Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to pay tribute to Albertine Rohdes. Albertine has given a lot to the people of the Northwest Territories, especially her wisdom and her knowledge and the struggle for aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories.

Albertine was very active with the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories. She was involved in the Dene/Metis process. She was involved in devolution and where we are today with aboriginal rights.

Albertine would always be the one at the meeting that everyone would want to hear from. She was the person who spoke from the heart and when she spoke, she spoke honestly. She made us all feel that we also had to realize that we had to respect not only our elders, but ourselves and other people around the table.

She provided us with a lot of history and knowledge of the Northwest Territories and how we devolved and struggled over the years to achieve the recognition that we have today as First Nations people.

Albertine was involved with the Fort Simpson Metis local for years. I had the privilege of serving with Albertine as vice-president of the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories and also was involved with the Dene/Metis claims process through the Dene/Metis Secretariat. It was people like Albertine who gave us the knowledge and put us on the path of how to deal with our issues, how to go forward and find solutions to our problems.

With that, I would like to thank Albertine’s family for sharing such a beautiful woman, grandmother and someone who gave so much to the Northwest Territories.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to send condolences to the Lennie family of Tulita on the passing of Alfred Lennie, an uncle to a Member in this House, Mr. Norman Yakeleya.

I would also like to thank the Lennie family for offering Alfred’s wisdom and knowledge. Alfred was also instrumental in helping me help the Sahtu negotiate their land claim. Alfred provided a lot of information and knowledge to the claims negotiators. Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, Alfred Lennie was a person who said it as it was and was straight to the point. One thing Alfred always had is, he had a way of just approaching anyone he went to and he was so easy to get along with, yet Alfred had a way of saying things that we, in most cases, were reluctant to say, but he said it anyhow.

Alfred will be greatly missed. Again, I would like to thank the Lennie family for sharing such a wonderful person. Again, I send my condolences to the family. I encourage the people in those communities to support the families through their tough time. More importantly, know that these people have done their job and have shared their wisdom with us. That’s the jewel that we can be grateful for. With that, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause