Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement is in response to the Minister's statement yesterday regarding the agenda for change in the new Western Territory. Mr. Speaker, the statement deals a lot with aboriginal groups and aboriginal rights and processes that are already in place, but Mr. Speaker, it is my experience being involved in the Dene Metis claims process along with the Gwich'in and the Sahtu, is that the fundamental principle for these negotiations is for the aboriginal communities and aboriginal people to ensure that they have a place in society and take control of their lives and run programs and services on their behalf.

The same thing with claim settlements, the claims have been settled on the basis that there was going to be a land deal and an economic deal and resources so they can be independent in the future. What I see in this statement by the Premier is exactly what aboriginal people have been asking for, forever and a day. Mr. Speaker, there are times in this House where I find myself dealing with aboriginal issues to know that there is nothing that can by done by this government. It either has to be dealt with by the federal government through Indian Affairs or through Ottawa.

Mr. Speaker, every aspect of society and programs and services this government delivers are the exact programs and services that aboriginal people have been asking for to ensure that they have control and also have the right to deliver those programs and services themselves. It is when a chief calls myself, as a Member of this Legislature, with a problem that should be resolved through the Department of Social Services or Education where a member of a band goes to the chief and says I need money to go to school down south, I am not getting program dollars from the Department of Education in the Northwest Territories as a status Indian, what do I do?

I think it is those types of problems that the aboriginal people have been saying they need to be resolved. I think the first commitment this government should make to aboriginal people and aboriginal organizations in the Northwest Territories is exactly the principle that aboriginal institutions, band councils, Metis locals, tribal councils are recognized as an institution of government before we even move anywhere. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.