While the Chief of Whatì, Alfonz Nitsiza, reported a sure sense of excitement over the opening of the Tłı̨chǫ Highway this fall, he also spoke of concerns in the community. “They also are concerned about the impact and the influx of people that might be coming out,” he said. Chief…
The designs for a series of murals planned for Yellowknife, Ndilǫ and Dettah were unveiled in a virtual event Thursday evening. The murals were designed by 21 artists, 16 from the Northwest Territories. Myrna Pokiak, an Inuvialuit artist, was one of them. She had the opportunity to participate alongside her…
The Tuktoyaktuk makerspace will be expanding thanks to funding from the federal government. According to a news release, the expansion will include a 3D printer and sublimation printing equipment to be added alongside vinyl cutting, wood burning and laser engraving. The $83,450 investment will also allow for the space to…
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…
The federal and territorial governments signed a self-government agreement framework with the NWT Métis Nation (NWTMN) on Wednesday. The framework will further advance reconciliation, the right to self-determination, and work toward building strong Indigenous nations, according to a federal government press release. It will also advance the Métis Nation’s land…
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…
In the wake of historic flooding in the NWT, communities are coming together to show their support to residents in Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River. Morris Neyelle, a 69-year-old Elder, artist, and drum maker from Délı̨nę decided to donate his hand-crafted drum on Facebook to help those affected. Neyelle…
As water levels in Fort Simpson finally receded, residents began assessing the damage left by the flooding. Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly says seven people have told him their homes are uninhabitable, but no municipal buildings are damaged. Power is being restored to the island area-by-area and water is expected…