Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, the Anne Buggins Wellness Centre on the reserve was named after the respected elder, known for her strong spiritual leadership. Public health, home care and social services staff are no longer cramming the band office. They now have a modern facility to work in, which offers a more comfortable environment for community residents seeking treatment.
I want to congratulate Chief Roy Fabian and the people of the K’atlodeeche First Nation for their vision and hard work, which helped this community wellness centre become a reality. The wellness centre stands as a model of how governments can work together for the good of their people. We need more cooperation like this.
As an MLA, it is distressing for me to hear my constituents say there are people who struggle on the reserve while people across the river, in town, enjoy easy access and benefits of our government. Perception is reality, and the people of K’atlodeeche First Nation do not enjoy the same quality of service as other NWT residents because they are governed under different legislation.
The Hay River Reserve was created under the Indian Act of 1974, which means that the people of the KFN have a different relationship with the federal government. Although the KFN is the key governing body of the reserve, there is a confusing mix of jurisdiction between the GNWT and the federal government and the K’atlodeeche First Nation. While preliminary discussions have been underway since 2005, the K’atlodeeche First Nation is in limbo. It is time to fast-track this process and put greater control in the hands of the K’atlodeeche First Nation to govern their own people so that they can see more success like the Anne Buggins Wellness Centre. Mahsi.