Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with sadness in my heart with the passing of our jijuu, Sarah Simon. As we all know, Sarah Simon celebrated her 100th birthday a couple of months ago. Sarah Simon passed away with her family around her at 5:05 this morning at the Inuvik General Hospital.

Sarah dedicated her life to her people and to her church. Well into her 90's, she continued to help the Gwich'in people and the people of the Northwest Territories by her involvement with developing a document which has just been released, the "Our Jijuu: Who are My Grandparents and Where are They From?"

At this time, I would like to send my condolences out to the Stewart family, along with Sue, Doris, John, Lawrence and Paul and also to her many, many relatives in the Stewart and Kay families. Today we have lost a treasure, a lady who committed her life to her people and to serving the church and all who knew her. Sarah has always been there with open arms to help everyone and anyone. She always took the time to assist with all of the children around her and with ensuring we had the faith to continue to work on and support the family as a unit.

Just recently, Mr. Speaker, I received a card from Sarah Simon:

Dear David,

I greatly thank you for your kind words at my birthday feast held in Inuvik. May God bless you as you serve the Lord by serving your people.

Many blessings in your work,

Sarah Simon

With that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to again send my condolences out to Sarah Simon's family at this time. Thank you.