Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member’s statement today is about the international Dene elders and youth gathering. As we assemble here today to discuss the pressing issues facing our people, a group of Dene elders and youth from across the continent are gathering at the Tsuu T'ina Reserve outside of Calgary, to discuss important issues of their own. The three-day event begins October 13th and finished up on Friday, October 15th. This historical gathering marks the first time members of all the Dene families have met face to face after many centuries of separation from each other on the North American continent.

Elders and youths representing the Dene groups from across North America -- the Gwich’in, the Sahtu, South Slavey, Dogrib, Chipewyan, Beaver, Navajo and Apache -- were all there to explore similarities amongst the Dene groups. Over the course of the three days the groups will be discussing the importance of preservation and protection of language, history and culture of the Dene people. The main object of this international gathering is to provide an opportunity for Dene people to gather together and have a sense of solidarity, to begin to think of themselves as one nation. Dene people of the Northwest Territories are well represented at the event. Two elders from Fort Good Hope are there on behalf of the Sahtu region. There are also elders from Fort Rae, Fort Smith, Hay River, Lutselk’e and Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very exciting event. I can tell you from personal experience that my people have been waiting a long time for this event. The Dene people and Gwich’in from across the continent have been foretold by prophets for many generations. An international Dene gathering is a positive step towards promoting co-existence and co-prosperity for all the future Dene groups.

I would like to thank the organization for coordinating this event. I trust that this will be a success and I am looking forward to a follow-up gathering in 2006, when Dene leaders from across the continent will be able to find common ground to lead the Dene forward in a united voice. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.