July 26, 2016

On the Passing of former MLA Eliza Lawrence

(YELLOWKNIFE) Tuesday, July 26, 2016 – The Speaker of the 18th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories expresses condolences to the family of Eliza Lawrence, a former MLA who passed away on Sunday evening.

“On behalf of all Members of this Assembly, we offer our deepest condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Eliza Lawrence,” said Speaker Jackson Lafferty.

Eliza Lawrence was elected to the 10th Legislative Assembly in 1983 representing the newly-created electoral district of Tu Nedhé (now Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh) and served one term until 1987. She was a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Legislation, and the Special Committee on Housing.

“As the current MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, I know that there are people who still talk about the good things Eliza did as the representative of the people of Tu Nedhé. She was a true friend to many," said Tom Beaulieu.

Mrs. Lawrence was born in Fort Resolution, the third eldest in a family of 17 children. She trained as a nurse in Fort Smith and worked in Fort Resolution, Edmonton and Yellowknife. She also worked as a nutritional educator and visited many communities in her role. As a fluent speaker of Chipewyan, she later became the manager of professional services with the GNWT’s Language Bureau.

Eliza Lawrence is recognized as one of the founders of the NWT Native Women's Association and as a well-known dancer with the Métis Reelers dance group.

“Mrs. Lawrence was a dedicated northerner who made an impact serving as an MLA, working in the field of nursing, advocating for women, and preserving her Aboriginal heritage,” said Speaker Lafferty.

For more information, please contact:

 

Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867- 767-9133 or 1-800-661-0784
Email: Jackson_Lafferty@gov.nt.ca