Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It is with equally great pleasure and a great sense of enthusiasm that I echo the statement made by the Premier. Today the Dogrib nation rejoices the signing of last evening of this very historic and landmark agreement. Mr. Speaker, we believe that our process of negotiations and the final agreement is indeed an example of partnership in development. This is the model of the kind of relationship that we would like industry, in general, to build with the Dogrib nation. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Dogrib nation communities of Rae-Edzo, Lac La Martre, Rae Lakes and Snare Lake I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Government Leader, the Honourable Nellie Cournoyea, and the Members of Cabinet for their support and encouragement throughout this first phase. We hope that both the federal government and the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to assist us in bringing this unique project to completion.
In addition, we would not have been able to reach this agreement without the goodwill and cooperation of the chairman, board of directors, and the president of the NWT Power Corporation.
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We would like to acknowledge that and thank them for this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, it is very fitting that it is during this United Nations international year of indigenous people that we are able to initiate a hydroelectric project which will be wholly owned by an aboriginal group. The Dogrib nation will not only own the access of the Dogrib power project but will be fully involved in and control the entire project, right from the conception of the project to engineering and construction. The Dogrib nation will be able to ensure long-term sustainable development on Dogrib land. Throughout our involvement we hope to be able to balance the legitimate concerns and sensitivities of our traditional economy with the needs of today's development. In addition, we will not only ensure maximum training and employment opportunities for the Dogrib people today but also long-term benefits and economic self-sufficiency for our future generations.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.