Yukon MP Larry Bagnell has released a statement on this month’s passing of Kaska elder Martha (Mida) Donnessey, who devoted much of her life to preserving the Kaska culture.

She died Dec. 8 in Watson Lake at the age of 90.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of elder Mida Donnessey,” Bagnell said.

“I have known Ms. Donnessey for many years, and always respected her commitment to preserving Kaska culture,” the MP added.

Donnessey spoke the Liard dialect of the Kaska language.

“A fierce personality, she would always stand her ground when it came to causes she believed in,” Bagnell added.

“At 90, Donnessey was living history – her knowledge of traditional medicines, language, and Kaska life has helped create historical records and preserve a way of life in Southern Yukon.

“Her work and traditional knowledge will live on in all who she taught.”

For many years, Donnessey also shared her knowledge and stories as a Kaska language teacher at Watson Lake Secondary School.

According to a Kaska language website created by the University of British Columbia, Donnessey was born in May 1928 near Blue River in northern British Columbia. She was the daughter of Mary and Old Smiley.

Her mother’s father was well-known Kaska elder George Steel.

With husband Raymond Donnessey, she raised a large family, trapping and living from her knowledge of the land.

“Mida has always practised her traditional Kaska skills and to this day, tans her own moose hides, collects traditional medicines, and spends time on the land,” the website noted.

“Mida is known for her exceptional sewing skills and beadwork.”

She was a regular participant in the Yukon Story Telling Festival.