Colleagues, yesterday I had the pleasure of watching part of the Premier's Awards celebration. There were residents from Fort Simpson on the Team for Excellence - Fuel Resupply via Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.
The team faced with unprecedented logistical challenges due to consecutive years of cancelled barge deliveries, this multi-disciplinary team from the Department of Infrastructure successfully coordinated the largest winter fuel resupply in recent memory. Over 230 truckloads, more than four times the usual volume, were delivered to Sahtu communities. This complex operation required real-time tracking, strategic scheduling, and on-the-ground coordination in extreme temperatures. The team leveraged strong partnerships with fuel suppliers, contractors, Indigenous governments, and community leaders to ensure timely and safe delivery of essential fuel for heating, electricity, and transportation.
Drawing on traditional knowledge to maintain and reinforce the winter road system, the team adapted to erratic weather and road conditions, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and leadership. Their efforts ensured uninterrupted fuel supply to remote communities, safeguarding health, safety, and connectivity across the region.
I would like to have the names of the team deemed as read and printed in the Hansard:
Lorne Browne
Claudio Ardiles
Paul Webber
Jim Biggs
Clara Allen
Eric Cockney
Harvey Pierrot
Dustin Dewar (Fort Simpson)
Michael Hempler (Fort Simpson)
Travis Hanna (Fort Simpson)
Wyatt Antoine (Fort Simpson)
Mike Squirrel (Fort Simpson)
The Kristine McLeod - Emerging Indigenous Leader Award which was Kristen Tanche.
I have known Kristen for a long time. Kristen is a visionary leader whose work in Indigenous health and wellness reflects the spirit of the Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award. As Regional health and wellness director with Deh Cho First Nations, Kristen brings empathy, innovation, and cultural integrity to every initiative she leads.
Kristen's leadership is rooted in both academic excellence and community service. She is a graduate with a bachelor of social work and has been accepted into the master of social work program at the University of Victoria, demonstrating her commitment to long learning and Indigenous-centered practices. Her work is trauma-informed and strength-based and grounded in traditional knowledge.
Being aware of the time, I would like to have the rest of this speech deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
Please join me in congratulating the award winners.
Kristen fosters safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and healing, building strong relationships across generations and organizations. She uplifts youth and community leaders, encouraging bold ideas and collaborative action. Her dedication to cultural revitalization is evident in her support for land-based learning. Elder engagement, and the integration of Indigenous teachings into wellness programming.
Kristen leads with integrity, humility, and purpose. Her contributions are shaping a future where Indigenous knowledge and values guide health and wellness systems. She is a powerful role model and a deeply deserving recipient of this award.
Acho Dene Native Crafts Ltd. Produces traditional arts and crafts for wholesale and retail. The primary product is birch bark baskets featuring porcupine quillwork. The people of the area make these traditional products as they have for centuries. The business also retails leather accessories, including traditional mittens, gauntlets, moccasins and mukluks, and smaller souvenir items. Acho Dene Native Crafts Ltd. Began operations in 1976 in Fort Liard, Northwest Territories, as a project of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. In 1992, the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation assumed ownership and responsibility for the store in its operations.
This Tufted and beaded cuff is handcrafted by Shawna McLeod, a Dene and Metis artist from the Deh Gah Got'ine First Nation (Fort Providence), now living in Lidlli Kue First Nation (Fort Simpson). Drawing on traditional materials and techniques passed down through generations, Shawna incorporates moose hair tufting, beadwork, and cultural knowledge into each piece. Her work through From the Land Creations reflects a commitment to land-based art, healing, and the preservation of Indigenous teachings.
