Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the annual meeting of the Gwich'in renewable resources council, which was held in Inuvik from March 17 to 19, 1993. Renewable resources councils, which have basically replaced the hunters' and trappers' association, have been established by the Gwich'in comprehensive land claim agreement. Clause 12.9.1 of the agreement states that there shall be a renewable resources council in each Gwich'in community to encourage and promote local involvement in conservation, harvesting studies and research and wildlife management in the local community.

Mr. Speaker, I was very impressed with the level of commitment and the participation of the 30 plus delegates of this meeting. Many issues were discussed and some of the resolutions dealt with the compensation for hunters and trappers, and the establishment of a trap manufacturing plant. Many issues related to the Porcupine Caribou Management Board. They wish to establish a fur auction house. They wish to establish a renewable resource management program in the Gwich'in settlement area. They wish to establish a tannery. They also set some restrictions on hunting of grizzly bears and caribou on the Dempster highway.

Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling copies of the resolutions which were adopted at this meeting, later today. Again, I wish to congratulate the organizers of the meeting, all the participants, and, especially, the chairperson, William Greenland and the co-chairperson, Morris Blake, who kept the proceedings moving and discussions on track. Mahsi cho.

---Applause