Elsie Yanik, a pillar of our community has passed peacefully in her sleep at 99 years old. She was known for her work to preserve and promote Métis heritage and to teach lessons of kindness throughout the community.
Last year the Catholic School District had honoured The Elder by naming the new catholic school in Parsons Creek after her.
The board said it was an absolute pleasure to bestow the honour and a week after the announcement, Yanik had the opportunity to see the construction site in Parsons Creek where her school was being built.
“It was a privilege to be part of the decision to name our newest school Elsie Yanik Catholic School. Her lifelong dedication to education, her faith, and her community is a testament to her incredible spirit, and to open a school in the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools family in her name will be an honour,” said Fort McMurray Catholic School Board Chair Paula Galenzoski.
Superintendent George McGuigan said Elsie Yanik was the perfect choice for the name of the newest school under construction in Parsons Creek.
“Elsie Yanik exemplifies what we do at Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. She exudes our core values. She values Persons, she values Community, she values Responsibility, she values Learning. We know she will be watching over her school,” said McGuigan.
The Board said its thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Elsie Yanik and that she will be greatly missed in our community and schools.
Yanik lived in Fort McMurray but previously called Fort Chipewyan home for over 40 years. She has been blessed by Pope John Paul II, received the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal, Honorary Degrees from the University of Alberta and Keyano College, she was the recipient of the Indspire 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, and was an Olympic Torchbearer in Fort McMurray for the 2010 Olympics.
Funeral arrangements will be shared as they are made public.
