Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, today I speak about the passing of an elder, Victorine Desjarlais, of Lutselk'e, whom everyone knew as "Vicky." Vicky was born on May 3, 1932, and was predeceased by her husband Philip Desjarlais, who was a former chief of Lutselk'e Dene First Nation; and her siblings: Albina, Morris, Johnny, Frank, Harriet, and Henry; as well as her granddaughter, Layla. Vicky was survived by her 10 children: Stella, Stan, Ron, Roy, Shirley, Tommy, Joyce, Kenny, Cheryl, and Cindy; as well as her sister Christine, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Vicky was an amazing woman. She raised her family with her spiritual teachings, traditional knowledge, cultural values and beliefs, as well as respect for the land, water, and wildlife. She had a great sense of humour and loved to tell stories and share her traditional knowledge. She loved beading and sewing traditional clothing for her family. I was lucky enough to obtain a beautiful pair of gloves that she made. She also loved being out on the land. And most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. Vicky's strong wisdom, teachings, and wonderful stories will forever live on in the hearts of her family and future generations to come. I visited with Vicky occasionally during my community visits and always enjoyed whatever she wanted to tell me.

I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to Vicky's family, friends, and to all of the people of Lutselk'e who respected her greatly. She will be sorrowfully missed by those people and everyone around the area that knew Vicky. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.