Articles by James O'Connor

Featured, News, Politics July 12, 2024

Kele Antoine re-elected chief of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation

'As we move forward, it is crucial for us to come together as a community,' says Antoine


Kele Antoine has been re-elected as chief of Łııdlı̨ı̨ Kųę First Nation. Antoine won by nine votes over Mavis Cli-Michaud, who had 110 votes in Thursday’s election at Fort Simpson. The re-elected chief on Facebook expressed appreciation: “It was a very close contest, and I want to extend my heartfelt…

Featured, Industry, Mining, News, Reconciliation July 8, 2024

NWT diamond mines: ‘Billions of dollars being made … we got nothing to show for it.’

Łutsel K'e Coun. John Catholique tells Kimberlite Conference any future mine deals must be fairer, or 'nothing's going to happen'


Diamonds are considered to be the universal symbol of love and wealth. But after nearly three decades of watching massive diamond mines blast deep into its traditional hunting grounds, the Łutselk’è Dene First Nation feels slighted, as it has little to show for agreeing to the drilling in the 1990’s….

Featured, News, Weather, Wildfires July 7, 2024

NWT Fire to Fort Good Hope returnees: ‘The fire has changed the land you live on … the forest will grow back.’

The massive wildfire is not out, but community is secure, as there is very little forest fuel left nearby


The Fort Good Hope wildfire — which forced the evacuation of the community for three weeks  — has transitioned to a mop up stage and the line adjacent to the community is secure. Chief Collin Pierrot stated in a social media post late Saturday night that the last plane was…

Featured, News, Weather, Wildfires July 2, 2024

Wildfire rolls towards Behchokǫ̀’s Edzo neighbourhood, evacuation notice issued

An aggressive initial attack from the air and ground was launched, but extreme conditions led to the fire escaping


There is a risk that a 200-hectare wildfire could impact Behchokǫ̀ in the Edzo neighbourhood within the next 12 to 48 hours based on weather conditions and fire activity. The fire is 17 kilometres from the community one hour’s drive from Yellowknife and was caused by lightning on the west…

Featured, News, Wildfires July 2, 2024

Coroner Service now investigating fatal helicopter crash at Fort Good Hope

Tom Frith passed away while battling an out of control wildfire, a 'testament to his unwavering courage and dedication,' says Great Slave Helicopters


The lone occupant of the helicopter that crashed at Fort Good Hope on Friday was Tom Frith, remembered as a “beacon of light, beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” by his employer Great Slave Helicopters. The company posted this statement this afternoon: “It is with profound…

Culture, Featured, News July 2, 2024

Cultural pride front and centre at Indigenous Summer Games

A competition, but also a celebration of traditional sports, Indigenous peoples and their culture.


Athletes from across the NWT — and further afield — gathered in Yellowknife over the weekend for the 2024 Indigenous Summer Games. Hundreds of youth, parents and adult competitors attended the three-day games at Ecole St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife. Organized by Aboriginal Sports Circle NWT, the Summer Games…

Featured, News, Weather, Wildfires July 1, 2024

If you return to evacuated Fort Good Hope: ‘Stay at your own risk’

The GNWT and Chief Collin Pierrot plead with residents and others not to enter community


Fort Good Hope remains under an evacuation order and it’s dangerous and irresponsible for anyone to return to the community, residents or not. Stated the GNWT on Sunday: “We can confirm from all levels of emergency management that there are no plans to move any evacuees back to the community…

Featured, News, Weather, Wildfires June 30, 2024

Hwy 7 fire was out, but hot winds blew it back to life

In Fort Good Hope, emotions raw after helicopter crash and relentless wildfire entering third week


A wildfire along Highway 7 (Liard Trail), which was previously brought under control, flared up under dry conditions and heavy winds, jumped containment, and grew to 49 hectares overnight. Fire FS008 has reached Highway 7 at Kilometre 236 on the west side, but did not impact access as air support…