Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the establishment of the Inuit Heritage Centre, a special project in Baker Lake that has been initiated and developed by the elders of Baker Lake. This centre provided a great solution to our elders as they face two major challenges. Mr. Speaker, they are the last representatives of the unique Baker Lake Inuit Group. These were the only Inuit people living a traditional inland life based on a diet of caribou and fish.

Mr. Speaker, with instincts sharper than university tools, the elders simply decided to present their traditional wisdom in a modern form that would appeal to youngsters, tourists and historians as well. The elders were the driving force behind the new Inuit Heritage Centre. The concept was theirs and while the old community hall was being renovated, they helped design the building and develop the story line.

Their final and perhaps most brilliant idea included a room inside the centre where elders can meet, record oral history and discuss the details of their ancestors lives. The exhibits will be constructed next. They will eventually display such treasures as the centre's own Kazan River and Back River kayaks, a collection of caribou-skin clothing and a variety of other traditional artifacts and crafts.

Our elders are determined to ensure that their ancestral traditions will be preserved through exhibits, audio and video recordings. When funding permits, the elders intend to purchase materials to demonstrate the construction of traditional items in the original style as an instructive part of the centre.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that his Excellency, Mr. Romeo LeBlanc, the Governor General of Canada and his wife, Mrs. Diana Fowler-LeBlanc, will join our elders on June 3rd, this year in officially opening the Baker Lake Inuit Heritage Centre.

Mr. Speaker, hats off to the Baker Lake elders, Mayor David Tagoona and the council for their hard work on this project. Thank you.

--Applause.