Member's Statement 16-13(6): Passing Of Johnny Charlie

In the Legislative Assembly on September 16th, 1998. See this topic in context.

Member's Statement 16-13(6): Passing Of Johnny Charlie
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is about the passing of a great Gwich'in leader. Johnny D. Charlie was born in the Yukon Territory on December 24, 1930 to Alfred and Alice Tetlichi. Johnny had many brothers and sisters including the late John A. Tetlichi, who was a Member of the Northwest Territories Legislature. Along with his sister, Joanne Firth who was married to Ben Firth, Alfred and Alice moved to Fort McPherson around 1933, where Johnny met and later married Jane Bonnetplume on June 29, 1949. Together they raised 12 children, Johnny, Lorna, Alfred, Alice, Anni, Joanne, Jane, Andrew, Liz, William, Michael and a grandson Paul. Johnny and his wife Jane lived on the land, hunted, trapped and fished year round before he started working for Imperial Oil in 1960. He often told of the many times his wife would travel ahead of him with her own dog team. He said she was a strong and helpful wife. With their children sitting on the sleigh, they would travel many miles together.

Johnny served as a Band Councillor from 1960 to 1975. He became the Chief in 1975 and served until 1985. During this time, the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories, now known as the Dene Nation, was established and he worked tirelessly for the land claim over the years and got to know many of the Dene up and down the valley. He was very well respected by all those he met on his journey through life. Johnny also served as the Gwich'in representative on the Porcupine Caribou Management Board. The Johnny D. Charlie Scholarship was established for his many years of service and knowledge he brought to the board.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Member's Statement 16-13(6): Passing Of Johnny Charlie
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Krutko, you have unanimous consent.

Member's Statement 16-13(6): Passing Of Johnny Charlie
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 37

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Johnny was also instrumental with the Dene Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement which was initialled in Yellowknife in April 1990. He was also there for the Gwich'in leadership when the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was initialled on July 13, 1991 in Ottawa. He was also the master of ceremonies at the signing of the Gwich'in Agreement on April 22, 1992 in Fort McPherson.

Johnny was a church warden at the St. Matthew's Church for many years and assisted in the community in arranging baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals. Johnny had extensive knowledge of the traditional trails between Old Crow and Fort McPherson and for many years he led teams of people taking them through the old trail between McPherson and Old Crow. Johnny was a powerful speaker through which he impressed many people and made many friends all around the world. He served as mentor and advisor to the Gwich'in leadership and the Gwich'in people in regards to his experience as Chief and was helpful in the settlement of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Claim.

Johnny will be remembered for many things, his great love and affection toward his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and especially where he dearly loved his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Johnny also spent time away from his family, his wife and children travelling on behalf of other people in the Northwest Territories to represent them either in claims negotiations, Dene nation leadership meetings, regional council meetings in which that experience he brought to the table will surely be missed.

One of the things Johnny loved the most was dancing. In his later years he was even calling out square dances travelling to all the different communities, especially up at Midway Lake where he could be seen throwing corn meal on the floor so people could dance all night. As a husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and a dear friend, Johnny D. Charlie will be remembered for many years to come from his friends and relatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 16-13(6): Passing Of Johnny Charlie
Item 3: Members' Statements

September 15th, 1998

Page 38

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Members' statements. Mr. Morin.