Jake Ootes - Umingmak: Stuart Hodgson and the Birth of the Modern Arctic

The 1960s and early 1970s were a time of evolution, of great change for the North. Indigenous peoples were transitioning off the land into communities without the services that existed in other parts of Canada. Our lands and people were administered by the federal government, but we had little knowledge of the role it played in our lives. Bureaucrats in faraway Ottawa knew even less about us.

That started to change when, on September 18, 1967, a plane from Ottawa landed at the Yellowknife airport. On board were two dozen civil servants of the government of the Northwest Territories led by Stuart Hodgson, the newly appointed Commissioner and Chairman of the Council of the Northwest Territories. The Council, forerunner of todays Legislative Assembly, consisted of some elected and some appointed members, but Stu had dic- tatorial powers. Fortunately for us, he turned out to be a benevolent dictator.

Two years later, I was honoured and privileged to be appointed President of the Indian Brotherhood (later to become the Dene Nation) by the elder chiefs of the twenty-six communities of Treaties 8 and 11, in accordance with ancient Dene customs and traditions. We had come from a nomadic existence and needed to protect our lands, our culture and our way of life. To do so, I realized that we would have to come to terms with Stuart Hodgson and his territorial administration. It would prove to be a time of learning for all of us.

Stu travelled to meet people on their home turf in far-flung and isolated communitiesthe Dene, the Inuit, the Mtis, the non-aboriginals. He listened to our voices, what we had to say, what we needed, what we wanted. He would order his administrators, in no uncertain terms, to fix the problems. Significant changes started to take place for the Dene people and for all of us throughout the Northimproved transportation and communication systems, changes to our way of life. He also promoted the North, arranging visits by The Queen, the Governor General and the Prime Minister and encouraging community and territorial celebrations.

Stu united the North, bringing people together. The people of the High Arctic might not know the lifestyle of the people of Rae, my community in the south, and vice versa, but Stu saw it was important that we understand each other, work with each other. On his travels he would educate and encourage people to take control over their own affairs, to become leaders, first at the community level, then at the regional and eventually at the territorial level. Outstanding treaty settlement for my people, the Dene, was a big issue at that time and Stu recognized the sensitivity and importance of this. While the Inuit didnt have treaties, he also respected their desires. He realized that all of us needed a way to control our own lives and futures.

Eventually the Council became fully elected with a significant number of Aboriginal members from all regions of the North, including me. Stu handed over some of his authority and, over the years, continued to relinquish his powers and oversee the transition to an elected legislative body directly responsible to the people. He recognized the importance of governing by consensusthe Aboriginal wayand this is part of his legacy. The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories is truly unique in the Canadian confederation.

There were many times, especially in the early years, when Stu and I had significant disagreements, different agendas. But one thing was clear. We respected each other. We worked through those differences for the betterment of northern people. When I was elected to the Executive Council, equivalent to a cabinet minister, Stu worked with me and heeded my advice. I appreciate the support and encouragement I received from him.

We have come a long way since the day Stu Hodgson arrived in the North. In the Tlicho territory, my home, we settled a land claim with the federal government, and now have our own government where we follow the customs and traditions of our ancestors. By the time Stu retired we were well on our way. He earned the respect of the chiefs, the Dene, and of the Aboriginal people. He set the pace, he governed. He led us into the 21st century.

Mahsi cho!

James Wah-Shee

Chair, Tlicho National Assembly

Behchoko, Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories, 1970

Prologue

February 1967

Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson drew his chair closer to the desk. Your job will be to bring Canadas Arctic into the 20th century. That part of our country has been ignored for too long. Unacceptable!

The development of Canadas Arctic was part of Pearsons vision for the country. As Secretary of State for External Affairs, he had been awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in helping to resolve the Suez Canal Crisis. As Prime Minister, he had introduced the Canada Pension Plan, student loans, a new national flag (the red maple leaf), and universal health care. A month ago, he had dedicated the Centennial Fountain in front of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, marking the beginning of Canadas 100th birthday. Now, Pearson was determined to bring the territory north of the 60th parallel into Canadas mainstream by appointing a new Commissioner.