Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, June 2nd, I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremony at Thomas Simpson High School in my home community of Fort Simpson. Families, friends and teachers gathered to celebrate the achievement of ten outstanding students from Nahendeh. At this time, I would like to publicly acknowledge the accomplishments of Catherine Blondin, Kathryn-Lee Brown, Gabriel Byatt, James Erasmus, Jermaine Gargan, Carsen Hardisty, Felix Isaiah, Denny Moses and Ericson Sanguez.

I am encouraged, Mr. Speaker, that these young people, like all graduates across the Northwest Territories, will continue to develop their skills, will pursue their career goals, and will make a lasting contribution to their communities, to the Territory, and to Canada.

I was very honoured to be asked to speak to the graduating class and to pass on our heartfelt congratulations on behalf of us here at the Legislative Assembly.

This year, the grad slogan at the Thomas Simpson School was "growing from strong roots." Mr. Speaker, I was very impressed at how these graduates chose to honour the strong role played by their families, by their elders and by their communities in preparing and supporting their quest to complete their secondary education. No matter how these grads choose to contribute to the growth of the Northwest Territories, I am confident they will always remember their roots, respect their culture and be proud of where they come from.

On behalf of the people of Nahendeh, I would like to wish the 2001 graduates the very best life has to offer. They have demonstrated an ability to succeed, and I am confident they have the means to tackle whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead of them in their lives. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause