Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I would like to take a moment to share with you and the Members some information about an important group in my home community of Pangnirtung. That group is the Mamiisaiyiit group. Mamiisaiyiit is currently operating three support groups: an alcohol and drug dependency group; a healing group for survivors of sexual abuse; and, a support group for grieving families.

(Translation) In July of this year, the Mamiisaiyiit group also went hunting for one week with nine families and five individuals, including elders. For some of these elders, this was the first opportunity to hunt in many years. For various reasons they were unable to hunt alone or without help from others. From what I understand, the elders who went enjoyed themselves immensely. They successfully hunted caribou, seals and a beluga whale. The meat taken from this hunt was distributed to all elders in the community. If we are to learn from our elders, this kind of traditional event must be encouraged and supported. (Translation ends)

Madam Speaker, I am proud of my heritage and am happy to see that people in Pangnirtung are interested and willing to take steps to preserve our culture, and in doing so, help our elders.

I would like to congratulate the Mamiisaiyiit group for a successful hunt, and for showing elders that they are a much needed part of our society today. Thank you.

---Applause