Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words today about the elders who form the pillars of our communities across the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, there are few among us who would question the significance of elders in a traditional northern society, yet everywhere I travel in the north, I see decisions being made for elders rather than by elders. I see a system of government that has no formal mechanism for heeding the guidance, the wisdom and the courage these elders can apply.

In 1988, Mr. Speaker, Canada's Commission to U.N.E.S.C.O. commented the following and I quote, "in most known western cultures, elders are the memories, the mythologies and consequently the true guides to a balanced and continued existence. Elders offer a wisdom which is too scarce and a valuable resource to squander. In light of the recent cultural tragedies, gradual erosion and loss of language, values and most importantly identity. There is a real need, an immediate need, to draw upon this collective wisdom. A true leadership role for elders around the world must be created."

Sadly, Mr. Speaker -- and I have spoken on this on several occasions -- I believe that, as a public government, we have overlooked these truths for far too long. We must adjust our approach to public sector decision making at the territorial level and at the community level, so that it is always a formal, significant leadership role for our community elders.

Mr. Speaker, in listening to the lessons of the past, I believe we can only be strengthened for meeting the challenges of the future. Thank you.

---Applause