Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 09/98) - A former Northwest Territories teacher -- who was awarded a Commissioner's Award for Bravery -- is running as an English language rights candidate in Quebec's provincial election.

Denzil Spence, who spent three years as a teacher in Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River, is the Equality Party's nominee in Pontiac County, about two hours from Ottawa.

Reached Thursday, he says he'll never forget his three years teaching in the Deh Cho. Ironically enough, the politician says two of his favourite youth from his NWT teaching days have, themselves, gone on to successful careers in politics.

Former government leader Nick Sibbeston and current GNWT Cabinet Minister Jim Antoine were among those Spence says he knew.

"Jim (Antoine) came to visit me in the 1980s," Spence said. "I'd love to see him again...He was an excellent hockey player."

Spence and his wife Claudette had hardly been married a year when they answered an advertisement to come North to teach in Fort Simpson in 1967. They were there for two years and then spent another year in Jean Marie River.

"I have nothing but good memories of my time there," he said.

It was a fall boat trip along the Mackenzie River from Jean Marie River which led to the events surrounding Spence's bravery award.

Five local students had joined the boat ride to Fort Simpson to get mail. Hitting a massive chunk of ice, their boat ended up stuck on a sand bank.

With the waters rising, Spence -- the only one in the boat who could swim -- made the decision to brave the icy waters to attempt a rescue.

Despite freezing temperatures, he made it to shore and was picked up by Louie Norwegian, who was then chief. Because of this, they were able to contact the RCMP and the kids were saved.

Spence nearly lost his feet because of the cold, but a doctor, then visiting the community, saved them.

"I've never forgotten it," Spence, who named his daughter Jantie Marie, after the doctor, said.

His other memories include the year Fort Simpson hosted the territorial track and field championships and the time kids from his school attended a national competition in Newfoundland.

As for his political chances in the upcoming vote, Spence said he wants his Northern friends to know he is fighting for Canada.

"I am taking on (separatist Quebec premier) Lucien Bouchard and I'm going to win," he said.

Old friends can reach him via the Internet at: www.spenced.org.

Still a teacher, Spence also currently serves as the mayor of the Quebec municipality of Allumette Island East.