Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am pleased to provide an update to Members on the successful completion of the Sahtu youth trapper training program. This program was sponsored by the NWT Youth Secretariat through the youth corps program; the department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; the Sahtu divisional board of education; Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated; the Fur Harvesters Auction Incorporated; and the International Fur Trade Federation.

The Sahtu youth trapper training program was established to provide young people in the Sahtu with an opportunity to develop a traditional skill base and learn a number of important life skills. Participants undertook training and gained actual experience in trapping techniques, hunting, fish harvesting, first aid and pelt preparation. At the same time, they also received educational upgrading towards their high school equivalency diploma and participated in a number of activities designed to help develop personal wellbeing and self-esteem.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to report that all but one of the original students remained in the program through to completion. They maintained trap lines, worked efficiently in teams, harvested a quantity of fur and earned high school credit for their work. The response from the community has been excellent. For example, Patrick Garrah, principal at Ehtseo Ayha School in Deline has noticed significant changes in the students who participated. They benefited from the opportunities that the program created for them, such as learning new life skills, travelling to Toronto and North Bay, Ontario and to Turton Lake, NWT and meeting new people. Most of the participants say they will continue their education. To honour this accomplishment this special graduation ceremony will be held in Fort Good Hope on June 5, 2003.

In addition, the Fur Harvesters Auction Incorporated is keen on the project and have indicated they are willing to provide training again. They offered glowing praise for Wilfred Jackson, the senior instructor who worked with them throughout the year.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to formally recognize and applaud the accomplishments of these young people and properly thank those organizations and individuals who were involved in developing and implementing such a successful program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause