Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize just a few of the amazing artists of the Weledeh riding, knowing that this exercise simply reflects the incredibly talented people that can be found throughout the Northwest Territories in every one of our ridings. In doing so, I hope to underscore the important role and mentorship these people have in strengthening our community and northern spirit, our social relationships and our economy.
I’d like to start with mentioning visual artists in Dettah/N’dilo: Henry Beaulieu, Peter Mitchell, Alex Betsina. Craftspeople and artisans in Dettah: Paul Mackenzie, Roy Sangris and Lawrence Sangris. Traditional sewing, beadwork and clothing elders: Mary Louise Drygeese, Mary Louise Sangris, Judith Charlo and in N’dilo Mary Jane Francois and Helen Mackenzie. Younger folks in that area are Violet Martin, Alice Wifladt-Sangris and Priscilla Sangris.
Alex Czarnecki, film director and producer, is to about premiere his insightful documentary Water is Life at NACC on October 6. France Benoit has an internationally acclaimed film, Alicia and the Mystery Box, and Reflections on the McKenzie Gas Project will premiere in January. Internationally acclaimed cinematographer Terry Wolffe has just returned from Hollywood where he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the series Ice Road Truckers.
Terry Pamplin is a well known artist who paints in vivid colours, doing portraits and scenic and imaginative works. Sheila Hodgkinson is well known for her vivid portrayal of Old Town heritage and landscapes around Yellowknife. Diane Mercredi, Rosalind Mercredi and many others are talented visual artists in Weledeh. Diane Boudreau, exceptional natural landscape sculptor and painter, collects beverage containers from Weledeh residents so she can fund her work helping the mentally challenged find and express their artistic talents.
Matthew Grogono is well known for his glass etchings and reuse of old liquor bottles to produce prized gifts. Ben Nind is executive director of the Northern Arts and Cultural Center and a nationally recognized actor on stage. Pat Braden is an extraordinary musician who’s now developing a performing arts reputation. Maureen Crotty, flautist, just performed with other classical musicians at NACC last week.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
The extra time reflects the many artists we have: Tracy Riley, Azure Degrow and Stephen Kakfwi are a few of the well known Weledeh musicians. Our talented photographers include Tessa Macintosh, Fran Hurcomb, Alex Beaudin and Ozgur Culha, to name a few. Christine Bourqe is known for her unique and original fur garment designs. We have Inuit sculptors, potters, jewellry makers, graphic artists, writers such as Jamie Bastedo, who has written many books of various sorts.
Mr. Speaker, our amazing artist community contributes to quality of life and plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents. We do not speak enough about the benefits we have in the North. One is most certainly our arts community. We must continue to increase our investment in our artists. Colleagues, I ask you to please join me in recognizing the talented artists of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.
Applause.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
