(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to make comments regarding Leah Nutaraq. She passed away last week in Iqaluit at 107 years. (Translation ends)

Nutaraq was known throughout the Inuit community as an elder of great wisdom. She was a source of traditional knowledge which she always used to assist people in their lives.

Nutaraq was born at Blacklet Island in Cumberland Sound at the end of the last century, approximately 1887. She was born into a traditional Inuit life-style and culture of hunting, fishing and self-reliance. In her life she witnessed many significant changes. As a young girl she saw the end of the historic Cumberland Sound whaling industry at Kerkerten. Just as important, Nutaraq experienced the beginning of the Christian religion in the eastern Arctic under Reverend Peck.

Mr. Speaker, people travelled from Pangnirtung and Broughton Island to attend the service in Iqaluit. Many people from outside Iqaluit who could not attend sent beautiful bouquets of flowers to show their respect. The service was broadcast on CBC radio to the Baffin and Keewatin, and I know that people in the Keewatin appreciated the eulogy given by Alacie Joamie.

Mr. Speaker, Nutaraq was a respected elder, a great counsellor and a person who had a very high moral standard. People were always asking for her wisdom and counsel. Her most important advice to all people was that a person should always be serious and honest about his or her life and that nobody should take life for granted.

Mr. Speaker, I have known this lady from as far back as I can remember. She was not the type of woman to just sit around and do nothing. When the Kekerten Park was opened in 1987, she would have been 100 years old.