Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my Member’s statement, I’d just like to wish my two daughters, Nancy and Deborah, a Happy Birthday today.
Mr. Speaker, Brian Kotchea was born on June 7th, 1970, in Fort Liard, to Frederick and Martine Kotchea. He was one of 11 children. They raised their children at the family's traditional camp at Francois, British Columbia. This is where Brian gained many traditional skills from his parents and spoke fluent Slavey. At the camp, Brian developed his traditional skills and knowledge to become a successful hunter and trapper. Over the years, Brian was always known to be good in the bush and a very skilled hunter. According to his brothers, "Brian was one-of-a-kind hunter who would skin a moose fast and would always be happy when he was on the land."
In 1987 Brian had met Alma in Trout Lake, and in 1988 they had their first child Bianca, then followed by Neil, then four more children Brianne, Blair, Brett, and Briant. His family was his everything, including Alma's oldest daughter Tanya who lived in Trout Lake.
Not only was Brian a skilled hunter and trapper but he was also a selftaught mechanic and carpenter. It did not matter if it was crafting a boat or a toboggan, fixing snowmobiles or outboard motors, or fixing log cabins or fireplaces, he was at home in the outdoors, As Brian had knowledge of making birch bark basket and canoes which he loved doing with his wife.
Brian was a good teacher and taught his children the importance of appreciating the land and using the resources that were presented. He always had his children or young nieces and nephews with him. Brian was the happiest when his children were helpful with tasks at the camp, boating or hunting.
Brian loved to go moose hunting along the Liard River. He was well known as a skilled moose hunter and enjoyed hunting with his family and friends but, most importantly, he was able to share his teachings with them, especially with his son Brett.
Brian enjoyed the traditional way of life and shared his skills of harvesting moose meat and sharing whatever he can. He was considerate of others. Brian was passionate about being on the land and often spent much of his time in the bush. Beside loving his family and being in the bush, he enjoyed listening to Elvis. Elvis was always being played at his house or in his vehicles and he would love singing to his children.
Brian was known for his sense of humour and always had a way to make you laugh. He was happy and did not spend much time on negative feelings. The family said that Brian lived a full life. He loved and cared for those close to him, especially his children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, Brian passed away on December 9th, 2022. Brian will be dearly missed by Alma, their children and grandchildren, and forever missed by others, and loved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community.
