Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to go back to the theme of National Aboriginal Day. In recognition of National Aboriginal Day, Mr. Speaker, and with the concurrence of my fellow Member for Mackenzie Delta, I would like to speak of some very important aboriginal people from the community of Aklavik.
Mr. Speaker, quite often a community of this size experiences a lot of grief. In the past year, Aklavik has gone through such an experience. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally acknowledge a few people who worked hard to assist the community to overcome such grief. These people, Mr. Speaker, are the Reverend and Mrs. Chamberline Jones, the pastor of the All Saints Aklavik Church, who officiated at many of these funeral services.
Others who should be recognized for contributions to the community are Moses Qutek and Wilson Malagatee, who assisted in digging the graves many times. Two important people in Aklavik as well are Barb and Norm Larchy, who work very closely with the grieving families and dedicate much of their time volunteering during the funeral services.
There are also those who worked very hard to prepare the food. There are two specific ladies I would like to acknowledge, who I feel need special attention, Louise Akalnak and Florence Furlong.
Mr. Speaker, there are many others who should be acknowledged as well. I hope I did not miss anyone. I want to say that it is you people who make the community a healthy community and lessen much of the sadness.
I want to also make special mention of the Aklavik Singing Group, who often performed and lightened the community's spirit during times of sadness. I would like to close by saying I hope they keep up the excellent work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.