Lands deputy minister bashes Frame Lake MLA Department boss says he doesn't care if he gets fired over racially charged Facebook post attacking Kevin O'Reilly

Online first at NNSL.com #NWTvotes2019 • Rent controls come up during debate • Constituency profile this issue: Yk Centre Volume 48 Issue 53 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 75 CENTS ($1 outside city) Terry Fox Run fun

Commentary Science Sports Brett McGarry/NNSLBrett photo

Mayor Alty's Election Students get chance Yk brothers on same Watch: social issues to visit NASA staff B.C. hockey team

$1.00 outside Yellowknife Publication mail Contract #40012157 "Cobbled together by carpetbaggers from Ontario and moustached-British expats in smoking jackets, consensus government produced a gazillion acclamations." 7 71605 00100 5 – Mike W. Bryant, managing editor of NNSL Media, in his column on the NWT style of government, page 9. 2 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 feature news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 3 Did we get it wrong? Yellowknifer is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. News Briefs

Little Wiatt Moore was planting trees last weekend. Brett McGarry/NNSL photo

Ezra Black/NNSL photo This kid can dig it Peter Griffith, an earth scientist with NASA, left, and Sir John Franklin High School student Aden Rylott in front Wiatt Moore got his hands dirty learning of a NASA Gulfstream jet at the Yellowknife Airport on Sept. 9. how to plant the saplings along with several other children and their families on Sept. 15. As a part of TD Tree Days, more than two dozen Yellowknifers went to the tennis club to plant 20 black spruce saplings to act as wind blockers for the courts. TD Tree Days is an NASA visits Yellowknife initiative that takes place in cities across Can- ada. – Brett McGarry Sir John Franklin students tour NASA jet that is studying the 27 foxes relocated this year effects of climate change on the boreal forest The GNWT's Department of Environment and Natural resources have relocated 27 foxes in by Ezra Black Yellowknife so far this year. Northern News Services None have had to be put down. He has dreams of visiting outer space but "Feeding foxes causes them to become on the morning of Sept. 9, the only place habituated to humans, which creates a public Aden Rylott was visiting was the lavatory. safety concern," said Meagan Wohlberg, spokes- The Grade 12 student at Sir John Frank- person for ENR. "When wildlife become habitu- lin High School couldn't stop vomiting. ated they lose their natural fear of humans and "I think I had gastro," he said. may potentially have to be put down." Not wanting to infect his classmates, Wohlberg said that live traps are used to Aden planned to stay home, but we all know catch the foxes before moving them outside of there are times when a kid really needs to the city. grab their backpack and go, even if they're ENR conducts public messaging campaigns not feeling 100 per cent. through signage, social media, workshop pres- This was one of those days. entations and direct communication through the "A bunch of my teachers called me and North Slave Regional Office. said NASA's in town," said Aden. "You've The public is reminded not to feed large- got to go." game or fur bearing animals as it is illegal. A NASA Gulfstream jet being used for an Systems engineer David Austerberry explained the workings of the Gulf- – Brett McGarry ongoing research project had been grounded stream's radar pod to assembled students, including Aden Rylott, who for maintenance. Aden had to get to the brought his NASA backpack for the occasion. City changes building code Yellowknife Airport where 13 of his peers were getting a tour of the aircraft and speak- vegetation comes back? What kind of chan- Call-sign Beef On Sept. 9, city council passed a bylaw that ing to a number of NASA scientists. ges happen to the permafrost? What are the The students spoke with a number of other will increase energy efficiency standards for His mother, Sara Rylott, obligingly gave impacts on the animals that are culturally NASA employees, including research pilot residential buildings. him a ride. and nutritionally important to the people of Trent "Beef" Kingery. The new bylaw will see energy efficiency "His dream is to work at NASA," she the North?" A systems engineer who enlisted in the standards raised 25 per cent higher than stipu- explained. "He wants to work in phys- To answer these questions, the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school, lated in the 2015 National Building Code (NBC). ics. He loves physics." Gulfstream jet makes regular flights Kingery explained how a love of flying and an Residential buildings will now be tested Thanks to his mother's efforts, across the North, recording thaw academic focus on the sciences led to a career twice for insulation and airtightness require- Aden was able to join his schoolmates depth, soil moisture, vegetation struc- with America's space agency, and a memor- ments. and learn about a NASA project ture and a number of other variables able call-sign. Minimum insulation values have also been studying effects of climate change on using a belly-mounted array of instru- Call-signs have a storied history among removed and replaced with current standards the boreal forest. ments contained in the "radar pod." fighter pilots, he explained. They're bestowed for additions, alterations, repairs or upgrades in Climate change in the Arctic Trent "It's where the radar lives," early in a pilot's career to promote camarad- the NBC. and boreal region is unfolding at "Beef" explained Griffith. "And when they erie and are often the result of a screw-up. "By increasing the energy efficiency require- an alarming pace, state experts, and Kingery repeat the measurements by flying "We had a guy that went off the runway ments through the building bylaw, we are might be resulting in more frequent every year, we can see changes in the into the grass on a landing so he got the call- simultaneously decreasing the cost of living and severe wildfires. surface." sign Baja," he explained. "We had one guy in Yellowknife and lowering GHG emissions," To learn more about how this is impacting According to the project's latest find- who forgot to raise his gear and he came fly- stated acting Mayor Shauna Morgan in a Sept. Northern ecosystems, NASA is conducting a ings, which were published last month, ing around at 500 knots and he was wondering 16 news release. project called the Arctic-Boreal Vulner- the increasing severity of wildfires in the why he couldn't accelerate, so his call-sign – Brett McGarry ability Experiment (ABoVE) in Alaska and boreal forest could be contributing to the was Drag." western Canada. The 10-year experiment is release of long-buried carbon stored in soil. "For me, Beef is because I'm a big guy," he Dene Nahjo to host forum now in its fourth year. The boreal forest has long been thought to continued. "It went through several iterations. Indigenous residents of the NWT will be The project is looking both at environ- store more carbon than it releases, which It was Stone, then Pebbles, then Shrek and getting their own opportunity to hear MLA can- mental systems and social systems in hopes makes it a carbon "sink," states the report. then Beef was the final one." didates discuss election issues. that its findings will help inform decision- However, if larger and more frequent He earned his first two nicknames because The Dene Nahjo organization will be facili- makers. fires become the norm, the forest could start he had kidney stones, he said. The med- tating three nights of questions for candidates Its relationship with the NWT began releasing more of the greenhouse gas than it ical condition kept him out of the running for with the constituencies split up over Sept. 22, in 2015, after the territory's forests were stores, which could affect the balance of the being an astronaut. 23 and 24. scorched by record-breaking wildfires in global carbon cycle and contribute to climate "Being in space and having a kidney stone The forum will be moderated by Indigenous 2014. Since then ABoVE scientists have change. can be a bad deal," he said. individuals and will cover the topics of land, partnered with the GNWT, Canadian sci- A more severe fire season could also Kingery explained how science, physics language and culture. entists and Indigenous governments, among change the nature of the boreal forest, said and engineering all go together to make the The first night will feature Tu-Nedeh - others. Griffith. ABoVE project possible. He also suggested Wiilideh, Great Slave and Yellowknife North "We're the first NASA project to have an "There's a lot of question and concern other aspiring NASA employees should do candidates. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. each intrinsic societal impacts component," said over what kind of forest grows back after what they can to stay in school and work hard. night at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre in Peter Griffith, an earth scientist with NASA. severe burns," he said. "Research shows that After the tour, Aden said he was feeling "a Yellowknife. "We're working on things dear to the hearts with really severe burns a conifer fur for- lot better now." – Brett McGarry of Northerners, like what happens to burnt est is replaced with a deciduous forest and He also seemed inspired: "I really want to areas? How do they recover? What kind of something like that may be happening here." work for NASA when I grow up," he said. 4 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 news 'Maybe they will fire me but I didn't ask for the job'

NNSL file photo Willard Hagen, pictured here in 2014 NNSL file photo as chair of the Mackenzie Valley Land and photo sourced from Facebook Hagen called Frame Lake MLA Kevin O'Reilly, Water Board, said Tuesday that he gets tired A screengrab of the Facebook post shared by "a white boy who thinks he has all the solutions of "white guys" commenting about land claims. NWT Speaker Jackson Lafferty. because he is a white boy."

Deputy minister's racially-charged Facebook post attacks Frame Lake incumbent Kevin O'Reilly

by Simon Whitehouse the comment at around 3 p.m. Lafferty's post "I was president of the G’wichin Tribal Hagen, 70, said he was appointed to his Northern News Services was deleted shortly afterwards. council and settled the first land claim in the current role in 2016 due to the generosity The deputy minister for the Department of "Probably," said Hagen, when asked wheth- NWT in 1992. So I just have a real problem of Premier Bob McLeod, who he called an Lands says he does not care if he is fired after er he thought he'd lose his job over the post. with white guys deciding they know about "amazing guy" who has done much for the leaving a racially charged comment on a Face- "Maybe they will fire me but I didn’t ask for how land claims have to be settled. What the North. book post attacking Frame Lake MLA Kevin the job." hell do they know? "I have a lot to offer and I am thankful to O'Reilly who is seeking re-election. Hagen said he was stirred to write his "I know Kevin and he is a good guy but Bob McLeod that he realized that Hagen can In a Facebook post shared by NWT comment after reading a Facebook post by he doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get it. He sits on maybe run the department," he said. Speaker Jackson Lafferty, who just days ago O'Reilly, noting his presence in a 1990 photo- a platform and preaches when he doesn’t get The Department of Lands, which oversees announced his intention to seek the premier- graph accompanying the column that shows who the people are. the management and planning of public lands, ship of the Northwest Territories, Willard him at the side of former Dene Nation chief "I was born in Arctic Red River and came was created in 2014 following devolution with Hagen, who heads the Department of Lands, Bill Erasmus. out of poverty. This guy acts like he is the mes- Ottawa in 2014. wrote a profanity-laced comment Tuesday Hagen, a former bush pilot and founder of siah and to me he is a racist." Hagen said he enjoys his job immensely, calling O'Reilly, among other things, "a white Aklak Air, and former chair of the Mackenzie Still, Hagen denied he himself is "preju- particularly his staff who he called "rock boy who thinks he has all the solutions because Valley Land and Water Board, said he didn’t diced or racist" as "some of my best friends are stars." he is a white boy." read Valpy’s column but added he is frustrated the Filipinos in Yellowknife." "I love it. I am 70 years old and the part I Lafferty was sharing a column by NNSL about hearing "white guys" talking about their "We wouldn’t have half the services we love the most, is the people," he said. publisher Bruce Valpy titled "What’s wrong knowledge regarding land claims. have and some of them have three jobs," he NNSL media reached out to O'Reilly for with Dene Land Claims in the NWT." "I didn’t read the column, I will tell you said, while insisting that immigration has been comment but was unsuccessful Tuesday night. It was published Monday. NNSL removed truthfully, I didn’t read the column," he said. a positive for the territory. news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 5 Great Slave candidate's rent control proposal prompts emotional response Landlord calls on candidates to stand with him against the idea

by Simon Whitehouse homelessness worse by freezing rent. Northern News Services "If we want to make housing more One audience member at a recent affordable for lower income residents candidates forum cried out in oppos- and those on fixed incomes, or those ition when a Great Slave candidate who have families with only one proposed rent controls as a way to income, is it practical to continu- address cost of living pressures in his ally subsidize rents as our population electoral district. grows to make it affordable to live, "Boo for rent control," said John or should we use other tools such as Westergreen, a small landlord in the looking at the impacts of rent control city, before repeating it for added to help stabilize the cost of living?" emphasis. asked Scott. The interruption, which took "I'm not saying rent control is the place at the NWT Chamber of Com- answer nor am I saying we need to merce and the NWT and Nunavut ignore the possibility of rent con- Chamber of Mines all-candidates trols." forum on Sept. 10 was the only one The Great Slave forum was the during three hours of three forums second of the night, following the where moderator Rene Comeau had all-candidates forum for Frame Lake to interject. She asked audience and preceding the forum for Kam members to keep their questions or Lake. comments for the end of the forum. Scott's opponent Katrina Nokleby The incident was prompted when favoured expanding funding for pro- candidate Patrick Scott suggested grams with the Arctic Energy Alli- rent control as one of numerous pos- ance to help with home retrofitting sible answers to a chamber question and ultimately bring down power about the rising cost of living. rates. She also suggested expand- "We have a combination of 24 ing funding for agricultural produc- apartment buildings and condo tion and food security and pushing facilities in Great Slave and they are on with the Taltson hydroelectricity Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo primarily controlled by two land- program. "We may need to look at a form of rent control to enable people on lower incomes (to have) lords – mostly by one," said Scott. But she was doubtful of the rent affordable housing," said Patrick Scott, MLA candidate for Great Slave, on Sept. 10. "We may need to look at a form control idea, saying it could lead to of rent control to enable people on unforeseen problems. Kam Lake candidates "Public discussion needs to hap- thized with landlords who can face lower incomes (to have) affordable "If you try to push something off The rent control issue spilled pen if it becomes an issue on the damage costs from tenants who housing. I have had three or four onto the private sector to accommo- over into the third panel of can- public agenda." abuse property and that landlords constituents telling me they were date something that (the government) didates of the electoral forum as Kieron Testart and Abdullah need better protection. planning on leaving because of the wants, all the private sector will do is Kam Lake candidates took the Al-Mahamud agreed that there Both Rommel Silverio and Cait- cost of living." figure out a way to continue to make question from Westergreen. need to be revisions to the Resi- lin Cleveland said both landlords The suggestion was one of sev- profit at the same level and somehow He asked that they join him in dential Tenancy Act as it is too and tenants need to be protected eral ideas Scott proposed for lower- that will make tenants of the build- his opposition to rent control. vague and does not serve the needs and that further discussion would ing living costs, including equalizing ing suffer," she said. "I don't think "I wasn't aware rent control was of landlords or tenants, they said. have to be had between parties in domestic and small business power that is really a good way to move an issue in the context of being on Testart said MLAs should dealing with issues of high rent. rates and providing a living wage in forward." the legislative agenda," said Robert review the "structural" aspects of Only Cherish Winsor explicitly the North. Both Nokleby and Scott liked the Hawkins, adding that the idea of the act to see if answers can be opposed the idea of rent control. He later clarified his rent control idea of introducing a home buyer's rent control is to ensure there is a found in helping deal with the high She called for more land access point during the audience question incentive and both were concerned "balanced equation" between rent- cost of rent before entertaining the for developers to provide more session when he was asked if he con- about the monopoly of private land- ers and landlords and that neither idea of rent control. rental housing and stabilize rent sidered the implications of making lords in the electoral district. is being taken advantage of. Al-Mahamud said he sympa- prices. Yk North's only female candidate recounts beat down of would-be attacker 'I warned him to back the (expletive) off. He did not listen. I fought back.'

by Simon Whitehouse did not listen. I fought back. I kneed him hard, the MLA candidate. Northern News Services then kicked him in the face while he was bent Vallillee said she was not injured during A Yellowknife North candidate, who says over, then punched him in the head/face mul- the encounter but she was quite shaken. she fended off a violent attacker while jogging tiple times. He ran off holding his sensitive "The adrenaline was just boom, gone," she in B.C. last month, is using her story to prove bits and face because I broke either his jaw said. to doubters that women running for office can or nose." Vallillee said her ability to overcome the be just as 'badass' as the men. Vallillee gave a similar account in a phone attacker was at least due in part to the fact that "Yeah, you bet and we can stand up to a interview and said at first he didn't appear she is physically active in local sports - par- lot of (expletive) and be just as tough, too," threatening. The encounter became physical ticularly in NWT broomball - and works out- said Jan Vallillee, when asked last week in a when he got in front of her and grabbed her side a lot at her cabin. Most recently, she was phone interview if a Sept. 8 Facebook post shoulders saying he wanted the phone. She part of the Robin's Rebels CIBC Run for Our was intended to show that female candidates reiterated in the interview that her strikes – Lives Mud Run team, with the top fundraising can handle the pressure of public life just as "at least five" in number – were effective as a team at the third annual event last week at the much as men can. response when the man didn't back off as she Yellowknife Ski Club. In the Facebook post, Vallillee recounts warned. Vallillee ended her post by stating that she how she struck an unknown male attacker "I pulled my arm back a bit and stepped was in good shape to take on all comers over who jumped her in Victoria last month while forward and kneed him ... as hard as I could the course of the campaign. she was visiting her mother and jogging on the and I clearly connected," she said, adding he "I'm ready, I'm confident and I'll fight (no Galloping Goose trail. The incident occurred, "buggered off" back into the bush holding his violence) for all Northerners," she wrote in she said, when the man approached her from midsection. the post. image sourced from Facebook behind a bush and after he noticed she didn't Valllille stated in the Facebook post that The whole point, she added in an interview, Jan Valllillee, a candidate for have an armband for her phone. a witness and her dog saw the exchange and was to insist that gender equality is important Yellowknife North, stated in a Sept. "A man jumped in front of me, grabbed approached her "five or six" seconds later. in the legislative assembly and once realized, 8 Facebook post that she fended me, then tried to steal my phone," she wrote. Although concerned for Vallillee's well-being, will mean everyone can work collaboratively off a male attacker last month while "I warned him to back the (expletive) off. He the kind stranger called the move 'badass,' said to get things done. visiting her mother in Victoria. 6 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 news Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 7 NDP candidate Teen Tasered after Mary Beckett is cops respond to call running to win 'Not the nine-to-five, paycheque every two weeks kind of girl' by Simon Whitehouse people do what they say they representative Dennis Beving- photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons Northern News Services are going to do and hold their ton holding the seat between Police used a Taser on the accused after he Mary Beckett, an Inuvik- feet to the fire when they 2006 and 2015. "became violent towards the RCMP members." based businesswoman and don't," she said. "We need In May, Yanik D'Aigle, devoted New Democrat, has somebody from the North a Yellowknife-based banker officially joined the federal who knows what our concerns was acclaimed as the Con- Officers use Taser to subdue race. and issues are because too servative Party challenger. The NWT NDP hosted many programs, poli- Also in May, Luke 'violent' 17-year-old male an official acclamation party cies and initiatives are Quinlan was named on Wednesday evening at the thought up in Ottawa People's Party of Can- by Brendan Burke the home, where "other family members" were. North Star Building of the and presented to us ada candidate. Northern News Services Mounties moved "rapidly" into the residence Union of Northern Workers as a fait accompli and In July, Paul Falvo A 17-year-old male is facing a slew of and deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon on 53 Street in Yellowknife. we can't do anything won a contest with charges after Yellowknife RCMP say he sent a (CEW) – commonly known as a Taser – on the About 15 local party support- with them because they Ecology North engin- Mountie to hospital with non-life-threatening accused after he "became violent towards the ers attended the event and don't fit." Mary eer William Gagnon injuries following a "volatile" arrest involving RCMP members." heard about Beckett's back- Earlier this week, Beckett for the Green Party weapons late last week. During the arrest, an "altercation" ensued ground as a business person, Beckett told Northern candidacy. RCMP responded to a Byrne Road resi- between the suspect and an officer, resulting her community volunteer and News Services that she is The event's opening prayer dence around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, in the Mountie being admitted to hospital with advocacy work in the North looking forward to the cam- and land honour ceremony by after receiving a report about an ongoing alter- non-life-threatening injuries, states the news and her vision as the new can- paign and is running to win. Felix Lockhart was especially cation inside the home, states a news release release. didate for the party. She reiterated the point on moving for party members as issued Monday afternoon. A family member inside the home suffered "I'm not the nine-to-five, Wednesday evening to much he noted the June 11 pass- Police descended on the home within min- a minor injury as well, say police. got a paycheque every two applause. ing of his wife and longtime utes of the call and found the youth outside of The youth, who can't be named under the weeks kind of girl," she said. On Wednesday, Prime social advocate Sandra Lock- the residence – armed with weapons, according Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces the follow- "I'm used to working hard for Minister Justin Trudeau hart. to the news release. ing charges: what I get and I'm hoping that announced at Rideau Hall in Shane Pike, a co-chair of RCMP have not specified what type of • Assaulting a peace officer will serve me well." Ottawa that the 43rd federal the party's campaign, said weapons the youth is said to have possessed, • Uttering threats Beckett thanked support- election will take place on more details will emerge on only stating that no firearms were involved. • Assault causing bodily harm ers in Yellowknife and gave an Oct. 21. the party's platform during the Police say the youth immediately ran inside • Mischief under $5,000 overview of her commitment Nominees in other major course of the campaign. to the party's platform includ- parties were named months "This will be a plan for ing combating affordability ago to challenge the territory's the North made by Northern- issues, building a greener and Liberal MP Michael McLeod ers," he said. "Our campaign more inclusive economy and and it has been a lingering is going to be a progressive providing a progressive option question as to who the New one and we are campaigning for Northerners. Democratic Party would from the left. There will be "For me the NDP is the name. a lot of competition from the conscience and the voice in The party has had a strong left, but I believe the NDP is Parliament to make sure that recent history with former the only true left-wing party."

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo Mayor learns about Korean cuisine Alayna Ward and Mayor Rebecca Alty peak over the shoulder of chef Aekyung Woo with delight during a cooking demonstration at Northern United Place on Sept. 7. The event was put on by the Korean Cultural Centre and the NWT Taek- wondo Association. 8 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 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 The territorial govern- ment has been drop- FOUNDER (1934-2018): ping the ball when it J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason comes to growing the city's booming tour- PUBLISHER, CEO: ism industry, which Bruce Valpy – [email protected] includes a 17-per-cent Chief Financial Officer: increase in the aurora Judy Triffo – [email protected] viewing sector. MANAGING EDITOR: photo courtesy of Chris Potyok Mike W. Bryant – [email protected]

ACCOUNTING: [email protected] Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Amy Yang

Assignment editor Ezra Black - [email protected] Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant • Simon Whitehouse Photo: Emily McInnis Tourism cash cow Reporters: [email protected] Brendan Burke • Brett McGarry • Nick Pearce

Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected]

ADVERTISING: [email protected] Representatives: Nicholas Yuen needs to be fed Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan Advertising co-ordinator: Zerline Rodriguez The GNWT's attempts to foster tourism in the city have been Administrative assistant: Emmanuel Ramos Social Media co-ordinator: Lily Geraghty amateur at best. Luckily, a few entrepreneurs are leading the way ADVERTISING PRODUCTION: [email protected] Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Northern News Services adian seeking out a Tim Hortons for a Diana Mathisen • Zdena Kunderlik What a business opportunity. The issue: double-double during a Parisian vaca- Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson Planeloads of tourists arrive in tion but you'd be wise not to shake City tourism Customer service: Holly Yestrau Yellowknife – in winter! -- pay top your head at this concept. [email protected] dollar for food and accommodations We say: Many travellers, no matter how and then stand in the dark looking at GNWT dropping the ball much they like the local food, some- CIRCULATION: [email protected] northern lights. times just crave the familiar. Circulation Director: Emma Thomas Jewala Jhankur The territorial government knows a In any event, Cheng said the terri- cash cow when it sees one. tory has not been taking the neces- Subscriptions: Why else did it push in airport preneurs are stepping up to the plate. sary steps to make the city a friendly Print: (mail) $90/year improvement fees of $10 per ticket There's Seiji Suzuki, owner of Ja- place for tourists. pain, a Japanese-style bakery, who "What I'm afraid of happening to Online: (entire content) $50/year for flights heading north from the city and $20 for flights heading south? won the City of Yellowknife's Win Your Yellowknife and the NWT as a whole What it doesn't seem to understand Space contest in 2017. on the tourism front is that we're not is that you can't keep milking the cow. There's Anthony "Snowking" Foliot providing a high enough quality prod- NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated You have to feed it every so often. who opened his own octagon-shaped uct," said Chen.

Publishers of: How else can you explain why the visitors centre in Old Town where he "Guests coming here feel our prod- Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News city is still without a proper visitors sells merchandise and dispenses uct is overrated. They're paying that Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North centre more than two years after the information to tourists. This visitors extra money but not getting the prod- Nunavut News/North Northern Frontier Visitors Centre was centre is unlikely to sink as it's built ucts and services that they would get boarded and shuttered? on a barge. elsewhere. Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association Why else would tourists – who have There are the lovely ladies who run "Tourism is a global market and Ontario Community Newspapers Association paid top dollar for the pleasure – be Korea House, there are the enterpris- other regions are fighting for that Manitoba Community Newspapers Association Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association wandering around a city that lacks ing mushers of Kam Lake and the market." Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association proper signage only to end up at fine folks at Overlander Sports. His message is clear: there are Ontario and Alberta Press Councils Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Mark's Work Wearhouse as if it were Then there's Liang Chen, the plenty of other cities across the Contents copyright – printed in the North some kind of attraction? businessman responsible for Yellow- circumpolar world that will gladly by Canarctic Graphics Limited Last year, tourism records were knife's Copperhouse restaurant and accept these visitors and their dollars once again broken when, for the first an outspoken advocate for Northern if we continue to take this touristic time, more than 110,000 visitors trav- tourism. windfall for granted. Send us your comments elled to the NWT and spent just over He won this year's YK Win Your We would have to agree. It's time You can e-mail us at [email protected]; $203 million. Space contest with his plan to open a for the territorial government to get its mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop Most significantly for Yellowknife, new restaurant: Big Fish NWT. act together. your letter off at our office at 5108-50th Street. All letters submitted must be signed with a there was also a 17-per-cent increase Chen has landed upon the idea The city needs to step up too. It return address and daytime telephone number in the aurora viewing sector, which that visitors will be highly interested can't be all about marketing. so that we can confirm it came from you. injected more than $55 million into in eating freshly prepared meals with We need proper signage across Not all letters will necessarily be published. Preference is given to short letters of broad the territory's economy. locally sourced ingredients. the city, a proper visitors centre and interest or concern. How long can this continue without "It will be local fish but cooked in a a competent destination marketing We particularly encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross-section of public proper stewardship? way that tourists will be comfortable organization for the city. opinion. The territorial government is the with and in a way they expect," said Yellowknifers should remember Letters of more than 300 words, open let- grabbiest of cash grabbers when Chen. that tourists come here to experience ters and those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or it comes to exploiting our touristic "A lot of Asians will say they have what Yellowknifers themselves enjoy taste and to eliminate inaccurate or libelous windfall but when it comes to actually an Asian stomach and can't get away about the city. statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the caring for, nurturing and growing this from that. They're very much always And that's open spaces, wild basis for a story. budding industry, it's clear we're deal- looking for something similar to what beauty, small town charm, winter ing with rank amateurs. they know." activities, cultural treasures and a Luckily for us, a few daring entre- The equivalent would be a Can- little bit of locally caught fish. commentary Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 9 The good and bad of consensus government

Northern News Services when they mess up, even really, I haven't written a lot of nice really mess up, it's voters who things about consensus govern- decide whether they should get ment over the years. another shot, not their "boss." It seems beneath Northerners So Northerners at least have a to hang on to this 19th century reasonable expectation that when holdover. Cobbled together by they elect an MLA, they can still carpetbaggers from Ontario and influence them after the votes are moustached-British counted. expats in smoking And we have ways of jackets, consensus ensuring this. government produced Northerners are fond a gazillion acclama- of pointing out how tions – as it does today often you'll see MLAs What plans do candidates – and zero interest – even cabinet ministers among the bushwhack- – while at the grocery ers and prairie home- store. After all, they're steaders it governed not U.S. senators. They have for Yk's social issues? (Indigenous affairs have to go shopping were strictly a federal sometimes. And then concern). we're there to ask ques- The impacts of homelessness, addictions and mental The territory at the Mike W. tions. I like to corner health struggles have always been present in Yellowknife, time, which included Bryant politicians at the light but recently the impacts have become increasingly visible. THE MAYOR's While significant work has been done to address these all of Alberta, Sas- Mike W. Bryant is the bulb rack at Canadian katchewan and most Tire, mainly because I issues in Yellowknife, individuals and families continue to election watch managing editor of struggle with these complex and often intertwined prob- of Manitoba, had only NNSL Media. seem to be there a lot. recently been surren- Can't say shopping lems. Rebecca Alty is mayor of Yellowknife. dered by the Hudson's with MLAs is a feature There were 338 people counted as experiencing home- Bay Company. I must of consensus govern- lessness during the 2018 Yellowknife point-in-time (PiT) confess it's only a presumption ment but there's no denying how homeless count. Only 16 per cent reported being from supplementary services to certain groups of people. but if these people didn't have the absence of party politics Yellowknife; about a third (36 per cent) of survey partici- Although legislatively, the City has no direct role or party politics it's because the train yanks away the comforting cloak pants had arrived in the past five years. The top reasons responsibilities in health and social services, social issues couldn't get them to the conven- of party affiliation. There is no people reported for migrating is connecting with families profoundly impact many aspects of City operations – from tion in time. party brand to save them at elec- and employment. fire and ambulance services, to library programs, to park When former premier Floyd tion time. Candidates in consensus As identified in the GNWT's Mental Health and Addic- maintenance, to downtown revitalization. Roland stood up in the legisla- government must connect with at tions Strategic Framework, alcohol and drug use is very We know it will take many partners – from the dif- tive assembly a decade ago and least some of voters individually if costly to our system. Between 2008/09 and 2010/11, on an ferent orders of government to not-for-profits, residents proclaimed, "I'm consensus to they want to get elected. annual average basis, 429 NWT patients were hospitalized and business – working together with sufficient resources the core!" it was surely not this 615 times with one or more alcohol or drug-related issue, committed over a sustained period of time to address these resulting in 3,250 bed days at an estimated cost of $7.5 consensus government he had in Lack of cohesion issues. mind. But of course, consensus gov- million to the territorial health system. As a result, in May of this year, city council established Alas, political reformation ernment's greatest strength is also With both the territorial and federal elections approach- goals and objectives for our term, and specifically pri- has never been a big part of its greatest weakness. Its lack of ing, it is helpful for voters to understand a bit about the oritized working with partners to address pressing social this project. That would let new cohesion during elections means division of roles and responsibilities within our health-care issues (Objective 3.3): stuff in, and if you want to serve there is no platform for voters system, in order to hold different levels of government Work with partners to address public disturbances; three, four terms in the legislative to choose from. This means the accountable. Focus on bringing partners and funding to support the assembly reform might be bad for "government" gets decided after The organization of Canada's health-care system is implementation of the City's 10-year plan to end homeless- business. the election, put in the hands of a largely determined by the Canadian Constitution, in which ness. cabinet not directly accountable roles and responsibilities are divided between the federal, If you'd like to see more action and supports to address provincial and territorial governments. Hold a monopoly to voters while heading a deeply social issues in Yellowknife, ask candidates: What actions But, as some readers of last entrenched bureaucracy even less The provincial and territorial governments have most and programs established so far do you think are work- week's column took pains to likely to be swayed by elections. of the responsibility for delivering health and other social ing, and what needs to be done differently to address these point out, consensus government And this, unfortunately, makes services. The federal government's roles in health care issues of homelessness, addictions and mental health? doesn't hold a monopoly on lousy us, voters, less relevant. If we did include setting and administering national principles for How would you prioritize or sequence the actions you government. This country elected matter, the mandate would be the system under the Canada Health Act; financial support feel are needed, and how would you balance these with a Liberal government in 2015, served during the election, not to the provinces and territories; and several other func- other GNWT priorities? How will you support the city's buoyed in no small part by Justin after MLAs choose a premier and tions, including funding and/or delivery of primary and 10-year plan to end homelessness? Trudeau's promise "to do things cabinet behind closed doors. differently," and well, we all know There must be some way to get how that one worked out. the best of both worlds. To have Increasingly I gotta admit MLAs who will do what voters Cast vote to save the climate though, the best thing about con- want, and for whom a vote means sensus government is that there more than a slightly positive ink- From: Judith Sharp I have been diagnosed with stage are no political parties. Well let ling, because the candidate was Yellowknife three melanoma cancer and there is a me rephrase that; no focus group- nice to your kids once when you readers small window of temperatures that are testing hive-mind telling our crossed paths with them at the Dear editor, comfortable for me to be outdoors or to MLAs what to say and how to Multiplex. It's important to all Canadians, and Write even stay healthy indoors. vote. We elect MLAs to represent Maybe the new crop of MLAs especially to all Northerners that climate The dampness over the past four us, not to clap like seals at a cir- will give this some thought change is a primary focus of any govern- months has been a challenge to my cus ringmaster holding a bucket heading into the next legislative ment that heads Canada. ability to breathe and walk and to just enjoy being out- of fish. assembly. But there's some mighty We know that our sea ice in our Arctic is melting doors. Our MLAs, or at least the headwinds there, and change is more quickly than scientists anticipated. I want to be sure that the party I vote for is out front regular MLAs, can say what they awfully hard once you've been I know that this past summer and early fall in about climate change and about all that can be done to want, vote how they want, and elected. Yellowknife has affected my health. improve it, not harm it further. 10 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 territorial election #NWTvotes2019 Who's running, where and why? Leading up to the Oct. 1 Territorial General Election, Yellowknifer will profile candidates running in the nine city constituencies in and around the capital

Name: Thom Jarvis Name: Julie Green Name: Arlene Hache

Age: 57 Age: 58 Age: 66

Work experience: Most of Work experience: Six years Family status: Married the past decade has been dedi- in the non-profit sector 2009- cated to developmental lend- 2015 as director of community Work experience: I was ing, assisting northern entre- relations for YWCA NWT and among a group of women preneurs with the Metis-Dene as a fundraising and communi- who founded the Yellowknife Development Fund. cations consultant for a variety Women's Society in 1990 and Sat as a board member for of non-profits; 16 years with I led the organization for over both the Akaitcho Development CBC Radio covering resource 25 years. In 2005, I established Corporation and the YK Cham- development prior to that. I the Centre for Northern Fam- ber of Commerce. have a Masters degree in Jour- ilies. Former weekend broadcast- nalism and a Masters degree in In 2012 I obtained a Mas- er with CJCD/Moose FM. History. ter's Degree in Leadership at Royal Roads University. My additional work experience includes: Member of the Nation- Family status: Married Family status: Married, one adult child al Advisory Committee on Homelessness; co-author of an Indigenous cultural-linguistic competency framework; co- Why you are running? Like many in Yk Centre, I was Why are you running? I want to continue the work I started developer of an Indigenous women in mining pre-employment concerned the 18th session was not well balanced in approach. as a regular MLA in the last assembly. My focus is economic program; a director on the Mental Health Commission of It was also not as effective as it could have been due to con- diversification, including improved infrastructure for tourism Canada and the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. flicts, single issue focus and the inability of many members to (territorial parks and a visitor centre in Yellowknife), invest- work together. ments in retrofitting buildings and investments in child care. Why you are running? I'm running for office because it There are concerns that emphasis has leaned too far in one These investments will have other benefits such as creating has been very hard to watch from the sidelines as downtown direction leaving economic issues in a secondary or tertiary jobs. Once feasibility studies and business cases are complete, I Yellowknife continues to decline. position of importance. would like to see the Slave Geological Province and the Taltson We need an MLA who is prepared to admit that for many A balance is necessary. Hydro Expansion projects forwarded to environmental assess- people, the downtown no longer feels safe – and who is pre- A strong economy helps fund the important programs we ment to begin the conversation about the pros and cons of their pared to roll up her sleeves and work on concrete solutions. have and need. development. It is time for a new approach – we need an MLA who The two cannot be separated. I would like to see continued development of the polytech- understands that the balance between compassion with per- Conditions downtown are not helping. nic university and a new campus in Yellowknife. I want to see sonal accountability is key to transforming the downtown. I Current efforts to alleviate and assist the street popula- affordable housing for seniors who now face long waiting lists, can bring that knowledge and expertise to the table. tion, although well intentioned, are inadvertently negatively along with a robust day program for seniors with both cognitive impacting the core's residents and businesses. issues and frailty, and expanded home care services for seniors Many in the riding feel as though their concerns have not who want to age in place. Name: Niels Konge been heard. I plan on listening and paying attention to the con- It's important to lower the cost of living through the expan- cerns of all residents of Yk Centre. sion of retrofit program which will save on heat and power Age: 45 We have enjoyed prosperity and a high quality of life in costs (and reduce our GHG emissions). I want to see a safe a Yellowknife; we need to ensure we maintain this as we move vibrant downtown where programming at the sobering centre Work experience: Start- into the future. is strengthened, and the centre has positive relationships with ed and continue to operate a I feel I can represent the riding with a balanced approach to its neighbors. construction company, elected both economic and social issues. Everyone should feel safe where they live and work. to three terms as a City of Yellowknife councilor, and chair of the NWT Apprentice- ship, trade and occupation cer- tification board.

Family status: Married with three wonderful children.

Why you are running? I'm running because Yellowknife is a great place to live. There are some challenges, and I think I can help the next assembly make some changes that will improve the quality of life for everyone. #NWT Votes2019 This edition: YK Centre photo story Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 11 Terry Fox run raises over $21,000 Terry Fox Run Feature by Brett McGarry

Northern News Services family in a lot of ways over This past Sunday, hundreds the years," said Henderson. of participants showed their Henderson said his father support for cancer research by died of cancer at age 57 and turning out the annual Terry his mother also contracted Fox Run. the illness but survives. He According to volunteer said the illness has greatly organizer, Lena Schofield, impacted many members of $21,830 was raised this year his family and his friends so And they're off! Over 150 in a preliminary count. it is important to him to raise people left the Multiplex Cen- With 150 registered par- money and participate. ticipants and their families Henderson, who said he tre on the morning of Sept. 15 showing up to run, jog or raised just over $4,000 this to jog walk or bike a 5k loop walk the event some came year, was joined by his great around Finlayson Drive. with family and friends in grandson Henderson Connell groups and some went solo. for the trek. Lloyd Henderson showed Despite the initially cool up with family and friends weather, many participants for his 36th straight year of said they enjoyed the run and participating in the run. Schofield considered the event "Cancer has affected our a success.

Douglas Sauer and his family showed up for Although they didn't participate in the run, these three volunteered their time to dole out donated pizza the run with Terry Fox stickers for swag. Douglas and snacks to participants. From the left: Danielle Mufandaedza, Vivianne Pauze and Elizabeth Gillard. wanted to name the team 'Sweet and Sauer' while his daughter Lilia would have rather called them team 'Fire and Lightning." From the left: Douglas Sauer, Maxwell Sauer and Lilia Sauer.

Ed Lippert, left and Scott Willoughby, right, from Yk 1 school board were in attendance at the Paul Falvo, the Green Party candidate for the race. Lippert says Yk 1 had several representa- NWT, said that despite the cool weather he was With 35 years of Terry Fox runs under his belt, tives from school participating in the run. excited to run for a good cause. Lloyd Henderson was joined by his friends, grandson and great grandson for an event dear to his heart. Henderson raised just over $4,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation this year. From the left: Sharon Chynoweth, Chris Dumont, Lloyd Henderson, Peter Chynoweth, Fraser Dumont and Henderson Conell in the front.

Heather Jelimski, left, and Kate Mansfield, right, cross the finish line smiling after a successful Terry Fox run, followed closely behind by the com- This squad, running for St. Patrick's high school donned matching jerseys for the run. From the left: petition. Molly Gillard, Aisling Dunn, Ava Applejohn, Stacy Applejohn and Tamara Mathison. 12 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 territorial election #NWTvotes2019

Range Lake, Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh candidates debate economy Candidates in Range Lake and Tu-Nedhe Willideh discuss how they will approach fixing large ticket issues if elected to the 19th Legislative Assembly by Brett McGarry MLA and Minister of Educa- structure for the next boom of Northern News Services tion, Culture and Employment resources. The second of three elec- and Minister Responsible for Cochrane, on the other tion forums held by the NWT the Status of Women Caroline hand, wants to see more Chamber of Commerce and Cochrane in Range Lake. investment made in the North- the NWT and Nunavut Cham- Both having business ern tourism industry. ber of Mines got underway on experience, the two candi- "Over 110,000 tourists Sept. 11 with candidates in dates presented different ideas came through NWT last year Range Lake and Tu Nedhe- as to how they would revital- ... we need to promote that," Wiilideh squaring off. ize the NWT economy, which said Cochrane. The chamber's event at has been forecast to slump in "We see them walking our Northern United Place was the coming years. streets looking for something monitored by David Con- Graham described the to do so I believe the GNWT nelly, a member of both the pending slump as a great needs to put more money into chambers of mines and com- opportunity to make strategic tourism." merce, and posed three ques- investments in infrastructure. She said the commerce, tions to candidates address- He noted the Taltson hydro- mining and arts communities ing economic development, electric project was a great need to work together with cost of living in the NWT opportunity for jobs and the multiple levels of govern- and rejuvenating the mining project needs to be moved ment to promote the industry Brett McGarry/NNSL photo industry. ahead quickly. because it's an opportunity Hughie Graham, left, spoke frequently about placing an emphasis on mining The constituency for Mon- "The best thing about an that is already here. while incumbent Caroline Cochrane said an a polytechnic university would fwi was scheduled for the nor- economic slump is that you Cochrane would also see a greatly strengthen job opportunities for future the territory. mally three-hour event, but get the best bang for your large focus on the polytechnic incumbent Jackson Lafferty buck when you do infrastruc- university being built for both before increasing exploration. ior companies who are usu- program and find a way to will be unopposed this fall ture projects," said Graham. jobs and education opportun- Graham promoted the idea ally small and have high risk ditch the carbon tax. so no debate was held for the "It gives contractors good ities. of devolution of the Mack- within those companies so Graham discussed making district. value on their projects and has "It's one thing to pump enzie Valley Resource Man- we need to have a regulatory housing a non-taxable bene- benefits for Northerners such up the economy but if we agement Act and partnering regime so they know exactly fit for employers and a "pipe Range Lake as jobs." don't educate our youth, they closely with industry. what they're getting when they dream" of his - removing per- Hughie Graham, a senior He pointed to the Tuk- won't have opportunities for Cochrane focused on come here," said Cochrane. sonal income tax in the NWT. commercial leasing manager toyaktuk highway as a great employment," said Cochrane. streamlining the mineral Cost of living being one of "It's an interesting thought, with the territorial govern- example a project that bene- When it came to min- resource act for promoting the the most talked about issues in reality Alaska does it and ment, and past president of fits the North through jobs ing, both candidates want industry. on the campaign trail, Coch- it's how they've grown their the NWT Chamber of Com- and opportunities for training to see further collaboration "Canada is really well rane wants to re-examine the population to where they are merce, is taking on incumbent as well as providing infra- with Indigenous governments known for having a lot of jun- GNWT's business incentive today and they're in the Arc- tic not dissimilar to us," said Graham. Beyond that Graham men- tioned investing in legacy infrastructure to at least sta- bilize the cost of power.

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh For the second and final portion of the night's forum only two of the five candi- dates for Tu Nedheh-Wiilideh attended the forum, former RCMP officer Steve Norn and manager at Det'on Cho Cor- poration Paul Betsina. Betsina promised a bal- anced approach to mining for improving the economy and ensuring there is adequate oversight to prevent future slumps in industry. "There needs to be a plan of action," said Betsina. He pointed to the success of the Det'on Cho Corporation as an example of how elders and Indigenous communities can get involved in business and find success. Norn said he wants to see a greater emphasis placed on tourism and eco-tourism across the NWT. "We need to find oppor- tunity where we can," said Norn. "We need to look at Yellowknife and the North as

Please see next page territorial election #NWTvotes2019 Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 13 'An economy under siege on all fronts' Kam Lake candidates wrestle with economic questions from mining and business chamber

by Simon Whitehouse health practitioner, and busi- Northern News Services nessman Abdullah Al-Maha- There was no shortage of mud. ideas to address the high cost of living, save a declining Near-term economic fixes mining sector and stimulate a All candidates agreed that slowing NWT economy as six serious economic decisions Kam Lake candidates offered need to be made over the next their plans in a recent elec- four years, and but differed on toral forum. what needs to be done. Hosted by the NWT Testart noted there is a dif- Chamber of Commerce and ference between investing in NWT and Nunavut Chamber major infrastructure projects of Mines, those in attendance that slowly move along like heard a whirlwind of ideas in Taltson, the Mackenzie Val- under an hour that included ley Highway and the Slave everything from improving Geological Corridor versus the NWT's strategy to boost the immediate need of stop- population growth to sup- ping economic decline. porting the construction of a He pointed specifically Yellowknife-based polytech- to lowering small business nic university, to fast-tracking taxes and using tax credits to major infrastructure invest- increase local business invest- ments like the Taltson hydro- ment. electricity project, Slave Geo- "I think the best way the logical province all-access government can support Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo road and the Mackenzie Val- today's economy that is going Kieron Testart, incumbent MLA for Kam Lake, left, speaks during an all candidates meeting on Sept. 10 ley Highway. into a four-year recession that at the Northern United Place. At right is candidate Caitlin Cleveland. At back from left are Rommel Silverio Still others offered small Northerners can't afford is for and Abdullah Al-Mahamud. business tax credits and ben- the government to invest in efits and other methods to lift people and communities," he owned a variety of businesses the NWT a more attractive here ... so I would push for less than five years and poten- the financial burden off the said. in Yellowknife over the past place for newcomers to live that." tially in the life of the next backs of the private sector. "If re-elected I will con- 14 years, including Quizznos, and work. Silverio said he assembly, spend some time on The panel of candidates tinue to push to eliminate all Winks and Mac's convenience sees the need in his health Polytechnic university ideas that create and gener- were participating in the third small business taxes in the store. care profession where staff Another popular issue ate innovation and stimulate forum that night at Northern NWT and that will inject $2.4 Cleveland added to this shortages are common, and was the polytechnic univer- the economy," he said, noting United Place, Sept. 10. Voters million directly into the local list the need for "prioritiz- as a city councillor heading sity that could replace Aurora how Athabasca University in earlier heard from candidates economy." ing settled land claims with a municipality that wants to College. Hawkins, whose Alberta has a $128 million vying for a seat in Frame Caitlin Cleveland and integrity and respect" and was expand its tax base. He said attempted return to office was annual budget. Lake and the Great Slaver Abdullah Al-Mahamud both the only candidate to back an bringing in more immigrants in large part due to the cur- "We could have a poly- electoral district. offered pro-business messag- Arctic deep water port. is important. rent "economy under siege on technic here and that would Running in Kam Lake are: es about either making run- "As the (Northwest Pas- "One thing that everybody all fronts," said boosting the draw numerous jobs. " Caitlin Cleveland a 15-year ning a business more afford- sage) passage becomes more noticed is that the population economy requires a long-term Winsor, who advocates a business owner and former able and efficient, or cutting accessible, a deep sea port is stagnant and sometimes it and short-term vision for get- greater mining presence in adviser with the GNWT; business taxes and other costs would provide multiple social goes down," he said, noting ting the it going again. the North, said infrastruc- Cherish Winsor, a GNWT that deter business people and economic social gains for Immigration Minister Ahmed For the next session, he ture investment in projects senior adviser and leader in from wanting to be in the our territory," she said. Hussen's visit to Yellowknife said it is important to move like the Taltson hydroelectric- non-government organiza- North. over the summer. "We dis- forward on things that are ity expansion and the Slave tions, including the food bank "People are moving down Population growth cussed about immigrants already in play like the public Geological Corridor would be and YWCA; Robert Hawkins, south and don't have job Most candidates also coming in Canada, especially sector, tourism and oil and beneficial. a pest control expert and opportunities so my plan is seemed to agree that address- in North I learned we're not gas, but in particular the poly- "The more we invest in former Yellowknife Centre .... to support local people ing a slowing economy will maximizing the potential of technic institution. those now, the sooner we will MLA; Rommel Silverio, a to let them stay up here," require addressing a stag- the area and the number of "If you want to do some- see those things come into current city councillor and said Al-Mahamud, who has nant population and making people that we could bring thing in the short-term within fruition," she said. Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Range Lake, from page 12 agriculture in addition to an increase in hunting subsidies. a tourist destination and get "Hunting and fishing behind it and support it and around here is plentiful and look at ways to expand it." we need to get back into those Norn also noted that min- roots," said Betsina. ing will persist and it needs Norn proposed a commit- to be done responsibly in a tee to re-examine tax struc- culturally sensitive manor. tures in the territory and find- When it comes to mining, ing a way to reduce the cost of Norn noted finalizing land fuel, the life-blood of isolated claims to being crucial before communities. exploration can even be talked "Subsidies are great but we about. Betsina said permit- need to keep our taxes down," ting and regulatory processes said Norn. is slowing down the develop- From the audience, Chief ment of mines which needs Edward Sangris of Dettah to examined and streamlined. asked the candidates how they Both candidates spoke would directly change legis- candidly about seeing the cost lation to improve affordable of living in the territory hav- housing in their communities. ing an impact on the lives of "A lot of policies NWT Indigenous people in small Housing has in place are communities. restrictive," said Norn. "We "Overcrowded homes is a need to humanize them again viscous cycle that needs to and make housing more end and it's because of cost of accessible and affordable." living," said Betsina. Betsina proposed finding a Betsina praised programs way to make the system eas- like Nutrition North for pro- ier to navigate, especially for viding discounted food to elders and easing rules around Northern communities and public housing to improve proposed more crop-boxes accessibility. and promoting grass roots 14 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 news A wild and beautiful novel

Northern News Services appreciate it, as I find memoir and autobio- Northern Wildflower, a memoir by Yel- graphical writing very hit-or-miss in its reli- lowknife author Catherine Lafferty, follows ance on my own interest in the writer and their Book her experiences from childhood to adulthood. life experiences. Despite this, the uniqueness Complete with family photographs and funny and heart of Northern Wildflower is some- review personal stories, this memoir never strays far thing I appreciated. Northern Wildflower is from its goal, which is to share a very per- written in a casual and matter-of-fact way Grace Guy is a lifelong Yellowknifer sonal story of reclaiming Indigenous pride and without any of the events described losing and lover of literature. growing from trauma. their emotional or societal weight. I didn't know what to expect from this Lafferty would describe a bike accident she want to kill you. book at first because I didn't realize it was had as a child in the same language as teenage I liked the thought that two people could a memoir. Combined with the pastel cover, pregnancy or domestic abuse. A lot of these have a completely different opinions of the I was completely unprepared for what was topics were gut-wrenching for me to read. same – I will admit, very beautiful – city essentially a long personal essay. Through this The memoir is also full of funny and hopeful based on their life experiences and personal novel, Lafferty told me about her life as a First moments, with Lafferty embracing both the tastes. I think it was this moment that actually Nations person, as a woman, and as a mother difficulties and blessings of life through her made me warm up to memoir writing because in sometimes shocking or uncomfortable but writing. of what I can gain by listening to people with always genuine ways. Even though the Northern aspect of this completely different opinions and life experi- While the story jumps from Ontario to book is what made me interested in reading ences than me tell their stories. B.C., Lafferty's life and story-telling always it, my favourite part was actually a short line At its heart, Northern Wildflower repeat- return to the Northwest Territories, revisiting near the end of the memoir when Lafferty edly shows how we are all children in a way, her family whose roots are grounded in the describes Victoria B.C. as being like heaven, always able to learn and grow even into adult- North. while in my experience the city is full of bitter hood. Simple and direct, this memoir is an I think I came to this book unable to fully elderly people and everyone drives like they adventurous and distinctly Northern read. Northern Conversations holds seventh and largest talk: Falling Through the Cracks 'It's a can of worms that we're opening up,' says event organizer

by Brett McGarry according to Michael Gan- "The three things we're According to Gannon, ily so that's problematic." "This isn't intended to be Northern News Services non, chair of Northern Con- addressing is continuity of patient advocacy can be lack- Properly dealing with your a high level policy discussion, As a part of an ongoing versations. care, patient advocacy and ing in elders, people who do health care information will this is a conversation about series of talks designed to "This will be by far the controlling your health care not trust institutionalized be discussed by Dr. Ewan these issues in the context spur important conversa- biggest and most resource information," said Gannon. health care and those who do Affleck, an expert medical of our medical care system," tions about health, Northern intensive talk yet," he said. The event will also fea- not have strong English skills. archivist. said Gannon. Conversations, in partnership During the all day event, ture a 30-minute film about "Everyone should be able "There's a Supreme Court By the end of the day, Gan- with the NWT Wellness Soci- a half dozen doctors, health Greg Price, a Calgary man to receive the same care as of Canada case that has deter- non said he hopes the general ety, is putting on another talk care providers and former who died from testicular can- anyone else and it should be mined that we are the owners public is better informed. about the medical system in patients will be sharing their cer, considered a very treat- a high quality of care," said of our health care informa- "It's a can of worms that the NWT. experiences and perspectives able disease. However, dif- Gannon. "You can be pretty tion," said Gannon. "If we are we're opening up," said Gan- This is the seventh facili- on the systematic challenges ficulty navigating the health good at patient advocacy but the owners of our health care non. "One afternoon is not tated talk for the grassroots present in the NWT health care system contributed to his if you're not, you can fall information, why is it that we going to solve larger systemic organization and the largest care system. untimely death. through the cracks pretty eas- can't get to it very easily?" issues. It sure will point to The free talk is open to some of them and allow a anyone including doctors, transparent discussion that nurses, decision-makers with- includes the public." in the GNWT, Indigenous The talk will start at 11 community leaders and oth- a.m. at Mildred Hall School ers. on Sept. 22.

NNSL file photo On Sept. 22, a grassroots advocacy group North- ern Conversations will be facilitating a discus- sion about systemic problems in the NWT's health care system. Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 15 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Hockey brother act in B.C. Brady and Austin Daniels line up for Kimberley Dynamiters of Kootenay International Junior Hockey League by James McCarthy tin, meanwhile, spent the last Northern News Services three seasons with the Maple Among all of the players Leaf Athletic Club in Edmon- who are down south playing ton before making the jump hockey this year are a couple to B.C. with the Kimberley Dyna- "It's a lot less smooth than miters of the Kootenay Inter- the AJHL but it's still a real national Junior Hockey League good league," said Austin (KIJHL). about the KIJHL. "Everything The difference between is high tempo and it's a good these two and the rest is they pace." are brothers. As of press time, the broth- Brady and Austin Daniels ers had played in two games are playing alongside each each with Brady notching four other this season in B.C. For assists while Austin has a goal Brady, who's the older brother, and an assist. They also got it's the second season for him a chance to play on the same in Kimberley while Austin is a line for the first time this sea- rookie on the team. son during this past Saturday's Austin said his older broth- game against the Osoyoos er played a big role in getting Coyotes. him to B.C. "It's the first time we've "I said I would join him in played together since the 2015 junior B if I didn't make it in Canada Winter Games," said junior A and having him play- Austin. "We had a sibling ing there made the decision rivalry growing up but that's NNSL file photos easier for me," he said. "He told all gone now. We get along Brady Daniels, seen during the First Air Rec Hockey Tournament this past April, is back with the Kim- me about how it was a good pretty well." berley Dynamiters of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in B.C., where he's playing with his organization to play for and it Brady suspects it won't be younger brother, Austin Daniels. made it easy to say yes." the last time they end up on the Austin had a tryout with the same line. Drayton Valley Thunder of the "I'm more of a playmaker Alberta Junior Hockey League so there's a chance we'll be earlier this season but he was playing together for a bit," he cut before the campaign began. said. "We're carrying some "He wanted junior A but extra players for the next this is a great second option month or so and there'll be for him," said Brady about his all sorts of line combinations Austin Daniels, seen brother coming to join him. so we'll probably be skating playing with St. Pat's "It's a league where you together again." have a lot of kids who can't Living together in Kimber- during the 2018 Wade find a fit with a junior A team ley means older brother can Hamer Challenge Cup, or who are capable but can't look after younger brother, is playing with the find a team to play with." something Brady said prob- Kimberley Dynamiters Brady never played junior ably eases his parents' minds of the Kootenay Inter- A himself although he was somewhat. national Junior Hockey affiliated with the Trail Smoke "We're used to living League in B.C., where Eaters of the BC Hockey together," he said. "I'm sure League for last season. our folks appreciate the conve- he's playing with his "The league feeds into the nience of watching us together older brother, Brady BCHL so there's lots of oppor- on the same live stream instead Daniels. tunities for players to get a of watching separate ones." chance," he said. Austin agreed with that senti- Brady has played in the ment. KIJHL for three seasons. He "Our parents have always started with the Castlegar been supportive and I'm sure Rebels before being traded to they're excited to see us play- Kimberley last season. Aus- ing together," he said.

Everything gets going for real on Sept. 27 with the first The top point-getters will be in line for a spot on the nation- team tryouts at Weledeh Gymnasium and it will be the first al team for this season. sports of four. Acorn is seeded 21st going into the event. Any female player in Grade 9 through Grade 12 is eligible Check to attend the open gyms and the tryouts and players must attend Time to hit the pitch with James McCarthy all four tryouts in order to be considered for selection. The first big scholastic sporting event of the season is about e-mail: [email protected] to hit the fields in Hay River. Wren Acorn takes on the country The Elks Outdoor Soccer Tournament is the annual kick-off The next step for Wren Acorn and her ascension up the for school sports in the territory and the 2019 edition is sched- Basketball tryouts set to start food chain in Canadian speedskating happens this weekend uled to get underway on Friday. The Eagles high-performance girls basketball program is in Montreal. Sir John Franklin and St. Pat's high schools will both have gearing up for its 2019-2020 campaign and it got going on Acorn is one of 24 women's skaters from around the skin in the game as each school will be sending four teams to Sept. 12. country taking part in the 2019 Canadian Senior Short-Track compete: two boys and two girls. The club is hosting open gym times right now at William Championships and it all gets underway on Friday morning Peter Beaton, one of the tournament co-ordinators, said he's McDonald Gymnasium with the next one happening tomorrow with the 1,500-metre races followed by the 500-metre event in expecting to see teams from Fort Smith also make the trip into evening starting at 7 p.m. the afternoon. She'll be in the 1,000-metre event on Saturday to join in with the teams from the host community. The open gyms are a chance for prospective players to come morning and then the second 1,500-metre event in the after- He also said there are players coming in from Fort Resolu- out to get some extra on-court time without the pressure of cuts noon and it all wraps up on Sunday with the second 500-metre tion to join with Hay River as the community wasn't able to or impressing the coaching staff. and 1,000-metre events. field a full senior boys team. 16 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 sports & recreation Team Galusha comes on strong

Team Galusha, made up of Sarah Koltun, left, Kerry Galusha, Jo Ann Rizzo and Shona Barbour pose with an image of Shorty Jen- kins, the late legend- ary ice maker who the AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic is named after, during some down time on Sept. 14. photo courtesy of Team Galusha

Quarter-final finish for Kerry Galusha and company at AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic

by James McCarthy Sarah Koltun, Shona Barbour do well, especially because we having the delivered rock hit and we had a chance to win it with us," she said. "We just Northern News Services and Jo Ann Rizzo ended up haven't practiced on ice yet, but off another rock and roll into but you can't do anything about weren't making any shots. We Going into the AMJ Camp- making the quarter-final of we turned things around and the rings – to get rid of Galu- it when she makes that kind of had our chances but we weren't bell Shorty Jenkins Classic in the women's event on Sunday away we went," said Galusha. sha's rock, which was buried shot." as sharp as we had been." Cornwall, Ont., this past week- but fell to Rachel Homan of Galusha and company behind a guard, to score two From there, though, it was Even with the loss, Galusha end, Kerry Galusha knew she Ontario by a score of 6-4. It started the round-robin against and win, 5-4. all success as Galusha reeled said making the quarter-final would have a strong field to still gave her rink a cheque for Homan and played her tough "I left her a hard shot and off three straight wins over in a strong field was a success. contend with. But she stared $1,500 and some good ranking right down to the wire. she made it," said Galusha. Seina Nakajima of Japan (6-4), "It was almost like a (Grand) them down and ended up hit- points in a very stacked field Leading 4-3 in the eighth "You can't defend a shot like Nina Roth of the U.S. (6-3) slam event with that many good ting the pay window. of rinks. end, Homan was forced to play that and it was the only shot and a bit of revenge against rinks," she said. "I think we Galusha and her rink of "I was worried we wouldn't what's known as the "in-off" – she had. It was back-and-forth Danielle Inglis (7-2). Inglis had were the only surprise playoff beaten Galusha the week before team but we played really well. in Oakville, Ont. It was a fun weekend and lots "It helps when the draw of team bonding, which really weight is there," said Galusha. helped." "I was making my draws all The 28.125 ranking points weekend." earned by Galusha means her Her round-robin record was rink moved up to 42nd place good enough to see her finish in the world rankings and she fifth overall and into the quar- noted that she got almost as ter-final against Homan, where many points from this event as she said she was just chasing she did from winning the Royal the entire game. LePage Women's Fall Classic "I think fatigue caught up last year. sports & recreation Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 17 Yellowknife's three-day work week this league, just sayin'. The new season begins in Puck October. Iconoclasts that we are, the first night of WIMPS Droppings will be Sept. 30. League vet- photo courtesy of Elissa Boyd McGee erans have a chance to lock Jon Howe is The Wade Hamer down their spot from last sea- Sip and Savasana Hockey League's designated typist. son, after which newbies will Stephanie McCamely, left and Jackie Santos clink beer stubbies in celebratory get their chance to fill out the mode while standing in dancer's pose during a Sip and Savasana event at Col- In recent Leaf news that formula for ice. rosters. lective Soul Space on Sept. 7. has nothing to do with Kyle The formula for league Your choice of nights will Sip and Savasana is a yoga class led by Elissa Boyd McGee of From Bud to Dubas or Mitch Marner, it play is as old and well-estab- be Monday, Tuesday, and Sat- Bloom Yoga. It incorporates local craft beer with traditional yoga poses, weav- should be apparent to any- lished. We don't have referees urday. The registration form, ing together a mind and body practice into a fun and lighthearted evening of body who has ventured out- or scorekeepers. Each night which includes the schedule, doors lately that trees of the begins with a stick toss, and can be downloaded at the beer tasting. The next one is scheduled in November. More info can be found deciduous variety are doing the two ad-hoc teams play league's website, www.wimps. at collectivesoulspace.ca something that they do every uninterrupted except for a ca. Contact information for year: they are giving photo- brief pause near the halfway the league's big shots can synthesis a break. mark for the goalies to trade also be found there. You are It's not all darkness and places. encouraged to phone or email gloom. The northern lights As a player, you are your inquiries to the person(s) Sports Card are back, and you can also expected to bring a pair of responsible for your night of add the return of another jerseys, one white and one interest. Volleyball and Basketball mysterious phenomenon dark, and the one you wear You are also encouraged that looks kind of green and is determined by where your to do it sooner rather than unstable – the players of the stick landed after the throw. later. There are only so many WIMPS League. You won't be judged on your spots to go around. Once the AGE: 17 WIMPS – short for fashion sense, something rea- flight is fully booked, we "Weekly Improvement of sonably and predominantly don't have the ability to add Jordan was one of the two-sport athletes for Team Mediocre Players" is Yellow- light, or dark, as the case may extra seats along the way. NT at the Western Canada Summer Games in knife's adult shinny league. It be, is good enough. I look forward to the Saskatchewan last month. He started by helping has been a fixture of the local That said, the league does WIMPS 2019-2020 season, the boys volleyball team to a fourth-place finish hockey scene for so long, offer for sale a darned nice and wish new and returning and then jumped in with the boys basketball team rumour has it that the league's pair of WIMPS jerseys. So if players alike a fun and enjoy- Jordan Balsillie and also finished fourth with them. founders have a patent on the you really intend to buy into able time at the rink. 18 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 Yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 19 20 yellowknifer, Wednesday, September 18, 2019