Colleagues, I had the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Sports Circle NWT award ceremony on Saturday, December 7th. One of the reasons for attending this important event was to present the sport award winner: Lydia Nelner of Fort Simpson.
I got to know this young lady when she was playing soccer for a team my daughter coached. I watched this young, quiet lady become a leader and sharing her thoughts in a positive way. Lydia was the team's goalie and regardless of wins or loses, she kept the team on a positive path. I witnessed her listen to her teammates and coaches, take suggestions, and offering good advice throughout her soccer career. On top of being a good leader, she would help with the younger soccer teams to pass on her knowledge and love for the sport.
She represented the NWT at the NAIGs in Nova Scotia. In 2023, at the age of 18, Lydia expanded her sports and took up Dene games. She had achieved remarkable success and was selected to compete in the inaugural women's Dene games at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska.
Despite competing against older and more experienced athletes, Lydia won the bronze Ulu in the stick pull competition, showcasing her strength and determination.
Sports was not her only influence in the community. Lydia was selected for the Community Justice Committee in Fort Simpson and worked as a park’s interpreter in Nahanni National Park. She is currently studying at MC College in Edmonton to become a hair stylist.
Colleagues, Lydia is a positive role model in our community, regularly training at the fitness centre and encouraging others to lead healthy lifestyles. She is a proud ambassador for her culture, participating in drum dances and celebrating her Dene heritage. Lydia is self-taught makeup artist who loves to wear a different ribbon dress for each drum dance further embracing her cultural roots. Lydia's dedication to our community, her culture, and personal growth serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with hard work and determination, dreams can come true.
I would like to say to Ms. Nelner to continue to be a shining example of dedication and cultural pride in the community of Fort Simpson and the Deh Cho region.
I have attached her acceptance and her nomination speech at the end of my statement and ask it to be deemed as read.
Good evening, everyone. I was invited to highlight Lydia's involvement in sports, what she means to the community, and why she is so deserving of this Sport Award.
Starting at school Lydia had to compete right away, the youngest in her class, at early age Lydia had to work harder to keep up with the rest of her classmates. Lydia was always involved in organized sports soccer basketball throughout high school never missed practice and involved in all extra-curricular activities at home and outside the community Yellowknife, and Halifax for NAIG.
At home, Nicolas her Brother, helped nurture her competitiveness they are both very close she always looked up to her brother. She learnt to be brave and stand up for herself even though her brother very much older larger and equally as competitive. Facing her fears and expressing herself nurtured those skills in the comfort of home, and school. Speaking up and talking about things that are important to her.
Her brother's biggest influences is showing Lydia how to lift weights at the Fitness centre, both our siblings were "gym rats". Not too long after, Lydia was and still is a main fixture at the local fitness centre. Going every day, getting up at 6 in the morning, in order to have time during the day for all the rest of her daily activities.
Lydia entered the workforce at the tender age of 14 years old, starting the Northern store. During COVID she was classified as an Essential Worker, even with this elevated status because of her age she didn't qualify for the extra pay. Lydia has working class values, that need to be acknowledged especially in today's age, young people have very little role models where focus on working hard is a means to an end.
Our home epitomizes traditional family morals, as a father I provide and protect, my wife Trudy nurtures, combined makes a traditional family unit. Our family is centered on Working class values and traits. For Trudy and me, our fathers and mothers, grandparents and so on have always lived as a working-class family, just as out ancestor have lived before us.
Young people Lydia's age need more than ever to have someone to look up to. She's our shining light, a candle in the dark, a guiding beacon. My wife and I are absolutely so proud of what Lydia has accomplished in her young life so far, we look forward to many more accomplishments and milestones in the future. Mahsi.
I am deeply honored to accept this award tonight. This recognition means so much to me, not just as an athlete, but as a proud Member of our Aboriginal community. Sports have always been a significant part of our culture, teaching us the values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect.
I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has been invaluable throughout my journey. I also want to acknowledge my fellow athletes; your dedication and spirit are truly inspiring.
This award is a testament to our shared heritage and the strength of our community. I hope to continue to represent our traditions and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
