Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a number of programs to support those people who rely on the traditional economy of hunting and trapping to support themselves and their families.

This is good news, but I believe the GNWT can and should be doing more to help our residents who want to continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. After all, most of these people live in our smaller communities, where prices are high and families rely on the benefits of the hunt to feed and clothe their families.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to see assistance be provided to the hunters in Nunakput to enable to tan hides before sending them to market. This would allow those hunters to command the highest possible prices for their goods. There are two ways that the hides can be tanned; traditionally, or through industrial processes. Traditionally tanned hides are the highest-quality hides that are produced here in the Northwest Territories. The work is time consuming and physically demanding, but the result is hides of unrivalled beauty. They are truly a work of art, Mr. Speaker.

The GNWT's own promotional materials even acknowledge the traditional economy tanned hides "cannot be produced by industrial tanning techniques," and that the hides tanned in the traditional way are "durable, lightweight, and strong."

Even the hides produces by industrial tanning techniques would allow northern harvesters to maximize their hunting profits. I have spoken with ITI and I am aware that the idea of a commercial tannery in the Beaufort Delta has been considered in the past, but that was not pursued because of concerns about high capital costs and facilities.

I would like to see the department revisit this idea. Just because it wasn't viable 10 or 15 years ago does not mean that it is not viable now. Market forces do change, Mr. Speaker. Things that were once common may become more rare and prized over time.

Another idea that the department could explore is the provision of home tanning kits, providing the materials to harvesters who are looking for their own hide tanning options, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT must continue to work for ways to support our traditional economy in the Northwest Territories. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.