Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to stand today to support this motion on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories and my fellow Cabinet Ministers. The residential school system has had long-lasting effects on the people of the Northwest Territories, their families and their communities, and on Aboriginal people across Canada. Generations of children were separated from their families at a young age. They often lost their language and their

culture. They sometimes suffered abuse. Instead of growing to be strong, healthy peoples and good parents, they struggled with addictions and mental health issues.

All the Members of this House know friends and family who attended residential school. Some of us attended them ourselves. We have firsthand knowledge of how people’s lives have been touched by the experience of the residential school system. The effects have been far-reaching and passed on to our families and communities, even to those who never attended residential school. We still see the results in our health and social services system and in our correctional system.

The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the negative ways that the residential school experience has affected our people. We know that healing is essential if we want to have healthy, educated people contributing to a strong Northwest Territories.

Healing is not possible without true understanding. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is playing a vital role in promoting healing in the Northwest Territories and across Canada. Through its work gathering statements from those affected by residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is helping people learn what happened at residential schools.

Almost a year ago the commission held its northern national event in Inuvik. The event included sharing panels, sharing circles and private statement gathering, as well as daily expressions of reconciliation. These were important activities that have helped promote understanding, reconciliation and new relationships with our Aboriginal peoples.

Healing is a lifelong journey and can often be difficult. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting our people in their healing journey. In October 2005, the 15th Legislative Assembly passed a motion officially recognizing May 26th as the National Day of

Healing and Reconciliation. We are still the only government in Canada to officially recognize this day. As Members have heard this afternoon, the government continues to offer support to all those who are affected by the residential school experience. We provide mental health and addictions services across the territory and we will be working with communities to develop wellness plans to support community designed wellness programming. Later this year, the North Slave Correctional Centre will be the first correctional facility in the country to have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission come in and record statements from residential school survivors. Education, Culture and Employment has developed a new curriculum, focusing on the history and legacy of residential schools that will be introduced in the fall.

Officially recognizing the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is another way that the Government of the Northwest Territories can support our residents in their healing journey, and make sure that all people learn the truth of what happened in residential schools. I and my colleagues wish to express our thanks to the commission and will stand in support of this motion today.