Articles by James O'Connor

Community, Featured, News September 27, 2024

Black Métis artist turns dark history into colorful future

Robert Burke, 80, creates new TRC stamp with Canada Post and Survivors Circle


“I’m a hardcore Northwest Territories artist,” says Robert Burke. “It means I’m a fighter, my art shows that I fight.” Artist and residential school survivor Burke, 80, paints his truth and life experience being “raised by institutions” in his latest piece submitted to Canada Post in the wake of the…

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…

Community, Featured, News September 18, 2024

Oral histories brought to life in Inuvialuk Elder’s memoir: Kunuuksayuukka

Rose Nirliq Iriarr̂uk Tuuqłak Kirby took over 40 years, paired with one good hand to write this 300 page book


CKLB Radio · Oral histories brought to life in Inuvialuk Elder’s memoir: Kunuuksayuukka Inuvialuk Elder Rose Nirliq Iriarr̂uk Tuuqłak Kirby,79, gives readers a glimpse of the past, untouched by colonization, in her first book and family memoir. It is called Kunuuksayuukka: The Spirit of Winter Storms and was launched in…

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…

Community, Featured, News September 17, 2024

‘I built a lot of skills and muscle the way that I was raised’: Inuit bodybuilder qualifies for nationals

Diane Marin took home a trophy at this year's Alberta Summer Naturals competition


“I love challenges and I love to push myself to my limits,” says Yellowknife athlete, Diane Marin. “Although your physique can look great, you can always aspire to do better or improve. And it’s always nice to have a goal.” Marin, 31, was the only athlete representing the Northwest Territories…

Featured, Housing, News September 16, 2024

Fewer residents, more garbage at 51st Street homeless encampment

GNWT hopes for 'cooperative resolution,' but explores legal options as deadlines to vacate ignored


The mounds of trash at Yellowknife’s homeless encampment only grew over the weekend, as some campers left, with about five remaining. A CKLB reporter spoke with some of those at the Aspen Apartments parking lot today. We were told all the extra garbage has mostly been abandoned by former tenants…

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…