Editor's Notebook

Page 6

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

The example of Fort Simpson a less to us all

It is midnight. The yellow and red flares that crisscross the starswept sky seem to reflect the quick sharp beat of the hand drum. Dancers pack together in the teadance ? their faces shining and lit by a fire. The dancers move as one to the beat of an ancient Dogrib song.

Just a few yards away the strong resonant sound of a Metis jig fills the air. Two Metis fiddlers ? elbows flying and feet tapping, pound out a traditional jig as three dancers perform the scarf dance and dozens of spectators tap feet and clap time.

Along the streets young men in their father's pickups cruise the streets; laughing and singing and calling out to all the pretty girls.

This is Fort Simpson on the eve of the Pope's visit. Everyone is having a good time. In the Dogrib camp Grandmas busily stoke the stoves and check the met hanging to dry while keeping a sharp eye on their grandchildren ? there is an air of expectation and excitement ? you can almost taste it.

It has often been said that you don't need alcohol to have a good time, and no where was this old adage better illustrated then the town of Fort Simpson during the Pope celebrations. The town passed a bylaw closing all liquor outlets for nine days. Bars were boarded and shuttered and beer was under lock and key. Fort Simpson was a dry town.

But that certainly didn't stop the celebrations. Dogrib people swarmed into the tiny town which lies on the bands of the Mackenzie River, and the Dene and Metis of the area organized their own festivities.

During the days leading up to the Pope's visit and shortly after, Fort Simpson saw no drunks, no ugly scenes, no barroom brawls, only heart-felt celebrations of culture and heritage conducted with the reverence these celebrations deserve.

Fort Simpson should be proud of the stand it took over the alcohol issue. And the people of Fort Simpson and those who came to visit should be equally proud of their conduct. According to Fort Simpson RCMP, only seven drunks were picked up ? none on the papal site and the weekend was very quiet.

Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from the people of Fort Simpson. We should remember that it is really true ? you don't need a drink to have a good time.