Premier R.J. Simpson was presented with a beaded carry belt, made in 1967 as part of the Northwest Territories’ centennial celebrations, by Métis leader Tony Belcourt in Ottawa this week—marking 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.

Created by Indigenous artists from the community of Aklavik to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 1967, the belt was originally presented to Commissioner Stuart Hodgson. While Mr. Belcourt was in Yellowknife for meetings with the newly elected executive of the NWT Métis in 1972, Commissioner Hodgson gifted the belt to him in an informal exchange.

Mr. Belcourt has safeguarded the belt for more than five decades, keeping it carefully stored and never displayed, believing it should one day find its way back to the Northwest Territories.

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. At the same time, Indigenous leaders were asserting their rights and sovereignty and forming new political associations to advance their collective efforts. A widely publicized exchange of letters between Commissioner Hodgson and then-Minister of Indian Affairs Jean Chrétien, then Minister of Indian Affairs, brought national attention to the tensions between governments and Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territories.

Now, after more than 53 years, the belt is returning home to the Northwest Territories.

The presentation took place during Premier Simpson’s visit to Ottawa as part of the NWT Council of Leaders, where he and the NWT Cabinet sat as equals with Indigenous government leaders to meet with federal leaders and advance shared priorities for the North.

Quotes

"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. The NWT is a place where cultures come together, where leadership is shared, and where reconciliation is lived every day. I want to thank Tony Belcourt for safeguarding this important part of our story and for the honour of closing this chapter together."

— R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

"When Commissioner Hodgson gave me this belt, I knew it was something to be cared for and returned when the time was right. It was made to celebrate the people of the North and their spirit of cooperation and resilience. I am honoured to see it back where it belongs—among the people and the land that inspired it."

— Tony Belcourt, O.C., LL.D. (Hon.)

Background

• The beaded belt was created in 1967 by Northern Indigenous artists from Aklavik as part of the Northwest Territories’ centennial celebrations.
• It was originally presented to Commissioner Stuart Hodgson and symbolized the cultural strength and unity of the territory’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
• In 1972, Commissioner Hodgson handed the belt to Tony Belcourt, then a young Métis leader and founding president of the Native Council of Canada, during a visit to Yellowknife following the establishment of the Métis Association of the NWT.
• The belt’s beadwork depicts Northern symbols such as wildlife, the land, and traditional patterns representing Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit peoples.
• Plans are underway to determine an appropriate permanent location for the belt’s display in the Northwest Territories.

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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca