Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the passing of Frank Betsina, a respected grand counsellor of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I attended Mr. Betsina's funeral and I have to say, it was one of the largest funerals I have ever attended. The Catholic Church was filled to overflowing and some of the people had to stand outside during the whole service. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of serving for one term on the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Council with Mr. Betsina and I considered him a friend and respected his advice. The passing of Frank also marks the passing of part of the Yellowknives Dene history. I say that, Mr. Speaker, because his grandfather, Suzie Drygeese signed Treaty 8 on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene in the year 1900 in Fort Resolution.
As we all know, the Yellowknives Dene have received many rights from the signing of that treaty, including the right to tax exemption and that right, which has still not been honoured by any level of government. Mr. Betsina followed in his grandfather's footsteps of service. He served three terms on the Yellowknives Dene Band Council and this legacy of service has also been passed on. Frank's son Ernest is currently serving his second term on council. Mr. Betsina was born on Latham Island 59 years ago. His parents were Alizette and Narcisse Betsina. He is survived by wife Murial as well as by two daughters, five sons and several grandchildren. Frank went to residential school for a time and finished his education at St. Pat's in Yellowknife. As a teenager, he started working for the local power company and continued working for the power company in its various forms for the past 41 years.
Yesterday, as a tribute to his long service, his co-workers brought Frank for one last ride through the city in the large truck that he used to drive. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Betsina was a good example for his family and the community in general. Council members have expressed respect for thoughtful contributions to council discussions and fittingly, council held a celebration to his life last night in a new building in Ndilo that was dedicated to his father this past fall. He will be missed by family, friends, fellow council members and neighbours. I am sure all Members of this House join me in offering condolences to the Betsina family and all the best in the future. Thank you.