Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to honour the life and legacy of Samuel Gargan, a respected Dene leader, a dedicated public servant, and a proud Northerner whose contributions have left an enduring mark in the Northwest Territories.
Born in 1948 at Redknife River, Sam's life was deeply rooted in the land and the people of the North. His journey was one of service, guided by a profound respect for tradition, community, and the natural world.
Prior to his election in 1983, Mr. Gargan worked as a counsellor with Higher North, was a classroom assistant at Elizabeth Ward School in Fort Providence and was a director with the Dene Nation. He was a member of the Fort Providence Hamlet and Band Council and sat as National Aboriginal Health Board with the Assembly of First Nations. For 16 years, he represented the people of the Deh Cho as the MLA in this Legislative Assembly with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
In 1995, he was elected Speaker of the House, a role he embraced with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. In his first speech as Speaker, Sam reminded us that tradition is more than ceremony. It is a foundation of values. He pledged to uphold both the cultural and procedural traditions of the Assembly, ensuring that every voice was heard and respected. He believed that leadership was not just about personal gain but about service and that every decision made in the House should serve as an example to our people.
Sam's leadership extended far beyond the walls of this legislature. Sam served as the mayor of Fort Providence in early 2001 but stepped down from that position in June of 2001 after being elected as Chief of the Deh Gah Got’ie First Nations, also located in Fort Providence.
In 2009, Sam was chosen as grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nations. He was a passionate advocate for the protection of our communities, our water, our animals, and our land.
At the elders' Parliament in 2014, he posed a question that continues to resonate today. Who is going to protect the people? Who is going to protect the animals, the water, and the land? This was not just a rhetorical question; it was a call to action, a reflection of the values he lived by every day.
Sam was also a devoted husband and father. He often spoke of the love and support he received from his wife Alphonsine and their children. He credited them as a source of his strength throughout his public life, and their presence was a constant reminder of the importance of family and community.
Those who knew Sam remember a man who led with wisdom, humility, and a quiet strength. He was a bridge between generations, a guardian of traditions, and a tireless advocate for the North. His legacy lives on in the communities he served, in the values he championed, and in the example he set for future leaders. Though he is no longer with us, Sam's spirit remains on the land he loved, in the people he served, and in the traditions he upheld. Mahsi cho, Sam. Thank you for everything. Your legacy lives on. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Our condolences and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
