Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi to the seconder of the motion, the MLA for Yellowknife Centre, Ms. Julie Green. I also thank my colleagues for support of this motion. I also acknowledge the presence of the staff at the New Day Program and the leaders of the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre who are in the public gallery.
A New Day Program has helped me. I made a wrong choice and sought help to understand myself and how abuse affects our families and our communities. The Dzene K'oonii Program offers an immediate circle of support that enables one to review the things in slow motion to reflect upon one's self, learn about resolve conflict and make healthy choices to maintain balance in one's family.
Today I'm doing well with my children and family and it's because of the A New Day Program. Mr. Speaker, the A New Day Program is recognized by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada's Aboriginal Best Practices Programs. It is part of a national network of addressing family violence and violence against women. Mr. Speaker, family violence in the Northwest Territories is at a crisis level. Reported domestic violence rates in the Northwest Territories are nine times the national average and second highest rate in Canada.
Sadly, the scenario is like this. Too often there is alcohol or drugs involved, there is an intimate relationship and an argument ensues about an issue that leads to an escalation of violence that leads to hurt and pain and sometimes tragically the death of a loved one.
This vicious cycle of family violence and violence against women must stop. The A New Day Program is an initiative that meets the goals of the mandate of the 18th Assembly by addressing family violence. Mr. Speaker, healing is recovering from a wound or trauma. Wellness means living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Healing and wellness are critical needs for our families and our communities. While it is easy to associate the legacy of family violence to the abuse of alcohol and drugs, the impacts of residential schools and its effects are far reaching and intergenerational.
I remain hopeful that the recommendation for action of the Truth and Reconciliation Report will help address healing and wellness initiatives that we need for our families and communities. This motion, if passed, will recommend to Cabinet that the A New Day Program continue functioning without interruption while evaluation is completed.
Mr. Speaker, I'm living proof that the A New Day Program can help us come to terms with our past and move beyond the use of violence as a way of coping with the things we all struggle with. There is far too little support for our residents who accept that they need assistance. Let's not eliminate one of the few programs that is available and working. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause