Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, February 21, 2018 [translation] it will be eight years since my last drink. A year after my late father passed on, I decided that I wanted to sober up and not drink anymore.

Alcohol has been around since the early ages. Alcohol is accepted as a way for people to socialize. Alcohol abuse heavily affects our NWT communities, especially First Nations identity, families, and children. High crime rates such as spousal assaults, family violence, and tragedies such as murders and fatal accidents can be attributed to the misuse of alcohol.

Since alcohol became a part of Dene life, it has tragically changed our self-identity and culture forever. Before alcohol, I believe Dene were strong and healthy people who were happy and vibrant in spirit. Besides personal wellness, my mission of sobriety is to dispel the stereotype that "all Indians are drunks." At a younger age, I came across a movie about Alkali Lake, a community in BC that took steps to sober up their families and community. Seeing that movie about Alkali Lake and what we can do to help ourselves and our families changed how I see myself today.

As they say in recovery and healing, we must take the first important steps towards sobriety one day at a time. Mahsi.