Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Judging by the audience we have in the gallery today there is a very important issue there. I was going to speak about something else today, but I feel it’s important that since so many people have demonstrated an interest in this topic of the caribou, that I speak to it from my vantage point as only one of 19 Members elected to this Legislature. I hope this will be received in the spirit in which it is intended.

For the sake of the caribou I implore leaders of all affected stakeholder groups to continue a dialogue that is mutually respectful of all parties. Please don’t allow valuable time, financial, and wildlife resources to be negatively impacted by the personalizing or politicizing of this very important question.

I would like the GNWT and the Minister to continue to explore every option possible to avoid a standoff, a gridlock, or an all-out legal battle over the management of this unique and traditionally precious commodity.

Every one of the ranging caribou herds must be sustained for the benefit of those who will come after us. This isn’t about Minister Miltenberger and it isn’t about Chief Erasmus. It is about humans who will be humble enough to bring the best traditional and scientific knowledge to bear on our God-given, Creator-given duty we have as humans for the well-being of our land and our wildlife.