Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 19/02) - Seven months after she was sacked, Pauline Gordon, the former assistant deputy minister for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, has been given another job.

She will begin her new job as assistant deputy minister with the Department of Renewable Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development, Aug.1.

Gordon was fired by ECE deputy minister Loretta Foley Nov. 9, leading to a massive outcry from aboriginal leaders across the territory.

Many said the Aklavik-born educator was a leading example among aboriginal people, and the department had no reason to fire her.

Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko wanted to know if the government intended to apologize to her and her home community.

When he visited Aklavik two months ago, community members handed Premier Stephen Kakfwi a petition demanding she be reinstated.

"Part of the problem is this government's got no soul," said Krutko in the legislative assembly.

"Will you make an apology to the community of Aklavik?"

Kakfwi said he would "not negotiate with the community in a public forum."

While still remaining a government employee, Gordon has not worked since her dismissal.

As of last week, her name was still hanging above her old office door.

Acting ECE Minister Joe Handley said it was her choice to go work for RWED.

"We sat down, we worked out what the options were," said Handley. "She chose the option of working with RWED, so I think things are all satisfied now."

Gordon said she signed an agreement for her new position last Thursday, and is happy that she will be back at work again soon.

"Oh yeah, for a new start," said Gordon. "It'll be a learning curve for sure."