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I rise in this House today to
extend congratulations to Elizabeth Penashue, who was
recently awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement
Award in Environment and Natural Resources.
She was presented with this award on Friday night
in
Toronto
at the Fifteenth Annual National Aboriginal Awards Gala.
Mr. Speaker, this award was
established to encourage and celebrate excellence in the
Aboriginal community.
The awards are recognized both nationally and
internationally, as one of the highest honours the
community can bestow upon its achievers.
The award broadcasts the success of individuals
who have discipline, drive and determination to set high
standards and accomplish their goals.
Ms Penashue for decades has fought
to protect her homeland and the Innu traditional
lifestyle. Her
activism work began in the early 1980s in opposition to
NATO low-level flying.
For ten years she demonstrated and negotiated,
camped out on the runways with mostly women and
children, and barricaded roads to stop the flights and
the noise of the jets.
Annually since 1996 she has led a
150 mile snowshoe trek through the traditional Innu
lands. In
the summer, she leads a month-long canoe trip on the
Churchill River
. Modestly
and softly she has declared, “I am a voice for those
who cannot speak for themselves, such as the animals,
plants and other beings.”
Ms Penashue was awarded an honorary
doctorate of laws from
Memorial
University
in 2005. She
has nine children, thirty-three grandchildren, and five
great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to
congratulate Elizabeth Penashue, who has been a
long-time friend of mine, on receiving this prestigious
award, and I would ask all members of this hon. House to
join me in offering our congratulations. |
