Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In an effort to promote discussion about the economic future of the Deh Cho region, Dehcho First Nations and the Dehcho Economic Corporation have joined forces to hold a conference in Fort Simpson.
Dubbed the Dehcho Economic Readiness Forum, the conference will run from March 27 to 30, and aims to bring together community leaders, youth, and Aboriginal businesses.
The goal of the Dehcho Readiness Forum is to evaluate, educate, and strengthen our communities, and the Dehcho region's business knowledge, for current and future economic opportunities and growth. Development of the forum’s agenda is almost completed, and will provide opportunities for participants to hear presentations related to the Deh Cho's state of the economy, and to explore prospects for community-driven economic development. As well, there will be business training workshops held at the forum that will teach practical skills and knowledge required for successful business development.
According to the Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief, Herb Norwegian, the forum is a way to look forward to the future of the region, and was promoted by community leaders wanting to "get ready for the inevitable."
He said once the Dehcho process comes to a close, there will be opportunities for communities and businesses to actively move toward developing an economy for the region.
The Grand Chief hopes that, by being able to hold roundtable discussions with business leaders, people will have a chance to hear each other out, and where they want to go, with the potential here in the Deh Cho.
Mr. Speaker, this forum is built on the past success of similar conferences held by the Dehcho First Nations, including the Dehcho Means Business conference and the Dehcho business conference.
The theme of the conference will be "powering growth, shaping the future." The great thing about this conference is that it will include youth. One of the goals is to give young people an opportunity to see how economic development unfold, from the ground up.
Mr. Speaker, the Grand Chief attended the Mineral Roundup in Vancouver with his executive assistant, and Sambaa K'e Dene Band’s Chief. It was a great opportunity to educate the movers and shakers of the mining industry, as the Dehcho Land Use Plan is nearing completion.
As the Grand Chief said to the Deh Cho Drum, "The ground rules are being laid down and it is a way of how we can establish rules of engagement with the industry. For them, it is really important that they have certainty, because they want to know who the landowners are, and what areas are going to be open for development."
Mr. Speaker, I have seen the agenda, and it looks like a great event. I wish them all the best, and hope to attend part of the first day. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
