(YELLOWKNIFE) Friday, September 12, 2025 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Shane Thompson, expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of the Honourable Samuel Gargan, who passed away on September 11, 2025.
Samuel Gargan was a respected leader, public servant, and former Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. Born on February 19, 1948, at Redknife River, Northwest Territories, Mr. Gargan dedicated his life to serving the people of the North through elected office and community leadership.
Mr. Gargan was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983, representing the Deh Cho constituency. He was re-elected in 1987, acclaimed in 1991, and again elected in 1995. Over the course of four terms, he served in numerous roles, including Deputy Speaker during the 11th Assembly and Speaker of the 13th Assembly. As Speaker, he chaired the Management and Services Board and contributed to every Board, Special, and Standing Committee of the Assembly during his 16 years as a Member.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Mr. Gargan served on a wide range of committees, including the Standing Committees on Legislation, Public Accounts, and Finance, as well as the Special Committee on Constitutional Reform. He was also a member of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions, and the Special Committee on Housing. During the 10th Assembly, he chaired the Committee of the Whole.
Before entering territorial politics, Mr. Gargan worked as a counsellor with Hire North, as a classroom assistant at Elizabeth Ward School in Fort Providence, and as a director with the Dene Nation. As a student, his first job was working on the relocation of Fort Wrigley in 1967. That same year, he moved to Fort Smith to train in electronics. Over the years, he also worked as a labourer, firefighter, surveyor, teacher’s assistant, hunter, and trapper. He also served on the Fort Providence hamlet and band councils and represented the Northwest Territories on the National Aboriginal Health Board with the Assembly of First Nations.
Beyond his time in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Gargan continued to serve his community and the Dehcho region. He was elected Mayor of Fort Providence in 2001 and shortly thereafter became Chief of the Deh Gah Gotie First Nation. In 2009, he was chosen as Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations, a role in which he advocated strongly for the protection of land, water, and wildlife.
A lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights, governance, and cultural traditions, Mr. Gargan was widely respected for his principled leadership and dedication to his people. He also brought humour and camaraderie to the Assembly. A regular at the Legislative Assembly’s annual hockey games between MLAs and the media, he earned the playful nicknames “Grumpy” in 1993 and “Lumberjack” in 1996—titles that reflected both his grit on the ice and the good-natured spirit he carried into every role.
Quote – Sheryl Yakeleya, MLA for Dehcho
“Sam Gargan was more than a leader—he was a mentor and an inspiration for so many of us in the Dehcho. His words carried weight because they came from a place of deep care for the land and for the people. He often reminded us to ask: Who will protect the people, the animals, the water, and the land? That guiding question continues to shape our work today. On behalf of the Dehcho region, I honour his legacy and offer prayers to his family.”
Quote – Speaker Shane Thompson
“Samuel Gargan’s life was one of service—to his family, to his community, and to the people of the Northwest Territories. As a Member and as Speaker, he carried himself with humility and respect, always mindful of the traditions and responsibilities of the role. His voice, particularly in defence of the land, water, and people of the Dehcho, was one of wisdom and strength. On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Alphonsine, their children, and all who mourn his loss. His memory will endure in the many lives he touched.”
Mr. Gargan is survived by his wife, Alphonsine, their three sons—Manuel Jerome, Soloman Lee, and Sammy Baptiste—and two daughters, Patricia Ann and Olga Dawn. He also leaves behind two granddaughters.
The flags at the Legislative Assembly have been lowered to half-mast. Mr. Gargan’s Speaker portrait will be displayed in the Great Hall this week, along with a signature book for those wishing to pay their respects.
For further information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
@email