Articles by James O'Connor

Environment, Featured, News, Weather January 6, 2025

Power generation struggles with frigid weather across NWT

Fort Smith's power cut for up to seven hours on Friday; NWT Power Corp pleads for conservation over weekend


“Getting a little cold in here,” was one comment made over the weekend by a resident in response to a lengthy power outage in Fort Smith, attributed to the extremely cold weather which gripped the territory. Starting Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., the blackout lasted for some NWT Power Corporation…

Featured, Housing, News, Politics December 19, 2024

‘Throw funding to programs like this. Believe in healing. Believe that people can change’

On-The-Land Program outside of Yellowknife set to close mid-January after 10-weeks, with no similar options available


The ten-week On-The-Land Program for Yellowknife homeless is a welcome relief from the stresses and triggers of living on the streets, say participants. The alternative to overcrowded and dangerous downtown shelters is so appreciated, that those CKLB spoke with during a recent visit said they hoped the territorial government would…

Featured, Industry, Mining, News, Politics December 18, 2024

Drilling down on expenditures show serious decrease in NWT mineral exploration

This as Nunavut enjoys a slight increase; GNWT still polishing regulations for Mineral Resources Act passed in 2019


Mining exploration expenditures in the NWT have experienced a sharp decrease this year, federal estimates show. This comes at a time when the cash-strapped GNWT is searching for ways to compensate for lost revenue for the looming closure of the big diamond mines in coming years. Exploration expenditures remained steady…

Featured, News December 16, 2024

Gail Cyr: ‘Forged by pain and isolation; met with fury and laughter’

Jesse Wheeler eulogizes his trailblazing Indigenous mom at Sunday's emotional celebration of life


Gail Cyr’s celebration of life was outspoken, fearless and passionate — an accurate representation of the Order of Canada recipient’s colourful life of nearly 72 years, which ended After all, what memorial service have you ever been to that featured a foot-long hand-made paper mâché phallus firmly attached to the…

Featured, Housing, News, Politics December 16, 2024

Homelessness: ‘It’s crucial we unite to create meaningful change,’ says MP Michael McLeod

GNWT will match federal funding of $1 million over two years for projects such as the temporary On-the-Land Camp


The latest brick in the wall from government to address homelessness is a $2 million partnership between Ottawa and the territorial government. This partnership will help alleviate capacity challenges identified by local shelter operators, while addressing encampments and helping find homes for people sleeping in tents through a “human rights-based…

Featured, History, News, Reconciliation December 15, 2024

YWCA Canada apologizes for supporting colonial residential school system

YWCA NWT will now work with Indigenous leaders to clarify what historical involvement it had in the North, says executive director


The largest provider of services to women, girls and families in the country has issued a formal apology to Indigenous communities, families and individuals for its historical involvement in the operation of Residential Schools and ‘Indian Hospitals.’ YWCA Canada’s research, primarily based on records from the 1960s, found numerous YWCAs…

Featured, Health, News, Politics December 15, 2024

NWT Health Leadership Council discharged, angering Dene leadership

'It is time for Dene to determine our own ways of caring for our people,' says National Chief George Mackenzie


The Dene Nation has grave concerns over the dissolution dismissal of the NWT’s Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) Leadership Council, in favour of a single public administrator, as it could hurt overall effectiveness of health service delivery. “We are in a crisis state regarding medical travel, child/family services and the…

Featured, News, Politics, Reconciliation December 13, 2024

Kátł’odeeche First Nation chooses financial specialist Elaine Auger for chief

Disaster recovery, economic development on the table as community settles lucrative modern Treaty Day payments


The people of Kátł’odeeche First Nation have spoken, electing Elaine Auger as chief on Thursday. And Auger promises to let the people speak out on issues to drive decisions by a transparent and accountable leadership group. The final tally in Thursday’s election, pending any appeals, was 129 votes cast for…

Featured, Health, News, Reconciliation December 8, 2024

Reflecting on tragic events, recommitting to action against gender-based violence  

‘Most Indigenous children around my age were not raised on love. Most were raised on survival,' says Behchokǫ̀'s Kate Wedzin


Like so many Indigenous children whose parents went to residential school, Kate Wedzin grew up in an unhealthy environment that led to foster homes in her teens and abusive relationships as an adult. Wedzin told a vigil marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women she…

Education, Featured, Health, News, Reconciliation December 5, 2024

Northern nursing students check vital signs of health research

Fourth-year Aurora College nursing students show off the work they put into three-month projects


Holly Hodder recalls while growing up, hearing stories about the mistrust Elders had towards the European settler class’s health-care system. Stereotyping, indifference and systemic racism have for decades been reported by Indigenous people as they access publicly funded health-care across Canada and the NWT. This as Indigenous patients have described…