Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about establishing a new territorial park in the Tu Nedhe riding near Fort Resolution. Having recently returned from a community visit to Fort Resolution, I met with a group of residents who informed me of their desire to establish a new territorial park. Currently, I believe, there has been some discussion around establishing a territorial park at Mission Island; however, there is some concern over this, because Mission Island holds significant spiritual interest for the community.
Mr. Speaker, many residents do not want to see this sensitive area turned into a tourist attraction. The community would like to see a new territorial park established elsewhere. They have identified a location just outside the community, along the Slave River.
Mr. Speaker, being raised in Fort Resolution, I am familiar with the area and I can say it’s a beautiful, scenic spot and would make an ideal location for a territorial park. Both the Slave River and the community of Fort Resolution have equal historical significance in the Northwest Territories. Fort Resolution is the oldest community in the NWT, first established in the late 1700s. The community has been designated as a national historic site, only one of four in the NWT. The Slave River has played a key role in opening the North. Famous explorers such as Samuel Hearne, Sir John Franklin and Alexander Mackenzie travelled this river enroute to their historical journeys.
Today, Mr. Speaker, the Slave River area supports a strong traditional subsistence activity of hunting, trapping and fishing for many residents. The basin area of the Slave River of 616,400 square kilometres and, again, I repeat, is one of the scenic jewels of our North.
Mr. Speaker, establishing a new territorial park will have both immediate and long-term significance in economic impacts for the community, immediate benefits during the construction phase and long-term benefits for maintenance and use for the park. One of the issues I have been raising in the House is a lack of employment and economic opportunity for the community.
Mr. Speaker, there will be increased revenues from tourists using this park. This project is a win/win for everyone; for people who live in Fort Resolution and for people that will use the park. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
