Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Aboriginal leaders, mayors, members of this House, this debate discussed the draft constitution, October 16, 1996. Finally after years and years of talking and more talk, people that have watched the Territory have a paper they can review and make recommendations on. The present system of government is so outdated and did not involve the people of the north it was meant to govern.
The north is unique in it's make-up, diversity of language and culture, aboriginal people in the east and west, are now in the majority. But, in 1999, the new territory, Nunavut, will be created and the aboriginal people in the west will find themselves in a minority in their homeland. The aboriginal people in the west will face problems similar to aboriginal people in the provinces and other parts of the world. Aboriginal people in Canada and other parts of the world fight a never-ending battle of recognition of their rights in their homeland.
Here is a perfect opportunity for aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in the west to build a partnership in the government style of true and honest government, and the role that aboriginal people play in the design of this new government. This is the only kick at the can and to demonstrate to Canada and the rest of the world, that the true people of this land can have a positive influence on the government. Many people in the major centres who support the status quo will speak against the draft constitution.
I believe that there is a larger majority of those who will support a once in a lifetime opportunity to work for the federal government for our northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.