Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Here in Denendeh and since the treaty for Dene lands, we are living our traditional way of hunting and trapping, and also there are Metis and Inuit, and it’s to the point where they are governing their own lands. [Translation ends]
…has not yet signed their land claims agreement but has reached a number of interim arrangements. There are six candidate protected areas in the Dehcho in various stages of the Protected Areas Strategy process. The land is protected under a land withdrawal interim measures agreement that expires this year. The Government of the NWT has agreed to sponsor protected areas in the Deh Cho but has stepped back from the process.
The federal government has allocated funds for this year that will lapse if we do not move ahead as planned with candidate sites under the Protected Areas Strategy. Over the long term, we are concerned that if areas are not protected, funding will be withdrawn completely.
In 1977 Justice Thomas Berger completed a year and a half of hearings on the Mackenzie Gas Project. Justice Berger recommended that land claim agreements be settled and measures taken to protect the environment before such development took place. He felt strongly that development decisions belonged to the people. The Dehcho First Nations is fiercely determined to protect their land and become the responsible owners of its resources. The settlement of land claims, and successful land use plans and protected areas rely on the engagement of all parties.
[Translation] In order to subsist in their traditional way, they need land to live by the traditional ways of living, and along with that comes the language. This is how the Dene lived in the bush. If there’s going to be progress, they are going to have to have the environmental process in place. We have to keep in mind of the protected lands that has been arranged with the Dene people and… [Translation ends]
…is available. We must move ahead on this important initiative. Through the cooperation of all parties, we must reach an agreement on comprehensive land use planning. My people insist that the Government of the Northwest Territories re-engage in this important process. Land use planning in the establishment of protected areas in the region is the opportunity to map our future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Yellowknife, Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
