THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
A woman who was found deceased outdoors in Fort Smith on Jan. 2 has been identified as Olga Mansbridge.
She was a councillor with Salt River First Nation and is being remembered for her service to the band.
Olga Mansbridge described as Mansbridge as a very outspoken councillor, but one with a good sense of humour. - Photo courtesy Salt River First Nation |
"She was very effective as a leader," Chief David Poitras said. "She had the best interest of our nation, the people of our nation, at heart."
The chief described Mansbridge as a very outspoken councillor, but one with a good sense of humour.
"With her being outspoken, we accepted it because we knew that it came from her heart. She cared," he said. "That's why she brought issues up."
Plus, the chief noted that, once Mansbridge brought the concerns of people to council, she followed up and made sure it did something about those concerns.
"She was very active, and we're going to miss her," he said.
Poitras said Mansbridge's death has had quite an impact on the band, which was organizing a healing circle last week to help people deal with their grief.
A community member found the body of the 53-year-old on Wren Crescent at about 1:55 p.m. on Jan. 2. The RCMP has said foul play is not suspected.
There was no immediate determination of the cause of death following an autopsy in Edmonton.
Cathy Menard, the chief coroner of the NWT, said the final results of the autopsy could take four to six months.
Mansbridge was elected a Salt River councillor in March of last year. She won a by-election to fill a vacancy on council.
Poitras said Mansbridge was proud to be on council and serve the community, noting she focused on social and health issues, chaired the band's emergency housing repair service, and also assisted with human resources.
"She was pretty involved," the chief said.
Coun. Judith Gale also paid tribute to Mansbridge.
"She was a fantastic lady, a true Northern spirit," said Gale, adding Mansbridge was wise and loving. "She was a counsel to everyone. They all sought her advice and she was ready and willing to give it. She was very outspoken in a good way. She never had a bad word to say about people."
Along with serving as a Salt River councillor, Mansbridge worked as a nurse in communities all over the North, as well as in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Gale noted band council will be establishing a $1,000 annual scholarship in Mansbridge's name to memorialize her outstanding achievements in the nursing field.
