Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most of us in the NWT understand that we co-exist with the wildlife that surrounds us. At times, the two worlds collide, which can result with the injury or worse, a fatality.

Mr. Speaker, last Friday, we all received notice that, in the early hours of the morning, a young lady in Hay River was mauled by a bear in a residential area. What transpired is nothing short of heroism. Shelley Wood, a female occupant of the residence who just received her knitting supplies earlier that day, decided to stay up late and start the process of making use of those supplies. Whether or not it was fate that she stayed up, it was fortunate that she did. It was around 2:30 am in the morning that she heard a commotion outside.

Mr. Speaker, upon looking through a window onto the deck, she witnessed a person being viciously attacked by a bear. At that point, she picked up some boots, went outside, and threw them at the bear. Realizing the bear was not backing down, she ran back in, yelling for help from her spouse, Roy Helmer. Roy, unaware of what was really happening, awoke from a deep sleep and sprang into action. Without hesitation, he ran outside and saw that the bear was dragging the girl down the stairs. He grabbed another boot and threw it at the bear. The bear would not back away from the young lady. Roy grabbed a heavy cement statue and went after the bear. He threw the statue at the bear, hitting it, causing the bear to release the young lady and momentarily retreat. This provided Roy the time he needed to pull the young lady to the safety of his home.

Mr. Speaker, the combined actions of Roy Helmer and Shelley Wood saved this young lady's life. The young lady was fortunate to have survived such a vicious bear attack. She has since been transported to Edmonton for medical treatment. I would like her and her family to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, without thought for their own safety, Roy Helmer and Shelley Wood rushed to the aid of the young lady in distress. If ever there was an event that shows heroism, this is such an event. I would like to recognize and have this House show our appreciation to both Roy Helmer and Shelley Wood for unselfishly placing themselves in harm's way to save the life of this young lady. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause