Yellowknife (Mar 10/06) - Hundreds of women from across the Territories came to Yellowknife to celebrate International Womens Day and the Wise Women Awards.

The ceremony was held in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly.

Hosted by the Status of Women Council, five women were recognized for contributions to their communities, including Yellowknife resident Marie Speakman.

"Women have the freedom to live in peace and freedom from violence. We are role models in all of our communities," Speakman said with tears in her eyes as she addressed the audience.

The Wise Women Awards are a time honoured tradition in Yellowknife and have been around for 14 years. Women are nominated by people within their communities and the winners are chosen by Status of Women Council directors.

Speakman, 48, was honoured for her efforts as a Victims Services worker. She has five children ranging from ages 10 to 32. She moved to Yellowknife from Deline five years ago to give her children a better education.

She is drawn to working with women because of her own difficult past involving alcohol and gambling.

She now helps the people she meets on the job return to healthy lives.

"I've been sober for 23 years and haven't gambled in more than seven. We have a responsibility to promote wellness and sobriety."

Her mother Dora Vital, 76, and daughter Louise Speakman were there to show their support.

"It shows how hard my mom works," said Speakman's 13-year-old daughter.

The other award recipients were Eileen M. Koe, 62, of Fort McPherson, Tina Marie Gargan, 35, of Fort Providence, Laura Lennie, 69, of Tulita, and Louise Fraser, 64, of Fort Smith.

Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee was one of the many women to congratulate the winners.

"It's a highlight event every year, not just on International Womens Day. Women are the backbone of our communities."

NWT Premier Joe Handley congratulated the winners and challenged the audience to say thank you to the women in their lives.

"We need to take a look at how we are expressing our appreciation for women."