Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, about a week ago the Gwich'in Land Claim Settlement Act was tabled in the House of Commons and received first reading. It is hoped that this act will receive royal proclamation before Christmas of this year. This act will give constitutional protection for the first comprehensive land claim agreement since the Inuvialuit claim in 1984. It is also the first time that a comprehensive land claim agreement has provisions within it dealing with the self-government negotiations process and implementation plan. The act also creates a co-management land and water regulatory regime; a first in all of Canada between aboriginal people and the government. This model of co-management will probably become a standard for the Mackenzie Valley and I believe that it is already included in the Inuit agreement.
The Gwich'in seek, from both governments, fair consideration of the implementation of their agreement to allow for their goal of self-determination to be fulfilled. Regional boards will be an important element to the regulatory regime and I hope this government supports the Gwich'in position. I would also like to express my congratulations to the Gwich'in leadership, who have worked long hours and with the determination and unshakeable conviction that this agreement will create a better future for their people.
I hope that the Government of the Northwest Territories and this Legislative Assembly give them strong support and that they show the same support in dealing with all active claimant groups; the Inuit, the Dogrib, the Sahtu, Dene and Metis. Mahsi.
---Applause