Fort Simpson (Feb 17/06) - Albertine Rodh, former president of the Metis Nation, was mourned Feb. 11 during a funeral that filled the gymnasium of Thomas Simpson school.

Albertine Rodh was active with many groups, including the Metis Nation and Native Women's Association. The Deh Cho elder died on Feb. 8 at the age of 75. - photo courtesy of Rosa Wright

She died at the age of 75 in Yellowknife on Feb. 8.

Rodh was born on Feb. 8, 1931, in Fort Providence to Joe and Celine Lafferty.

In 1960 she married Herb Rodh in Fort Simpson.

They lived in British Columbia, Edmonton and Yellowknife before returning to Fort Simpson.

Together, they had five children: Amy, Wayne, Joe, Beatrice and Douglas.

"She loved everyone. She loved her family," said Lorayne Menicoche-Moses, a close friend who spoke at the funeral.

Rodh will be remembered for her generosity and kind heart, said Menicoche-Moses.

Throughout her life, Rodh was influential in a number of different organizations.

She became involved with the Metis Nation in the 1970s. Rodh worked as a board member and became president in the late '70s, serving on and off until 2000.

Rodh also served on many public boards, including the health board and the papal visit co-ordinating board in 1984 and 1987. She worked with the Dehcho First Nation Leadership Executive Committee and was a board member for the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories.

Rodh was also a founding member of the Native Women's Association after working on the planning committee in 1976. She remained active with the association for approximately 20 years.

In recognition of her achievements and contributions, Rodh was awarded the Metis Nation's Order of the Shawl in 1994, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a Metis woman.

In 2004, Rodh received the Wise Woman Award for the Deh Cho region.

Jim Antoine, who delivered a eulogy at Rodh's funeral, got to know her after he became chief in 1974.

"She had a very good idea of what people really wanted to make life better," said Antoine.

He said she spoke her mind on every issue while showing dignity and respect for everyone.

"She was a very good leader for people in this community," he said.

Rodh would take the time to speak with younger people in the community and explain issues to them, said Antoine.

Herb Norwegian, grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations, knew Rodh while he was growing up and was also a distant relative.

He had the chance to work with her for many years.

Rodh was instrumental in setting up the Dehcho organization, said Norwegian. She was also involved in the negotiations between the Dene and Metis and Canada in the 1990s.

"Some hard decisions had to be made and she was right in there with us, with her happy face and her little giggles that she normally does," Norwegian said.

Calling Rodh "very inspiring," Norwegian said one thing he remembers was her ability to change the tone of a gathering.

"When she's in a meeting, there is a different mood that takes place. She brings in a halo with her," he said.

"She'll be greatly missed."

For Rosa Wright, Rodh was a mentor and guide in both her personal life and politics for the past 25 years.

"She basically made me who I am and she did that for a lot of people," said Wright.

Rodh leaves behind five grandchildren - Joy, Lincoln, Chanel, Douglas, Colton and Wynter.