Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was invited to travel with Premier Bob McLeod to attend the Dehcho First Nations Assembly in Jean Marie River. To sit once again in the circle of leaders, elders, delegates, and friends was an honour. Mahsi. Mr. Speaker, annual assemblies of Aboriginal governments are an essential part of unity, celebrating that we have survived another winter, and that we are grateful for the blessings of the land.
Mr. Speaker, as residents of the NWT, we all want jobs and a vibrant economy so that our communities abound and the quality of life builds upon the pillars of a greater Canadian society, of love and respect among families, neighbours, community and all the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, from the teachings of Dene elders and as Indigenous peoples is the value of service unto others, which is, I hope, universal in nature. In that respect, treaties between Dene and the Government of Canada were founded on an idea of peace and friendship; that Dene will live in peace so that their way of life will continue and friendship with visitors to the traditional territory will be maintained. Today, that commitment of faith in the treaty continues to be upheld by Dene, that our way of life and connection to the land will continue as the river flows and the grass grows.
Mr. Speaker, governments and Indigenous people have to work together. We all have to strive for common interests of our people that we serve. In 1999, 21 common ground principles were developed between Dehcho First Nations, the Government of Canada and the GNWT. Then the working group of the parties moved the region into the present day Dehcho negotiations. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations at an appropriate time. Mahsi.
