Patricia Minekime Page 5

Pat talked about how her home was a safe and stable environment. She welcomed many, many children. On any weekend her home would be full of youth, family and friends. Sometimes her and Jason would not have a place to sleep. She opened her home to anyone in need. And when anyone in need, couldn't make it to her house, she ventured out to them.

She loved the community of Old Crow and all of the Gwich'in Nation. She dedicated a better part of her life to serving her people. She was elected as councillor to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in November 1998. She respected the challenge of this position. She spoke of Joe, William, Roger and Howard with high regards. She talked about how she was the only woman on the council and that she enjoyed the everyday interaction of our new government. Pat joked about how William Josie would call her, “a little tyrant.” It was fitting that she received the portfolio of Education and Recreation. Pat served on the Chief Zzeh Gittlit School Council. She believed in education. That was the one tool that she could promote. She spent countless hours seeking funding for various educational projects for Old Crow. She loved the youth of our community and education was her gift to them. Pat loved her aunties and uncles. She cared genuinely for Billy Bruce. She often teased Billy and told him she wanted to adopt his three daughters, Melinda, Tracy and Frances. She held fondly in her heart, Thomas and Eileen Koe and their children Kenny, Andrew, Julie, Diane, Anita, and Roxanne. Patricia

loved dearly her Grandma Lydia Thomas. Pat wanted so bad to care for, and protect Dana Lord.

Pat cherished the artwork of her cousin Lawrence Dean Charlie which she proudly displayed in her home. Pat loved her brother in law Walter (Bam.) This Spring she dried meat and was sure to send him some. Dorothy Frost considered Pat to be the sister she never had. Pat loved both Ronald and Dorothy. As teenagers do, Dorothy and Pat would sit up to the wee hours of the morning, planning their dream wedding. It was at this time that Dorothy stated that if she ever got married she would get married in black and white. In 1996 the day arrived, and indeed the wedding colour scheme was black and white.

Pat thought this was so cool. Black was their favourite colour and they often wondered why this colour was so morbid to others, when in fact if you think about it, all the colours mixed together, becomes black. She looked radiant in black and white. Pat stated that her best friend was Kimberly Blake. She talked about how her and Kim can overcome any obstacle in their relationship and that she valued their friendship. She placed an ad in our local Gwinuu News that stated, "To: Kimberly, "Jah", you are indeed a great friend, Love your pal, Patricia." In addition to her many friends, Pat felt honoured to stand with Barbara Koe when she got married. Honourable mention given to Lucy Kaye for her friendship to Pat.

Patricia was the Goddaughter of Helen and Alfred Charlie. Godsister to Dana lord, Verna Francis, Debra Frost, Trevor Thomas, Gary Jerome, Lloyd Nerysoo, and also Carl, Kenny, Dougie, Peter, Daryl, Gregory and Elaine Charlie. Pat enjoyed a special bond with our elders. She called Ellen Bruce her "shih'jaa" and loved to tease Edith Josie. One time to make John Joe Kaye laugh, she chewed raw potatoes in

front of him. She talked about how our elders gave her their support at our 2000 Annual General Assembly. Grandma Annie Lord often called expressing care and concern for her. Patricia was so proud when her daughter Stephanie called Peter Tizya, "Grandpa." Pat appreciated the respect of Martha Benjamin.