More than a dozen members of Salt River First Nation will be getting the title to their land in the coming weeks. The transfer comes after nearly 20 years of negotiations between SRFN and the federal government. “It feels good,” said Chief David Poitras. “Not only for me, but for…
As Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River continue cleaning up following historic flooding, other communities downriver are keeping a close eye on the Mackenzie. Tulita has been on flood watch since May 7; Fort Good Hope has been making preparations since May 10. According to the territorial government’s Emergency Management…
Residents in the Hamlet of Tulita are being cautious given the up-river flooding in Dehcho communities. Interim senior administrative officer Don Smetlzer said that the hamlet’s Elders meeting has been postponed until May 20th. Tulita’s 24-hour flood watch began on May 7 and, in addition to water levels in Tulita,…
The Tłı̨chǫ Highway is scheduled to open this fall and according to Whatì Chief Alfonz Nitsiza, residents are “practically counting down the days” until opening. “We’ve been talking about this for many years, they’re excited to see that this is actually happening,” he said. Nitsiza expects the opening of the…
The community of TthedzehK’edeli First Nation (Jean Marie River) is awaiting the territorial and federal government to decide its fate as much as it awaits mother nature to make its next move. “The houses towards the airport… have to be totally replaced,” says Chief Stanley Sanguez. The water line on…
Disclaimer: This story talks about family violence, addiction and sexual assault. Intergenerational trauma is a serious reality for many northerners. With on the land healing camps, Indigenous peoples have a healthy way to share their experiences. Ever since the Dehcho First Nations hosted a 30-day healing program called Nezųh Aoht’é…
Sarah Jerome has been appointed as the NWT’s representative to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). Jerome is a Gwich’in Elder, residential school survivor, has been a long-time educator, and was previously the Languages Commissioner of the NWT. This is Jerome’s second time being appointed to the…
Last week kicked off the first-time youth aged 12 to 17 had the opportunity to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Canada. Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public health officer, announced that the NWT is the first jurisdiction in the country to begin vaccinating youth –A sign of hope for many…
Behchokǫ̀ residents will have another chance to be vaccinated. A pop-up clinic will be at the Kó Gocho Sportsplex on Thursday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency posted a notice to social media about the clinic, saying it is in response to “the…
Due to a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Yellowknife, many businesses and organizations have had to close their doors temporarily, and the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF) is among them. But that won’t stop Wilbert Cook, executive director for AIWF from doing his job. “I always feel for the clients,”…