Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member makes a very good point in regards to rights in the north. For many years in the Northwest Territories there was concern by the aboriginal first nations, Metis, in regards to their rights, in regards to the federal government, on treaties and aboriginal rights. I think that over the years this government has taken a position and has followed through with their commitment and their positions in regards to supporting land claims, supporting the self-government talks. We are talking about rights here. As a third party in the discussions in regards to self-government, we are dealing with the rights of people in the communities. Yes, we are assuring everybody the intention here is not to eliminate anybody's rights, to try to recognize these rights that are there, the inherent right to see self-government. We are trying to define it. We are trying to see how it is going to work. We are talking about individual rights as well as collective rights. As I said yesterday, we are dealing with a new era here where we are more or less taking the forefront in the west here in regards to aboriginal right to self-government. As we move along in the negotiations we will be seeing how they evolve. I would like to just maybe simply make a commitment here that yes, we are there to ensure that the rights of everyone is protected at the communities. Thank you.
Jim Antoine on Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
In the Legislative Assembly on February 12th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
Question 301-13(4): Protection Of Democratic Rights
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 11th, 1997
Page 566
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
See context to find out what was said next.