Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this summer the north lost a very special person. Mr. Abraham Okpik was a father, a husband, an Order of Canada recipient, a politician, a raconteur and a friend. Abe was born in the western Arctic and, like many northerners, was sent south to the hospital for TB. In hospital, Abe showed his dexterity with language. He quickly mastered the Cree language he learned from other patients. After he returned north, an accident with his dog team left him permanently disabled. However, this did not slow him down and he continued his traditional pursuits.
The 1940's and 50's brought a lot of changes to the north. Abe again showed his adaptability by working proactively for northerners and northern causes. Abe was the first Inuit to sit on the Territorial Council when he was appointed in 1965. Abe then took on the task that many remember him for Operation Surname. Abe's gift of languages and dialect enabled him to complete the task of eliminating the asinine "e" and "w" numbers that Inuit were known by. This task was carried out by Abe with a minuscule budget. Afterwards Abe received the Order of Canada for his work. Although, originally from the western Arctic, Iqaluit became Abe's home. He never forgot his Inuvialuit roots and was respected throughout the territories. When I was elected, I asked Abe if he would accept my nomination for him to sit on the NWT Elders Association and he accepted. Abe served on this committee as well as on council with the town of Iqaluit before he died.
When Peter Gzowski came to Iqaluit this past spring for the annual literacy golf tournament, Peter wanted me to participate. I went to Abe's house and because of his difficulty in walking, we arranged for Abe to be driven around by skidoo on the golf course. Abe told me that the course located on the sea ice reminded him of the previous tournament the NWT Literacy Association had in Yellowknife in 1990. He used to like cracking jokes and he said to me "Ed, this time try and play golf and please do not sing." Abe took a turn for the worse this summer and I visited him in the hospital. He was always joking with me and he told me to lose some weight. Abe was a friend, a confidante to his wife and family. On behalf of the people of Iqaluit and this Assembly, I would like to express our sincere sympathy and sorrow on Abe's passing. He will be missed.