Colleagues, on Tuesday, November 5TH to Thursday, November 7th, NWT Tourism held their annual 2024 AGM, conference, industry awards recipients and fundraising auction in Yellowknife. They had over 160 attend the AGM, conference, awards ceremony, and auction. I am proud to say one of the awards winners is from Fort Simpson.
The company is -- and I apologize, if I say this wrong. Mary Jane, you can get mad at me later -- K'iyeli Tourism Services. The owners are Gilbert and Mary Jane Cazon. Some of you recognize that name - Mary Jane Cazon's, and you would be correct. She is one of our translators here in the Assembly.
She and her husband received the Operator of the Year Award from the deputy minister of ITI, on Thursday evening. Colleagues, I have read her speech and I can tell you she did an amazing job, which I cannot properly summarize, so the next best thing is to add it to the end of my statement and have it deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
I have had the opportunity to know both these individuals for a long time. I have witnessed their commitment to share their cultural and sharing the rich traditions of the Dene people whether it was at the school, community celebrations, special events, or one-on-one conversations. It is always about pride in the Dene way of life and sharing this knowledge. Every year, the company delivers two cultural camps for elementary and high school students in Fort Simpson and provides day long and overnight options for each grade and class.
I am happy to tell you the company has taken program opportunities to help assist their tourism operation and staff development with ITI and mentorship of the youth. They have spent the last two years mentoring the same individual, so he has invaluable skills to support cultural tourism within the Deh Cho region. It has been about passing on their knowledge and the region's amazing history to others.
They were awarded and accredited by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada for its mark of excellence. Upon receiving this award, businesses that have been operating for years in the Deh Cho region have now added their services to be part of their seasonal booking packages. I would like to thank them both for the excellent work they are doing in the region and congratulate them on all their success and wish more in the future.
Today, it is my great honour to present the award for outstanding Indigenous tourism to a truly exceptional organization: K'iyeli Tourism Services. This unique venture, owned and operated by Gilbert and Mary Jane Cazon, is based in Fort Simpson in the Deh Cho region of the Northwest Territories. It's more than a tourism operation; it's a beacon of cultural pride and dedication, deeply committed to sharing the rich traditions of the Dene people with visitors from around the world.
This summer, I, along with several colleagues, had the privilege of attending a "feeding the fire" ceremony led by Gilbert and Mary Jane Cazon in Fort Simpson. It was a profoundly moving experiencea chance to witness the reverence with which they honour the land, their ancestors, and the spirits. Standing by the fire, I felt a deep connection to the Dene way of life and the values that guide it. Gilbert and Mary Jane's warmth and guidance made it a truly unforgettable moment, one that left myself and my colleagues feeling both humbled and inspired by the depth of their cultural traditions.
Gilbert and Mary Jane have poured their hearts into K'iyeli, investing not only in their business but also in the people who work alongside them. Through programs offered by Industry, Tourism and Investment, they've taken the time to mentor young Indigenous talent, passing on skills that foster careers in cultural tourism. For two years now, they have been working closely with a young mentee, imparting the knowledge and skills that will help sustain cultural tourism in the Deh Cho region for generations to come. It's a testament to their belief in the power of mentorship and the impact of hands-on learning.
K'iyeli's dedication to excellence has earned them accreditation and the prestigious Mark of Excellence from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Since receiving this recognition, K'iyeli has seen an influx of new business, partnering with well-established companies like Black Feather and even national Geographic. Their contributions to Dene Culture Awareness and unique cultural offerings have set a new standard in Indigenous tourism, showing that they are not just delivering services they are sharing life-changing experiences.
K'iyeli's tours and cultural workshops take guests on a profound journey. Whether it's paddling along the mighty Mackenzie River, learning the craft of beading moccasins, or engaging in moose-calling and rabbit-snaring, Gilbert and Mary Jane have created an immersive experience that offers guests a rare window into the Dene way of life. It's no wonder that their business has grown and that they're booked season after season.
But perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of K'iyeli's work is their unwavering commitment to community leadership. They are well-known figures in Fort Simpson, regularly visiting schools to teach traditional practices and foster pride in the Dene culture among youth. Their programs address community needs, focusing on vital issues like mental health and addictions, and through these efforts, they strengthen both the cultural heritage and social fabric of the community.
Gilbert and Mary Jane's leadership at K'iyeli demonstrates how powerful cultural tourism can benot only as an economic driver but also as a force for cultural preservation and community resilience. K'iyeli is a remarkable example of how a business can elevate and protect a culture, and their dedication is an inspiration to us all.
Please join me in congratulating K'iyeli Tourism Services, and Gilbert and Mary Jane Cazon, on this well-deserved award. Thank you for the work you do, for the stories you share, and for the legacy you are creating for future generations. Congratulations!
Thank you.
Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.
