Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I stand before you today, I seek your support in being a Minister in the next Executive Council.
I was born in Hay River in the Northwest Territories to John MacDonald and Irene Bouvier Etkins. The North where I grew up has always been my home, playing a vital role in shaping my identity as both a northerner and an Indigenous Metis. My family's roots run deep, connected to many parts of the Northwest Territories. My grandfather, Gabriel Bouvier, known as Pop, was born in Fort Providence, NWT, and stood as a central figure in our family's history. Pop led a rich and traditional life combining roles of a hunter, trapper, and a long-time career as a river pilot up and down the Mackenzie. His guidance and wisdom, along with the traditions and stories from his parents, Jean Baptiste Bouvier and Marie Lafferty, have helped shaped the person I am today. On my maternal side, my ties to the North strengthen through my grandmother Violet Bambi McLeod-Bouvier, born in Fort Liard, affectionately known as Bambi. She traces her roots back to the Beaufort Delta and her parents, Frederick McLeod and Marguerite Firth. Bambi was a traditional homemaker with a profound impact on our family's well-being. Her nurturing extended beyond conventional caregiving as she showcased exceptional talents as a seamstress and an artist. Bambi's creative integrity brought a vibrant cultural dimension to her responsibilities, evident in her adeptness at crafting garments from moose hide and engaging in the interactive art of canning and meticulous beadwork. Her prowess was also underscored by her dedication to preserving and transmitting traditional skills beyond the immediate practicalities. Bambi's contribution resonated deeply, becoming a testament to the preservation of cultural practices that our family's history was strengthened on. My connection to the land, as well as the people of the Northwest Territories, were because of this deep connection to my family.
Being raised by my single mother Irene Etkins taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of hard work and contribution. In a household where my mother shouldered the responsibilities on her own, I quickly understood that success and progress required the dedication and a willingness to actively contribute to one's endeavours. The experience instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility, shaping my approach to life and inspiring me to actively engage in the journey of personal and collective growth.
My family has been a huge part of my life. My wife, Karen, my three children, my five grandchildren, are my rock. They're my foundation, and without them I would not be standing here today.
In my work history, I have a very diverse career, and I think that is one of the attributes that I bring to the table in asking for your support for Cabinet. I started out as a small engine mechanic. I managed a snowmobile dealership, and I was a mechanic there for 13 years. From there, I went on with my wife to be house parents for students from Lutselk'e for five years. From there, we went on to a 12-year career working as house parents/program coordinators at the Western Arctic Leadership Program where we cared for and provided leadership and support to over 180 young people from all across the North. I have created relationships in almost every community that I still have to this day. And I think that that really provides me with an understanding of the North and many of the needs and the challenges of the small communities and what is required from us as a government to meet those needs and create and reduce some of the challenges that those communities face.
From my career as house parent/program coordinator, I've spent the last 13 years working with environment and climate change, or ENR as they were formerly known. In my role at ENR, I spent much of my time as a mechanic early on and I slowly worked my way up the ranks and eventually to a management position as a manager of forest management services. Through that role, I managed many capital projects for the entire Department of ENR, not just forest management. I have an extensive background also in -- I lost my train of thought -- sorry, in crisis management and working on many different incident management teams at different events from the onset of the COVID crisis to the recent fire season issues over the last season.
As I stand here today humbly seeking your support and trust for a ministerial role in the 20th Assembly, I want to express my unwavering commitment to a collaborative approach to governance. I recognize the importance of listening to the Members of this House and the Indigenous governments and the citizens of the Northwest Territories. In the spirit of inclusivity and cooperation, I pledge to work tirelessly to understand and address the diverse needs and perspectives of the entire that enrich our community. Together we can build a government that reflects the voices of all our constituents and fosters a shared vision of the future of the NWT. I am eager to engage in open dialogue, learn from each other, and create policies that genuinely serve the interests of the NWT.
The challenges confronting the 20th Assembly are complex and demand a collective approach. No single government can tackle this in isolation. The Government of the Northwest Territories has made substantial investments and reviews and research and accessing information on the many various issues that have faced the government over the years. Now is the time to capitalize on this wealth of information and translate it into actionable items. By fostering cooperation among all stakeholders, we can leverage the insights gained from these reviews to formulate effective strategies and create new policy. This collaborative effort is not only essential for overcoming the multifaceted challenges we face but also aligns with the principles of inclusivity and shared responsibility. Together we can harness the knowledge at our disposal to enact meaningful change and address the pressing issues that impact the well-being of our communities. Now is the opportune moment to turn information into action through an united and collective effort.
A ministerial role is a testament to effective leadership. It goes beyond personal attributes, focusing instead on actions and behaviours. Successful leadership involves active engagement with colleagues and stakeholders, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. It requires the ability to listen attentively, consider diverse perspectives, and make decisions that benefit the greater good. Ministerial leadership inspire confidence through transparency, accountability, and commitment to the public interest. It is a role that demands continuous dedication to service, putting the needs of the community at the forefront. Ultimately, leadership is not defined by title or status but by the positive impact and meaningful contribution made to the service to the people of the NWT and the collective goal.
I seek your support and trust in my pursuit of the ministerial role, and I commit to tirelessly working for the greater good, not only for the constituents of Thebacha but for the entire Northwest Territories. With a focus on collaborative transparency and a dedication to serving the needs of the community, I aspire to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our regions. Your support will be instrumental in shaping a positive and impactful future, and I'm eager to embark on this journey together. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to serving the people of the NWT. Thank you.