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Aug 29/2006


San Diego School Teacher Heads North

Karen Ellen Matulionis' name was broadast to millions across America when she was chosen from The Ellen Show studio audience as the winner of a Government Certified Canadian Diamond™ and a trip to the Northwest Territories.

The San Diego school teacher and a friend flew as guests of the Canadian Tourism Commission and First Air to Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories and the Diamond Capital of North America™.

The pair checked into the wonderful Explorer Hotel. To begin an adventure to experience the wonders of northern Canada doesn't mean roughing it when you stay at the premier full-service hotel in the Northwest Territories. Located at the entrance to the City of Yellowknife, The Explorer Hotel has been a prominent landmark for over 30 years.

Representing the Government of the Northwest Territories, Hearon Persad was their tour guide for the day. She presented the lucky lady with a Government Certified Canadian Diamond™ pendant designed by Paul Hardy and crafted by Moshe Namdar of New York as well as a luxurious shawl made of Qiviuk, the downy wool of the Arctic muskox created by Jacques Cartier Clothier of Banff, Alberta.

The pair toured Aurora College with diamond consultant Mika Botha to learn about how diamonds are cut and polished at this unique Arctic center for educational excellence in the diamond field.

A stop for lunch at the Wild Cat Café -- first opened in the 1930s -- meant a look back in time in Yellowknife's charming Old Town.

They took in the vestiges of gold-rush history wandering the tangled streets of rustic wooden shacks. A highlight of the tour was a visit to Ragged Ass Road, which dates back to the Gold Rush.

A visit to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre on the shores of Frame Lake followed with a chance to learn about the history and characteristics of the Dene and Inuit peoples, the Métis, and the early pioneers.

Then, it was time for a short drive to the Air Tindi float plane base for a flight to renowned Blachford Lake Lodge. Perched high above Great Slave Lake, Blachford Lake Lodge proves to be the perfect place to enjoy the splendour of the great Canadian taiga.

Blachford Lake Lodge is a true jewel amid the spruce, aspen and Canadian shield.

Free time gave options to enjoy motor boating and fishing, kayaking, canoeing, nature trails or relaxing in the hot tub.

Congratulations, Karen! We hope to lure you North again.