Searchable story archive

Featured, News, Politics February 28, 2025

Cell service dead zones, cash for communities and another upset MLA round out the week

The availability of consumer cell phones with emergency satellite connectivity could alleviate some drivers' concerns, says Minister Wawzonek


On Friday, Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya raised the longstanding issue of cell reception dead zones along major highways, especially the busy stretch between Fort Providence-Behchokǫ̀-Yellowkife. “People have safety concerns regarding the inability to call for help if something were to happen while travelling on our highways,” said Yakeleya. “Some people…

Featured, News, Politics, Weather February 28, 2025

Norman Wells is ‘a community living in fear,’ says Sahtu MLA

NWT Assembly passes motion declaring a humanitarian state of emergency for the regional centre


The Sahtu region’s hub of Norman Wells is in a dire situation, with residents living in fear and some already choosing to move away, says MLA Danny McNeely. The MLA presented a motion declaring a state of emergency for Norman Wells due to severe impacts from climate change, including rising…

Community, Featured, News February 27, 2025

Two Fort Smith residents awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

Lois Firth Lafferty and Meika McDonald recognized for lifelong contributions


Two Fort Smith residents have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their lifelong contributions to education and traditional sports. Lois Firth Lafferty and Meika McDonald received their medals during a ceremony in the community on Tuesday. Lafferty, a Métis of Gwich’in and Scottish heritage, has dedicated 48…

Featured, News, Politics February 27, 2025

Bullying on rise beyond our borders thanks to ‘odious’ American president, says MLA

As NWT Assembly marks Pink Shirt Day, calls made to speak up for equality and acceptance of everyone


Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued a statement on Pink Shirt Day about how important it is for everyone to feel safe and accepted for who they are. “By wearing pink, we promote safe environments, free from bullying and harassment, for everyone. It is a call to take…

Featured, News February 26, 2025

Tourist Accommodation Tax makes reservation in Yellowknife for April 1st

The controversial four-per-cent tax will be used to enhance and grow the tourism sector in the city


The Tourist Accommodation Tax, passed by the Yellowknife City Council in 2024, comes into effect on April 1st. The funds collected will be used to enhance and grow the tourism sector in Yellowknife. After much deliberation over many years, the four-per-cent tax will now be applied to the purchase price…

Featured, History, News, Politics, Reconciliation February 26, 2025

Ancestral remains at Fort Resolution residential school site can’t be moved

Process to update Archeological Sites Act is underway; but family of girl whose remains are in gravesite want to hold proper burial


The elderly sister of a young girl who died while at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school at Fort Resolution is desperate to honour a promise she made to their mother. That was to have the young girl’s remains exhumed, to be re-interred beside her mother gravesite at Fort Smith. However,…

Featured, Health, News February 25, 2025

Rising influenza cases prompt public health advisory

Health officials say ‘it’s not too late’ to get vaccinated


Influenza activity is on the rise across the Northwest Territories, and the Chief Public Officer is reminding residents that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. “Recent data shows … increased virus levels in Yellowknife wastewater, indicating wider community transmission,” stated a public health advisory issued on Tuesday. The surge…