Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I represent four small communities, and some of my communities are entirely Indigenous. The size of my communities range from 45 to 736 or 50 people. Mr. Speaker, we are small communities but so unique and so rich in culture and tradition.
Mr. Speaker, the communities in the Deh Cho region do not have a major economic driver. There are trees everywhere, and the forest industry is a natural sector to develop but the forest industry has not yet become a regional economic driver for my communities.
Mr. Speaker, we are on the road system. We have abundant natural resources. We can ship goods in and out of community then. We can bring tourists in. We can develop a local economy. But, Mr. Speaker, we need entrepreneurs. We need people to have a vision and take a risk.
We have a successful example of Dene Fur Clouds in Fort Providence. Through Prosper NWT, we have a locally owned and operated high quality fur garment retail store. These furs are sewn by local seamstresses and shipped all over the world.
Enterprise was the home to designer Darcy Moses. Mr. Moses is an outstanding artist that has combined traditional Dene art from high-end fashion. He is a leader in the art sector. He has sold to high-end brands and retailers internationally. However, due to wildfires last year, he lost his home and has now relocated to Wrigley and is working at restarting up his business.
Another business we have in our community is Cameron Sapp as CMMS Mechanical Services that started up, and Cameron is really getting going so I have to wish Cameron all the success as he navigates through stuff that businesses -- small businesses go through.
Our communities are uniquely and authentically Indigenous. This is a major asset in tourism. Our communities just as they are can provide tourism experiences that people across the world are looking for. We are remote northern Indigenous communities. Mr. Speaker, I'm seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you. And thank you to my colleagues. Our communities just as they are can provide tourism experience that people across the world are looking for. We are remote northern Indigenous communities, and tourists want this authentic experience.
Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho may be a riding with small communities but we have large potential for economic growth. I will have questions for the Minister of ITI later today. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
