Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the visitor of Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen to Yellowknife and celebrate both his work to advance Canada's contribution to space exploration and his dedication to inspiring our youth, our educators, and all, indeed, northerners who dream of technology, science, and innovation.
Colonel Hansen is a highly respected astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency, will make history as the first Canadian set to participate in a lunar mission. His role is the Artemis II mission which will take humans around the moon for the first time in 50 years, demonstrates Canada leadership in space exploration. Yet, despite all his hard work, he still makes time to meet with youth across the country and all this week, I'm excited to say that he stopped by several of my communities as well.
During his visit, Colonel Hansen has visited with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and presented at the school in Dettah and N'dilo as well the high school in Yellowknife. Today he's just wrapped up a visit to Lutselk'e Dene First Nation and will conclude his tour with a public event at the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre this evening at 6 p.m.
Certainly alongside his passion for space exploration, Colonel Hansen's personal mission is to share his experience in aerospace, science, and leadership with students and educators and community members across Canada. He emphasizes the importance of STEM education as a pathway to exciting careers, including those in space exploration. I know his message to our youth will prove to them that with dedication and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams are possible.
Mr. Speaker, our youth in the North have limited potential but they need role models and opportunities to help them reach their goals. Colonel Hansen's visit is a reminder that the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning.
On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories and my colleagues, I want to thank Colonel Jeremy Hansen and the Canadian Space Agency for visiting our communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders in science and exploration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.