Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will make a statement regarding working together within the government. Today is a celebration that our government in our territory, the Tlicho Government, and the territorial government and the agency is celebrating today. (Translation ends)

…territorial government, Tlicho Government and the Tlicho Community Services Agency. We are working as a remarkable accomplishment building upon our positive working relations during this last leg of our session.

Mr. Speaker, first let me highlight how we got here. A skidoo journey throughout the Tlicho region back in April was the first initiative to build a positive working relationship with the GNWT and Tlicho Government. The purpose of the trip was to get the Ministers and senior staff to familiarize themselves with the trails of our ancestors in the Tlicho region and how we travelled from community to community. Because of this, they would have a better idea of the Tlicho way of life when I speak in the House, Mr. Speaker.

Secondly, there was a government-to-government, GNWT and Tlicho, meeting in Wekweeti back in June. The two parties were going through some tough times dealing with some very critical issues they were faced with. Their mission: they needed to compromise, cooperate and work collectively. They achieved that goal, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, thirdly, we had the privilege of having our Commissioner, Ministers, MLAs and MP go on a canoe journey just last month during the Dene National Assembly in Behchoko. This is an annual event where youth, elders and community members join in on the journey, some from as far away as Wekweeti, that takes up to 10 days to paddle, Mr. Speaker. It is an ideal time for the elders to tell old stories, stories of the river, stories of the land, grave markers and so on, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, finally, just yesterday again we saw three levels of government cooperate and collaborate for the good of the people. The territorial government was struggling with the school expansion project in Gameti, a challenge we’ve been having for the past two years. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Government and the community government decided to pitch in and invest in this important project. After numerous calls, e-mails and making errands across the hallway, both parties agreed to proceed with the project. The end result: a true partnership and driven initiative. All parties contributed. The high school in Gameti will finally become a reality.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, to conclude, I would like to thank the Cabinet Members, my fellow colleagues around the table here for their generous support….

---Applause

…and consideration during our heated deliberations. I would especially like to thank the Tlicho Government for their commitment in building a positive working relationship with GNWT as a whole. This is a great day for the Gameti students, parents and elders. Mahsi.

---Applause