Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know there are many health challenges in our territory and it's overwhelming for all of us at times, but one I'm not sure we speak about enough is diabetes. This is a very dangerous and debilitating disease and, unfortunately, we are seeing increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with it and they're getting younger and younger, Mr. Speaker. For aboriginal people a lot of this is related to the changes in lifestyle that have happened since we changed from our traditional ways to more non-active living and unhealthy eating habits. Years ago people lived off only the healthy foods provided by the land and there was no such thing as a non-active lifestyle. You did not see these numbers of diabetes back then.

Mr. Speaker, it's very important that the government have programs in place to teach people, especially youth, about nutrition and the importance of exercise and active living. Young people need to know the consequences of not taking care of themselves. It is also important that people do what they can to stay in shape and eat healthy. Many people, Mr. Speaker, do not know they have the disease, so it's important they go to their health centre and get tested so they do not go too long without treatment if they do have diabetes. Often, if it is caught early, exercises and changes in diet can be enough to reverse it. Thank you.

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