Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, traditional lifestyles are a very important part of the social, cultural, and economic fibre of communities in the Northwest Territories. Traditional livelihoods help to keep cultures strong and maintain ontheland practices. This supports food security, provides valuable opportunities for individuals to earn an income and support a strong traditional economy across the territory. Support for a sustainable livelihood is a high priority for our government, and today I would like to highlight some of the investments and achievements that we are very proud of.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has expanded its programs this year to strengthen existing programs for people to access ontheland activities and continue traditional practices.
ENR has worked closely with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to adapt the existing hunter's education program, which is now being offered forcredit program in the high schools. This program, developed in partnership with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and respected harvesters, puts safety and respect at the center of the training offered to new young harvesters. Current high school students who will be the next generation of harvesters will take the new course this winter as part of the pilot program in nine schools across the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, we know the support for culture is also important for healing. ENR has worked with the Department of Justice to develop a trapper training program that we will deliver to inmates at the North Slave Correction Centre. This training will help participants learn about trapping regulations, the genuine Mackenzie Valley fur program, how to set traps and prepare pelts, as well as a variety of on the land and survival skills. This is not only an opportunity to reconnect with traditional lifestyles but also develop a practical skills that participants can use upon returning to their community. While rollout of this program was delayed due to COVID19, we look forward to the beginning to offer this new program soon.
Mr. Speaker, we have also continued to help families get on the land through many new and existing programs.
In January, ENR provided almost $180,000 for 17 projects under the second intake of Take a Family on the Land program. This funding will support 17 organizations to help folks get out on the land with whomever they consider family.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT also continues to support the NWT On the Land Collaborative which brings together government, charitable, corporate, and other partners to provide financial support for projects across the NWT that promote traditional ontheland skills building. In 2022, the NWT On the Land Collaborative will invest nearly $1 million to 54 projects across all the regions of the NWT. I would like to acknowledge that the NWT On the Land Collaborative was recognized by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association with a partnership award for their innovative work. Our government congratulates all the partners in the On the Land Collaborative for the outstanding work they do each year and for the welldeserved award.
Mr. Speaker, while we are proud of the programs offered by ENR, we recognize the importance of reviewing them regularly to make sure they continue to effectively support ontheland activities.
To that end, we recently engaged with hunters, trappers, and other harvesters across the NWT about the longstanding Community Harvesters Assistance Program. We received valuable input on what is working well and about areas in which the program can be improved. A "what we heard" report with eight recommendations for improvement was shared with the public in January 2022. The intent was to seek additional public input to make sure we got it right. ENR is currently working to update some elements of the program and will use the input provided to continue that work.
Mr. Speaker, these investments are intended to support local harvesters, families, and leaders and continue to encourage sustainable livelihoods. I'd like to recognize the tremendous important role of elders, knowledgeholders, and Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations as they work to develop traditional activities and lifestyles. Our government will continue to provide support as part of our efforts to bolster the traditional economy, create employment opportunities in small communities, and increase food security for Northwest Territories' residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.
