Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. It is with great sadness and honour at the same time that I pay tribute to the last chief of Rocher River, a community that has not existed since the early 1960s.
On May 24th of this year Mr. Paul Biscaye passed away after being ill for almost two years. Paul leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Theresa, and six daughters, Anne, Sabet, Georgina, Julia, Violet and Gloria. Paul is predeceased by his only two sons, Raymond and Fred John. Paul was blessed with 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Paul was born near Big Gap outside of Rocher River in 1930 and was raised in the Rocher River area. After marrying Theresa, they continued to live there until around 1968. In his early years he trapped and lived around the Thuben Lake area and Rocher River, spending the summers fishing in the Simpson islands.
Paul was the last chief of Rocher River. He was a well-respected elder who lived a healthy life and was a role model for all. He got along with everyone and was known for teasing the young people and often made up nicknames for them.
Although Paul only had a grade 2 education, he was very knowledgeable. He was a trapper, a fisherman, and worked with prospectors at staking, worked at both Pine Point Mine and Giant Mine. However, his career was mainly in the sawmill in Fort Resolution where he retired as a self-taught millwright.
In his later years Paul dedicated his time to promoting the Chipewyan language and the Dene culture. He enjoyed being out on the land, playing cards with friends and watching hockey. In Fort Resolution he was voted the number one fan. He would even come to Yellowknife for the local Easter tournament and spend hours at the arena watching hockey.
Paul was a very sociable person. He enjoyed getting out, visiting and meeting people. I remember him as being a very friendly person, and this was evident by the respect he was given by both young and old. Paul was awarded the Elder of the Year by Akaitcho Territorial Government in 2002.
Paul was the last Biscaye in his generation, he did not have any siblings. However, his name and legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I would like to thank the family for allowing me to do this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
