Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Dene Cultural Institute is in the process of developing a healing program. Mr. Speaker, this program is being developed because the institute sees a need for training for communities to help recovering alcoholics deal with the other issues that have arisen from their addiction. Issues such as child sexual assault, spousal assault, grief, anger and cultural oppression need to be addressed in order for the recovering alcoholic to lead a full and productive life, without slipping back into their previous lifestyle.

Mr. Speaker, this program will enable all the Dene communities to meet their own social and cultural healing needs. Four individuals will be trained to become the institute's mobile healing team. They will help the people in the communities become self-sufficient in dealing with the issues that they themselves identify as needing to be addressed.

Mr. Speaker, the Dene Cultural Institute has conducted a review of their progress and role in facilitating cultural development. The institute feels they will have limited success in strengthening culture until we, as Dene, have addressed the issues that cause us not to practice our own culture on a personal basis. The institute would like to start this healing program in April, 1994, and is looking to run a five year program and then have a comprehensive review on the progress made.

Mr. Speaker, I know that two days ago I promised that I would not say anything else about the final report of the Standing Committee on Health and Social Services. However, one of the recommendations that was made, that I wholeheartedly agree with, is that we do not provide enough support to the front line workers and communities.

I strongly urge this government to support the Dene Cultural Institute in the development and implementation of this worthwhile healing program. Mahsi cho.

---Applause.