Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to talk about the importance of providing traditional on-the-land programs for Tu Nedhe youth. As mentioned before, the total population of Tu Nedhe is 91 percent aboriginal and of the total population almost 40 percent is 25 years and younger. As you know, the youth have a critical role to play in the preservation of traditional practices. However, modern day pastimes are continuing to displace traditional activities on a daily basis. The Internet, Play Station, satellite TV, and even cell phones present youth and families today with a monumental challenge of keeping important cultural traditions alive. Also, in addition to these pressures, the high cost of living in small communities continues to have a negative impact when it comes to maintaining these important traditional skills.
When communities have a population of 90 to 95 percent aboriginal, traditional on-the-land programs must be a regularly funded program in the same manner as other municipal programs. An adequately funded traditional on-the-land program can result in reduced health and social costs. Traditional foods can reduce the cost on store-bought food and many on-the-land activities enable the individual have a healthier lifestyle through fresh air and good old hard work. There’s even something to be said about the emotional well-being of individuals who are on the land. In addition to this, the local economy will benefit with equipment purchases from local businesses and the generation of additional economy through fur harvesting.
The schools in Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e are making a good effort to integrate on-the-land programs for their curriculum, but, with limited resources, these activities are mostly confined to the classroom and not out on the land.
March is Aboriginal Languages Month and, as we know, on-the-land plays a critical role in teaching and preserving aboriginal languages. An adequately funded on-the-land traditional program is one effective way of maintaining aboriginal languages and is an excellent opportunity for teaching both traditional and important life skills to the youth. In a nutshell…