Minister Lucy Kuptana offers her condolences on the passing of Gail Cyr, a powerful advocate of Indigenous representation in Canada’s North.

 “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Gail Cyr, especially to her son Jesse who shared his dear mother with the people of the Northwest Territories (NWT).

In the NWT, we are fortunate to have strong and dedicated women who commit their lives to making a difference, and Gail was undoubtedly one of them. Her unwavering passion for justice and her advocacy for all women, particularly Indigenous women, was a cornerstone of her work.

As the Special Advisor to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, she spent years working with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and non-government organizations on a wide range of issues affecting northern women.

She was an avid researcher on the history of women’s equality and amassed a significant archive of relevant territorial, national, and international information. Her sharp insights and deep commitment to advocacy guided all the work she did.

Gail also courageously and frequently shared her personal experience of isolation and heartache as one of seven children in her family who were adopted out to non-Indigenous families during the Sixties Scoop. Using her personal experience, Gail called on governments to take a more holistic and integrated approach to keep Indigenous families together.

Beyond her professional contributions, Gail was also well known for her community spirit. Her volunteering efforts at sporting events where she often staffed the First Aid station and her presence at local gatherings reflected her deep love for the community she served.

Gail’s legacy of service, advocacy and compassion will not be forgotten.

I am thankful for the time spent with Gail and her service to humanity; her strong voice will be deeply missed.”

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