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HAY RIVER
Two of the elders who were instrumental in establishing the Hay River Reserve celebrated their 93rd or 94th birthdays on Aug. 27 - there is some debate over the exact age of the men born four hours apart.

No matter the age, it was another milestone birthday for the two men, Jim Lamalice and Daniel Sonfrere, who are considered by some to be the last real traditional elders of the community.

On Aug. 30, the community held festivities for the pair at the Chief Lamalice Complex.

The two friends were part of an original four, including Pat Buggins and the late Ted Buggins, who worked towards establishing the reserve in 1974.

Before 1970, there was no electricity or running water on what is now the reserve and they lived off the land.

But they did more than survive, said Chief Roy Fabian, who noted they thrived using the land based on beliefs, values, knowledge and skills.

"They are probably the last of the true Dene elders," said Fabian. "They grew up on the land and lived on the land. Their traditional knowledge is immeasurable. We can never truly know how they lived. They are real true Dene people."

As people began to arrive at the complex, they approached both Lamalice and Sonfrere to shake hands and relay their best wishes. The two men sat with quiet pride, occasionally sharing a few South Slavey words with their family and friends.

When asked about his past year, Lamalice, translated through his daughter Dorothy Buckley, said he received many visits from people within and outside the community - mostly of the younger generation.

The visitors speak to Lamalice through his wife, 82-year-old Sarah.

"People come by a lot, and they bring us things," he said. "If I talk to the younger people, sometimes they are without parents, I tell them how they can go about life in the Dene way. I tell them how they can make their journey clearer. I pray with them if they need prayers."

Raymond Sonfrere said many young people in the community visit both elders, usually leaving with the messages to work together and support one another to help them find their way.

Buckley said the process has a positive effect not only on those who seek advice.

"That's how my dad gets his strength," Dorothy said. "That's what keeps him going."

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