Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my concern over the lack of use of all of our official aboriginal languages in public by our leaders. I agree with the Language Commissioner's Report, as we leaders do not use or promote our languages as much as we should. To this end, I can say that I do not use my language as often as I should as a leader. Considering most of my life, I have promoted and used my language as a communicator, as well as to ensure that my family does not lose this valuable piece of our culture.

It is important to know your language, so that we can communicate with elders to learn the old ways and stories, as well as, to know our roots and where we come from. Language, in all forms, is one component that makes up our diverse cultures and by having this government recognize the eight different languages as official languages is an important part of our lives. However, to ensure our languages do not die, we must use and promote them in public whenever we can. I also realize that with this government's cutbacks, we have allowed our language programs to suffer. It is up to us as leaders to ensure our future generations know and use our languages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause