The NWT’s premier has ceremonially received a beaded carry belt from 1967 centennial celebrations that is coming home to the North after more than 50 years away.
The belt was created by artists from Aklavik and presented to the territory’s then-commissioner Stuart Hodgson for the 100th anniversary of Confederation.
Five years later, Hodgson made an informal gift of the belt to Métis leader Tony Belcourt.
Belcourt kept the belt for more than five decades and this week gave it to Premier RJ Simpson, the premier’s office said, so it could be returned to the NWT.
Simpson’s office said the belt’s presentation at an Ottawa meeting marked “the return of a significant piece of memorabilia and the closing of a story that showcases the resilience and unique political history of the Northwest Territories.”
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“The belt’s creation and presentation took place during a pivotal period in Northern and Indigenous political history, when the NWT was governed by a non-elected commissioner appointed by the federal government and ultimate decision-making for the territory remained with federal departments,” the territorial government stated.
“At the same time, Indigenous leaders were asserting their rights and sovereignty and forming new political associations to advance their collective efforts.”
In a statement, Simpson said: “This belt was made to represent and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada by northern artists whose ancestors have called this place home since time immemorial.
“Reflecting on what the belt is meant to symbolize, how it came to be with Mr Belcourt, and how it is now returning home reminds us of how far we’ve come.”
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Belcourt said he had known all along that the belt needed to be returned “when the time was right.”
“It was made to celebrate the people of the North and their spirit of cooperation and resilience,” he was quoted as saying.
“I am honoured to see it back where it belongs, among the people and the land that inspired it.”
An appropriate location for the belt’s permanent display is being determined, the GNWT stated.
