Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the family's permission, I am honoured to be able to read the eulogy of a constituent of mine, Chief James Bennet Firth, who passed away on February 14th, 2023.
Chief James Bennet Firth was born in Aklavik on August 15th, 1951, to his beloved parents James Bennet (Ben) and Joanne Firth. James was the eldest son born to them and had eight siblings, five of whom he is survived by.
The first few years of his life he spent out on the land at Dthaa Tee with his family. They moved to town when his dad was hired at the local power plant. James was ten years old and remembers this as a time when his mother passed away. Being one of the oldest, he helped and cared for his younger siblings. James recalled how the community helped the family with cooking and even remember getting new shoes. James enjoyed packages from his godmother Elizabeth Kunnizzi as she knew what his favourites were. And he fondly remembers Jijii Alfred would come to check on them and at times camped.
He attended Peter Warren Dease School in Fort McPherson and Sir Alexander MacKenzie school in Inuvik where he graduated from high school. He then went on to ABTC in Fort Smith, NT, training in electronics. James continued training with CN in Edmonton, Alberta, who hired him and then he moved to Inuvik for a 40year career with what is now called Northwestel. Growing up with sports and school, curling was one he continued for many years, enjoying many bonspiels.
While living in Inuvik, James met Verna Hansen in 1972, and they were married in 1976. Together they had two children, Bradley and Jacqueline. James and Verna would have eight grandchildren, each of whom were his pride and joy.
James was elected chief of the Inuvik native band and held that position for 13 years. He took good care of his people, both the young and the elderly. He would share his harvests with people, and that practice continues on through his son Bradley and his grandchildren.
James was a huge part of the negotiations of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement in 1992. Together with the negotiation team, they settled one of the largest land claim agreements in Canada. He also served as vicepresident of the Gwich'in Tribal Council and was appointed to numerous boards, such as the Gwich'in Development Corporation Renewable Resource Board and the Denendeh Investment Incorporated.
James was taught by many elders. William Vittrekwa, Uncles Willie Firth, Johnny D. Charlie, John Edward Snowshoe, and Bea Jerome, and his grandmother Mops, who all took time to teach him skills for harvesting and surviving on the land. While living in Inuvik, he became very close to the late Emma Dick and her son Richard. He learned from them how to go whaling and Emma called him the Gwichovaluit. Last summer he made his last trip whaling with his grandsons Jared and William. He made sure Verna always had muktuk to share at Midway Lake Music Festival.
James used his skill to mentor many young people by taking them out on the land or giving them a camp to use for their harvesting. His two grandsons were taken out on the trapline since they were very young. Both were recognized with Youth Trapper of the Year awards. His son Bradley now carries the same passion and love for trapping and harvesting from the land.
Because of his upbringing and the love for the land, James made sure no one went without. He shared his harvest. He helped many who needed extra help. And as one elder said of James, he shared and provided us food and gave our boys employment to help others. James travelled up the Peel River in the fall for many years to go moose hunting with elders such as the late Amos Francis and Isaac Kunnizzi and everyone's uncle, Abe Stewart. Their harvest was always shared with the community. James took a lot of young people under his wing by providing them with employment with the business he built. Others he gave the opportunity to go out on the land and learn those skills, and it didn't matter whether they were Inuvialuit or Gwich'in. Also mentioned something that he said is that I hate that I'm leaving the youth with them being so lost. They don't even know where they come from anymore. I wish I could have been able to help more.
He was known for not giving up on anyone, especially those struggling with addiction. It's fitting that James became chief seven generations later after his late great grandfather Vishriinintsi Tyi who was chief of the at the Teetl’it Gwich’in.
Chief James Bennet Firth was a true Dinjii Zhuu, trapper, hunter, fisherman, and whaler who respected the land, animals he harvested, and shared as his people always have done. On Thanksgiving Day, he had a talk with his children and his grandchildren as his illness progressed. He also sat down with his siblings and gave each of them a job he wanted done for him. He spoke to them about the importance of life and most importantly how strong our people are. He encouraged them to remain together, stay strong, and keep moving forward as the young children are following behind us. James final words: I am grateful for my family. He will be remembered for many years to come, and we as family will continue his life legacy. God bless.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community and the community of Fort McPherson as well at this time. Mahsi.
Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions.
