Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to talk about the need to assist Tu Nedhe communities with establishing and operating a freshwater fishing operation. Both Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution are located in prime fishing locations. Lutselk’e is in the heart of the East Arm of the Great Slave Lake where world-class trout, whitefish, and Arctic grayling spawn. Fort Resolution is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake where cod, whitefish, and pickerel have been fished for generations.
The Great Slave Lake is the ninth largest freshwater lake in the world and the deepest in North America, yet the fishing industry on this great lake seems to be waning over the last few years. With limited employment opportunities in these smaller communities, a modest fishing operation in Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution will give residents new opportunities for income. Being a traditional-based activity, many residents already fish, so there will be no problem recruiting and retaining workers for this. Mr. Speaker, currently the two communities have small fish camps outside the community where the local people fish for subsistence purposes where they smoke and dry fish for preservation purposes. In Fort Resolution, the Buffalo River fishing camp sees a lot of tourists during the fall fishing season, thus indicating a small fishing industry can exist.
Mr. Speaker, in Lutselk’e the local people market their daily trout catches when visitors come to the community. Some governments report this could be a small vibrant industry that could keep a few people employed on a seasonal basis.
Mr. Speaker, with some support to Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution for this, the whole North will benefit. In addition, Mr. Speaker, there are many nutritional benefits of fish, diversification of income and, of course, promotion and preservation of an important traditional activity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.