Truth panel event makes N.W.T. accommodation plans

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is holding its next major gathering next month in Inuvik, N.W.T., and organizers hope to find accommodations for everyone.

Hundreds of people are expected to converge upon Inuvik between June 28 and July 1 for the national gathering, where former residential school students can share their experiences.

Tony Devlin, Inuvik's director of community services, told CBC News late Monday that the latest attendanceestimate is around 800.

The anticipated influx of people prior estimateshave beenas high as 1,400 had some in the town of 3,500, located in the Northwest Territories' Beaufort Delta region, wondering where all the commission staff, former students and others will stay.

"I've heard rumours of a tent city. Hotels are going to be full," Inuvik town Coun. Clarence Wood said.

"Council has made facilities available, for example, [at] the rec complex."

Others have suggested using the 16 beds at the former Arctic Tern Young Offenders' Facility, whichclosed its doors on March 31.

But Devlin said he expects the town will have enough housing, though he admits 1,400 would have been a challenge.

A tent city will be set up only if necessary behind Aurora College, Devlin said.

Some rooms reserved

The commission's website lists four hotels, two bed and breakfasts, and three campgrounds where visitors can stay while in Inuvik. There are almost 450 rooms and campsites in the Inuvik area.

A number of rooms are being reserved for former residential school students, according to the commission's website.

Meanwhile, commission officials have been asking Inuvik residents to make rooms available in their own homes for former students and other visitors.

Wood said he has complete faith that organizers will find enough accommodations for everyone who plans to attend the truth commission's event.

After all, he said, Inuvik has hosted large events before, including the annual Inuvik Petroleum Show and the Northern Games.

"People have always volunteered their time and accommodation for them. This town has a history of making these things happen," Wood said.