Herbert Nakimayak

I thank the Premier for that. Mr. Speaker, my final question for the Premier: when we talk about Indigenous peoples, we talk about Indigenous knowledge and everything like that, as well. Language was here, as well. Mr. Speaker, how has the GNWT ensured that Indigenous knowledge is considered in the development of the Arctic Policy Framework?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, I spoke about Inuit and Indigenous peoples’ participation in the development of Arctic policies. My questions are for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, my first question to the Premier is: what is the Premier doing to ensure that Arctic Indigenous peoples’ priorities are brought to the forefront when engaging with the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to recognize the language board members. Welcome to everybody, especially three of my constituents, Joshua Oliktoak from Ulukhaktok, Emily Kudlak from Ulukhaktok, and Betty Elias from Tuktoyaktuk, as well as my relative Ann Peters, who is somewhere in here. Welcome, everybody, and have a good weekend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, I am just going to get right to it here. My next question for the Minister is: what are we doing to make sure this does not happen next year?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure, and it's on the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Mr. Speaker, recently the department closed the road due to soft and rutted areas that could be a risk to the travelling public and to prevent further damage to the highway. Mr. Speaker, my first question to the Minister is: why did the Department of Infrastructure open an unfinished road? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is good for the general public to know, and I appreciate the work the department is doing. I know how challenging it is, as being an employee of that maybe five years, four years ago.

Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister: what work remains, and will there be further closures? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand, you know, construction of a gravel road on permafrost sometimes requires some time to settle before it dries up, and I appreciate the response from the Minister. Mr. Speaker, my question is: how many days of additional road access did the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk gain with the opening of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway?

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize three high school graduates from Helen Kalvak school in Ulukhaktok.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jacob Klengenberg is graduating this year with full academic grade 12 and is accepted into a two-year Social Work Diploma at Nova Scotia Community College.

Mr. Speaker, Jacob is a role model to his peers. While earning an academic education, he still ensured that he maintained his cultural hunting, fishing, and travelling practices. During his years at Helen Kalvak school, he participated in many sports and activities, including judo, boxing...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe it's crucial to involve elders in all areas where they can meaningfully participate in intergenerational relationships. Research has shown that these interactions can have benefits for each generation. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, does the GNWT have anything formal in offering interactions between elders and college students, school children, and children of other ages in a variety of settings to provide and consistently expose them to language and culture? Thank you, Mr. Speaker...

That is good information for the rest of the territory to hear. Mr. Speaker, elders are not just passive recipients of care. They are resourceful individuals with great achievements and skills in their roster. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister look into any possibility of combining daycare for children and elders to further enhance Indigenous language and culture exposure with early childhood development working with the Minister of Health and Social Services to bring elders and youth together in elders' homes and daycares across the Northwest Territories?