Richard Edjericon

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to respond to this motion today which seeks to update the code of conduct to include public statements made outside the Legislative Assembly to voice both my disappointment in this motion and explain the risk I know it will have on our unique democracy. I think the intent of this motion is to signal some constituents in the North that our institutions are strong, especially when it mentions words like "trust" and "in confidence." Those words may inspire reassurance to some who look around the world are frightened. However, my constituents will interpret this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tabling of documents, Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a Letter dated May 20th, 2025, from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to Premier Simpson regarding Burials of Children who Attended St. Joseph's School in Fort Resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you go through this process, will the Minister will look at also the cost under the Coroner's Act to bring baby Alma home? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was passed by the last Assembly two years ago. Can the Minister provide any progress on the part of health and social services to uphold the rights outlined in UNDRIP which the GNWT must start implementing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a big part of our health and social services has been falling short with Indigenous governments and in our small communities because Indigenous governments are not closely involved with healthcare administration. The leaders from my communities are calling for a creation of intergovernmental working group to ensure Indigenous governments have a seat at the table. Would the Minister agree to a proposal like this in her deliberation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When our ancestors entered treaty 8 in the spirit of peace and friendship, they also did so with the understanding of the "medicine chest clause" and how it would significantly lasting commitments to health and well-being for our people. Through our oral history, we continue to remember and uphold these rights which are now constitutionally-protected under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. These rights have been further reinforced by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, UNDRIP, which this very House has adopted.

UNDRIP clearly affirms...

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion carried.

---Carried

Members, thank you. I'll go to the Member from the Sahtu. May I have the report of the Committee of the Whole.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the motion, staffing solution to rebuild and reform health care. Mr. Speaker, for me, I bring this book along wherever I go, and I raise it with committee and I raise it with my Cabinet Ministers whenever I can, and it talks about in the treaties it just so happens that along with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Chief Drygeese, my great-great grandfather Oliver Edjericon also signed this treaty. And also, we got modern treaties as well. But most importantly is that the medicine chest is in our treaties, and it talks about health care. And right now, the...

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit to working closely with myself and the Indigenous governments to develop new legislation to ensure that Indigenous communities dealing with this residential school graves never have to go through the experience like I did in my riding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.