Debates of October 13, 2004 (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier in my Member’s statement, I talked about the historical event or gathering of the Dene elders and youth at the Tsuu T'ina Reserve outside of Calgary. It has been prophesied and told by elders how people at one time separated and how there will be a time when we come together as one people, as Dene people. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask a question to the Premier. He noted that earlier he received a letter seeking some support for an elders’ gathering outside of Calgary. Also, letters went to the MLAs of the Dene ancestry. I want to ask the Premier if he would agree to sponsor the Dene at the international youth gathering outside of Calgary as requested by the letter that was sent on October 5th. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think there is hardly a week that goes by that we are not asked as a government to sponsor something outside of the Territories. I am sure that there is hardly a day that goes by that we are not asked to help out with an event in the Northwest Territories. We certainly give priority to events in the Northwest Territories. When it comes to events outside of the Territories, we look very carefully at them. Mr. Speaker, I only received a couple of weeks ago just a very brief letter from the people organizing this event, which I have no doubt is very important to them, but there is not enough detail to be able to respond quickly to it. I have passed that on to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. At this point, based on the information that arrived to me, I have difficulty supporting this kind of general request for an event down in Calgary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I heard many times the Premier speaking about the values of having a united voice about issues concerning the North, given that a substantial portion of the North is of Dene ancestry and this gathering is a Dene gathering of all the people of North America and requires some support from this government. Also, the Premier indicated that the financial restraints make it difficult for the Premier to commit. Would the Minister commit to looking at supporting the 2006 International Dene Gathering? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Mr. Speaker, certainly, I would consider the one in 2006 where we have some notice. We have some time to answer questions and see what the agenda is, who is participating, who else is contributing funding. That kind of thing I would certainly look very carefully at. When we get these last minute ones, it is very difficult for us to justify spending the money. I would really appreciate information quickly on the 2006 proposed event. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Dene people throughout the Northwest Territories, I thank the Premier for supporting this at this time. Would the Premier commit to supporting the second phases as soon as we get the information to his office to start circulating it amongst the Dene governments? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Mr. Speaker, I would like to see the information and what the expected results would be, what the dollars are before I commit. I certainly encourage Members who have information on the second phase to get that information to us and I will look at it with my department. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the elders have given us their guidance and wisdom in our path in life and what we choose to do. I would ask the Premier if he would reconsider in terms of offering some support to this international gathering for this year. I know they have asked for a specific amount, but I am not sure what the exact amount is, but I think it would be good to have some signal from this government to offer some support to the elders who are gathering down in Calgary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 210-15(3): Gathering Of Dene Elders And Youth

Mr. Speaker, I would need more information because what I have received so far is just information that Dene elders from across North America and youth and others are gathering on a reserve outside of Calgary and asking us for $15,000, I believe it was, to send some drummers to this event. I don’t know anything about the event. I just need more information, Mr. Speaker.