There are visits that stay with you. St. Theresa Point First Nation is one of them. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with a warmth and generosity that is hard to put into words.

The Elders, the Chief, the youth, the children, every age group showed up, and every generation had something to say. The gifts   I received were humbling.  Sitting down with Chief Flett and Council was a privilege.

We listened to what the people of St. Theresa Point need, expect, and deserve from development that affects their land and their future. The vision for the community is clear, and grounded, and deserves to be heard where decisions are made.

To the people of St. Theresa Point First Nation; Migwech. Thank you for opening your doors, sharing your stories, and trusting us with your priorities.

At Garden Hill I met with Chief and Council to listen, understand and be present. What I heard is urgent and real. What stood out most was not the challenges constituents face there, but the quality of leadership.

Chief and Council are planning, building, and pushing forward with determination and care for their people. The focus is clear: protect the community, support their youth, and build a stronger future. I will carry Garden Hill’s voice into decision-making spaces and on behalf of the community, work to remove barriers and accelerate delivery.

We will push for real progress on infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and community safety, in partnership with their leadership.  Garden Hill is not waiting, they are leading, and we must match that leadership with action.

I recently travelled to Tadoule Lake to visit the Sayisi Dene First Nation, both as your Member of Parliament and as Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs.

During this visit, I toured the school, met with Chief and Council alongside departmental officials, and engaged in meaningful dialogue about infrastructure, housing, and community priorities. I also joined community members for a lunch ceremony in the school hall, which was a warm reminder of the strength and hospitality of the Sayisi Dene people.

Your voices guide our work, and I remain committed to advancing the solutions you’ve identified.

One of the most remarkable things I saw during my visit to Tadoule Lake was the dedication of community workers who have spent decades, literally half their lives building a place where people can live, learn, and earn. I was also struck by the teachers from diverse backgrounds who have chosen to serve the Sayisi Dene community. That kind of commitment doesn’t happen by accident. It speaks to the strength of this community and the importance of the work being done there.

I want to acknowledge the incredible leadership of Chief Kelly Ann. She is a fierce advocate for her people, working tirelessly alongside her Council team to make sure Sayisi Dene voices are heard. During my visit, we sat down for a roundtable discussion where Chief Klyne and Council shared the concerns and priorities they need me to bring back to Ottawa. That’s exactly why I’m here—to listen first, then fight for what communities tell me they need.

I also had the privilege of learning a few Dene words and receiving gifts from community members, gestures of warmth and hospitality that my team and I are deeply grateful for.

This is why I do this work. I can’t represent Churchill—Keewatinook Aski from a desk in Ottawa. I need to be in communities, see what daily life looks like, understand the challenges firsthand, and then use my position to make things better.