First 6 honorees inducted into Order of the Northwest Territories

The Order of the Northwest Territories has its first-ever members following an induction ceremony Wednesday at the legislative assembly.

The Order's inaugural members are:

• Bruce Green of Hay River, who was nominated for his work in arts and culture, community leadership, education, science and technology, sports and recreation and volunteer services;
• Lucy Jackson of Fort Good Hope, for her work in arts and culture, communications, community leadership, education, public service and volunteer services;
• Sonny MacDonald of Fort Smith, for his work in arts and culture;
• Gino Pin, a Yellowknife architect; 
• Ruth Spence of Yellowknife; for community leadership, and her work as a community organizer and community activist; and
• John B. Zoe of Behchokǫ̀, for his work in self-government and northern development.

George Tuccaro, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, presented the inductees with their insignia, and was also inducted himself.

MacDonald, a carver who has taught carving to children across the Northwest Territories, said following the ceremony that being one of the first-ever members of the Order is "quite the honour."

"I started carving when I was seven years old and I haven't quit yet," he said.

Created in 2013, the Order of the Northwest Territories was modelled after the Order of Canada. It is now the territory's highest honour, which "recognizes individuals who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Northwest Territories or elsewhere."

Members of the Order receive an insignia, and may use the initials "O.N.W.T." after their names.