The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is mourning the loss of a longtime staff member.
In a media release sent out New Years’ Eve the tribal council announced that Shirley Henderson, the chair of the PAGC Women’s Commission for over 25 years passed away Dec. 29 at the age of 69.
The PAGC said during her time as the head of the women’s commission, Henderson worked to advocate on behalf of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2) along with Every Child Matters and Truth and Reconciliation. She as well worked to support homeless people and recently refugees from Ukraine. Henderson had recently been recognized for her work with a Women of the Dawn Award.
Besides her work for PAGC Henderson, a member of Montreal Lake Cree Nation, served as a band councillor and director of health. She helped with a number of initiatives at Montreal Lake including the construction of the community’s health centre, women’s safe shelter and Senator Allen Bird Memorial School.
PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said Henderson worked to build a better world.
“Shirley Henderson changed our world for the better and we are all richer for it,” he said.
A funeral service for Henderson, who is survived by her husband Senator Nolan Henderson along with her children and grandchildren, was held Tuesday morning at Montreal Lake.
(Top photo. Shirley Henderson. Submitted by PAGC.)