Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been trying to speak on behalf of some of the communities I represent. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about the largest community in my constituency, which is the community that I represent, Fort Simpson, or Liidlii Kue.
Mr. Speaker, Liidlii Kue is at the confluence of the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers and it is a historical community. This community has seen many changes over the years and, Mr. Speaker, Fort Simpson is my home community as well. However, as a Dene I grew up about 30 kilometres up the Mackenzie River at a place called...(inaudible)...or Rabbit Skin. Whenever we used to go to town we always were very excited in anticipation of going to Fort Simpson.
Today, Mr. Speaker, Fort Simpson is the hub of much of the Deh Cho region. There are very busy people there. They are in the middle of negotiations on the Deh Cho process, and as well the community is very busy in anticipation of a pipeline and oil and gas exploration.
Today I would like to recognize the men and women who have put their names forward to be leaders in the community. First of all on September 3rd the Metis local had an election and Randy Sibbeston has become the president of the Metis Local 52, along with Danny Peterson, Doris Erasmus, Cheryl Sibbeston, Jonas Lafferty, Denise Alger and Murray Sibbeston. I would like to congratulate them for putting their names forward to serve their people.
I would also like to recognize the leadership of the Liidlii Kue First Nation with Chief Rita Cli, Gerald Antoine, Ernest Cazon, Ron Hardisty, Kevin Menicosh, Keyina Norwegian, Hazel Tanchi and Isiah Tsetso. As well, Mr. Speaker, the mayor and some of the village councillors are planning to come here next week and they represent the community here very well. Tom Wilson as the mayor, Bob Hanna is deputy mayor, Betty Hardisty, Dieter Cazon, Shone Whelly, Kirby Groat, Duncan Cameron and Andrew Goule.
Mr. Speaker, with this kind of leadership in our communities we have to work with them here as the Legislature, and as every community that we travel to has good leadership I just wanted to recognize those people in my constituency today. Mahsi. Thank you.
-- Applause