Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 02/01) - A group of Russian officials dropped by Inuvik last week as part of efforts to learn about Canada's economic development programs for aboriginals.

The Russians began their Canadian visit in Calgary, went to Edmonton, and spent time in Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Providence before they arrived in Inuvik October 23. A feast was held for them that evening at Ingamo Hall, where deputy mayor Arlene Hansen made a brief presentation.

Among the Canadians accompanying the Russians to Inuvik was Kathy Bentley, policy advisor for Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Planning. She explained the purpose of the visit was to have a group of Russian officials visit Canada to learn from government officials about economic development programs for aboriginal people.

"We have talked about principles of economic development, we've talked about lending programs," Bentley said.

"We've talked about aboriginal development, we talked about government systems. They're very interested in governance."

The project -- entitled Institution Building for Northern Russian Indigenous Peoples' Project, Phase 2 -- is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. The Government of the NWT is involved with this project, along with DIAND and the Inuit Circumpolar Conference.

Since 1996, the GNWT has participated with DIAND and the Russian federal state committee on northern affairs on a variety of projects. The first Institution Building for Northern Russian Indigenous Peoples' Project ran from 1996-2000. Its main outcome was to enhance the ability of Russian national and regional governments to tackle the economic challenges facing their northern Aboriginal peoples.

The second phase of the Peoples' Project began in 2000. It consists of three components. The GNWT is involved in the government to government component, which aims to strengthen the economic capacity of selected Russian regional governments by sharing practical, Canadian experience with economic development programs and services.

Good reception

Bentley said the stay in Inuvik was positive, and that people were very accommodating. She pointed out the Russian officials come from three different regions and have a wide variety of interests, ranging from oil and gas development, to arts and crafts.

"They want to learn. It's really quite interesting," Bentley said. "We have talked to them about many different components in small communities."

Bentley said people in Canada's North have a lot in common with those in Russia, including severe climate, a low population, and large distances to markets.