Good Afternoon. I want to thank you all for being here today to honour Stuart Hodgson, a man who dedicated much of his life to the people of the North.  The effects of his dedication extend far past the time he spent here and it is my honour to talk about his legacy.

I would like to acknowledge Mr. Hodgson’s son Eugene, and grandson, Evan, who are both in attendance today to celebrate his life with us. As a father and Grandfather myself I see the sacrifices family members make in order to support the work and vision of those who have chosen a life of public service.

Mr. Hodgson’s legacy is founded in his tireless efforts to lay the groundwork for a sustainable political structure and economy in the most remote area of Canada, paving the way for Consensus Government and the system we know today.

Not only was Mr. Hodgson the architect who helped build the foundation by which the Government of the Northwest Territories is built on, his work with Aboriginal governments and belief that decentralizing power into the regions and local communities helped inform discussions that eventually led to a number of settled land claims. He believed in listening to Indigenous peoples because, in his words, “not everything was invented in Ottawa. You’ve got to listen to what they have to say.”

Those words still ring true and I have often said that when we, as a government are joined by our Aboriginal government partners, we can influence Ottawa much more effectively than if we try go it alone.

As a northerner born and raised in Fort Providence I knew about Commissioner Hodgson by reputation.  When I moved to Yellowknife on April 1, 1979, to take my first job with the Government of the Northwest Territories I got to see first-hand the impact he had on Northerners. At the time, there was a housing shortage due to the number of new hires and I spent two weeks living in the Yellowknife Inn, where celebrations were being held for Mr. Hodgson’s retirement. Because we were guests at the hotel, we were invited to attend the three days of celebrations.

It was my first encounter with a man who was the true devolutionist of the Northwest Territories. By bringing the government from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Mr. Hodgson was a trailblazer for what would become the next step in our territorial evolution.

In 1967, Mr. Hodgson was appointed Commissioner by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson on the recommendation of Hodgson’s mentor, Senator Arthur Laing. Despite Mr. Hodsgon’s concerns about not knowing how to run a government,  he hit the ground running and developed a fledgling civil service.  By September 1967, he and 30 employees moved the territory’s capital from Ottawa to Yellowknife in the pre-division Northwest Territories.

When he landed on that fall day, he said “At last, we are home.”

It wasn’t all rosy for Mr. Hodgson when he brought government here. The transition from Ottawa to Yellowknife was challenging. His office was in the old St. Patrick’s School, the library to be exact, his staff in whatever space they could find.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Hodgson’s determination to unite the North and its people was the foundation by which a clear and strong Northern identity was forged. He believed in taking government to the people, and listening to what they had to say. These are lessons we still follow today.

Throughout his 12 years as Commissioner, Mr. Hodgson travelled to every community every year to meet with leaders and community members. It was through these tours that he encouraged open and inclusive dialogue. Through this effort, Mr. Hodgson earned the name Umingmak for his strength, endurance and protective presence, from the Inuit people, who had much respect for the work he was doing.

In many ways, his willingness to listen and treat Northern people with respect helped create strong relationships the Government of the Northwest Territories has with many Aboriginal governments in the territory today. He firmly believed that there was no instant solution for the challenges of the time – staggering distances between communities, inadequate communications, for example – and it was up to the Government to work collaboratively with the Aboriginal population to help create sustainable communities and regions. 

As many of you will know the Northwest Territories took a giant step forward in our own political destiny with the signing of the devolution agreement in 2014. I believe the Mr. Hodgson broke trail for us as a Territory to achieve devolution.  It was not an easy trail for us to follow but it was there and as Premier I am immensely grateful that we had his footsteps to follow.

His hard work and dedication to the peoples of the North will be his legacy for generations to come.

Thank You.