THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 4, 2025
(11)

[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 Michèle Audette, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Audette, Clement, Francis, McCallum, McNair, Pate, Prosper, Sorensen and Tannas (9).

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

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 Quebec-Labrador:

Chief Francis Verreault-Paul (by videoconference).

O’Chiese First Nation:

Chief Phyllis Whitford.

Council of Yukon First Nations:

Grand Chief Mathieya Alatini (by videoconference).

Southern Chiefs' Organization:

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels;

Sandra Hodzic, Chief Advisor, Political Affairs, Grand Chief's Office.

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke:

Chief Jeremiah Johnson.

As an individual:

James Cooke, Indigenous traditional knowledge keeper and mental health worker.

The chair reminded the committee that, as sponsor of Bill S-2, she will recuse herself from her role as chair of the committee for the remainder of the consideration of this bill and that, in the absence of the deputy chair today, the honourable Senator Prosper will chair the meeting.

At 9:05 a.m., the Honourable Senator Prosper took the chair.

Chief Francis Verreault-Paul made a statement.

At 9:07 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 9:11 a.m., the committee resumed.

The chair informed Chief Francis Verreault-Paul that his statement had to be interrupted due to the lack of simultaneous interpretation. Chief Francis Verreault-Paul was dismissed.

Chief Phyllis Whitford and James Cooke each made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:57 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:06 a.m., the committee resumed.

Grand Chief Mathieya Alatini, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and Chief Jeremiah Johnson each made a statement and, together with Sandra Hodzic, answered questions.

At 10:55 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee