Debates of March 16, 2004 (day 1)

March
16
2004
Day
1
Speaker
David Krutko
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Bill 1: Appropriation Act, 2004-2005
Member's Statement On Appreciation For Premier’s And Ministers’ Visits To Hay River
Member's Statement On Recognition Of Tu Nedhe Pages And Athletes
Member’s Statement On Changes In Nahendeh Constituency
Member’s Statement On Devolution Negotiations And Attaining Provincial Status
Member’s Statement On Importance Of Language And Culture
Member’s Statement On Recognition Of Hay River Athletes In Arctic Winter Games
Member’s Statement On Recognition Of Nunakput Athletes In Arctic Winter Games
Member’s Statement On Recognition Of Yellowknife Centre Athletes In Arctic Winter Games
Member’s Statement On Rising Crime Rate In Yellowknife
Member’s Statement On Small Business Challenges In The NWT
Minister’s Statement 1-15(3): Notice Of Budget Address
Minister’s Statement 2-15(3): First Nations Policing Funding
Motion 1-15(3): Appointment Of Deputy Chairpersons Of Committee Of The Whole
Motion 2-15(3): Setting Of Sitting Hours By Speaker
Question 1-15(3): Bill Of Intent To Seek Provincial Status
Question 10-15(3): Medical Travel Arrangements
Question 2-15(3): Trades And Apprenticeship Challenges
Question 3-15(3): Registry Of Sex Offenders
Question 4-15(3): Rising Crime Rate And Public Protection
Question 5-15(3): Plans To Divide RWED Department
Question 6-15(3): Bidding Process For The Arctic Winter Games
Question 7-15(3): Access To Aboriginal Language Services
Question 8-15(3): Rising WCB Assessment Rates
Question 9-15(3): NWT Housing Needs Survey
Written Question 1-15(3): Bill Of Intent To Seek Provincial Status
Written Question 2-15(3): Search For Missing Willow Lake River Resident
Statements

Member’s Statement On Importance Of Language And Culture

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. March is Aboriginal Languages Month. In celebration of that fact, I would like to speak today on the importance of language and culture in providing a definition of who you are as a person. Mr. Speaker, I ask also just to have initiatives towards language and culture in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, as an aboriginal person, I can say that I’ve applied and understand the heart of the language and have close ties to the land and the laws of the Sahtu; they clearly define who I am as a person. These laws were taught to me by my elders and when you know who you are and where you’re from and the history of your people, you have received a great gift. Mr. Speaker, when you have pride in your language and pride in your culture, you can have pride in everything that you do.

You can succeed on all levels when you know who you are, where you come from and where you’re going.

The Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, is a vast land with many languages and cultures. Some have been here for thousands of years and some languages and cultures are newly arrived. Whatever your language, whatever your culture, celebrate it, cherish it and seek to understand it. It will keep you strong in times of trouble and free your spirit in times of joy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause