Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 13/02) - Five women who have proved that economic security and a better life are attainable were honoured with Wise Women Awards Friday.

The awards were presented during the Bread and Roses Luncheon Friday in the legislative assembly's Great Hall.

Premier Stephen Kakfwi, minister responsible for the Status of Women, declared International Women's Day a perfect time to acknowledge the huge contributions of Northern women.

"Women of the North are keepers of many traditions of our families and culture," Kakfwi said. "Our mothers and grandmothers are our first teachers."

Yellowknife award recipient, social activist Suzette Montreuil said women need to play an equal role in the political arena because of their ability to work together.

"We are in this race together. We all finish or we all come in last place."

Elizabeth Greenland, 81, received the award for the Beaufort Delta region. She has taught youngsters dance for 20 years and manages to keep the Gwich'in language alive by sharing her stories. The greatest lesson Greenland shared with the crowd of more than 100 people was "Keep talking and don't give up on kids that don't listen, because God never gives up on us."

Laura Tobac, of Fort Good Hope, was honoured for inspiring others to make a difference in their communities and for promoting a healthy, sober lifestyle. When accepting her award she thanked God for putting her through painful trials because her experience has helped others deal with their own pain.

"I am accepting this award for all the women of the world who are hurting, grieving, and lonely," said Tobac.

Fort Simpson's Terry Villeneuve has been involved with the Catholic Church Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith since 1985. She travels within the community and overseas on behalf of the Church. Initially, she was wary about accepting the honour because she believes all women are wise and it is unfair to reward only five.

Nevertheless, when she found out it was her daughter who nominated her, she accepted gladly.

Jane Dragon, from Fort Smith, is a board member of the Western Arctic Leadership program, and has counselled many women in her spare time. Dragon teaches aboriginal craft work and samples of her handmade aboriginal costumes are on display in the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Her advice to the crowd was "Everybody is good and if you give them a chance they are perfect."

The women were awarded certificates of recognition and moose antler broaches carved by Sonny MacDonald from the same antler.