Roger Allen (cross-country skier) facts for kids

Roger T. Allen was born on May 5, 1952, in Aklavik, Northwest Territories. He is from the Gwich'in First Nations people. Roger Allen is a Canadian who used to be a cross-country skier and competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics. He also served as a politician in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Roger Allen's Skiing Career

Roger Allen was one of six cross-country skiers from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, who went to the 1972 Olympics. In the Olympics, 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 a special program called the Territorial Experimental Ski Training Program. This program was held at Grollier Hall, which was a residential school. Growing up, Roger learned many sports through the school system in Inuvik. This helped him balance his education, sports, and spiritual life. After his time as an Olympic skier, Roger Allen became involved in politics.

Roger Allen's Political Life

After his Olympic skiing career, Roger Allen became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Northwest Territories government. He also served as a cabinet minister. An MLA is like a representative who helps make laws for the territory. A cabinet minister is a leader who is in charge of a specific part of the government.

Roger Allen was first chosen to be an MLA in the 1999 Northwest Territories general election. He won the election for the new Inuvik Twin Lakes area. He was re-elected in the 2003 Northwest Territories general election, winning with 55% of the votes.

Later, a problem arose regarding where he was living. He had to pay back some money related to a housing allowance. Roger Allen resigned from his position on October 12, 2004. He said he was stepping down because of family and personal reasons.