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Hi from Vancouver.

After touching base with friends in Ottawa I flew across the land non-stop to Vancouver, five hours, times have changed. Nothing is free on airlines, you pay for your lunch on airlines.

The grass was green in Ottawa, but you can't beat Vancouver for the warm weather and blooming flowers. I'm here to visit the other half of my family.

I must say something positive about GNWT for a change!? Their office in Ottawa is a blessing to the Northerners when they are in Ottawa, and it is a big plus when they have someone like Rose McConville as the office manager. She is not only friendly and makes you feel so welcome, she is on top of the whole political world in Ottawa. She is so accommodating, it is a pleasure to visit. So, when in Ottawa and need help, go visit Rose McConville in the GNWT office.

The House is sitting and Harper starting all over again, a few more seats, but still a minority government. The feedback from the throne approach?

No one is ever satisfied with he throne speech. Aboriginal noses twisted because they were not mentioned enough? And people hate Quebec because they say Quebec gets away with too much! I have French friends in Ottawa and they hate Quebec!?

Anyhow, lets just see what we get and how they will treat us in the Territories. The pipeline supporters should be happy, even the MP Jim Prentice is now environmental minister, he still has the portfolio of the Mackenzie pipeline, supporters of Prentice should convince him that the pipeline would be so much (cheaper) to build, if we build the road down the Mackenzie Valley. First he has a lot of clout with the P.M. So let's start lobbying Prentice!

The world is moving and changing so fast - headlines today said "Pirates seize tankers." They are hijacking ships, large supertankers!? Tankers and ships of gas and grain and containers of goods, sure gives you a wake up call about our sovereignty of our Arctic Ocean and our three territories! Harper must create a friendship with president-elect Obama - we must work hand in hand with the U.S.A. especially in the North - Alaska and the three territories.

I see the aboriginals in Northern Alberta and N.W.T. are finally speaking out on water, and the fear is the oil sands and their pollution. For sure the Mackenzie River is very low - sand bars everywhere, what is the solution? I think the tar sands must pipe sea water in!?

There is already an oil pipeline from McMurray tar sands to the B.C. Coast, why not another pipeline for the sea water to the tar sands they can try to pump their waste water underground? It's a though but nothing is impossible, also to conserve and stretch our water supply - every home should have (eaves troughs) to catch rainwater, like we did years ago! Sure good to wash your hair! OK for the environment and pollution!

Why not the N.W.T. begin planting trees if you cut down a tree, you must plant a tree! Good for the future because countries like China and India with over one billion people each will come looking for lumber.

There is so much we can do in the N.W.T. with all our raw material, Mackenzie River pure clay, all the renewable and non-renewable resources. But we need a road from Yellowknife right to the Arctic Ocean and the connection to the Dempster Highway, oh boy, once that happens, you'll see the wake up call in progress, people will become alive and happy.

Commerce will be everywhere at all levels - tourists will be happy - they will be happy to be able to see the Yukon and the N.W.T. by making loops - down the Mackenzie and back out through the Yukon. Right?

- Cece Hodgson-McCauley is the founding chief of the Inuvik Dene band and will remain honourary chief for life. She can be reached at fax (867) 587-3003 or by phone (867) 587-3037.