Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the course of the summer, I am sure that all Ministers and many Members of the Assembly took the opportunity to attend the general assemblies of the First Nations across the Northwest Territories. I wanted to tell the Assembly a bit about one of those visits that I and my daughter Carmen were privileged to make to Tulita early in July to the Annual Assembly of the Dene Nation of the Northwest Territories.

This was a memorable and an adventurous trip for us, Mr. Speaker, because we were able to make the trip, at least partly, in the traditional way, on the big river, the Deh Cho, the Mighty Mackenzie, along with a number of other boats, primarily with members of the Dogrib Nation. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Lafferty, for making room for Carmen and I on his craft as we made our way up in the journey from Fort Simpson to Tulita.

We were led most ably and safely by Chief Joe Rabesca. I think there were seven to nine boats in our flotilla at various times. As I said, it is an adventure that my daughter and I will not forget. It gave us a new respect for that river, for the land and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, for the people who have lived on it for generations.

We arrived in Tulita safely and in sunshine with a traditional volley of gunfire from the boats. The whole community and assembly came down to greet us. We learned some new skills. I, for instance, learned the Dene way, or the proper way, to put up a tent and keep dry. Unfortunately, I learned it a day too late but that is my problem. We enjoyed immensely the traditional and cultural events of the assembly, the drum dancing, the stick gambling. We saw for the first time a fire ceremony, a very moving part of the culture.

The hospitality, Mr. Speaker, of the Dogrib people on our trip and of Grand Chief Bill Erasmus at the assembly was very, very much appreciated and has given us a new respect for these people. Thank you.

-- Applause