Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honour to have been asked by the leaders and the elders of Deline to ensure that government negotiating teams and their officials who worked on this agreement are recognized on this historic day.
I share Deline’s appreciation for the hard work of so many government officials, particularly efforts of the negotiating teams who spent a great deal of time over the years travelling and away from their own families, making personal sacrifices required to complete this agreement.
In particular I have been asked to convey the thanks of Deline elders to these individuals. The elders would like to thank them for working with the community to understand the culture, the values and the oral traditions which informed the vision of this agreement. For them, the leaders and the Deline negotiating team, it has been an honour and a pleasure to be able to work with these government officials on behalf of Deline.
Many dedicated employees of both Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories contributed to this agreement. The leaders and elders would like me to recognize, on their behalf, former Premiers, including Stephen Kakfwi, Joe Handley, Floyd Roland and Premier Bob McLeod, who assisted in moving this agreement forward.
They would also like to recognize the efforts of Norman Yakeleya, Sahtu MLA, for supporting their efforts on this agreement.
They would also like to express their appreciation to Mr. Gary Bohnet and Mr. Martin Goldney for their recent efforts with this legislation.
The Government of the Northwest Territories negotiating team was led in the last several years by chief negotiator Fred Talen, affectionately known as “Keo” by the elders of Deline who appreciated Fred’s focus and determination. Fred was ably assisted at various times by a team that included Ian Blackstock, Conna Brown, Lorraine Whiteman, Tannis McNabb, Isabelle Gauthier, John T’Seleie, Peter Teetchie, Noon Trin, Sue Bowie, Carolyn Dunhill and Buddy Williams.
Early in the negotiating process, other GNWT officials served in various capacities as negotiators, including Sheila Bassi-Kellett and Doris Eggers.
Canada’s negotiating team was led during the last several years by Ian Hamilton, assisted by Laura Hudson-Grant, Mary Jane Rolando and Mike Granalouie. Prior to Ian Hamilton taking the helm, Darryl McLeod served as chief negotiator, proceeded by Kevin Floyd, who spent a great deal of time in Deline learning about the community, particularly from the elders.
Other officials of the federal government who contributed significantly to making this agreement a reality include Annie Carriere, Sarah Gill, Kim Thompson, James Lawrence, Jennifer Whittaker, Sylvain Betsina, Tina Bohnet, Jeanine Flood, Lesley Marefield, Lesonne Glouie, Eric Pourier, Patrick Barthold, Lawrence Pearce, Sean Summers, and Michael Naddler.
Finally, the elders, leaders and Deline negotiating team extend their heartfelt gratitude to all Members of this House for their unwavering support in its final critical stage of a process that has spanned almost 20 years and that will last for generations to come. To all in the House: mahsi cho.