Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise with great honour to congratulate a well-respected constituent of the Mackenzie Delta and a lifelong resident of Teetl’it Zheh. Ms. Mary Teya is the recent recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories. The Order of the Northwest Territories recognizes individuals who have served with great distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefitting the people of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I personally cannot think of anyone else more deserving to receive this distinguished award other than Ms. Teya. I have known Ms. Teya all my life, and she was worked tirelessly in many different capacities to see that the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the Northwest Territories, and her beloved community of Teetl’it Zheh, be treated equally and be given all the opportunities that they deserve in order to live a healthy lifestyle.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Teya has worked as a community volunteer, a health representative, a community counsellor, a community leader and, most recent, before her retirement, a reverend at St. Matthew's Church in Teetl’it Zheh. Including retirement is an understatement because today she still lends her voice to the community in order that the residents of Teetl’it Zheh be given all the opportunities to lead a prosperous lifestyle. All these capacities that Ms. Teya has worked on during her distinguished career was because she wanted the best for the Indigenous people of our great nation.
Mr. Speaker, I have known Ms. Teya all my life, and I have personally witnessed all these tasks that she has undertaken for the benefit of her people. Ms. Teya has an open door policy in that she will not turn anyone away if they are in need of help. I believe that Ms. Teya looks out for the best interests of the future of our community. Ms. Teya still advocates for the younger generation of our community because she believes they are the future leaders and decision makers and should be involved in the community meetings to make them aware of our everyday struggles.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to ask my colleagues, the residents of the Northwest Territories, and especially the residents of Teetl’it Zheh, in congratulating Ms. Teya on receiving the Order of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.
