Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak about an amazing event that happened in Fort Simpson this past summer. For people who had the opportunity to see the Pope in Fort Simpson almost 29 years ago, on the Papal site you will notice that the teepee and the stage has been moved last year, and it is now replaced with a much larger teepee.
Mr. Speaker, it took five days for a company from BC to replace the empty site and turn it into what may be the tallest wooden teepee in the world. From what I understand, the teepee's structure is between 15 to 17 metres in height, the teepee is built from yellow cedar logs. According to the Deh Cho Drum, one of the logs is from a tree that is almost 750 years old.
Mr. Speaker, the Liidlii Kue First Nations Chief, Gerry Antoine, spoke about wanting to repair this site and had the support from the community. He has been heard numerous times saying that it is an important element to rebuild the community and its spirit.
Mr. Speaker this teepee is an important part of the community and we had the privilege of hosting the Pope in the community in the past. It is a historical moment and it is a historical gathering site as well for the people of the Deh Cho.
Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to say two people who are on band council are behind and supported this project. I'd like to say thank you to Kele Antoine and William Michaud, they helped bring in Timber Kings, a company based out of Williams Lake, BC, to construct this structure.
Mr. Speaker some of my colleagues may have heard about them or even seen them on TV, this company has been in business for 43 years and is filming the fourth season of its reality TV show. This project will be part of the fourth season. I understand that the yellow cedar being used is resistant to rot, insects, and could be around for hundreds and hundreds of years. I've been told that they worked 12 hours a day to make sure the teepee was done on time.
Mr. Speaker, I would have been advised that this teepee marks the first of its kind for Timber Kings; they never built one before. The owner of the company was very impressed with the community's support and helpfulness. Mr. Speaker, the community knows that this project was going to have some challenges, and brought a trailer full of equipment, including special fasteners and tools that were not available locally. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement please.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues for giving me this extra time. Mr. Speaker, the week of construction had a positive impact on the community and people commented on the positive energy throughout the community and region. Mr. Speaker, on September 15th the elementary school and the high school attended a fire-feeding ceremony and drum dance where the community celebrated the construction. During this ceremony they brought in an elder from Wrigley, Angus Ekenale, who sang a special song to honour the ancient spirit of the 750-year-old tree. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize this great event and the organizers for bringing this special structure to the community, region, and the NWT. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
