Date
May
15
2007
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of May 15, 2007 (day 7)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On Spiritual Component Of The Battle Against Alcohol Abuse
Norman Yakeleya
Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would make my comments to the other Members in terms of this issue here. Mr. Speaker, this issue is very close to my heart. Mr. Speaker, I have seen many good people in my communities, in the region, people in the Northwest Territories, a lot of good people who should be here in the Northwest Territories enjoying life. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the disease of alcoholism had gotten them. Mr. Speaker, I speak from personal experience that when we have alcoholism in our communities, you know, it takes away life, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s not a good feeling in our small communities.
Mr. Speaker, alcohol is going to be here for a long, long time. The effects of it are felt very hard in our small communities. Our government, this government here, makes millions in profits each year on this issue here.
Mr. Speaker, you know, there’s people in my communities that, for some odd reason, they can take a drink and that’s good. Take one drink and that’s good, and they leave it. But, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I’m just the totally opposite. I get mad; I get angry. But, Mr. Speaker, I recognize and I accept I have an issue with alcohol in my life. And life is about life, Mr. Speaker. These young people that are drinking, it’s about life. They’re taking their life. A lot of young people really, really need to look at that issue here. Hopefully through this discussion here, we can give life back to them. Take them on the land. That’s what the elders are saying. Put them on the land. As life is spiritual, and alcohol is a spiritual issue, you have to have a spiritual remedy for this here. It’s not about putting them in programs or it’ll help them somewhat, but for the people. Put them on the land, Mr. Speaker. I have seen it firsthand, in terms of how alcohol affected my people, my own family, and my community. It’s sore, my heart is heavy in this discussion here, talking about alcohol.
So, Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Members for making this a theme day and hoping that the government’s listening in terms of our discussion this afternoon. Thank you.
---Applause