Debates of February 1, 2006 (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning I was reading a book and I read a quote in there from Ralph Waldo Emerson, I think. He said in the quote, what lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. That quote struck a chord into this statement that I’m going to read today in regards to a close friend of the Sahtu and the people in Yellowknife at the Legislative Assembly.

I want to pay tribute to Vital Manuel, who passed away on the 19th of January at the young age of 32 years old. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for your kind words in your opening address towards Vital. Vital was well known in this House as he served as a Page and a special assistant to the former Sahtu MLA Stephen Kakfwi, and also the Premier Stephen Kakfwi.

Born with spina bifida, Vital faced many challenges: to finish school, to have his own apartment, and to find work. He succeeded in doing all these things, and Vital was a very independent person, a very proud person. I know there are many people who are struggling today and I hope that Vital’s strength and achievement can serve them as inspiration to all the people of the Northwest Territories. Vital’s independence was important to him, but he was also very close to his people in the Sahtu, especially in the community of Fort Good Hope. He is remembered as a strong and loving person, known for his kind words and also known in the community of Fort Good Hope as Iehtse Vital, Grandfather Vital.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my condolences to the Vital family and to all his close friends. I hope that this will be some comfort to them to know that many Members and staff of the Legislative Assembly, both past and present, share in their sorrow and will continue to hold many warm memories and thoughts of Vital in their heart. Mahsi cho.

---Applause