Yellowknife (Mar 13/06) - Five women from across the Northwest Territories were honoured at the 14th annual Wise Women Awards and luncheon in Yellowknife, last Wednesday.

More than 100 women attended the event coinciding with International Women's Day held in the Great Hall at the Yellowknife Legislative Assembly, March 8.

"I think we should gather all the women who have won this award and create a big think tank to come up with ideas of how to appreciate women," said Premier Joe Handley.

The Wise Women Awards are a time honoured tradition where women are nominated by people within their communities.

Directors for the NWT Status of Women Council decide who will win based on how these women have changed the lives of other women in their communities.

Most of the women recognized spend many hours volunteering in their respective communities.

The newly named Wise Women are Louise Fraser, 64, of Fort Smith, Eileen M. Koe, 62, of Fort McPherson, Tina Marie Gargan, 35, of Fort Providence, Laura Lennie, 69, of Tulita, and Marie Speakman, 48 of Yellowknife.

"I didn't expect this, when I got the call, I thought, why me?" said Lennie.

She raised nine children and 13 foster children on her own, all the while working at the community health centre in Tulita.

"But then I realized, this award means other people are seeing me through my work."

Koe shared laughter with the women gathered.

"I'd like to thank the heavenly Father for the gifts he gave us (wise women), because without us, you wouldn't be here!"

Koe is known for her work as a social worker in Fort McPherson. She also counsels elders and other community members.

Fraser, born in Alberta, said her true home was the NWT.

Her message for audience members was about the future of women in the North.

"Encourage your daughters, for they are the women of tomorrow."

She was nominated for her extensive volunteer work in Fort Smith.

"We're thrilled about this event because it meant something very special," said Sharon Thomas, new executive director for the Status of Women Council. She started Feb. 20.

Information and event co-ordinator for council, Leila Besarra, chose a bread and roses theme for the luncheon to echo important symbols in life. All the women were handed roses.

"The roses represent feeding the spirit while the bread feeds the body," she said.