Minister Geoffrey Kelley Highlights the Outstanding Volunteer Work of Louisa Cookie-Brown, Award Recipient for Nunavik

Press Release

Quebec City, November 9, 2015 – The Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley, would like to acknowledge the outstanding volunteer work of the recipient of the Prix Hommage Aînés 2015, Louisa Cookie-Brown. Ms. Cookie-Brown was presented the award on November 4 by the Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister responsible for Anti-Bullying and Minister responsible for the Laval Region, Francine Charbonneau, at an awards ceremony conducted at the Parliament Building in Quebec City.

“Elders in Kuujjuarapik clearly have a sympathetic listener in their community. Louisa Cookie-Brown incites meaningful dialogue with them on their values, experiences and desire to recapture their family roots. She also provides a human presence and warmth to those who are homebound by making regular visits and taking time to share a cup of coffee and play a hand of cards. I am honoured to recognize Ms. Cookie-Brown for these noteworthy services. This award testifies to her devotion and generosity,” stated Minister Geoffrey Kelley.

“The 18 award recipients hail from across Québec. They have demonstrated commitment and generosity with a view to improving the living conditions of seniors in their communities. Their volunteerism benefits not only their peers but shines throughout Québec society. I offer my most sincere congratulations to these recipients and want to thank them for their remarkable contributions and the model they have set for others in their communities,” pointed out Minister Francine Charbonneau.

The purpose of the Prix Hommage Aînés is to recognize the volunteer work of individuals towards the well-being of seniors in their communities and their increased participation in society. Recipients are nominated by seniors committees in each region.

The 18 award recipients this year are: Béatrice Michaud of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Yolande Pilote of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Jean-Louis Bergeron of the Capitale-Nationale, Mariette Gélinas of Mauricie, Jacqueline Ponton of Estrie, Gisèle Baril of Montréal, Gilles Bilodeau of Outaouais, Madeleine Lévesque of Abitibi–Témiscamingue, Juanita Cormier of Côte-Nord, Estelle Morissette-Larivière of Nord-du-Québec, Maurice Anglehart of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Léon-Marie Jacques of Chaudière–Appalaches, Lise Guindon of Laval, Estelle Perreault of Lanaudière, Deirdre Shipton of Laurentides, Gaétane Gagnon of Montérégie, Pierrette Poirier-Nadeau of Centre-du-Québec, and Louisa Cookie-Brown of Nunavik.

To learn more about the award recipients and their achievements, visit www.mfa.gouv.qc.ca (in French).

Photo caption: (From left to right) Minister Francine Charbonneau, Prix Hommage Aînés recipient Louisa Cookie-Brown, and president of the Nunavik Elders’ Committee Bobby Snowball. (credit: Group CNW/Office of the Minister of Families)

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Source :

Chantal Gauvin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible
for Native Affairs
Phone: 418 643-3166

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