Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 19/99) - As the International Year of the Older Person reaches its second half, the NWT Seniors' Association is starting fresh with a new executive director.

Barb Hood, who has lived in the North for 14 years in total including the past 10 years in Yellowknife and some time in Inuvik, will take over as the association's lone staff person.

"I'm really keen to have people be acquainted with the organization," Hood said last week.

"My sense in my first week (on the job) is that there's a great need to connect with the communities to get the word out that we're here to work for people."

Hood stresses one way elders around the North can get information is by using the toll-free number.

"I'm here to answer questions on pensions, abuse, financial matters and health matters," said the mother of three and grandmother of two.

"I'm providing a resource for people both here (in Yellowknife) and in their community and I help people wade through the paperwork."

Hood is fresh from being director of housing at the YWCA for the past year. Before that, she worked as the executive director for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

"I think I bring a business management perspective. I bring leading and organization and advocacy for people."

To past president of the NWT Seniors' Advisory Council Esther Braden, the big event on the horizon is a walk on Oct. 2.

The event will involve people all around the world who will walk to show support and awareness for the contribution seniors make in society.

"This is supposed to be happening in all communities and settlements and I hope they are preparing for it," she said.

To many in the communities, excitement has not yet started for a community walk.

"We're waiting for more information, but it could take place," said Inuvik's Ellen Smith, who is the vice-president of the NWT Seniors' Society.

In addition to the walk, Braden said seniors' week will take place in early October and it will specifically recognize those 80 years and older.