Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday it was, once again, my honour and privilege to present Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals to two well-deserving recipients from the Deh Cho. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals are among the ways the Government of Canada is celebrating outstanding contributions that the subjects of Queen Elizabeth II have made to their country. The Commissioner, Premier, MP and Senator have been accepting nominations for the medal as part of a year-long celebration that ends on February 28th.
A former colleague, Mr. Sam Gargan, was among those who received this honour yesterday. For 16 years Mr. Gargan was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Deh Cho and also Speaker of this House. He also served his people as chief of the Deh Ga Got’ie First Nation, grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations and mayor of Fort Providence. As founder and guiding member of Keepers of the Water, Mr. Gargan continues to raise the profile of northern water quality and environmental issues, and upholds traditional Dene values, culture and ways of life.
Johnny Landry was born and raised in Fort Providence. He started singing in South Slavey in the early 1980s, writing songs inspired by stories the elders told. He recorded his first album “We Are Standing” in 1986 and toured extensively throughout Denendeh, helping people heal and revitalize their Dene culture, heritage and language through music.
Mrs. Margaret Thom is a well-respected Fort Providence elder and role model. She has dedicated herself to counselling and education, facilitating, and volunteer work to benefit people of all ages, lending her skills to healing circles, parenting workshops and cultural camps, among many other endeavours. Mrs. Thom is the former Deputy Commissioner, as well, a title she held for six years.
The medal presentation ceremony was a wonderful celebration of the people of the Deh Cho and their great impact Mr. Gargan, Mr. Landry and Mrs. Thom have made on our future. Once again, it was my honour to participate in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of these individuals and how they continue to influence and inspire the people of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
