Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just with regard to the Charlottetown Accord, Mr. Chairman, when the Meech Lake Accord was under consideration, there were concerns that it had been carried out in a closed room, and represented the interests of a very small sector of our Canadian society. The process from the Charlottetown agreement was very different. The months leading up to the Pearson Building Discussion saw several public commissions and hearings, all aimed at gathering input from Canadians of all backgrounds.
Not the least of this was the input received from the leaders of our national aboriginal organizations. I was very pleased that these leaders had joined us in this House today. I know the honourable Members are finding their comments very helpful as we work through the various issues related to disagreement, and our special committee's report. Mr. Chairman, I know that I do not have to remind our national leaders of the very unique, and special, circumstances of the Northwest Territories in which they find themselves today. The Northwest Territories, you might say, amplifies everything that is good about Canada. We are a jurisdiction which covers a huge territory, approximately one third the size of the entire country. Our population is comprised of several ethnic groupings, the Metis, Inuit, Dene and non-native.
I think, that in many ways, our life together here shows how people who are of diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds can live and work together successfully. In recognition of our way, our national leaders have assisted the process of ensuring that our unique interests are reflected in Canada's Constitution, the Dene and Metis Members of this House have asked me to present you with a token of our appreciation, and respect.
Mr. Chairman, the honourable Members of this House have heard me talk about the moose hair pictures produced by the Dene of my community before. These pieces have acquired a world wide reputation as an art form that is unique in Canada's north. They are more than that, however.
They are an expression of the long history of the Dene, and the Metis, people in the Deh Cho and South Slave region. They symbolize the way that women and men, in the Dene and Metis communities, have worked together for centuries to produce a culture that is truly beautiful, and admired by people around the world.
They also symbolize our close harmony with the natural forces that surround us, and in presenting them today, we hope that the Dene will represent the long tradition of hospitality and goodwill that has categorized our northern homeland for centuries.
Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Dene and Metis Members of this House, I would like your permission to make a presentation to our distinguished guests. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.