YELLOWKNIFE (March 21, 2014) – Fort McPherson resident Charlie Snowshoe’s lifetime of commitment to the environment will be recognized with an Indspire Award later today in Winnipeg.

“Charlie is a role model for all of us in achieving our goal of an environment that will sustain current and future generations,” said Minister Glen Abernethy, who will represent the GNWT at the event. “He knows that land is life, and he has been an inspiration to many of our residents through his work to ensure responsible stewardship of our northern land and waterways.”

Charlie Snowshoe has been a member of the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board and the Gwich'in Land and Water Board since 2011. He has also served as the vice-chair of the Gwich'in Land Use Planning Board and a member of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. He was involved in the negotiations of the Porcupine Caribou Management Agreement and the land claims of the Dene Metis and Gwich'in, and has received many awards for his work to protect the northern environment.

The Indspire Awards, formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, promote the development, education and professional advancement of Aboriginal people in Canadian society. Past NWT recipients include Paul Andrew, Duane Smith, Harry Deneron, and Alestine Andre.

The award show is co-hosted by Tina Keeper and Kyle Nobess and will be recorded for broadcast on Global Television and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Additional information about the awards is available on the Indspire website.

For more information, contact:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca