This is page numbers 11 - 42 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was assembly.

Topics

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use my Member's statement today to thank the people of the Deh Cho electoral riding for instilling in me the confidence to represent them as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The riding consists of the communities of Kakisa, Enterprise, K'atlodeeche, and Fort Providence.

Although I didn't receive a resounding number of votes from the communities in my riding, each and every one will be treated fairly and with the respect they so deserve. Many in these communities are my friends and will continue to be so, including the many new friends I have met on the campaign trail.

Elections always have a way of dividing people, even close relatives and friends. We need to put all that aside now and continue with our daily lives for the betterment of the communities and especially the people, young and old.

I have to give a big shout-out to my family for their unwavering support throughout this campaign, be it encouraging words, financial resources, or the organizing of gatherings. You just can't beat the love of family, especially my grandchildren, in whose eyes I see hope and optimism for the future, the future of which I will be a part of charting. As the Dene elders have always stated, "The children are our future."

I would also like to recognize the many years of service to the Deh Cho riding from the previous Members of the Legislative Assembly. They include Sam Gargan, who served four terms; Michael McLeod, who served three terms; and Michael Nadli, who served two terms. Your contributions have not been forgotten by the people of the Deh Cho riding, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to you all.

I do have big shoes to fill and am up to the challenge, albeit with ongoing support and advice from all the people of the Deh Cho riding. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Gender-based Violence
Members' Statements

Page 19

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Along with my colleagues, I would like to recognize that today is World Human Rights Day, which marks the conclusion of The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. After publishing the priorities of this 19th Assembly, it was pointed out by a number of my constituents that any mention of working to address violence against women was missing from the list. This is an omission that I believe this Assembly must rectify. It must be made clear that taking action to end domestic violence and gender-based violence is a priority of this Assembly.

In the throne speech last week, the federal government committed to reconciliation and responding to the calls for justice of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We are living in an Indigenous territory, and we work within a gender-balanced Assembly. We can and should be leading the way on ending gender-based violence. This is a difficult topic to speak about. It is a topic of actual tragedy, and, with some of the worst domestic violence rates in the country, this tragedy is taking place right now.

This is a difficult topic for me to speak about. I find the voice of men is all too often silent on fighting gender-based violence, despite men overwhelmingly being the perpetrators. This silence places an unfair burden on the victims to also be advocates for change. This silence is reinforced by a culture in which too many men and boys are discouraged from speaking with vulnerability, from admitting weakness or sadness or pain. This is a part of the narrative that needs to change. I believe we in this House must not shy away from speaking about the things that are hard to speak about, about the roots of tragedies that are still taking place and about the faults in our systems, in ourselves, and about the desperate need for change, change in a society that disproportionately harms our most vulnerable.

Much of the policy work to enact this change has already been done for us. The Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls calls for justice are addressed specifically to governments. In this report, one of the roadblocks identified was a lack of political will. I am here to say the political will exists in the Northwest Territories. This 19th Assembly is now writing its mandate. Now is the time to commit to implementing the calls for justice in collaboration with all levels of government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Gender-based Violence
Members' Statements

Page 19

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Eulogy for Persis Gruben
Members' Statements

Page 19

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I want to pay tribute to an important member of our community who reached her 101 years of experience and accomplishments, Ms. Persis Gruben, on her passing.

Persis was born somewhere along the Peel River on October 20, 1918, to Sarah and Liman Koe. Her father Liman passed away when she was three years old, so Reverend Whitaker chose Lenny Iglangasak to be Sarah's husband, even though she was Gwich'in and he was Inuvialuit. He would be a good provider, loving husband, and father. Together they had nine children: five daughters and four boys.

Her father's half-brother, John Keevik, gave Persis her Inuvialuktun name, Ayounnik. As a young girl, Persis learned Inuvialuktun from her dad because she had to translate conversations with her Inuvialuktun dad and her Gwich'in mother. She taught her mother how to speak Inuvialuktun.

Between 1925 and 1930, Persis and her family lived at Pierce Point, Tom Cod Bay, and at Sachs Harbour. In 1930, Persis went to Anglican residential school at Shingle Point for three years. Later she was tested for her academic level, and she was evaluated to be at grade five.

Her school had no running water, no electricity, no phones, no radios. They did have an outhouse. The older students had to gather and cut driftwood from the beach. Ice and snow were melted for drinking water, cooking, and cleaning. The only music they heard was played on an organ at the church.

Persis' family travelled in the spring, hunting caribou and seal along the coast. At Pierce Point, her dad set nets for char and hunted seal for the dogs. White fox and polar bears were in abundance at Banks Island when they first arrived there. Children were not permitted to play outside because so many polar bears were nearby. There weren't any caribou, only rabbits, seals, and snowy owls. Persis said the snowy owls were fat and tasted like chicken.

Persis married Charlie Gruben in March 1937, in Aklavik's All Saints Anglican Church. Together they had 11 children, six boys and five girls; so many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, and she loved each and every one of her babies, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies.

Persis has shared so much with her family and friends: stories, laughter, artistic ability. I seriously think she had a gravitational force within, because her presence keeps her whole family together. The family loved her so much, and, as a community, we loved her so much, and she showed us her love in return.

We are fortunate and blessed to have shared all of those special moments with Persis, our Nan, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, friend, cousin, and sister. She taught her children how to love without judgement and look past a person's outward appearance. She was full of courage, inspiration, wisdom, and gratitude. I wish that we could all live a life like she has, with pride and fortitude.

Persis has given us precious childhood memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. Mr. Speaker, a celebration of life will be held tomorrow at City Hall at 2:00 p.m., and I will be in attendance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Eulogy for Persis Gruben
Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Eulogy for Harold Bertrand
Members' Statements

Page 20

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, it is an honour for me to stand in the House and speak about the passing of a well-known man from the community of Fort Liard.

Harold Paul Bertrand was born on October 11, 1968, in Fort Liard, to his parents, Francois and Pauline Bertrand. Harold was the third youngest of the family. He passed away on September 24, 2019, with his loving family around him.

Harold was known as a DJ back in his young days. He would get the old community hall just rocking with his music selection. It was funny watching him play music, then get himself on the dance floor, and, before the song was over, he would be back up on the stage, getting ready to play the next song. From what I heard, people loved to watch him dance, as they knew he was in his element on the dance floor.

Harold met the love of his life, Jeannie Edda, and they had two children, Camilla and Cameron Bertrand. Harold loved his children and his granddaughter, Sadika McLeod.

Harold worked at ENR as a firefighter from June 1993 until August 2014. From there, he went to work for Beaver Enterprises, Wolf Trail Slashing Ventures, and Acho Camps and Catering.

He spent a lot of time with his mother and was always humorous. If something was really bothering him, he would address it in a humorous way. Harold liked to go boating with his good friend Brian Hope and his brother-in-law William at Bouvie Lake. Simply put, he enjoyed being out on the land and being able to provide for his family.

Besides the birth of his children, Harold was honoured to be the best man at his sister Sylvia's wedding this past year.

Harold will be greatly missed by his children, mother, granddaughter, sisters, and brothers.

Mr. Speaker, the Bertrand family would like to thank everybody for all of their support and kindness during their time of sorrow. They appreciated everyone who has been able to attend his funeral. As well, we would like to thank all the medical staff in Fort Liard, Fort Simpson, and Yellowknife.

He will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Eulogy for Harold Bertrand
Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.

Eulogy for Romeo Berube
Members' Statements

Page 20

Katrina Nokleby

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to recognize and remember my constituent and neighbour, Romeo Berube. He passed away suddenly at Stanton Territorial Hospital on December 5, 2019, at the age of 82. Romeo is predeceased by his adored wife, Angeline Mercredi, and will be dearly missed by his seven children, Margaret, John, Fred, Charlotte, Gladys, Yolande, and Darryl; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his three sisters and their families.

Romeo was originally from Ville Marie, Quebec, and his family moved with him to Yellowknife in 1972. He dedicated many years to working at Con Mine and Giant Mine.

A true gentleman, Romeo was always willing to help those around him, and, as my immediate neighbour, I can attest to that, as well. He was passionate about volunteering as ambassador at the Yellowknife Airport, where he had the opportunity to meet new people.

Romeo was a jovial character who loved to laugh and to make his family and friends smile. He wasn't weighed down by the struggles of everyday life; rather, he embraced it. He always enjoyed socializing and was often seen at the local stores, coffee shops, or banks, chatting with everyone.

Romeo will always be remembered and forever missed by his family and friends. There will an announcement about the celebration of life to come. Thank you.

Eulogy for Romeo Berube
Members' Statements

Page 20

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 20

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Members, please join me in welcoming Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford, former Commissioner, Speaker, Member, Minister, Sergeant-at-Arms, and honorary Clerk of the Table.

Also, Members, with us today is Mr. David Jones, the Legislative Assembly's Integrity Commissioner. Welcome.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize three Pages from Yellowknife Centre who are helping us this week: Ms. Juniper Falvo, Madison Mobach, and a return appearance by Desiree Pitt. I would like to thank the Pages for all of the work that they do for us. Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Next, we have the Member for Kam Lake.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

Caitlin Cleveland

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Mr. Tony Whitford, who is sitting next to my mother, Kam Lake resident, Carole Tetlow. I would also like to thank her for teaching me the importance of building up people in communities with our hearts as our compass.

I would like to also recognize Sir John Franklin High School students, young women, and Kam Lake residents, the ridiculously talented Lana Saunders and, also, smart-as-a-whip Adrienne Lam, who are working as Pages today and paving their own path to becoming future leaders.

I also notice a neighbour of mine, Sara Minogue, sitting up there, and also Kam Lake resident Sarah Kalnay-Watson, who is also a constituency assistant for Yellowknife South. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

Lesa Semmler

Lesa Semmler Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my constituency assistant, Loretta Rogers, who travelled with me this week. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize someone who, as we've just heard, is always looking out for me: my mother, Ms. Betty Lyons. I would also like to acknowledge my constituent, Ms. Donna O'Brien; and, of course she's back, my sweetheart, Ms. Chantelle Lafferty. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

December 10th, 2019

Page 21

Katrina Nokleby

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This constituent is going to have to forgive me with the pronunciation of her name. I'd like to welcome Emilie Tourangeau, the communications officer for College nordique francophone, for being here; my constituent, thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

Frieda Martselos

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ernie Daniels, First Nation President for First Nation Finance Authority for Canada.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a few people in the gallery, as well: my wife, Betty Lyons, who travelled here with me for this; and my daughter-in-law, Chantelle Lafferty, hiding over there; and a friend of mine, Donna O'Brien. As well, I'd like to recognize Mr. Ernie Daniels, who I haven't seen in years. It's nice to see you again. Thank you.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 21

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.