Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Bill Erasmus, the national chief of the Dene Nation, who has announced that he will be stepping down from his position at the 33rd Dene National Assembly scheduled for early July in Aklavik. Mr. Speaker, Members of this House are quite aware that holding public office is a special privilege and honour. It would be fair to say, however, that public office also demands sacrifices, particularly from your family. Chief Bill Erasmus has served the Dene of the Northwest Territories as their national chief for 16 years. As someone familiar with the pressures of that position, I know that represents an incredible commitment from both him and his family.
To give you some idea of what that means in political terms, Chief Erasmus has served the equivalent of four terms in this Legislative Assembly, he has seen five Premiers, many other Ministers and Members of this government, seven Ministers of DIAND, countless chiefs sitting around the Dene Nation table representing communities from across the Northwest Territories. As national chief he has dealt with all the leaders with a sense of dignity and respect.
Through his entire career Chief Erasmus has been a strong and tireless advocate for the Dene of the Northwest Territories and for aboriginal and treaty rights throughout the country. I would note that Chief Erasmus leaves his position with all regions again sitting around the Dene Nation table. This is an important legacy and one that he should be rightly proud of.
Even with his hectic and demanding schedule it is important to point out also that he has excelled in his important role as a dedicated father and husband to his son, Lonny, his daughter, Sarah, and his wife, Reanna. I ask all Members to join me today in thanking and acknowledging Chief Erasmus, his work over the past 16 years not only for the Dene, but for all residents of the Northwest Territories. I am sure the future holds only good things for Bill Erasmus, but I am also certain that he will find ways to continue serving his people in the North in new and exciting ways and I wish him and his family the very best on behalf of the Cabinet. Thank you.
---Applause