Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 8th, will be International Women's Day, and I stand before you as an Indigenous woman - a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a wife, now as a Member of this Legislative Assembly and, most importantly, a grandmother. I am deeply grateful for those remarkable women who broke the trail before me and many women in this House, those who faced countless challenges and paved the way for our future generations. Their strength and resilience inspire me every day.

This year's theme, Accelerate Action, resonates profoundly with us in the Northwest Territories. While we have made significant strides towards gender equality, we must remain vigilant and hold onto our achievements and push forward. The world is changing rapidly, and we have responsibilities to ensure that women and girls in our communities continue to thrive.

In the Northwest Territories, we face unique challenges. It's imperative that we work together to address these issues. Education, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment are vital areas where we must accelerate our efforts. By investing in these areas that support Indigenous women and girls, we can create pathways to success and leadership within our communities. Let us not forget the importance of amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. Every woman's story adds to our collective strength. We must create safe spaces for these stories to be heard, allowing us to learn from one another and foster solidarity.

As we celebrate the achievements of women today, let us commit to making meaningful action that will drive further change. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all women and girls in the Northwest Territories and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.