International Trade committee  It was referenced that aboriginal financial institutions work with indigenous businesses. I can tell you that we have a higher rate than any other financial institution in Canada in supporting women's businesses and women entrepreneurs. I think that's something we need more of, the support of that aboriginal financial institution network, to support indigenous women and their businesses.

International Trade committee  Absolutely. He's an individual who's worked so hard on this. He has a complete understanding of all of the issues internationally. I'm so happy that Canada has finally stepped up to endorse this. This has to be part of everything that we do in any kind of Canadian law going forward.

International Trade committee  I don't think we're there as equal partners today, and I think that can be improved. I can tell you that there are many capable indigenous people who could help write that chapter. We could put the specifics together. I can think of a group of people right now from across the country who would do a great job in putting together the chapter for you, with all the details that are needed.

International Trade committee  I work every day financing indigenous businesses and we do have businesses that are doing trade in the U.S. already. It is easy for them to do trade in the U.S., more so than for companies that come to Canada, so this enabling legislation would be most helpful. Also, recognizing intellectual property and that we need to have those kinds of things, as well as meaningful procurement.

International Trade committee  I just want to say one quick thing on this. I know it's going to be difficult to get this chapter into the NAFTA agreement, but at least I think there needs to be some kind of acknowledgement about UNDRIP. You might not have a full, complete chapter about indigenous people, but I think it's so important that we have something in there that acknowledges this.

International Trade committee  I think that the spirit of the Jay Treaty should be recognized. I think that if there are companies that are identified as being indigenous and are verified by their communities as being indigenous, they should be allowed to have that trade across the border. There could be a registry system for the companies that are allowed to trade.

International Trade committee  Okay. I just wanted to also say that the board encourages the Government of Canada to negotiate strongly for exemptions from the “buy American” requirements and to enhance Canadian and business access to procurement opportunities in the U.S. Indigenous minority suppliers in the U.S. are already provided with procurement opportunities that are substantial and measurable, and so should we be.

International Trade committee  I know that the Jay Treaty discussion has been pretty extensive, because it's been very much a grey area here in Canada where we do have some borders that are pretty open for trade, especially amongst indigenous people across the borders, and it has not been an issue. We've had people in our area selling fish into the U.S., for example, but in some areas that wouldn't be allowed.

International Trade committee  Thank you. Meegwetch. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that we're gathered on the traditional territory of the Algonquin and Anishinabe people. I speak to you as interim chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board. Our board is made up of first nations, Inuit, and Métis business and community leaders from across Canada, whose mandate is to advise the whole of the federal government on indigenous economic development.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Absolutely. When you look at our website, you can see our statement on the United Nations declaration and see how everything needs to flow from there. I think we need to look at that wider picture. When you look at a policy like this, you need to look at how it applies to that declaration.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'll respond to that. For sure, I really do believe we have the solutions already. I know you're charged with looking at this policy, but I think if you had the involvement of people like Terry, Harold, Manny, and the whole group there, they could give you some really good ways on how to change that whole process and policy.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  —but that they are modern and innovative. Thank you.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Good morning, everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak here today. I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Dawn Madahbee Leach, and I am the interim chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board. I am from the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, and for nearly 30 years now, I've been the general manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation.