Michael Nadli

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.

Mr. Chair, it kind of begs the question in terms of how the department might be approaching the next forest fire season. I know he has stated what is assessed in approaching these kinds of fires are the values at risk. Would there be a fairly consistent policy from the previous years in prioritizing how it is that we mobilize resources on these forest fires coming this year? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier perhaps give us an indication of a timeline when those groups that haven’t signed on to the devolution process may come to the table?

Thank you. Unsettled regions are described as historical treaties and the Premier just indicated they’re making efforts to ensure that efforts are made to bring along the Dehcho and the Akaitcho with the devolution process.

Can the Premier explain the GNWT’s efforts to work with both regions to ensure they come on board on the devolution process? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every day in the news we hear troubling stories about poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, but they are not stories from far-off, distant lands. They are stories that affect the lives of Aboriginal peoples right here in Canada.

For anyone with a conscience, it should be deeply disturbing about the abuses of residential schools and the terrible living conditions in communities like Attawapiskat law enforcement to be concerned about the disappearance of countless Aboriginal women, or the destruction of our land and water by big industries engaging in practises such as...

No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to address a question to the Minister. Just recently there was a report of a fire that is smoldering underneath the ground level between Fort Providence and Fort Simpson. I was wondering if there’s going to be any impacts on further costs. I know the fire season is over, but we’re kind experiencing perhaps different forest fires from year to year, so I just wanted to pose the question.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The land claims and self-government processes are basically predicated by federal government policy including, just to name perhaps two, the comprehensive land claims policies and the inherent rights to self-government.

What guide and policy does the GNWT take into consideration when engaging First Nations on lands, resources and self-government arrangements?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re marching towards the April 1st, 2014, deadline of completing the devolution transfer process. However, we have regions that haven’t settled their land claims and, at the same time, haven’t signed on to the Devolution Agreement. So my questions are for the Premier.

The Intergovernmental Council that’s described in the post-Devolution Agreement sets a relationship between this government and also Aboriginal governments. Will the Dehcho and Akaitcho be involved in that process in terms of the Intergovernmental Council? Mahsi.

I have a simple question that youth have posed to me. Through myself, and asking the Minister on their behalf, for Zachary and Alvin in Fort Providence, who are asking for a BMX track and also an area to play their paintball, would the Minister and the department help them? Is it a yes or no? They’re listening right now.