Patricia Minekime Page 4 The funeral for patricia was held on August 31, 2000 at the Chief Zzeh Gittlit School gymnasium.

Because Patricia was an elected official (Councilor) with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) this was to be a VGFN Government State Funeral. Chief Joe Linklater invited representatives from other Yukon First Nation Governments and the Yukon Territorial Government to attend. The picture to the right was taken on August 12, 2000 at our annual General Assembly at Klo Kut. Left to right are: Councilors William Josie and Howard Linklater, Councilor Patricia Minekime, Chief Joe Linklater, and Deputy Chief Roger Kaye.

The funeral procession began at Old Crow's St. Luke Church and ended at the Chief Zzeh Gittlit School (3/4 miles). It was led by the Old Crow Rangers, RCMPolice Constables Tom Wyers and Darren Michels in full Red Serge, Rev. Ellen Bruce, Deacon Marion Schafer, Layreader Edith Josie, and was followed by Patricia, her family and many friends.

Eulogy as read at the service by Kimberly Blake

Patricia Norma Minekime January 23, 1968 - August 26, 2000 Patricia Norma Charlie was born in Inuvik, N.W.T. on January 23, 1968 to Ben and Effie Charlie. Patricia spent her first few years growing up in Fort McPherson. It was there that she inherited the nickname, “Didda.” When her sister Sandra was small, she couldn't say Patricia and so she called her Didda. Her late Grandfather Jimmy Thompson treasured Patricia. He would always say, "Only Didda was a good girl."

Pat lived in Old Crow most of her life. Old Crow was where she felt at peace. She loved it for the values and the traditional laws it held.

Pat attended F.H. Collins Senior Secondary High School in Whitehorse
and graduated in 1986.

Patricia met Jason Minekime in 1994. They believed that they were soul mates. It was love at first sight for both Pat and Jason. They made Old Crow their home in 1995. On January 1, 1997 Pat and Jason were married at a private ceremony. They felt pleasure and joy when caring for their two children, Dion and Stephanie. Patricia loved going up river with Jason. They worked together on projects up at their camp. This support they showed to one another was the foundation of their marriage. Forgiveness was a key element in their home. It was this unconditional love that kept Patricia inspired.