Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on August 22, 1921, with the signing of Treaty 11 by Chief Monfwi in Fort Rae, my people started on an historic journey to find and define their place in Canada. We’ve recently marked some very important milestones of this journey, including the signing of the Tlicho agreement and passing of legislation in this House and the House of Commons.

Last year, this Assembly passed the Tlicho Community Government Act and I hope we will be passing another milestone later today. Mr. Speaker, a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of sacrifices went into getting the agreement and legislation developed and in place. The pride that the Tlicho people have can be measured by the number of Tlicho citizens with us here today in the gallery.

The Tlicho agreement is modelled for a future self-government agreement between First Nations and Canada. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have time in this forum to thank everyone who worked on making these agreements a reality. I would, however, like to recognize the fathers, mothers, husbands, wives and children who made the best of the situation whenever their loved ones were away from home working for their people. We owe them a lot of debt and gratitude and thanks for all the missed birthdays, anniversaries and graduations.

I would also like to recognize those elders who did not live to see this agreement come to pass. You are in our thoughts and prayers on this joyous occasion, and your spirit and guidance got us to where we are today.

Whenever Tlicho people get together for special occasions, we dance. There will be some dancing going on today to celebrate the conclusion of the debate on the Tlicho Government Agency Act, as the last part of the puzzle.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you and my colleagues in this Assembly for your support of the aspiration of the Tlicho people. It shows that consensus government can work.

It is a new day for my people, Mr. Speaker. We have authority over our own affairs. We have the ability to protect our language, culture, heritage and environment. We are ensuring the future for our children and grandchildren as a distinct society within a cultural mosaic that is Canada. Mahsi.

---Applause