Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today, Sandra passed away on this day. I send condolences for her family and all her friends are there. [Translation ends]
Sandra Faye Lockhart was a vibrant Indigenous woman of Cree and Dakota ancestry. She was given the spiritual name of White Thunder Bird Woman by the grandmothers and grandfathers through a ceremony. She connected her spiritual name to the dramatic way in which she came into this world: her mother, alone on a traditional trail on Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, gave birth to her.
Sandra became a citizen of Lutselk'e Dene First Nation when she married Chief Felix Lockhart, who was mesmerized by her the day that he first saw her and bumped into a table at the Red Apple when they locked eyes for the first time. Sandra was equally spellbound by the introduction to "a chief" who eventually became her life partner. When the news of their marriage was announced in the community hall at Lutselk'e, the whole hall cheered in relief that Felix was finally getting married.
Sandra had one daughter, 11 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She raised four of her grandchildren and was the family matriarch. Sandra's daughter Rhonda was her comfort, and their loving relationship was very close throughout their lives. Sandra was also a very creative and talented quilter. She loved cooking, too, and she would try new recipes, like turkey stuffed with lemons, which became a holiday tradition.
Sandra was a fearless activist of profound wisdom. She inspired others to think about the big picture, how we all fit into it and what we could do to make change and challenge the status quo. She was an inspirational writer and conversationalist who influenced others in her community, territorially, nationally, and even globally.
Sandra had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and openly shared the trauma she experienced throughout her life and her healing journey. Sandra was a strong spiritual woman on all levels. She was a traditionalist who smudged, participated in ceremonies, and picked and used medicines, and she loved listening to podcasts of Christian speakers.
Sandra graduated from the Aurora College Nursing Program at the top of her class and received the Helen Gibson Award presented to students in nursing who overcame obstacles. She was the first Indigenous Wellness Coordinator at the Stanton Hospital, and worked in that position for eight years. She was a founding member of the Canadian Institute for Health Research and was a nationally recognized leader in the union movement. Her work was acknowledged with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award. Sandra was enrolled in the Global Leadership Master Program through Royal Roads University until her health declined and she returned home. She will truly be missed by those who met and loved her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
