Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Mr. Richard Nerysoo, and the returning vice-president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Ms. Mary Ann Ross, on their elections yesterday. The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to working with them on issues of common concern.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of a great leader who has inspired Northerners with his passion for over 50 years. Although his term as president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council has ended, anyone who knows Fred Carmichael will agree that using the word “retirement” would be inaccurate.
I have known Fred for a number of years. His career spans a broad range of pursuits, from business to politics. His achievements in each of these areas are equally impressive.
In 2006 Fred received the National Aboriginal Business Award, and in 2007 he won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for politics. He has been and will continue to be a passionate and tireless worker in the service of his people, a dedicated activist, a man of quiet vision and honesty and immense integrity.
As a concerned community member and pilot, Fred has been on countless searches where his knowledge of the land and people has helped in many successful rescues. There are many residents of the Beaufort-Delta who are with us today because of heroic efforts in many medevacs and searches.
For over 40 years Fred flew trappers, hunters, tourists, students and community members, and I would bet there are few lakes, rivers and stretches of flat ground in the Beaufort-Delta that have not seen the landing gear of Fred’s planes.
As the first aboriginal commercial pilot in the Northwest Territories, Fred’s contribution to modern aviation history in the North is well known. He is one of the great northern bush pilots. Through his various air service companies Fred has been instrumental in training young pilots, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal. As a successful businessman Fred has contributed immensely to his community and territorial economic development.
As the president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council for nine years, and more recently as chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, Fred continues to make important contributions to the political, social and economic progress of his people and all residents of the Northwest Territories. Fred’s efforts in ensuring aboriginal leadership and participation in all aspects of the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline project have been unwavering and have inspired confidence and a new sense of optimism among aboriginal people in the North. Simply put, Fred has had a career that mirrors the pride, dignity and heritage of his family and his people.
Fred is also committed to the well-being of his people and all Northerners. This April, under Fred’s leadership and vision, the Gwich’in opened the Sunrise Wellness Centre, which will serve Northerners on their healing journey.
Mr. Speaker, colleagues, please join me in thanking Fred Carmichael for his outstanding contributions to the political, social and economic development of the Northwest Territories, and wishing him the best of luck in his new endeavours. Thank you.
Applause.
