Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has approved the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Beaufort-Delta region. I look forward to signing this important document on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories once the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the federal government have also formally approved the agreement.

Mr. Speaker, this agreement-in-principle is the first stand-alone self-government agreement in the history of the Northwest Territories. It was initialled by negotiators for this government, the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit and Canada on October 3rd of this year in Inuvik. By initialling the agreement, the negotiators recommended it to their various principals for their consideration. I am pleased that our government was able to complete its internal review thoroughly and quickly.

Once the agreement has been approved by all parties, they will arrange for a signing ceremony and that will most likely take place sometime early in the new year.

Mr. Speaker, following the formal signing of the agreement-in-principle, I will table this historic document in the Legislative Assembly. After the agreement has been signed, it will be published and made available to all interested parties and will provide a basis for informed public comment. Such comment and discussion will assist the parties in negotiating a final agreement.

Mr. Speaker, negotiations for this self-government agreement-in-principle have been ongoing for more than five years. The agreement proposes a regional government that will represent and serve all residents in the Beaufort-Delta communities. It also proposes new community governments that will represent and serve all residents in each community. Finally, the agreement provides for regional aboriginal governments for the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit. These governments will enjoy increased law-making authority in jurisdictions such as education, social services, training, justice and municipal affairs.

Mr. Speaker, having reached this milestone in the implementation of self-government in the Northwest Territories, the three parties can begin negotiations towards a final agreement, implementation plans and financing agreements. This government fully supports the aboriginal inherent right of self-government and will work hard to see that self-government in the Beaufort-Delta region becomes a reality. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause