Colleague, you know every once and a while, you find a person that loves a job and stays there for their whole career. I had a constituent from Fort Liard that did that. Mrs. Corinne Sassie had spent more than 35 years of dedicated service to the youth of Fort Liard at the Acho Dene School. I can imagine that she is looking forward to her welldeserved retirement. As the principal said, she leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to education, her culture and tradition.
When you look at someone's employment story, you get a good picture of who that person is. Corinne began as a student support assistant at the Acho Dene School where her deep dedication to the academic and personal growth of every student she worked with is evident. Over the years, she passionately pursued opportunities within the school, eventually rising to the role of Indigenous language educator. In this role, she was instrumental in preserving and revitalizing the Dene Zhati language, ensuring the cultural heritage remained an integral part of our educational experience.
Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and community members with her warmth, knowledge, and tireless advocacy for the Indigenous language and culture. I can tell you her contributions have left an indelible mark on Acho Dene School and the community, which has helped shape the educational landscape for future generations to come.
Colleagues, her impact extends far beyond the walls of the Acho Dene School. In the community, she has fostered cultural pride and identity among the students, providing vital mentorship and support services. Regionally, her efforts have led to a greater recognition and respect for the Dene language and culture, creating a more inclusive learning environment for students across the region. Territorially, she has championed Indigenous education policies and practices, addressed systemic barriers and injustices faced by Indigenous students.
As she embarks on her new journey, the whole community of Fort Liard, the Dehcho region, and myself, we salute her remarkable contribution to education and the Dene culture. We wish her all the best and an enjoyable retirement and new adventures, knowing that her legacy of passion, dedication, and advocacy will continue to inspire us all. Again, I would like to thank her for her service to the youth, the community, and region. I hope to see you in Liard the next time I am there. Thank you, Colleagues.
Members' statements. Member from Dehcho.
