(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends.) I would like to dedicate my first statement at the resumption of this session to a group of people who have been serving Northerners for more than 25 years. I am referring to the people both past and present who run the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre here in

Yellowknife.

As many Members know, the good works of the Tree of Peace extend far beyond the limits of this city. It has helped establish friendship centres in many communities including Fort Smith, Fort Simpson and Rankin Inlet. The Tree of Peace has also helped establish program we now consider fundamental components of northern life.

Let me note a few highlights of from its long list of achievements. In 1971, the Centre launched one of the first, if not the first, community-based adult education programs. In 1970, the Tree of Peace initiated the kindergarten, the first parent-child development program controlled by Aboriginal people. Sadly, this government terminated this kindergarten in 1994. In 1976, the Centre launched the first drug and alcohol awareness program for Dene and Metis people in Yellowknife. With Ingamo Hall in Inuvik, the Tree of Peace helped initiate the native court workers of the Western Arctic. This is an impressive list, Mr. Speaker, and it only covers a fraction of the friendship centre's activities.

Last night attended the 25th Assembly and Annual General Meeting, along with Mr. Henry. Several resolutions were passed with respect to the need for ongoing support from this government. Later in the week, on the return of the Minister, Mr. Dent, I will ask some questions in regard to funding support.

I am going to stop here except to make one more point. The Tree of Peace programs are initiated by the Dene and Metis people of Yellowknife for all peoples. As such, the programs are based on traditional values which make them all the more important. In a community like ours, it is easy to be distracted by the light and noise of city living.

In closing, I would like to thank the Tree of Peace and Mr. Tom Eagle who is in the audience today, his staff, Mr. Fred Koe who was elected as senator last night and who is in the audience today, for the difference the Tree of Peace has made in my community, and I hope that the Tree of Peace will thrive for many years to come. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause