Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take a moment today to celebrate the fact that one of our northern icons, Sharon Firth, will be inducted into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame tomorrow during their tribute to Canadian women in skiing this weekend. A world-renowned cross country skier, Sharon was a Member of Canada's cross country team, alongside her late sister Shirley, for an incredible 17 years. Together, they competed in countless national and international championships and had the historic honour of being the first Indigenous female athletes at the Winter Olympics. Not only is Sharon an incredible athlete but she's also a dedicated public servant and activist. She and her sister are also residential school survivors and share the trauma many Indigenous children face growing up in the North.
Born in Aklavik to Gwich'in and Metis parents, Sharon was introduced to cross country skiing at a young age thanks to the territorial experimental ski program, and the rest was history. Through their hard work and dedication, the Firth sisters constantly trained through the cold winter days, that were all familiar with up here, and would soon come to dominate the sport for decades. They have since become the first Indigenous women awarded the Order of Sport, and Sharon herself has received the Order of Canada, the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. While Shirley has sadly passed, Sharon has continued to offer her expertise, training, and nurturing successive generations of talent and informing public policy regarding recreation and sport. Thank you so much, Sharon, for all that you've done to bring northern and Indigenous athletes to the world's attention. You are a pioneer, a trailblazer, a role model, and my friend. And I know you still have much more to contribute to the Northwest Territories, and I know we all stand together in this House to congratulate you. Thank you, Sharon.
Thank you. I'm going to go to the Member from Yellowknife North.
