After 53 years, a beaded carry belt made in 1967 is returning to the territory after being presented to Premier R.J. Simpson by Métis leader Tony Belcourt in Ottawa this week.
The belt was created nearly six decades ago by an Indigenous artist from Aklavik as part of the territory’s centennial celebrations to mark the 100 year anniversary of Canada’s confederation. Back then, the belt was presented to Commissioner Stuart Hodgson, but a few years later, the commissioner passed the belt to Belcourt. 1n 1972, Belcourt visited the city of Yellowknife and met with the newly elected executive of the NWT Métis who gifted him with the belt 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,” said territorial leaders in a statement issued today.
The premier was presented with the belt during his visit to Ottawa this week as part of the NWT Council of Leaders.
Premier Simpson said the belt carries important meanings for the past, present and future for the people of the territory and for Canada.
“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.”
Belcourt said he was honoured to be part of the belt’s history which embodies the spirit of the people of the North.
“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.”
True North FM has reached out to Métis leadership, who are in attendance with the premier in Ottawa, and will share more details when they become available.
