Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize a project that is currently underway in Hay River and the efforts of individuals that are working towards making this project a reality.

Mr. Speaker, the Hay River Museum Society has long recognized the need and importance to collect and preserve the artifacts and stories that tell the history of Hay River, the Hay River Dene Reserve, and the people.

Mr. Speaker, history shows that the Dene people have lived in this area for thousands of years, and from the first permanent settlers of 1892 to today, many changes have taken place. Mr. Speaker, through a series of events and hard work from certain individuals, the society has been able to undertake the Hay River Heritage Centre Project 2000.

For example, the society was successful in obtaining a large building from NTCL for the sum of one centennial dollar and a lease for the land on which it sits. The building, which was formally the Hudson Bay Store, is in itself a historic building.

Funds were received from the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program for a total of approximately $45,000 and through a trust fund established by the United Church of Canada from sales of property in Hay River.

I have noticed that no money from this government has gone into this project to date, but I am sure that there will be requests. I encourage this government to support this project. At this time, I would like to recognize the co-chairs of the society, Vickie Latour and Peter Austit, for all the hard work they have put into this project.

I know this facility will be a great benefit to Hay River, its residents, and visitors to Hay River. I want to wish them all the success in future endeavours in this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause