Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the importance of our traditional cultures in the Northwest Territories, especially on moosehide tanning. We’re fortunate to be able to fund local community organizations with training opportunities such as moosehide tanning and caribou hide tanning workshops. Mr. Speaker, in my riding, my hometown of Tsiigehtchic, they’ve just completed a threeweek training workshop on moose and caribou hide tanning. This is the second year that this has taken place, with much interest. This project has been able to employ on a short-term basis as many as five local participants, not including the five students who participated, as many members of the community over the spring, Mr. Speaker. As many of you may know, hide tanning is not an easy task: daily fleshing, hours of care put into what seems so simple to us that have never experienced the behindthescenes art of tanning. Mr. Speaker, the instructors set up camp, gathered wood, provided and cooked meals, as well as making the fleshing tools that were needed for each participant. The instructors were able to teach various skills and the importance of how to prepare the moose or caribou hides for final stages of smoking. Students from the Chief Paul Niditchie School along with the language program instructor took part in this workshop, as well, working with one moose hide, removing the flesh and hair which will be stored for next fall for completion. The instructors are still working after the initial three weeks so that they can complete their last stages of the project. The students are now working together with advice from their instructors, completing their hides. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the Gwichya Gwich’in Council in Tsiigehtchic along with the Government of the Northwest Territories have partnered to put on this workshop. ITI, being the sole funding source, and our communities’ inkind contributions can definitely see the Mackenzie Delta bring back many of our traditional customs. Not only do we teach ourselves and our community, but the project itself does contribute to the community’s economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
