Nick Sibbeston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nick G. Sibbeston
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| Senator for Northwest Territories | |
| In office September 2, 1999 – November 21, 2017 |
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| Nominated by | Jean Chrétien |
| Appointed by | Roméo LeBlanc |
| Preceded by | Willie Adams |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Dawn Anderson |
| 4th Premier of the Northwest Territories | |
| In office November 5, 1985 – November 12, 1987 |
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| Commissioner | John Havelock Parker |
| Preceded by | Richard Nerysoo |
| Succeeded by | Dennis Patterson |
| MLA for Mackenzie-Laird | |
| In office December 21, 1970 – March 10, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | first member |
| Succeeded by | William Lafferty |
| In office October 1, 1979 – November 21, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | William Lafferty |
| Succeeded by | district abolished |
| MLA for Deh Cho Gah | |
| In office November 21, 1983 – October 5, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | first member |
| Succeeded by | district abolished |
| MLA for Nahendeh | |
| In office October 5, 1987 – October 15, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | first member |
| Succeeded by | Jim Antoine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1943 Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Non-affiliated |
| Other political affiliations |
Liberal (until 2014) Independent Liberal (2014-2016) |
| Spouse | Karen Sibbeston |
| Alma mater | University of Alberta |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Profession | politician |
Nick G. Sibbeston, born on November 21, 1943, is a Canadian politician who is now retired. He was the fourth leader, or Premier, of the Northwest Territories from 1985 to 1987.
He also served as a Senator for the Northwest Territories in Canada's Parliament from 1999 to 2017. He chose to step down on his 74th birthday. Before that, he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the Northwest Territories. He represented the area of Mackenzie-Laird from 1970 to 1975 and again from 1979 to 1991.
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Early Life and Education
Nick Sibbeston is from Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. He is Métis, which means he has both Indigenous and European ancestors. As a child, he went to residential schools in different towns. These included Fort Simpson, Providence, Inuvik, and Yellowknife.
Later, he studied at the University of Alberta. He earned degrees in Arts and Law there.
Political Career
Serving the Northwest Territories
In 1970, Nick Sibbeston was chosen to be part of the North West Territorial Council. This was like being a local government leader. After four years, he lost his seat in the 1975 Northwest Territories general election.
He was re-elected in the 1979 election. He continued to be an MLA until 1991. During this time, he was also chosen to be part of the Executive Council, which is like the government's cabinet.
Sibbeston served six years in the Cabinet. Then, from 1985 to 1987, he was elected as the fourth Premier of the Northwest Territories.
Working for the Public
After 1991, Sibbeston worked for the Government of Northwest Territories. He was a specialist in justice and a public administrator for health and social services. He also spent four years on the Canadian Human Rights Panel/Tribunal.
He also shared his knowledge of culture and the Slavey language. He was an advisor for the television show North of 60.
National Politics in the Senate
On September 2, 1999, Nick Sibbeston was appointed to the Senate of Canada. This happened because Jean Chrétien, who was the Prime Minister, suggested him. In the Senate, one of his main goals was to find a new name for the Northwest Territories.
He also worked on important issues for the North. These included the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline and improving roads and buildings. He also focused on how to deal with climate change and help Indigenous people get more involved in the economy.
In 2014, the leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau, announced a change. All Liberal Senators, including Sibbeston, would no longer be part of the main Liberal group. They would sit as Independents. Sibbeston agreed with this decision. He noted that the Northwest Territories also did not have a party system.
In May 2016, Sibbeston decided to leave the Liberal group in the Senate. He chose to sit as an independent senator.
In September 2017, Sibbeston announced he would resign from the Senate. He left on November 21, his 74th birthday. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family and travel. He also planned to focus on his spirituality and translate Catholic liturgy into the Dene language.
