Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is National Aboriginal Day, I would like to make some comments on an issue that has been facing the Dene and Metis of the Deh Cho for many years. My statement today is on the Deh Cho proposal.
Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho proposal is not a land claim in the accepted sense of the word. Instead, it proposes that government institutions be based on Dene laws and values for the benefit of all of the residents of the Deh Cho region, including the non-aboriginal people of the Deh Cho.
The establishment of such governing institutions will fulfill the legitimate aspirations and rights of both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people of the Deh Cho. It is proposed that these community-driven institutions will have extensive powers, which will include, but not be limited to, those more commonly associated with traditional land claim agreements.
Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho process needs active support and promotion by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is essential that the Government of the Northwest Territories keep an open mind and adopt a flexible, creative approach to the Deh Cho process as it unfolds.
Mr. Speaker, it is also very important that the Government of the Northwest Territories concentrates less on its own potential loss of powers and more on the legitimate interest of the Deh Cho people under consideration of the Deh Cho proposal.
The Government of the Northwest Territories shall not take a rigid approach. On the contrary, it should be as flexible and as accommodating as possible. Why is it, Mr. Speaker, that in separate negotiations between Canada and the Akaitcho, Canada and the Dogrib, and between Canada and the Deh Cho, it is the Government of the Northwest Territories that comes to be seen as the stumbling block to a speedy settlement of outstanding issues.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories should be playing a more supportive role in these negotiations or none at all. With regard to the Deh Cho, it is important that the federal government and the Deh Cho be given as much breathing room as possible in negotiations. It is important that this clear message comes from the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho sees mixed messages coming from the Government of the Northwest Territories. Indeed, it would appear that the GNWT has difficulty in defining its own interests. To add to the confusion, the bureaucrats are not saying the same things as the politicians.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Cabinet and the honourable Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to immediately adopt a more flexible and creative approach to the Deh Cho proposal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause