Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Gwich'in on the signing of the Gwich'in comprehensive land claim agreement.
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Representatives of the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Gwich'in Tribal Council signed this historical document on April 22, 1992 in Fort McPherson. I would like to acknowledge the Gwich'in leaders who, under great pressure, decided that they must continue to progress as a society and aggressively sought the tribal land claim. The Gwich'in strength is reflected in their conviction that they could make the agreement work for them, in their unity of purpose that was proven with a 94 per cent vote in favour of the agreement, and in their leadership who worked for and with their people in an open and caring fashion.
I am happy to be part of the negotiations and, today, very proud to be Gwich'in. The Gwich'in agreement gives the region the certainty needed for resource development and the regulatory and management mechanisms to ensure that development is sustainable for our future generations.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my statement.