Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As a member of an aboriginal group that ratified its final agreement last year I know how the Inuit feel now that they have agreed to the terms of their comprehensive land claim agreement. The Inuit are now on a road that will eventually create a homeland for their people. This homeland will be within Canada but self-governing so the Inuit can protect and promote their cultural identity.

In the west this is not often recognized as a fundamental aspiration of aboriginal people. All too often we receive the answer that all people must be treated equally. The Gwich'in and the Inuit have agreements which, once implemented, will give them enough authority to force governments to respect the distinctiveness of aboriginal peoples and aboriginal societies. This follows the basic principle of being treated equally but with respect for differences and the right to protect those differences.

I am sincerely happy for the Inuit. I know that the negotiations were difficult and that you had to fight for every inch of territory and for every authority gained. No-one should make the mistake of viewing this agreement as giving too much to the Inuit. The Inuit gave to Canada a very large area of territory in exchange for only a portion of these lands.

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Aboriginal people are constantly forced during these negotiations to give in to Canada. Canada in return does not seem to recognize the distinctiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this land.

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With pending division of the Northwest Territories, western regions and communities must begin to develop their own government. The status quo will not work in the west. There is far too much diversity of opinions and cultures. We must begin this work with our communities because the communities are the basis of our governments. Secondly we must look toward regional or tribal governments to deliver government programs and services and also to bring our people together geographically and culturally.

Finally, there will be a need for a central territorial government but this should be defined after the communities and regions have determined their authorities. Once again, congratulations to T.F.N. and Nunavut. Qujannamiik.

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