Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart but in celebration of one of my matriarchs. Barbara “Mary” Charles passed away at the age of 96 last year.
Better known to thousands as Aunty Mary, she grew up as a Tsleil-Waututh member, went to a Catholic day school for much of her youth and at 17 married into Musqueam. She had 13 children and became the leader of her family, but also a leader in Musqueam as a councillor for over 40 years and engaged in the Sparrow case that proved our right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes.
After her time as a councillor, she became a cultural ambassador for Musqueam, welcoming dignitaries, royalty, celebrities and even politicians. In fact, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure once called her his rock.
As we move forward, I want to raise my hands to my aunt and end this speech for everyone in the House the way she would end it, by saying, “May your days be filled with joy. May your successes be frequent. May you find peace and comfort, and may your hearts always know how special you all are.”
Hay čxʷ q̓ə.