Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by saying congratulations to our new Premier-elect and Executive Council elected Members. I look forward to working with you all to advance our common interest in making changes to improve the lives of NWT residents, especially those in small communities; we have to remember them.
As we get to business in the 20th Assembly and establish the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, I want to make sure we take steps to establish a new administration region for the Tlicho. Over the past few years, I have raised this concern several times in the House. The Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement was signed in 2003 by representative of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council and the Government of the Northwest Territories and Government of Canada.
The government -- the GNWT recognizes the Tlicho are distinct. We have distinct language, culture, and way of life. Through the Tlicho agreement, the Tlicho gained the tools and resources to strengthen our economy and protect and promote Tlicho culture, language, heritage, lands and resources. Currently, the Tlicho Community Services Agency delivers a number of programs and services including those from the Government of the Northwest Territories.
As more self-government agreements are signed and Indigenous government draw down jurisdiction for programs and services, the Government of the Northwest Territories need to adapt and reevaluate the current administrative region. Creating a separate region would allow us to make better decisions on behalf of Tlicho people and more authority to support Tlicho peoples' needs especially during times of emergency.
During the wildfire emergencies over 2023, it took days before the GNWT had meaningful discussions with this region and its leaders. We need to move away from centralized decision-making structures that fail to consider the needs of residents outside of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I speak unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, the development of a Tlicho administrative region aligns with the spirit of the NWT's United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, quote, The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking effective measures, including legislative and policy and administrative measures in collaborations and cooperations with Indigenous people to achieve the objectives of the declaration, end quote.
To better serve Tlicho residents --
Member for Monfwi.
I'm just concluding.
I will give you 30 extra seconds. Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Member from Range Lake.
