Another year, another group of outstanding people recognized for doing great things in the NWT.
James McCarthy/NNSL photo
The Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT celebrated a few of these high-achievers on Nov. 2 at its annual awards banquet. Six people walked out of the Explorer Hotel with honours, including a few from Yellowknife.
Deanne Whenham won the Sport Award thanks to her wonderful year on the ice, in hockey, and on the links, for golf. Golf is where she tasted most success this season, winning the Yellowknife Golf Club Championship women's title and the U17 girls' gold medal at the July 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Toronto.
Whenham smiled all through her acceptance speech, which included thanking those involved in getting her where she is today.
The Teachers Award, which is given to a teacher who goes above and beyond, went to Eugene Roach of St. Joe's. Roach has been involved with scholastic sports for many years and was also a coach for the archery team at NAIG back in July.
Roach was quick to give plenty of credit to his wife, Cynthia, during his acceptance speech, who he said was a huge part of why he was up on stage.
“About 95 per cent of all the pictures you see of me coaching, she's usually just out of the frame on the side,” he said. “I take care of the strategies, she takes care of the tears.”
Roach said he keeps coaching, because of the students.
“I've taught so many kids over the past 15 years here in Yellowknife and it's been a privilege to do so,” he said. “It's become a thing where I'm a local celebrity when I'm out shopping with my wife, and kids shout 'Hey, Mr. Roach!'. It's really cool.”
Cpl. Scott Sieffert of the Yellowknife RCMP was awarded the Commanding Officers Award for his work with the force's Aboriginal Policing Service as well as volunteering as a coach with the Aurora Minor Soccer League in the 7-8 division.
Sieffert said being nominated by Cst. Matt Peggs was a complete surprise.
He said being part of the Aboriginal Policing Service has given him a chance to travel to several communities around the NWT.
“I was blown away with the support I received when I went to the communities,” he said. “There are so many wonderful, wonderful volunteers and so many wonderful athletes that are out there. I'm happy that I got to play a small role.”
Other winners on the night included Brandon Thompson of Fort Smith, who took out the Coach Award; Dollie Simon of Fort Resolution, winner of the Culture Award; and Bess Ann McKay, also from Fort Resolution, who received the Community Builder Award.