Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 19/00) - Nunavut was a new beginning in some respects for the chief commissioner of the Girls Guides of Canada. In other ways, it marked the end of her journey.

Elaine Paterson was elected to a three-year-term as chief commissioner 34 months ago. Currently visiting Rankin Inlet, Paterson, who holds the most senior volunteer position in Canada, has visited every province and territory during her tenure.

"This was a wonderful opportunity not only for me to visit, but to raise the Guiding profile in the community as well," said Paterson.

"When someone from out of town comes, more attention is paid by politicians and the media and that's good for Guiding and the girls."

Although Paterson has been awarded the Canada 125 Medal, Guiding's Medal of Merit and the Beaver, what she lists as her Guiding highlights gives a glimpse into her personality.

Watching her daughters earn the Canada Cord and travel to the Bahamas and Denmark with Guides tops her list.

"Guiding is a value-based program," she said.

"We work hard with the Guides all across Canada to reflect the face of their community."

Chief commissioner is a non-renewable, full-time volunteer position.

Paterson will be stepping down at the Guides' annual general meeting this coming June.

She said she was happy to have the opportunity to visit Rankin, which has a solid Guiding program in place.

"About 30 per cent of the girls in Rankin Inlet are involved with Guiding and that is high compared to the rest of Canada.

Rankin has the highest percentage in Nunavut and it doesn't have the highest population, so that speaks volumes about its leaders."

Paterson said she would like to see more Inuit women become involved as leaders in Rankin to help preserve the cultural identity of the local Guides.

"My term has been an absolute gift to me. It has enabled me to see the various parts of Canada through the eyes of the girls and women who live there.

"People in Nunavut have been so kind and generous with their attention.

"I find the people in the North are always so warm, no matter how cold the weather happens to be."