In this context, I would like to take a moment to talk about National Aboriginal Day. During this session, we intend to introduce legislation that would propose to designate June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories commencing in 2002. The government is introducing this legislation in response to support expressed by some of our municipalities and aboriginal organizations, and led by the MLA for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

I am aware that this may raise concerns for some members of the business community and that some of your constituents may have already expressed their concerns to you as Members of the Legislative Assembly.

I have tried to paint a picture for you today describing the ways that all of this increased economic activity is connected. We are entering a new era of cooperation, and much progress is being made in large measure because aboriginal people at last feel that their voices are being heard and that they are being included in the decision-making affecting their lives.

Think, then, of the tremendous expression of goodwill towards the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories that would result from broad public support for the designation of National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday. Think about what a powerful statement we will be making to the rest of Canada when we become the first jurisdiction in the country to honour National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday.

It would send a resounding and positive message about the place and importance of aboriginal cultures in the rich mosaic of the Northwest Territories. It would tell us and the rest of Canada what kind of a territory this is; what kind of people we are. If, in a spirit of harmony, we can acknowledge the aspirations of the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories and support them to reach their goals, while at the same time respecting the diversity of all our residents, then we will have made a major contribution in defining the emerging Northwest Territories.