Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago, about 20 people attended a meeting of an organization known as Spirit YK to review the question of, does Yellowknife need or want a mining museum? The answer among those who attended was a yes. Such a museum is long overdue, especially if one considers the role mining and exploration have played in the history of the city and of the Northwest Territories. This city really does need a place where visitors, residents and school children can learn about the varied and colourful history of mining in the north. Yellowknife was born from a mining boom and mining continues to be a major part of our existence. This is true not only for Yellowknife, but for the whole of the Northwest Territories.
In a statement I made back in February, 1998, I suggested the Department of Education, Culture and Employment initiate discussions with Spirit of YK members. The idea of a mining museum is good. Everyone, tourists and residents alike, are curious to know and learn more about mining. The popularity of activities during mining week certainly attest to this. Now that diamond mining has started in the Northwest Territories, we have yet another exciting opportunity to show and tell others about our mining activity and history. There are several ideas of where to locate a mining museum. The old mine rescue building is one location. Another idea is to develop a museum out at Giant Mine.
Everyone agrees the museum needs to be interactive. That is what people want. They want to experience, first-hand, underground tunnels and the smell and feel of fresh cut rock. People also agree that, if funding permits, the museum should focus not just on Yellowknife's mining history, but also cover mining ventures in other parts of the Northwest Territories.
Mining is such a huge part of the north's history. It is a shame we do not yet have the interactive type of museum Spirit of YK talks about. It is high time we got started on a mining museum. Already we have 20 interested people willing to spearhead the task and I would urge our government to show its support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.