Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is March 4th and a respected elder in Aklavik is celebrating her 98th birthday. Respected elder Mary Kendi of Aklavik reached 98 today. The family are preparing to celebrate their mother’s birthday on Saturday, March 9th, at the Sittichinli Community Complex in Aklavik, and the community is invited to share in this event.
Mary was born in Aklavik on March 4, 1915. Mary attended the residential school in Hay River from 1920-1923. Mary and Alfred Kendi were married on July 1, 1932, and had nine children.
Mary lived the traditional lifestyle and taught many the wisdom passed down from her ancestors. Mary did traditional sewing and sewed traditional clothing for a living. Her involvement with the Women’s Auxiliary brought her to Africa, along with Bella Ross, in 1977. The family would like to recognize their mother’s accomplishments at this event this coming Saturday.
Colleagues, please help me in wishing Mary Kendi a very happy birthday today.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. Mary Kendi, happy birthday on Saturday, and I hope you have a good day. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
