Debates of February 14, 2005 (day 35)

Mr. Speaker, I would like to announce that one of my former constituents, Robert Arthur Alexis, along with Penguin Books of Canada, will be releasing his second novel, The Pale Indian, this month. Robert was born and raised in Fort McPherson and served as sub-chief and then chief of Tetlit Gwich’in of Fort McPherson. Robert was also instrumental in assisting the Gwich’in to realize their claim in 1992. He served two terms on the Gwich’in Tribal Council as vice-president and is currently with the Gwich’in Land and Water Board in Inuvik.

Robert’s first novel, Porcupines and China Dolls, which depicts the effects of residential school on a people, was published by Stoddart in 2002. The book received rave reviews across Canada. Unfortunately, Stoddart went into receivership shortly after. Porcupine and China Dolls did not get the exposure to the public that it should have.

The Pale Indian, so I’m told, takes place in the fictitious community of Aberdeen in the not-so-fictitious Northwest Territories. I have also been informed, Mr. Speaker, that Porcupines and China Dolls would be re-released sometime this year, also by Penguin.

At this time I would like to congratulate Robert on the hope he continues for many more years to come with his stories well into the future. With that, thank you very much.

---Applause