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Mr. Speaker, today I would like to share the meaningful progress we are making on Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action number 82, which calls upon provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Survivors, to commission and install a publicly accessible, highly visible, Residential Schools Monument in each capital city to honour Survivors and all the children who were lost to their families and communities.

Earlier today, the 2024–2025 Premier’s Awards for Excellence were presented in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly.

The Government of the Northwest Territories’ annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence recognize the outstanding achievements of employees and partners who demonstrate excellence and innovation in serving the people of the Northwest Territories.

This year’s awards highlight the contributions of individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership, and creativity have strengthened programs, services, and communities across the territory.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to recent discussion about the state of the Northwest Territories’ mining industry:

“Mining has been central to the Northwest Territories’ economy for generations, and our government shares the concern about the challenges the industry is facing.

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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, will be absent from the House today as she is travelling back from the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration in Toronto, Ontario.

The Honourable Member for Thebacha, Minister of Justice, will be absent for today and tomorrow to virtually attend the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety meeting.

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Mr. Speaker, as we come together for this fall sitting of the 20th Legislative Assembly, I want to begin by welcoming all Members back to the House and by thanking the people of the Northwest Territories for their strength, generosity, and optimism about the future of our territory, even in the face of challenges.

Premier R.J. Simpson was presented with a beaded carry belt, made in 1967 as part of the Northwest Territories’ centennial celebrations, by Métis leader Tony Belcourt in Ottawa this week—marking the return of a significant piece of memorabilia and the closing of a story that showcases the resilience and unique political history of the Northwest Territories.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on the election of the Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief:

“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I extend my sincere congratulations to Jackson Lafferty on his reelection as Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“On September 30, we honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who were forced to attend residential schools, we remember the children who never made it home, and we recognize the strength of Survivors, their families, and their communities.

Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek were in Ottawa this week for a series of meetings and events aimed at advancing the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) top priorities with federal leaders and keeping Northern issues at the forefront of the national conversation.

Hay River  (July 9, 2025) - Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s announcement that he will not seek re-election this fall:

"I want to extend my sincere thanks to Premier Akeeagok for his leadership, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Nunavut and to the North as a whole.