Fort Simpson (Aug 29/03) - It can be a challenge to recruit and retain nurses and doctors, but Deh Cho Health and Social Services does have some very dedicated employees.

They were honoured at a ceremony at the Seven Spruce golf course on Friday afternoon.

Kathy Tsetso, chief executive officer for Deh Cho Health and Social Services -- and a 20-year veteran of the department -- said she thanks the employees from the bottom of her heart. She acknowledged the ups and downs of the daily grind.

"Sometimes you wondered why you were working for us and other times you said, 'Great!'" said Tsetso.

She noted that the combined years of service of all the employees recognized amounted to 290 years, which drew some "Wows" from the crowd.

Trudy Lacorne- Tanche, a clerk/receptionist for 15 years, said it hasn't been hard to report to work daily.

"Sometimes it's different, sometimes it's the same, but I like what I'm doing," Lacorne-Tanche said.

Marlene Reason, a 20-year GNWT employee, considers her co-workers as "one big happy family."

"The government (offers) a good job so I'm sticking with it until retirement," said Reason, a compensation clerk.

In addition to long-term service awards, Stephanie de Pelham was saluted as employee of the year. A social worker, de Pelham has a knack for motivating her peers and possesses a genuine sense of caring, according to co-worker Ethel Lamothe.

"She goes out of her way to make sure that whatever work needs to get done with clients gets done," Lamothe said. "And she's pleasant."

Ann McKee, another of de Pelham's co-workers, added, "She's always happy, caring and sincere, but it's that little bit extra. She always has time."

Bernice (DeeDee) Hardisty was acknowledged as the employee of the year for 2001. She was away for most of 2002 on maternity leave.

longevity in service20-year award

Kathy Tsetso, Fort Simpson

Marlene Reason, Fort Simpson

Debra Antoine, Fort Simpson

15-year award

Sheila Gunderson, Fort Simpson

Betty Hardisty, Fort Simpson

Trudy Lacorne-Tanche, Fort Providence

Edna Leader, Fort Simpson

Marilyn Lee, Fort Simpson

Oscar Lefoin, Fort Providence

Angus McLeod, Fort Liard

Irene McLeod, Fort Liard

Lucy Simon, Jean Marie River

Faye Stark, Fort Providence

10-year award

Bernice (DeeDee) Hardisty, Fort Liard

5-year award

Angelina Antoine, Fort Providence

Alfred Clillie, Wrigley

Brenda Deneyoua, Fort Simpson

Jeannine Gaulin, Fort Simpson

Jackie Hope, Fort Simpson

Edith Isaiah, Fort Simpson

Florence Isiah, Fort Simpson

Minnie Letcher, Fort Simpson

Lois Martin, Fort Simpson

Fred McPherson, Fort Simpson

Norma Nicholson, Fort Simpson

Lee Scobie, Fort Simpson

Dorothy Sibbeston, Fort Simpson

Margo Wrigley, Fort Simpson