Thank you, Mr. Chair. The phrase, "Indigenous governments or organizations" is not a defined phrase in the bill. However, it is a phrase that is used throughout the bill, including in section 10(3), which is the nomination section, and specifically now that section says, "An Indigenous government or organization may nominate to the Minister an area to be considered for approval as a candidate protected area," so it is not a new phrase that appears for the first time in this motion.

In my view, the word "Indigenous" modifies both government and the organizations, and as such, an organization standing alone would unlikely to be captured by the intent of that phrase.

In my view, the phraseology is likely attributable to the various levels of self-government that have been achieved by Indigenous groups in the Northwest Territories, and the phrase I do not think would be restricted to those parties of the Intergovernmental Council. However, as I said, it would not apply to organizations that are not Indigenous. Thank you, Mr. Chair.