Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that on May 23rd in Fort Simpson, Grand Chief Michael Nadli of the Deh Cho First Nations, the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and I signed the Deh Cho Framework Agreement and the Deh Cho Interim Measures Agreement. The signing of these two agreements signaled the conclusion of 18 months of hard work by all three parties.

The Framework Agreement sets out the purpose, process, and timetable for main table negotiations and identifies 43 subject matters for negotiation.

The Interim Measures Agreement, which will be in effect until a Final Agreement is in place, provides that the GNWT will seek the support of affected Deh Cho First Nations with respect to:• new leases on undeveloped Commissioner's land in and around communities;• the issuing of new forest management authorizations; and • the issuing of new outfitters, outpost camp and lodge licences.

Mr. Speaker, more work lies ahead for negotiators who will begin in early July to implement provisions of the Deh Cho Interim Measures Agreement and begin negotiation of an agreement-in-principle on lands, resources and self-government. I wish them well in these negotiations and urge them to work together to build a consensus and keep the Deh Cho process moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, over 500 people attended the signing ceremony at the Papal Grounds in Fort Simpson on May 23rd. The weather could not have been better and a feast and drum dance followed the signing of these two important agreements.

I want to thank the organizers who did such a wonderful job hosting the event, everyone involved with preparing the delicious feast, the young people who performed so well for

dignitaries and guests and lastly, the talented drummers who kept people dancing until midnight. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause