Friends, just a few words about my continuing education here at York University in Toronto.

This is one of the bigger Canadian schools and at 60,000 students it's probably the most international, like a city in itself. Although classes have only just begun, you can hear just about any global language in the hallways and eateries here.

One of the greatest values in life is setting a goal for yourself to learn as much as you can. A few years ago I wanted to eventually go for my PhD, not knowing then what it would involve. But our Dene people have survived in the North for more than 30,000 years without the comforts of modern buildings and computers, so I think I can get through this.

The idea is that your mind is one of the most powerful tools you were born with. An uneducated thought is one of the saddest things you will ever encounter and it can only lead to the racism and violence we see everywhere today.

Many of our Northern youth have the most potential I have ever seen anywhere, especially to do with arts and sports, and some business. And yet because those fields are not being pursued as they should, we often see young people going around complaining about being bored.

There are ways, though, that achievement in certain fields is being realized.

One of those is the recent move by the Tlicho peoples to go green, with renewable solar energy. This, along with interest in pellet stoves, can only do good.

From what I understand, these new forms of heating only have to be refueled once every several months and, when installed, can heat a group of homes from one central location.

Just in terms of keeping your home clean of wood chips, this is a move for the better.

I have also always admired the Tlicho for their push to retain their own Dene language and culture. One thing that people do not really understand is that the more you go back to your own cultural values the better equipped you are to face the future.

One good example of this is when I was listening to CKLB's live coverage of the most recent Dene National Assembly, held in Fort Providence in July.

I waited in vain to hear some of the good old oratory our people are known for, until Grand Chief Eddy Erasmus came on, and in about 20 minutes laid it all out in no uncertain terms where his people stand on any number of issues because of their reliance on our leaders of the past. One other person who impressed me was Chief Roy Fabien, who actually had to be reined in by chairman Stephen Kakfwi, for taking too much time from others.

For the most part, what was missing from the week-long proceedings was the passion that we Dene have for our land and lives. I could pretty well imagine each speaker, hat in hand, meekly asking, rather than demanding, that our rights be recognized and acknowledged.

At any rate, this is what your personal education will eventually give you, a focus and an understanding of your potential.

Mahsi, thank you.