Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, April 1, 2019, marks the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories' 20th year anniversary.
Over the years, the organization has grown tremendously and is proud of the delivery of grassroots programs in all 33 communities in the NWT, including hosting territorial championships in Arctic Sports, Dene Games, archery, along with organizing and bringing Team NT to the North American Indigenous Games, and is responsible for developing community leaders in sport, recreation, and culture.
The organization's growth can be attributed to the dedication of the countless volunteer hours by the board of directors. Over the years, the board has grown from one staff member to now six staff members. This is keeping true to the values of why the organization was established in 1999. With all the success Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT achieves, the board strives to do more, recognizing the value that sport, recreation, and culture have on community wellness.
As the organization prepares for their 20-year anniversary, it is important to reflect on where the organization has been. Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT would like to recognize the volunteers who have helped shape the organization and the dedicated work put forth by its volunteers, whereby creating an Honorary Board of Directors.
The creation of the honorary board will be a continuous reminder to the organization of how far they have come and reflected on the values needed to remain. The honourable board members will be welcome to sit in on meetings and will be relied on as knowledgeable members who hold wisdom to help the board and staff make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
The three inductees for the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories honorary board members are Clifford Mcleod from Fort Providence, Rena Squirrel from Hay River, and Allan Browning from Fort Simpson/Hay River.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank these three volunteers for their continuous commitment to this organization, and I wish them all the best. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.