Water problems in Behchokǫ̀ force postponement of Spring Carnival

This weekend’s planned Spring Carnival in Behchokǫ̀ has been postponed until mid-May due to ongoing water issues and facility closures in the Tłı̨chǫ community.

“We have made the difficult decision to postpone the Spring Carnival,” Mercedes Rabesca, recreation manager for the Community Government of Behchokǫ̀, posted online.

“This situation is something our community has not experienced at this level before, and it has significantly impacted many aspects of community life. It was not an easy decision, but the safety and well-being of everyone comes first.”

Rabesca made that post on Tuesday, and on Thursday morning posted that a death threat was made in relation to the postponement.

Rabesca stated: “A death threat over postponing Spring Carnival is unacceptable. We are better than that, and we need to show it now more than ever. If Spring Carnival means a lot to you, I understand. It means a lot to me too. But our community is facing something bigger right now.

“We are the largest Indigenous community in the territory, and with that comes responsibility to care for one another and protect what we have. In times like this, we need to come together, not turn on each other. We need to support our neighbours, check in on our Elders, help our families, and stand as one community.”

Rabesca received support from those commenting on her post:

• “We appreciate all you do for our youth and community, Mercedes, it’s not easy taking on the responsibility and criticism that comes with a job like yours we are lucky to have you in our community and the role model you are for our youth!”
• “This makes me so sad. Recreation co-ordinators are so under appreciated but much needed in communities. You’re a rock star and I hope one day those who throw shade begin to recognize that, or step up to help organize large events to truly understand what goes on behind the scenes.”
• “People go the extreme. There was no need to death threat someone for changing dates. I would rather have water for the community than a carnival.
  You guys are doing a great job managing an aging system and hopefully the weather warms up so you guys can do a proper repair instead of just Band-Aid fixes. See you guys in May for the carnival!”

Since December, Behchokǫ̀ has been dealing with frozen water lines, flooded basements, or relying on honey buckets to remove waste, stated Rabesca.

In late March, Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe asked all residents on the piped and trucked water systems in Rae, Edzo, and Frank Channel to conserve water due to low water levels.

Stated the Chief online: “Water has been low as we all know, so some days (not often) it impacts the water intake. This is Mother Nature and beyond our control. Edzo water intake, for example, is located at West Channel. You all know there’s hardly water at West Channel during winter.”

The water intakes will eventually need to be replaced or relocated, especially if there is continued low water levels.

Rabesca noted on Thursday that some Behchokǫ̀ residents are, “travelling to Yellowknife just to do laundry because they’re worried about losing access to water. These are not small inconveniences. These are real challenges affecting our people every day.”

The community’s water systems are under serious strain. The underground infrastructure is aging, lake levels are dropping, and the treatment plant is “working beyond capacity” to support both Rae and Edzo neighbourhoods.

“Postponing Spring Carnival was not an easy decision,” stated Rabesca. “I know how much it means to everyone. But bringing an additional 500 to 800 people into the community right now would put even more pressure on an already fragile system.

“This decision was made out of care. For our people, for our safety, and for our future.”

The new dates for the Spring Carnival are May 15th to 18th, one day longer than originally planned.

The new timeline should allow for repairs, for warmer weather, and for community officials to get to the root of the low-water issue.

“Right now, our priority must be each other. Our youth, our children, our babies, and our Elders depend on us to make responsible decisions,” stated Rabesca. “Let’s lead with respect. Let’s lead with care. And most importantly, let’s stand together as Behchokǫ̀. We will celebrate, but first, we take care of home.”