Articles by Francis Tessier-Burns

Diavik COVID-19 case cleared

The office of the chief public health officer (OCPHO) says the investigation into a case of COVID-19 at Diavik Diamond Mine is over. The case was confirmed positive on Sept. 10. Dr. Kami Kandola’s office sent a public health advisory saying the mine’s medical team tested the person’s contacts and…


Fort Smith teen found safe

Updated Sept. 17: 9:30 a.m. Shamus Martin has been found safe once again. Police did not say where the 14-year-old was found. This was the third time Martin was reported missing in little over a week. CKLB asked RCMP if police can prevent this type of situation from repeating itself….





Tłı̨chǫ Government, ENR say more training needed to meet proposed wolf reduction targets

If reduction targets are not met by traditional harvesters, then ENR will continue to hire a helicopter and marksman to cull wolves from the air.


Tłı̨chǫ and territorial government officials attribute the low wolf harvest numbers to difficulty accessing the animals over the past winter. With those low numbers, the department of Environment and Natural Resources hired a helicopter and marksman this spring to shoot wolves from the air to try and meet reduction goals….



Here’s how you can have your say on proposed polytechnic’s programs

NWT residents can now have their say on programs offered at the proposed polytechnic university. The territorial government has released a discussion paper, grouping classes into four areas of study. Skilled trades and technology — for example: carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment training Mineral resources and environmental management — underground miner…



Months later, Sixties Scoop survivors are still waiting for initial payments

Nearly 9,000 survivors are being asked for more information.


It’s been nearly three months since eligible Sixties Scoop survivors were supposed to start receiving their first payments from the settlement. While some have received their money, thousands are still waiting because the claims administrator, Collectiva, says their claims require more information. Kathe Legrange is a survivor and director of…