Edward Ruben

Chris Ruben reminisces about his father Edward and his lasting legacy as one of the key original negotiators of the park. uu

Edward was pretty traditional. He moved around quite a bit from Tuktuuyaqtuuq, coming this way towards Cape Perry, and Cape Perry to Paulatuuq. We then moved to Cambridge Bay at one point. He worked back then at the DEW Lines and as a janitor for quite a few years in Cape Perry. He was well respected then; he worked really hard.

I guess when they moved to the community of Paulatuuq, that’s when it all started to kick of—homes were being built. Tis was gonna be our home because of all the animals: the fish and the geese and the caribou. So, they made Paulatuuq home. Years went on. He continued working in the community. I don’t know how he got into politics—maybe his brothers, or himself—but he had a huge impact on the community. Being my dad, he must have seen something for the community—how he could bring up the community, or how to move forward or build.

At the time I never really heard much because I was so busy at school here. It was sometimes hard to interact with him. Yeah, he’d always tell us things, but it was always just the basics: make sure you get up in the morning, work hard, go to school, get your education.

Basically, that’s what I grew up with. I knew he was travelling for meetings, and it’s just like: “Wow! Where’s Dad of to today? Uh, I don’t know.” All I can say is that I was happy he was there in the parks negotiations.

Like any other son-father relationship, you grew up with your dad and he’s taught you a million things—especially the way you live and how to take care of yourself. He’s been a really good advocate for the community and has done so much work with the park, Park leaders, other community leaders. Tere was a lot of hard work, back and forth, discussions with my dad and Parks. Without our Elders back in the day, we wouldn’t have this here, today.

He’s 100% Inuvialuk—he knew the language and how to use it, which made them really powerful, ah? I’m so happy that, before he left, he used his voice, his Inuvialuktun words, his knowledge, his love for the community, and his love for the people… I’ve seen it.

I want the world to know that Edward was a respected Elder from the community from Paulatuuq. An Inuvialuk Beneficiary travelling around to make a living! Walking on the land. Providing for us—his kids. Working hard. Respecting the land, the waters, and everything that it provides today.

Edward’s words were well-thought-out. He would keep them right, short, to the point. He’d always tell us: watch yourselves, work hard, respect. If Edward was still here today, he’d probably say, like any other Elders: ensure that park is there for another 100 years.