Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I must inform the House that Gideon Qitsualik of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, passed away on April 24, 2008, at the age of 83.
Mr. Qitsualik helped launch the negotiation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and went on to serve for many years with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. Gideon Qitsualik was very active in politics and was a council member of the Gjoa Haven Council when he passed away.
The loss of Gideon is a great loss for Nunavummiut, as he was a well respected source and strong defender of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, which is Inuit traditional knowledge. His great contribution to Nunavut's educational curriculum will be his legacy, along with his conviction that Inuit knowledge is fundamental to good governance.
I would ask the House to join me in expressing condolences to his wife, his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.