Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On November 8, 1972, while on a medevac out of Cambridge Bay, the Beechcraft piloted by Martin Hartwell crashed into a hill side by Hottah Lake, east of Great Bear Lake. It was nighttime, it was cold. Nurse Judy Hill was killed outright. A pregnant mother under her care died two days later.
Mr. Hartwell was badly injured and was unable to fend for himself. Twelve year old David Kootook, the fourth passenger, was unhurt. Over the next 23 days, he helped pilot Hartwell to survive by building a shelter, foraging for food and fuel in the wreckage, providing firewood and companionship, until he died of starvation ten days short of rescue.
Mr. Speaker, this moving story is 21 years old today. Young David was only 12 at the time, and today his body lies buried in a simple grave in an Edmonton cemetery.
Recently, two businessmen in Edmonton convinced the city to recognize the heroics of this young man. A cairn in the shape of an inukshuk was erected in the city. The dedication and unveiling was attended by family members. While the heroic actions of young David are unquestionable in saving the life of the injured pilot, recognition of these efforts appear to have been overlooked by our government and the people of the region. At least, that is the impression that many people get. Several stories have appeared in the Edmonton Journal, suggesting that if it were not for the efforts of Mr. Ward and Mr. Tadman, in Edmonton, these pieces of our history would have been lost, and young David's deeds forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, recent comments by some members of the Edmonton business community are confusing to the public of this region. We recognize too few of our heros and, certainly, to many people, young David's deeds and efforts need to be remembered and not forgotten. Thank you.
---Applause