Yellowknife (Jun 14/06) - Rick Hansen wheels out of the elevator of the Legislative Assembly, flanked by the territories' Minister of Health and national radio host Stuart McLean.

Instead of proceeding to a group of reporters, the man who circled the world by wheelchair 20 years ago stops to talk to a group taking a tour of the building guided by summer employee Sarah Bonner.

Rick Hansen introduces himself to Sarah Bonner, the Legislative Assembly tour guide. Hansen, who became a paraplegic in 1973 after a car accident, was in Yellowknife as part of a cross-country tour to promote awareness of spinal cord injury. - Yose Cormier/NNSL photo

"He introduced himself, and he talked about his family. He's really nice," said Bonner, who admitted to knowing only a little about what Hansen does.

Hansen had been holed up with Premier Joe Handley and the minister, Michael Miltenberger, for most of the morning, discussing various topics, but mainly Hansen's mission: raising awareness of spinal cord injuries.

McLean, who is hosting two of his Vinyl Cafe radio shows this coming weekend, just happened to be around, so the politicians decided to bring him in for the informal discussions, which focused on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, but also included conservation issues and climate change as well.

Hansen is also promoting a nation-wide registry of people with spinal cord injuries, which he said would provide a better idea of the needs people with disabilities face across the country.

"It would allow us to check to see where the best practices are and then implement them across the country," he said.

Hansen's presence was welcomed by the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities and the NWT branch of the Canadian Paraplegic Association, two groups involved in assisting people with disabilities.

"I was very impressed. He is very committed and motivated to this cause," said Cecily Hewitt, executive director with the council.

She said she hopes Hansen's presence will draw attention to the council's efforts.

"It's fantastic having him up here. Having someone with his profile can promote the awareness and change at the political level," said Shawn Roper, manager of rehab services for the association.

He was in charge of organizing the Wheels In Motion fundraising effort on Sunday afternoon at the ceremonial circle on the Frame Lake trail.

About 35-40 people gathered to either wheel, walk or run to raise funds for spinal cord injury research. The amount raised was not available at press time.