Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning we had the honour to share lunch with elders from Yellowknife and area in celebrating the International Year of Older Persons. I would like to welcome all that attended the luncheon and who are also sitting in the gallery today. Today, Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib Nation lost one of its traditional statesman who also happened to be my father-in-law. Mr. Harry Koyina was born on December 10, 1910, and was raised by his father because his mother died when he was born. He lived with his family on the land where they travelled vast distances by birchbark canoes and dog teams up to the Great Bear Lake area. He also hunted and trapped within the Dogrib area travelling up to Snare Lakes, Wha Ti, Rae Lakes and as far as Fort Simpson and Lutselk'e. Mr. Koyina married Laiza Mantla on July 31, 1936, an arranged marriage by the old chief, traditional name was Kw'ahitzo. Together they had 13 children and all were raised on the land. They taught their children the ways of both cultures, strong like two people.

Mr. Koyina worked for Rae Rock Mine when it first opened and were the last family to leave the site after the mine shut down. In the late 1950's Mr. Koyina was a band counsellor and worked very hard to meet and serve the needs of the people for 13 years. Mr. Koyina was a man who strongly supported and saw the importance of education. He also took great pride in looking after his family and was a good provider. He was always there to help his friends, families and those who needed his help. His wife and children as well as 35 grandchildren and 8eight great-grandchildren survived Mr. Koyina All were touched by his love and his traditional knowledge and the skills he had to teach and pass on his knowledge. To this day people called him Kw'ahti. He was a very spiritual elder and will be missed by all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.