The group, operating under the umbrella of the Status of Women Council of the NWT, met last weekend at the Chateau Nova Hotel. They revised the women's leadership booklet and brainstormed ways to inspire women leaders at the community and territorial level.

The committee, made up of volunteers from various communities throughout the territory, was formed in 1998. The leadership initiative started in 1999.

The seven-member committee aims to support and encourage women by providing the necessary support and resource material through a detailed six-volume booklet set and accompanying workshops.

Although the booklets have already been written, revision is an ongoing process, said Status of Women Council executive director Barb Saunders.

"Women don't often see themselves as leaders and yet in their day-to-day lives they do leadership things, whether it's organizing in their community or organizing in their family," said Saunders.

The initial project was interrupted in 1999 when Nunavut and NWT separated but, with $60,000 more funding from various federal and territorial agencies, it's starting up again.

The booklets cover everything from basic leadership skills in everyday situations to how to get into electorate positions.

"Women need the support and be aware of what steps and skills are needed.

"A lot of women have those skills and don't recognize them," she said.

"It's women supporting women. Women are making these booklets."

Over the next two to three years the committee plans to have the booklets printed and available to all women through various community organizations.

In Yellowknife, workshops for piloting a draft edition of the book and gathering additional community input will start in the fall.

Workshops and training sessions will teach women leaders and a Web site will provide additional support and information.