Debates of October 17, 2006 (day 9)

Mr. Speaker, why doesn’t our land have a name that we can call our own? When I first got into office, it was under the premise that I would be striving for a new North, a prosperous North, a united North, a North that would be leading not only Canada but also the world in many areas. This can and must be initiated by a new image and a new name, a re-branding.

What is in a name? For most cultures, including aboriginals, a name symbolizes more than just an identification of a point on a map. It tells a story of our present and, most importantly, the past of the lands and its peoples. It conjures memories and continues traditions, cultures and legacies. This is why every community in the Northwest Territories has either changed their name or have discussed the possibility. I believe, Mr. Speaker, it is about time our territory has done it as well.

As this jurisdiction becomes closer and closer to devolution, discussions with the Territories, name change becomes more and more important. Through these discussions, the unification of the region and the people can be strengthened. The Northwest Territories is a name from a long ago colonial past. Today people inhabiting these lands are much more than just a territory in a northwest location. We are a unique and dynamic people, multi-cultural communities. We have a distinctive past and an even more unique future.

It is time we begin to hear the call of a new North, a North that is stronger and more prosperous and liberated from the paternalistic policies of the past, said the Prime Minister during his most recent visit to our territory. According to our very honoured Senator as well, during the discussion with the Quebec Senator, Pierre Debane, the name of our territory exemplifies our paternal relationship to Ottawa. We are only northwest from the view of a south central Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you very much, honourable colleagues. In the past, these discussions became frustrated by suggestions such as BOB. Although this has some serious undertones and undermines aboriginal contributions of this jurisdiction, we must nevertheless continue these discussions. Together we can change exclusivity of a territorial name that does not reflect the present people and land. Together we can honour the people of our past and diverse culture of the present through this initiative. It is time this Assembly is committed in uniting the communities and their leadership to discuss important issues for a new North.

As reverberated in the past, I believe the new North has arrived. We were on the right path several years ago when the territory began discussing these issues and we must return to these paths, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

---Applause