Environment

Environment, Featured, Health July 5, 2023

Suspected Anthrax Outbreak in Slave River Lowlands Bison Population

Out of the 15 suspected cases, no confirmed cases were reported


A suspected anthrax outbreak is underway in the Slave River Lowlands bison population, according to the Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC). Fifteen bison carcasses were discovered between Fort Smith and Fort Resolution over the last weekend. Although test results are still pending, ECC is treating the situation as…

Community, Environment, Featured, News July 4, 2023

Residents of Sambaa K’e, Wekweètì returning home, but fire risk remains

Wekweètì was evacuated last week, while residents of Sambaa K'e were stranded away from home for more than a month


Residents of two N.W.T. communities threatened by wildfire are finally returning home. Sambaa K’e residents were given the green light to return home over the weekend. And residents of Wekweètì have two options for flights to bring them home from Yellowknife this week: The first Air Tindi flight leaves this…

Community, Environment, Featured, News June 30, 2023

Wekweètì residents evacuated due to wildfires

Two planes carried away dozens of residents as three fires threaten the community.


Residents of Wekweeti have been evacuated as a trio of wildfires threatens the community. The evacuation took place yesterday afternoon, when two planes arrived in the community to take fleeing residents to Yellowknife. About 47 people were on board the two planes, including many Elders and other vulnerable residents, according…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather June 16, 2023

These researchers were helping the N.W.T.’s small communities. Then the fires came

'[I'm] concerned and worried about a place and people that I've really grown to care about,' says one PhD candidate


For Carla Johnston, Sambaa K’e has a special place in her heart. Johnston, a PhD candidate with the Balsillie School of International Affairs, has been working with communities in the territory since 2019. Her work focuses on integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices in the design of local and global food…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather June 7, 2023

Residents return to KFN, while wildfire approaches Sambaa K’e

"My heart goes out to everyone that lost their homes," says KFN Chief April Martel


After weeks of fear and uncertainty, residents of Kátł’odeeche First Nation (KFN) are starting to return home. In a message posted to social media on June 6, KFN said residents could once again start returning to the community. Power, water and sewer services have not yet been restored. Returning residents…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather May 25, 2023

Hay River prepares to re-open, while the fires rage on

Residents of Hay River may be able to return this week, while KFN residents await a re-entry plan


Hay River residents are expected to return home as early as May 26, although the possibility of evacuation remains. That is according to the town of Hay River in a post on its official Facebook page. While Hay River Residents prepare to return home, over 300 members from Kátł’odeeche First Nation…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather May 19, 2023

Fort McPherson, Aklavik remain calm and positive amid rising waters

"At least in my lifetime, I've never encountered this type of a situation before in Fort McPherson," says the Gwich'in Grand Chief


Connor Charlie says he’s never experienced anything like this before. Over the past week, he’s watched the Peel River slowly rise around his community of Fort McPherson, claiming many cabins in the low-lying area around the community. But even after learning that his family’s cabin had been washed away, Charlie,…

Community, Environment, Featured, News May 18, 2023

Breaking: KFN administration building destroyed by wildfire

Former chief Roy Fabian confirmed the building was among the 15 damaged by wildfire


The administration building of the K’atl’odeeche First Nation (KFN) has been destroyed by fire, according to a former chief. Roy Fabian posted a message on social media confirming the damage on Thursday. “The sadness I feel, hearing about the KFN administration building burning down, brings tears to my eyes,” he…

Community, Environment, Featured, News, Weather May 15, 2023

Hay River, KFN residents take shelter in Yellowknife as fire rages on

The blaze had claimed 15 buildings in KFN as of Monday morning


Anne Kasper remembers pitch-black smoke consuming the sky and an “unbearable” smell in the air like burning moss. “We don’t know what happened,” said Kasper, a 54-year-old resident of the K’atl’odeeche First Nation (KFN). “It was a tiny little fire, and then it just got crazy out of control.” Kasper…