Debates of August 15, 2007 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Robert and Firth families in Fort McPherson on the passing of Rosie Firth. Rosie passed away on Saturday morning in the community of Fort McPherson. Rosie was well known and respected for sewing and beading. Rosie’s work can be seen in museums across Canada and one of her many accomplishments you can see here in the Legislative Assembly on our Mace. Rosie Firth of Fort McPherson did the Delta braid beadwork on the shaft of the Mace.

She was a great lady who contributed to not only herself, but had her house open to anyone who came to visit. She will be greatly missed throughout the Northwest Territories and the Yukon and also in the whole community of Fort McPherson. She shared her food, her stories, her knowledge and wisdom and especially the Gwich’in culture and language that she had to give.

I had an opportunity to visit Rosie before she passed away, which is something I will always cherish for the rest of my life.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the Mackenzie Delta, I would like to say thank you to Mary Ross and her family, Norman and Denise Firth and their families, for sharing their mother and grandmother with all of us.

I would just like to say thank you very, very, very, very much. Mahsi cho, for Rosie will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.