Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, next year marks the 30th anniversary of the territorial government's arrival in the north. This will be the last time we will pass a milestone as a single territory.

We have come a long way since September 18, 1967. And those are the days the territorial government was a colonial government ruled under the benevolent dictatorship of Commissioner Stu Hodgson. We often get after cabinet sometimes for taking off an decisions without consulting the ordinary members, but let me say this, the cabinet powers today are mild compared to those of Commissioner Hodgson and the other commissioners of the early sixties and seventies, and I know because I worked for them.

That is all in the past now. When I look back on the last three decades, I am amazed at how much we have accomplished as a territory. This assembly has grown from an appointed council to a fully elected responsible and accountable democratic government, and I am very proud of that achievement.

With Nunavut, we are witnessing the creation of a new form of government. It will be an unprecedented blend of public and aboriginal institutions. The western territory is making an attempt to achieve the similar goal.

But our accomplishments go far beyond this government. In 1967 most Canadians would not have dreamed of land claims, remember this was two years before the infamous 1969 white paper on aboriginal people in Canada. Today, here in the territories we have four complete land claim agreements, and are close to finalizing a fifth.

Self-government, though it has a way to go, is on the road to becoming a practical reality here in the territories. I would like to note what our communities have achieved social and culturally as well. Unfortunately the two minute limit on member statements precludes that option.

Mr. Speaker I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.