Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back to the House, Mr. Speaker, and welcome to my colleagues. I am looking forward to working with all of you over the next six weeks, especially in this budget session. We have a lot of important work to complete. Mr. Speaker [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, of course, the KFN, a nation of Dene people who live on the south shore of Great Slave Lake who are signatories to Treaty 8, have a rich history far beyond first contact with European settlers. In fact, anthropological data suggests that, before European contact, many First Nations societies were matriarchal, or led by women.

Looking to the future, Mr. Speaker, Chief Martel herself is part of that rich history. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, Chief Martel's enthusiasm is very exciting. Before taking on her role, she was an educator at Chief Sunrise School, where she worked in the Aboriginal Head Start Program.

I understand that she is eager to work on education, job training, housing, and language and cultural revitalization. These admirable goals are shared by many Members in this House, and so I hope my colleagues will join me in wishing Chief Martel, as well as the new council, all the best.

Before I conclude, Mr. Speaker, I would like also to say a big mahsi to former Chief Roy Fabian for his many years of service to the K'atlodeeche First Nations. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.