(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last year during a special chiefs' meeting of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, the chiefs unanimously approved the designation of March as Aboriginal Languages Month. The chiefs of Canada have recognized that language is part of culture, and it carries the key to self-determination and our future as a First Nations people.

This was done to focus more attention and effort to support aboriginal languages in Canada. Recognition of our languages is recognition of ourselves as a distinct people. It is essential that we express our beliefs and ideals through our own languages. Languages define our thoughts, our values of beliefs and our traditions. We cannot become complacent in our efforts to promote aboriginal languages. Unlike Euro-Canadians, we have no option for returning to the old country and to relearn a forgotten tongue. Once a northern language falls into disuse, it is gone forever. (Translation ends)

Madam Speaker, I am proud of my language and I believe that my language is a very important part of defining who I am as a Dene. This government has started down the road to dealing with the problems surrounding the use of aboriginal languages. Programs administered by the government such as taping of oral histories is an important part of this process. However, Madam Speaker, it is equally important for this government to remember just as it is important to gather traditions of the aboriginal elders, it is also necessary to share and disseminate information and languages with younger generations.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.