Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On June 21st, the people across the Northwest Territories will once again be celebrating National Aboriginal Day. This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Canada. It is also the fifth anniversary of the National Aboriginal Day Act, which made the Northwest Territories the first and only jurisdiction in Canada to recognize the day as a formal statutory holiday.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is important to me as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations and as Premier because it demonstrates how strongly we feel about honouring aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories and Canada.

Our aboriginal heritage shapes the way in which our government conducts its business and how we work together to build and strengthen our territory. The traditions, culture and language of the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit are an integral part of our unique northern identity, so it’s only appropriate that we have a day to recognize aboriginal people.

Mr. Speaker, our commitment extends well beyond our annual day off and to celebrate some aboriginal cultures and traditions. Our government is bringing the spirit of National Aboriginal Day alive through our daily work and with aboriginal leaders, communities, governments and organizations.

The GNWT is fully committed to the objective of concluding land, resources and governance agreements in the Northwest Territories. Achieving this goal follows the GNWT’s strategic plan of self-reliant people and communities in the NWT. This will enable our residents to realize the political, social and economic aspirations and result in more stable, political and economic environments in the Northwest Territories.

We remain committed to this goal as we work towards developing respectful, government-to-government relationships and continue to honour the diverse cultures

and outstanding contributions of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories and Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this June 21st, I will ask all Members to join me in encouraging the people of the Northwest Territories to get out and participate in National Aboriginal Day activities in their communities. Mahsi cho.

---Applause