Herbert Nakimayak

It is good to see that long-term planning is getting under way. I know the year before, the planning was maybe about three or four months ahead. I think long-term planning for Indigenous youth and participation will help youth in remote communities. Mr. Speaker, my final question is: in what other ways does Municipal and Community Affairs support their participation of Indigenous youth in sports?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about North American Indigenous Games, and my questions are for the Minister of MACA. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: can the Minister advise how the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT uses the funding it receives from the GNWT for the North American Indigenous Games? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I just want to start by thanking the Minister for bringing this out. Looking at the plans in the four communities, let me start with housing. I know that, no matter how much housing we put into the Northwest Territories, there will still remain a shortage, and I know that all these retrofits that are coming up are definitely helping. I will not say much more on that part.

On the health part, aging in place is important for people, especially in the smaller communities. I see that having more beds in a regional centre, for now, is a good solution to start, but we...

I appreciate the clarification. Mr. Speaker, my next question is: for the next North American Indigenous Games, how will the department support and improve long-term planning in athlete development?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that "youth sports are the ultimate classroom." Kids learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, respect for authority and rules, and how to win with class and lose with dignity. It gives our youth a positive way to channel their energy, to learn about cooperation and team dynamics, and to build selfesteem, all while having fun.

Youth sport also contributes to health and wellness by encouraging kids to be active and increasing their levels of physical fitness. This in turn helps reduce rates of obesity and diabetes in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a number of programs to support those people who rely on the traditional economy of hunting and trapping to support themselves and their families.

This is good news, but I believe the GNWT can and should be doing more to help our residents who want to continue to lead a traditional lifestyle. After all, most of these people live in our smaller communities, where prices are high and families rely on the benefits of the hunt to feed and clothe their families.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to see assistance be provided...

I look forward to that. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister is: what is the department doing to assist harvesters who want access to tanning options?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke in support of subsistence harvesters in Nunakput, and my questions are for the Minister of ITI. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: has ITI investigated the viability of a tannery in the Beaufort Delta recently, and when was the last time this idea was explored? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my second question for the Minister is: will ITI look at the idea of home tanning kits for Nunakput and remote communities in the Northwest Territories?

I appreciate the response. My second question for the Minister is: as we enter business planning and begin to prepare for the next fiscal year, how can the community of Tuktoyaktuk access funding the department provides to support community governments with the provision of ground ambulance services?