Flags are at half-mast at the Legislative Assembly in honor of former Member of the Legislative Assembly Ernie Bernhardt who recently passed away.
Bernhardt was elected as the Member for Kitikmeot in 1991, where his work reflected a strong commitment to public service, community well-being, and the people of the Kitikmeot region.
“Ernie Bernhardt dedicated his life to serving northern communities and strengthening Inuit culture,” said Speaker Shane Thompson.
“I had the privilege of knowing him personally since 1988 in Kugluktuk and witnessed firsthand his commitment to the North and its people.”
He also served as both councilor and mayor of Kugluktuk and was actively engaged in recreation and cultural initiatives across the Northwest Territories.
Bernhardt was passionate about preserving and promoting traditional Inuit games and cultural practices. He worked to ensure these traditions were passed down to the younger generations, actively coaching and mentoring them through traditional Inuit games.
He served as the coordinator for the Northern Games Association in Inuvik, supporting cultural programming at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics and the 1978 Commonwealth Games, and coordinating the first Inuit Circumpolar Games in Kugluktuk in 2003.
He was respected as a mentor, leader, and advocate for Inuit youth, and inspired pride and confidence in many young people across the North.
“Whether through public service, community leadership, or his work with youth and traditional Inuit games, he made a lasting impact on people across the North,” said Thompson.
“His contributions will be remembered with respect and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
