Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] In the Northwest Territories we are all living in the Northwest Territories. This is what I’m going to be talking about. A lot of people are living in small habitats and these are some of the things I’m going to be talking about. In regard to Hay River Reserve, I’m going to be talking about these issues. Hay River is… [Translation ends]
…300 people. It is a beautiful community, especially at this time of year when the trees are so green. Dene traditions are strong and there’s great interest on anything that impacts traditional lifestyles, such as the proposed new Wildlife Act.
People worry that the law will be yet another encroachment on their rights. Even though there’s a reserve based on treaty rights, administration of the community is unduly complex. The territorial government is very involved in the community’s bilateral relationship with the federal government. As they say, three is a crowd.
This is so important because the community has not benefited much socially or economically by being close to Hay River. Hay River’s employment rate is about 73 percent compared to 44 percent on the reserve. It’s basically the same as in isolated communities like Nahanni Butte or Fort Good Hope.
We have been talking about education, and about 35 percent of reserve residents have high school diplomas compared to the NWT average of 70 percent.
Like many other communities, housing is a major issue. More than 40 percent of homes are in core need, according to the Housing Corporation. That is true, but it’s also true that the Housing Corporation still has vacant new houses on the reserve.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
