Hansard Notes from Richard T. Lee, MLA Burnaby north

I had met with Mr. Richard T. Lee sometime ago, actually on June 21 2005 (Aboriginal Day) when he attended the blessing of the Aboriginal Angel Dolls in a very small ceremony, at the Chief Dan George Center in Vancouver. The elder who blessed the dolls was the elder who worked at my son's (now defunct) Aboriginal headstart preschool here in Surrey. I was very honored that she wanted to participate and thank her often in my prayers.

My good friend Curtis Joe had danced along with Shama Prya who are both champion dancers that offerred nothing but their traditional gifts of dance.

It so happens, that at the same time, I had one of only two draws for dolls for a raffle, and Mr. Richard T. Lee had won this very special doll. His most recent (announcement on Page 2822 with video link) in the provincial House of Commons on International Women's Day announced to all British Columbia residents that the Spring Equinox is now going to be Indigenous Women's Empowerment Day!

Each doll presents a unique personality, as each is made by hand, with great thought into each piece. It's almost like I would ask the little doll, who are you? What would you like to be presented with? And voila, it would just come together. I have enjoyed each step in the process as it was all a labour of love and devotion.

I will thank Mr. Richard T. Lee with a letter thanking his generous and bold statement in front of his peers. It's those kinds of steps that need to take place in order for the Canadian consciousness to change towards all Aboriginal Women in Canada.

It will happen.

Gloria Larocque