Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and this is just a question in terms of the status I wanted to get in terms of the initiative towards amalgamating the Northwest Territories Official Languages Board, and also the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Language Revitalization Board. Has the department contemplated the need for draft legislation to ensure at least there is consistent application and legislation at the same time? I am sure there is fluid in terms of the structures that we have before us. Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund [English translation not provided].

Mr. Speaker, the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund studies the problem that face Aboriginal people across Canada and works to propose solutions and to protect First Nations cultures and values. Since 2009, the Trust has also delivered educational programs and student financial assistance. It also provides healing and reconciliation programs to support First Nations people as they address the intergenerational impacts of the Indian residential school program. Now I would like to...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is my final question. The Minister had indicated that the department will be working with the regions in terms of the Aboriginal languages and that an accountability framework will be developed. Is there a timeline in terms of when we could be party to that and be involved with that process? Thank you.

Okay, thank you. That's kind of leading up to my next question, and I'd like to thank the Minister for his reply.

In terms of, at the very minimum, in the absence of having accountability framework and measures in place to ensure the transfers of resources are brought to the community level I just wanted to see, at the very minimum, what are some measureable outcomes that the department is working to ensure that progress is being made in terms of reservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages at the community level? Thank you.

Thank you. If I could understand it correctly, Minister, of the $4.859 million, $3.5 million is accorded to Aboriginal groups? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister give us an indication of a timeline? I don't think I have seen it in terms of perhaps draft legislation. When can we see perhaps draft legislation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize the Dechinta graduates, the on-the-land graduates including Tumbah Antoine and other students as well as program leaders that made this program quite possible. I'd like to extend congratulations to them, also acknowledging Celine and Jim Antoine and their family being present in the gallery, and also Deneze Nakehk’o as well. Last but not least, I'd like to recognize two Pages from my riding of Kakisa: Maverick Canadien. His parents are Terry Simba and Julie Canadien. He's in grade seven; he's 12 years old. I'd like to welcome here to the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that was a 360. Would the Minister agree to work with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, municipalities, and other departments as required to find meaningful ways to recognize the work of First Nations surveyors in building our current communities? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about young people working as surveyors, and these young people had a very great opportunity in the early stages of their careers in working with mentors that help refine their careers and their work as surveyors. My questions today are for the Minister of Lands. Could the Minister provide some examples of survey work that is currently taking place in the NWT? Mahsi.

I'd like to thank the Minister for his reply. What is the Department of Lands prepared to do in terms of promoting careers in surveying and geomatics among First Nations youth, highlighting how spending time on the land can enhance future professional skills?