Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to pay tribute to the late George Blondin. George Blondin was an uncle to many people. He was an uncle to me. I have a statement here I want to make in the House.
George Blondin, a respected elder from the Sahtu, passed away October 12, 2008, from a heart attack and double stroke at the age of 87.
George was a traditional Indian and a skilled hunter and trapper who enjoyed living off the land and water. He’s best known as a storyteller for the Dene culture and tradition. He was an author of three books: When the World Was New, Yamoria and Trail of the Spirit. The Dene people will forever be grateful to him for preserving these stories and knowledge.
As a youth George spent four years in a residential school but went on to raise seven children whom he encouraged to get educated so they could continue to help with their people.
As he got older, he wrote regular articles for The Native Press and the News/North. He spoke at many universities and conferences to talk about his books and to accept various awards. He was a great storyteller with a powerful voice who captivated audiences with his humour and booming laughter.
His involvement in politics and Dene rights spanned 30 years. He was chief of Délînê, vice-president of the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories representing the Denedeh elders and Chair of the Dene Culture Institute. The George Blondin scholarship was recently established, and he was the recipient of the Order of Canada in 2003 for preserving the heritage of his people.
George will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He led a full life and left a legacy behind of many issues that were important to him and his people. God bless George Blondin and his family.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
