Articles by James O'Connor

Featured, News, Reconciliation April 22, 2025

Pope Francis remembered for his landmark residential school apology to Indigenous peoples

'He felt, really deeply, full of shame — not only that, he really also felt our pain,' recalls former Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine


“We want to talk together, to pray together and to work together, so that the sufferings of the past can lead to a future of justice, healing and reconciliation.” – Pope Francis, on the Catholic church and Indigenous peoples of Canada Nine days of mourning will commence Saturday, April 26,…

Featured, Law courts, News, Police April 17, 2025

‘People who come from the south to traffic in cocaine … should be condemned,’ says NWT judge

Young Edmonton man in Yellowknife drug house unknowingly texted RCMP officer offering drugs for sale in May 2023, NWT Supreme Court heard on Thursday


“Good luck to you, Mr. Gova. I hope to never see you in the Northwest Territories again.” – Justice Shannon Smallwood, after sentencing an Edmonton drug dealer Those who come to the Northwest Territories to make some quick cash selling hard drugs “should be condemned,” as they profit off our…

Featured, News April 8, 2025

Respected Tłįchǫ Elder Ted Blondin leaves an enduring legacy

Blondin's 'care and consideration were matched only by his compassion and sense of humour,' says niece Cassandra Blondin Burt


Tributes are plenty for Ted Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłįchǫ Region, who has recently passed away. Blondin had an extensive background in politics and business across the Northwest Territories, and a  life-long dedication to his people. He worked on the negotiation team as a Tłįcho˛ Land Claim Manager,…

Featured, News, Transportation, Wildfires April 7, 2025

Abandoned CN Rail line to Hay River a ‘failure of corporate responsibility’

Inaction having 'profound and detrimental effect' on remote and vulnerable Indigenous communities who rely on steady shipments of fuel, says NWT Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay


The GNWT’s application for adjudication with CN Rail has been accepted by the Canadian Transportation Agency, says Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay. The GNWT claims the railway is shirking its responsibility by not repairing the section of damaged rail line between Enterprise and Hay River. It was badly damaged during the…

Culture, Featured, News April 7, 2025

YKDFN Spring Carnival ‘turned out great’ in part thanks to backup generator

Largest blackout in decades unplugged capital region intermittently for seven hours, but the Saturday show went on in Dettah, says organizer


It survived an historic power outage on one day, and was tested by high winds on the next, but the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) 2025 Spring Carnival was a success, says organizer Jennifer Charlo. “It was good — everything turned out great,” said Charlo, who is a Family Wellness…

Featured, News, Police, Politics April 2, 2025

Dene Nation to take ‘immediate and unified action’ as drug crimes continue at crisis levels

Following several recent shootings and homicides, the Dene Nation calls for policy and legislative changes to bolster community safety


The Dene Nation is taking “urgent action” to confront the rising tide of drug-related crimes that threaten communities in the Northwest Territories. This month, the Dene Nation will host a Leadership Discussion on Justice and the State of Emergency in Denendeh, stated a release on Wednesday. Dene leaders will gather…

Featured, News, Politics March 31, 2025

Cabinet shuffle sees Premier Simpson hand off some of his responsibilities

Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald adds Justice file; Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek adds newly created portfolio of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains


“Now that we’re more than a year into this government’s mandate, it’s a good time to take stock and make adjustments to ensure we’re set up to deliver. Northerners expect a government that gets things done, and that’s what we’re focused on.” — Premier R.J. Simpson NWT Premier R.J. Simpson…

Featured, News, Police March 28, 2025

Pair on bail for drug charges outside of NWT busted in Fort Resolution after shots fired

Men from Ontario, Alberta face charges, along with an NWT woman, after cocaine and weapons seized on Tuesday in South Slave community


Two men on bail for alleged drug offences in Alberta and Ontario face more charges after Fort Resolution RCMP seized a quantity of cocaine and firearms while responding to a report of shots fired. On March 25th at approximately 5:36 p.m. police received a report that several shots had been…