Recently, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, and I had an opportunity to speak with teacher Rebecca Aylward and her senior high school students at Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the K'atlodeeche First Nation. The students' names are Edmond Bugghins, Selena Bugghins, Shawna Sabourin, and Trinity Cayen.
These bright students asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of MLAs and about issues and concerns facing their community. The students are approaching graduation and have some concerns about their community. They are concerned about limited employment opportunities on the reserve. Besides the store, daycare, or band office, there are really no opportunities to work, unless job seekers travel outside their home community. While there are jobs available in Hay River, finding a way into town is another issue. The commute is 17 kilometers. Many people do not have transportation. As a result, many KFN residents have perished while trying to make their way into Hay River. There have been traffic accidents, drownings, and dangerous encounters with wildlife.
Students have concluded that a pedestrian bridge is essential and critical. If a pedestrian bridge was established to link the KFN with the town of Hay River, many residents would benefit. It would provide a safe way for KFN residents to go to town to access recreational facilities, healthcare, employment, and other services. The students also have concerns about the environment. They would like to see many more recycling facilities in the community. They would like to be able to recycle paper, plastics, and metals. They are concerned about the dump and its location. They wonder if the dump is affecting the groundwater and river, since it is located so close to the river.
The students are also alarmed by global warming and want to make a difference. They would like to know if there are opportunities to help them establish a green roof on their school, or to help produce more food organically for the community. The students are also wondering why there are no treatment facilities in the North. They see firsthand how devastating addictions are in their community and wonder why the treatment centre located on their reserve is not a viable option for the North. Mr. Speaker, I was impressed with the thoughtfulness of these young people and I enjoyed hearing them talk about matters that are important to them. I would encourage all Members of the Legislative Assembly to listen to the concerns of our young people. They are our future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.