Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Jeannie Marie-Jewell is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly September 1995, as MLA for Thebacha

Lost her last election, in 2011, with 22% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Launching Of Book, "living Kindness" December 8th, 1991

Mr. Stevens had the wonderful task of trying to find the funds for the development and production of this particular book. Our grateful thanks to Outcrop, particularly Ronne Heming, for the final production of this edition. "Thank you" to all funding agencies, particularly UNESCO and Esso Resources, for assisting the community of Fort Smith in this venture. A heartfelt thank you to Joe Bird, Mrs. Bird's son, for co-ordinating the book-launching event.

Finally, and most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Madeleine Bird for sharing her knowledge not only with her grandchildren but with all of us Northerners and for many future generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, sharing is such an important part of our aboriginal culture. This book is a fine example of sharing. I trust the Members will truly enjoy reading this book, "Living Kindness." Thank you.

---Applause

Launching Of Book, "living Kindness" December 8th, 1991

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, last Friday on December 6, I was privileged to be in attendance at the latter part of a book-launching ceremony. The book launching was held in my constituency of Thebacha, and the book was called "Living Kindness." It is the memoirs of Madeleine Bird, who is one of our elders in our community.

Mrs. Bird is a 91 year-old Metis elder who has raised her family for many years in the North. Her memoirs were written with the administrative assistance of Sister Agnes Sutherland, in conjunction with Mr. Chris Stevens, who was until recently with the Northern Heritage Centre.

Mrs. Bird was in attendance for the book-launching ceremony, accompanied by her sister, Rosalie Dempsey, who is one of our elders currently residing in the senior citizens' chalet of our community. She was also accompanied by her brothers, Antoine Mercredi and Roderick Mercredi, who are both currently residing in Fort Chipewyan.

Mrs. Bird had many relatives, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all in attendance and who travelled for many miles around in our country to be in attendance for the book-launching ceremony. Mrs. Bird initially intended to write the book for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to give them fundamental guidance of principles to guide them through their lives.

I had the honour of doing the foreword in the book and truly enjoyed formulating my thoughts on the book. This book gives a good insight on how hard women worked in the North and, at times, I believe this important contribution is overlooked.

Mrs. Bird also stresses how the important work of the Grey Nuns contributed to the development of the North. Mrs. Bird expresses her deep gratification for the work that the Grey Nuns did.

I am very pleased today to be able to provide Members with a copy of this well-written book. On behalf of my constituency, Mr. Speaker, our grateful thank you to Sister Sutherland for the many countless hours she spent in co-ordinating such a wonderful production. Also, our grateful thanks to Chris Stevens, who spent many hours in assisting with such a wonderful adventure to fruition.

Mr. Speaker, I know my time is up, but I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue with my Member's statement.