Yellowknife (Feb 18/04) - Senator Nick Sibbeston may have a tough time convincing Yellowknifers now is the time to change the name of the NWT.

Yellowknifer approached several people at random last week and found most are either adamantly opposed to the move or just looking for a good laugh.

"The Eastern Arctic is now Nunavut, so we should call us 'Some-of-It,'" said Shirley Cook. "They've got nothing but at least we got something."

Dennis Hudson said the government has more important things, like health care, to worry about than changing the name.

"How much is it going to cost the government to change all the letterhead?" said Hudson."

Ken Huss, director of Nor-Art Gallery, showed off a print by Inuvialuit artist, Bill Nasogaluak entitled "Nunakput," which translates into, "Our land." Regardless, he doesn't think the NWT should change its name either.

"There's a lot of history involved in the name," said Huss.

"It's older than some of the provinces. It would be a shame if some of that history was eradicated."

A few people did mention a traditional name would be a good choice: Denendeh, which also means "Our land," but in Slavey; Ron Mackeinzo, visiting from Deline, thought we should change our name to Sahtu.

"Everything centres around the Sahtu," said Mackeinzo. Sahtu is the name for Great Bear Lake.

"We should try to name it Bob again," said Adam Gordon, referring to residents' second pick in 1996.

As for the territorial government, Premier Joe Handley phoned back to say he has more important things to worry about, like devolution.