Fort Simpson (Oct 17/03) - Edward Cazon knows the most precious thing his father has now is time. At age 89, Baptiste Cazon is afflicted with congestive heart disease. Edward makes frequent trips from Edmonton to be by his dad's side.

Edward Cazon, right, spends time with his father, Baptiste, at the long-term care facility in Fort Simpson. Edward brought his dad a few keepsakes on his most recent visit. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

On his most recent visit, he brought along two mementos that he knew his father would appreciate. The first was a Canadian Centennial medal. It was awarded to Baptiste in 1967. The medal, which commemorates Canada's 100th anniversary, was bestowed upon those who provided valuable service to the country.

At that point, Baptiste had been chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation for more than a decade.

"In his generation the chiefs were unpaid," Edward noted. "Everything they did was voluntary because they cared for their people so much. They were good, honest men whose word was gold."

Baptiste lost his original centennial medal during the 1980s. Edward, one of Baptiste's and Alphonsine Cazon's 18 children, recently called the Governor General's office and ordered a replacement.

"I wanted him to be able to hold it in his hands and look at it," Edward explained.

Proud of himself

"When he saw it he smiled and he said he was proud of himself."

The second gift was a copy of a book on former Governor General Georges Vanier.

The biography contains a passage that expresses how enchanted Vanier was as he watched a drum dance performed by Baptiste Cazon, Gabe Sanguez and another man in Fort Simpson circa 1961.

Edward relayed the details as he showed his father the book's cover, emblazoned with Vanier's portrait.

"That was a long time ago," Baptiste said, his voice a faint gasp. Edward had to track the biography down at a specialty, out-of-print book store in Edmonton. He said he can recall his mother telling of how Vanier seemed so comfortable while he took in the festivities.

"He was just relaxed," he said of the Governor General. "He just enjoyed himself."