Roger Allen (cross-country skier) facts for kids

Roger T. Allen, born in 1952, is a Gwich'in First Nations person from Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada. He is known for being an Olympic cross-country skier and a politician.

Roger Allen: Olympic Skier

Roger Allen was a talented cross-country skier. He was one of several skiers from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, who went to the 1972 Winter Olympics. At the Olympics, he competed in two events. He finished 50th in the men's 15-kilometer race. He also helped his team finish 13th in the men's 4x10-kilometer relay race.

Roger was part of the Territorial Experimental Ski Training Program. This program helped young athletes develop their skills. Growing up, Roger enjoyed many sports. This helped him balance his education, sports, and spiritual life.

Roger Allen: A Politician

After his time as an Olympic skier, Roger Allen decided to serve his community in a different way. He became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Northwest Territories government. An MLA is like a representative who helps make decisions for the people in their area. He also became a cabinet minister, which means he was part of a group of leaders who helped run the government.

Serving the Community

Roger Allen was first chosen to be an MLA in 1999. He won the election for the new Inuvik Twin Lakes area. He was re-elected in 2003, showing that many people trusted him to represent them.

Important Rules for Politicians

As a politician, it is very important to follow all the rules. One rule for MLAs in the Northwest Territories is about where they live. They can receive money to help with housing costs if they live in Yellowknife, where the government meets.

Roger Allen faced a situation where it was found he was living outside the Northwest Territories. He had stated he lived near Inuvik to receive housing support. He later had to explain the situation to a special group. He also had to return some of the money he had received.

Roger Allen decided to leave his position as an MLA in October 2004. He said he needed to focus on his family and personal matters.