[Editor's Note: Member spoke in Inuktitut.]
The Arctic Winter Games, a week long celebration of northern peoples and cultures, were officially opened by the Governor General last Sunday at Slave Lake.
Held every two years, the games are an international event with teams participating from Greenland, Russia, Alaska, Northwest Territories, Yukon and northern Alberta.
These games are unique for emphasizing culture along with competition. The games logo of three interlocking rings symbolizes equally athletic competition, cultural exhibition and social interchange.
In these games opposing teams help each other. Caring for others and sharing experience and knowledge are values strongly held by aboriginal peoples, northerners and all Canadians.
I want to wish the participants well and thank them for reminding us of the benefits of our rich cultural diversity and our common values.