by Senator Dan Christmas

Before I begin I want to first express on behalf of my immediate family our sincerest condolences to the Christmas family. I was sincerely touched and honoured to have been asked by the family to offer remarks on the life of Dr. Peter Christmas. Peter and my father Augustine were brothers and Uncle Peter always talked about his siblings with absolute love and affection as well as how proud he was of all his brothers and sisters. likewise, our uncles and aunts loved following Peter with all their hearts.

As well the Christmas family also wishes to acknowledge all the support from the community of Membertou. Especially Edith Pearcey-Christmas, who helped guide the family through the initial celebration of life and burial processes, including helping us with T.W Curry. Edith, we cannot thank you enough.

Finally on behalf of the community and all those in attendance this morning we again want to express not only our heartfelt condolences but also just how proud we all are of your father’s service to the Mi’kmaw and in particular his unrelenting commitment to preserving our culture and language. To say we are proud that Dr. Peter Christmas was one of our own from Membertou is understated. He wore his community on his sleeve.

There were so many expressions of sympathy left by former colleagues and friends Peter’s passing. For example, remembrances posted of his service to the Human Rights commission on Education or to the Nova Scotia Tea ...