Mr. Speaker, Monday, February 17th, is Heritage Day in the Northwest Territories and throughout Canada.
Each year the Heritage Canada Foundation encourages Canadians to celebrate a nation-wide theme. The theme this year is "The Heritage of our Town." The Heritage Canada Foundation asks the question, "Why does a town exist?" The foundation suggests that heritage is found in a name, in the community's aspirations or in historical figures.
The 33 communities in the Northwest Territories vary greatly in geography, in history and in size. We should celebrate the heritage that makes our communities unique.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw your attention to a special heritage project the Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched at the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Rae-Edzo on January 24th. The Web site, "Lessons from the Land: The Idaa Trail," is an excellent example of honouring the heritage of the territory. I would invite Members to view the display of Dogrib culture and heritage in the Great Hall today.
While visiting the Web site, anyone from anywhere in our territory and around the world can participate in a virtual journey along the historic trade route, the Idaa Trail.
We will be continuing the recognition of our northern heritage with the production of our second "Lessons from the Land" series highlighting "Journeys of Nuligak" from the Beaufort-Delta area and the Inuvialuit people.
In the Northwest Territories, many of the elders who built our communities and created the history that we now celebrate are still alive, or their stories live through their children.
I encourage everyone to speak to an elder. If you have a story about your community, share that story. Visit a classroom and share your knowledge.
Special events have been planned to celebrate the heritage of our communities throughout the North. I invite everyone to participate in those.
It is important that we recognize the value of our heritage not just on designated days such as today, but through each day of the year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause