Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night the national symposium we had on the living history of the Northwest Territories had a banquet. All of us were not fortunate enough to take the time to attend, but I did go over for an hour. What happened last night was after the banquet, they honoured some 35 people from across the Territories, some of whom are no longer alive. They have passed away. They were honoured.
They also honoured a number of very, very distinguished leaders who are now very much becoming our elders of today. I wanted to mention that I was not there for all of them, but the short time I was there, about an hour, it was incredibly moving. I was there when Bertha Allen from the Delta, in Inuvik, was recognized and honoured by the symposium. She is very much an elder now, but she still has more energy than most people today.
Charlie Snowshoe, who has served the people of the Delta in Fort McPherson all his life, was there. He is now very much an elder, but still very determined, very focused and looking very distinguished with his very long, white hair.
Sara Hardisty, from the Deh Cho, who has contributed significantly to the enrichment of our culture through her sewing and traditional work and the teaching she has done over the years.
Father Pochat, of Fort Rae, who has been given credit for the way that Grandin College had turned out a great number of very significant leaders who have served the Northwest Territories over the years, was honoured.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.