Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past week Detah suffered the loss of one of their respected and hard-working elders. Mary Adele Sangris lived a hard but rewarding life. She not only raised and supported her family of 15 children but also helped the community and supported her husband Joe who was chief of the community for over 30 years. Most of Joe's life was spent like most people of the day hunting and trapping in the bush and travelling far distances for caribou hunts. Mary Adele and the rest of her family were at his side most of the time. During times of celebrations and meetings, Mary Adele would be cooking and helping her husband's guests feel welcome in their home and make sure no one was left out or went hungry.
Over the years she worked to make her community a safe and good place for her family and friends to work and live. She was also very active in supporting local politicians that ran for all levels of government. I know when I was originally elected in 1971 she worked to ensure that I received Detah's vote.
On Saturday the community, friends and family said goodbye to this great mother, friend and community supporter. The Dogrib region wishes to send our condolences to her family and know that she will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.