Yellowknife (May 12/03) - George Blondin of Rae received a Queen's Jubilee Medal last week.

During a ceremony at the NWT legislative assembly in Yellowknife on Wednesday, May 7, Blondin received the medal from NWT commissioner Glenna Hansen.

Blondin is a Dene elder and writes a column in this newspaper.

He is a member of the Order of Canada and is a past chair of the Denendah Elders Council and vice-president of the Dene Nation.

Blondin was described as a respected leader and works hard to pass his knowledge and experiences on to members of the community during the presentation.

He is the author of two books.

Blondin was among 16 other NWT residents who received a medal.

The medals are part of the Canadian Honours System and have been approved by Adrienne Clarkson, the Governor General of Canada, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.