Mr. Speaker, on April 7th to 14th, the Northwest Territories will join the rest of Canada in
celebrating National Wildlife Week. Throughout the week, the Department of Renewable Resources, schools and communities will take part in activities that recognize the public's role in protecting and managing this valuable resource. In Yellowknife, on April 14th, departmental staff will host a special "Amazing Sundays" wildlife event at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. In other communities, students can ask our wildlife experts questions through a special electronic bulletin board.
Harvesting wildlife has sustained northern cultures for thousands of years. Today, wildlife provides us with healthy foods, seasonal employment for trappers, guides and outfitters, clothing and material for arts and crafts, and the skills needed to harvest wildlife and make products remain valuable and connect us to our heritage. Through land claims agreements, the public role in managing wildlife has been formalized and is taken very seriously.
Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, we are fortunate to have productive wildlife populations that are managed on a sustainable basis to provide the maximum benefits to people. We owe a great deal to wildlife and, as a sign of honour and respect, I would like to invite all Members of the Legislative Assembly to join in activities that celebrate National Wildlife Week. Mahsi cho.
---Applause