Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 20/99) - Following four terms in office, Sam Gargan cleaned out his office last week.

The former Speaker lost a close battle for votes in the Deh Cho riding against Fort Providence Mayor Michael McLeod.

Last week, while cleaning out his office at the legislature, Gargan said he plans to take six months touring the continent, renewing his relationship with his wife and children.

As for his career, Gargan said he's made no immediate commitment, but hopes to pursue aboriginal issues.

"I haven't made any plans, other than to express my interest in working with aboriginal organizations," Gargan said. "I've spoken with Bill Erasmus at the Dene Nation about my interest in continuing to pursue aboriginal interests."

He also says he may, if called upon, look to working in local politics.

"I may at one point, if requested, run for First Nations in Fort Providence," he said. "As chief, perhaps. Or also with the Deh Cho First Nations and assist in their negotiations."

"I will not go as far as challenging the leadership of any organization, out respect for their leadership," he said. "It's not that I have any great desire to humiliate anybody -- it's not my style."

When Gargan was first elected, he said he was a little unsure of how thing operated in the legislature.

"My first day wasn't here, it was at the Yellowknife Inn," he recalled through a smile. "I wasn't as nervous as I was inexperienced."

"My first order of business was to meet with John Parker, the commissioner at the time, to request the aspirations of my constituency," he said. "Not knowing that the best avenue was to do it in the assembly itself -- so that was my first lesson."

He said he devoted much of his time in the capital working towards a better understanding between the members and two cultures.

"One of my goals was to try to create an awareness with all the non-aboriginal members as to what it means to be an aboriginal person," he said.

"For instance, religion is not something that is an institution, to them spirituality is a way of life and everything is equal in the eyes of the beholder -- whether you're an animal or a human being," he said.

"I've learned that you cannot put yourself above everything else to be the dominator."

Among his list of achievements, Gargan said he was proud to represent Canadian First Nations people on an international level.

"I was the first indigenous person to be elected to sit on the executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum," he said.

It was through the contact with leaders from around the world, Gargan said that he began to see the big picture.

"What I've learned is that most cultures, internationally, have gained, taken, or have been given independence in their homeland by colonial governments, but what I've seen in the Americas is that aboriginal people here will never, ever see that happen," he said.

As far as advice to the next member who sits in the Speaker's big chair, Gargan's words were few.

"Keep your mouth shut," he said, breaking into a laugh.