Mr. Speaker, to the amended motion.
We in cabinet agree with the principle of the amended motion as well as with the principles of the UN declaration.
One of the things we should recognize is that when you look at this work, in Canada itself and, in fact,
in the Northwest Territories, as Ms. Bisaro stated, we already hold in high regard our relationship with aboriginal peoples in the country and again in the Northwest Territories. Look at the makeup of this Legislative Assembly. It’s just an example of the relationship we have with the people and the land here in the Northwest Territories.
We must recognize the work that has been done. The fact is that, here in the Northwest Territories, we now have a collegial government — self-government — that has been enshrined in the Constitution of Canada as well. So there is recognition, again, that Canada has taken steps and has been involved here in the Northwest Territories in helping settle land claims and self-governance as well.
We want to recognize that work and encourage it so we continue to head down that path. There are many more discussions that are occurring in the Northwest Territories that we’ll need to work together on and continue to build a relationship with First Nations in the Northwest Territories.
With that, Mr. Speaker, we agree in principle with this motion and, again, with the principle of the UN declaration. We’ll support this as we proceed.