Tributes are pouring in for Evelyne Parry, for her larger-than-life personality and for her profound impact on maintaining the Gwich’in language and culture in the Beaufort Delta and beyond through her work with CKLB 101.9 FM.
Evelyne Parry with granddaughter Jade Degerness and great-granddaughter Violet. (Photo courtesy of family)
Evelyne passed away in the company of loved ones on Sunday in Edmonton at the age of 78.
She told her friends she wanted a toddy, and she went into the kitchen area. She subsequently collapsed and could not be revived.
“My mother was a dearly loved person,” said her daughter Georgina, as Evelyne’s great-granddaughter, Violet, could be heard playing in the background.
“Evelyne had the kindest, biggest heart of anyone I know. She’s going to be dearly missed and her knowledge will be a great loss to the community.
“I’d also like to include a huge, huge thank you to everybody from the community, with all their support and preparations. I want her to be remembered as the kind, loving woman that she was.”
The family is also coping with the loss of two other family members.
Evelyne was born on November 16th, 1946, in Aklavik.
Her educational studies took her to Fort Smith, Toronto and BC.
She worked with CBC Radio in Inuvik and was a valued translator for legal and official proceedings.
She was one of the few people left who could fluently speak, read and write in the Gwich’in language, her daughter said.
Evelyne was also honoured last June by the 20th Legislative Assembly, 1st Session, who invited her to offer an opening prayer in her language at the start of Day 22.
Evelyne Parry, seen in pink, offers the opening prayer at the NWT Assembly’s daily session on June 22, 2024. (Image courtesy of Assembly livestream)
The Gwich’in Tribal Council issued a statement of condolences.
“Evelyne inspired all of us with her unwavering commitment to (the Gwich’in language), as shown in her contributions to the Gwich’in language program with CKLB, along with her invaluable service as an interpreter for the Gwich’in nation,” read the statement.
“Her legacy will live on.”
A viewing in Edmonton is this Friday. Funeral arrangements in Teetł’it zheh will take a bit of time, given the cost and distance to the community, which is accessed by air from Inuvik.
Evelyne’s granddaughter, Jade Degerness, has set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to help with the costs outside of what insurance will cover.
“She was beloved by many family and friend,” Degerness stated.
“I’m raising money so that we can get her back home and for travel expenses for our immediate family. We appreciate all of your kindness, prayers, and donations.”
Evelyne Parry in the translators’ booth at a Gwich’in Tribal Council AGM. (Photo courtesy of GTC)
