NNSL (Mar 16/98) - Martha Koonoo is a mother to many and an inspiration to many more.

She was awarded one of four 1998 Wise Women awards by the Status of Women Council of the NWT. Koonoo, 59, is a mother of 11 children (seven of them adopted), a midwife, a caretaker for the aged and sick and a sewing instructor and a carver.

She was nominated by her daughter, Theresa, and received the news a few weeks ago informing her of the honor.

"I didn't tell her about (the nomination)," Theresa said. "She was shocked. She didn't know what to do."

Although she had 11 children of her own -- now ranging in age from three to 35 -- Koonoo said "it's still possible to find the time to help others."

She came to adopt seven children because pregnant women in the community who didn't have the means to care for their children asked her to rear them.

"She felt she had to, so she'd just accept their requests," Theresa translated.

Koonoo learned the skills of midwifery from her grandmother and delivered all four of her biological children at home. In 1993, she even resuscitated a newborn to save its life.

She said she enjoys outdoor activities and used to hunt seal and caribou with her husband.

Koonoo, who thinks of her mother and sister-in-law as truly knowledgable people, said she didn't consider herself wise until she received the award and is very proud of it.

She who wasn't able to make the presentation ceremony in Yellowknife last week so she will receive her award at home.