Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh constituent Juanita Sangris who last month retired after an extraordinary 5-year career serving the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Who knew back then that what began as an opportunity to work in her home community would become a 45-year career of outstanding services. But it was a natural fit. Juanita's skills and dedication meant she quickly became an essential part of the building of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation government into what it is today. That is no overstatement. This is the true magnitude of her 45-year service.

When Juanita first started, she was essentially a one-person operation in a small band office in Dettah, with very little structure and just a few colleagues along her side. But what the Yellowknives Dene First Nation did have was a vision at the time when the relationship between Indigenous governments and First Nations was evolving, and they had Juanita who dutifully managed the band office, the financial day-to-day operation day in and day out. As well, we all know vision alone is not enough. It has to be matched with sound financial management to build something that lasts. I am sure all Members in this House can appreciate just how important sound financial management are to the long-term success of any government or institution.

But beyond organization and administration, Juanita's dedication to her work with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation was deeply personal. As the YKDFN grew in capacity, she trained and mentored the staff and over time helped build a culture of diligence and professionalism and steady service.

I would also like to recognize that Juanita is here today in the gallery, joined by her husband former Chief Jonas Sangris who served 12 years, who also has dedicated much of his life to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation as well. As well, their children Derek Sangris, Lisa Pellissey, Sheena Green, and they have a huge family and a lot of grandchildren that I can't mention here right now, but I just want to mention that.

This Assembly thanks her for her extraordinary services. There are so many who look to her example, who hope to contribute as much as she has. I wish her and her family all the best in the new chapter in their retirement. And I want to say thank you for your services, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing them in the gallery here today. Thank you.