Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 22/02) - Erica Tesar's devotion to preserving and promoting Yellowknife's heritage was celebrated Wednesday night.

In a highly laudatory speech, the outgoing chair of the city's heritage committee, Allan Falconer, announced Tesar as this year's recipient of the Heritage Award.

Tesar has worked tirelessly over the years preserving Yellowknife's heritage, in both volunteer and professional capacities, and as an international custodian, said Falconer.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem presented the award. Minister of Education, Culture and Education Jake Ootes also attended the dinner, which was held at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

In her acceptance speech, Tesar took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the city and the territory joining forces.

She said that with all the talk about culture, tourism and heritage now circulating, it's time to make Yellowknife's history a living thing, available to residents and visitors alike.

Tesar suggested that the heritage committee, comprised of volunteers, can guide the way, but that a paid position needs to be created by the city to implement ideas.

She noted that in her capacity as the organizer of Amazing Family Sundays, people frequently approach her and ask why heritage and cultural activities aren't available all the time.

One-time events must become long-term events, she said.