Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 17/02) - There is one newborn baby girl whose future career in politics seems almost pre-ordained.

Tammy Cazon-Squirrel rests with baby Angalika at Stanton Regional Hospital. Cazon-Squirrel's water broke as her MLA, Nahendeh's Jim Antoine, recognized her in the legislative assembly on Wednesday. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Proud parents Brent Squirrel and Tammy Cazon-Squirrel were in Yellowknife from Fort Simpson, along with Tammy's mom Rita Cazon, to give birth to their first child.

They were guests of their MLA, Nahendeh's Jim Antoine, and paid a visit to the legislative assembly Wednesday afternoon to see him at work, unknowingly stepping forever into house folklore.

Just as Antoine rose to recognize his guests in the legislative assembly, nature began to take its course.

"Just as I recognized them her water broke," said a bemused deputy premier.

"He started to recognize us then all of a sudden I said, 'Uh oh,' " said Cazon-Squirrel.

"My mom kind of mouthed to Jim, 'We got to go.'"

The ensuing scene caused so much confusion, it left one assembly page bewildered, wondering if someone had spilt a cup of water on the floor of the public gallery.

The sergeant-at-arms proceeded to inform the young man that it was merely the miracle of life that he was witnessing.

Cazon-Squirrel spent the night in labour, and gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 9:36 the following morning. The couple named their baby Angalika.

"Jim dropped by while I was in labour," said Cazon-Squirrel. "He just wished me good luck."

Mom and baby will spend a few days in Yellowknife recuperating before returning home to Fort Simpson. When asked whether she thought her daughter may have future in politics, Cazon-Squirrel said it was a definite possibility considering that her father, Ernest Cazon, is in public office.

Ernest Cazon is the sub-chief for the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson.

"You never know," said Cazon-Squirrel. "She may take after my dad."