Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the 2016-17 trapping season begins I would like to remind hunters and trappers to have a safe and successful season.
Mr. Speaker the Take a Kid Trapping Program has introduced hundreds of school age youth across the Northwest Territories to the traditional harvesting practices of hunting, trapping, fishing and outdoor survival. Delivered through schools and Aboriginal organizations in co-operation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the program is funded by the Departments of ENR, Municipal and Community Affairs, and Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, Take a Kid Trapping was launched in 2004 and the number of participants tripled within the first four years. Projects such as birch bark canoe building, setting traps for Arctic animals and a caribou hunt helped establish the program as a permanent investment in our youth.
The program continues to offer hundreds of students every year a classroom on the land as instructors incorporate visits to trap lines and hands-on experience setting traps, snares and fishnets. Outdoor safety is introduced through first aid and survival training. By taking students trapping, they get to practice the skills and apply the knowledge they learn in class about wildlife and conservation, and build their awareness of traditional cultural practices.
Mr. Speaker, culture-based education enhances a sense of belonging and pride in culture. For some students, it's their first time on the land. For others, it's an opportunity to connect with their roots and practice valuable skills outside of their usual family setting. Meaningful learning experiences connect youth to their families, the past, the present, and also the future as these activities provide an ideal foundation for other opportunities, such as the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Marketing Program.
In recent years, the program has branched out to initiatives such as Take a Kid Harvesting and Take a Kid Gardening that helps promote food security and community sustainability. Mr. Speaker, being on the land helps us to take responsibility for our own actions and appreciate the natural world, as global changes will continue to have a greater and greater impact on our everyday lives.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT Curriculum states, ''The wisdom of the Elders is central to cultural learning according to Aboriginal perspective. Elders are the 'Keepers of Knowledge,' and it is their guidance that Aboriginal people seek as they strive for balance in their relationships with the creator, the natural world, other people and themselves."
Mr. Speaker, this wisdom applies to all people, young and old. I believe the best way to teach that wisdom is by going on the land. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
