Yellowknife (Feb 27/06) - The Territories' newest class of wise women was unveiled last week.

Five women from each of the NWT's regions were selected to receive Wise Women Awards from the Status of Women Council of the NWT. They were chosen from among 18 nominees.

They range from a woman who works to keep Gwich'in culture alive to a "tireless" Deh Cho volunteer, to a victim services worker who helps women who experience violence, rape or other abuse. The awards will be presented during the annual Bread 'n Roses Luncheon celebrating International Women's Day, March 8 in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife.

Beaufort-Delta - Eileen Koe, Fort McPherson.

She was selected because of her work to share the Gwich'in way of life with young people.

According to her nominators, Koe is "a very caring, loving and compassionate caregiver."

Deh Cho - Tina Marie Gargan, Fort Providence.

Her nominators called here a "tireless volunteer" who is a "very good listener, intuitive, trustworthy, honest, forgiving, approachable."

North Slave - Marie Speakman, Yellowknife.

She was described as an "invaluable source of support to women." Speakman is a victim service worker who treats her work as "a way of life."

Sahtu - Laura Lenny, Tulita.

As a community health representative, she "helped guide many people to find a balance in their live. She also volunteers her time with many organizations that promote self-growth and a healthy lifestyle.

South Slave - Louise Fraser, Fort Smith.

This "generous, caring and kind-hearted woman" was called an excellent role model for her work helping women in need.