Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, a fine mother and an even better grandmother and the longest serving community librarian in the north, Jeri Miltenberger.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce a former co-worker and vice-president of the Union of Northern Workers, Josie Gould.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday during committee of the whole I raised questions in the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. While going through that budget, I had come across information in respect to the wildlife committee and organizations and funding cuts. I would like to know with the motion put forward by Mr. Steen and passed by the committee of the whole, if the Minister would look at this area and reconsider some of the reductions that are happening to wildlife organizations. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ensure the Members of the Legislature that motions that are made are taken very seriously. The motion recommends re-instating funding to

wildlife committees at the community level to the levels they were at in previous years. As all motions made by the Legislature, they will be taken to be considered collectively with the Minister of Finance. We will be responding once we have had time to review these and see if there is any way possible to respond positively to them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is encouraging to hear that it will be taken seriously. I believe those organizations in the community benefit the people who need it the most, who are trying to be productive and help put food on their tables. I had raised a question yesterday in committee of the whole. If the Minister has the information available today with him. I know from my experience on the Inuit Hunters and Trappers Committee, there was a contribution agreement signed for five years. Is that agreement still in place?

Mr. Speaker, I got home about 10 o'clock last night, but I do want to assure the Member I am taking this motion seriously. I actually took it home with me. Once there is some time to look at it with my colleagues and my department, I will be doing that. The specific information required, such as the contribution agreements made at the community level, will be reviewed as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of RWED. It is in relation to my opening statement regarding comments made by an individual on CBC North last night in relation to traditional knowledge and also the effects those comments may have had on how other aboriginal people and communities have taken it. Are those comments endorsed by this government? This government is presently in the process of self-government talks with aboriginal organizations to bring them into the household of recognizing them through this government, through comments by the Premier, in regards to recognizing band councils and Metis locals and also Inuvialuit organizations. Are these comments in any way, shape or form being endorsed by this government?

Mr. Speaker, there was an allegation made earlier in the year in a publication that this government was promoting religious beliefs through the imposition of this policy and that is categorically rejected by myself and the government. The policy says that any programs and services we deliver should recognize the spiritual values and beliefs that are held by the aboriginal people. We hold that to be a valid and legitimate position to advance. We do not ask anyone to take on a belief they do not hold, just to respect that people have values and spiritual beliefs that must be recognized and taken into account when we advance our own work and develop our own policies when we develop our own programs and services. That is the position we take. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is there any way this government could possibly make a public statement in regards to those statements which may have offended any aboriginal organizations or aboriginal people?