Margo Greenwood, British Columbia, Treaty 6 territory.

Thank you to the witnesses for being here this morning. It’s great to have you and all the folks that are here.

I have a general question. I know this piece of legislation went quickly through the House and came to us. I am wondering, as this was being created, there had to have been some thinking about potential challenges or pitfalls as we move through it. It could be conceptually or in implementation, just thinking through those. I am wondering about what some of those challenges are.

As a supplemental question, what are some of the reasons that a First Nation might choose not to participate in this act?

My question follows up on what Senator Sorensen just asked. First of all, thank you for all the work that you have done and the generations before you and the work that they’ve done to bring us to this place.

I know there are just under 300 First Nations who are not part of this group. What happens for them? Other groups may have alternative ways to go toward self-government. I guess I should have asked this of government. Will they continue to support those ways as well for those nations who want to achieve this self-government in a different way?

What options or opportunities are there that you offer First Nations who may not necessarily be part of your group but who want to achieve self-government? I think we are all going toward self-government, but it may be different.

I was born and raised in Treaty 6 territory, so I come from a treaty space, and I wonder how this act impacts treaty relationships and relationships of nations with government. I know that’s a bit long-winded, but just thinking about that because not everyone will be the same.