Daniel L. Norris (August 30, 1935 – August 5, 2008) was the commissioner of the Northwest Territories from October 2, 1989, until September 30, 1994. Norris was born in 1935 near Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Inuvik and was raised in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Aklavik. Norris died on August 5, 2008, from heart failure, a complication of his long-time struggle with diabetes.
[Former N.W.T. commissioner Norris dies]
''CBC News'' 6 August 2008
Biography
Norris was born on August 30, 1935 near Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Inuvik in the Mackenzie River, Mackenzie Delta. Raised in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Aklavik, Norris reportedly aspired to become a trapper like his father. Norris served for 27 years in the Northwest Territories government's public service, including four years spent as a regional administrator in the Beaufort Delta. He began in the public sector in what was then the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources, and rose within that department to become its regional superintendent of personnel.
[Premier Floyd K. Roland offers his Condolences on the Death of Daniel L. Norris]
- Government of the Northwest Territories. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
On October 2, 1989, Norris was appointed as the territory's 11th Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, commissioner, making him the first Aboriginal peoples of Canada, Aboriginal born in the north of Canada to be appointed to that role.
[ Between his appointment in 1989 and his leaving his role on September 30, 1994, Norris was forced to set out new protocols for the role of the Commissioner, as the position had some legislative function up until three years prior to Norris taking up the job.][
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Death
On August 5, 2008, Daniel Norris died in an Edmonton, Alberta hospital of heart failure, following a protracted struggle with diabetes. On August 7, Northwest Territories government buildings with flagpoles flew their flags at half-mast in memory of Norris, and on August 11, the day of his funeral, the same protocol was adopted.[Flag half-masting]
- Government of the Northwest Territories. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
Arms
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Norris, Daniel
1935 births
2008 deaths
Commissioners of the Northwest Territories
People from Inuvik
Deaths from diabetes in Canada
People from Aklavik