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…
Residents of several communities in South Slave region are being advised to boil drinking water for at least one minute. This includes Hay River, Enterprise, Kakisa and K’atl’odeeche First Nation. The boil water advisory was announced in a press release by the Northwest Territories chief public health officer on Sunday…
After eight days of uncertainty, the water levels in Fort Simpson appear to be receding. Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Gerald Antoine says he is heading into town to investigate the damage. “We need to look at how we can rebuild our community,” he says. The flooding fluctuated throughout 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…