Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 14/02) - Some of Canada's biggest names will be in Yellowknife next week to attend a conference celebrating the history of the Northwest Territories.

Entitled The True North Strong and Free: A New Vision, in the National Interest, the two-day symposium will mark the past 25 years of the NWT's political and economic development.

Twenty-five years ago Justice Thomas Berger travelled through the Northwest Territories listening to aboriginal people's concerns about a possible Mackenzie Valley pipeline. The inquiry was the first of its kind and is still talked about today.

The symposium's guest list includes Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson, John Ralston Saul, Thomas Berger, Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Senator Nick Sibbeston. Various other politicians, chiefs, members of industry and former premiers will also be in attendance.

The conference runs June 19 to 21 and features panel discussions, cultural events, storytelling and workshops.

"There are opportunities for the public to participate," said Peter Allen, a co-chair of the Living History Society. The society is helping to organize the events.

"There will be a public town hall panel and storytelling."

The first performance of O Canada in the NWT's official languages will be June 19 and the symposium wraps up with a community drum dance Wednesday evening.

People who have contributed to life in the NWT will also be an important component of the celebrations.

"We will be celebrating the achievements made by people throughout the NWT," said Allen. "The unsung heros who contributed to the politics and economy of the NWT ... Some who aren't with us anymore, their families will be honoured."