Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to speak a little bit about some of the frustrations from the Dehcho First Nations in the Deh Cho. I guess one of the biggest frustrating things, well, actually, one of the other frustrating things that keep happening, like, devolution was something that they did not need at this time because they just have to dedicate extra resources to find their way around that. But I think the biggest thing and the barrier of the Dehcho First Nations moving forward right now is the subsurface rights that was released by the federal government on the Edehzhie. I think that anything that our government or this department can do in urging Indian Affairs to reconsider this would go a long way in goodwill towards the Dehcho First Nations. Perhaps I can get the Premier to explain a little bit about how he heard of it as well, because I think a general feeling is that they would have advised us first before they advised the Dehcho. Maybe I can get the Minister to explain that a bit in his reply.
As well, recently the Dehcho First Nation has asked about having a role in the new chief federal negotiator. I don’t know if they’ve got applications yet, but who that new person would be they would certainly like to have a role and if there’s any way this Minister can also influence the federal government in trying to address this concern.
Also, I’m very pleased that my riding of Nahendeh will have a role in the Western Premiers’ Meeting that’s going to happen this June. I’ll be pleased to help work on that and I think also I have spoken with the chief and he’s very excited. He sees his role as a host and as soon as we involve the LKFN in the planning and assisting in the planning, I think, the better. It’s quite exciting to have our western leaders and a huge opportunity as well to utilize it to the best of our ability.
Just quickly some quick opening comments there for the Minister, Mr. Chair. Thank you.