Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to speak about an event that will be taking place very soon within my riding in the community of Detah. This event is part of a week-long list of festivities taking place in the Yellowknife area titled "Naka Festival," which is an aurora-themed event that celebrates the northern lights and highlights the Dene culture for the region. For clarity, Naka means "northern lights" in the Wiilideh dialect.

The concluding event of this week-long festival will be the Indigenous Cultural Gala taking place in Detah on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in the evening at the Chief Drygeese Hall of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. This festival, Mr. Speaker, is a collaborative effort with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, North Slave Metis Alliance, GNWT, and NWT Tourism.

This will be the second consecutive cultural gala taking place in Detah, and I must say I am very excited to be attending this event once again. Last year's inaugural gala was a wonderful event that showcased northern art and creativity at its finest. For me, the highlight of that event last year was seeing the fiddler Wesley Hardisty and William Greenland on flute. It was an electric atmosphere. My daughters took part in modelling down the runway. I was so proud, and it was such a wonderful atmosphere to be in. I encourage any Members and any member of the public to go see this event, because it is a wonderful event.

Again, going back to what I was saying, Mr. Speaker, if this year's event will be anything like last year's, people can expect to see creations of all sorts being modelled on a runway, very much akin to a fashion show. Last year's event featured dozens of items on display, from handmade earrings, necklaces, traditional vests, to dresses, hats, mitts, gloves, and other attire.

Mr. Speaker, this cultural gala will feature a whole host of Indigenous clothing designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, musicians, and others, all under one roof. It is events like these, Mr. Speaker, which demonstrate the great importance of the arts and of one's culture and identity. I would argue that, among the many hallmark features of identity, chiefly among them is the value of art, music, clothing, furs, and fashion ingenuity.

I could go on and on about the positive effects that events like these bring into our smaller communities. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted