Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to make my statement to congratulate all those members of the Inuvik Native Band and the Nihtat Gwich'in Council who were officially sworn into office on October 1st of this year.
The role of the Inuvik Native Band and the Nihtat Gwich'in Council have supported and worked on behalf of and for many of my constituents in Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Mr. Speaker, today it gives me enormous pleasure to congratulate Mr. Richard Nerysoo as the chief of the Inuvik Native Band. Councillors who will serve under his leadership are: Ruth Goose; Herbert Blake, Jr.; Dwayne Debastien; Elizabeth Hansen; Linda McLeod Lennie; Robert Charlie; and, Melba Mitchell.
Serving as elected members of the Nihtat Gwich'in Council are: Ruth Goose; Herbert Blake, Jr.; Richard Nerysoo; Tom Wright; Elizabeth Hansen; Dwayne Debastien; Denise Kurszewski; and, Linda McLeod Lennie.
Mr. Speaker, it's important that I recognize the outgoing chief, Chief James Firth, for his many years of dedication and commitment to the political, economic and social changes that affect our people in the Inuvik region. I had the privilege of serving under Mr. Firth's leadership, so I am very familiar with his sincere approach to the path toward change.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to a continued working relationship with the newly-elected chief and council and the council of the Nihtat Gwich'in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause