Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to publicly congratulate the newly elected president and vice-president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council: Mr. Richard Nerysoo, president, and Mary Ann Ross, vice-president. I look forward to continuing to work with Richard and Mary Ann on the issues that affect the Gwich'in in the Mackenzie Delta region but more importantly to enhancing the Gwich'in social and economic opportunities in the region and throughout the North.
I would also like to thank the people who put their names forward to run in the Gwich'in elections, to serve the people in the Gwich'in nation and to stand for public office. I would like to thank Norm Snowshoe, Robert Charlie, Charlie Furlong and Lawrence Norbert for putting their names forward and for getting their message out. I would also like to take the time to recognize all the Gwich'in people who cast their votes to elect their leadership for the Gwich'in Tribal Council.
At this time I would like to thank the outgoing president, Mr. Fred Carmichael, who has done so much for the Gwich'in nation and for the people in the Northwest Territories during his service as the president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council and also as chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline orporation. Fred, we all know, deserves to take some time out and enjoy his retirement. More importantly again, on behalf of the Gwich'in people and the people of the Mackenzie Delta, I would like to thank Fred Carmichael for his commitment and dedication to the people of the Mackenzie Delta.
Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
