Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On June 21 the people across the Northwest Territories will once again be celebrating National Aboriginal Day. This is a day to celebrate aboriginal peoples’ rich and diverse cultural heritage and to also acknowledge the valuable contribution of aboriginal peoples to the healthy development of our communities, our territory and our country.
The Government of the Northwest Territories honours and respects the importance of aboriginal cultures and the vital role aboriginal people play in contributing to our economic, social and political development and in enhancing our traditional knowledge through learning and sharing.
Our commitment extends well beyond our annual statutory holiday. Our government continues to invest in aboriginal languages and cultural programs, increasing the number of aboriginal teachers, creating opportunity for aboriginal people to enter the trades and exploring alternative energy opportunities in our aboriginal communities.
Mr. Speaker, this June 21 I ask all Members to join me in encouraging the people of the Northwest Territories to get out and participate in National Aboriginal Day activities in their communities and to celebrate the wealth of traditions, lifestyles, languages and values that make up the fabric of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Michael McLeod.
