Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about the Aboriginal Sports Circle in the Northwest Territories awards program and how they recognize and give credit to exceptional community members in the NWT sports system. They recognize individuals who have continuously shown dedication, hard work, made significant contributions, and made a positive difference in their respective communities across the NWT. Mr. Speaker, the Nahendeh region had two winners. Yesterday, I spoke of Jonathan Tsetso. Today, I will speak about the other award winner from the Nahendeh region.
During the 2018 award ceremony, the organization recognized Jacqueline Whelly for the community-building award. This award is presented to an individual who has contributed a great amount of time and energy to the community to assist the coaches, athletes, and others in any sport and recreation events.
Jacqueline Whelly is known across the NWT for her hard work and dedication as both a teacher and a community champion. A winner of the Scott McAdam Youth award from the NWTRPA in 2013, Jacqueline continued to be a major presence in her home community of Fort Simpson as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Over the years, Jacqueline has chaperoned dozens of sports teams across the NWT and beyond to tournaments and training. She frequently volunteers her time to keep the gym open, run training and practices, and is always there for the youth who look up to her as a coach and role model.
Jacqueline has been a pivotal in the in the Sober Steve and Sober Sally program in Fort Simpson, which offers youth the chance to participate in positive and fun sober activities on the weekend, in a safe place. She also volunteers for the Lights On initiative, which also gives youth a safe place in the evening and weekends. One of Jacqueline's greatest strengths is how she believes in the youth of her community and seeks to empower them to become the next generation of leaders. She is always willing to listen, help establish a program, or be available to help in whatever capacity she's able. Jacqueline is not only a super coach, but she's also a super teacher, and a super mom. She continues to be a central community member, and for this, she is recognized for the 2018 Community Builder's Award.
Ms. Whelly would like to thank Aboriginal Sports Circle for the award, and Minister Cochrane for representing the ward since her dad was not able to attend the ceremony. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.