Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is my view if the aboriginal people want to print or provide for public information purposes or education, a publication on the traditional knowledge within themselves or to give some illustrations what traditional knowledge means, if they require funding for it, we would be prepared to look at supporting such projects. I do not know if it will then diminish any sense of responsibility we have for any future funding that may be required in the area of traditional knowledge. I do know there have been a number of research activities that have taken place over the years in a number of sectors that have not involved local or aboriginal people which, in spite of hefty amounts of money being expended with very credible scientific people being authors of them, have long since been shelved without any benefit being derived from them, namely because the connection had been made with the aboriginal people or the local communities on which the research was being based in part. Again, I go back to the point I made about an hour or so ago. I think it is a necessary way of doing business. If there is nothing of particular relevance that needs to be engaged in their traditional knowledge on a particular project, that is fine. That is for us to determine. We have to accept it as part of business. If we move into somebody else's house, then it is necessary and protocol that we should ask that person who was there before us about their knowledge and their awareness of the house before we do anything. It is more economical. That is efficiency. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 26th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 25th, 1997
Page 903
See context to find out what was said next.