Thank you, Madam Speaker. Much of the focus in the last few months has been on mineral exploration and development in the Northwest Territories. Everyone is concerned about getting their fair share of the pie. The territorial government is concerned that the mineral royalty money will go to the federal coffers. Everyone is concerned that there will not be economic opportunities for northerners
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Native organizations are concerned about the environment and how mineral exploration will affect land claims negotiations.
None of us -- aboriginal or white northerners -- can afford to miss these opportunities. But on the other hand, Madam Speaker, we cannot run bluntly into mineral development agreements.
Madam Speaker, in Australia's Northern Territory, there have been some fantastic joint venture agreements between mining companies and aborigines. In return for a percentage of the company and the profits, aborigines work hand in hand with developers to bring new economic opportunities to their regions. Having a percentage of the company gives them some control in the direction that the company takes. This control is essential. It gives the aborigines a say in what happens, a voice that minimizes the environmental impact of projects and ensures that aborigines reap the economic benefits.
Madam Speaker, in my own region over the past few months, we have been in negotiation with oil and gas companies over exploration and development in the Cameron Hills. These companies have taken a step to involve us in the process, and that is appreciated. However, Madam Speaker, I somehow get the impression that the reasons these negotiations haven't progressed is that DIAND has chosen to ignore these companies that have made an attempt to involve the Dene and Metis in the process. We must become owners and partners like the aborigines in northern Australia to make our involvement in non-renewable resources development legitimate, as we, as people, must have the power to make decisions that affect future generations participating in resource development. Madam Speaker, I would like to get unanimous consent to continue my statement.