Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandate of this Assembly calls on the Government of the Northwest Territories to build a productive partnership with Indigenous governments. The Premier, in the mandate letter given to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, wrote that "I expect every Minister to foster constructive and respectful governmenttogovernment relationships with our Indigenous partners, and to seek ways to advance reconciliation, and recognize and affirm Aboriginal rights." The mandate letter also stated that "It is critical to address the ongoing legacies of colonialism and devastating impacts that it had on Indigenous people's culture."
That's why it's hard for me to understand what happened yesterday in the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.
GNWT lawyers acknowledged that the search warrant obtained by ENR officers for a raid on the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation cultural camp at Thaidene Nene last month was issued "without lawful authority." Plainly, Mr. Speaker, this means that ENR officers violated the constitutionallyprotected Charter and Treaty rights of Indigenous People.
There were 80 people there, including elders and children who, under threat of arrest, had to stand by while ENR officers searched their dwellings and seized belongings. It was a return to the colonial days and colonial ways. All of this was done without lawful authority. Now, the whole world is watching, and what we do next?
Mr. Speaker, there can be no excuse we need to make things right.
Yesterday, Chief Marlowe called for a formal apology from the Minister to the Lutselk'e First Nation and accountability from those who authorized this unlawful raid. The community is demanding the resignations of those who made this decision.
He is also asking for compensation on behalf of all of those who had their Charter rights violated and for a healing ceremony to help restore the relationship between the GNWT and the community.
Finally, Lutselk'e is also proposing a protocol for communication between the GNWT and the band council to ensure that there is proper communication about enforcement actions so that this situation will never happen again.
Mr. Speaker, the courts have said the search warrant was unlawful. This is the truth. Now we need reconciliation. I will have questions for the Minister of RWED at the appropriate time. Mahsi.
MR. SPEAKER:
