Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some would say you can't put a price on Indigenous knowledge that has been passed down since time immemorial. But that's exactly what the GNWT has done with their honorarium policy. It is a pittance. The knowledge passed down since time immemorial when Indigenous elders is the foundation of our northern society. Indigenous knowledge is a set of complex knowledge system based on our world views, it reflects the unique culture, language, values, histories, governance and legal system of Indigenous people. It is based on cumulative and dynamic First Nation, Inuit, and Metis communities’ whole knowledge system that involved living well and being in a relationship with the natural world. These systems build upon the experience of earlier generation and informs the practice of current generation and involving contemporary society.
Mr. Speaker, I am calling on this government's ongoing disrespect and undervalue of the Indigenous knowledgeholders who are requested to share their expertise. Not much has since the duty to consult with Indigenous people was checked, the consultation box, and the government not really wanting to hear from us.
This is slowly shifting to actively learning and listening but for far too long, the GNWT has set aside standard rates as a fixed honorarium of $250 a day for Indigenous knowledgeholders. $250 day is taken advantage of Indigenous people. It is insulting and it is clear, and it stems from colonization and constant evolving of our Indigenous teaching and wisdom.
The events that shines the light on inadequate compensation is upcoming for a fur forum planned for the end of March. We all know that the fur industry has been steadied attacked and for decades by socalled animal rights activists and demand for fur has been on the downward spiral since. What was once a thriving economic livelihood for Indigenous people is almost nonexistent. Now, finally in 2023, the Indigenous government is planning to bring together those who have taken a stake in these resurgence and revitalization of the NWT fur industry. Make no mistake, we have something very marketable to the world economy here. Wild fur harvested by Indigenous trappers is culturally appropriate and harvested in a humane manner. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, colleagues. Trappers are the knowledgekeepers with the equivalent of PhD in this industry. The artist of business owners working with fur hold integral knowledge to moving this industry forward. Their world view and Indigenous knowledge are vital to the success of this government's efforts. We need to the shift our mindset to understanding the immense value of knowledgeholders in the participating of informing government direction and policies. These contributions to public policies are more than valuable. They are integral for reconciliation and collaboration. It is time that we ensure that these knowledgeholders be fairly compensated and respected for their vital contribution and service to our territorial economy. I would have questions for the appropriate Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Tu NedheWiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
