Honourable senators, I respectfully address you from the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

Canadians have suffered immeasurably over the past year with the loss of family, friends and loved ones. These losses are especially keenly felt in our smaller communities when there is an empty seat at the governance table or when the notes of a beloved fiddle player have gone silent.

The Yukon, although spread over a vast area, is small in population, and in recent weeks we have come to miss too many members of our community. My time to speak about these losses is too brief to mention everyone. I ask forgiveness from the loved ones of those to whom I am unable to provide their due.

Darius Elias served the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation of Old Crow as their MLA in the Yukon Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2016. Like his mother Norma Kassi, Darius was one of the most articulate and passionate defenders of the Porcupine Caribou herd. He left us far too soon. He left secure in the knowledge that U.S. President Joe Biden had suspended the availability of oil and gas exploration leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR. The refuge is the cradle of life for the Porcupine Caribou herd and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

The Southern Lakes caribou also lost a champion in February with the passing of elder Art Johns Sr. Art was of Tlingit and Tagish heritage. A game guardian providing leadership on the Southern Lake caribou recovery program, Art shared his experiences, skills and stories with hundreds of children with the Caribou in the Schools program.

Hundreds of lives were touched, and many expressed their appreciation for the dedication and passion of the late educator Millie Jones. Millie was born in Whitehorse in 1932 and spent her life in the Yukon, with the exception of her studies when she became a third generation Yukon teacher. Her home was in Carcross, and the Carcross-Tagish First Nation adopted Millie Jones as a wise elder.

Though I am not certain he would refer to his elder brother as wise, Senator Dan Lang would tell you that his late twin brother Archie Lang was born first.

Archie’s career as an entrepreneur included time at the Caribou Hotel in Carcross until, at 25, he bought the Watson Lake Hotel.

In December 2002, Archie followed Dan into politics, serving as the MLA for Porter Creek Centre in the Yukon Legislative Assembly until 2011.

Archie was a much-loved family man, entrepreneur and storyteller.

Colleagues, as I said at the outset, Canadians have lost so many. Yukoners also mourn the losses of too many who have left us too soon.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the families who shared them with us as we offer our deepest sympathy. Darius Elias, Art Johns, Millie Jones, Archie Lang and others. You have moved on to the spirit world. Your contribution to the Yukon — the gift of your presence — will not be forgotten.

Mahsi’cho. Thank you. Gùnáłchîsh