Hundreds gather in Old Crow for Joe Linklater's funeral

The community of Old Crow, Yukon, grew significantlyon Friday as people gathered to pay tribute to formerVuntutGwitchinFirst Nation Chief JoeLinklater, who died suddenly last weekend.

Linklater, 54, was chief from 1998 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2014. He most recently served as the First Nation's executive director in Old Crow.

• Former VuntutGwitchinchief Joe Linklaterdiesat 54

Much of the small town population 221 was shut down all week to mourn the former chief.

Many people flew to the community on Friday by chartered plane, from Whitehorse. Others also came from Inuvik, Aklavik, and Fort McPherson, N.W.T.

Afuneral procession led from the church toChief Zzeh Gittlitschool, where the memorial was held in the gym. Close to 300 people filled the room, singing hymns in Gwich'in.

Bruce Charlie, the current chief of the First Nation, said Linklater's death has had an impact on the whole community.

The former chiefwas remembered at the funeral as someone who dedicated his life to his community and people, and was a champion of education for young people.

Another former chief, Robert Bruce, said he'll remember Linklaterfor his work to raise awareness of climate change in the North, and also his work on economic development for the community.

Bruce recalledhow Linklaterwould say, "We've got to keep moving forward. We can't stop here."

The funeral was to be followed by a community feast. A moose killed earlier this week was donated for the event.

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