Reconciliation

Indigenous filmmakers shine at Yellowknife International Film Festival

Dene hunting knowledge, Behchokǫ̀ wildfire evacuation, climate change and language revitalization a few of the topics explored


aRTLeSS Collective won the NWT Film Commission’s Northern Filmmaker Award for Behchokǫ̀ Evacuation: Strength and Resilience in the Face of Fire on the final night of the 2024 Yellowknife International Film Festival. The documentary tells the story of nearly 2,000 Tłı̨chǫ citizens who, in the summer of 2023, were evacuated…


Team working on Dehcho Process question having to deal with GNWT

'It's really difficult dealing with them … the territorial government,’ says Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian


The territorial government is being blamed for delaying a process that would provide the Dehcho people with control over 50,000 square kilometres of surface and subsurface lands hugging the Mackenzie River, creating a new jurisdiction called Dehcho Ndehe. In a virtual town hall last week, the Dehcho Process negotiating team…


New Inuit toonie celebrates four-region northern unity

A Royal Canadian Mint first sees multiple artists on same coin, representing all areas of Inuit Nunangat, or homeland


The distinct ways of life and culture of the Inuit Nunangat are represented in a new $2 commemorative circulation coin out this week. The Royal Canadian Mint’s new toonie symbolizes Inuit unity through the four artists’ joint representation of the story of Nuliajuk — spirit of the sea — and…


Justice Murray Sinclair’s passing ‘leaves a gaping hole in our hearts’

Indigenous lawyer, judge and senator from Manitoba exposed racial injustice through Truth and Reconciliation Commission


Murray Sinclair, the groundbreaking Indigenous lawyer, judge and senator who led inquiries that exposed racial injustice and redefined how Canadians see Indian residential schools, has died. He was 73. Sinclair, whose spirit name is Mizhana Gheezhik (The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), died early Monday morning at…


Police now work with housing officials to oust traffickers, rowdy tenants from public housing units

After years of complaints and pleas for help from MLAs and tenants, the RCMP now helps local officials build their case for evictions


In an effort to deal with an increase of drug use and sales in public housing across the NWT, the RCMP has started to share information with local housing organizations to help expedite rental office hearings. Criminality in public housing units has long been a sore spot with Regular MLAs,…


‘We are in a dire situation right now,’ says Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek

Low water levels this year, climate change overall draining NWT's coffers; Sahtu region in pricing crisis as winter approaches


The Members of the Legislative Assembly were back in session Thursday after their summer break. And the “humanitarian crisis” in the Sahtu region, especially with cost-of-living and fuel shortages in Norman Wells, MLAs entered into and emergency debate following a motion by Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart. At the time…


‘Voice of the North’ bends ears of Ottawa power brokers in advance of budget

'NWT council of leaders is not just a forum for discussions; it is a catalyst for action,' says Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty


The NWT Council of Leaders can be “the voice of the North,” when it comes to lobbying Ottawa to advance some of the major projects the territory needs to survive, thrive and compete with southern Canada. On its first group trip to meet with federal officials, Premier RJ Simpson and…


Aboriginal Sports Circle NWT rebrands as Indigenous Sports Circle Northwest Territories

'This change reflects our deep respect for the cultural identities and achievements of Indigenous athletes and communities,' says chairperson


A territorial sports organization has taken a “deliberate step towards inclusivity” with its new name and visual identity. The Aboriginal Sports Circle NWT marked its 25-year anniversary in the spring and will march into the future called Indigenous Sports Circle Northwest Territories. Angela Grandjambe is chair of the organization. “This…


Homeless encampment in Yellowknife to come down starting today

Authorities will work with residents there to secure housing options; area residents complained of filth and crime


“I’m at a breaking point. I’m out of options. But today we’re supposed to hear news from the GNWT or the City … about finding us a new location or public housing if possible.” – Encampment resident Colton Migwi The homeless encampment on 51st Street in Yellowknife is scheduled to…


Indigenous languages in NWT need more than just lip service to thrive

For more than two decades, the GNWT has ignored many recommendations from its own languages commissioner


“The French language community has struggled hard to achieve recognition of their language in the NWT. Their work serves as a model in many ways for the work, which is needed on Dene languages.” Former languages commissioner Fibbie Tatti, in her 2004 report to the Assembly The erosion of Indigenous…