Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my culture when babies are constantly upset or ill we change their names. We change their names to give the babies a new life and a new more positive attitude. I am not suggesting that changing a name is always used when there is a problem. What I am saying is that in my culture we are used to changing names. We will often change a name to suit a new situation.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand today to recognize the name change of Coppermine to Kugluktuk, which in my language might mean that there is falls over there - water falls, and Lake Harbour to Kimmirut, and there might be a place there that looks like a hill according to the name change. While the former names have great historical value, they did not recognize the traditional names that have been used by the peoples of these areas.
Mr. Speaker, these name changes also recognize that communities are taking great pride in their traditions and culture. These names are not new. They have been used for generations by the people who live there. These names have more geographic meaning. They express a cultural and social meaning to the people.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all the Members of this Assembly to join me in congratulating the people of Kugluktuk and Kimmirut for these historic name changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.