Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a former builder, supporter and fierce advocate of our tourism industry in the Northwest Territories.
Jim Peterson passed away on April 15 of this year, just weeks before his beloved lodge on Point Lake opened for its 22nd season.
Jim first came to the Northwest Territories in 1979 with the Canadian Armed Forces and established northern roots that were, thankfully, never uplifted.
In 1986 he became an active participant in the NWT tourism industry with the establishment of Point Lake Lodge north of Yellowknife. A seasoned outdoorsman and outfitter, he was elected for two successive terms as president of the NWT Arctic Tourism Association and served as a vocal and committed president for the Barren Ground Caribou Outfitters Association.
Jim Peterson held a great love for the North and a deep passion for the industry that allowed him to share its unique environment and beauty with his worldwide circle of clients and friends. He was a man of rigorous principles, an exemplary Northerner who addressed his challenges head-on but never lost the humble spirit with which he supported his colleagues and friends through their own times of hardship.
Mr. Speaker, the headline in the Yellowknifer on April 18 read: “Jim Peterson fought the government, enjoyed his friends and loved his lodge.” The words offer a succinct and fitting description of a man whose achievements and efforts on behalf of tourism in the Northwest Territories deserve our recognition, appreciation and celebration.
Friends and family will be gathering at the Adlair air hangar on Friday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. for a celebration of life for this great Northerner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
