Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I stand in front of you and our fellow colleagues to speak about one of the communities I represent. Mr. Speaker, in 1796, the Northwest Company established a post on Trout River. However, it did not become an organized community until the late 1960s. Trout Lake is one of the most remote, beautiful, and traditional communities in the Northwest Territories. The residents are very proud of their culture and language. Approximately 70 per cent of the residents between the ages of 15 and 39, and 100 per cent of residents ages 40 and up speak their traditional language of Slavey. The community of Trout Lake is governed by Sambaa K’e Dene Band chief and council. As in the past, hunting, fishing, and trapping are still part of their daily lives. According to the 2015 NWT Bureau of Stats, approximately 85 per cent of the community still hunts and fishes, approximately 48 per cent of the population traps, and approximately 47 per cent of the population produces arts and crafts. As you can see by these numbers, these percentages, you can guess that consumption of country food would be high, and you’re right. Eighty-five per cent compared to NWT’s average of 26 per cent.
Mr. Speaker, for the past 23 years that I’ve worked with the community, now representing them, September is a time for the community fall hunt. Mr. Speaker, it’s amazing watching the community pack up and go out on the land for the number of weeks. It is about tradition, sharing knowledge, family, and community time. What I find amazing is this community has continued to grow in population since moving to the region. I witness the population grow from 70 residents to 110. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say the community has done well, has done a good job increasing the territorial formula financing for the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to inform this House that the Executive Council has approved the change of the name of the geographical place and community named as Trout Lake. Mr. Speaker, the change in name from Trout Lake to Sambaa K’e will take effect on June 21, 2016. Mr. Speaker, Sambaa K’e means “place of trout” in Slavey. I’d like to congratulate the Sambaa K’e First Nation chief, council, and residents for doing all the hard work to request returning their traditional name to the community. As well, I’d like to thank the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for his recommendation and Executive Council for approving this. Mr. Speaker, there is this first step of the community as they work to bring back our traditional names in the surrounding areas. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to give a big round of applause for the community soon to be named Sambaa K’e. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
