Date
February
11
2005
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of February 11, 2005 (day 34)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On Congratulations To Tlicho People On Passage Of Federal Land Claim Act
Sandy Lee
Range Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the Premier and everyone in this House in sending out my own very warm words of congratulations to the leaders and the people of Tlicho in obtaining Royal Assent to the document that would see their vision of a self-government become a reality, in short order.
Mr. Speaker, it’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since the Dene Métis Comprehensive Agreement was not able to be ratified. But, like most success stories, the Tlicho people were able to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and, with unrelenting efforts on the part of everyone involved, they were able to achieve their dream yesterday. I must say also, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have been a part of the works that we do in the House to go through the passages of lots of legislative and policy documents that would enable this to happen.
Mr. Speaker, I must say no one knows how to celebrate with as much pizzazz and gusto as do the Tlicho people. There is nothing like a spontaneous breaking out into a tea dance, circling, locked in arms, ever so joyously to the emotional chanting and the beat of Dene drumming in the halls of power in Ottawa.
Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed the power and impact of Dogrib political mobilization close to home, but now the whole country had a chance to get a real taste of it. I believe it was a singular act that stated loud and clear that they are here, that they are powerful, that they are very proud, that they have a right, and they have a right claim and they secured that yesterday. I was very proud to see that on national news and I want to send them very warm congratulations and to say also that Dogribs are Yellowknife’s best friends. There are many people, many Dogribs living in my area and in this city, and they add greatly to our economy and to every part of our life. I wish the Tlicho people well. I look forward to seeing how that government will work hard to serve every one of the Dogrib people well in the weeks, years and months to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause