Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Hugh Faulker: Because how we settle these land claims will determine in a very fundamental way, the nature of our society - the type of, the quality of our society, our commitment to justice, our commitment to historic undertakings, our commitment to equity, our basic commitment to decency. That’s what’s really behind the land claims for those who aren’t Indian. And it can’t simply be judged by numbers or by votes. It has to be conducted and judged on a much more important basis - the basis of truth, the basis of justice, the basis of equity. Chief Blackwater, Honourable Chiefs, ladies and gentlemen, I as Minister of Indian Affairs, commit myself and the Government of Canada to enter into the negotiations you have asked for in that spirit.