Mahsi, Madam Speaker. I, too, would like to congratulate you, as Speaker, on behalf of the people I represent in Nahendeh. On Friday and Saturday, Madam Speaker, we went through a leadership process. We asked a lot of questions. There was crucial set of questions that I wanted to pursue, but we ended before I got to it. It is with regard to the relationship between the Dene and the Crown.

The relationship between the Dene and the federal government is a long-standing one. Formal agreements between the two parities go back to 1899 with Treaty 8, and to 1921 with Treaty 11. This relationship is a special one. It is a bilateral relationship that includes all aspects of Dene life. The treaties were made in good faith by the Dene and the Crown and are to be adhered to forever. As our elders remember, and it is a famous quote, "As long as the sun shines, the river continues to flow, and the grass grows." This is a sacred oath, Madam Speaker. It is part of a prayer and it is part of a spiritual ceremony.

I was amazed this summer, when I attended special summer ceremonies the Blackfoot Nation have called, The Sun Dance, that this famous quote was used in the most crucial part of the ceremony. This nation to nation relationship has eroded over time, and has resulted in a situation whereby now, the majority of responsibility between our respective peoples is being administered by this Government of the Northwest Territories and this Legislative Assembly.

This occurred without the consent of the Dene. As a result, we hear the Dene telling us very clearly that the Government of the Northwest Territories is not their government and it is not responsible for administering on their behalf. At the same time, it is clear that this House, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, in general, do not recognize the Dene as self-governing with an agreement in place that recognizes their independence.

I thereby suggest that this dilemma be dealt with immediately, and be recognized as a priority in Cabinet. All the Members are sitting here today on disputed Dene land. I recommend to Cabinet that you immediately develop a new relationship with the leadership of the Dene and recognize them, as intended in the treaties, consistent with the new Liberal government's approach. I suggest, further...