Monday, January 01, 2001
When historians look back upon the year 2000, we have no doubt that they will mark it as a turning point for the Northwest Territories.
It was the year that people of the NWT took major strides to a brighter future.
The history of the NWT has been one full of steps forward, from when the first commissioner came North to the creation of an elected legislature and later division.
Despite all those advances, the NWT has always been beholden to Ottawa. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has always held the budget strings tightly in its grasp.
Last January, DIAND Minister Robert Nault began to loosen the grip, offering to negotiate devolution of powers and revenue-sharing arrangements.
Seizing the opportunity, Aboriginal leaders took the lead in the push to build a natural gas pipeline down the Mackenzie Valley.
The success of BHP's Ekati diamond mine and the official go-ahead last month for the Diavik diamond mine put a real shine on the territorial economy.
Today, as we begin 2001, it's important to continue to build on the steps taken during the past year.
The momentum driving Ottawa toward devolution and revenue-sharing died with the November election. Territorial officials must ensure that the talks get back on track right away. There are also many pressing social issues that need to be addressed -- alcohol abuse, education, housing and health care.
All take money, something that will only come when the North is fully in control of its own destiny.
The honeymoon known as Nunavut isn't over yet.
But it is accurate to say, if we are to compare the territory to two young lovers recently wed, that the couple has begun to settle in. They've started to realize their partner in life leaves the cap off the toothpaste and the position of the toilet seat has become an issue.
The same can be said of the Government of Nunavut and the various land claims organizations. While progress was made at all levels all year round in year 2000, residents watched with astonishment as one leader after another toppled from grace.
Former Legislative Speaker and Quttiktuq MLA Levi Barnabas was the first to go with a sexual assault conviction.
Nanulik MLA James Arvaluk was quick to follow -- although he does still hold his seat in the Assembly -- with back-to-back charges of assault.
Former Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Pauloosie Keyootak paved the way for Nunavut Tunngavik president Paul Quassa's money antics.
Nunavummiut reeled as three of their neighbours were murdered -- all in alcohol-related incidents -- and domestic violence showed no signs of slowing down.
Gjoa Haven residents were forced to drink bloodworm infested water, while tears spilled in the Kivalliq region with the tragic sinking of the Avataq.
On the upside of things, a resurgence of energy and interest in mineral resources brought excitement and the promise of future wealth into homes in all of the communities.
A second woman was elected as MLA in the territorial byelection and MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell brought glory to the people by claiming the vast majority of votes in November's federal election.
Ups and downs, be they many, the territory made it through year two of its existence. And, at the end of it, we're a year wiser, a year older and a little more prepared to push on with year three.
Cheers to the year 2001.