Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 14th, 2002, I attended the opening festivities of the 2002 Norman Wells Reunion. Mr. Speaker, I must say that the community was already buzzing with activities.

This two-week reunion includes a creative roster of activities planned for the entire community. Day one alone included a magician who entertained the school children, a dusk till dawn charity golf tournament, mud football for the risk takers, a teen dance with a live band and an adult dance with Yellowknife's own Tracey Riley. Mr. Speaker, this was only day one and each of the nine days are likewise filled with exciting and fun events. Where else can you win, or get a chance to win, a 1.1 karat Ekati diamond for a $10 ticket, or see a major Canadian band, Blue Rodeo, in such a small venue?

While these activities are bringing people together, the main reason people are gathering, Mr. Speaker, is to reunite all those people who have lived and worked and put time into the community of Norman Wells at some time in the past century, and to celebrate their contribution to over 50 years of community building.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Canol Branch 287 contributed to the celebration by recalling their members for a weekend of activities. Elders like Jim Sexsmith, founding charter member and first president, and Agnes Melynk, founding member of the Ladies' Auxiliary, both returned to see the changes and to eagerly show their memories of the community as it grew in the early days.

They met the new generation who are building the foundation for continued growth in the 21st century. Community members like Frank and Cathy Pope pointed out the scores of history-making moments captured in photographs and proudly displayed in the Legion. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.