Yellowknife (Oct 06/03) - Native women want to increase their presence in the business world.

That was the message that came out of the Native Women's Association of the NWT annual assembly on Oct. 1 and 2.

This year's assembly saw the highest attendance ever with about 120 people taking part.

"We are continuing with last year's mandate to look at economic development through the eyes of native women," said Audrey Zoe, executive director of the association.

That mandate started with employing an economic development officer, Cecile Cadieux.

"She is looking into the role of aboriginal women in business and finding out how we can expand on that," said Gina Dolphus, president of the association. Dolphus said Cadieux will be working with women involved in traditional work like sewing and gaining more exposure for their work and efforts.

Cadieux will also look at getting aboriginal women involved with large companies like those in the diamond or oil industries.

Speakers from Diavik and Enbridge were supposed to be on hand, but only a representative from BHP Billiton was able to attend the meeting.

Some positive news came from the Dogrib region.

Dan Marion, with the Dogrib Group of Companies, explained how more women are in school these days.

"Marion showed us that women play a major role in the Dogrib region," Dolphus said.

"At the moment, we have 92 young aboriginals attending post-secondary school and 64 per cent are women," Marion said during the AGA.

Marion, who's lived in the Dogrib region for more than 30 years, also said that 100 per cent of the administrative staff at the hamlet and band offices are women.

Another hot topic at the AGA was health.

Representatives of Health Canada were on hand to answer questions on the health-benefit consent form.

There was much concern from the association over the lack of communication from the government. Privacy issues stemming from signing the consent form were also discussed. "We might be given funding to travel to the communities so we can explain what is actually happening. The government said 'here fill this out' without telling us what it was all about. We wanted more information," said Zoe. With an economic development officer in place, the association is now looking at hiring a health co-ordinator.

The association will be hosting the National Native Women's Association AGA on Nov. 29 and 30.