Rideau Hall consultant to probe clerk's office GNWT hires same firm that investigated governor general to conduct workplace review

Online first at NNSL.com Giant Mine townsite coming down Volume 49 Issue 97 WEDNESDAY, March 3, 2021 75 CENTS ($1 outside city)

Snowbuddy's (open for) business

Business Sports

Bengali YK rink photo courtesy of Bill Braden Anthony "Snowking" Foliot waves the flag Chef to opens Brier of the snow-monarchy to mark the open- ing of Snowbuddy's Winter Garden on make spicy tournament Great Slave Lake, March 2. The event is house calls this week free this year, but patrons will have to sign up for spots in advance.

$1.00 outside Publication mail Contract #40012157 "One of the most surprising things I've heard is how many kilometres people still rack up in a week when it's –40." 7 71605 00100 5 – David MacMillen hosts the Happyfeet podcast for runners by runners, page 7. 2 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 3 Did we get it wrong? Yellowknifer is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an nwt covid-19 situation as of March 2 error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a Active cases: 5 347 correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Days since first confirmed case: Confirmed cases: 74 Days since last confirmed case: 8 Recovered cases: 69 Common symptoms: Runny nose or congestion (50 News Completed tests: 14,681 per cent), cough (53 per cent), muscle aches (32 Negative tests: 14,612 Scan for the per cent), fever, (32 per cent), headache (37 per Briefs latest GNWT Pending tests: 14 Covid-19 statistics cent), malaise (26 per cent), fatigue (26 per cent) Vaccine priority groups expand Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer in YK, Hay River and Inuvik The Health and Social Services Author- ity has expanded vaccine priority groups in Yellowknife, Hay River and Inuvik. As of March 1, first dose appointments Giant Mine townsite to are available to resident frontline workers who interact directly with the public and are unable to work virtually. That includes workers age 18 and over in: Schools (teachers, teacher assistants or support workers, school bus drivers, front- come down next year facing administrative workers, daytime jani- tors) • Day homes and day cares • Hotels • Grocery stores • Drugstores • Banks • Libraries • Postal service • Liquor stores • Gas stations and convenience stores • Customer service agents at airports • Media (reporters and camera crews) Previously announced priority popu- lations can also still book their vaccine appointments if they have not already. – Natalie Pressman City still waiting on CanNor funding for Mall visitors centre The planned move of the visitor's centre out of the city hall basement is still awaiting a finalized funding commitment from the federal government. In December, city staff presented council with a plan to re-establish a visitors centre at Centre Square Mall that would have street access to 50 Street. The plan is to establish the services at the former bay that once housed the Bank of Montreal across the street from the former Smart Bee Convenience Store. The city is hoping to get $400,000 from CanNor. Mayor Rebecca Alty said with federal support, the move could bring a lot of benefits for the downtown, the city and the tourism industry when it picks up after the image courtesy of the City of Yellowknife pandemic. The Giant Mine townsite deconstruction component of the remediation project will take place during summer – Simon Whitehouse 2022. Moving forward on Freeze pad preparation for arsenic chambers, non- CAB appointments The City of Yellowknife is moving for- hazardous waste landfill expected this summer ward on adding members of the commun- ity to the Community Advisory Board on by Simon Whitehouse aspects of the project, noting the team's ous businesses. Homelessness. The board advises council on Northern News Services ongoing going work to finalize the overall Andrei Torianski, socio-economics man- issues of homelessness. The Giant Mine townsite will be torn project design and update monitoring and ager with the project team, said the team put Council went in-camera during Mon- down over the summer of 2022 as part of management plans for the Mackenzie Valley together a socio-economic strategy in 2019. day's governance and priorities committee a remediation project set to begin this year, Land and Water Board. That was followed by an implementation to adjust the terms of reference to provide council heard on March 1. Some of this summer's "early works" of plan last year to find the most ways to benefit for the RCMP member to be a non-voting The news came during the project team's remediation will include the preparation of Northerners, particularly through training, member and appoint new members. annual update at this week's municipal Gov- an AR1 freeze pad, where the team will blast giving employment notices to the community Mayor Rebecca Alty said on Tuesday that ernance and Priority Committee meeting rock and begin freezing arsenic chambers at and procurement. the five appointees are to be approved at a and ahead of a virtual information session a major rock outcrop near Baker Creek. The project is expected to employ 204 noon meeting next Monday. planned for the public on March 2. This summer will also see the construc- people this year and a peak 312 workers next The appointees include Deanna Cornfield Natalie Plato, deputy director of the Giant tion of a non-hazardous waste landfill that year. The work force is expected taper to 27 who will represent the public at large, Cpl. Mine Remediation Project, said the team is will take in all debris and waste over the in 2031. Mireille Chantelois of the RCMP, Robert ready to begin clean-up efforts this summer course of the project as well as the beginning "In a sense, our goal is to contribute Warburton from a landlord association or but has seen some adjustments to the sched- of some backfill underground stabilization towards strengthening our local remediation non-government housing sector, Yellowknife ule – chief among them that the deconstruc- work, Plato said. capacity," Torianski said. "We continue to Legion president Tammy Roberts from a tion of the townsite will take place next sum- Last month, the Giant team began pre- host Industry Days for the local business Veterans Affairs Canada or veterans serving mer instead of this year, as had been planned. paring for winter drilling in around the community and we review and modify our organization, and Charles Wyman, a repre- "So those buildings will be taken down," Yellowknife Bay and gave a description of procurement tools. The goal is to ensure sentative of a Yellowknife business. she said. "There are some hazardous materi- the multi-faceted project that will carry on that organizations responsible for health and There still remains a vacancy as the city als, with asbestos being the predominant one. into the 2030s. safety as well as infrastructure are aware of is looking for a representative of a city non- That will be separated and bagged according our changing labour demand, forecasts and government health organization with a focus to the regulations and any other hazardous Socio-economics and benefits to locals work sequence schedule. on mental health. materials will be taken out as well. Beyond the more physical objectives of "We monitor our labour demand and – Simon Whitehouse "Those materials will be placed in the the initiative, the project team also touched we inform the local community of labour onsite landfill on our site." on how it's attempting to maximize the bene- demand and schedule of upcoming activ- Plato also touched on several other fits of the project for Northern and Indigen- ities." 4 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 news Women on the water for film fest Two Yellowknife-made canoe films become crowd favourites at Top Knight

by Blair McBride turned freelance filmmaker. Northern News Services It featured a group of 24 Almost 80 people filled Dehcho and youth who the Top Knight on Saturday in July did a 12-day canoe trip for movies about the North, on lakes and rivers along the women and the environment Ingraham Trail. for the fifth annual Paddling "It was a cross-cultural Film Festival. trip about youth gaining new The event was part of skills and confidence. They the festival's world tour, put definitely went through some together by Rapid Media who struggles with portages but provided a package of films they came out feeling really for local screenings. The NWT positive about themselves," Recreation and Parks Associa- Cluderay said. tion (NWTRPA) organizes the Robertson won the Best Yellowknife editions of the Canoeing Film at last year's festival. Paddling Festival for Family Among the several Can- Routes, his movie about a adian and international films family of four embarking on shown, two were locally made. a summer-long trip across the Nahanni School Trip was NWT. filmed by students from Sir "The local (films) always John Franklin high school and hit close to home for people as its title suggests is about a in Yellowknife because people canoe trip down the Nahan- they know are in them, doing ni River. Artless Collective things they could do in the helped the students produce NWT," Cluderay said. Rapid Media image the seven-minute video. This year's Paddling Film Festival featured two Yellowknife-made films on canoeing along with other "It was a really cute video," More women represented said event organizer Rachel The Arctic-focussed Ocean movies from Canadian and American directors, and was organized by the NWT Recreation and Parks Cluderay, who is also On the to Asgard, directed by Brit- Association. Land Programs Consultant ish Columbian filmmaker with NWTRPA. "It was sweet Heather Mosher features four there. It was a cool way to bounty of the sea during their of films for 2021 included And perhaps because the to see them do this really epic friends who travel to Baffin end the trip and honour the trip and "make these amazing more directed by women and festival is among the few trip. The crowd was pumped Island for a 40-day "human- people whose land they were five-star-looking meals with featuring women paddlers. indoor cultural events permit- about that and the idea of powered adventure." on," Cluderay said. seafood," Cluderay said. "It's typically men doing ted to happen amid Covid-19, doing a trip on the Nahanni." "They hiked up mountains In The Moondance, Josiah, the 10-year-old son these trips. It's cool to see eager film and paddling buffs On Pensive Waters was the and did white water paddling directed by Anne Cleary, of filmmaker Aaron Peterson women at the forefront." bought up tickets faster than in second local film, directed back to (Nuna- four women paddlers do a sea narrates 24 Leeches, which previous years. by Keith Robertson, a former vut). Then they did a rock kayak trip in B.C.'s Salish Sea. focuses on a canoe trip around Still popular despite "They sold out three weeks Range Lake North teacher climbing clinic for the youth The kayakers live off the the Slate Islands of Lake Covid restrictions in advance," Cluderay said. Superior, Ontario. This year's festival had a "In classic Yellowknife fash- Josiah, who suffered from different format due to Covid- ion, people don't usually buy leukemia speaks about camp- 19 restrictions. tickets until the last minute ing, canoeing, climate change Attendance was capped at but this time it seems people and the beauty of Canada's lar- 79, down from the usual num- bought them pretty immedi- gest lake. Though 24 Leeches ber of 140. Tables were spaced ately." was produced in 2018, the two metres apart and festival This year was also the film was released in 2019 after goers had to wear masks when first time the festival offered Josiah passed away. they weren't eating or drink- remote viewings for people "It's part-family adventure, ing. who couldn't physically attend part-environmental film," "(But) I don't think it the screenings. Cluderay said. "The son was changed the experience for There have been 10 orders concerned about climate everyone. It was the same with for virtual viewings, allowing change and wanted people people watching films with people from outside Yellow- from future generations to their friends, sitting together knife to watch the films. Clud- keep coming to the islands." and drinking beers," Cluderay eray said people can still buy She remarked that the set said. tickets for remote viewings. news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 5 Firm that reviewed Payette hired for clerk-workplace investigation

Ottawa-based Quintet Consulting will look into harassment allegations

by Simon Whitehouse work, or what it is expected to cost. Northern News Services "The workplace review will con- The same consultants that investi- sist of a review of concerns raised gated the atmosphere at Rideau Hall about the work environment in the will review the workplace of the Office of the Clerk (Office) at the office of the clerk of the Northwest Legislative Territories Legislative Assembly. Assembly (NTLA) and an investiga- The legislative assembly's Board tion into allegations of harassment of Management hired -based and/or misconduct," according to the Quintet Consulting Corporation to release. conduct a review of concerns raised Last month, Mercer was accused about the work environment in the of workplace harassment by April clerk's office and "allegations of Taylor, a legislative assembly advisor harassment and/or wrongdoing." and Nicole Latour, chief electoral Mercer has been on paid leave officer. since Feb. 16 following allegations Steve Norn, MLA for Tu Nedhé of harassment and creating a toxic – Wiilideh held a news conference workplace at the legislative assembly, Feb. 15 and called for a third-party charges he has vehemently denied. investigation into Mercer's conduct. Quintet Consulting has expertise Mercer has "categorically" denied in conflict management and preven- all of their charges and said he wel- tion and conducting administrative comes an investigation. investigations. The firm performed The firm is to include the per- the review of the "toxic" work spectives of current and former staff environment under Governor General of the office since the beginning of Julie Payette and her No. 2. Payette the term of this assembly, October tendered her resignation in the wake of 2019 in other words. Those who of the report's release in January. volunteer to speak can do so in con- The Board of Management, a fidence. committee of regular MLAs and cab- The report they produce is to inet ministers, announced the hiring summarize their findings and present photo courtesy of the Legislative Assembly in a press release Tuesday morning. "analysis, findings and conclusions They did not say when they expected relating to the allegations raised in Nicole Latour, chief electoral officer of the Northwest Territories, sent an email to the Speak- the consultants to complete their the written complaints." er on Feb. 12 with the subject line: "Clerk's targeted malfeasance." Senior administrative officer now goes by title of city manager Bylaw governing top municipal boss updated for first time in 30 years

by Simon Whitehouse a staff memo that came to of council and staff oper- get the most out of their meet- to designate her replacement The updated bylaw also Northern News Services the governance and priorities ations by consultant George ings. when they are away, including provides clearer language Yellowknife's senior committee meeting on Feb. Cuff of Alberta-based George The Senior Administrative vacations or when sick. around mayor and council's administrative officer will 15 calling for the first update B. Cuff and Associates Ltd. Officer Bylaw speaks to the "For a longer period of overseeing of the city man- now be referred to as "city to the bylaw since 1991. Among those recommenda- city manager's role in advis- time and an extended period, ager's annual performance. In manager." Council updated Over the last year, the city tions included a review of ing council; fostering a rela- council would delegate that the past, the bylaw stated that the bylaw Monday night. has undergone a high-level committees and their useful- tionship between mayor and but vacations and shorter time it was solely the role of the The issue stemmed from policy and governance review ness and how city staff can other elected members; and away, the city manager will mayor. representing, leading and dir- have the ability to delegate Annual performance ecting city administration. her replacement," said Mayor reviews for the SAO are done Among the recommenda- Rebecca Alty. annually in-camera. tions from Cuff's analysis, presented on Aug. 25, was that the name of the sen- ior administrative officer be changed to city manager or city administrator. The rea- soning for the change, in part, is to make it easier to recruit candidates when the position is vacant. "It will assist the city in doing any review of SAO compensation in the future, it will assist in attracting can- didates to the position and it will ease the SAO incum- bent's introduction into sen- ior-level government discus- sions," according to the Feb. 15 city memo. NNSL file photo Another major change Yellowknife senior administrative officer Sheila Bassi-Kellett will now go by to the bylaw will include the title "city manager." allowing the city manager 6 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 news MLAs seek review of GNWT policies on racial, cultural bias in hiring Affirmative action policy applied 'unevenly,' says Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos

by Blair McBride argue that the direct appointments are Northerners "stacks the deck" against Northern News Services a good thing for Indigenous people Indigenous people seeking to work in MLAs are calling on the GNWT as it provides an alternative means the GNWT. to examine its policies on racial and of hiring Indigenous candidates into And Hay River South MLA cultural bias in government hiring government positions. However, dir- Rocky Simpson said the interview practices. ect appointments could also create process for GNWT jobs can be an Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos the opposite effect and can act as impediment for Indigenous appli- on Monday gave notice in the legisla- a loophole around the affirmative cants because it's not informed by tive assembly that she will move on action policy." Indigenous culture. Wednesday a motion urging the gov- ernment to "review its policies and Direct appointments follow Indigenous men left out? practices for racial and cultural bias, process, minister says Then in February, Great Slave especially as they relate to education, In a subsequent exchange, Caro- MLA Katrina Nokleby pointed to health and social services, justice, line Wawzonek, minister responsible data from the January Labour Force housing and government hiring." for human resources, said direct Report that showed a rising employ- Her motion was seconded by Deh appointments are undertaken care- GNWT image ment rate in the NWT, but questioned Cho MLA Ron Bonnetrouge. fully and under specific rationales Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos is urging the GNWT to how much Indigenous people and Martselos' motion followed her that departments must request and review its hiring practices for racial and cultural bias. particularly Indigenous men are part criticism of the GNWT's "uneven which are then reviewed. of the upswing. application" of its affirmative action The appointments are most often She also referred to the same policy across 10 departments. used when there is a job competi- utilized. It should be utilized towards GNWT's workforce for the last few 30-percent figure Wawzonek men- Bureaucratic gaps and loopholes tion and a position can't be filled, or the goal of being a representative decades. tioned in January. allow the government to work around through the Indigenous Gateway and work force, and if it's going to be a That figure comprises 21 per cent Wawzonek then provided data for the affirmative action policy, she internship programs, according to the tool, then it should be better under- Indigenous women and nine per cent the period of January 2020 to Janu- said. minister. stood," said Wawzonek. Indigenous men. ary 2021 showing there were 239 The MLA cited the experience Appointments also tend to favour "This is a complex issue that will affirmative action hires of Indigen- of one of her constituents whose affirmative action candidates, Waw- Affirmative action not be solved by a one-size-fits-all ous Aboriginal people, or 24.6 per application for a job in the Depart- zonek said. regularly questioned approach," she said. "Challenges to cent of hires. ment of Lands was unsuccessful after She pledged to bring Martselos' The effectiveness of the affirma- improved Indigenous representation Women represented 67.9 per cent she was told she lacked experience. concerns to cabinet to improve direct tive action policy has come under exist at every stage of a public ser- of affirmative action hires in that After looking further into the matter, appointments and enhance transpar- scrutiny by MLAs in the last five vant's career path, including hiring, period. Martselos said she discovered the ency, and to make her own efforts to months. retention, promotion and succession The minister acknowledged that position was filled through a direct make its usage more transparent. In November, Wawzonek planning." men aren't a designated priority group appointment. "Early on in the process of becom- explained that even though Indigen- Also during that November ses- in the affirmative action policy. "I'm not OK with this," she told ing a minister, this is a policy that I ous people make up about half of sion, Monfwi MLA Jackson Laf- "They wouldn't get an enhanced the assembly. "There is something wanted to have reviewed to under- the NWT's population, they have ferty said the education gap between or additional focus in that regard," wrong with this picture. Some people stand better. It is … a tool that can be represented only 30 per cent of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous she said. news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 7 'Happy Feet' podcast tells the stories of Northern runners First episode launched Feb. 28 on Spotify and Anchor by Blair McBride when you find out someone Northern News Services is training for the Boston Running enthusiasts Cam- Marathon or for an ultra race. eron Twa and David MacMil- And how they can run in this lan have Happy Feet, and winter weather. That's what they know it. always baffles me." Now everyone else can People in warmer climes tune into their new podcast might be confused that a run- and know it, too. ning podcast would go live on "I know it's a funny name the same day when the tem- for a podcast. I thought of perature dropped to below 'Cold Feet' and then settled -40. on 'Happy Feet.' It had to be Yellowknife attracts a something with 'feet,'" said hardy bunch of athletes, Mac- MacMillan, with a laugh. Millan explained. Their first episode went "(Even) during this recent live Sunday on Anchor and cold spell people are out run- Spotify. ning. I wanted to talk to them. It was an interview with "One of the most surpris- Ajay Chauhan, a Yellowknife ing things I've heard is how runner who has completed many kilometres people still a 50-kilometre indoor run, rack up in a week when it's a 12-hour race and who has – 40. The first two people I even bigger goals for this spoke to, both did at least 100 summer. km in one week when the "Runners love to chat temperatures were – 30. Even photo courtesy of David MacMillan about running and I think – 20 can be really discour- Podcast host David MacMillan left, guest Ajay Chauhan and co-host Cameron Twa take a break after this is a good platform to get aging for most people, so to making the first episode of Happy Feet. those stories out there," said see runners out there in this MacMillan. weather is incredible." Sundays. couch and run that first five marathons and how running goals went," MacMillan said. "A lot of people are The podcasters have five The topics will cover a km, how more experienced fits into an active lifestyle. The pair will assess their training for different things or six episodes planned for range of aspects of the sport, runners are chasing person- "I might want to follow up next moves after the first set around town. It's surprising now. Each will go live on including how to get off the al best times in half or full and see how these runners' of episodes are done. 10th year of Vivaldi's Four Seasons hits NACC Show has twenty-four piece community orchestra, painters and poets by Simon Whitehouse a multi-sensory experience of story," she said. "We have a couple of vio- Scott Williams. The poetry laboration. Northern News Services orchestral music, poetry and "This year, without hav- lins taking the solo lines but readings will take place vir- "It was a way for us to Yellowknife music and art painting interpretation. ing any concept of what was then I've transcribed them for tually, with poets introducing present a different type of lovers prepared to celebrate Tickets are sold out for the to come when applying for other instruments like flute, each season. performance during this pan- the transitioning weather can live performances on March funding, we dedicated it to cello, oboe and trombone." Marie Coderre, artistic demic time locally," Coderre look forward to the annual 5 and 6. the northern reflection of Painters this year will and music director with the said. "We partnered back in performance of Vivaldi's Four Jo Pamplin, music director Four Seasons because the include Rae Braden, Terry Northern Arts and Cultural the fall, I believe, about in Season: A Northern Reflec- of the 24-piece orchestra, has four seasons are so different Pamplin, Adrienne Cart- Centre, said the event rep- October, to present it and they tion this week at the Northern been the driving force behind between Italy and the North- wright and Sheila Anderson. resents a BAM and NACC have been working on creat- Arts and Cultural Centre. this year's edition since prac- west Territories. Braden has been part of Covid-co-production where ing since that time. The Borderless Art Move- tices started in October. Vivaldi wrote four violin the Four Seasons perform- the two groups can work "It is involving so many ment (BAM) will be putting "Our scene at BAM is that concertos and a concerto has ances in Yellowknife since together to bring about a vis- people in the community so on its performance for the we like to use painting and three movements – fast, slow, the beginning. ual art, music and spoken- it involves so many different 10th straight year. It features music and poetry to tell a fast, Pamplin said. "We're normally a group word event. directions from people who of painters and so the idea She said she's looking are visual artist and others is we interpret the music and forward to seeing the final who are professional with the story through live paint- shows after months of col- instruments." ing," she said, noting that the panel of painters changes every year. "I really think it is a great opportunity for the public to come and experience a per- formance that is multi-sen- sory because of the poetry and spoken parts and the other layers of interpretation through painting. That way there are so many things to enjoy, and at different levels." Compared to other years, Braden said painters will be creating their art in a "more colourful, abstract way and with feeling and less inter- pretation." photo courtesy of Bill Braden Pandemic poets on the bill The Borderless Art Movement's performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at he this year are Elaine Gillespie, Northern United Place in 2020. Paul McKee, Lynn White and 8 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Editorial & Opinions Published Wednesdays and Fridays Comments and views from Yellowknifer and letters to the editor

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com

FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo – [email protected] COORDINATING EDITOR: The GNWT has renewed Craig Gilbert – [email protected] its funding for the man- ACCOUNTING: [email protected] aged alcohol program Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas operating at the Arnica Assignment editor Brett McGarry – [email protected] Inn, or Spruce Bough, until Editorial board: the end of September, a Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert silver lining for the pan- Brett McGarry • Emily McInnis demic in Yellowknife. NNSL photo Reporters: [email protected] Simon Whitehouse • Blair McBride Natalie Pressman

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CIRCULATION: [email protected] Circulation Director: Amy Yang pandemic silver lining Subscriptions: Print: (mail) $95/year Online: (entire content) $50/year The pandemic may have seeded change for alcohol addicted individuals in the capital

Northern News Services ment will be looking further into the There has been much talk in the exact results of the managed alco- NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 19th Legislative Assembly around The issue: hol program, but with the anecdotal 100% Northern owned and operated Managed alcohol Publishers of: addictions, treatment centres (or results so far, many have probably Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News lack thereof) and a way forward scratched their heads wondering Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub We say: NWT News/North with managing these issues in the Keep it up why it took a pandemic to start this. News/North NWT. The legislative process in consen- A lot of that discussion is coming sus government is painfully slow. Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association from Yellowknife MLAs, where it's a Ideas are discussed, but it takes Ontario Community Newspapers Association story as old as the hills. Roughly $1.8 million was put quite a bit before any MLA's idea Manitoba Community Newspapers Association Weekly Newspapers Association But many of the street-involved aside by Health and Social Services turns into reality. Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association people in the city are from smaller for this program to run from May What's happening in Yellow- Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce communities in the North and con- 2020 to the end of the month this knife is as close to a grassroots Contents copyright – printed in the North gregate here. Stats from city coun- year. effort that the GNWT can get, with by Canarctic Graphics Limited cil last year show that more than Spruce Bough, or the transitional the immediate need for a service half of those who use the Day and housing project at the former Arnica creating action as opposed to the Sobering Centre downtown are not Inn, has renewed its funding for the bureaucratic, top-down method. Will Send us your comments from Yellowknife. program until October as HSS "will wonders never cease? You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off The pandemic has been hard on work with the Yellowknife Women's Sarcasm aside, opportunity at our office at 5108-50th Street. the street-involved, particularly put- Society to explore options to con- knocks. Now, there is a foundation All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we ting them in a precarious situation tinue this program once the pan- for the government to build on and can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- when the capital city had to go into demic funding expires," said Health a chance to create a program (or, erence is given to short letters of broad interest or lockdown for months when Covid- Minister Julie Green. just imagine, a facility with pro- concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as 19 reared its head. The government has good reason gramming somewhere in the NWT) we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. Unable to allow for normal cap- to extend the program since the that can build on the good work tak- Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and acity for services at the downtown initial results have been positive. ing place at Spruce Bough. those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to shelter and other forms of low- In April of 2020, the NWT Dis- What we're seeing happen in eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis income housing in town, the GNWT abilities Council said the then-oper- Yellowknife is the seed that could for a story. housed residents and created a ating managed alcohol program at start something truly great for managed alcohol program. The gov- the Sobering Centre was a success, alcohol addiction treatment in ernment essentially provided a set with those choosing to enter the the North, but it will be up to the amount of alcohol for people deal- program drinking significantly less priorities of our elected leaders to ing with addiction who were at risk and feeling much better. ensure that seed grows into some- of withdrawal symptoms. Minister Green says the depart- thing more. commentary Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 9 Respect the messenger

NNSL file photo Premier Caroline Cochrane recently thanked the media for delivering the gov- ernment's message. The dissemination of government information is the job of We asked you! the GNWT's communications and not journalists, writes columnist Nancy Vail. with Blair McBride

[email protected] Northern News Services ridiculed, harassed and embarrassed by an Good day Premier Cochrane, unglued president over the last four years, I am writing this to you because I have democracy as we know it could have come heard a number of journalists and others who out much worse for wear. It is only because Do you plan to attend the Snowbuddy's Winter Garden? work in NWT news media are frustrated with of their dedication to the spirit of the public's your repeated assumption that they somehow right to know and a system which (fortunat- exist to disseminate information coming from ely) allows it, that democracy as we know it your office and the government you lead. survived. I would like to help clear up any misunder- The media's contribution to that cannot be standing there might be about the media's role ignored. in its reporting of government information. And please do not underestimate the long, While there are a few who produce columns hard hours that some of these scribes dedicate and can present their content from a personal to their craft. Gathering the information from perspective, or "bias" if you will, the vast your press releases or briefings is step one in majority of those who work in media in the a series of steps taken before that story is ever NWT do their best to provide information in a aired in a timely manner. After that comes the more objective manner. They are professionals research, interviews, cross checks, inhouse John St. Louis Roseline Verret Mika Kondo and should not be considered mouthpieces. debates, writing or recording and then edit- "Yes, absolutely. I'm "Yes. I'm excited that "Yes. I'm really excited." I would remind you that jour- ing. All of this followed by more nalists and the media staff who run-throughs by other critical eyes looking forward to it." things are happening support them exist to serve the as the stories climb the ladder despite Covid. It'll be public and are a crucial tool in the to editors and, sometimes, legal uplifting." preservation of democracy. Good beagles. media people take that role very In communities such as Yellow- seriously. Please do not disrespect knife where there are limited staff them, nor the critical role they and resources, the hours are long. play in presenting vital informa- Few writers are without tales of tion to the public, by asking them middle of the night runs to cover to simply repeat your messaging. breaking stories only to crawl into Journalists do not exist to produce notes bed exhausted many hours later. copy that makes elected or govern- Eight-hour shifts – what's that? ment officials happy. The function from the trail It is all about a heartfelt belief in of journalism is to provide as much the public's right to know. Aspiring Nancy Vail is a longtime accurate information as possible on Yellowknifer concerned with journalists are told early on that a subject. You are but one source social justice. if it's money they want, this is the in that exercise. wrong game. But if they are inter- Alana Lacy Amanda Kanbari Bry Fernandes The dissemination of govern- ested in providing a service to keep "I would love to. I'm "I absolutely plan to "Yes. I've never been ment information is the job of the GNWT's and help the public, well, it can be a great way excited to see what attend!" so I hope it's good. I'm communications personnel. But it has also to contribute. And sometimes, just by doing they have going on this excited to attend." become the role of those individuals to present that, they are able to affect positive change. year." their bosses in the best possible light when Some of the best stories that come forward they do their work. are those from people who were ignored by Journalists have to be discerning and government officials. Their stories resulted in review the copy coming from those informa- calls to action and then to change. tion officers, reaching out to other sources So please, this confusion about the role willing to corroborate or comment on what of the media in being spokespeople for your you provide. While the role of the media is information needs to be clarified. These Express yourself: Write a letter to the editor to inform the public, in doing that, they hold people are not there for the government – they Letters should be short and to the point. No longer than 500 words, please. Your letter should be relevant to our readers. Emailed letters are preferred. Include your full name and a phone number, as governments and other institutions account- are there for their readers, watchers and listen- we verify authenticity of all letters prior to publication. We may edit your letter for grammar, length (for able, which makes them a critical component ers and to serve in the best way they know our print version) or any potential legal issues. to a well-functioning democracy. how. A little more respect and better under- Email your letter to: [email protected] with the subject line: Letter to The Editor If we wouldn't have had critical thinkers standing of this relationship would go a long Or by regular mail: Yellowknifer 5108 50 St., Yellowknife, NT., X1A 1S2 Attn: Editor south of the border who were openly taunted, way to soothe rustled feathers. Thank you. 10 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 photo story Bella dancers twirl and jive at Winter Showcase

Logan Hayward, left, Teaya Crossman and Jan- essa Henderson move to a theatre piece from the 1988 national aerobic champion theme song. Bella Dance Lindyn Fraser, left, Teaya Crossman, Janessa Henderson, Tayla Nichols, Meghan Rogers, Shino Koyan- agi, Logan Hayward, Hailey Stephenson, Olivia LeClerc, Abby Beck, Hattie Hutton, Sara Morris and Leah Feature Stephenson perform Space. by Adrien Barrieau

First time for some dancers to perform in months, says director Northern News Services sons in September. While some Yellowknifers "For some dancers (Sun- escaped the -40 C temper- day) was their first time per- atures on Sunday by hun- forming since last March," kering down on the couch, said Smith. "It was an exciting the young dancers from Bella time. There was a lot of pride Dance Academy strutted their from the parents and from stuff at the Winter Showcase those who joined via Zoom. performance. The parents can't come in to Thirty students in four see the progress of students in teams performed a range of the studio so this was the first dances in front of about 40 time they can see what the parents in the matinee and dancers have been working on evenings shows at the North- for months." ern Arts and Culture Centre Some of the dance routines (NACC). were created by teachers at The showcase was the cul- Bella and some were learned mination of months of train- virtually over Zoom, with ing for the dancers, said Bella choreographers in British Col- Dance studio director Phoenix umbia, , Toronto and Smith. even Los Angeles teaching the After the Covid-19 pan- students remotely. demic arrived in the NWT last "We used a projector in the March, all Bella classes were studio to project the instruct- Taylor Paddon, left, Briar Rintoul, Elodie Scott, Naya Nichols, Adze Christensen Blondin, Sloane MacKay, moved into virtual formats. ors onto the wall and all the Leanne Karembera and Anabel MacMillan perform a tap dance to Juicy Wiggle by Redfoo. They resumed in-person les- dancers were here in the stu- dio. It was a challenge but it worked," said Smith. Much work went on back stage to ensure the event met the Covid-19 regulations. Dancers' arrival and depar- ture times were staggered so that not too many people were together back stage at the same time. They also had to keep their masks on while not onstage. NACC capped audience capacity at 50. "It took a lot of work on our production team end to make sure we were following all the Covid-19 protocols," Smith said. "Dancers were fabulous back stage. They were very mature about the rules and it Adze' Christensen-Blondin, left and Ava Nystrom perform 'Standing in the was great to see." Way of Control' by The Gossip, a song about scientists. – Blair McBride photo story Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 11 Bella dancers twirl and jive at Winter Showcase

Leah Stephenson, left, and Sara Morris dance together in the opening number Space by Stevie Wonder, from the Sing soundtrack.

Bella Houweling, left, Teaya Crossman, Abby Beck, Logan Hayward, Sara Morris, Megan Rogers and Janessa Henderson perform to Go Your Own Way by Lion Bear Fox.

Logan Hayward does a jazz jeté to Black and Tayla Nichols, left, Shino Koyanagi, Megan Rogers, Logan Hayward, Hailey Stephenson, Olivia LeClerc Gold' y Sam Sparro. and Abby Beck perform Space by Steve Wonder.

Olivia LeClerc, left, Hattie Hutton, Hailey Stephenson, Tayla Nichols, Leah Stephenson, Lindyn Fraser and Shino Koyanagi wake up to Morning Person from Shrek the Musical. 12 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 13 GNWT working on better internet for schools, says Archie Bandwidth allotment for YK schools 'totally inadequate,' says Kevin O'Reilly

by Blair McBride Failure to provide needed technical offers a monthly technology grant of Northern News Services infrastructure puts our students at a $100 to help students access funding Work is underway to improve disadvantage compared to learners and students are eli- internet service for education bodies in other jurisdictions and even within gible for a one-time grant to help set in the NWT and some government communities here." up internet. departments. Limited internet access puts low- Simpson also said blended learn- The GNWT will prepare a request income families and post-secondary ing can help mitigate the challenges for proposals (RFP) to improve inter- students in a vulnerable position in of limited internet access. net services, Infrastructure Minister particular, he added. "You don't need internet for Diane Archie said in the legislative "Unless our students have access everything in schools. I think most assembly on Feb. 26. and affordable internet, education is people in here got through school However, she couldn't give a not universal." without using the internet in every timeline for the RFP process due single class, for better or for worse, to the fact she was "made aware" of Education minister but it can be done." the problem of bandwidth at schools concurs on problem The exchange on internet access just 42 minutes earlier when Frame Education Minister R.J. Simpson comes more than two months after Lake MLA Kevin O'Reilly raised agreed with O'Reilly that limited Northwestel announced that its the issue of low internet capacity in bandwidth is a territory-wide prob- unlimited fibre internet packages for Yellowknife. lem that affects the legislative assem- residential and business customers O'Reilly explained to the assem- bly, schools and even Simpson's own would be available on Dec. 1, 2020 bly that the three school boards in house and his constituency office. in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay Yellowknife and Aurora College Simpson explained that the topic River and Norman Wells. share an internet connection of 300 of internet accessibility is discussed That was followed weeks later megabytes per second that is pro- often among cabinet members, by a presentation from Northwestel GNWT image vided by the GNWT. including with the Infrastructure president Curtis Shaw, who told a A request for proposals is being prepared by the GNWT to "That's about equivalent to your minister and with other ministers of standing committee meeting that provide solutions to narrow bandwidth in schools and govern- cable modem at home. This is for education across Canada. unlimited internet service at high four entire school organizations. This "We've approached the feder- speeds will be coming to almost all ment departments, said Infrastructure Minister Diane Archie, is a totally inadequate allotment," he al government about the need for NWT communities by 2023 through on Friday. said. "Even without the increased investments in broadband infrastruc- fibre-to-the-home or low-earth orbit distance demands of Covid-19, pro- ture," he said. satellite connections. committee that the GNWT needs to Better competition would help viding students adequate opportun- Turning to the issue of students, But in that same month, execu- do more to foster competition in the NWT companies benefit from build- ity to learn and use technology is an the education minister said the Stu- tives of three NWT telecommuni- telecommunications market that they ing more regional and local net- essential part of modern education. dent Financial Assistance program cations companies told a standing said favours Northwestel. works, they said. Group applauds NWT for prioritizing vaccinations for people with disabilities Ready For My Shot assesses jurisdictions based on prioritization of disabled individuals

by Blair McBride Inclusion NWT executive director Northern News Services Lynn Elkin said her organization is The NWT is tops in Canada for grateful that residents with disabil- prioritizing vaccinations for residents ities and their caregivers were given with disabilities. the early opportunity for vaccination. Ready For My Shot, a family- "Most persons with developmental based group in Burnaby, B.C., assess- or intellectual disabilities receive sup- es provinces and territories based on port and rely on others to assist with their posted policies for vaccinations. activities integral to daily living. This In a tweet on Friday, the group support is a necessity, not an option," announced the NWT received the Elkin said. "Unlike other citizens, only green rating in Canada, recog- these individuals are unable to make nizing it as giving "high priority" to the choice to not have interactions vaccinating residents with disabilities. with others or to isolate themselves Robins and Waddingham launched completely. As a result, access to the group out of awareness that people the vaccine provides that extra layer with disabilities face vulnerabilities, of protection beyond following good such as their 17-year-old son Aaron, public health practices." who has Down Syndrome. "My son won't be eligible for Raising awareness of needs his shot until the fall and that's not Another focus of Ready For My acceptable. The impact of him get- Shot is Gary, a 64-year-old man with ting this virus would be worse than Down Syndrome, who is featured in me, and I'm 57," said Waddingham. the campaign. "And other people like him need to "He's a survivor of institutional- get it first. ized care here in B.C. He currently "We want all provinces to priori- lives independently," Waddingham tize vaccines for people with develop- said. "He told us, 'I want my life to Ready For My Shot image ment disabilities. Older people with go back to normal.' He wants the vac- The NWT is recognized as the only jurisdiction giving specific vaccine priority to residents with Down Syndrome need the shot cination. Gary has a great life (but) disabilities. because they're at higher risk of health 64 for a man with Down Syndrome complications. A man or woman with is very elderly. We're trying to bring paign and share more of their voices Tuesday that at least 16,454 doses cinating 75 per cent of the eligible Down Syndrome in their 40s is like voices like Gary's forward. We're cre- and words." have been given, with at least 14,520 adult population of 34,400 people, an 80-year-old. They can develop ating a crowd-sourcing platform for The expanded vaccination oppor- first doses going into arms and 1,934 about 26,000 people will need to be Alzheimer's, diabetes and respiratory others to upload photos of themselves tunities at the Yellowknife clinic second doses administered. vaccinated, chief public health officer illnesses earlier than others." and incorporate them into the cam- occur as the GNWT announced on To reach the NWT's goal of vac- Kami Kandola said. 14 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 news Hard, powerful, soft, beautiful: Yellowknife artist wins GG's Award Germaine Arnaktauyok takes the award and $25,000 by Derek Neary and level. Tuesday, all chosen for their her video. "I'm 74 years old I make them alive, I guess, in artists," stated Darlene Cow- Natalie Pressman Arnaktauyok is the recipi- exceptional careers and their and I'm still at it." my mind," said Arnaktauyok. ard Wight, curator of Northern News Services ent of a 2021 Governor Gen- remarkable contribution to the Born near Iglulik and now "Germaine Arnaktauyok at The Art Gallery, "Wide and deep in con- eral's Award in Visual and visual and media arts and fine a resident of Yellowknife, has charted her own course who nominated Arnaktauyok. tent." Media Arts and an associated crafts. much of her work depicts Inuit and created her own unique The power and the beauty $25,000 prize. "I was always drawing legends in pen ink drawings. visual language, and her life- 'Wide and deep in content' of Yellowknife artist Ger- The Canada Council for since I was little and I never "I try to put myself in the long interest in her own unique Though dates have yet maine Arnaktauyok has been the Arts announced eight questioned it and just kept story, you know, how they Inuit culture has been an to be confirmed, the Prince recognized at the highest recipients of the award on going," Arnaktauyok said in think, how they breathe, and inspiration to many younger of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will be displaying Arnaktauyok's drawings in a show in 2022. Sarah Swan, Yellowknife art curator, said Arnak- tauyok's work is "wide and deep in content" as well as being varied in medium and themes throughout her career. Swan describes her art as atmospheric, moody, evoca- tive, mystical and striking. "When you look at it, it hits you hard and is quite power- ful as well as being soft and beautiful at the same time." She said the Northern art- ist's Governor General award will inspire younger genera- tions of Inuit artists, but also makes even the NWT's lack of artistic resources. "The NWT is really ter- rible at appreciating artists," Swan said, pointing to the lack of territorial art galleries. "We have almost zero infra- structure and almost zero educational opportunities for artists here." Despite that, she said the talented cohort of Yellowknife artists have thrived. "I'm hoping having a Gov- ernor General award winning artist living here in Yellow- knife will draw the territory's attention to the fact that we images courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts and Winnipeg Art Gallery have a huge gaping hole here," Artist Germaine Arnaktauyok, originally from an area near Igluilk but now a resident of Yellowknife. Inset: Germaine Arnaktauyok, she said. Mother Earth, 2007, ink and coloured pencil on paper, 72.7 cm x 53.6 cm, in the Winnipeg Art Gallery collection.

Blair McBride/NNSL photo He's back Things are coming together at the site of the new combined KFC and Starbucks restaurants, with the KFC sign now overlooking Old Airport Road. Construction of the buildings is ongoing. Parent company Soul Foods Group began advertising job openings for full-time managers and part-time staff in February in the lead up to the restaurants' planned opening this spring. business Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 15 Bengali Chef delivers taste of South Asia to local spice lovers Delivery service launches after popular reception at YK Farmer's Market food booth

Northern News Services day for the weekend, so we Yellowknifers used to go can cook fresh on Saturday to the Bengali chefs for their morning. Normally we have food, now the chefs go to two dishes at a time, meat Yellowknifers. and vegetable. There are two Following their success- of us working on it so we ful run at the Yellowknife have to do a lot of prepara- Farmer's Market in the sum- tion. I'm really surprised that mer, K M Safat Rashif and people like it so much." his wife Shamima Fahmida Next Saturday and Sun- launched the Bengali Chef day are already looking busy. food delivery and catering They received a big order service in late February. of samosas and sweets for a While they set up only baby shower. a few times at the market, their Indian and Bangla- Indian and Bengali deshi offerings were popular offerings enough that they looked into Rashif explained that the b e com i ng cuisines a licensed of India business. and of his "People homeland liked it and Back Bangla- they asked desh aren't me to make to business very differ- more of it," with Blair McBride ent. Both said Rashif. cultures "Then in eat similar November we applied for types of curry dishes. the licence for a home-based One difference is that catering service." Indian dishes tend to make liberal use of panchforan – a First order bigger five-spice mix of fenugreek, than expected nigella, cumin, black mus- Once their food permit tard and fennel seeds. and business licence arrived, "We do that too but we they served 34 people on use a little less than that, and Feb. 20, exceeding their we use them separately, not expectations for the first set blended together. (But) I was of customers. in India for a few months "It was awesome," Rashif before I came to Canada and said. there's not a lot of differ- The pair work full-time ence." jobs during the week so thus The hottest sellers from far they make orders just for the pair are palak paneer the weekends. (Indian cheese with spin- "We take orders during ach), malai kofta (potato and based Bengali curry with their new culinary venture, the business becomes. and she loves to serve. Her the week and based on that Indian cheese dumplings in a cashews and poppy seed the couple are considering "Let's see how the dream is to get into the food we deliver or people pick creamy tomato-based curry) paste – is also popular with the possibility of eventu- response goes and maybe we business. We started this up their orders at our place. and tandoori chicken. spice-loving Yellowknifers. ally opening a restaurant, can grow," said Rashif. "My because people said they like People make orders by Fri- Goat rezala – a yogurt- Not even two weeks into depending on how successful wife loves to cook for people our food."

photo courtesy of K M Safat Rashif Above: Bengali Chef owners and cooks K M Safat Rashif, left, and his wife Shamima Fahmida are ful- filling a dream to share their culinary heritage with customers. At left: Malai kofta, a creamy tomato- based curry with potato and Indian cheese dump- lings, is one the most popular dishes offered by the new South Asian delivery service Bengali Chef. 16 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 The way she goes still upbeat following heartbreaking defeat at Scotties Tournament of Hearts

by James McCarthy to do was defeat the wild Northern News Services card skipped by Beth Peter- One year ago, Kerry Galu- son of Manitoba. sha and her team came with- It didn't happen as Peter- in one game of advancing to son would steal the win, 9-8, the championship round of putting her into the cham- the Scotties Tournament of pionship round and relegat- Hearts in Sydney, N.S. ing Galusha and company to This year, it another year of was even closer heartache. than that and "That's how even though it "We're just it goes," said was a tough way Galusha from to go out, Galu- so thankful her Airbnb in sha is still happy for everyone Yellowknife, with the week where she's been that was in Cal- sending mes- isolating after gary. returning from G a l u s h a sages to us." Calgary last and her rink of – Kerry Galusha Friday. "Teams , were in control Andrew Klaver/ Canada photo Margot Flem- all week and Kerry Galusha surveys the situation during play at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary late last ming and Jo- they ended up month. Galusha and her rink of Shona Barbour, Margot Flemming and Jo-Ann Rizzo came within one rock Ann Rizzo were on course losing. That was the theme. of advancing to the championship round for the first time. for the championship round, Maybe if we all made one the first time a rink from the more shot, it would have been North would have advanced different but I'm still happy hammer and blanked the first Peterson stole a single in with the hammer. Peterson with it all the way. If I'm in past the opening stage of the with how we all played." end before scoring two in the the fourth to take a 3-2 lead would get that deuce back that situation again, I'll know Canadian women's curling Galusha opened the con- second, which was answered but Galusha re-took the lead in the sixth to nose her way what to do." championship. All they had test versus Peterson with the by Peterson in the third. by scoring two in the fifth in front, 5-4, before Galusha The NWT is always one came up with the big moment of the sentimental favourites of the game in the seventh each year with Galusha and by counting three to take a company receiving messages 7-5 lead. of support from around the Galusha would extend country. that lead to 8-5 with a steal This year, though, Galu- in the eighth before Peterson sha said it felt different. got two of those points back "We got a lot more messa- in a sloppy ninth end; both ges than we ever did before," teams missed key shots to she said. "We were on TSN give each other chances to three times as the feature score. Peterson would force game – when has that ever the extra end by stealing one happened before? It was just in the 10th and would go on so upbeat and people were to steal another single in the noticing us more. We always 11th to win and advance to get noticed but we got a lot the championship round. more attention. People just The loss dropped Galu- love the underdogs and we've sha's rink to four wins and always been the underdogs. four losses, one loss too We had so much support this many for the championship year and we're just so thank- round. ful for everyone sending Galusha's final stone in messages to us." the extra end was a draw This current rink will take to the button, a shot which at least one more shot at the TSN's Russ Howard referred Scotties in 2022 but Barbour to as "the biggest shot of won't be a part of the team; (Galusha's) career" during the Galusha said she was a late live broadcast. call-up after Was it? Galusha didn't wasn't able to make it due to think so. a combination of school and "I wasn't thinking of that the travel restrictions around at all," she said. "If any- the pandemic. thing, I would have taken a "I'm hoping Sarah will be bit more ice because it over- back next year and that we'll curled. The girls swept the have no pandemic to worry rock well and I was confident about," she said. sports & recreation Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 17 Team Skauge set to peak at Hortons Brier

NNSL file photo Brad Patzer, seen during the NWT Men's Curling Championship at the Yellowknife Curling Centre last month, will make his Tim Hortons Brier debut in Calgary on Friday as the second for Greg Skauge. Yellowknife men's rink opens Canadian men's curling championship Friday versus Glenn Howard by Martin Gavin to your hotel and that's it so you had with Covid-19 testing on multiple Brier playoff team in 2012. Those 39-year curling career," said Patzer. Special to Northern News Services better like your teammates as they days, isolation requirements and for three, along with Aho, bring with Many premier curlers across Editor's note: This is the 10th are all you're going to see most of Team NWT, a two-week isolation them a depth of Brier experience Canada have chosen to not com- year of Martin Gavin writing about the time." upon return to Yellowknife. GNWT with 17 total previous Brier appear- mit to the bubble situation that will the Tim Hortons Brier for Yellow- The global pandemic has Covid-19 guidelines require a ances: Naugler with four, Borden at be in effect in Calgary. Koe, who knifer. He's back for another go- wreaked havoc across 14-day isolation upon eight, Skauge with three and Aho holds the territorial record with 12 round of all things NWT (and even the globe and curling entering the territory. with two. consecutive Brier appearances – 14 some things not-so-NWT) and his has not been spared This means that Skauge represented the territory in total – has decided to sit this year first report details the Yellowknife the effect. Most prov- "It would be for Skauge's team of as an alternate on multiple occa- out due to the complexity of navi- rink Greg Skauge, Tom Naugler, inces have shut down nice to iso- Naugler, Brad Patzer, sions and is a veteran to the national gating the Covid-19 restrictions, Brad Patzer, Robert Borden and curling altogether with Robert Borden and scene but he's excited to be the first isolations and protocols. David Aho preparing for the start leagues and tourna- late at a place David Aho, the lion's name added as a NWT skip not Koe chose to not comment on of the Canadian men's curling ments placed on pause, share of a month of named since 2007. that decision when queried, how- championship, which gets under- including provincial which has their lives will be spent "It will likely become real when ever, he wanted to pass on that he way on Friday in Calgary. and territorial play- either isolated apart or we get there as in the past, I was an is a huge supporter of this year's When Greg Skauge was grow- downs. services or at together. alternate and that's a different role," representative and wishes them the ing up in the flatlands of Saskatch- "We have been quite least indoor "Both Tom and I he said. very best. ewan, he no doubt blew bubbles and fortunate," said Tom considered isolating His last slide on ice in a game at "These guys have been so close watched the bubbles float into that Naugler, the long-time plumbing." at our camps but upon the Brier was in St. John's, N.L., in in the past and I am so proud of big sky. Skauge third. "Our reflection, it would be 2017 as an alternate for Team NT them and the excitement for them ... – Greg Skauge This week, Skauge and his rink leagues have been nice to isolate at a place and he curled 100 per cent. they will be great representatives," from the Yellowknife Curling Cen- going and we were able which has services or Skauge's supporting cast are he said. tre take that to a different and to have a playoff." at least indoor plumb- well-established icons in the curl- The Tim Hortons Brier begins unprecedented bubble when they That playoff was against Glen ing," said Skauge "we are looking ing world. Naugler last played in on Friday and continues until March enter Canada's national curling bub- Hudy, the reigning NWT senior at all isolating together upon return 2013, Borden in 2018 and Aho just 14. The NWT will kick things off ble in Calgary for the start of the men's champion and last year's run- at least we would have each other to last year in 2020. Patzer, however, on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with their Tim Hortons Brier. ner up in the NWT Men's Curling keep us company." has never been to the Brier. He has first game against long-time Brier "Once you're in, you can't leave," Championship. Curling enthusiasts will no competed for more than 30 years participant Glenn Howard, who is said Skauge. "You can curl and go This year's national men's cham- doubt remember Skauge, Naugler will finally get to the top step. skipping one of the three wild-card pionship is unique in a lot of ways and Borden as part of Jamie Koe's "This is the pinnacle of my rinks this year. 18 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 19 20 yellowknifer, Wednesday, March 3, 2021