Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is an historical day in the fight against violence against women, especially the violence against aboriginal women in the NWT. At 9:30 a.m. this morning, our aboriginal women, along with their friends and supporters and community groups, started a walk to Behchoko; a walk of over 100 kilometres in the name of raising awareness of this very important and pressing issue.

Mr. Speaker, we’re well aware that every day there are aboriginal women being assaulted and murdered and often forgotten and neglected by our society. We also know that violence of all forms against persons from all walks of life are much too prevalent in our society in small and big communities, especially against aboriginal peoples. Our very own Sandra Lockhart spoke this morning at the walk about how the violence against aboriginal women and within aboriginal families are so prevalent that it is rare to meet an aboriginal woman who did not experience violence and abuse some time in their lives. With this walk, the aboriginal women of the North are telling us that this has to stop and they’re going to make it happen.

This walk also highlights the responsibility of all levels of governments to take an action to prevent violence and to provide means for healing and recovery. At the same time, this walk brings to the fore the power of one person to make a real difference. I was very honoured that my friend Marie Speakman, the wise woman who came up with this idea and organized it, asked me for my support from the beginning. I want to honour her today and all others in our communities who work on the frontline tirelessly to help victims of violence. This is backbreaking work mentally and physically, and there are many Maries of the world in our communities who do not give up against all odds and always find the strength and courage to combat the aftermath of violence one step at a time and one person at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I could tell you that I had a very nice long walk this morning, joined by the Premier, many Ministers and colleagues of this House, to honour Marie and her team. I’ll be joining them again tonight and when they arrive at their destination in Behchoko tomorrow night, where there will be a feast to receive those who are walking with Marie. Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt in my mind that this is the start of something big that will continue to grow. This is an aboriginal women-driven action initiated by aboriginal women, organized by aboriginal women for aboriginal women, and I look forward to cheering them on as they continue to make a difference in the lives of aboriginal women and their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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