Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honour today to respect and recognize Mr. Michel Paper, an elder from Detah, and his granddaughter Rosalie, who is with him. Rosalie is two or three years old and helped pass out poppies in the gallery, I noticed.
Mr. Paper was born in the Grow-cap area on Great Slave Lake in 1913. Michel's last name, Paper, was actually his father's first name. Paper is the English translation of Michel's father's first name, which in Dogrib is "Sahtli." I do not know if I said that exactly right.
Michel, whose wife passed away last year, has one son, Frankie Paper and two grandchildren. Michel retired from the Department of Public Works and Services after working for 20 years as a surveyor. He says that he surveyed all the highways and community roads in the Northwest Territories, and even in Nunavut. Michel is a strong support of the Yellowknife Dene First Nation leadership. He attends many, if not all, of their meetings. He is also a member of the Elders advisory council for Detah.
Michel is always positive, Mr. Speaker, and gentle in his approach with people. I have never heard him say a mean-spirited word about anyone, but takes on issues in stride.
One interesting thing I have noticed with Michel is that he cares for two young grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Paper is 89 years old. He cares for two young grandchildren, often by himself, and I think he sets a good example for many of us of the importance of the extended family in looking after our young people where parents are in situations where they cannot do it themselves.
Mr. Paper would have driven his truck here today. I know he washes his truck every day. He has been seen at the Yellowknife River bridge washing his truck. He has been seen in Detah washing it. He is a meticulous man.
As MLA for Weledeh, I am grateful that I have people like Michel to guide me. His encouragement is uplifting and his wisdom is invaluable. I want to take this opportunity to thank Michel for his support and guidance and wish him and his family the very best. Thank you.
-- Applause