Mr. Speaker, June 21st is National Aboriginal Day. This day is an opportunity for all Northerners to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Northwest Territories’ Aboriginal people and the wealth of traditions, lifestyles, and languages that make up the fabric of the Northwest Territories. As the only jurisdiction in Canada to recognize this day as a statutory holiday we are leading the way for the rest of the country through our strong commitment to honour the Dene, Inuvialuit, and Metis people. Our experience shows that we are stronger and more successful when we work together as partners. I believe the foundation for working together with our Aboriginal government partners has been solidly established through the Government of the Northwest Territories’ commitment to engage with Aboriginal governments in the spirit of respect, recognition and responsibility. Mr. Speaker, our partnership approach is unique in the country, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to show the rest of Canada how we do business in the Northwest Territories while serving as Chair of national forums such as the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group. The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group has provided an important forum for provincial and territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and the leaders of the national Aboriginal organizations to engage in collaborative and respectful dialogue on issues affecting Aboriginal peoples across the country. I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that the partnership provinces have been forging with Aboriginal leaders since 2009 has now expanded to include the federal government. Last week I was pleased to co-chair the first meeting of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous Forum with the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. This new forum replaces the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group and includes the Federal Government as a full partner in addressing the issues that are important to Indigenous people in Canada. During our meetings last week, Ministers and Leaders confirmed a new relationship in support of improving outcomes for Indigenous people and promoting reconciliation in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, it has been an honour to have had the opportunity to chair the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group over the past two years. I am proud that the Northwest Territories will hold the distinction of being the final chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group during the time that we achieved the long-standing goal of having the federal government become a full partner with us. I believe that the Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous Forum will be instrumental in providing national leadership to ensure a strong future for Indigenous people across the country. I look forward to working collaboratively with my national colleagues on issues affecting Indigenous people both throughout Canada and here in the Northwest Territories. It is critical that we recognize that the full participation of Indigenous people is not only key to the wellbeing of communities, it is also key to the wellbeing of our nation. There can be no stronger economic, social, and just society than one that lifts up all citizens to take their rightful place in our country. This is the path to reconciliation and the Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to this path for the Northwest Territories and for Canada. Mr. Speaker, on June 21st, I invite all Northerners and all Canadians to join us in recognizing the many ways in which Indigenous people have contributed to the success of our territory, our country, and the important role they will continue to play in our future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
