Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, my statement today is regarding the Edzo Chief Jimmy Bruneau High School. They are having a celebration and he spoke of strong like two people, and we are still following his statement. (Translation ends)

We are celebrating a great Tlicho leader, the namesake of our school, today. Chief Jimmy Bruneau was a visionary. His words and ideas are quoted in Tlicho and throughout the North, Mr. Speaker. When opening a Tlicho school in Edzo, he spoke of the need for our youth to be strong like two people, to be proficient in a Tlicho culture as well as the modern world.

Mr. Speaker, the schools in the Tlicho region are recognized across the North for their culturally responsive teaching. They are often asked to host or mentor other schools and organizations, demonstrating how cultural programming can be truly integrated into our educational programming. Why, just this past week, Chief Jimmy Bruneau hosted the Yellowknife Rotary Club's exchange program to experience from around the world to their school's trapline and out for the afternoon on the land. Just last week, Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth Mackenzie School had all of its students out on a camp on Russell Lake. This week, the high schools experienced a winter camping and trapping on Marion village once again, hosting a school from Vancouver, Mr. Speaker. These are just some of the many activities that are part of the day-to-day activities in our Tlicho schools.

We are doing our best to live up to Chief Jimmy Bruneau's vision to raise our children to be strong like two people. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this type of programming is very expensive. The schools in the Tlicho region have to write numerous proposals each year for outside funding to supplement the funding they receive for culture programs from this government. The benefit of culturally relevant programs, Mr. Speaker, is documented. Any kind of educational experience that relates to life for young people has been proven to be beneficial. This year, we are expecting about 40 graduates in our Tlicho schools. Two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Yellowknife Centre spoke of a need for relevant programming in schools for northern students. I would like to reiterate the importance of delivering the programming in the schools, as well. Later, I will have questions for the Minister of ECE. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause