Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Frozen Rock studios, an artistic studio located in my riding of Kam Lake. Frozen Rock Studios is the creation of three notable NWT carvers: Eli Nasogaluak, of Tuktoyaktuk, John Sabourin, of Fort Simpson, and Derrald Taylor, also from Tuktoyaktuk, who now all call Yellowknife home.
These stone, snow, and ice carvers have been doing their work in the North for much of their lives, working to sustain themselves from their artwork; and most importantly, offering a reflection of our northern culture. All three artists are well known in the North, throughout this country, and in many nations across the world. They have helped spread the word of our culture through competitions they have attended and participated in at all levels. All three have won in snow and ice carving categories and have even won the Canadian championships. Their artwork is now located throughout the North, the South, and all over world.
Our NWT carvers have worked tirelessly to spread the word of our northern culture through their art and have created Frozen Rock Studios, located at 5 Coronation Drive, in my riding of Kam Lake, to keep doing just that.
While still in its infancy stages, these studio sessions are now available to the public and to tourists alike in workshops. These workshops allow even the most amateur of guests to create their own takeaway soapstone art, under the guidance of our NWT carvers. This passing along of thousands of years of NWT culture is a unique experience that all can take pride and participate in.
Northern carvers Eli, John, and Derrald are responding to the call of our government's desire to spread the word of the North and its cultures. This hands-on carving workshop approach is doing exactly what we want for our locals and tourists alike. Each session they complete means that a handmade piece of northern culture is taken away by someone to another corner of the world. It is important for us to recognize and support theses carvers, and encourage them to continue doing this valuable act of cultural exchange.