Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho Land Use Planning Committee is pleased to announce that Joachim Bonnetrouge has been appointed as chair. His appointment is effective immediately.
Mr. Joachim Bonnetrouge was born on the land in Fort Providence. He attended 13 years of residential school, graduating with a diploma from high school in Fort Smith. He went on to study at college in Edmonton and Ottawa.
Mr. Bonnetrouge served the community of Fort Providence and the Deh Cho region in many capacities, including community development worker, Dene Zhatie language coordinator and employment workshop facilitator. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Native Communications Society, Deh Cho Health and Social Services, Dehcho Economic Corporation and the Youth Justice Circle.
Mr. Bonnetrouge has served in elected office, most recently as chief of the Deh Gah Gotie First Nations for a total of 13 years. Prior to his most recent term as chief, he served as project manager for the Aboriginal Health Foundation Healing Project for the Indian residential school survivors throughout the Deh Cho region.
Mr. Bonnetrouge has a keen interest in culture, traditions and values of his Deh Cho Dene people. He is a Member of the Dehcho Dene Drummers. He currently lives in Fort Providence with his wife, Nancy. They have worked together to raise four children.
Mr. Bonnetrouge replaces outgoing Interim Chair Herb Norwegian, who will resume the position of vice-chair.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
