Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to inform Members of two historic events that will occur this week in Fort Smith and Inuvik.
On January 22, 2002, I had the pleasure of signing the Salt River First Nation Treaty Settlement Agreement on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. On Saturday in Fort Smith, the Salt River First Nation will host a ceremony to commemorate the signing of this agreement. Premier Kakfwi, the Honourable Michael Miltenberger and myself will join Commissioner Glenna Hansen, the Honourable Robert Nault, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, the Honourable Nick Sibbeston and other leaders in celebrating this great occasion with Chief Jim Schaeffer, his council and the members of the Salt River First Nation.
This Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement represents the fulfillment of Canada's obligations to the Salt River First Nation based on Treaty 8 signed over 100 years ago. Finalizing this agreement is an historic event for the members of the Salt River First Nation.
Mr. Speaker, this Sunday in Inuvik, the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit will celebrate the signing of the Beaufort-Delta Agreement-in-Principle. I will be pleased to sign this document on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
This agreement-in-principle is an example of the potential that self-government holds in the Northwest Territories. It serves as an example to other regions across Canada that a new relationship can be forged between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people to realize political change. This process is unique. It is the first time that two distinct aboriginal peoples are working together. It is the first stand-alone self-government agreement, and it is the first example of a partnership government that will represent all residents.
Final agreement negotiations will lead to new and restructured governments for the Beaufort-Delta region that will serve and represent all residents while respecting the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit inherent right of self-government. These negotiations are aimed at ensuring that the people of the Beaufort-Delta region will have greater control, authority and responsibility over decisions in their communities and their region.
The settlement and successful implementation of all land, resources and self-government agreements across the Northwest Territories is an important commitment by this government and this Legislative Assembly to the development of our territory. In differing ways, the Salt River First Nation agreement and the Beaufort-Delta are examples of this commitment.
Before I end today, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the negotiating teams for all parties at both of these tables. Many dedicated and committed people have been involved in the negotiations at these tables. As Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, I know how hard the negotiators for the GNWT work. I also know that the same is true for the negotiators representing the other parties. So on behalf of the GNWT, I would like to publicly thank these people today.
Mr. Speaker, once again, congratulations to the Salt River First Nation and to the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit on their historic agreements. Mahsi cho. Thank you.
-- Applause