Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I stand in the House to make my Member’s statement in tribute of my good friend Andy Carpenter, who we lost this last week.
Nunakput has lost a leader who recently passed away on Monday. I join elders, leaders, and the community members from all across the Territory to remember a man who has contributed an incredible legacy to the Inuvialuit people in the communities of Nunakput. Whether Andy was in negotiations with a room full of Ministers, lawyers, bureaucrats or whether he was out on the land harvesting caribou, he brought wisdom, confidence and cultural awareness to everything he was involved in.
Over the years Andy has contributed building capacity for his people in the communities. His legacy shows everywhere: in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, success. His leadership also contributed to the Inuvialuit Game Council and, most recently, the past mayor of Sachs Harbour.
I grew up in Nunakput hearing about the accomplishments of Andy in a large way. He was a role model not just for myself but for many young people. Andy worked tirelessly to improve the life of the community. From lobbying for a permanent RCMP detachment or increased funding for infrastructure, he never gave up and always used the utmost diplomacy.
Andy loved Sachs Harbour. With all his accomplishments he could have lived anywhere, but he always called Sachs Harbour home. It was his anchor and it gave him strength.
He lived a hard life, but he never complained. He assisted in the growth of IRC. He never asked for praise. He was proven right and he never said, I told you so.
Our elders truly lived amazing lives. They had never seen the introduction of airplanes, electricity, televisions. They had to quickly adapt from a preliminary traditional lifestyle to a modern lifestyle. They had to take care of us...
Mr. Jacobson, your time for Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Mr. Speaker, Andy was one of those people who look for these changes, not just to span one or two years, but decades in a region where people’s lifestyle has more improved to all these years because of his foresight for what I wish to take the opportunity to thank you, Andy.
Once he said a man’s worth is not what he takes with him, but what he leaves behind. He leaves behind not only a legacy, but he also leaves eight children, many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all admired him and loved him. Andy will always be remembered for his accomplishments, diplomacy and utmost kindness. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family and friends of Andy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
