Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today it saddens me to inform this House that Joe Punch passed away on December 7, 2016, at the long-term care unit in Fort Simpson. As most people who are aware of Mr. Punch, he was a father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and a friend to all that knew him.

I had the pleasure to get to meet Joe on my first trip to Sambaa K’e in the fall of 1992. Upon landing at the airport, Joe met the plane, and we had a good conversation as we walked towards the community office. From that moment, I realized he was a great story-teller and a historian of the area. Each trip into the Sambaa K’e would not be beneficial without getting to meet him and having some great conversation about life with him.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Punch was born around the Fort Providence area on January 17, 1926. He lived around the Mink Lake area until he was four years old, at which time he went to residential school. He attended school until 1940 and then went on to work on steamboats for an oil company and the Bay. In 1946, he moved to Sambaa K’e, where three elders took him under their wing and taught him how to live off the land. He would often be heard saying it was hard work but very beneficial for him and his future family. They took the time to pass on their knowledge, skills, teaching, and the love of the land, which Joe passed on to his family and youth in the community.

In 1956, the band of Sambaa K’e and Acho Dene elected Joe as their chief. This was Joe's first step into governance. He was a strong believer in Dene law and an advocate for self-government. Joe was passionate about the environment and the education of the youth and future generations.

Mr. Speaker, Joe was well known across the North. People had the opportunity to meet him at various meeting and assemblies, which lead to them to have a new friend. Throughout the years, Joe has written newsletters for the native press, a community reporter, and an interpreter. People looked forward to reading his articles or listening to him on the radio or in person.

Mr. Speaker, Joe was recognized for his volunteer work, once by the community and once by the Government of the Northwest Territories volunteer program that was sponsored by Municipal and Community Affairs. As well, in 2013, he received the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

He was predeceased by his wife, parents, two brothers, one sister, three sons, one daughter, and one grandson. Joe will be sadly missed. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.