Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today it is very important that we look after our elders, more importantly that we recognize their accomplishments. When we lose an elder, we lose a wealth of knowledge.
Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to bring your attention to two Gwich'in elders who have reached a milestone in their lives. First, Mr. Andrew Neyando who lives in Fort McPherson. On December 5th of 2023, he celebrated his 100th birthday.
Applause.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Neyando was very active out on the land. He spent most of his life living a traditional lifestyle. Only up until a few months ago, you can see him walking up to the local store with his cane, walking at a fast pace, or going to the local radio station to pick up his lucky bingo cards. In 1966, Mr. Neyando participated in a canoe race across Canada which ended in New York and back across Canada again, participated with his friends from Fort McPherson who were William Teya and Philip Blake, and Team NWT was captained by Tommy Ross of Aklavik. Mr. Neyando was a big Edmonton Oilers fan. You could see him sporting his Edmonton Oiler jersey.
Mr. Speaker, the second Gwich'in elder that I would like to recognize is Rose Potts who lives in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Ms. Potts was born on the Peel River on March 4th, 1923. Rose is the daughter of William and Gary Firth; her grandparents were John and Margaret Firth. Rose moved away from Fort McPherson at a young age and soon thereafter married. She gave her life to service the people. She was a nurse, life skills coach, and served on many councils and boards across Canada. Mrs. Potts' greatest quote is you have to care about people to work with people. Ms. Potts is fluent in the Gwich'in language.
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing these two beautiful Gwich'in elders a very happy 100th birthday and that the good Lord continue to bless them both with continued good health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
