Mr. Speaker, before I focus on the vital work we must do together in this House, I must first report with a heavy heart of the tragedies that have so deeply affected my Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh communities in the recent months. We dedicate Christmas seasons to our families and loved ones, but sadly this year, our communities were grieving. One after another, I have attended funerals and Celebration of Life to grieve with my community members and their families, and I still grieve with them when I return to my constituency meetings or just a call to check in because the losses are so great; there is still much mourning taking place.
Last year in N'dilo, we lost a respected elder Alex Beaulieu, and then tragically, his son, more recently in the new year, the loss of Roland Conrad also deeply affected the community as well. The Beaulieus are a big family here in the North, and sadly, the loss of Gail Beaulieu, a respected elder who also was a nurse in the Fort Resolution for over 30 plus years. And Tom Beaulieu, Tommy Beaulieu, who is also a respected elder who also worked for the GNWT for 30 plus years in Fort Resolution for the GNWT. As well the people of Fort Resolution experienced even more loss with the respective passing of a young man Anthony King; a well-respected elder Eddie Fabien; a respected elder Nancy Hunter; and another respected elder Kenny Jean Reimer. Further the loss of the late respected elder who also we all know here in the House and also a translator was the late Tom Unka who was also a respected elder from our community. From so closely we felt and had worked in this building for 15 years with Mr. Unka, and my heart goes out to the families. The loss of another young man Jason Larocque and Sky Champagne, another young lady. It was also a painful experience for the community given their very young age.
The community of Lutselk'e unfortunately experienced their share of profound sorrows as well this Christmas. They also lost Cathy Marlowe, Jamie Sanderson, and Adam Casaway, and their community will never be the same without them. These deep personal losses made for at Christmastime of much grieving and sorrow. The loss of so many elders in such short period of time is a profound reminder that this generation who raised us and guided us are sadly now passing on. Certainly, all cultures cherish and value their elders but for Indigenous communities, we have lost so much to centuries of colonialism, their connection to our land, history, and will be hard to replace. But thankfully, the knowledge they have passed on through their teachings and story tellings, the knowledge of culture they have lived on the land since time immemorial, we will carry through into eternity because our generations will keep the spirit of all of our ancestors alive.
In the long term, their experience are our blessing and will keep us strong. But right now our hearts are still aching. Please pray for my communities, also to all the communities in the Northwest Territories who also lost loved ones in the recent months, because the hard times are easier when we face them together. I just want to say condolences with a heavy heart to all the families in my riding and to the families who lost loved ones over the holidays. Mahsi.
Our condolences go out to all the families and our prayers.
Members' statements. Motions.
Before we go any further, I'd like to look up into the gallery and recognize Mr. Marc Whitford, president from North Slave Metis. Thank you very much for coming to our Assembly.
