Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Did you know a Dene man passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 2nd? He was born and raised in the Hay River area. “Watch, learn and teach” was his motto. He was taught traditional survival skills by observing, getting involved and practicing bush skills from the time he was 10 years old
He came from a family of 17. He often talked about how his dad made him a boat and bought him two hunting guns when he was 15 years old. He lived outdoors all the time, working, hunting and trapping. Jim believed that if you watched and listened to your elders, you would live a good and long life. That was self-discipline and being resourceful.
Mr. Speaker, Jim worried about his grandchildren and younger generations losing their ancestral language. Children need to listen and understand their language so they can keep their language and speak it. Jim, Daniel Sonfrere, Pat and Ted Bugghins first started the Katlodeeche First Nation to establish the Hay River Reserve in 1972.
Funeral services for the late Jim Lamalice is today at 2:00 p.m. in the town of Hay River at the Pentecostal Church. The feast is at the Chief Lamalice Complex following the laying to rest at St. Peter’s Cemetery on the Hay River Reserve. Mahsi.
Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.
