Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for many years, Indigenous governments have raised concerns over the GNWT's approach to traditional use cabins. They have made it clear that requiring recreational leases and charges fees for,members' cabins does not align with their understanding of aboriginal rights. Mr. Speaker, I brought it up in this House before. I know my colleague, Minister Semmler, in 2023, brought it up as well.
Most recently, Mr. Speaker, ECC held a two-day workshop in Yellowknife meant to advance the conversation around this topic. It is my understanding that progress was made and GNWT is now working to develop follow-up materials for Indigenous governments responding to the discussions and proposals made through that forum.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that GNWT has made several key commitments that are meant to respond directly to the concerns raised by the Indigenous governments:
They committed to developing a unique authorization and management approach for traditional use camps and cabins;
Agreeing to set the annual rent for this new authorization at zero cost or nominal value of $1, eliminating this financial barrier to traditional land use; and,
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is committing to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments to establish the terms and conditions for this new authorization so that it provides a level of flexibility and regional customization while still meeting the GNWT's basic interests in the management of public lands.
Mr. Speaker, it's my hope that these commitments demonstrate that our government does recognize the importance of traditional uses of the land by Indigenous people, that they represent a significant shift in our approach to land management, one that better respects the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
While we work together with Indigenous governments on this longer-term solution, the government must also take immediate steps to address some present and ongoing concerns. Such, Mr. Speaker, is ensuring we continue the pause of collections program available to Indigenous people with recreational leases and ensuring we will not take collection action against them.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that, through the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat, the GNWT is advancing a potential amendment to the Northwest Territories lands regulation that will allow us to change a nominal fee for recreational leases held by the Indigenous cabin owners in the areas where their Indigenous government has an asserted or established right to harvest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.
