Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that Bill 46, Deline Final Self-Government Agreement Act, be read for the third time, and request a recorded vote on this historic occasion.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. This is a recorded vote. Mr. Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize and congratulate the people of Deline for their success in developing an agreement that will not only serve the people of Deline but will also provide a model for other communities in the Northwest Territories and throughout Canada to consider.
This agreement is a made-in-the-Northwest Territories model for implementing the inherent right of self-government that follows the vision that the elders and leaders of Deline have held to for many years. This agreement could not have been possible without the hard work of many people, and I would like to take a few moments to recognize the Deline negotiating team.
Their team, led by chief negotiator Danny Gaudet, has worked tirelessly for years. What they have accomplished has never been done before. They had to break new ground and set a new trail over unexplored terrain. They did this with guidance from their elders and from the community.
Impressively, they worked with our government and Canada, always well prepared, explaining their community’s vision, and always willing to offer and consider new ideas. We can all learn from the extraordinary commitment of this community and the dedication of its negotiation team. They worked hard to represent not just their community’s interests at the negotiation table but also to reflect the strong traditions and values of the people of Deline.
This was a negotiation process notable for its atmosphere of respect and, again, is something we can all learn from. Based on this experience, we can be confident that the Deline Got’ine Government, when established, will be a solid partner as we work for the people of the Northwest Territories.
I would also like to recognize our officials who have worked on this agreement on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. There is a long list of officials from virtually every GNWT department who at various times over the last 18 years have contributed to this agreement. Many have had the good fortune to work with and build strong relationships to the community of Deline. Most recently, our chief negotiator has been Fred Talen, and previous negotiators for the GNWT have been James Fulford, Doris Eggers and Sheila Bassi-Kellett.
---Applause
These negotiators were also supported by dedicated team members. Work on the ratification and implementation of this agreement has also been supported by the efforts of officials led most recently by Sue Bowie and her team. We must also extend our gratitude to these officials and to those from the Government of Canada who have also invested considerable time and effort to help fulfill the promise of self-government for the people of Deline.
Today is a historic day not just because so many have worked so hard for so long to see it happen, today is historic because passage of this bill will mark the ratification of the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement by the Government of the Northwest Territories, taking us a critical step closer to the establishment of the Deline Got’ine Government in 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. To the motion. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be very brief. I did not speak to this bill at first or second reading, and being chair today of Committee of the Whole, I did not speak to it when the bill was before Committee of the Whole. So, as I said, I would like to take a brief opportunity at this moment to add my congratulations to the people of Deline, to all the people who worked on this.
I’m one of the Members who have been here since this all started. Not that I can take any credit whatsoever for the work that’s been done, but I do want to recognize this history in the making. I think only in the Northwest Territories we can still, as legislators, be involved in such significant things that are history in the making. Historic, unique in Canada, not just the Northwest Territories.
I also wanted to say that we’ve talked a lot about looking back from this day to all the work that’s gone into this agreement, that I think the real significance of this agreement will be in the years, the decades and the generations ahead that will look back and see this and will be amazed at what has been accomplished.
We wish you all the best with your new self-government mandate and everything you will do with it. Thank you.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. To the motion. Mr. Dolynny.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honour to have been asked by the leaders and the elders of Deline to ensure that government negotiating teams and their officials who worked on this agreement are recognized on this historic day.
I share Deline’s appreciation for the hard work of so many government officials, particularly efforts of the negotiating teams who spent a great deal of time over the years travelling and away from their own families, making personal sacrifices required to complete this agreement.
In particular I have been asked to convey the thanks of Deline elders to these individuals. The elders would like to thank them for working with the community to understand the culture, the values and the oral traditions which informed the vision of this agreement. For them, the leaders and the Deline negotiating team, it has been an honour and a pleasure to be able to work with these government officials on behalf of Deline.
Many dedicated employees of both Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories contributed to this agreement. The leaders and elders would like me to recognize, on their behalf, former Premiers, including Stephen Kakfwi, Joe Handley, Floyd Roland and Premier Bob McLeod, who assisted in moving this agreement forward.
They would also like to recognize the efforts of Norman Yakeleya, Sahtu MLA, for supporting their efforts on this agreement.
They would also like to express their appreciation to Mr. Gary Bohnet and Mr. Martin Goldney for their recent efforts with this legislation.
The Government of the Northwest Territories negotiating team was led in the last several years by chief negotiator Fred Talen, affectionately known as “Keo” by the elders of Deline who appreciated Fred’s focus and determination. Fred was ably assisted at various times by a team that included Ian Blackstock, Conna Brown, Lorraine Whiteman, Tannis McNabb, Isabelle Gauthier, John T’Seleie, Peter Teetchie, Noon Trin, Sue Bowie, Carolyn Dunhill and Buddy Williams.
Early in the negotiating process, other GNWT officials served in various capacities as negotiators, including Sheila Bassi-Kellett and Doris Eggers.
Canada’s negotiating team was led during the last several years by Ian Hamilton, assisted by Laura Hudson-Grant, Mary Jane Rolando and Mike Granalouie. Prior to Ian Hamilton taking the helm, Darryl McLeod served as chief negotiator, proceeded by Kevin Floyd, who spent a great deal of time in Deline learning about the community, particularly from the elders.
Other officials of the federal government who contributed significantly to making this agreement a reality include Annie Carriere, Sarah Gill, Kim Thompson, James Lawrence, Jennifer Whittaker, Sylvain Betsina, Tina Bohnet, Jeanine Flood, Lesley Marefield, Lesonne Glouie, Eric Pourier, Patrick Barthold, Lawrence Pearce, Sean Summers, and Michael Naddler.
Finally, the elders, leaders and Deline negotiating team extend their heartfelt gratitude to all Members of this House for their unwavering support in its final critical stage of a process that has spanned almost 20 years and that will last for generations to come. To all in the House: mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. To the motion. Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to have some congratulatory words to the people in Deline.
Thomas Edison once observed that the reason most folks don’t recognize opportunity when it comes along is because it’s often dressed in coveralls and looks like work. Often opportunity involves a great deal of work and a willingness to take a chance on something, the outcome of which may be uncertain. Eventually you reach a point when you must either accept an opportunity with all its unknowns or else turn your back on it. No one can tell you when you have reached that point. You will know when it’s time to make your move. You have to have the courage to take a chance.
Deline has taken the chance. It’s taken a chance to become a government on its own, as Mr. Premier said. A stand-alone, first time ever in Canada. The birthplace of not only ice hockey but the birthplace of self-government in Canada belongs to Deline.
---Applause
That’s what the North is so good about. People in the North, no matter who we are, sometimes we get a little bit controlling and want our own. But when we really think about it, we’re very unique in this territory. Even in this Assembly sometimes we don’t agree, but we somehow come out together. That’s the way it is. We don’t know what’s going to happen.
As the elders said, tomorrow, we don’t know. We’re not the boss. We know that when we got back to our people and our communities, there are some really good people from all the North not sitting with us in our communities: family members, cousins, grandmas, whatever. Only God knows. You listen to the elders and you know they will help you along the trail.
I have to say some words on behalf of the Deline people, and I want to say even Chief Sitting Bull said, “Let’s put our minds and our hearts together so that we know what kind of future we can make for our children.” I’m very proud to know that the young Pages are here to witness their community becoming their own government. Maybe one day those two young girls, Hannah Beyonnie and Faith Gaudet, will be in the government of Deline along with lots of young leaders up here. That is my only prayer.
Nineteen years ago the Deline First Nation and Deline Land Corporation began negotiating this self-government agreement. The community was guided by a desire to ensure their language, culture and way of life would stay strong into the future. They were guided by the desire to do away with three separate organizations that kept the people apart, and create one government for the community that would help them work together.
One of the Dene laws is sharing. We must all share respectfully with each other if we are to survive and thrive. That was also a guiding principle for this community while negotiating and it’s reflected in the agreement, which includes a welcome place for elected public representatives in the government. For Deline, self-government does not mean they will go off into their own corner. It means that they will take their place as a self-governing partner of the GNWT and Canada to govern in ways that betters the lives of Deline Got’ine. They are strong in their purpose that this agreement will make sure that their children for generations to come will have the opportunity to stay strong in their Dene identity as a basis for overcoming the challenges, staying in school, contributing to the well-being of the community and territory and succeeding where their hopes and dreams take them.
With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to a stronger territory, strong land claim and self-government, making the lives of all our NWT citizens better, because strength creates opportunity.
Deline was guided by a team of elders for the entire 19-year process, who are committed to continue their involvement as the community prepares to set up the Deline Got’ine Government. Those elders are the late Paul Baton, Alfred Taniton and Leon Modeste. These men attended virtually every single negotiation session and meeting of this process to guide the negotiating team – beautiful – and continued to bring all parties back to the focus on their vision of one strong government in Deline in accordance with the vision of the prophet ?ehtseo Ayha.
Andrew John Kenny, Frederick Kenny, Dolphus Baton, Morris Neyelle and Charlie Neyelle also supported the negotiating team, staying involved as advisors along with the elders. They were always on hand in the community to give advice to the negotiating team and to explain the agreement and issues to the people.
Over the years strong leaders in Deline made sure their community was informed and involved in this process and were always there with support for the negotiating team. Presidents of the Land Corporation: Peter Menacho, Leroy Andre, Raymond Taniton, the late John Tetso, John Tutcho, Gina Dolphus, and Ekwatide Raymond Tutcho and Ekwatide Leonard Kenny.
Throughout the negotiating process many community members worked on the agreement. Sorry, Mr. Speaker, a good friend of mine. Throughout the negotiating process many community members worked on the agreement in various ways, and as a result the negotiating team itself helped to build capacity in the community and ensure that residents were informed. These included Shaun Doherty, Jane Modeste, Fibbie Tatti, Stephanie Carter, Walter Bayha, Michael Neyelle, Ruby Takazo, Dolphus Tutcho, Nicole Tutcho, Reanna Taniton and Clarence Tutcho.
The negotiating team had been led for the past 19 years by Danny Gaudet, who was asked by the elders to take on the role of chief negotiator, which he expected would only take two years. I know you’ll agree with me when I say not only the community but all of us are glad that he stuck it out for 17 years longer than he expected. Thank you, Danny. That is the kind of commitment needed to get things done and to keep communities moving forward. In his role he was supported by staff in the community and by technical staff. These individuals at different times included Stephen Mills, the late John Bailey, Alex Ker, Tony Maxwell, Max Faille, Mark Siegel, Shannon Ward, David Boote and Jessica Iveson. In the community, Paulina Roche, Phebie Kenny, Kristina Gaudet, Christine Allen, Diane Andre and Kirk Dolphus worked as members of the community’s transition team.
Now, Mr. Speaker, sometimes these things are unexpected, you know, when we have… I just want to say the late John Tetso and I had some pretty good times when we were young leaders, and I didn’t know this was going to happen. Thank you, colleagues.
The community transition team was responsible for thinking through how they will transition their organizations to one Deline Got’ine Government. George Cleary, Mary Kodakin, Ron Cleary and Anne Bayha also contributed greatly by being a presence here in Yellowknife to support the negotiations and provide a link with the large number of Deline beneficiaries who live in this wonderful city called Yellowknife.
Throughout the negotiations, Danny had a core team who supported him. For the first seven years, the late Gary Juniper and also the late Geoffrey Grenville Wood worked tirelessly in that role. For the past 12 years, Patricia Modeste, Brian Crane of Gowlings, Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, together with the community-based advisors worked with Danny to complete the agreement.
During the ratification stage, Roxane Poulin and her team at Tait Communications worked around the clock to develop an award-winning information strategy that ensured every Deline beneficiary could make an informed decision when voting on this agreement. I would like to congratulate all these individuals who have worked so hard on this agreement on behalf of the community of Deline.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, this agreement took 19 years. This is the birth of 19 years. It’s like a mother giving birth after nine months. We take our time, we go a little slow with the creation, the birth, your prophet, and the people of Deline, good government, all the Members, the team up there, you are witnessing history. God bless you all. God bless the government. Stay strong. Continue working with your elders and your prophet. Young people, stay in school. Stay off alcohol and drugs and we’ll have a really, really strong government, I’ll tell you that. The future is yours. Take the opportunity and run with it. Mr. Speaker, thank you so much.
---Applause
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Before we move on, I’d like to welcome back into the House, Mr. Jim Antoine.
---Applause
To the motion.
