Norman Yakeleya

Over the years of hard work that the people have set, that institutions set out our own rights within our own land claims. Now we also have our own land in the Sahtu. Is that also in the type of response I get back from the Minister that the Sahtu people are making decisions on their own lands, through their own institutions and that’s the process that will continue? Is that what I’m understanding from the Premier?

Mr. Speaker, of course the federal government will also do due diligence on this legislation. Do we have any role in regards to working with the federal government in implementing Deline’s self-government agreement?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, on the potential of Deline proving their community government initiative tonight. I want to ask the Minister, are there within the life of this government here that Deline, should they be successful – tonight we’ll hear for sure – legislation in place for them to become enacted in legislation as a self-government body?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a few things to say. First of all, it’s quite the achievement to have the governments working. We’ve come a long way from the ’60 and the ‘70s to where we are today through the many forms of consultation with the parties on this bill Even in the ‘70s this would never be heard of, even the ‘80s, until recently. I think this is a good thing, a new partnership in our governments. Through the years of people who worked towards this type of vision of working with governments, we’re still, from our small communities, looking for bigger, giant steps and, hopefully, that...

Mr. Speaker, on part of the hike, we have rules of conduct when hiking out on the trail. One of the things we thought would be good as part of the recommendations would be to put up some signs at mile 25 on Carcajou River or Twitya or Little Keele to let people know to respect the trail. They are entering into Sahtu Dene/Metis lands and to respect the Canol Heritage Trail. That’s part of the rules of conduct we have amongst our young hikers. Don’t throw garbage on the ground, take what you need to take out of there, be respectful of the area.

Is that something the Minister could look at? Maybe...

For the last 10 years, I’ve been getting tips, reports, as to the transfer of the Canol Heritage Trail, the sites and reports from the federal government. Our government has been hesitant and reluctant to take over full ownership until all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed on this issue. With regard to the park they built, there are some areas that are not contaminated. Some areas are pretty well as natural as can be since the creation of this world.

Are there things in the plan that would help the young people as to what we can do to improve the safety of the hiking trail for other hikers...

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mrs. Patricia Modeste from Deline, who was chosen for the 2014 Wise Woman Award for the Sahtu.

Mrs. Modest is known for her kind heart and dedication towards helping our community. She is a well-known lady who likes to laugh and get things done when needed. She deserves this award, as do the other recipients.

On behalf of the Sahtu region, I congratulate Patricia and her family in Deline and to keep up the great work you’re doing for your community and people and remember to rest too. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you. That’s good news for us and I appreciate that. Certainly, I know that will be welcome news to people in the communities who are negotiating their own form of government. It’s a big thing and that’s good for this type of provision. Again, I wanted just to say congratulations and nothing is easy that’s really good for us. Negotiations of putting this type or form of government partnership together enacted into legislation, we never think this would happen. We’re moving forward and we’re moving in a way that is new. It’s new for us. I just wanted to make that comment. That’s all I have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This motion is very unique. I’m not too sure if I’m going to support it, because I’m allergic to mushrooms.

---Laughter

But it’s very unique and I appreciate Mr. Nadli and the seconder, Mr. Hawkins, bringing this motion forward and rekindling some of the fond memories of Mr. Dolynny as a young picker of mushrooms.

Wild mushrooms in the Northwest Territories… I mean, we have a lot of forest fires and there is lots of opportunity in the Northwest Territories. Anything we can do to support communities and looking at some analysis to be done by the government to look to see if...

The youth that we had out there, about ages 14 to 20 years old from different regions, came to the Canol and we had private sponsors. Certainly, we appreciated the sponsors from this government to take the youth. I wanted to ask the Minister, would there be an opportunity for the young people… From the report I have, some of the recommendations for them to be on the trail for 25 miles, 70 miles, 50 miles, they saw a lot out there.

Can this department sit down with the youth and ask what they’ve learned, take their recommendations and where can we put some emergency shelters, some infrastructure...