Mr. Speaker, as committee members, we felt compelled to listen to what aboriginal governments and leaders had to say and to hear first-hand what continues to be important to them in relation to their self-government negotiations. Wherever possible, special committee members made a concerted effort to attend as many summer assemblies as possible. Over the summer months, members of the special committee and staff attended several aboriginal assembles held in locations throughout the North. I along with my co-chair, the Honourable Jim Antoine, attended the majority of these gatherings, and committee members Mr. Bill Braden, Mr. Leon Lafferty and Mr. Paul Delorey also attended various events. Special committee members visited with the Deh Cho at Kakisa, the Dene Nation at Tulita, the Akaitcho at Detah, South Slave Metis Tribal Council in Fort Smith, Dogrib Treaty 11 Tribal Council in Wekweti, North Slave Metis Alliance at Old Fort Rae, and with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in Inuvik. Our attendance as members of the special committee was welcomed by the host organizations and we were able to hear first-hand their questions and concerns. Members were brought up to speed on the progress of respective land claims and self-government negotiations as well as many of the current issues facing aboriginal communities in the various regions.

At this time, the special committee is confident that self-government negotiations continue to progress. During the coming months, committee members will continue to observe and consider the impact of self-government implementation on the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories.