One of the messages that has been very consistent over the years came from -- not so much the younger leaders -- but from the older leaders, the elders, the more senior chiefs and those elected by the Metis and the Dene Nation with regard to treaties and the fact that the relationship between the federal government and this government has moved toward being more neighbourly. There is less indication of a hard line approach to resolving issues. I think you would find that even through the testimony given to the Berger inquiry and any records of statements given by elders.
The preoccupation is one of trying to reach an agreement to treat each other well and to make sure that people are not denied those things that they need. First of all, we have to recognize that many of these people have been, in many ways, denied some basic recognition. I think we have to make a big effort. We have been very positive that way.
I think this government has been taking the lead for years in supporting the major initiatives and positions taken by aboriginal leaders across this country. At First Ministers' conferences taking place in the early 1980s, it was this government that was almost first to take positions in support of the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada and the other groups at the constitutional table. There is some appreciation for the progressive moves we have made in that area.
I would say that it is almost premature to put forward to groups like Treaty 8 whether they would support initiatives like mining development and other initiatives at this time. I think we have to make sure that we support them in every way we can to make sure that they are able to deliver some basic things to their people, such as the recognition of the provisions of treaties, whether or not we can help them find a way to deliver their own programs and services, whether or not we can make sure that they have some role to play in the co-management of some of the land and resources in their traditional territory, whether we can find ways to get them involved in those issues that they have felt, historically, they have been ignored in.
I think the goodwill is starting to develop. Once they feel like they have their feet under them, they have some sense of control and confidence that they can venture into development and that they will be able to sustain themselves in the wake of things like this, then it should follow quite naturally that they will
be interested in taking part in development that they can participate in and benefit from. Thank you.