Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, last week I asked a question to the Minister regarding payment to elders and how they are not getting paid as fast as they should because elders are very important and we want to be able to help them. (Translation ends)

Dogrib Treaty 11 Council has asked the Dogrib Community Services Board to operate a number of programs and projects on its behalf that were closely connected to the mandate of the board. These include the scholarship program, a variety of language and culture projects such as the birch bark canoe project, the caribou skin tent project, as well as the trails of our ancestors' canoe trips that involve the youth and the elders.

Mr. Speaker, this collaborative project set a cooperative tone between the GNWT boards and the aboriginal government that is quite unique in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this was expected to continue under the new Tlicho Government and the new Tlicho Community Services Agency. So it was recognized in the Intergovernmental Services Agreement between the GNWT, the federal government, and the Tlicho Government. Both articles 3.2(a) and 4.5 speak to the roles, powers, responsibilities and accountabilities assigned and delegated to the agency by the Tlicho Government.

Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Community Services Agency is the only GNWT board or agency which is a subject of an Intergovernmental Services Agreement between the three levels of government: the federal government, the GNWT, and the Tlicho Government. Again, it is quite unique in the Northwest Territories. It is, however, a likely feature for other regions where self-government is being negotiated, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for FMBS at the appropriate time. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause