Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Elder Mary Effie Snowshoe from Fort McPherson. Mary Effie was recently in Calgary to accept the Indspire Award for Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality.
Mr. Speaker, Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that focuses on the education of Indigenous people. Their vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement.
Each year, Indspire presents the Indspire Awards, honouring success and achievement by Indigenous people. Indspire celebrates and recognizes First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals who contribute for the long-term benefit towards their family, community, and Canada.
Mr. Speaker, at 81 years old, Mary Effie Snowshoe grew up being taught the Gwich'in traditional way of life from her parents; hunting, fishing, trapping, preparing food, and tanning moose skin. Mary Effie continues to pass on her knowledge to family as well as to visitors to the community and visitors to her fish camp.
Up until 2003, Jijjuu Mary Effie taught the Gwich'in language for 24 years until she retired. "Retired" is not in her vocabulary, as she continues to help with traditional activities in the community and school, as well as play host to numerous traditional teachings at her fish camp.
Mr. Speaker, Mary Effie has a wealth of stories to share, each with a spiritual meaning. She is eager to take you by the hand to teach you on-the-land survival skills.
We are fortunate to have elders such as Mary Effie in our community. We have so much to learn, and we should take advantage and learn from our elders, such as a wise woman. Congratulations, Jijuu Mary Effie Snowshoe. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.