Articles by James O'Connor

Featured, Health, News, Police October 4, 2024

Inquest rules Tuk woman accidentally died of alcohol poisoning while in RCMP custody

Sylvia Panaktalok, 54, was found extremely intoxicated on the steps of a residence on a summer night in 2021


A coroner’s inquest has found a Tuktoyaktuk woman accidentally died of alcohol poisoning while in RCMP custody in 2021. The jury at the hearing in Inuvik this week also made 11 recommendations for the RCMP, territorial government and NGOs. Shortly before 10 p.m. on July 31, 2021, a call was…

Education, Featured, News October 3, 2024

Former premier Joe Handley honoured for ‘exceptional contribution’ to Canadian life

The NWT's 10th premier currently serves as chairperson of Aurora College's Board of Governors


Former NWT premier and current Aurora College board chair Joe Handley will be honoured on October 14 with the prestigious Symon’s Medal at a ceremony in Charlottetown. Handley was premier of the Northwest Territories from 2003 to 2007, after beginning his professional life as an educator in both elementary and…

Featured, News, Police October 1, 2024

Délı̨nę man charged with impaired driving causing death after pedestrian killed last week in Yellowknife

A 62-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in downtown Yellowknife last week, investigation remains ongoing


A 34-year-old Délı̨nę man has been charged with impaired driving causing death after a 62-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in downtown Yellowknife last week. At approximately 5 p.m. on September 27th, Yellowknife RCMP were dispatched to a report of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian…

Featured, Health, News September 23, 2024

Prepare for poisonings, overdoses with influx of contaminated illegal drugs, says Dr. Kami Kandola

'Drug dealers prey on those seeking to belong, and those needing relief from pain,' the Chief Public Health Officer tells wellness symposium


The illicit drug crisis in the Northwest Territories has only worsened since the pandemic, when there was an increase in physical and emotional trauma combined with boredom, some of the key underlying causes of addiction. NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola has also found the crisis led to…

Culture, Featured, Health, News, Wildfires September 23, 2024

New trauma informed healing lodge for the Northwest Territories delayed until 2026

Dene Wellness Warrirors co-owner Roy Erasmus tells 15th Annual Voices for Peace Symposium counsellors are still being trained


The damage done by the devastating wildfires of 2023 continues to impact the health of the Northwest Territories, delaying the opening of a trauma-informed healing centre in the South Slave region. Not only is the former treatment centre on the Kátł’odeeche First Nation being used by the band after its…

Featured, History, Life Style, News, Profile, Transportation September 19, 2024

Beaufort Delta aviation pioneer’s story has soared into the hearts of readers

Multiple award-winning children’s book Freddie the Flyer tells the inspirational story of Fred Carmichael, the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic


“I got to Inuvik, and someone said, you have to talk to Fred Carmichael. He is a legend, a community builder, and one of the best guys you’ll ever meet.” – Author/historian Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail An illustrated children’s book telling the story of how Inuvik’s Fred Carmichael made it through a…

Environment, Featured, News, Transportation, Wildfires September 17, 2024

Wildfires, weather, seniors and space junk all covered by Yellowknife’s new emergency and evacuation plans

Attention needed to ensure safe and culturally appropriate evacuation measures for First Nation Elders, states the report


“But I’ve seen this myself … Elders from Northern communities were scavenging the (hotel) hallways eating (room service) leftovers, because they had no other assistance available.” – An evacuee told a KPMG public forum in March Should the capital region be evacuated again for a disaster of any type, particular…

Featured, News September 16, 2024

Tony Whitford: Métis trailblazer whose dedication to the NWT leaves lasting legacy

‘It's certainly is a loss for the community -- Tony loved the community,’ says Tony's brother, Mark Whitford


Former NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford will not only be remembered for his public life, but for his warm personality and passion for volunteerism at all levels. Whitford, 83, passed away at 5 a.m. Monday at Stanton Territorial Hospital, which he entered in June. A proud Rotarian for decades, Whitford was…

Featured, News, Politics September 16, 2024

Gwich’in Tribal Council selects interim grand chief during election dispute

Michael Greenland, president of the Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council, will serve as courts rule on challenge to August's election


Michael Greenland has been appointed interim grand chief of the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) by its board of directors. As president of the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council, Greenland was a director of the GTC and will serve as interim grand chief at least until to the results of last month’s election…

Featured, Housing, News, Politics, Reconciliation September 9, 2024

Homeless encampment in Yellowknife to come down starting today

Authorities will work with residents there to secure housing options; area residents complained of filth and crime


“I’m at a breaking point. I’m out of options. But today we’re supposed to hear news from the GNWT or the City … about finding us a new location or public housing if possible.” – Encampment resident Colton Migwi The homeless encampment on 51st Street in Yellowknife is scheduled to…