Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to be very brief on the boundary and the plebiscite issues. I want to indicate, for the record, that as an MLA I have always supported the concept of Nunavut, and that I support Nunavut. However, I do want to advise this Assembly that I do know that the concern of the chief in Fort Smith is to encourage his members to vote against the boundary, and for the native people in Fort Smith to vote against the boundary. They feel that it imposes upon some of their traditional lands where they have hunted and harvested, particularly in support of the residents of Snowdrift and the South Slave area of the lake. I want Members to be aware of the type of opposition that I am up against in our community.

I also want Members to be aware that the chief also believes that non-natives should not be able to vote on the plebiscite. He feels that because of the fact that they do not use the land, and they have never used the land, that they should not be able to vote. Unfortunately, I do not agree with his stand. I believe that is a very radical stand, and I do not believe it is in fairness to residents that are non-natives and have lived in our communities for a number of years and should not be treated in this manner.

--- Applause

Therefore, I do want to advise Members that I will make every effort in our community, even though our community in 1982 voted against division, to encourage them to at least go out and exercise their democratic right as citizens of the Territories to vote on the plebiscite. It is my hope, in fairness, that my constituents will take an open viewpoint and recognize the aspirations of the Inuit to achieve Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

--- Applause