Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I represent the community that has the second highest percentage of households in core need. I often talk about health and transportation needs in my region. Today I will continue with housing needs in my region; housing and treaty rights, to be exact, through our ancestors.
People are looking to the intent and spirit of the treaty rights; treaty rights related to housing as explained by our elders whose parents and grandparents were encouraged to leave the land, move into town and live in homes that were built for them by government.
I heard from many of my constituents that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation should be more patient with my people. They need to understand that English is a second language for many of us in my region. There needs to be a clear understanding and sensitivity as to how aboriginal culture functions and not to impose their way of doing business on the people. Staff need to take time to explain documents, use an interpreter if they must, or just use plain English. Sometimes people sign a document because they want a house...
Mr. Yakeleya, your time for your Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
There is a misunderstanding later, because they do not fully understand what they’re signing for. We need to make sure that the NWT Housing Corporation receives proper orientation to understanding their clientele.
In closing, the issue of bringing up the treaty will continue until it is clear what was meant when the government asked for our ‘X’. We were promised, as the saying goes, as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows. This is a good treaty.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
