Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the key priorities outlined in our government's strategic plan is to negotiate, with federal and aboriginal governments, resolutions to outstanding land resources in self-government agreements. As Minister responsible, I would like to update my colleagues on the progress that has been made over the past little while.

First, I want to congratulate the people of Tulita on their recent initialling of their Self-Government Framework Agreement. This agreement sets out the subjects and process for upcoming self-government negotiations and is an important first step. I look forward to signing the Framework Agreement on behalf of this government in the very near future.

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Meanwhile, I am optimistic that negotiations for a final Deline self-government agreement will also be nearing completion by the end of this year. The progress of the Tulita and Deline negotiation tables comes on the heels of news that implementation negotiations have now been successfully concluded on a new 10-year implementation plan for the Sahtu Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.

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Mr. Speaker, the Akaitcho process negotiations have begun to address the core elements of lands, resources and governance. These subjects are made particularly challenging in the Akaitcho Dene's assertive territory in light of unique circumstances involving the City of Yellowknife and overlapping interest with other aboriginal peoples in the South Slave. However, recent efforts by all parties defined a solution to the Con and Rycon trailer court situation suggest the parties are prepared to find practical solutions and complete an Akaitcho agreement.

The government also continues to participate in negotiations with both the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Denesuline to clarify their rights to harvest wildlife in the south-eastern NWT while protecting the overall interests of our territory, and particularly the residents of the South Slave. Over the summer, we signed interim measures agreements with the Denesuline to allow negotiations to continue towards a final agreement.

We have seen progress on a number of key chapters in our negotiations with the Northwest Territories Metis Nation. A work plan has been developed to conclude an agreement-in-principle in 2005. As with the Akaitcho process, the overlapping interest of other aboriginal people in the South Slave presents a significant challenge to these negotiations.

In the Beaufort-Delta, all parties are continuing negotiations towards a Final Self-Government Agreement and are jointly identifying the costs of implementing the agreement.

Mr. Speaker, before I finish updating the ministry's activities in the Inuvialuit region, I would like to pass on a belated happy anniversary to the people of Aklavik, Inuvik, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk and Holman, who celebrated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in June.

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As the NWT's first comprehensive land claim agreement, the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement was an historic moment for the Inuvialuit people, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Yukon territorial government and Canada. The achievements of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Inuvialuit Game Council are a testament to the success of this agreement and the hard work of their leaders.

Mr. Speaker, to continue my update on the progress that Aboriginal Affairs has made, I will now turn to the Deh Cho. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that the Deh Cho process negotiations have been sidetracked following the recent court action taken by the Deh Cho First Nations regarding the review process for a Mackenzie Valley pipeline. The GNWT remains optimistic, however, that once Canada and the Deh Cho First Nations address this issue, the parties will quickly make progress towards a Deh Cho agreement.

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is coordinating the GNWT's efforts on a very aggressive agenda aimed at completing a devolution agreement during the life of this government. In addition, together with our territory's aboriginal leaders, we're also pursuing an interim resource revenue sharing agreement with the federal government.

Finally, I'm pleased to note that the Government of the Northwest Territories has now completed its consultation with the Tlicho on the final piece of legislation required for ratification. As my colleagues are already aware, the Tlicho Community Services Agency Act has been introduced for review during this session.

Mr. Speaker, our government's vision of a strong northern voice and identity is dependent on the successful negotiation and implementation of aboriginal land, resource and self-government agreements in all regions. It is in light of the progress that I have outlined to you today that I am confident that we will realize this goal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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