Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon everybody. I would also like to thank the Weledeh singers for O Canada, the first time it was ever sung in Dogrib in the Legislative Assembly.
(Translation not available)
Mr. Speaker, since we do not have an interpreter today, I just wanted to repeat and say that six years ago, the former Governor General of Canada, His Excellency, the Right Honourable Romeo Leblanc, declared June 21st as National Aboriginal Day. This day was intended as a day that Canadians could celebrate the diverse culture, heritage and history of aboriginal peoples and the many and varied contributions they have made to the development of Canada.
Last year I was very proud to have been a part of the decision made by the Members of this Legislative Assembly to pass the National Aboriginal Day Act making the Northwest Territories the first jurisdiction in Canada to recognize this day as a formal statutory holiday. By doing so we reinforce our commitment to bring people and cultures together to celebrate the many contributions of the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit in the development of the North and our country.
Mr. Speaker, demonstrations of the pride that the residents of the Northwest Territories have in the rich and diverse culture and heritage of our aboriginal people will be on display across the Territory on June 21st. Due to the tremendous efforts of volunteers and community organizations, communities throughout the Territory are planning celebrations and events that showcase aboriginal music, dance, displays, artwork, traditional food and games.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to have provided funding to community and aboriginal organizations to assist with these celebrations. We are also providing communities with t-shirts, posters, pins and other promotional materials containing the Northwest Territories National Aboriginal Day logo. Members will recognize the logo from the flags that have been placed on their desks and the beautiful banners that are flying on either side of the Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is also contributing to the O Canada Project being produced through good work of the Office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The O Canada Project is a CD that will contain our national anthem sung in all of the official languages of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, is a day for all people of the Northwest Territories to come together in celebration. I ask all Members to join me in encouraging the people of the Northwest Territories to get out and participate in National Aboriginal Day activities in their communities. Let us make this an historic and successful day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause