Area organizations pay homage to the late Helen Cromarty

Tim Brody - Editor

Area organizations are paying homage to the late Helen Cromarty following her recent passing.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, shared in a Sept. 19 statement, “We are very saddened that our dear friend and Elder Helen Cromarty has left us and begun her journey to the Spirit World. We send our deepest condolences to her family and all those in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the Sachigo Lake community.”
“Helen dedicated herself to Nishnawbe Aski Nation and improving the lives of our people. She made a difference in the lives of many and we are eternally grateful for her outstanding service,” the statement reads, gong on to state, “She will be fondly remembered for the guidance she provided to the Executive Council over the years. Her comforting presence and traditional knowledge will be greatly missed.
“Helen’s kindness and compassion made her a tremendous advocate for improving health and health care services across NAN territory. She exemplified the best of her profession, and our communities are stronger and healthier because of her efforts.
“Helen was an inspiration to us all, and we cherish her life of leadership and friendship. We love her and will miss her greatly. Miigwetch to the Creator for blessing us all with our Auntie Helen.”
NAN shared that Cromarty attended the Pelican Lake and Shingwauk Residential Schools and went on to earn an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University. “She specialized in intensive care and coronary care nursing for 23 years as well as outpost nursing at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake). She served as Health Policy Analyst and Health Liaison at NAN and Special Advisor for First Nation Health at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.”
“Wife of the late Grand Chief Dennis Cromarty, Helen served in many capacities throughout her career and received many honours, including an Honorary Doctor of Science from Lakehead University in 2016. Her knowledge and compassion earned her the respect of leaders and health professionals across the country,” 
NAN concluded.
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) also issued a statement on Facebook remembering Cromarty and expressing sincere condolences to her family and extended family.
“Helen worked as the Special Advisor on First Nations Health from 2007 to 2013 at SLMHC. She was part of the senior management team and had many years of experience in northern health. Her leadership, dedication and commitment to the development and implementation of many innovative initiatives at SLMHC will continue to support and improve health care for all people. She performed with excellence in collaborative work with many service providers and governments to pave the way for improvements in health care for First Nations people. Throughout her career, Helen was dedicated to supporting all staff at SLMHC.
“Helen was a member of Sachigo Lake First Nation. Helen will be remembered for her courage, resilience, giving spirit, and her love of life” SLMHC shared.
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) also issued a statement on Facebook following Cromarty’s passing, stating the organization, “was saddened to hear” of her passing and “Is sending its most heartfelt condolences to the Cromarty family during this time.”
“Helen Cromarty was dedicated to improving health care in the north and we saw this as she was instrumental in the building of the Meno Ya Win Health Centre, one of out of her many accomplishments. She inspired so many that had the privilege to work alongside her.
“Many will miss her guidance, friendship, compassion and wisdom. 
“Miigwetch for leaving communities stronger and the impact you had on health care in the north.”