Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send my condolences to the Bruce family of Old Crow on the passing of their mother, their grandmother and, more importantly, a very important figure in the Gwich’in region.
Mr. Speaker, the Gwich’in people from across the Northwest Territories will be gathering today in Old Crow for the passing of Reverend Ellen Bruce. Ellen was the first northern aboriginal woman to be ordained in the Anglican Church and also was a member of the Order of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, Reverend Bruce is well known for her work with the church, but more importantly, working with the Gwich’in people and retaining the Gwich’in culture and language. She also was very easy and approachable to share her wisdom and her knowledge with everyone who knew her.
Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity this summer to spend time in Aklavik with Ellen, her daughter Bella, and Freddy Greenland in Aklavik, where she’d spent a lot of time over the last couple of years visiting family, relatives, and mostly her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Bruce will pass as one of those unique people that we meet in our lifetimes, who basically made you feel welcome every time you meet her, but more importantly, knowing that her beliefs in God, and more importantly, the importance of working together and retaining our culture and taking care of our fellowmen.
Mr. Speaker, with that, I would like to pass my condolences up to the people in Aklavik, for Old Crow and, more importantly, the Bruce family and for all the people who take their time to remember Ellen Bruce in her passing. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
