Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, a non-profit organization, has asked the federal government for $500 million over five years for a new nationwide monitoring program.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed National Guardians Program would send around 1,600 First Nations people out on their traditional lands to keep an eye on visitors, protect sensitive environmental and cultural areas, and help in case of emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, the former Premier of the NWT, Stephen Kakfwi, described it as an ambassadorial program, keeping people's eyes and ears on what's happening out on the land. It builds on things people do already. Many times, Aboriginal people are the ones who find spills, or who help search for people who are lost or in trouble. They also help people before trouble happens.

Mr. Speaker, this program has worked well in some regions and communities in the NWT. It's modelled, in part, on the Haida Nation's Watchmen Program that has been running for over 30 years in BC. A similar program in Australia employs over 750 Aboriginal people. It has been extremely successful where full-time, sustainable employment opportunities are scarce and students don't have funding or the flexibility to leave their communities for post-secondary education.

Mr. Speaker, the Guardians Program could also increase tourism in the Deh Cho and manage increasing pressures on the land. It could also bring much-needed employment and training opportunities to communities in other parts of the territory.

Mr. Speaker, the current training program in BC welcomes students ranging from 18 to 50 years of age. They have varying levels of experience, but all have strong connections to their traditional territory and enjoy spending time on the land.

When not assisting travelers, they do other environmental stewardship and traditional knowledge projects. First Nations Guardians have stepped up where cutbacks have left gaps in BC Parks, and federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans services.

As Stephen Kakfwi says: "There's not enough wildlife officers and park officials to do an adequate job in many parts of the country... the territory is just too huge."

Mr. Speaker, I encourage this government to work together with all partners to bring the Guardians Program to the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.