Okay. Are we good to go?
There is such a variety of styles of embroidery, beadwork, quillwork, from all the different regions of the Northwest Territories. The styles vary greatly. I want to try and collect as many different pieces as I could. These pieces become particularly precious when the elders who created them have passed on.
I just want to say that I am very proud to have in my collection things such as beaver mitts that were made by the late Sarah Simon, gauntlet gloves made by the late Annie Buggins, a parka with traditional Delta braid crafted by Florence Peterson from Fort McPherson, Mr. Krutko’s auntie. Mr. Leon Lafferty recently lost his mother in Behchoko and she had embroidered beautiful work on a wool coat for me. So I have all of these things. I have pictures of many of the people who made these pieces of art and they are precious to me.
The other day Mr. Jacobson asked me how many aboriginal garments I have and I had to confess -- I hope my husband’s not listening -- I have 22 now. I suppose at some point I may have to consider donating them to a museum or putting them on display somewhere, because I couldn’t possibly wear them out, that is for sure.
So today, Mr. Speaker, I want to later ask the Minister of ITI about progress that’s being made on supporting people who are involved in traditional activities such as arts and crafts and especially today thank again Mrs. Bernadette Williah of Behchoko for her work -- a labour of love, really -- in producing this jacket that I wear today. Thank you so much.