Shane Thompson

Good morning, colleagues.

Today, I rise to share the passing of the loving member of the Fort Simpson community. On September 1st, 2025, the Norwegian and Godbout family, along with the broader community, lost a cherished mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rolande Marie (Godbout) Norwegian.

Rolande was born on March 8, 1951 in Drummond, New Brunswick to Dora and Roland Godbout. She was third of seven children and grew up surrounded by her siblings with a deep love for animals on the homestead.

After graduating high school, Rolande pursued a teaching career at university. This...

Colleagues, I regret to inform you, with a heavy heart, that Bertha Ruby Norwegian passed away on September 22nd, 2025. The family held her Celebration of Life on October 15th at the Fort Simpson Rec. Centre. Unfortunately, we were in session that day, so I missed the celebration.

On July 5th, 1955, Berna and her twin sister Bertha came into this world. As Berna said they were always meant to be together. They both would go on their separate adventures but somehow, they ended up back together until Bertha passed away.

I had the pleasure of knowing Bertha and Berna for over ten years. If I wanted...

Colleagues, I wish to draw your attention to the 1967 Centennial carry belt, or baby belt from What We Heard from Commissioner Kisoun today.

It was my pleasure to receive this historical piece of artwork back on behalf of the Legislative Assembly. This carry belt has a very rich history and holds a lot of meaning. Believed to be made in Aklavik for Canada's Centennial celebrations, it was displayed with the territorial mace. Commissioner Stuart Hodgson gave the belt to Tony Belcourt, at the time a young Metis leader who had publicly challenged the Commissioner's view on the role of Indigenous...

Colleagues, Mike Rowe was born on October 10, 1953, to Bill and Rita Rowe in Berwyn, Alberta. They moved north in 1955. From the very beginning, Mike was a natural-born protector. As his siblings came into the world, he wholeheartedly embraced the role of guardian and became a fierce source of strength, not only for his family but for friends and anyone in need.

Mike realized early on that school was not for him. He liked to work with his hands and being outside. Upon this realization, he made a deal with the administration - he would finish the school but by doing chores around the school yard...

Before we start with Ministers' statements, I'd like to recognize some people in the gallery, We Always Remember the Circle. So Doreen Cleary, Paul Andrew, Mr. Stephen Kakfwi, former Premier, Member from 1987 to 2003, Gerri Sharpe, Bernice Lavoie, Marie Speakman, Wilbert Cook, William Greenland, Darrell Ohokannoak, Snookie Catholique, Marie Wilson, Jochim Bonnetrouge. Welcome to the Assembly, and great thank you for all the great work you are doing on this project.

As well, we have the Aurora College personal support workers. Thank you for the work you're doing and the career path you're going...

Colleagues, on behalf of the Deh Cho MLA and myself, we regret to inform you that Alison de Pelham passed away on August 10, 2025. Out of respect for her and her family, the Deh Cho Grand Chief closed the DFN office on Aug. 11.

Alison was born to Elizabeth and William de Pelham on December 13, 1951, in Hamilton, Ontario. She was one of five children. Her four siblings were able to make it to Fort Simpson for her Celebration of Life on September 6, 2025. It was an adventure for getting them here because of smoke and road closures, but in the end they made it.

The Celebration of Life was...

Please be seated. I'd like to thank Eleanor Mitchell for the opening prayer. Colleagues, before we get going, I'd like to recognize a few honoured guests here in the House today.

First, our former Speaker of the 19th Assembly, former colleague of the 18th Assembly, and he got elected in the 17th Assembly, Mr. Frederick Blake, Sonny, Junior. Welcome to the chamber.

As well, I'd like to recognize a former colleague of mine from the 19th Assembly. I can call her my niece now; she's no longer the Minister anymore, she's now back in the public. Diane Archie. She was the Member from Inuvik Boot Lake...

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...

Colleagues, it is with deep love and heavy hearts that I regret to inform you the passing of Thomas "Tommy" Wilson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. Tom passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, in Fort Simpson, NT, with his loving wife by his side.

Born in Montreal, January 16, 1943, Tom was the eldest of three siblings, a proud big brother to Mary and Debby. Tom and his family lived in many towns across eastern Canada. What a lot of people did not know, Tom was an athlete. His favourite sport was rugby, which his oldest granddaughter Reese has taking on his love...

Yes, please.