INUVIK - In life Bertha Allen was many things; a guiding light in a time of great change; a vanguard and defender of women's rights; an aboriginal leader who balanced progress with culture; and a family woman known for her great depth of character and humility.

Bertha Allen was a respected Gwich'in leader who strove for equality and empowerment for aboriginal women. - NNSL file photo

The Gwich'in elder died of cancer May 7 at the age of 76.

At her funeral in Inuvik on May 11, it was standing room only. A guitarist strummed softly to the tune of Amazing Grace as more than 200 people assembled to pay their respects.

The sun slanted into the Lighthouse church as her family gathered around the casket to sing "How Great Thou Art," one person describing it as "Grandma's favourite song."

Born in Old Crow, Yukon, but having lived in the Mackenzie Delta most of her adult life, Allen's accomplishments are many. She founded the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories and served as its first president. She helped establish the Native Women’s Training Centres in Yellowknife and Inuvik and won national honours including a lifetime National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Order of Canada. Last year the Governor General awarded her the Northern Medal.

"Mom was a trailblazer in the struggle for aboriginal and Northern women's political and economic equality," said her son, Gerry Kisoun, in his eulogy.

Donna Kisoun said despite how well known her mother was, she probably would have brushed off the praise.

Donna said her mother worked hard without the luxury of a generous salary. She wasn't motivated by a pension plan or accolades, she loved what she did.

"It's not like she chose her work, her work chose her. That's what she had to do, no one else could do it. Nobody else was doing it, she knew she had to do it," Donna said in an interview.

As people said goodbye in Inuvik, on May 11 in Ottawa, Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington addressed Parliament in honour of Allen and highlighted her accomplishments. He said she inspired many women to go into politics and described her as "a respected Northern leader, a Gwich'in, who balanced so well modern and traditional society.

Friend and colleague Nellie Cournoyea, CEO of the Inuvialut Regional Corporation, said Allen was determined to empower women and encourage them in traditional craftsmanship.

"She had a strong belief that the better educated women were, the better equipped they'd be to support their families in a changing society," she said.

A talented seamstress, Allen pushed women to have confidence in their work.

"Even though she advocated for education, training and self-sufficiency, she also was a very traditional person.," Cournoyea said. "She picked up a lot on the people who said, 'my life has gone to the wayside,' and she was a great mentor for people, young people, and women."

Financially, personally, she stretched herself to the limits, Cournoyea said.

"She gave a lot of her personal self. It wasn't just a job for her. It was a cause."

In her eulogy, Donna said her mother was dedicating to affecting social change for people in the North.

"I shared my mother with you, and together we are reaping the awards of her dedication," she told the congregation.

"Mom knew which battles to choose, not just the winning ones, but the ones that had substance and significance to the people of the Mackenzie Delta."

She said when it came to Allen's final fight with cancer, she accepted it gracefully.

Allen, according to her daughter, was happiest in her home surrounded by family, out on the land, or in the backyard cooking fish or caribou on the fire with friends.

She used to scold her great grandchildren when they complained about being bored. She told them when she was a little girl she didn't have any toys. She found ways to keep busy and amuse herself, making toy dolls by wrapping a piece of cloth around a rock.

"She told them to keep things simple, not to get too crazy or be wasteful," Kisoun said.

This week, some of the great grandchildren remembered what she said and made their own toys. But instead of keeping them to play with, they gave them to Allen, setting them in her coffin to show their appreciation for her.