Than you, Mr. Speaker. On February 4, 1997, I met with members of the Aboriginal Summit together with my Cabinet colleague, the Honourable Jim Antoine. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern. During the course of our discussions an issue emerged regarding the extent to which the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes band councils and Metis locals.

Mr. Speaker, it was suggested that it would be useful if I could clarify the government's position for the public record regarding our recognition of community aboriginal governments. I agreed to do so. It is for that purpose that I stand to make this statement today. Mr. Speaker, I would like to state firmly and clearly that the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the band councils, Metis locals and Inuvialuit community corporations of the communities as institutions of aboriginal governance. Indeed, these institutions are the current structures of self-government.