Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the people of the Sahtu for standing up and telling the government when we’re ready to sign the devolution AIP we will decide as a people to move on this agreement. More importantly, we will decide how we want to work and live with each other in the future.
Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu people from Deline, Tulita and Norman Wells met a few days ago in Deline to talk about the devolution table. Actually, Mr. Speaker, a leader and elder from one of our communities made a statement saying that will this be our Custer’s last stand with the governments. Only time will tell, Mr. Speaker.
The Sahtu people came to the table, saw what was on the table and said we’re not ready to sit at this table, we will not sign this agreement today. There is more work before we will sit down with the government.
Mr. Speaker, both the Premier and I heard the Sahtu people speak about their concerns. Not all communities were at the meeting. Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake chose to stay at home and take care of their own houses.
Mr. Speaker, this devolution agreement does impact the Sahtu Land Claim. For example, it clearly states in our Sahtu Land Claim under chapter 22.2: will no longer be in force, if this devolution comes into effect. We want to know who will look after our interests. Already this agreement is making changes to our land claims. There are some obligations that will be transferred from the federal government to the Government of the Northwest Territories. This has caused some serious concerns for the Sahtu elders. Mr. Speaker, especially when a promise is a promise, why do promises keep changing?
Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu do not support any establishment of any super boards. We’re okay with the regulatory process that was set up by the advice of our elders. Most of those elders are buried today, Mr. Speaker. It is Ottawa who has the problem with this process here; they wouldn’t work with our board. Days of issuing permits are long gone. When will Ottawa recognize our Aboriginal rights and our Aboriginal title?
Mr. Speaker, I’ll have questions of the Premier at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
