Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as today is probably the last day of our session, I would like to send my warm greetings to everyone who will be celebrating Aboriginal Day. I want to state that I am very proud of the fact that we, the people of the Northwest Territories, are the first to recognize and give honour to the many achievements of the Dene, the Metis and the Inuit people by declaring June 21st an official statutory holiday.

In 1996, the Government of Canada proclaimed June 21st as National Aboriginal Day, a day to celebrate and reflect on the uniqueness of the culture which is prevalent throughout Canada. We the people of the Northwest Territories are distinct by way of our own culture and traditions that are very much alive and still remain the basis of our government, a consensus government, although some of my colleagues might not agree with that statement.

Mr. Speaker, many communities throughout the nation will be celebrating Aboriginal Day with culture and tradition being the key components of the festivities planned. In my riding, the Katl'odeeche First Nation kicked off a week-long celebration yesterday, in recognition of the 100th year of Treaty 8. Due to session, I was not able to join them. I wanted to send my apologies to Chief Pat Martel and the people of the community for not being there.

Some of the activities that are planned for this week on the reserve are talent shows, hand games, and Mr. Don Burnstick will facilitate a youth workshop and a comedy show. In Fort Providence, they will host a three day celebration beginning on Thursday with the official opening of the Leon Sambele Youth Centre, followed by traditional events such as canoe races, drum dances, and a talent show.

The community of Enterprise is combining Aboriginal Day and the Gateway Jamboree by delaying their celebrations to July the 6th, and they are expecting some well-known musicians to attend. Since Kakisa will be hosting the 10th Annual Deh Cho Assembly on June 25th to the 28th, they have planned to celebrate National Aboriginal Day after the assembly, after all the dust has settled and when they are able to focus on their own community.

Mr. Speaker, with this schedule of events, this promises to be a week full of festivities and entertainment for people of all ages. I want to commend all of the organizers for the hard work they have contributed to make these events happen. June 21st has been long celebrated by aboriginal people for generations. It is the longest day of the year...