Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We can literally say a new government may be born tonight. Deline may become the first community self-government ever. Deline is known as the birthplace of ice hockey in Canada, now it may also be known as the birthplace of community governance.
This agreement was negotiated by those who moved forward, so we sit on the edge of our seats to see if 18 years of hard work by so many will be recognized tonight.
Deline has a vision, a plan, backed by their elders, encouraged by all the leaders to move forward. This community of Deline, in the Sahtu, was not built by those who waited and rested and wished to look behind them. This community was inspired to move, and move they did.
It is said that all great and honourable actions are accomplished with great difficulty and both must be worked on and overcome with answerable courage.
Those who came before us made certain that our land, that our culture, our traditions will withhold the waves of changes over time, and that we, as people, will be given the right to have and choose our own government. It is up to the people in Deline to honour those before them to exercise this right, for the eyes of the North are on them today.
What a privilege for the people to make history today. I say to the people of Deline, this is your day to choose what is right for you. This is your responsibility. For many years your negotiators, leaders and elders worked for you, now it’s your job to lift the last pound, walk the last mile. Only you can do this by voting today.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Many years ago great leaders in Deline knew of this time and now we are watching as it unfolds right in front of our eyes today. A nation is ready to be born. Through our land claims we negotiated the first step. The second step of our land claims chapter was to negotiate our own government. Bring it home.
Self-government is all about honouring our ancestors and their words. Today, people in Deline, make your mark.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
