Photo courtesy Stella Laviolette

Elder Suzanne Hillyard (1894 - 1988) was a proud Metis woman of Cree and Dene heritage. She was born in Portage La Loche in 1894 and raised her children and lived most of her 94 years of life at Willow (Gregoire) Lake. Elder Suzanne was fluent in four languages – Cree, Dene, English, and French.

Elder Suzanne was a loved member of her community because of the care she showed. She tanned her own moosehides, beaded and embroidered to create beautiful traditional pieces, and lovingly picked medicines to heal those who were sick and hurt.

The community of Willow Lake honored Elder Suzanne in many ways. When the first hotel opened in Anzac, it was warmly named the Hillyard Hotel. When reminiscing about her impact, Stella Laviollette, President of Willow Lake Metis Nation said, “The community often thinks of a wise mentor, loving granny, witty, a straight shooter and an icon of Willow Lake Metis.”

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is celebrating the rich culture and history of Indigenous peoples of this region in recognition of National Indigenous History Month. Please join us throughout the month of June in honoring the original peoples whose stories have marked these lands for time immemorial.