Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first congratulate you as Speaker. I assure you that we look forward to your guidance as we serve in this House over the balance of our term.
Mr. Speaker, the spirit and character of the Northwest Territories and, in fact Canada, is greatly defined by the traditions and customs and talents of our aboriginal people.
Our artists, carvers and entertainers are world renowned. Our drum dances, traditional games and cultural activities are highlighted and promoted in countless documentaries, films, stories and brochures. They represent and promote our territory and country around the globe.
It is fitting that the Northwest Territories also leads the way in Canada in recognizing and paying tribute to the contributions of our First Nations with a holiday on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is, once again, proud to offer its support to over 45 aboriginal organizations in the Northwest Territories who will be hosting and planning community celebrations for their people in honour of National Aboriginal Day.
But, Mr. Speaker, our commitment to the Dene, Inuvialuit and Metis people of the Northwest Territories extends well beyond this annual celebration of their culture and traditions.
As I outlined to Members of the assembly last week, it includes a promise to work in partnership with aboriginal leaders towards the successful negotiation and implementation of aboriginal lands, resources and self-government agreements in all regions; to pursue economic development in a matter that respects, balances and preserves the social, culture and environmental values of our aboriginal people; and, to work together with all northerners to ensure a strong and unified voice for the North in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, National Aboriginal Day is, in many ways, a celebration of the history, identity and values that we so proudly identify with as northern Canadians. I hope that everyone from around the North will participate in their community's celebrations of National Aboriginal Day on June 21st. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause