Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, as we have heard from a number of my colleagues, marks a very special day in Canada. Here in the Northwest Territories, I think we can look to our people and the accomplishments they have shown throughout the Northwest Territories.
I myself, being an Inuvialuit and having the recent signing of the Concession Agreement in Inuvik that open lands, from an aboriginal perspective, shows that we, as a people of the Northwest Territories, are no longer the bearers of water and the cutters of wood. In fact, we are now the leaders in our own communities.
I think we should all look at ourselves and the accomplishments we have made today. The future only shows that there is room for improvement.
We have come a great distance since government first came to the Northwest Territories. I think we must be proud of that. To see that people are working together...I think today all residents of the Northwest Territories can celebrate with one another as to the richness we share in our cultures. Not only aboriginal people, but people of the Northwest Territories as a whole should celebrate together and not show fear of one another or mistrust, but instead a common understanding that we are a people of the Northwest Territories, sharing in our work and our responsibilities and being good examples for all residents.
It is positive to take a stand and show who you are and be proud of who you are. As well, it is even better to be humble in admitting we all have a long way to go, and there is a long road to travel.
With that, I would like to wish all of the residents of the Northwest Territories who are holding their celebrations the best of luck. Be proud of who you are and share your richness and culture. Thank you.
-- Applause