Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we are aware, in the last few years with regard to aboriginal communities,

self-government has been high on their agenda. We have had the opportunity to start negotiations in settlement areas, particularly in the area that I represent with the Gwich'in and Irruvialuit negotiation process.

In the last few weeks, there have been statements made regarding the Premier's statement, as well as on events happening in this House. It is not clear how those changes will affect the aboriginal negotiations for self-government. In the past, negotiations between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the aboriginal communities have been strained with regard to the relationship between this government and the federal government. The majority of aboriginal communities are represented by band councils, as well as aboriginal groups such as the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

The current status as to the process with this new Assembly has been changed with the new Premier, Cabinet and Members of this House. There is now dialogue between the aboriginal groups and the regional summit that has been established for the aboriginal forum. In the Premier's statement, there were no comments made about self- government and the importance of it in the North. There has been restructuring of the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio. Does that mean the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs will no longer be the key person in those discussions?

The Government of the Northwest Territories has also talked about community transfers and community empowerment. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.