Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend I had the opportunity to speak to the mayor of Gjoa Haven. We have talked about the economy of that community and around the community of Kitikmeot east. We talked mainly about the economy across the board. When we talk about economy we are talking about Arctic Bay, Pelly Bay, Lac La Martre, Yellowknife and so on. We have talked about the diamond and mining industries, small businesses and other opportunities in the NWT. Somewhere during the process, Mr. Speaker, we forget about the little people in the community. The little people who are trying to help out, who are dependent upon trapping, arts and crafts. Those people who do not wish to receive social assistance from this government, who wish to retain their pride and support their family in the job they are able to do. One area the mayor and I talked about was finding the market for arts and crafts. He indicated to me that although the products from the carvers are bought in the community, it is only in a limited quantity by the Co-op and by the Northern Store. He also indicated those who are internationally renowned artists are able to sell their carvings in the local community, but those who are capable of producing good carvings are not recognized as much as they should be. At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Economic Development, what are we doing to help those carvers at the local level? Thank you.
John Ningark on Member's Statement 188-13(5): Assistance To The Arts And Crafts Industry
In the Legislative Assembly on February 9th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Member's Statement 188-13(5): Assistance To The Arts And Crafts Industry
Item 3: Members' Statements
February 8th, 1998
Page 643
John Ningark Natilikmiot
See context to find out what was said next.