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Senators get some Northern exposure

Guy Quenneville
Northern News Services
Friday, April 27, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Most people don't know what to expect when they come North, not even Canadian senators.

Seven members of the Senate got a glimpse last week on a tour organized by NWT Senator Nick Sibbeston.

"To tell you the truth, I didn't know what to expect," said Sandra Lovelace-Nicholas, a Maliseet and member of the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick.

"I've never been here. So when we drove from the airport, I went, 'Oh my god. This is so different from any place that I've ever been.' It's all rocky and the trees are so skinny. It's so beautiful. I'm glad I came because I got to meet some of the First Nations people here."

The senators took a trip to the Diavik diamond mine and Lovelace-Nicholas didn't find it beautiful, "but I'm glad that First Nations people are working there, for economic reasons."

One senator leapt at the chance to come North.

"As soon as I saw the note from Nick, I immediately contacted his office to say, 'Yes, I would love to go,'" said Senator Percy Downe from P.E.I.

"Every bill that becomes a law in Canada has to be passed in the Senate, and there's more and more legislation pertaining to minerals, royalties, and government initiatives and investments. Coming from P.E.I., my knowledge of this area's industries was very low. I found the trip informative."

Terry Villeneuve, president of the NWT Native Women's Association, said she wasn't surprised that some of the visitors drew blanks when trying to envision the North before their visit.

"I asked one woman, 'What did you really expect of NWT?' And she didn't really have an answer for it," said Villeneuve.

"I do know that many people of the south, as soon as they mention NWT, they see polar bears and ice and snow. That's their vision of the NWT.

"Now when somebody mentions us, they'll be aware of what we're all about. And the opportunities that are here, like the diamond mines."

Educating leaders from the rest of Canada was the aim of the trip, said Sibbeston.

"This is the third year I've invited senators to come North," he said. "I do this because I really feel there's a need for education or a special introduction or familiarization for senators of the south."

The trip was capped off with a dinner at the Explorer Hotel on Saturday, hosted by territorial ministers Brendan Bell and Charles Dent.

The Native Women's Association of the NWT held a fashion runway show showcasing unique Northern clothing made by NWT designers Darcy Moses, Dene Fur Clouds and Bows and Arrows.

"I think if they can take away some culture, that will be really good," said Denyse Nadon-Holder, executive director of the NWT Native Women's Association and primary organizer of the show.

"I hope they take away some experience and knowledge, so when they are making their deals and making their decisions, they will remember and reflect on the people of the north. I think it's very important that you have a holistic view of who is around you if you're in those leadership positions."