Shane Thompson

Good afternoon, Members. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament. It was the second time since the pandemic they cancelled the previous tournaments. As I stated previously in this House, this tournament is a bit unique in that they don't keep score, teams are mixed up, and we do not have winners or losers. The focus is on the youth having fun and playing the sport; something that the namesake was all about.

Besides playing the sport, the youth are given the opportunity to attend a skills competition event on Saturday. This year, we had athletes...

Before we get started, I'd like to recognize one of my favorite little guys, Finnigan Gosselin who I got to have supper with no, it was lunch, at McDonald's, him and his sister. So welcome to the Assembly.

Good afternoon. Members, welcome to the House. Although we did not sit last week, our work continues as we set a path forward for the 20th Assembly. Last week, Members worked together to set the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly. They will be tabled in this House later today. As we work to find common ground, it was clear we are all here to make this territory a better place for...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Today I am honoured to recognize the NWT Recreation and Parks Association On-the-Land Award winners Ashley Okrainec, Megan Okrainec, and Rosa Wright from Fort Simpson.

During the spring of 2023, the community of Liidlii Kue faced multiple stressors and issues that were leading to some divide. These three ladies, mother and two daughters, stepped up to address the need for community healing by organizing a community moose hide camp at the Fort Simpson Territorial Campground for three days and welcomed all community members to participate. They set up meals, had hides...

Thank you very much, Annie Goose.

Before we start, I'd just like to recognize a few people in the gallery, Chief Ernest Betsina and Chief Fred Sangris. Thank you very much for attending. As well, you heard little voices here. That would happen to be my grandkids. Avy, or Orilia. Esrah. And then Roy or Rhett. And then my daughter Jacklyn and my soninlaw Brendan Whelle. So thank you and welcome.

Good morning, Members of the Legislative Assembly. On Friday, January 26th, I had the opportunity to attend the name of the ECE building in Fort Simpson. I would like to thank the regional superintendent for the Department of Infrastructure in the Deh Cho region for organizing and officiating this event.

The event started an opening blessing as I know, a blessing is a beautiful way to invite positive energy and protection in the new space. I can tell you it was a powerful and heartfelt blessing for the building and its inhabitants. I will ask the blessing to be deemed as read and printed in the...

I'd like to thank Lillian Elias for opening prayer and the wise words. Greatly appreciated.

Just one little bit of housekeeping. Please be a little bit slower when you talk. We have some translators that are not asking to do a sprint for the whole marathon. So they said if we could please be a little bit slower, they would greatly appreciate it. So now let's get down to business.

Good afternoon, colleagues. I would like to share with you some excited things that are happening to further develop the cultural programming in Liidlii Kue Elementary School. Thanks to the school's administration and partners, they were able to secure grants, equipment, and a new garage to store these resources. This helps was a good start, however the lack of transportation in the fall and late spring to have students set fishing nets, go to camp across the river, and to even experience life on the water was challenging. Sometimes, they were able to access local boats but most times they...

Good afternoon. Please join me in thanking elder Sarah Cleary for her opening words and blessing today.

February is Indigenous language month and I look forward to hearing these languages spoken each day. Before we begin, I want to acknowledge the tragedy that took place in Fort Smith on January 23rd. A plane crash claimed the lives of six Northerners, leaving one survivor. Our residents and communities are connected to one another. When one community hurts, we all hurt. But the reverse holds true. When a community needs healing, we come together to help heal. It is my hope that Fort Smith and...

Good afternoon, colleagues. The Kole Crook Fiddle Association held its 19th Annual Fiddle Jamboree in Fort Simpson. We witnessed 55 fiddlers from six communities across the NWT who braved the 47° cold snap. They ranged in age from 6 to 16 years. We had several adults who joined in as well. Classes were offered for firsttimers all the way up to advanced. They were joined by seven amazing fiddle instructors from across Canada and NWT. Some were former graduates of the association. The participants jigged, squaredanced, fiddled, and sang. They learned lots of new tunes and made many new friends...

I guess I'm supposed to recognize former Members in the House here; I'd like to recognize Cabinet Minister former Minister Paulie Chinna from the Sahtu, and my favorite MLA from Hay River South, presently, Mr. Rocky Simpson. So welcome to our Chamber.

Thank you, Members, for the trust you have afforded me as your Speaker. So far in our preliminary meetings as the 20th Assembly, I can tell this group is thoughtful, solution orientated, and most of all motivated to make this territory the best it can be be. It will be my honour to serve as Speaker for the 20th Assembly of the Northwest...