Shirley Henderson's family members were wrapped in a star blanket as a showing of warmth and respect. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

Annual PAGC women’s commission walk for MMIWG pays tribute to former chair

Jul 3, 2024 | 4:15 PM

Shirley Henderson was a strong advocate for the community, had a love for everyone, and never forgot the families dealing with missing and murdered loved ones.

Those were among the messages shared during this year’s Prince Albert Grand Council Women’s Commission Walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This year’s event was dedicated in honour of the commission’s former chair, who passed away last December.

A number of Henderson’s family members were present for the opening ceremony including her husband Senator Nolan Henderson. He shared one of his wife’s greatest legacies was her love for life.

“The love of life with everyone, that skin colour was not a factor,” he said. “That is what she transferred to us all as a family.”

As chair of the Women’s Commission, Henderson helped oversee the PAGC Day Care and was involved with board of the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation. She also addressed critical issues such as MMIWG2, Every Child Matters, Truth and Reconciliation, and provided support to the homeless and Ukrainian refugees.

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Senator Nolan Henderson was surrounded by support when he addressed the crowd. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Shirley Henderson’s dedication to health and education shone through in her support for the construction of the First Nation’s new health centre, the women’s safe shelter and the Allan Bird Memorial School, as well as initiating events like the MLCN’s annual fish derby, Molanosa Cultural Days, winter festival, sports day, and the Saskatchewan Summer Games. Senator Henderson encouraged the crowd to remember his wife’s leadership, and he also acknowledged the importance of women.

“They gave us life, we all have to respect that,” he said.

Also in attendance were a number of Indigenous leaders including PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod and Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Christine Longjohn. Acknowledging the monuments on the riverbank that Henderson was very instrumental in, Longjohn said they serve as a reminder of the work left to do.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, who referred to Shirley as a friend, said she leaves many legacies in the city and across the North.

“Over the last 30 years, Shirley has taught me lots about First Nations and the challenges and how we have to move forward,” he noted.

Sharing a few of his own personal stories, Dionne recalled a time years ago when Shirley was having difficulty walking and so instead she led the walk, while riding in a provided red convertible. Dionne joked how Henderson asked if she was waving like the Queen.

“She wanted to be in the walk no matter what it took because she wanted to acknowledge the missing people,” he said.

A number of misisng and murdered people were recognized during the walk. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Lori Nyland. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Also in attendance on Wednesday were a number of families who have loved ones that are either missing or were murdered. Lori Nyland’s daughter Danielle went missing in June, 2015 and her body was found 11 days later in the Holbein area.

“It sure doesn’t feel like nine years, it feels just yesterday,” Lori told the crowd, adding she prays everyday the persons responsible will be found.

Lori also noted how since her daughter’s initial disappearance she has attended these walks, and feels for all the families.

“It’s a very hard situation to go through, like I wouldn’t put this on my worst enemy for how I feel,” she said.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, another of the guest dignitaries, said true justice means listening to all those affected.

“Your solutions are the only solution that are gonna work, not the RCMP, not the PA police, not the FSIN, it’s got to be direct from the families,” he said.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Following a police escort, the walkers make their way from the riverbank to Kinsmen Park. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell