Madam Speaker, on Sunday, the indigenous community of Wendake awoke to shocking news.
The Sagamité restaurant had been seriously damaged in a terrible fire. Sagamité is more than just a restaurant. It is a symbol of the strength of the Huron-Wendat business community, an example of openness between nations, and a positive and pleasant way of discovering indigenous culture.
I held many meetings there. Whenever I was hosting elected officials, diplomats or journalists, I took them to Sagamité.
About forty people work in that restaurant, which was established 20 years ago by an experienced businessman and loving father, Steeve Gros-Louis.
Steeve is very proud of his Wendat nation and culture. He also directs the Sandokwa dance troupe.
In a voice choked with emotion, Steeve said that, while it was possible to save the indigenous artifacts from the fire, he lost something very dear to him, the antlers of the first moose he hunted with his son.
The Grand Chief of Wendake, Konrad Sioui, was on the scene Sunday and said, “The nation is in mourning, but we will recover. We are strong and we are able.”
I know the Wendat people very well, and I know they will succeed.
Good luck, my friends.