Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to advise this Assembly that tonight, in Calgary, our honourable colleague, Mr. Stephen Kakfwi, will be honoured with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Mr. Kakfwi is receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Native Arts Foundation, recognizing his role as a passionate and effective advocate for aboriginal people, for his role in the development of the modern theory of the inherent right and, in general, as a defender of the rights and interests of all people north of sixty.

Along with Mr. Kakfwi, another Northwest Territories resident, Mr. Kiawak Ashoona of Cape Dorset, is also being recognized for his lifetime of achievements as an artist whose work has not only gained regional and national attention, but brought international recognition to the north as well.

I am sure I speak for all Members and for citizens in the Northwest Territories, in congratulating Mr. Kakfwi and Mr. Ashoona on these honours. While the awards are for individuals, I believe we can all share in the pride of this evening's presentations and celebration, and in the honour and distinction these two citizens bring to the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi Cho.

-- Applause