Inuvik (Feb 16/04) - Keep it like it is. That was the response from most Inuvik residents in regards to Western Arctic Senator Nick Sibbeston's suggestion that the territory be re-named.

"No," said Andrea Keogak. "It's been known as the NWT forever."

"No, it's had this name for so long," said Isabelle Laperriere.

And if the territory was renamed, it would be the next generation and not this one who would identify with it, she said.

The memory of Sibbeston's last re-naming attempt is still fresh in the minds of many long-time residents, like Bev Garven.

Sibbeston tried finding a new name for the NWT through a government telephone survey in 1996 and again in 2002. "Bob" was the top contender during the 1996 survey.

"There's nothing wrong with what we've got," said Garven.

"I remember the last time, when 'Bob' was getting the most votes and I don't see it being any different this time."

If NWT residents were really serious about re-naming the territory, she said they would have come up with a better name than "Bob" in the past.

With 11 official languages in the NWT, the choice would be much more difficult than it was in Nunavut, Garven pointed out.

"Which one would you pick? You aren't going to please everyone," she said.

There were a few respondents in favour of a possible name change, however.

Aklavik chief Charlie Furlong said he is in favour of changing the name, but only if it is done by the aboriginal people and not by the government.

"I think as we are moving toward self-government and self-determination, the NWT needs to have a new name," he said.

"It is the aboriginal peoples' land and it is they who will have to change it."

Years ago, Furlong put forward Nahendah Western Territories as a possibility. Nahendah means "our land", he said and the name would allow the territory to keep the same initials.