Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow, March 11th , snowmobilers from Fort

McPherson will be skidooing to the headwaters of their traditional territory, the Peel River watershed. The Tetlit Gwich’in Council and Na-Cho Nyak Dun have spent many months planning this snowmobile trip, originally planning to leave Fort McPherson and ending in Mayo. Due to unforeseen circumstances and time shortage, the trip will see that both parties meet halfway between Fort McPherson and Mayo at the headwaters of the Peel River watershed.

The purpose of this trip is to revisit the traditional trails that were once travelled by our ancestors and to teach the youth about the importance of protecting the Peel River watershed from any developments. The greatest opportunity is for the guides and leaders of the community and the youth, to pass down the knowledge and importance of landmarks in regard to sensitive areas to the youth of Mayo and Fort McPherson.

On Monday morning 12 participants left Mayo, Yukon and tomorrow, Wednesday, the Tetlit Gwich’in participants, in particular from the Mackenzie Delta, will start their journey to the headwaters. The Tetlit Gwich’in participants are elders, community leaders, selected youth.

A number of years back, in 1992, leaders from the Gwich’in Tribal Council and members from Fort McPherson made a trip with members from Mayo

and the elders that are still alive and able to travel today, tomorrow, I should say, would like to guide the members over the traditional trails and teach the youth the importance of protecting these trails.

During the meetings both parties will express the importance of protecting our lands at the Peel River watershed and bring awareness back to our communities.

I’d like to pass on a big mahsi cho to those who prepared this trip, but, more importantly, to all the participants who will be going on this trip. May you have a safe journey and God bless. See you when you get back.