Sibbeston honoured for public service
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Mar 23/01) - Fort Simpson's Nick Sibbeston was the recipient of an Aboriginal Achievement Award for public service last Friday.
He was on hand for the awards ceremony at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, but he said he still doesn't know who nominated him.
 Nick Sibbeston |
Sibbeston has a distinguished record of leadership and setting precedents. He was the NWT's first aboriginal lawyer. He set new standards in the Legislature, and now represents the NWT in the Senate.
He came from a broken family, and as a young man left home to get his high school diploma.
"Everything I did, I really did on my own initiative. I was pretty determined, pretty driven," he said. "I remember working in the summers, working really hard labour, and thinking, 'Well, I've got to get educated because if I don't, I'm going to have to work like this all my life."
His first term as a member of the "Territorial Council" was from 1970-74. In those days, the council essentially served as advisors to the commissioner, he said. Waiting for the day when elected representatives held true power, he returned to the University of Alberta, earning a law degree.
He got back into politics in 1979, served three consecutive terms, and became leader of the government.
At a time when politicians were expected to dress in a suit and tie, Sibbeston challenged the dress code. He threw his tie towards the Speaker and asserted his right to wear traditional dress in the Legislature.
In the early 80s, he also challenged the lack of recognition of aboriginal languages. There was Inuktitut translation in the Legislature, but nothing for the Dene.
"I had to make a point," he said. "It was simple, I just started speaking in Slavey and nobody could understand. They shut down the Assembly and got the interpreter."
Soon after, several aboriginal languages were officially spoken and translated in the Legislature.
Today, Sibbeston said he believes the government has done its part to promote aboriginal languages.
"Now I really feel now it's up to every individual to speak the language and teach the children their language," he said, adding that First Nations' leaders should still provide critical direction to government. "Otherwise, then the language is going to fade away through time."
