Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 09/00) - A Dene elder's dedication to keeping alive Dogrib culture has attracted national recognition.

Elizabeth MacKenzie of Rae-Edzo was presented the Governor General's Award in commemoration of The Person's Case.

She was chosen to receive the award by the Status of Women Canada, on behalf of the Governor General's Office, for her efforts to incorporate Dogrib culture into education programs in her community.

The Elizabeth MacKenzie Elementary School in Rae was named after MacKenzie when it was opened in 1991, in recognition of her unrelenting efforts to ensure young Dogribs learn about their culture.

Rosa Mantla, the school principal, said the elder has been the voice of Dogrib women and the heart of the community for many years.

"Elizabeth is a very respected elder. She always wanted equal rights for women as well as men."

In MacKenzie's generation, Mantla said women were always told how to act and think and what to say, but MacKenzie fought for the rights of Dogrib women, and told them it was time to speak out.

Whenever Mantla introduces her to the school children, she speaks of her as a hero who fought for the education of young children in a Dogrib cultural environment.

MacKenzie was also a long-term member of the Dogrib Divisional Board of Education Council.

She speaks to students about the importance of education and learning more about their culture, and counsels adults about improving their parenting skills.

MacKenzie also translates for Dogrib elders who cannot speak English."She has worked so hard," said Mantla.