Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am talking about a respected Fort Resolution elder who passed away on April 23, 2009. Mr. Edward McKay Sr. was born in Fort Resolution on August 23, 1918. He was a trapper, hunter, fisherman and

worked in the sawmill in Fort Resolution and also in the Pine Point mine.

He spent all of his life in the South Slave region, living in Rocher River, Jean River, Hay River, Pine Point and Fort Resolution. He lived a very traditional lifestyle all his life and I was told he was still looking forward to boating and doing some repairs to his cabin this summer.

Edward was always looking forward, not backwards. He was not formally educated, but due to his ingenuity and hard work ethic, he raised and provided for a family of 15 children. Many will remember Edward McKay for his radiant smile and his love of and talent in jigging moves in his moccasins. He floated like a feather and won every trophy imaginable.

I have known Edward since I was a young man. Even today as an adult, whenever I saw Edward, he would always greet me with a smile and treated me with respect.

Edward was always full of life. Recently, on April 14th , he celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary

with his second wife. Edward is survived by his wife, Denise, his children, Henry, Christine, Joann, Ronald, Linda, Bess-Ann, Frank, Andy, Janet, Dean, Lorraine, Eddie and Shawn. As a tribute to Edward, CBC North hosted a very special show and recognized and honoured the life and times of Edward, particularly his participation in many jigging and talent shows across the Northwest Territories.

Please join me in honouring this much respected elder and to convey our condolences and prayers to his wife, many children and grandchildren and great grandchildren of Mr. Edward McKay Sr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.