Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Evelyn Georgina Ross Perry, Tetlit Gwich'in member of our community, was a loving mom, cherished friend, beacon of love in all our loves. Evelyn's warmth and compassion touched everyone she met but it was her role as a ** and great ** that she truly shined. Evelyn was born on November 16th, 1946 and was the second oldest daughter of the late ** Ross and was traditionally and lovingly raised by her grandmother, the late Sarah Peter and great uncle the late Roddy Peter.

She spoke fluently in her Gwich'in language and practiced her Gwich'in culture and was a good cook, a licensed fur seamstress, everything but macrame, she would say, and talented beader and embroiderer. And, of course, good storyteller. Evelyn loved life and had the biggest heart of anyone. She loved karaoke, spending time with her family and many friends. When Evelyn was home, she enjoyed participating in community events and loved the Midway Lake Music Festival where she was her true Gwich'in self. Evelyn was our biggest supporter in faith, culture, and language traditions.

She later went to business school in Toronto. Later on Evelyn taught the Gwich'in language in the schools around the Delta. For the past 13 years, she was the radio announcer for the Gwich'in language program for CKLB in Yellowknife. She wanted to be closer to her children and grandchildren, so she moved to Edmonton. As the announcer for the Gwich'in language program CKLB Radio not allowed her to broadcast from Edmonton. She always said she would work until she was 80, and she almost made it.

Evelyn lived a full vibrant life and was enjoying life, enjoying living in Edmonton where she had her sister Sarah and nephew Franklin, now deceased, niece Jenna, her son Jace, her daughter Mia nearby, as well as her daughter Georgina, granddaughter Jade, and great granddaughter Violet. She loved it when she had visits with her other granddaughter Joelyn and great granddaughter Adriana. She loved being part of four generations. She was a constant visitor and brought great joy to her auntie Bertha Carruthers and her brother James Thompson. She had many relatives, and she treasured all of them.

Jesus took our dearest mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, and great grandmother, and friend by the hand and led her home on Sunday, January 26th, 2025. Her kindness and wisdom will be remembered by many, and she lived life to the fullest without regrets and showed us the importance of friendship and respect. The Creator has gained a formidable angel. Until we meet again, rest easy with our ancestors and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to add that Evelyn was the interpreter here at the Legislative Assembly, and today her two nieces Karen and Evelyn carry on that tradition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.