Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is our last day in the House for this session. Today, I would like to share some thoughts on our newest holiday, Aboriginal Day.
Mr. Speaker, Aboriginal Day is a day to celebrate our heritage. It is also a way of recognizing the homeland of the aboriginal people. Here in the North, many aboriginal people state that they have always been here. Artifacts found on the land date back 10,000 to 15,000 years.
Mr. Speaker, European explorers arrived a couple of hundred years ago and the shape of the North was changed forever. It continues to evolve. Mr. Speaker, for many years, we have celebrated Canada Day, Victoria Day, and now, to have a day established as Aboriginal Day helps us to appreciate the context from which Canada is evolving.
Mr. Speaker, we have holidays to highlight significant events. Celebrating Aboriginal Day is important. It is a day that recognizes that aboriginal culture is the foundation that houses our common Canadian heritage. I would like to wish everyone throughout the Territories a safe and happy Aboriginal Day as they participate in the many activities that are planned in each community.
Mr. Speaker, I have to say that every day is an aboriginal day for me, and it is good to know that at least one of these days is recognized as a holiday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause