Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was recently updated on the Akaitcho territory as to the negotiation process and the meetings that were taking place in Ottawa last week with both federal and territorial governments and also the Akaitcho negotiating team.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that there has actually been some headway made in negotiating teams, in the form of a protocol agreement being agreed and signed by all parties involved. This new development may not seem like much to the average Joe on the street, Mr. Speaker, but, to me, it represents an important step in the Akaitcho process. It is important because, firstly, it means that the ball is still rolling and the negotiation process is actually moving forward and a final agreement may become a reality sooner than what was initially anticipated.
It is important, secondly, because of the exploration and mining activity taking place, as we speak, in the Akaitcho territory. With no resource revenue benefits going directly to the residents of the Akaitcho territory, this agreement assures residents that they will be kept more informed, and consulted, on any new initiatives or developments that occur in the Akaitcho territory, by both the GNWT and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and Industry, before any new land use permits and/or water licences are issued, because of the fact that a selection process has now been agreed to for the withdrawal of lands in the Akaitcho territory by the parties that were established and signed this agreement.
This is something that has, in the past, been reviewed by many Akaitcho leaders and residents alike, as a practice that has been often circumvented and/or completely missed on many occasions, and/or applications that are pertaining to the Akaitcho territory land use.
In summary, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say, good job to the Akaitcho negotiating team. I encourage, and fully support, the direction that they are pursuing. I would also like to encourage this government's negotiating team to be more supportive of the Akaitcho process, and be more in accordance with the aboriginal values, traditions and customs when they are at the negotiating table in the future negotiations. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause