Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about a historic event which happened on December 23, 1992. On that day the Gwich'in Land Claims Settlement Act was formally proclaimed and given royal assent by the Governor General.

Legislation provides the Gwich'in with a land base and resources to more fully manage their own affairs and a guaranteed role in public government institutions. Legislation not only confirms rights and benefits to the Gwich'in, but sets a stage for similar agreements and restructuring of public government institutions governing land, water, renewable resources and the environment for the Mackenzie Valley. The enabling legislation refers to the agreement and contains the first constitutional process for self-government negotiations. This shall have a major impact on the future of government in the north. The current government has taken a pro-active approach by discussing with the Gwich'in communities, community transfer initiatives.

Community transfers will allow the Gwich'in to develop greater control and understanding of the administration of government, an essential step towards self-governance. Self-government negotiations must be a partnership between government and the Gwich'in. This Legislative Assembly must support this initiative because it will set the stage of the development of a new order of government and bring our northern society together.

As a government, we must be aware the Gwich'in self-government negotiations may override many of our policies, programs, financial arrangements and legislation. I hope that this government, and this Assembly, will work in an open and cooperative fashion to ensure the successful implementation of the land claim. I understand that it is our responsibility to look after the interest of all residents of the north, however, we must also respect the different cultures and authority of our communities to determine their own futures.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.