Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a people's culture and language form the basis of their life and identity. Mr. Speaker, in a territory where half the population is aboriginal, it is important to have aboriginal culture-focused courses in our schools. However, teaching the ways and culture of aboriginal people in our school systems happens to be sporadic and infrequent.

One then has to look at the curriculum and see where this can be improved. Yes, our students do receive some instruction through Northern Studies in grade 10. Also, aboriginal culture and history are directly addressed in grades 4, 5 and 7. Grades 6, 9 and 10 address it in other teaching units. Dene Kede is taught from kindergarten to grade 6 with expansion to grade 9 this year, but there is no continuity throughout the grade levels, Mr. Speaker. In some cases, aboriginal languages are only taught up to a certain grade level, but they do not carry through to grade 12.

In northern Ontario, grade 6 students are expected to learn of the contributions aboriginal people have made to the political and social life of Canada. The course is called Heritage and Citizenship. Other opportunities are found throughout the curriculum to learn about aboriginal peoples.

In Australia, there is an Aboriginal Studies Association that promotes aboriginal studies for all levels of education. In Canada, SchoolNet may allow teachers and students to explore Canadian aboriginal and social issues, but again, there needs to be a more concerted effort to teach aboriginal culture with consistency at every grade level in the community, Mr. Speaker.

In the Department of Education's report "Towards Excellence", it acknowledges a need to improve support to communities to achieve their culture, heritage and language goals. The approach is to give the communities the flexibility to achieve this. So it appears there is much work to be done in this area still, Mr. Speaker, especially in the area of curriculum development at all grade levels.

I will have some questions for the appropriate Minister when the time comes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause