Yellowknife (Dec 08/04) - The energy in the room filled with women at Trapper's Lake Lodge recently was palpable, according to Sylvie Francoeur.

"It was incredible to breathe the energy that was in that room -- all those influential women who want to make a difference, who want to make Yellowknife a better community," said Francoeur.

She was a participant during the Nov. 26-28 Crossroads 2004 sharing circle.

Thirty women -- from MLA Sandy Lee, to Olympian Sharon Firth, to elders -- took part in the event, organized by the Living History Society.

Co-organizer Kimberly Qilluniq said the purpose of the weekend was to bring women from diverse backgrounds together to brainstorm ways to make their community stronger.

Subjects like racism were discussed at the lodge, while the women shared stories and listened to speakers.

The participants are back in their respective homes and workplaces in Yellowknife now, but Qilluniq plans to bring them together again in January to rehash ideas that emerged.

"What came out of it was to go out and expand our circles, to make our community stronger for youth and elders," she said.

"I think everyone developed a stronger sense of community, of what can I do?" she said.

"I want to promote other cultures and other customers within my work and volunteer life," she said upon returning to Yellowknife.

While the Crossroads event focused on Yellowknife women, it was part of an initiative founded by the Northern Regional Canadian Unity Council, based out of Calgary.