Settee, Grand Chief;

Brennan Manoakeesick, Director of Intergovernmental Relations.

As individuals:

Mary Eberts, Lawyer, Law Office of Mary Eberts (by videoconference);

Ryan Beaton, Lawyer, Power Law (by videoconference);

Kathryn Fournier.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Chief Marilyn Slett, Shannin Metatawabin and Mary Eberts each made a statement and, with Julie McGregor, answered questions.

At 7:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:06 p.m., the committee resumed.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Ryan Beaton and Kathryn Fournier each made a statement and, with Brennan Manoakeesick, answered questions.

At 8:59 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

Attest:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee