Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the priorities for this Assembly is to strengthen awareness of our northern identify and uniqueness by promoting our culture. I am very pleased to advise this House that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment held a ceremony today to celebrate the tremendous cultural contributions made by people across this territory.
Some months ago the Minister’s Cultural Circle was launched. We requested nominations for those Northerners who contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Northwest Territories cultures and heritage. Nominations poured in, Mr. Speaker, and the independent panel of judges chose four inductees from across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, the Cultural Circle helps build awareness about the importance of promoting, protecting, and preserving our unique culture and heritage. We received nominations in four categories:
youth, 25 years of age and under, who demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging in the arts, cultural learning, and cultural practices;
individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving and promoting culture through participation in various arts, culture, and heritage-related activities;
elders, 50 years of age and older, respected for their contributions of practicing, promoting, guiding, teaching, leadership, vision or hands-on participation in the areas of art, culture, heritage, and language; and
any organization, corporation, institution, organizing committee or social club that plays a lead role in developing and supporting activities that celebrate, promote or preserve the arts, culture, and heritage.
Additionally, a Minister’s choice inductee is also chosen. The 2011 award recipients embody the commitment, diligence, creativity, and passion we want culture and heritage to inspire in us all. The inductees I was pleased to welcome into the Cultural Circle this morning are:
Evan Tordiff of Fort Smith, our youth inductee;
Abel Tingmiak of Inuvik, our elder inductee;
Ben Nind of Yellowknife, our individual inductee; and
The Aklavik Delta Drummers and Dancers, our group inductees.
The 2011 Minister’s Choice inductee is the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School for their project, Trails of our Ancestors.
Of these distinguished people, some are with us today in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, we received many nominations, all reflecting committed and passionate people. Just as all the nominees built upon the foundation laid by people who came before them, we must continue to build upon their efforts for a strong, culturally rich North.
I hope all Members of this Assembly will join me in honouring the Cultural Circle inductees and thank them for their hard work preserving, promoting, protecting, and celebrating our unique cultures and heritage. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.
