United States Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins made his first visit to the Northwest Territories May 15-16, 2006. While in the north, he paid calls on NWT Premier Joseph Handley; Commissioner Anthony Whitford; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Paul Delorey-and several of the Members of the Legislative Assembly as well; and Yellowknife Mayor Gord Van Tighem. Ambassador Wilkins was briefed by representatives of several territorial departments, and he also received a briefing from Canadian Forces Northern Area. The Ambassador was treated to an insider's tour of the Diavik diamond mine (an hour north of Yellowknife by air) and its sorting facility in Yellowknife. Finally, Ambassador Wilkins addressed the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some photos of Ambassador Wilkins' visit to the NWT:

At the Diavik site (from left): Tom Hoefer, External and Internal Affairs Manager for Diavik; NWT Premier Joseph Handley; Ambassador Wilkins; Calgary Consul General Naim Ahmed; and Brendan Bell, Minister of Justice and International Trade and Investment and MLA for Yellowknife South

Ambassador Wilkins with
the Hon. Anthony Whitford,
Commissioner of The Northwest Territories

At the Legislative Assembly with Speaker
The Hon. Paul Delorey

With The Hon. Joseph Handley, Premier