Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a couple of comments. For the most part, I think education is, of course, a lifelong process. I’ve been hearing comments that as soon as perhaps we finish high school and then go on to university it ends. I just wanted to be clear that I believe that education is a lifelong process and you only stop learning when perhaps you take your last breath.

That’s a significant role that education plays in society, and especially here in the Northwest Territories. We’re challenged with some very fundamental challenges in terms of the statistics, in terms of population, the...

Part of the distinctive attraction of the area is the fossils, and the Minister’s department is responsible for at least the management and the protection of fossils.

Are any paleontology projects planned for this region in the near future? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Parks are an integral part of the Tourism Development Strategy in the NWT. In my riding the Alexandra Falls was recently recognized and gained notoriety in that there was a magazine that listed it as one of the top 10 sites in Canada that is visited. It’s got a rich history of First Nations and Dene people, so they figure prominently in the operation of the parks. My questions are for the Environment and Natural Resources Minister.

How will the Department of Environment and Natural Resources promote this area this year? Mahsi.

How are paleontology and archeology recognized in tourism planning for this region? Mahsi.

I’d like to thank the Minister for his reply. These parks, particularly the area that is situated in Alexandra Falls is a geological gem.

What plans can ENR report for development, promotion, outdoor crews or other new projects involving the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As you drive into the Northwest Territories along the Mackenzie Highway, near the hardworking communities of Enterprise and Hay River, you have the opportunity to stop just off the highway to appreciate some of the natural beauty of the Northwest Territories. If you drive this route often, or if you haven’t driven it in some time you may have forgotten, but looking ahead to spring and summer hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation, I need to remind you. Today I want to talk about Alexandra Falls or, as it’s known in Slavey, Xahtl’o Ndeh Naili Cho.

The falls offer...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that this Assembly wants to foster vibrant communities, communities with healthy, educated residents. Well, local fishers in the community of Kakisa are working to do just that. A number of local fishers work hard to harvest fish from nearby Kakisa Lake. This fresh, fantastic and healthy northern product can be then sold in Hay River, bringing business to both the community and the wider region.

At first this may seem like small fry, but remember the community’s small population. Here, every catch counts.

The community has told me that they are hard at work...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the time for innovation is here, especially when this department has undertaken along with this government the on-the-land program, and we’re kind of making it up as we go. So, there’s an opportunity to perhaps reach out into the community.

Once again, will the Minister consider doing a community-based mentoring project with the RCMP so that experienced police officers and, at the same time, community elders are involved with trying to mentor young Aboriginal people to become RCMP officers? Mahsi.

It’s essential that relationship building happens between RCMP and the community. So as such, has the Department of Justice considered its own version of the RCMP program? I have in mind a community-based policing program where young people are mentored not only by experienced police officers but also by caring and strong community elders. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The crime rate in the Northwest Territories is eight times higher than the national average. The rate of violent crime in our jurisdiction is the second highest in the country. That’s not all, Mr. Speaker. Bullying, belittling and name calling are commonplace in our communities.

The situation is compounded by a familiar list of social factors: alcoholism and drug abuse, poverty, low educational attainment and the multigenerational effects of residential schools.

I believe life in our small communities would really improve if we had more homegrown police officers. We...