Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to welcome my colleagues from a safe journey to the Sixth Session of the 15th Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuvialuit and everyone in the Northwest Territories have always shown respect for their elders. In our culture, the elders are respected for their protection of their children and great-grandchildren, and for their knowledge in ensuring the fish, wildlife, water and environment are protected and cared for for future generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I say this because as I was growing up as a child, I was taught some important values from my parents that I still use today and I have passed on to my children.
Mr. Speaker, having said that, I rise today to send my deepest sympathy, regrets and condolences to the families of the late Mr. Garret Ruben of Paulatuk and Mrs. Winnie Carpenter of Sachs Harbour. Both these individuals were very well-respected elders and leaders in their respective communities.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Garret Ruben leaves behind his beloved wife, Olga, children and great-grandchildren. Olga stood beside her beloved husband, Garret, during his long battle with his illness. Mr. Ruben held many portfolios during his lifetime, which included mayor, councillor, COPE board of director, and a director of the hunters' and trappers' committee. Garret was also a distinguished leader in the growth of Paulatuk, and as a hunter, trapper and businessman. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends along the Beaufort-Delta and across the Northwest Territories. I understand the funeral for the late Mr. Ruben is being held today at 2:00 p.m. in Paulatuk.
Mr. Speaker, another well-known respected elder, Mrs. Winnie Carpenter of Sachs Harbour, passed away peacefully after a long battle with her illness. Mrs. Carpenter leaves behind her husband, Mr. Andy Carpenter, Sr., children and great-grandchildren. Mr. Carpenter and the late Mrs. Carpenter played a very important role and were instrumental in the growth of the community of Sachs Harbour. She was also a COPE board director but, more importantly, a dedicated wife to her husband, Andy Carpenter, and her children. As one would always say: behind every man, there's a good
woman. In this, it held true for Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Speaker, she will be greatly missed by her husband, Andy, her children and great-grandchildren, and to her many friends from the Beaufort-Delta and across the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to complete my statement. Thank you.