Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week marks a special celebration. From June 3rd to 9th we are recognizing Northwest Territories Seniors' Week. The slogan "Recognizing Northwest Territories Seniors and Elders -- Contributing to the Future" was chosen in recognition of the significant contributions of seniors and elders to the growth and well-being of our communities.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, seniors are a vital and significant source of knowledge and guidance in our communities. Seniors are our living heritage -- they connect us to our past and provide wisdom for the future.
Seniors' Week offers us an opportunity to:
- • recognize, honour and respect senior citizens in the Northwest Territories;
- • highlight the positive contributions that seniors and elders are making in their communities; and
- • promote understanding of, and encourage positive attitudes towards, seniors and elders, and aging.
As Minister responsible for Seniors, I wish to highlight some events that are taking place this week. Today in the Great Hall there was a special luncheon ceremony to launch Seniors' Week and recognize recipients of the first ever Respected Elder Awards. I, along with my colleague Roger Allen, the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, co-hosted this ceremony. We were pleased with both the interest demonstrated by the community and by Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The Respected Elder Awards were introduced as part of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards in this, the Year of the Volunteer. There were five regional recipients and one territorial recipient, all present for today's luncheon. They are:
- • Rosie Sewi of Deline;
- • Steven Rowan of Fort Simpson;
- • Ben Greenfield of Hay River;
- • Phillip Nitsiza of Wha Ti;
- • Lizzie Beaulieu of Fort Resolution; and
- • Esther Braden of Yellowknife.
It was with great pleasure that we celebrated the achievements and contributions of these seniors in our communities by honouring them with these awards.
As part of recognizing Seniors' Week, I would also like to pass on congratulations to Sarah Simon who recently celebrated her 100th birthday in Inuvik and to Michel Sikyea who is celebrating his 100th birthday with a party this afternoon at the Aven Centre in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in a heartfelt round of applause for all the recipients of the Respected Elder Awards and for all Northwest Territories seniors and elders who are making a difference in all of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause