Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Pauline Ekotlah Bertrand was born in Snake River, BC, on May 2nd, 1933. Her Dene name was GoYah, little sister. Unfortunately this is where her and her little brother Sam had lost their parents at a very young age. Not long afterwards, their grandmother Margaret took them home to Pretty Hill, which is known as La Jolie Butte, to live. From there she was taught how to hunt, fish, trap to which she passed on these teachings to her children. As a young lady, she married her husband Francis Bertrand, and they settled down and made their home in Pretty Hill. This is where their 12 children were born and raised. Together, Pauline and Francis provided for their family by trapping, hunting, and fishing from the land. It has been said that she worked very hard with no complaints. It was part of life. The little joke with the family was even taking care of the household chores such as laundry, which was no match for her.
She was known for always being ready and willing to help her children with the tasks of providing and help looking after their children when needed. As it could be seen, she loved each and every one of them.
Pauline lived and loved the traditional lifestyle of the Dene people and enjoyed travelling with her family, whether it was on river or on the land. She will always be remembered for her bannock, supply of dry meat, sewing, moose hide tanning, and other personal interests and hobbies she would pick up.
Mr. Speaker, Pauline will be remembered for her beautiful smile, laugh, and she will always have a big hug for her loved ones. It has been known that she loved to sing her favorite songs and sometimes known to dance.
Pauline was predeceased by her husband, brother, two sons, and two grandchildren. She leaves behind three daughters, five sons, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and other nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, she will be forever missed by her surviving family and friends.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community at this time.
