Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is a historic day for the Treaty 8 Dene First Nations. Today at 3:00 pm in the Ndilo gym, the First Nations will be initialling a protocol agreement of treaty entitlement with the federal government. This initialling will be followed by the initialling of the terms of reference for the transfer of programs and services from Canada to the Treaty 8 Dene First Nations. The Treaty 8 Dene will also initial a process for negotiating a co-existent agreement on traditional lands.

At this time, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people who are very responsible for this important day: Chief Jonas Sangris, Chief Darryl Beaulieu, Chief Antoine Michel, Chief Jerry Paulette, Chief Don Balsillie, and Chief Magloire Paulette; the band councils and the elders; the people of the Treaty 8 First Nations; and, also, a special note of recognition to Mr. Francois Paulette and Mr. Felix Lockhart who are the negotiators.

Mr. Speaker, this is the end of a long, difficult journey and a beginning of a new, difficult journey and I think the people of the Treaty 8 First Nations deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and their patience for coming this far. I think I can speak on behalf of all Members of this Assembly in wishing them the best as they negotiate their treaty with the federal government. Thank you.