Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will extend my congratulations to you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about a group of people for whom I have a great deal of admiration and respect: our elders. They are the carriers of traditional knowledge and wisdom. Most recently we, in the Sahtu region, have sadly seen the passing of a number of our elders: George Masuzumi, Fred Hotti, Fred Widow, Mrs. Bayha, Mrs. Tatti and many more. I extend my sincere condolences to the families. These remarkable individuals would be greatly missed by their families, friends, and the whole communities in our region. With the passing of these valuable members of our community, we in the Sahtu region have lost a wealth of knowledge, history and culture. That is hundreds of years of history that is gone. That is quite a loss, considering the number of elders that have passed on. We are all dependent on our elders for judgments and insights. As leaders, we especially look to them for guidance in our decision-making, especially when in conflict about our land and the people.

The elders in our communities have lived through a lot of changes, Mr. Speaker. Throughout their lives, they have been active participants in making decisions about the futures of our people. Many have been involved in the same issues we continue to struggle with today including land claims, economic development of our lands and resources, as well as the cultural upheaval that flows from this. Their experience is invaluable. Look at the laws that they have taught us, the Yamoria laws of the aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories. We must take the utmost care for them, Mr. Speaker. I encourage Members of this House to consider the values of involving elders in this House as we grapple with the assembly. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause