Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. During the colonial era, explorers often gave English or French names to northern communities. Reverting to a traditional name is a way to ensure the community’s name reflects the language and culture of local people.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is responsible for the NWT Cultural Places Program. It is responsible for archeological sites, historic places and official place names. If a community wants an official name change, it must also go through the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

I’d like to provide some examples. Tuktoyaktuk, formerly known as Port Brabant and renamed in 1950, was the first place in Canada to revert to its traditional name. Deline, once known as Fort Franklin, was renamed in 1993. Tsiigehtchic, once known as Arctic Red River, changed its name in 1994. In 2006 the former hamlet of Holman became known as Ulukhaktok.

Mr. Speaker, there are required steps before an official change can take place. The community itself must start the process and work with the

Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Supporting documents also must be provided to prove that the community is behind the change. Program officials then work with Ministers and government officials to formalize the change and notify relevant authorities.

The South Slavey name for the Hay River Reserve is K’atlodeeche; Fort Providence is locally known as Zhahti Koe, and Kakisa is called Ka’a’gee Tu. These are beautiful names. I don’t mean to be presumptuous; any name changes would obviously have to come from the people. At the same time, I want to create a forum for discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.