Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has eliminated funding to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation as of March 31, 2010;

AND WHEREAS the Aboriginal Healing Foundation was established in 1998 with a $350 million grant from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to help former students who were physically or sexually abused in the residential school system;

AND WHEREAS the Aboriginal Healing Foundation provided funds to more than 130 groups and initiatives across the country to provide cultural healing services to indigenous people;

AND WHEREAS the funding supports critically needed community-driven healing and wellness programs that support communities, families and individuals who have begun their healing journeys;

AND WHEREAS the 16th Legislative Assembly has

identified a vision for the Northwest Territories that speaks to “strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities” of a unified and prosperous Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS the loss of these programs would represent a significant setback for community-driven wellness and healing and would threaten the viability of community support programs that have been developed over the past decade;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories calls on the Government of Canada to fully reinstate the funding previously provided to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation;

AND FURTHER, that the Speaker formally transmit this motion and the content of our proceedings today to the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs for his consideration and action.