Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) I would like to speak on behalf of the aboriginal languages issue today. Today, whoever is speaking their own language, it is their day to celebrate. I do not think we should be thinking about our languages only today. I think we should be thinking about them every day. When I speak to elders, they say "Why do the younger people not speak aboriginal languages very well?" They do not speak to the elders, that is why. A few of the elders also express that they would like to speak to the young people, but they do not get a chance to do that. They have lived a long time.
The young students who are taught in school today are taught well, but they are taught mostly in English. Last year, there
were some young students, about 10 years old, who said they would like to speak Slavey, but they do not know how. They say they are taught the language in school, but they are limited. They express the fact that they should be taught more, and I agree. Today, when we speak aboriginal languages, it is recognized by the territorial government. There are many languages being interpreted for us today, and I feel thankful for people who are interpreting for me. Thank you.
---Applause