New Covid-19 case crops up in Fort Liard The circumstances of the new, travel-related case are under investigation, said Premier

1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Wawzonek delivers budget 2021 Volume 75 Issue 40 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 $.95 (plus GST)

From the Ahead by publisher: Aurora a century College on shaky ground

Ekati diamond mine sold

Monfwi MLA worries about Whati power

photo courtesy of Livia Kurinska-Hrdlickova Marguerite Lafferty celebrated 100 years of life on Jan. 26. To celebrate, she enjoyed cake, music and the company of friends and family.

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "This isn't a case where there was total indifference. The problem was in the execution."

7 71605 00200 2 – Judge Donovan Molloy fines GNWT $10,000 for disturbing bird nests, page 6. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 3 Did we get it wrong? News/North is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you nwt covid-19 situation as of Feb. 5 spot an error in News/North, call (867) 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email editorial@ nnsl.com. We'll get a correction or clarification in as Active cases: 1 resident, 5 non-resident Days since first confirmed case: 322 soon as we can. Confirmed cases: 32 Days since last confirmed case: 4 Recovered cases: 31 Common symptoms: Fever, (60 per cent), muscle News Completed tests: 12,273 aches or pain (53 per cent), cough (53 per cent), Negative tests: 12,224 Scan for the sore throat (33 per cent), diharrhea (13 per cent), latest GNWT Briefs Pending tests: 22 Covid-19 statistics difficulty breathing (seven per cent) Aurora College to resume face- Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer to-face classes in fall of 2021 NWT Aurora College plans to resume its face-to- face courses for most programs at campuses and Community Learning Centres in the NWT for the 2021-2022 academic year starting this fall. Up to 20 students will be able to join in- class learning in the fall, depending on the size Marguerite of the classroom, said Aurora spokesperson Lafferty, 100, Jayne Murray in a news release Feb. 3. smiles and The resumption of in-person learning will waves at the be in line with Covid-19 safety regulations RCMP parade from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer, and will include maintaining physical from her window. distancing of at least two metres, the use of The Elder always non-medical masks, frequent hand washing, enjoys emer- respiratory hygiene techniques and enhanced gency vehicles cleaning protocols. passing by with Distance learning will continue for some their sirens on. programs and individual courses in 2021-2022. photo courtesy of Livia Kurinska-Hrdlickova "I am pleased that northern residents will have access to in person learning at Aurora College starting this fall," said Aurora College president Andy Bevan. – Blair McBride 'Cook with Me' for Indigenous Languages Month in NWT NWT The theme of this year's Indigenous Lan- guages Month is Cook with Me to celebrate the culinary aspect of culture and identity. Tlicho Elder celebrates The theme is celebrated in partnership with the NWT Literacy Council, which encourages all residents to learn about the official Indigen- ous languages and speak them with pride, the Department of Education, Culture and Employ- turning 100 years young ment (ECE) said in a news release on Feb. 4. Indigenous Languages Month is held every February to highlight the nine official Indigen- ous languages of the NWT and honour the Marguerite Lafferty enjoyed cake and a police culture and knowledge that each language has passed on through the generations. parade in her honour to bring in her hundreds ECE and the Literacy Council encourage residents to try out recipes from the Indigen- by Natalie Pressman ous Languages Month 2021 Regional Recipe Northern News Services Books and learn to cook by using an Indigen- Behchoko ous language. This digital book will be avail- On Jan. 26, Marguerite Lafferty hit the able online on the ECE portal and released on triple digit mark and celebrated with a few social media during the month. of her favourite things – friends, family, cake – Blair McBride and police sirens. Daniel Gunn, the clinical care coordinator Police federation welcomes at the Behchoko Long Term Care Facility, GNWT's investment in policing explained that Lafferty always laughs and NWT claps when police sirens go by, so the staff In response to Minister of Finance Caroline coordinated with RCMP to put on a parade Wawzonek's 2021-2022 budget address, Brian for her to watch from the window. Sauvé, president of the National Police Federa- Gunn said Lafferty enjoyed the display tion said the group welcomes the government's and sat at the window watching and waving. "investments in public safety." Lafferty, a Tlicho Elder, was born in Wek- The budget announced a fund of $422,000 weeti in the bush. for three new RCMP constable positions in the She met her husband near Behchoko and detachment. He also commended that's where they built their home and where the announcement of an additional $158,000 to Lafferty spent much of her life as a home- implement a strategy addressing guns and gang maker for her four children. violence in the territory by the end of 2021. In attendance for the celebration, was "Our approximately 200 RCMP members Lafftery's niece and two of her siblings, one serving in the provide of who also lives at the facility. policing services through 22 detachments to Lafferty has been a resident at the long over 40,000 people, and these are solid first term care home for six years. She is affec- steps in better resourcing and funding for our tionately referred to as Mogoo, though Gunn Members," Sauvé said. wasn't sure of the nicknames' origin. "We look forward to future investments He said the staff and residents came for the much-needed additional resources for together to decorate their grand hall and them." celebrated the milestone with snacks, cake The National Police Federation is a labour and music. union, certified in 2019, to represent an Though Gunn explains Lafferty does have approximate 20,000 frontline RCMP Members some dementia, he said she is active and across Canada and internationally. doing well. Photo courtesy of Livia Kurinska-Hrdlickova – Natalie Pressman "She definitely was smiling and laugh- ing and clapping through the celebration," Marguerite Lafferty celebrated 100 years of life on Jan. 26. To celebrate, he said. she enjoyed cake, music and the company of friends and family. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 news Two new cases of Covid-19 Three other cases related to workers from outside territory, circumstances of new case in Fort Liard unclear by Blair McBride Information on the fourth and fifth shipments – due in mid- Northern News Services March – was not yet available, Kandola said. NWT The federal government is in discussions with Moderna on The NWT has five active cases of Covid-19, said chief public future shipments and the NWT's vaccination roll out could be health officer Dr. Kami Kandola on Feb. 2. re-adjusted depending on the outcome of those conversations. Three are connected to the limited outbreak at a Gahcho "While this is disappointing, we all need to expect some Kué winter road site over the last week, one is at the diamond bumps in the road. This is one of the most complex all-encom- mine site itself and the fifth was found in Fort Liard on Monday, passing vaccination drives in the country. Supply was always Kandola told reporters at a news conference in the legislative going to be strained, particularly until additional vaccines reach assembly building. market. All five individuals are doing well and isolating, and there is "But as Northerners we also need to remember just how no risk of community spread. fortunate we are to have received the allocation we have so far. The new case in Fort Liard is a "work-related exposure linked We'll still receive enough to vaccinate 75 per cent of our adult to out-of-territory travel" and not connected to the six cases of the population in a relatively short period of time and much faster small community cluster that had recovered in the last week of than (other) jurisdictions in Canada." January, Kandola said. Despite the reduced third shipment, NWT resident rotational Unlike that cluster of cases, the infection announced on Feb. 1 workers at remote camps will begin receiving their first doses has a low risk of further transmission. of Moderna this week, a group that is prioritized because they In response to an inquiry as to whether the latest case in Fort work with others from southern jurisdictions who might import Liard was the result of someone not self-isolating properly or if Covid-19. NNSL file photo they were given a special exemption to self-isolate in the com- "We're putting out an appeal to all the rotational workers who The circumstances of the new, travel-related case munity, Premier Caroline Cochrane said the case is still under work in closed camps. You work two to four weeks, with people of Covid-19 in Fort Liard are under investigation, investigation. coming straight from other provinces where there are a large said Premier Caroline Cochrane. "If you travel outside the territory for any reason, make sure number of outbreaks. You may be healthy, you may not consider that you ... do the self-monitoring, if you are travelling for other yourself at risk, but please consider getting vaccinated because reasons do the isolation. Wash your hands, wear your mask, keep we don't want the virus to coming up to the communities," Kan- will be the same as it was for the first dose will depend on the your social distancing – it's our best defence," Cochrane said. dola said. arrival of vaccine supplies and on the priority groups that remain Ongoing wastewater surveillance in Yellowknife, Hay River, Residents of long-term care facilities and their support staff to be vaccinated, said Pegg. Fort Smith, Fort Simpson and Inuvik currently shows no anom- began receiving their second doses as of the last weekend of Cochrane closed the conference by saying that the NWT hav- alies, Kandola said. January. ing the lowest number of Covid-19 cases in the country isn't the The Canada-wide delay in shipments of the Moderna vaccine One-hundred and twenty-five second doses have been admin- result of luck. will change the Covid-19 vaccination campaign roll out in the istered to residents and staff at Avens Manor in Yellowknife and "Not only have we had a very competent chief public health short-term but vaccination clinics already scheduled for this week at the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors Home in Behchoko, said territorial officer and medical staff but our businesses, our NGOs, every will not be affected, Kandola said. medical director Dr. AnneMarie Pegg, who also spoke at the resident has stepped up to protect us. We're not out of this yet. "Existing supply will be dedicated to second doses for resi- news conference. We're really close to the end. But please just keep abiding by the dents and staff at long term care facilities," she added. Second doses are scheduled to be delivered to long-term care orders for a little bit longer. And hopefully ... we'll be able to get Health Minister announced on Jan. 29 that the residents and staff at Stanton Territorial Hospital on Feb. 3, and back to a normal life." delay would reduce the expected third shipment this week from at the long-term care unit in the Inuvik hospital and in the Fort A total of 12,241 first doses of the Moderna vaccine have been 7,200 doses to 4,700. The first shipment arrived in the NWT on Simpson Elder Care Home on Feb. 5. administered at clinics in all 33 communities of the NWT since Dec. 28 and the second in mid-January. Whether the order of communities to receive the second dose the campaign started on Dec. 31, said Green. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 5 GNWT projects revenue of $2.2B, $69-million surplus in new budget

The new 2021- 2022 adds hun- dreds of jobs to the GNWT payroll but no new taxes for NWT resi- dents, Finance Minister said Thursday. Blair McBride/NNSL photo

Plans to add 284 new jobs, including 159 in Health dept., an 87-per-cent increase

by Blair McBride $69 million. decrease to $322 million for committee aimed at cutting the next legislative assembly. takes a careful approach and Northern News Services This year's budget propos- 2021-2022, their lowest level red tape for small businesses On the NWT's current makes strategic investments NWT es $117 million of increased since 2019, when they were at in the territory, Wawzonek course, the federal borrowing it could be in a more stable The GNWT plans to spending over Budget 2020, $348 million. said. limit of $1.8 billion would position next year. increase staffing in the Health which includes $104 million Federal transfers still The budget document be exceeded by the next She said the Government department by 87 per cent, for adjustments and added account for most revenues. states that operating and cap- legislative assembly, lead- Renewal initiative would help according to its latest budget. expenditures for GNWT They rose to $1.8 billion in ital expenditure growth are ing to an operating deficit in find ways of spending more The GNWT plans to departments. 2020-2021 from $1.5 billion exceeding revenue growth, three years, if the course isn't effectively and that more effi- add 284 new positions to its HSS will see the largest in 2019. They're estimated making the current fiscal plan adjusted. ciencies could be found. departments and public agen- increase in estimated spend- to reach $1.87 billion in the "unsustainable." It also indi- Wawzonek explained that "I hope we can spend more cies in 2021-2022, up from ing, with an additional $63 2021-2022 budget. cates that "immediate action" with the federal government money based on value and I the 5,917 active positions in million allocated. Of that, the Own-resource revenue is needed to ensure sufficient expecting some form of recov- hope to see a change in our 2020-2021. Covid-19 Coordinating Secre- estimates reflect federal fore- borrowing room remains for ery this year, if the GNWT fiscal fortunes," she said. Health and Social Services tariat will receive about $35 casts and the fact the GNWT will go from 182 positions to million. believes the population might 341, and Health and Social GNWT overall spend- decrease due to a decline in Services Authorities will rise ing had increased since personal income tax returns, from 1,645 to 1,755, account- 2019, when it was $1.9 bil- combined with the effects of ing for the bulk of the new lion and rose to $2.2 billion Covid-19. jobs. in 2020-2021. It is projected Wawzonek said the popu- In response to questions to decrease slightly for the lation of the NWT has been about the increases show- 2021-2022 budget, to $2.124 relatively stable amid some ing a "bloating government," billion. ups and downs over the years. Finance Minister Caroline Revenues also rose since "I hope the takeaway for Wawzonek told reporters 2019, when they were at $1.85 people is that we're finding a Thursday that some of the billion, rising to $2.18 billion way to be stable even during increases are due to growth in 2020-2021 and estimated a pandemic. In the short term in the health sector in general. to be around $2.19 billion for we've introduced measures to But she said that under the the 2021-2022 budget. help keep people safe and GNWT's Government Renew- On a negative note, once healthy," she said. al initiative, more attention the final analysis is com- She noted that no new will be focused on increas- pleted, the NWT economy is taxes have been added in the ing value and efficiency in expected to contract 6.6 per budget. public sector positions. That cent in 2020, mainly because Mining and resource roy- initiative will require no new of the effects of the Covid- alties, which normally con- investment, she said. 19 pandemic on consumer tribute to own-source royal- "If we do it well and right, spending, trade, diamond pro- ties, were revised for 2020- I hope to achieve more value- duction, private investment 2021 to be zero in the budget, oriented services," she said. and tourism. reflecting weak diamond In documents released on In 2021, however, dia- sales due to Covid-19. Feb. 4, the GNWT forecasts mond production at the "It's much lower than what revenues of almost $2.2 bil- restarted Ekati mine, along we projected it to be. Sales lion for 2021-2022, with total with exports and investment are showing recovery," the expenditures of close to $2.1 increases, are expected to finance minister said. billion. boost economic growth by Small and medium-sized It's expected to leave an 5.8 per cent. businesses will not be ignored operating surplus of about The GNWT's own-source in the budget and the govern- revenues are estimated to ment plans to a launch a new 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 news Department of Infrastructure fined $10,000 for disrupting threatened birds' nests Ironic that efforts to discourage interaction with birds ended up destroying nests: Crown by Natalie Pressman While these materials have Northern News Services yet to be finalized, Shepard NWT said that "it is not the case The Government of the that the department is bury- Northwest Territories' Depart- ing their head in the sand so ment of Infrastructure (INF) to speak." was ordered on Jan. 28 to pay He said that prosecution is a $10,000 fine for disturbing something that the government migratory bird nests off of never hopes to incur, however, Highway 3. in this case "it has spurred a Bank Swallows, a threat- lot of beneficial work." ened species under the migra- The $10,000 fine was a tory bird act, typically nest on joint position that judge Don- sand banks – both natural and ovan Molloy accepted. artificial – such as riverbanks, "This isn't a case where quarries, sand/gravel mounds there was total indifference," and road cuts. The birds dig Molloy said. But rather that burrows which lead to under- "the problem was in the exe- ground nests, often in colonies cution." of 10 to nearly 2,000 nests. photo courtesy of Alan Vernon He noted INF's guilty plea Between May 30, 2018 and The GNWT Department of Infrastructure will pay $10,000 after unintentionally disturbing Bank Swallow as mitigating considering the June 20, 2018, two employees time it is saving the court and contracted by INF unknow- nests off of Highway 3. the admission of responsibility. ingly destroyed several swal- Steve Loutitt, the depart- low nests off of Highway 3 he returned weeks later, the responsibility on the depart- ment outlining best practices to create training materials to ment's deputy minister, sat near Edzo. swallows were gone and the ment's part but strictly a liabil- for minimizing risk to migra- inform employees of the risks with the government's lawyer The employees were hired colonies destroyed. ity offence. He said the irony is tory bird populations, their ahead of Swallow nesting sea- in the courtroom. to level piles on the highway as INF pleaded guilty to the in the fact that if not for INF's nests and their eggs. son, as well as an on-site train- "I take this matter very a means of discouraging inter- offence on Dec. 9, 2020 and efforts to discourage inter- The document will high- ing for staff to properly iden- seriously," he said. action with the birds during both the Crown and defence action with the species they light general management of tify the birds and understand He told the court that INF construction season, they were lawyers noted the department's would not have disturbed the migratory birds with a specif- practical next step – pausing takes responsibility for its not aware that they were irri- co-operation in the matter nests at all. ic chapter dedicated to Bank their work, taping off a buffer actions and "recognizes that tating the nests in the process. and the steps they are taking Defence lawyer Roger Swallows. The document, zone, or bringing in a biologist not enough was done." The disruption was dis- to avoid future such circum- Shepard told the court that when complete, will be made for example. He said that the depart- covered after a biologist with stances. since the case has been brought available to the public on the Shepard said the depart- ment has taken steps and will Environment Canada photo- Crown prosecutor Morgan to the GNWT's attention, INF department's website. ment plans for the training to take further steps to ensure graphed the birds and mul- Fane told the court that the has hired a contractor and sen- Shepard indicated that they be annual for relevant employ- an avoidance of these circum- tiple colonies in May. When matter is not an omission of ior biologist to create a docu- department is also working ees. stances in the future. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 7 Whati residents risk freezing in winter due to shoddy infrastructure: Lafferty 20-hour power outage hit community in January by Blair McBride territory's power generating infra- Northern News Services structure is aging. Whati She explained that the recent Whati residents face the risk of outages in Whati were related to freezing in the middle of winter generators and "issues" with the due to insufficient infrastructure in transmission line, where sections the community, said MLA slapped together in high winds. . Although she said the power Speaking in the legislative plant in Whati isn't scheduled to be assembly on Wednesday, Lafferty replaced in the next five years, a described a 20-hour rotating power new generator is set to be installed outage that hit the Tlicho commun- within the year, which is expected ity on Jan. 13-14 after two of its to improve reliability. three generators failed. Measures are also planned to "When power goes out, maybe prevent the affected power lines it's an accident, but if two go out, it's from slapping together. That work neglect," he told MLAs. "They are could be done in the next few weeks maybe one diesel generator away – "as soon as we can get the bucket from freezing in the dark. That's truck in and the crew into the com- because they don't have a hydro munity," Archie said. transmission line for a backup. In The minister added that the fact, if a generator goes, there is no GNWT would try to seek federal backup at all. funding for a transmission line into "That's a level three emergency Whati. alert, the power corporation's high- But Lafferty criticized efforts to est state of emergency. Imagine apply for federal funding as some- if it was -50 C or -60 C. Good thing that would take years. thing it was only around -10 C, -15 "The community of Whati GNWT image C. Imagine the danger to Whati's doesn't have the patience for that. Monfwi MLA Jackson Lafferty is calling for swift infrastructure upgrades after a 20-hour rotat- Elders, the most vulnerable citizens. They already lost patience when ing power outage in Whati in January. It could have been a lot worse." they had 20 hours of power out- Diane Archie, minister respon- age. We need to take action now. repairs, where necessary?" NTPC customers experience initial remarks. sible for the Northwest Territories Will the minister commit to a com- Archie responded that the gov- three times more power outages Lafferty spoke just one day after Power Corporation (NTPC), apolo- prehensive infrastructure audit to ernment would look into ways of than the Canadian average, with a blackout lasting about 15 minutes gized to residents of Whati for the search out maintenance problems, prioritizing federal funding towards severe weather events a key con- hit most parts of Yellowknife dur- outage and acknowledged that the issues and recommend priority improving infrastructure in Whati. tributing factor, Archie said in her ing the evening of Feb. 2. 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Editorial & Opinions Published Mondays Comments and views from News/north and letters to the editor Yellowknife office: Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com South Slave office, Hay River: Paul Bickford, Bureau Chief Phone: (867) 874-2802 Finance Minister Caro- Fax: (867) 874-2804 Email: [email protected] line Wawzonek deliv- Mackenzie Delta office, Inuvik: ers budget 2021-22 to Eric Bowling reporters. How she and Phone: (867) 777-4545 Fax: (867) 777-4412 the rest of the MLAs go Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/inuvikdrum about their business in Baffin office, Iqaluit: the next sitting of the Trevor Wright Legislative Assembly will Phone: (867) 979-5990 Fax: (867) 979-6010 set the tone for the rest Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/nunavutnews of the year. Blair McBride/NNSL photo Kivalliq office, rankin inlet: Darrell Greer – Bureau Chief Phone: (867) 645-3223 Fax: (867) 645-3225 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/kivalliqnews

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Advertising production Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Faced with unprecedented challenges, the NWT's elected Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson Customer service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] leaders will prove their mettle in the coming months ADVERTISING Northern News Services [email protected] capita basis, the vaccine rollout in Representatives: The 19th Legislative Assembly has The issue: the NWT at the moment bows to no Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle been sitting now for nearly a week, James Boylan • Brock Grills The next sitting jurisdiction in Canada, but any threat for the first time in 2021. to the supply chain is nonetheless Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Last year was tumultuous for our We say: Administrative assistant: Miko Wu Time to buckle down worrisome. Social media manager: Wesley Cook elected leaders to say the least. Health is paramount but that The new MLAs had only just started CIRCULATION: doesn't change the cold hard fact to get to work when Covid-19 hit [email protected] that the NWT's economy contracted Circulation Director: Amy Yang and the first health emergency was announcement by its leaders in the by 6.6 per cent last year, or the fact Subscriptions: declared. Those emergencies have business community last month. One year mail $75 that after years of structural surplus- Online (entire content) $50/year been extended 21 times and count- Pause and catch your breath, then es, the GNWT's budget will drift into ing. let all that water slip under the Deh the red by 2025-26 unless some- We're talking about a sitting Cho Bridge because as sour as 2020 thing changes. where a physical altercation between was, 2021 is still going to be a lot for That will make it a lot more diffi- a cabinet minister and the legis- all of us to bite off and chew. cult to deal with major infrastructure NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED lature's long-serving clerk was the Minister of Finance Caroline 100% Northern owned and operated projects such as the proposed wind Publishers of: second-most controversial thing that Wawzonek released details of the Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News farm near Inuvik, the expansion of Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub happened, at best (the first of course GNWT's next budget on Feb. 4 and it NWT News/North • Nunavut News/North the Taltson hydroelectric complex Member of: being the Caesarian and haphazard looks like the Department of Health Canadian Community Newspapers Association or repairs to the Tuk highway, to say Ontario Community Newspapers Association removal of Great Slave MLA Katrina Manitoba Community Newspapers Association and Social Services will be rising to Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association nothing of keeping the lights on else- Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Nokleby from the executive council). the challenge with literally hundreds Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils where or protecting our most vulner- Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce No one is even talking about how of new positions. The details on Contents copyright – printed in the North able. by Canarctic Graphics Limited much Hay River North MLA Rocky where exactly those positions will go Simpson still owes the Business are hotly anticipated, and the tim- Last year was the definition of We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons financial support of l'appui financier du Development and Investment Cor- ing of their creation raises questions crisis mode, of lurching from one the Government of gouvernement du Canada. Canada. poration of the Department of Indus- about whether they will be there to crisis to the next. try, Tourism and Investment anymore stay after the pandemic. It is next to impossible to cast Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public (it's $1.6 million). Speaking of, the vaccine short- cold and sober thought toward the and press alike, and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and pub- And none of that is to even men- ages making headlines around the future when the present is complete- lishing news, opinion and advertising. Complaints should go to: tion the pandemic and its associated world have finally reached the terri- ly and utterly on fire. The Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706 Toronto, Ont., M5B 1J3 lockdowns, mysterious positive test tory, with a reduced shipment of the But this year is already one-twelfth Email: [email protected] Fax: 1-416-340-8724 www.ontpress.com results and outbreaks, controver- Moderna vaccine, a more durable in the books and turning to face the sial Christmas travel by top health alternative to the Pfizer product, and wind is exactly the sort of thing NWT Send us your comments bureaucrats (plural) or the forma- which that the GNWT has been rely- voters elected the 19th Assembly to Email us at: [email protected] with the subject line "My opinion"; or send mail to News/North at Box tion of three advisory councils to ing on, expected this week. do. 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at our office at 5108-50 Street. All letters submitted the GNWT on Covid response, the The GNWT's Emerging Wisely plan This sitting, our MLAs will set the must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number. We will do our best to ensure that dissolving of two of them before indicated phase four, in other words, tone for the rest of 2021 with their letters submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday are printed in anyone even joined and the effect- a return to normal life, would arrive words and their actions. All eyes on Monday's News/North. ive disbandment of the third via an with a Covid-19 vaccine. On a per them. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 9 Did you get vaccinated against Covid-19?

NNSL file photo Teresa Patzer, left, gives a Moderna jab to Joseph Football as Rosa Mantla helps translate Patzer's directions into Tlicho during a vaccination clinic in Jan. 13, one of the earliest held in the NWT. Northern News Services friends instead of your parents, although your Did you get vaccinated against Covid-19? friends were still guessing about life? And now Well, I got my first Covid-19 vaccination that you're an adult you realize how foolish shot on January 25. It's now 14 days later that was? so even if I get Covid-19 my symptoms will And if you have children you are mortified be 65-per-cent less severe. Woohoo. Hurray. that your kids will get advice about life from Wahoo. Happy dance. their friends instead of you? So, big question: Did you get your shot? It's the same thing. Your untrained friends, Did you say no? In a way, I don't blame you. neighbours, and family members are like your There is a lot of misinformation out there. My fourteen-year-old friends, who were guessing We asked you! dad would call it "foolishness." Eschia! about life, and doctors are like your parents with Paul Bickford in Hay River Here is some of the foolishness out there who had already experienced what you were without any truth to them: The going through. [email protected] Covid-19 vaccine will alter my DNA; the Covid-19 vaccine Why take the vaccine? includes a tracking device; Covid- While most people have few or 19 vaccine causes infertility in no symptoms at all from Covid, What is your reaction to the NWT women; and you can get Covid-19 some people like seniors or adults from the vaccine. with health conditions can get very There are also people out there sick or even die from the disease, track meet being cancelled? who are against vaccines of any especially those in their eighties or kind, saying they cause autism older. and other things that have been Getting vaccinated will keep debunked or proven to be false. WHEN you from becoming seriously sick. Some Indigenous people are And, as more people are vaccin- saying that the government is vac- THE ated, it makes it harder for Covid cinating Indigenous communities HEART to spread. because they want to use Indigen- Even if you are not at high risk ous people as guinea pigs. Now says No of severe disease from Covid-19, that is pure foolishness. Roy Erasmus Sr. is you can pass it on to people who Some of the very first people a certified wellness might be, like your friends, family, who received the vaccine were counsellor and coach co-workers, and seniors. people like doctors and nurses who survived heart My parents taught us the Dene disease. working at jobs where they could way of respecting and caring for be in contact with people who had our Elders and vulnerable people. Covid. To follow the Dene ways, we In fact, the chief public health officer should get vaccinated, so we do not pass on for the NWT, Kami Kandola, has received Covid to the elderly and vulnerable. the vaccine. Our MP Michael McLeod has Similar to other vaccines, there are side received it, as have the President of the United effects like pain at the site of injection, chills, Matthew Lakusta Tamarah Pellissey States and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. headaches, and feeling tired or feverish. These "I would say that it's unfortunate that "I think it's disappointing, but what So, if these people are getting it how can are common side effects of vaccines, that may they aren't replacing it with some- can we do?" you say they are experimenting on Indigenous last for a few days, and are not a risk to our thing else." people? Hint, hint … you can't. health. Also, seniors in every community in When I got my shot, the only thing I the NWT, including Yellowknife, have now noticed was my right shoulder was a bit sore received their first shots and it was for all for a few days, but only exactly where I got seniors. And when I got mine at the Multiplex, the needle. I was still able to sleep on my right I didn't see a sign that said Indigenous people side and I could still do everything as usual only. with my right arm. In fact, I saw white people, Asians, Of course, there can be severe reactions to Indigenous people and Black people. And now the vaccination. I heard a doctor say that one the initial list is out for the second shots and in 500,000 people get struck by lightning and once again it does not say Indigenous people the odds of a really bad reaction to the vac- only. cination is one in a million. So, you are more So, ya, there's a lot of "foolishness" out likely to get struck by lightning than to get a there and it's called pseudoscience … which bad reaction. are "statements, beliefs, or practices that People who should not get the vaccine claim to be both scientific and factual but are include people with a history of severe allergic incompatible with the scientific method." reaction to any component of the vaccine, per- So, make sure you check where you're get- sons younger than 18 years of age, and some ting your info from. Make sure internet sites people with autoimmune deficiencies. Also, are legitimately scientific, like government or very frail older persons with an anticipated life Alvin Pitre Kerry Buhler medical sites. Do not believe your neighbour expectancy of less than three months should "It's unfortunate that we're losing the "It's extremely disappointing for the or the people you see in the coffee shop, unless be individually assessed. the person is a doctor or a nurse. Say what? In Yellowknife call 867-767-9120 to book track and field, but understanding kids, but with the way everything Yup. Why do I say that? Well remember a shot. Consult with them, or your doctor, if Covid, it's necessary." is going now I can see why they're when you were 14 and you listened to your you're not sure you should get vaccinated. doing it." 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 opinions New polytechnic college being built on a false foundation

Northern News Services and looked at the numbers of student success. success, emerging ready for the work-world. of the longstanding, systemic problems imped- What follows is for the team of people on They reported back longstanding problems What MNP failed to understand is the K-12 ing the success of the polytechnic. the polytechnic transformation file, MLAs, and between the Department of Education and col- school system is the true foundation of the But for homework, they must study the two anyone else who cares about education in the lege staff. The college had a bad image, offered college. Further, in the GNWT's own words, Auditor General's reports on the K-12 school North. poor student housing and an unattractive stu- the majority of college students are Indigen- system in the NWT. Those are the depart- It's about the future of Aurora dent experience. ous and many are from small communities. ment's report cards. As educators, they know College, more importantly a factual Key to the recommendations MNP also didn't know that the vast majority of scholastic results point the way forward and discussion about the deep problems for transforming the college to a non-Indigenous students – the children of over shouldn't be seen as objects of either shame or of the past and present. polytechnic was the appointment 5,000 civil servants and business people and blame. Certainly, the college needs of a change maker, a new assistant the lion's share of graduates – have their hearts The K-12 school system outside Yellow- fixing. Despite the best efforts of deputy minister who would redesign set, as do their parents, on going to knife is the true foundation of both Aurora college staff in Fort Smith, Inuvik and revitalize all the college and a good university in the south. Kids College and a future polytechnic. The and Yellowknife, enrolment has departmental practices standing in want to get out of Dodge and the only shame would be in not been falling dramatically. Two the way of success. parents want the best education for trying to fix it. very essential degree programs Sadly, the change maker they their kids, maybe the same school have been stopped dead – social hired didn't measure up to depart- where they went. These institu- work and education degrees. Enrol- mental expectations and he was tions are, after all, castles of ment in trades training dropped 36 summarily fired, probably at great their colonial culture. Student percent between 2012 and 2017. From the cost, and replaced by a career edu- financial assistance would have The general student population cation official, all of which went accurate numbers for Team declined 26 percent. The president Publisher contrary to MNP's recommenda- Polytechnic. and board have been replaced by Bruce Valpy is the tions of independent governance. The graduation rate for GNWT Department of Education publisher and CEO of MNP's consultant did their best to that Dene, Metis, Inuvi- staff. The failure of the college to NNSL Media. steer clear of laying the responsibil- aluit K-12 foundation is a educate Northerners can no longer ity for the decline at anyone's feet mushy 35 per cent. Mushy be ignored. but the education department over because there is a lot of Muddying the waters was the 2017 decision successive governments had complete author- social passing going on, to hire southern consultants – a large corporate ity over the college, right down to the approval where students not suc- accounting firm called MNP – to tell us what of press releases. Budgets remained static over ceeding in one grade to do. If you go deep enough in MNP's website, decades, college leadership and staff had few are pushed to the education pops up on a menu but it's not a core resources to overcome barriers to building a higher grade, even function of the company, accounting is. Still, learning institution that could make Northern- though they will we gave them the task to plot the future of ers proud. The college was given responsibility likely succeed less. higher education in the North. Then-Education for academic and trades success but not respon- The good news minister Alfred Moses told the legislative sibility for getting what they needed to do it. is there's now assembly the goal was not to find out why the Further, the department has its hands full with a full team of two important degree programs had failed, it similar problems in achieving success in K-12. civil servants was a "foundational review." Premier Caroline The college was largely left to operate on its dedicated to Cochrane later said the review would allow the own, come what may. the polytech- college to "continue to grow and adapt." It was the MNP consultant who came up nic mandate. MNP did its research from November 2017 with the polytechnic vision, the educational They would to February 2018. Christmas came in the mid- jewel that would set the course for the college's be well advised to dle so it wasn't really three months. The firm's golden future – a future of fresh-faced North- apply their photo courtesy of MNP representatives spoke to people on the phone ern students climbing the ladder of academic own analysis Consultants MNP wrote a report on Aurora College in 2017. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 11 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

photo courtesy of Aklavik Rangers Community Service Members of the Aklavik Rangers cut wood as a service to the community. The rangers set up a support station on the path up the nearby mountains for any travel- lers heading on the land.

Hit the cross-country trails Part of the "Northwest Terror Stories" television series cur- Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson rently in production, the episode in question takes place near School board seeking Feb. 14 is NWT Ski Day and Fort Simpson will be one of the Paulatuk and the society is hoping to film with a cast of com- nominees for awards communities taking part in the festivities. pletely local actors. Shooting is expected to take place in late February. Thebacha/Fort Smith A cross-country ski clinic and family fun day will be held The South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) is on both Feb. 13 and 14 at the campgrounds beginning at 1 p.m. Six roles are up for audition. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Dez Loreen at [email protected] or by seeking nominees for its 2021 Excellence in Education Awards. each day. Anna-Spring Doerfler from Cross Country NWT will The awards are presented in three categories. be on hand to lead the lessons and it's open to anyone who wants phone at 867-777-2320. – Eric Bowling One category is program staff, which includes full-time and to head out and try the sport. part-time teachers, administrators, consultants and education Equipment will be available to those who needs it but it will assistants. be on a first-come, first-served basis. Soccer deal extended Another award goes to partners in education, which includes – James McCarthy NWT support staff, parents, students, volunteers and other community NWT Soccer's outdoor summer camp program will continue members or groups that support learning. Metis Nation, GNWT hold until at least 2023 thanks to a new deal between it and North- Finally, there is the Jill Taylor Above and Beyond Award, intergovernmental meeting westel. which can go to a staff member, parent, student or partner who Northwestel has committed $40,500 over the next three South Slave has gone above and beyond in volunteering to make positive years to help NWT Soccer expand its programming around the contributions. The leadership of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and territory and under the deal, the camps will now be known as the territorial cabinet gathered online Jan. 12 for their annual The SSDEC will accept nominations before May 31. Northwestel NWT Soccer Outdoor Summer Camps. – Paul Bickford intergovernmental meeting. The camps have been held in communities such as Yellow- The Metis Nation was represented by president Garry Bailey knife, Hay River and Fort Smith over the years. and Metis community council presidents Lloyd Cardinal of Fort – James McCarthy Resolution, Trevor Beck of Hay River and Allan Heron of Fort Please see next page Smith. Representing the GNWT were Premier Caroline Cochrane and ministers Diane Archie, R.J. Simpson, , Caroline Wawzonek, and Julie Green. The meeting focused on continuing to share information and perspectives between the two governments, including on the fol- lowing issues: • the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university; • infrastructure projects in the South Slave; • the Covid-19 pandemic; • establishing an NWT Council of Leaders Multilateral Forum; • implementing the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; • land claim negotiations; • and housing opportunities. An Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding com- mits both governments to meet at least once per year. The agreement was initially signed in 2012 and was renewed in 2017 for another four-year term. – Paul Bickford Casting call in Paulatuk Paulatuk Inuvialuit Communications Society is on the hunt for some actors and actresses for an upcoming film production. 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 around the NWT

ATNs from previous page Biggest Loser Challenge underway in Tuktoyaktuk Tuktoyaktuk A year-long contest has kicked off in Tuktoyaktuk as people race to shed weight for big prizes. Kicking off Feb. 1, the Biggest Loser Challenge in Tuktoyak- tuk runs until Dec. 1 to see who can lose the most weight in the year. The contest is organized by the Hamlet's recreation office and Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation. The winner will receive a $2,000 trip voucher to anywhere in the world. Second place is $1,000 cash and a month-long mem- bership to Nanook's Den Fitness Centre. Third place also gets a month member-ship with a $500 cash prize, while the fourth place will get a one-year membership to the fitness centre. – Eric Bowling Snowshoeing under the stars Hay River The Hay River Ski Club is offering people a chance to hit the trails for a snowshoeing adventure under the moonlight. There are three evenings scheduled with the first one happen- ing on Jan. 27; night two is scheduled for Feb. 27 with a start time of 7 p.m. The trip will be 5-kilometre in length and it's open to all ages. Headlamps and snowshoes will be available for anyone who needs them and participants are asked to dress for the weather. You can sign up at the town's community centre. – James McCarthy Home Chef Challenge in Aklavik Aklavik A creative culinary contest is underway in Aklavik, as the community hosts a February Home Chef Challenge. Open to all families in the hamlet, the challenge provides a fresh food box of secret ingredients. Contestants must cook a healthy meal with the ingredients. Anyone who joins the competition will be entered into a draw for a gift certificate. The contest is being put on by the Gwich'in Tribal Council and Nutrition North. For more information, contact Autumn Storr on Facebook or by calling 867-978-2090. Deadline to sign up is Feb. 5. – Eric Bowling

Trapping camp re-scheduled Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Aklavik Pond Hockey There was to be a winter trapping camp hosted by the Western Omar Hajam had all the necessary equipment for a game of shinny on the new outdoor rink in Old Arctic Youth Collective and Arctic Youth Development Agency Town on a sunny Jan. 30 – skates, hockey stick, hockey gloves and sunglasses. on Jan. 30 and 31. It's still happening but just on a different date. Cold weather forced the postponement of the camp to Feb. Online class in office skills offered involves up to 12 hours of homework per week and runs from Feb. 13 and 14, where participants will learn about trapping and bush Tsiigehtchic 15 to March 31. Deadline to apply is Feb. 8. skills, build a sense of belonging and create community together- An online class in office basics is being offered throughout the To apply, call 1-833-700-0565. ness, among other things. Delta to anyone interested. – Eric Bowling Priority for the camp was given to Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Offered through Aurora College, the course provides entry youth between the ages of 14 and 18 but the age range for the level skills in computers and digital technology, professionalism, The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road open camp in 14 to 29. time management and organization, numeracy and communica- NWT – James McCarthy tion strategies. Truck traffic on the 575-kilometre road is scheduled to start Access to an internet connection is required. The course on Feb. 8 at 8 a.m, according to a news release from the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road Joint Venture on Feb. 3. Rio Tinto, Dominion Diamond Mines and De Beers Canada are the joint venture partners. The road, which leads northeast from Yellowknife and towards Nunavut, connects to the Ekati, Diavik and Gahcho Kue diamond mines. Members of the public should be aware that the road might be closed at times due to poor weather or events related to Covid-19 to ensure public safety. Drivers should be prepared for slow-moving vehicles and drive according to the conditions of the ice road and the portages. All drivers are urged to carry proper winter clothing and survival equipment, as weather conditions can change quickly. – Blair McBride news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 13 Ekati diamond mine sold to Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Mine employees expected to be back to work before the end of the month

by Blair McBride sale. Northern News Services The transaction was NWT approved by the Alberta Court Dominion Diamond Mines of Queen's Bench following an closed the sale of its Ekati order issued on Dec. 11, 2020. Mine to Arctic Canadian Dia- The purchaser has acquired mond Company Ltd on Feb. 3. all of Dominion's assets, As a result, all mine except for Dominion's interest employees are anticipated to in the joint venture agreement be recalled to work no later and liabilities relating to the than Feb. 25, a news release Diavik Diamond Mine. It has stated. also assumed $89.4 million "We are excited to have of Dominion's outstanding our employees back at work indebtedness under its revolv- and to have Ekati in full pro- ing credit agreement and the duction again," said interim reclamation obligations of the president Rory Moore. "We Ekati mine. are also very grateful to our Arctic Canadian Diamond new owners for the commit- Company Ltd will receive a ment they have demonstrated new $108.6-million working to Ekati and its stakeholders. capital loan. This new partnership will "This transaction signifi- bring fresh perspectives to our cantly reduces our debt obli- operations and be the driv- gations, and provides suf- ing force behind our continued ficient liquidity to fund our growth." operations, invest in future Ekati's buyer is a com- growth and allow the company pany formed and owned by to emerge with a materially funds and accounts managed stronger balance sheet," said by DDJ Capital Management, chief financial officer Kristal Brigade Capital Management Kaye. NNSL file photo and Western Asset Manage- The sale comes after a tur- All employees will be back to work by Feb. 25 after Dominion Diamond Mines has closed its sale of Ekati ment Company, according to bulent 11 months for Domin- mine. the news release. ion Diamond Mines, after it Dominion has become suspended operations at Ekati from the Covid-19 pandemic. 2020 as Dominion filed for Arrangement Act. November 2020 and returned Arctic Canadian Diamond in March 2020 to protect Ekati was put into care and insolvency protection under Dominion began a 10-week to normal operations on Jan. Company as a result of the employees and communities maintenance and on April 22, the Companies' Creditors phased restart at the mine in 20, 2021. Kandola won't link Covid signal to Liard 'It's going to be impossible to link a specific (wastewater) signal to a specific person'

by Paul Bickford in Hay River early in Janu- Northern News Services ary before travelling on to Fort Hay River Liard and being diagnosed with It is not possible to determine Covid-19 there. with 100 per cent certainty that On Jan. 22, Kandola said that a now-disappeared wastewater the Covid-19 signal in Hay River signal of an undetected case wastewater had disappeared. of Covid-19 in Hay River was "This means that there is no related to an appearance of the further evidence of undetect- disease in Fort Liard. ed Covid-19 infections in Hay While that is considered River," she said at that time, likely, Dr. Kami Kandola, the adding that the investigation chief public health officer with was closed and Hay River could the GNWT, said wastewater return to routine public health testing for Covid-19 can't defin- measures against Covid-19. itely connect the Hay River and In the first half of January, Fort Liard cases. anyone who had self-isolated "When you look at the in Hay River was asked to get wastewater surveillance, it's tested for Covid-19. going to be impossible to link On Jan. 27, Kandola said the a specific signal to a specific Covid-19 outbreak in Fort Liard person because basically we appeared to have stabilized. take the entire wastewater of "There are no new diagno- that community and we look for ses in the past week, and that's any degree of Covid virus and thanks to the aggressive contact amplify that many, many times tracing and testing by the rapid to get a signal," she said during response team since the cluster a media availability on Jan. 27. was first discovered," she said. Kandola said that a Covid-19 "We are cautiously optimistic signal can no longer be detected that the swift early local health in Hay River's wastewater and response will succeed in keep- the situation will continue to be ing the Covid-19 risk at bay in monitored. Fort Liard." She said it is believed that the As of Jan. 22, six confirmed NNSL file photo signal in the Hay River waste- Covid-19 infections had been On Jan. 18, Doris Caudron, left, receives the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19 from Lorie Steinwand, water was related to Covid-19 reported in Fort Liard. the supervisor of Public Health with the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority and a registered cases that later appeared in Fort All diagnoses were in the nurse. It is very likely but it is not possible to say with 100 per cent certainty that a now-disappeared Liard. same cluster, originally con- wastewater signal of an undetected case of Covid-19 in Hay River was related to cases in Fort Liard. A person had self-isolated nected to out-of-territory travel. 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 news Vaccine rolls out across South Slave Hundreds of shots given in January by Paul Bickford "Receiving the vaccine is a crucial step Northern News Services towards ending the pandemic and may not only Hay River save your life, but the life of a loved one. As Health-care workers from Hay River have we move towards our goal of 75 per cent of all been busy recently getting the Moderna vaccine NWT residents vaccinated, we still need to be against Covid-19 into the arms of people in the vigilant. I encourage everyone to continue to region from Fort Providence to Fort Resolution. wash their hands, mask up, physical distance During the Jan. 25 online meeting of Hay and keep your social circle as small as pos- River town council, Coun. Brian Willows, sible." also the public administrator of the Hay River Dr. Kami Kandola, the chief public health Health and Social Services Authority, praised officer for the NWT, said that vaccines have the efforts of the nurses and support workers at been delivered to all 33 communities in the ter- the vaccination clinics. ritory as of Jan. 25. Willows said that, as of Jan. 22, the health "That's 9,471 first doses in less than a authority had administered 56 vaccines in Kaki- month," said Kandola during a media availabil- sa, 113 in Fort Providence, 241 in Fort Resolu- ity on Jan. 27. tion, 56 in Enterprise, 107 in K'atlodeeche First "With the logistic and geographic challen- Nation and 656 in Hay River, where there was a ges inherent in delivering vaccines across 1.3 week-long vaccination clinic from Jan. 18 to 22. million square kilometres, this is an incredible "So as you can see, our staff has been very achievement. We continue to see impressive busy, and I know from the feedback that I'm acceptance of the vaccine in all of our com- getting certainly the clients that are going in are munities as our rollout continues." more than happy to be there to get their vaccine So far, the NWT has received two shipments and so thankful for it," he said. of 7,200 doses of the Moderna vaccine from the In addition, vaccinations were also offered federal government – one on Dec. 28 and the to residents and staff at Woodland Manor long- other in mid-January. term care facility and at Supportive Living Kandola said the next two shipments of vac- Services earlier in January. cines are anticipated in February and will be photo courtesy of the GNWT Erin Griffiths, the CEO of the health author- used for second doses of the vaccine given to The rollout of the Moderna vaccine against Covid-19 has delivered more ity, is pleased with the number of people getting people in priority populations. than 1,200 doses in Hay River and the surrounding area from Fort Provi- vaccinated. The priority groups include those 60 years of dence to Fort Resolution. "I am truly impressed by the number of age and over, health-care professionals, anyone NWT residents who have chosen to participate who travels out of the territory for medical rea- between 28 days and 42 days after residents receive an allocation in mid-March to begin in the vaccine rollout," Griffiths said in written sons and those who have certain health issues. received their first doses. vaccinations for the general population 18 years comments to News/North on Jan. 25. The second doses are to be administered Kandola said the NWT is expecting to of age and over. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 15 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Back on the trails Inuvik ski club ends two-year hiatus by Eric Bowling the gap. Members who own their own skis Northern News Services will be able to access the chalet off hours by Inuvik way of a special code and will be responsible Inuvik's Ski Club is back in operation. for sanitizing the building before they leave. A few brave skiers took to the trails on a One thing that will be different for skiers chilly -33 C afternoon Jan. 30 to test out the this year is the chalet – normally a popular freshly groomed trails, which run throughout place to gather and socialize, the building the hills of Inuvik. will be limited to six people at a time and "As daylight increases and the temper- primarily used for changing to keep in line atures warm up, our hours of operation will with Covid-19 restrictions. reflect that," said ski club president Carolyn Another thing Hunter noted skiers should Hunter. "So, we will be more accessible be prepared for is the low snowpack this throughout February and March. year. Many of the trails may have roots or "We kind of have to phase back into being other obstructions that will need to be navi- an open operation. We don't have any formal gated. programming ready to go yet, but we're "There hasn't been a lot of maintenance hoping to offer some informal programming over the last couple of years and there's to engage members." required maintenance in the summer," said The last time the ski club was in operation Hunter. "Some of the trails won't be in per- was in 2018 when it held the 50th Top of the fect condition. In addition, we've had a very, World Loppet. very low snowpack this year – unprecedented With the ski season already half-done, low. We don't even have enough snow to even the club won't be offering the entire range of set tracks yet." services it once did – no jackrabbit classes, Regardless, Hunter said the club was open for example. However, equipment rental will and renting equipment for all. be offered at a first-come, first-served basis An adult pass for the season will cost $75. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo and lights will be kept on up to the tunnel. It's $60 youth and Elders, and a day pass Former jackrabbit Gilly McNaughton and first-time skier Nolan Rainville hit Informal programming such as a family will cost $10. Ski rental is $10 and a family the trails Jan. 31 for the Inuvik Ski Club's opening weekend. Trails are groomed day on the weekend are being planned to fill pass is $125. for skiing for the first time since 2018. I'll bet Chad Wheeler feels like a real, real man right now Northern News Services sipping on a smoothie. Are you kidding? how much Messi has made over the last four was, according to a statement released by Barce- I've had so much reading and hearing about The woman then apparently ran to the bath- years. lona, "a private document" between both parties. this whole GameStop business. It's one of those room and called her family and 911 but Wheeler Suffice it to say that he's making a couple of Maybe so but all it's done is start a war of sorts situations where I have absolutely no sympathy was able to pick the lock to the bathroom door bucks more than minimum wage. between Argentinian media, who have defended for those on Wall Street who have lost money and began apologizing profusely, which is what a According to what El Mundo published, Messi Messi's contract, and Spanish media, which because of it. lot of tough guys who beat up on weaker people will have made €555,237,619 once his four year claims the contract is crippling the club. Basically, a bunch of short-sellers and hedge do when they realize they're total and complete contract comes to an end after this season. You fund managers threw their toys out of the playpen you-know-whats. know what that is in Canadian dollars? A helluva And finally … when a bunch of Reddit crap-posters who subsist After getting Tasered by police when they lot but specifically, it works out to $854,584,174. Good Idea: Barcelona crying about how much on Hot Pockets and Red Bull played them like a came to collect him (hope one was a nut-shot), he That's the gross domestic product of several small money they're paying players. cheap fiddle and forced them to was bundled into a car protesting and even medium-sized countries and is simply Bad Idea: The fact that it had to be leaked. lose billions of dollars on what his innocence all the way to the mind-boggling. But the question is would you Professional soccer needs an enema and if it they thought would be a fun station. turn it down if someone offered you that many takes exposing a few contracts to make it hap- thing to do to a stock which has Sports I mean, it takes a real big enchiladas to play soccer? Exactly. pen, then make it happen. These leagues and been maligned for years. It takes man, especially someone of Now, Barcelona didn't like the fact that the clubs want to treat us like mushrooms but we've much too long to totally explain Talk Wheeler's size – he is an offen- world now knows just how much Messi's wheels become tired of being fed piles of crap and living what happened but it would with James McCarthy sive lineman, after all – to do have been greased since 2017 and is now threat- in the dark. appear those who got played are what he did. If all of this is true, ening legal action against El Mundo because it Until next time, folks .. trying to fight back because ama- he deserves to be stuffed inside teurs took their collective arse down. Keep up a prison cell. At the very least, he shouldn't be the good fight, Redditers, and if you reading this playing professional football anytime soon. Door- feels inclined, donate a few packs of Hot Pockets knobs like this need to be taught a lesson. their way. He's out on bail and entered a plea of not Sports Card Anyway: guilty to all of the charges against him: first- degree domestic violence assault, domestic vio- Dene Games A very offensive lineman lence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest. 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Chad Wheeler was an offensive lineman He's claiming it was all part of a "manic episode" with the Seattle Seahawks. I say 'was' because he had that night; Wheeler was diagnosed with the team released him after the alleged stunt he bipolar disorder in 2016 and, according to the COMMUNITY: AKLAVIK pulled on Jan. 23 at his home. victim, had been off his medication for a while. Wheeler is accused of beating the crap out of If he's found guilty, Wheeler will face up Anthony is a regular competitor in Arctic his girlfriend for perhaps one of the most infant- to 12 years in prison. Bipolar or not, there's no and Dene games and helps out with ile and despicable reasons ever: she wouldn't excuse for what Wheeler did. It goes without say- coaching younger athletes at Moose Kerr bow to him. If I'm lying, I'm dying. That's what ing that if you're a victim of domestic violence, School. Volunteering his time, he breaks allegedly set the whole thing off. please find a way to get help. the movements down for the students According to the court filings, the victim anthony kay and how to mimic them. told police at hospital that Wheeler allegedly I'm sorry … how much? demanded she stand up and bow to him. When Soccer is one of those businesses which has she refused, Wheeler allegedly picked her up, more money than it knows what to do with and threw her on the bed and began to choke her, fol- even then, it's always looking for more. lowed by trying to smother her with a pillow. She So it should come as no surprise that Lionel apparently lost consciousness and when she came Messi is making money hand-over-fist-over-foot- to, she saw Wheeler by the bed. over-kneecap with Barcelona. The Argentinian This is perhaps the most disturbing part: superstar's contract with the Spanish soccer giant Wheeler looked down at her when she woke up was made public late last month by El Mundo, and allegedly said 'Wow, you're alive?', all while one of Spain's major dailies, and it outlined just 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 17 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, February 8, 2021 19 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, February 8, 2021