Articles by Ian Down

Community, Featured, News, Politics June 26, 2023

Elected Salt River First Nation chief suspended for a fifth time

The council of SRFN has handed down five consecutive suspensions for Heron since shortly after she took office last October.


The elected chief of Salt River First Nation (SRFN) has been suspended for a fifth consecutive time. Toni Heron confirmed on Friday she was handed another 60-day suspension earlier this month. She also provided a copy of the band council resolution (BCR) ordering the suspension. It was signed by every…

Community, Featured, Justice, News, Police June 19, 2023

Tuktoyaktuk man arrested after pointing gun at RCMP officers

Despite pointing his weapon at officers a second time and firing a shot into the air, the man was arrested without injury.


A man in Tuktoyaktuk has been released from police custody after twice pointing a rifle at RCMP officers and firing a shot into the air yesterday morning. On Sunday morning, local RCMP were alerted to an armed and intoxicated man outside of a home. According to an RCMP release sent…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather June 16, 2023

These researchers were helping the N.W.T.’s small communities. Then the fires came

'[I'm] concerned and worried about a place and people that I've really grown to care about,' says one PhD candidate


For Carla Johnston, Sambaa K’e has a special place in her heart. Johnston, a PhD candidate with the Balsillie School of International Affairs, has been working with communities in the territory since 2019. Her work focuses on integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices in the design of local and global food…

Community, Featured, News, Politics June 15, 2023

Deninu Kųę́ First Nation set for election

Two candidates for chief and four candidates for council have submitted their nominations


Election season kicks off in Deninu Kųę́ First Nation this month. Nominations for chief and council closed on June 13. Incumbent Chief Louis Balsillie will face off against Gordon Beaulieu for the role of chief. Four candidates are running for three council seats. These include former Fort Resolution Mayor Patrick…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather June 7, 2023

Residents return to KFN, while wildfire approaches Sambaa K’e

"My heart goes out to everyone that lost their homes," says KFN Chief April Martel


After weeks of fear and uncertainty, residents of Kátł’odeeche First Nation (KFN) are starting to return home. In a message posted to social media on June 6, KFN said residents could once again start returning to the community. Power, water and sewer services have not yet been restored. Returning residents…