Kim Barraclough
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 12/99) - The new council for the NWT Status of Women has been chosen by the minister responsible for Status of Women, Charles Dent.

Vi Beck of Yellowknife has been chosen as president, while Harriet Geddes of Fort Providence will act as vice-president.

The other four council members include Jean Ekpakohak of Holman Island, Theresa Etchinelle of Tulita, Tessie Gonzales of Hay River and Bernadette Lockhart of Lutsel K'e.

Both Beck and Gonzales were on the council last year and both are pleased to be back. Beck is also happy with the new council members.

"It's a really good group of women -- I was really impressed about how much they were all up on the issues," said Beck.

"I think we can really do something in the next three years."

Beck has many ideas about what the council will take on during its term.

"We want to take away some of the perception that (Status of Woman) is just a women's group," said Beck.

Gonzales also has high hopes for the council.

"The new council is going to work towards women's upliftment."

Gonzales also wants to see more emphasis put on the family values.

"We are working together for not only women and children but also for men," said Gonzales.

The council's mandate is "to work towards the equality of women in the NWT through advice of the GNWT, research, public education, advocacy on behalf of women and assistance to women's groups."