Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Summer assemblies have been an important part of Aboriginal cultures for generations. They come from the time when our people lived off the land, following the resources they needed to sustain their families. They travelled seasonally and lived in small family-based communities. Major regional decisions were made at large gatherings that happened at least once a year and most often in the summer.
This tradition continues today in all our regions. As we look forward to the summer, we look forward to the summer assemblies. They involve First Nation members of all ages and feature drum dances, Dene hand games and prayers.
These events are extremely important to our way of life, but summer assemblies do more than celebrate our culture. They are the time to discuss critical issues facing Dene people. As in times past, communities are represented at these discussions by their leaders and delegates. It is an opportunity for them to make decisions to guide the future of the Northwest Territories through a process that is equally important to the process we are engaged in here today.
Summer assemblies build consensus on the foundation of Dene laws, key values and principles including respect for all forms of life, respect for elders, the impacts of our decisions on future generations, sharing, acceptance of others, learning from our past and seeking spiritual guidance and wisdom.
These values and principles are even more important now as we face such issues as devolution, lands and resource revenue sharing, self-government, the role of land and water boards and our relationship with other governments. It is in our best interests to hold to these values and principles not only as First Nations assemblies but as leaders and decision-makers in a rapidly changing world.
We look forward to a season of summer assemblies that will strengthen the Northwest Territories. As a government, the GNWT must listen to the voice of the people represented at these gatherings and respond in respectful and meaningful ways to the outcomes of their decisions. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
