INUVIK
Although it's gone from weapon to symbol, the ceremonial NWT mace can still turn heads.
Paul Schab, a Grade 11 student at East Three Secondary School, leans in to have a closer look at the NWT ceremonial mace April 11. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo
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The mace, a 27-pound glittering work of art that's one of the most important ceremonial items in the government arsenal, was on display last week in Inuvik during an annual tour with Speaker of the House and Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson.
It certainly managed to catch the attention of students at East Three School, who crowded close to see the elegant item that has to be present for all official government business in the legislative assembly.
Many found it even more compelling after Jacobson and NWT sergeant-at-arms Brian Thagard described how the mace contains stones hand-selected from every community in the NWT as reminder that it's a tool of the people. That gives the mace a distinctive and unique voice whenever it's moved.
"It's pretty interesting to have a voice of the communities like that," Grade 11 student Paul Schab said.
Thagard said it is his role to accompany and guard the mace. As one student put it, he's rather like the keeper of the Stanley Cup. No one but Thagard is allowed to touch the mace, and he wears white gloves, again like the Stanley Cup.
Classmate Luke Terry was particularly interested in the mace. He said he's been thinking of applying for a position as a legislative page. He missed a deadline for the application last year, he said, but is interested in trying again.
"I've been a bit busy, but I'd like to try before I graduate. It looks like a fun job and I've had friends do it," Terry said. "They got to see people from different parts of the territory, it's quite interesting and I got to hear some cool stories about what they did."
"It's really interesting to see the mace," he added. "I've seen the one in Ottawa, and it was quite cool. I've lived here in the territories for 10 years now, and I think this one is nicer."
The students also listened attentively to Jacobson, who said he believes he has the best job in the legislative assembly.
"When the premier wants to talk to me, he comes to my office," the Tuktoyaktuk resident told the students with a smile and wink.
Jacobson said the tour was started about six years ago by a previous legislative speaker.
"I've tried to keep the program going because it's good for the youth to see the mace and to see what's it all about, the symbolism it has for the legislative assembly and what it stands for."
"When you see it up close, it's a piece of artwork," he added. "Back in the day the mace was a functional weapon that was used to protect kings and queens. Now it's symbolic of the assembly as a whole."
Jacobson stressed the importance of using the mace tour as way of engaging youth around the NWT.
"So we're really happy to be here with the youth. We've been trying to go to rural and remote communities. We're also going to Fort McPherson for the day tomorrow."
