The nomination period has opened for an election to replace former Monfwi MLA Jackson Lafferty. Nominations are open until Friday, July 2; residents can submit their papers to Returning Officer Harriet Koyina at the friendship centre in Behchokǫ̀. Residents in the smaller Tłı̨chǫ communities can find nomination papers on the…
An inquiry into MLA Steve Norn’s breaking of public health orders is in the public’s best interest, according to the NWT’s integrity commissioner. The integrity commissioner decides whether a complaint should be thrown out or refers it to an independent adjudicator. In early May, Rylund Johnson filed a complaint against…
When Norman Yakeleya first became Dene National Chief he was struck by how the Dene Nation “as a whole was not working.” Soon after being elected to the position, he was at a gathering where he says a Tłı̨chǫ youth asked “Who is the Dene Nation? What do they stand…
The passing of a federal bill commemorating the legacy of the residential school system and creation of a statutory holiday is bitter-sweet for Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya. In late May, Parliament fast-tracked Bill C-5 to the Senate; then earlier this month, Senators unanimously passed the bill to recognize Sept….
Frame Lake MLA Kevin O’Reilly introduced a private member’s bill which passed second reading in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. But it did so without the support of cabinet. The bill would amend legislation to allow for the disclosure of information on resource royalties to an MLA or Indigenous government…
Many MLAs, ministers and Premier Caroline Cochrane expressed their disappointment and sadness in the recent discovery of Indigenous children’s remains at a former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C. Monday. Lisa Semmler, MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, said it was insulting that using the term genocide was ever debated. “Genocide…
Agitate by presence is one way to get noticed – a reality known all too well by Canada’s first Indigenous woman appointed to a UN expert body, Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot. Alongside six other independent experts, she will now be representing North America on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Part of…
Acho Dene Koe First Nation (ADKFN) wrapped up its election Monday evening, well almost. Eugene Hope was re-elected as chief with 148 votes. James Duntra trailed closely behind with 145 votes and Steven Steeves received 24. The six new councillors are: Brenda Berreault with 220 votes Donny Bertrand with 264…
NWT residents now have an opportunity to voice their thoughts on how much money MLAs are paid. The Independent Commission to Review Members Compensation and Benefits, led by former Premier Joe Handley, is asking for feedback on MLA salaries and benefits. The base salary for a Member of the Legislative…
Cabinet has taken issue with a motion put forward to end the use of power limiters in the NWT. Jackie Jacobson, MLA for Nunakput, introduced a motion to amend Bill 23 in the Legislative Assembly last week to cut back on the use of power limiters by the Northwest Territories…