Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise as the MLA for Nahendeh. My constituency is very large, about 20,000 square miles and six communities. The majority of the people are aboriginal people who live there, a large number being Dene as well as Metis. I rise today to speak as the MLA. I would like to speak about the Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus who has announced that he will be stepping down as the national chief of the Dene Nation at the 33rd annual Dene assembly which is scheduled for July 2nd to 8th in Aklavik.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that contributing to public office takes a huge commitment and sacrifice, from both the person and family. Bill is to be commended for doing this very important work for 16 years. That's four terms in MLA language.

Bill was born and raised in Yellowknife, where he attended St. Patrick High School. Bill continued his education and career and received his post-secondary education at the University of Alberta, where he still currently sits as a member of the senate of the University of Alberta. Since 1987, Mr. Speaker, Bill has represented the Dene Nation as the Dene national chief. Mr. Erasmus is also a regional vice-chief of the Assembly of First Nations and is a board member of various committees for the Assembly of First Nations, as well as other similar organizations.

Throughout his career, Bill has strongly promoted the implementation of treaty aboriginal rights and self-governance. In 1993, Chief Erasmus received national recognition for his significant contribution when he received a commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the confederation of Canada from the Governor General. Last year, Bill was again nationally recognized when he received the Queen's Jubilee Award.

Through his strained schedule, Bill still manages to be a dedicated father and husband for his son Lonny, daughter Sarah and wife Reanna. I would like to personally thank Chief Bill Erasmus for all the hard work he has put in over the past 16 years, not only for the Dene Nation but for all people in the Northwest Territories. I know that Bill will find new and exciting ways to serve in the North in the coming years. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause