Thank you, Madam Chair. I too wanted to speak in support of Bill 46. I wanted to say something briefly in my language, and more than likely a lot of the elders could understand me.

[English translation not provided.]

I would like to thank you for your vision and your leadership and your commitment to your people. I will also acknowledge, of course, both governments, the federal and the GNWT officials that were parties to this agreement. It’s been 19 years in the making, but we all know, as First Nations people, the struggle that we began when Europeans arrived on the North American continent. Today is a proud moment and I am extremely proud for you, the community of Deline.

Of course, I speak in support of Bill 46, Deline Final Self-Government Agreement Act. The passage of Bill 46 enables the people of Deline to make decisions for themselves. This contrasts with the paternalistic history of government and First Nations relations. The decision-making rested with government for the longest time. Today this legacy of parents knows best relationship ends and a new dawn has arrived.

Bill 46 is the realization of past spiritual leaders and a vision fulfilled by elders that played an integral role in setting the path for the future for the Deline Got’ine Government. For that I say mahsi and congratulations.