Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to echo the words of our Minister of education in congratulating the NorthWords Festival on its 20th year.
The NorthWords Festival is a celebration of northern writers and storytellers, bringing together authors, readers, and community members for readings, panel discussions, workshops, and special events. And one of the most anticipated event for the festival is tonight's book launch. It's called Book of Hope: Healthcare and Survival in the North, hosted by Hoteth Dega // at Yellowknife Books starting at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, the Book of Hope is written by Agnes R. Pascal, who is Tetlit Gwich'in, originally from Fort McPherson and now residing in Inuvik. Her book is a powerful collection of firsthand narratives from northern and Indigenous cancer survivors and caregivers, offering insight into the unique challenges of healthcare accessibility in our communities.
As much as we've been focused lately on supporting healthcare staff, I think it's essential that we keep coming back to the experiences of patients, their journeys, both their literal travel and their life journeys, to understand the ways that our system as a whole works and doesn't work well. And on that note, I also want to take a moment to express any appreciation for the NWT cancer navigation team at the health authorities which is doing incredible work supporting members of our communities going through some of the toughest times of their lives. I am hoping that session doesn't go too long this evening so that we can all go over and attend the launch of this important book of hope.
Mr. Speaker, the NorthWords Festival so much for everyone of all ages. Some of the events this week are free, and others do require the purchase of tickets, but they're incredibly accessible. So I encourage everyone to try to get out to at least one event this week before the last day, which is Sunday.
Finally, a big thanks and congratulations to the NorthWords organizers, volunteers, and all of the participating writers and storytellers. Happy 20 years, NorthWords. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.