Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great honour and much excitement today that I congratulate the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute on their most recent Group Category Award presented by the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
The GSCI displays a fine role in developing and supporting cultural heritage. I am proud that such a group can celebrate, promote and preserve the arts, culture and heritage as defined in the eligibility for this award.
What great timing as the GSCI celebrates its 20th anniversary this fall, such an honourable way to recognize this organization with 20 years of researching and recording over 100 projects for our future use. Also, 414 official place names have now been approved and the geographical map has been developed showing over 900 Gwich’in place names.
I would also like to acknowledge the people behind the work: the staff and the board of directors, past and present, for making such a huge commitment and being proud of their accomplishments.
Many of the elders who started this project have now passed on. Their participation in this project, in identifying place names with their stories, will be an educational tool for years to come. Congratulations, once again, to the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute on your hard work and dedication. Also, congratulations to the rest of the recipients of the Ministers’ Culture and Heritage Circle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
