Law courts

North Slave child molester guilty of six counts against young Indigenous girls

On the stand, a mother’s ‘upset and anger … even some 12 years later, was palpable,’ says judge


  CONTENT WARNING: The following story contains descriptions of sexual assaults against children, which may be triggering to some readers.   A resident of a North Slave community who molested three young girls over several decades has been found guilty after trial of three counts each of sexual assault and…


Senior Beaufort Delta educator charged with sexual crimes against children

Education Council assistant supt. Richard Steven McKinnon’s alleged offences occurred in Inuvik and Ulukhaktok between 2018 and 2020


A senior employee of the Beaufort Delta Education Council has been charged with multiple sexual offences alleged to have occurred in Inuvik and Ulukhaktok between 2018 and 2020. Forty-four-year-old Richard Steven McKinnon, assistant superintendent of the Beaufort Delta Education Council, was arrested by RCMP on August 5 and subsequently charged…


Ron Barlas engaged in ‘egregious conduct’ bilking Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation out of millions of dollars

Supreme Court rules Barlas’ wife Zeba was ‘a knowing recipient’ of the proceeds, which purchased college tuition, travel, cosmetic surgery, liquor, and high-end clothing


The former CEO of the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation (LKDFN ) engaged in “extreme” and “oppressive conduct” which harmed his employers while enriching himself and his family with millions of dollars, a judge has found. In a 53-page decision, Supreme Court Justice Karan Shaner ruled Ron Barlas breached his…




RCMP ‘need to have more compassion for women,’ says victim of horrific attack

A plea agreement allowed Kelly Ovayuak to lose eight of 10 charges for an additional three years behind bars


“Christine is not going to be another statistic. Another Indigenous woman that doesn’t matter. Her story, her truth, her life matters, she is valued.” Billie Lennie, older sister of Christine Cardinal. An Inuvik mom, now living with disfiguring injuries after being left for dead by her intimate partner on a…