Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 05/98) - Visitors standing outside the building that houses the NWT's legislative assembly can look directly into meetings in progress. Coincidence?

Hardly, says Erin MacDonald, "This place is packed with symbolism."

The University of Alberta student was originally hired as a finance clerk in early May. After spending her lunch breaks reviewing information packages, MacDonald was hired as a public relations assistant.

A Northerner for 19 years, MacDonald's pleasant personality, combined with her ability to speak French, adds finesse to her job.

She greets tourists in the building's main foyer, otherwise known as the Great Hall. Sunlight bathes the group as MacDonald explains how architect Gino Pin designed the hall to represent open government. She adds that skylights throughout the building allow the government to conduct its summer session in natural daylight.

MacDonald guides the group upstairs to the Speaker's office. "It's the only one facing Yellowknife's skyline," says MacDonald, "to watch over the city." She adds that the MLAs' offices overlook Frame Lake to maintain their close connection with the land.

MacDonald winds the group down a hall of Northern creations, including a wall-hanging by Paulatuk's Mabel Ruben and a print by the late Jesse Oonark from Baker Lake. The tour concludes in the legislature's public gallery.

Tourists peek over a railing at the circular desk pattern below as MacDonald describes the NWT's unique consensus government.

MacDonald enjoys her job, but feels butterflies in her stomach every time she takes centre stage.

"It's a little nerve-racking because there is so much to know, but it helps when people ask questions," says MacDonald.

Conducting three tours a day, MacDonald puts together information packages and assists with public displays. Visitors can admire her handiwork at the Nunavut display in the building's main lobby.

"I have a much better understanding of things surrounding the Nunavut division than I ever did before," says the sociology major.

Upon receiving her degree next spring, MacDonald plans to return to Yellowknife to seek employment.