Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the traditional knowledge working group was established in October 1989. Elders worked with representatives from the government and aboriginal organizations for several months to find practical ways to preserve the traditional knowledge of aboriginal people and to use this knowledge in the planning and delivery of legislation and services for northern people. The working group prepared a report with 20 recommendations for the government. This report was tabled in the House nearly one year ago in July 1991.
Mr. Speaker, this government has expressed its commitment to preserving and using the knowledge of aboriginal people. Surely this is basic to governing effectively in the Northwest Territories. Yet in all this time, there has been no strategy outlined as to how the government will use these recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, I am also concerned about the failure of the government to make use of the recommendations of another group. The aboriginal languages conference was hold in Yellowknife March 25-27, 1991. Again, aboriginal delegates and organizations made comprehensive recommendations to the government to revitalize aboriginal languages and to involve communities with designing and providing services in this area.
The Minister of Culture and Communications said back in 1991 that he would give serious consideration to the recommendations from the aboriginal languages conference. Yet again, there has been no response or plan presented to this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister has received written concerns from myself and from the Dene Cultural Institute and the Inuit Cultural Institute about the lack of a formal response. Members of the Metis Heritage Association and the Inuvialuit social development program also feel that this is taking too long.
I will say that I have received a written response from the Minister saying that his department is reviewing the reports and outlining programs that are being conducted by his department related to traditional knowledge and culture. But Mr. Speaker, the response I received concerns me. The department is doing a little...