Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An on-the-land program has been mentioned many times in this House. It is important we understand what communities view as on-the-land programs, which is using the land to heal ourselves, living upon the strengths of local traditional knowledge and also healing philosophies.

I’m concerned that this government, in the great spirit of devolution, is offloading responsibilities to communities and leaving the crises of addictions services to communities. I understand there are some successful initiatives in some communities. In the small communities, we are challenged with...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I’d like to thank, first of all, the sponsor of this legislation. I think it’s commendable that Mr. Yakeleya is working with his people and I respect him for that.

I’d also like to thank the people of the Sahtu that showed their Sahtu spirit in welcoming us into their community. What was fairly prominent, of course, and very obvious, was the personal testimony that we heard from communities in terms of the plight in dealing with alcohol.

This legislation simply is asking for help and the communities are asking for help. We heard from leaders, elders, parents and youth...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of cost, what allocation of resources would the department identify as a possible source? Would it consider, with other departments, the possible consideration of revenues from liquor sales? Mahsi.

It seems the Minister has stated this is in its infancy stage of trying to flush out a framework in terms of how this will work. How will the Department of Health and Social Services see itself involved in on-the-land programs? Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, the on-the-land program will also feature a 30-day program or something like that, with preparation and follow-up. It will also provide counselling, and counsellors will have safety measures in place and also, perhaps, a coordinating body. I hope the Department of Health and Social Services will provide leadership and immediately begin working with communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. I’d like to thank the Premier for making the suggestion of a meeting with the chief and council. My question is in terms of the GNWT’s policy in dealing with First Nations and recognizing the reserve has a unique treaty relationship with the federal government on a band-level basis. However, from time to time, from negotiations at different levels, the GNWT takes a fairly different position and takes on the trilateral position with the GNWT, the federal government and the First Nations.

How would the GNWT ensure it follows consistent policy in dealing with the K’atlodeeche First...

I’d like to thank the Premier for giving me an update on the KFN. What is the GNWT doing to ensure the federal government maintains its fiduciary obligation on the delivery of programs and services to the K’atlodeeche First Nation? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, the Anne Buggins Wellness Centre on the reserve was named after the respected elder, known for her strong spiritual leadership. Public health, home care and social services staff are no longer cramming the band office. They now have a modern facility to work in, which offers a more comfortable environment for community residents seeking treatment.

I want to congratulate Chief Roy Fabian and the people of the K’atlodeeche First Nation for their vision and hard work, which helped this community wellness centre become a...

Thank you, Madam Chair. This matter was referred to the committee on which I serve. At this moment, of course, I have an obligation as an MLA to serve the constituents that put their confidence in me to be their voice here within the House. At the same time, I serve on this committee, and this initiative here has led us to this day. I have to acknowledge that, from my observation, there have been extensive consultations with the word collaboration. I see governments work along with First Nations, whether it was a separate claim or else unsettled area. There have been great efforts to try to...

Thank you. The GNWT prides itself in providing trail breaking leadership in the advancement of treaty and Aboriginal rights, and rightly so. I think this Legislature has a legacy of leaders that have blazed a trail in forging public government, First Nations and treaty rights movements.

Can the Premier agree, at this point, to being…and you can be exploring the idea of supporting the establishment of a framework for programs and services in terms of its funding and delivery. For example, on housing. I recently had a constituency meeting on the reserve and a constituent made the point that...