Roger Allen (cross-country skier)

Roger T. Allen (born 5 May 1952[1] ) in Aklavik, Northwest Territories,[2] from Gwich'in First Nations,[3] is a Canadian former cross-country skier who competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics[4] and a former territorial-level politician from Northwest Territories, Canada.

Cross-country skiing

Allen was one of six of eight cross-country skiers sent to the 1972 Olympics who came from the Mackenzie Delta town of Inuvik, Northwest Territories.[5] Allen finished 50th in the 15 km men's and 13th in the relay 4x10 men's races.[2] Roger was part of the Territorial Experimental Ski Training Program at Grollier Hall (Residential School).[6] Growing up, Allen was exposed to multiple sports in the parochial school system in Inuvik which helped him balance education, sport, and spirituality.[7] After retiring from his Olympic career, Allen is now an MLA for the Territorial government, and a cabinet minister.[8]

Politics

After retiring from his Olympic career, Allen became a MLA for the Territorial government, and a cabinet minister.[8]

Allen was first elected to the Northwest Territories Legislature in the 1999 Northwest Territories general election. He defeated future Commissioner Glenna Hansen to win the new Inuvik Twin Lakes electoral district. Allen was re-elected in the 2003 Northwest Territories general election defeating three other candidates with 55% of the vote.

Allen became mired in a scandal after he was found to be living in a residence outside of the Northwest Territories in Grimshaw, Alberta. He swore an affidavit that he lived in a residence just outside Inuvik, Northwest Territories to gain access to the Capital Housing Allowance granting him $25,000 a year for residence in Yellowknife.[9] Allen was forced to appear before a board of inquiry and forced to return $10,000 retroactive to April 1, 2004.[10]

He resigned his seat on October 12, 2004, citing family and personal issues as the reason for stepping down.[11]

References
  1. Canadian Who's Who Search. Grey House Publishing Canada.
  2. "Roger Allen". Olympic Team Canada. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  3. "Meet Canada's Indigenous Olympians". CBC. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  4. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Roger Allen". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  5. "Sapporo, Japan, Feb 3-13, 1972". Cross Country Ski de Fond. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  6. Canada's Residential Schools: The History, Part 2, 1939 to 2000: The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume 1. ISBN 0773598200.
  7. "The Beauty of Their Dreams: Factors Contributing to the Success of Athletes from the Northwest Territories" (PDF). Sport North. Dr. Mike MacPherson, Ed.D. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  8. Peck, Charlene. "Book inspired by Inuvik skiers' guts and glory". Muskoka Region. Huntsville Forester. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  9. "Where in the world is Roger Allen?". CBC News. July 16, 2004. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
  10. "MLA Roger Allen Requested To Appear Before Legislative Assembly Board of Management to Explain Place of Residence". NWT Legislative Assembly. August 11, 2004. Archived from the original on May 14, 2006. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  11. "Roger Allen resigns as MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes". Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. October 13, 2004. Archived from the original on May 14, 2006. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
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