Early Christmas in Fort Providence About $200,000 worth of sports equipment donated by Alberta program

1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Liquor lingers as top substance abused in NWT Volume 74 Issue 30 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019 $.95 (plus GST)

Shunning the stigma in our Addictions Week special edition

Jennifer Butler, left and Iris Notley of SideDoor Youth Resource Centre say young people face a number of challenges when they seek addictions treatment. Read their story and others in our NWT Addictions Week special edition, pages 3 to 6. Nick Pearce/NNSL photo

Our Mining the Tlicho nurse focus at celebrates beautiful 2019 MAX four cancer- North awards free years

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "They expect that in the next 15 years we'll be about 640,000 pilots short."

7 71605 00200 2 – Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. COO Jim Heidema hopes a new flight school based in Fort Smith will help, page 20. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 NWT Addictions Week Addictions week events GNWT Dept. of Health has a schedule of events taking place across the territory A smorgasbord of events related to Addictions Week were scheduled across the North- west Territories last week and this week. The GNWT Department of Health assembled a schedule of Date Time Community / Location / Event events yet to take place between Nov. 25 and 29. The health department's website also features dates, Nov. 26 3 p.m. Deline-Culture Centre - Coffee House – Elders' videos – times and descriptions for the events; check the list below for an event near you. Snacks will be provided – Craig Gilbert Nov. 26 5 p.m. Whati -Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Supper at 5 p.m., Date Time Community / Location / Event Session with Mabel Huskey; Topic: Gambling at 6 p.m., 867- 573-3012, ext. 1408 - Tephaine Wedawin, Email: Nov. 24-29 Deline-Youth Centre & Gymnasium are all week [email protected] Nov. 25 8:30 a.m. Deline-Arena - Family Breakfast by DGG staff/ Nov. 26 7 p.m. Tulita-Arena - Jam Session; Deline-Culture Centre - Culture -10:00 a.m. Interagency Team members. event - Drumming practice for Elders & Youth; Deline-School - 10:30 a.m. Deline-Radio Show - Radio Show on the effects of the alco- Sewing in Edith's classroom. holism by SH/SS staff-Donald Y. & NIC. 7-9 p.m. Colville Lake-Community Gym - Sport Night/Volleyball 1:30 a.m. Tulita-Arena - Sober Walk. Nov. 27 8:15 a.m. Deline-School - Free Breakfast sponsored by Eehtseo Ayah 3 p.m. Deline-Culture Centre - Fire Feeding ceremony outside Cul- School staff – Everyone is welcome ture Centre followed by soup/bannock. Please see 'Community,' page 6 4 p.m. Whati-Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Community Walk, Supper at 5 p.m., Session with Mabel Huskey; Topic: Alcohol at 6 p.m. 867-573-3012, ext. 1408 - Tephaine Wedawin - Email: [email protected] Nov. 25-29 4-9 p.m. Wekweeti-Location: To be announced - Family Violence & National Addictions Awareness Week Activities/Topics to be announced: (Karaoke, Door Prizes, Collage Board, One on One Session, presentation on Loss & Grief, Addiction, Healing & a Community Support Walk). 867-713-2511, ext. 1608 - Lisa Judas Nov. 25 7 p.m. Deline-Culture Centre - Gathering facilitated by Jean Eras- mus-Residential School Counsellor; Tulita-Arena - Mental Health Work Talk About NAAW Nov. 26-28 9 a.m. - Tulita-Band Chambers - Mental Health First Aid for North- 4:30 p.m. erners – Free 3-day course (no exam): Learn about anxiety, depression & more. Attend all 3 days & get a certificate. Open to all community members age 16+. To register, contact: Elaine Hanushchak at: 867-588-3222. Nov. 26 1:30 p.m. Deline-School - Video presentation on Alcohol/Drug Effects – For High School Students – by RCMP & DGG staff NNSL file photo Nov. 26 2:30 p.m. Deline-From School to Culture Centre - Sober Walk from Events including drumming workshops and traditional handgames – like this School to Culture Centre at 2:30 p.m. – Snacks for everyone one held in Inuvik recently – are scheduled as part of NWT Addictions Week. NWT Addictions Week NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 3 Did we get it wrong? An article in the Nov. 18 issue of News/North incorrectly referred to the publisher of a report on a fatal plane crash in 2018 as the Transportation Safety New hands-on workshop Board of Canada, as Transport Canada (TC) and the Air Transport Safety Board of Canada. The TC and TSB two are separate organizations. touring NWT schools News Briefs Arctic summers could be ice-free by 2044: study Beaufort Delta Summers in the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free on a yearly basis as soon as sometime between 2044 and 2067 according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles. Since monitoring of sea ice by satellite began in 1979, sea ice has consistently declined in the Arctic, by roughly 13 per cent per dec- ade. Predictions on how long Arctic sea ice will last during the summer have varied extensively over the years, largely due to a process known as the sea ice albedo feedback. When bright sea ice melts completely, the sunlight instead falls onto much darker water and is absorbed. This can lead to warmer water, which in turn melts ice faster. The researchers suggested this is part of the reason the Arctic is heating up substantially faster than the rest of the planet. –Eric Bowling Pool repairs underway Inuvik Repairs are underway on the pool at the Midnight Sun Complex until Nov. 23. The town had hoped to complete the needed repairs to the lining on the bottom of the pool during off hours, but a separation between the covering and the underlying concrete has forced the pool to be drained. The pool was drained Nov. 16 and was expected to be back in operation by Nov. 23. – Eric Bowling Call to participate Inuvik Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada are coming to Inuvik to complete a survey for Inuit women involved in the mining industry. The survey is for women over 18 to detail image courtesy of GNWT thier experiences in the industry. The Dope Experience, an engaging new workshop that launched its tour last week to most schools in the Northwest All answers are kept confidential. Territories, will help youth learn about the implications of substance abuse, harm reduction and mental health in To participate contact Lema at 1-800-667- engaging and hands-on ways. It includes a series of posters discouraging drug use. 0749 or at [email protected] – Brett McGarry 'The Dope Experience' aims to reduce substance use by youth Festival of Trees planned for Nov. 30 by Simon Whitehouse very rare that people are just using cannabis pants are not just sitting in classroom being Hay River Northern News Services and only have concerns or questions about talked at but are active in this conversation NWT The annual Festival of Trees at Princess cannabis use. and that is something we heard clearly from Alexandra School will take place on Nov. 30, If youth substance use and addiction are to "So it is really about substance use as a youth in particular," Kronstal said. "They running from noon to 4 p.m. be addressed in the North, youth have to be whole." don't want to be talked at but want engaging As always, the event will feature creatively- engaged and involved meaningfully in how She said The Dope Experience has been ways to learn and want workshops and hands decorated Christmas trees from community the issues are taught. about a year in the making and that the on learning kinds of ways of being educated groups and organizations. The GNWT Department of Health and department took advantage of Health Canada on their health. They also want to be able to There will also be a scavenger hunt, a craft Social Services is touring an exciting new funding that was available in and around the help others." room, photos with Santa Claus, a silent auction, health promotion workshop called the The date of the legalization of cannabis. The fed- Diane Thom, minister of Health and live entertainment and more. Dope Experience to most of the territory's eral government is providing $1.8 million over Social Services. stated in the news release The theme for this year's Festival of Trees is schools. The goal is to help bring awareness three years to the territorial government for a that the department is aiming to have youth Winter Wonderland. through engaging and hands-on experien- "poly-substance education programming." more directly involved in the process of – Paul Bickford ces while discussing substance abuse, which Kronstal said the department has been reducing addictions and improving mental includes cannabis abuse, as well as promoting consulting at various stages with communities health, Kronstal said. mental health and harm reduction. leading up to this week's launch. She said ""We see our youth as change makers in United Way NWT The department sent out a news release on cannabis-related paper materials have been community wellness," she stated. "Through seeks applications Thursday announcing the official launch of sent to communities and representatives have this workshop, we hope that our youth will NWT The Dope Experience. attended community health fairs throughout lead the way towards education and engage- United Way NWT is getting ready to make Alana Kronstal, manager of social mar- the territory over the last year. A planning ment around substance use and mental health its community investment decisions. keting with the department is the program session last March brought 30 people from in their home communities. With a harm- Registered non-profits have until Dec. 6 to lead on The Dope Experience. She said the across the territory that included teachers, reduction, arts-based approach, youth will apply for a grant of up to $7,500 for their com- department realizes that the youth have to be youth, artists, health-care providers, social lead meaningful discussions and activities in munity projects. directly involved in the learning process if workers and other community leaders. fun and engaging ways." United Way NWT is also seeking applica- substance use education makes a difference in The name actually comes from a sugges- Beginning last week (Nov. 18 to 22) at tions for one multi-year grant of up to $15,000 northern communities. tion made by a 17-year-old Behchoko student Liidlii Kue Regional High School in Fort a year over three years. All applicants must be "We were successful in our grant proposal participant who called the whole experience Simpson and Chief Julian Yendo School in non-profit organizations registered with the and getting funding for a three-year period "Dope," Kronstal explained. Wrigley, department officials will be leading Canada Revenue Agency. United Way NWT for basically cannabis education and that is The workshop is also partnering with the the program to 31 schools and institutions has budgeted for $160,000 in grants to be dis- what kick-started it," she said. "However, as NWT Association of Communities, Western across the territory. tributed to non-profits in early 2020. we engaged with communities earlier in this Arctic Moving Pictures and other artists to The tour will wrap up during the week of – Paul Bickford project, we learned that cannabis needed to design an engaging workshop. May 17 to 22 in Fort Good Hope, Norman be contextualized with other substances . It is "We want to have a setting where partici- Wells and Yellowknife. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 NWT Addictions Week As opioids wane, impact of alcohol holds steady 'It's something we need to address in a systematic manner,' public health officer says by Nick Pearce cent of substance use hospi- a suspected fentanyl seizure does 2019 look like? We're still Northern News Services talizations in 2017-18. Ideally, since November 2016. waiting for results from a lot of Somba K'e/Yellowknife the chief public health officer "However, RCMP would our cases (this year)," she said. A nationwide opioid crisis said prevention would be the like to remind people that With that in mind, she cred- has taken a back seat to the best strategy to address alcohol fentanyl is a highly potent and its RCMP and public aware- impact of alcohol in the North- addiction. addictive synthetic opioid pain ness for the decline, and urges west Territories. "It's something we need to relief medication that is esti- residents to practise caution. The rate of hospital admis- address in a systematic man- mated to be up to 100 times "There's no such thing as sions for alcohol is 13 times ner," she said, explaining there more potent than morphine," a safe street drug," she said. that of opioids, the NWT's should be a "poly-substance" police spokesperson Julie "You don't know how it's made chief public health officer, Dr. approach including all sub- Plourde wrote over email. and you don't know what's in Kami Kandola, told News/ stances, but especially alcohol. "The effects of fentanyl are it." North. unpredictable. Users have no Addiction and its impact – Kandola added there have 'We should be consulting' idea of the level of purity or where alcohol plays a central been eight opioid-related "We should be consulting the potency of what they take. part – is a regular occurrence deaths recorded since 2016, with Indigenous governments, Any dosage of fentanyl is pot- in her work. five of which were that year. NGOs, other stakeholders and entially lethal," she added. "We find alcohol in all man- There was one in 2017, two in say, ‘How can we develop Coroner tentatively reports ners of our deaths," Menard 2018, and none recorded so far community alcohol manage- decline of opioid-related deaths said, whether it be through this year. However, only one ment programs that are actual- Chief Coroner Cathy alcohol poisoning or the health of these deaths was related to ly going to make an impact?'" Menard said the NWT has wit- effects of long-term use. fentanyl. In the NWT, 43 per cent of nessed opioid-related deaths. In the past 10 years, 67 "Alcohol plays a larger residents are heavy drinkers. However, she notes a decrease, alcohol toxicity deaths have role not just in the health- For women, that means four with a caveat: the territory's come through her office. care system. (Because) there's or more alcoholic beverages in small population can mean The veteran coroner the health-care system and the a sitting at least once a month, numbers can rise and fall describes that figure as "a lot." societal impact," Kandola said, while for men, that is five or quickly. "Addictions is a huge con- explaining that alcohol is the more. The national average is In 2015 and 2016, she said cern for the Northwest Terri- country's costliest in terms of 19 per cent, she said. opioid-related deaths num- tories," she explained. "We've NNSL file photo wider economic challenges to Despite its high profile bered five for each year. In seen so much of it and we've Hospital visits in the Northwest Territories due health care, lost productivity in the national conversation 2018, there were two. seen our numbers climb over to alcohol poisoning far exceed overdoses due to and the court system. around addiction, Northwest "That's good. What is the last 10 years. It is very Fentanyl, according to Chief Public Health Officer Alcohol represented 80 per Territories RCMP haven't had 2019 going to bring? What frightening to see." Kami Kandola. NWT Addictions Week NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 5 Stigma toughest barrier to addiction treatment 'This isn't a choice people are making. It's not a moral failing,' says national expert by Nick Pearce ity. something to eat, put something in Northern News Services The foundation runs an on- their belly, that's going to help in Somba K'e/Yellowknife the-land healing camp just outside some way," he said. As NWT grapples with dispro- Yellowknife's core, where visitors Likewise, if someone visits the portionate rates of addiction, the engage in traditional activities and camp, he said there's little focus on negative public stereotype known as receive empathetic treatment when the "why" initially. stigma remains a roadblock to treat- they're ready. "It's more about how we can help ment, says an expert. When Prince received help, it was that person from where they're at "(That's) the most commonly on his own terms – no matter how right now," he said. recorded barrier to seeking support unpleasant it may have been. He noted some people end up in among people who do encounter sub- "They were able to lis- trouble after travelling to Yellow- stance abuse problems," said Reb- ten to me, and when they did, I knife to attend court or for medical ecca Jesseman, director of policy at was able to get it out and then I procedures and remain here as result the Canadian Centre on Substance could talk about other stuff and of substance use. Use and Addictions. changing my behaviours," he said. Dr. Carolyn Wilkes, director of Nick Pearce/NNSL photo Running from Nov. 25 to Dec. social programs with the Northwest Jennifer Butler, left, and Iris Notley run SideDoor Youth 1, the centre's National Addiction Lack of moral fibre Territories government, said stigma Resource Centre in Yellowknifew. Awareness Week aims to lift this "But only because someone can prevent those struggling with stigma, making it more socially allowed me to be who I was." addictions from receiving help. "addict" in favour of "person living Jennifer Butler, who works with acceptable to seek treatment. Prince said some consider addic- She added substance abuse condi- with substance-use disorder." youth dealing with addiction at Addiction is a health condi- tion as a sign of weakness, or suggest tions are health problems like any Meanwhile, few young people are SideDoor, said a gentler approach tion with physiological roots that it shows a lack of moral fibre. other medical issue. seeking treatment, often due to a dis- involves the youth finding the root can have foundations in childhood Others say those struggling with She added the government is aim- connect between real and perceived causes of challenges. experiences of trauma, said Jesse- addiction may not care, or that they ing to increase the number of coun- problematic behaviour, said Iris Not- "If they don't believe it, we're just man. like the way they are.A sellors in schools. ley, executive director of SideDoor, a spinning our wheels," she said. "This isn't a choice people are People arrive at the camp because For addictions week, several Christian youth ministry in Yellow- Butler has noticed plenty of stig- making. It's not a moral failing," she they've tried other avenues of treat- communities hosted programming knife. ma in her work, including within said. ment which "sometimes (don't) fit and events. peer groups. For his part, Donald Prince, exec- for them," he said. Wilkes encouraged those strug- 'Demonizing' socially "Even when people get clean, utive director and CEO of Arctic "If you see somebody who's hun- gling with addiction to seek help. acceptable activity their friends or their peers are quick Indigenous Wellness Foundation, gry, it doesn't matter why they're "People are much more than their "When we talk about treatment, to call them addicts, quick to throw draws off his experience and strug- hungry. They're hungry. health condition," she said, explain- it's demonizing a socially acceptable that in their face. It's almost like 'why gles while working in the commun- "If you can help them to have ing it's best to avoid terms such as activity for youth," Notley said. get clean'?" she said. 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 NWT Addictions Week Community feast planned in Whati Addictions, from page 2 Date Time Community / Location / Event

Nov. 27 11 a.m. Deline-Radio Show - Radio Show by H/SS - Discussion on how Alcohol/Drug affects! Followed by call-in questions – By Donald Yukon-Healthy Family Worker/Wellness Worker. The first two callers will get prizes! Date Time Community / Location / Event 5 p.m. Whati -Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Super at 5 p.m.; Ses- sion with Carmen, RCMP Constable; Topic: Drugs/financial Nov. 28 7-9 p.m. Deline-Arena - Culture Awareness event by our local Elders – crimes at 6 p.m. Door Prizes – Stations for craft making, cooking & storytelling by our local artists. 7 p.m. Tulita-Arena - Men's and Boys' Handgames; Tulita-Culture Centre - Mothers' & Daughters' Spa Night; Deline-Arena - 7 p.m. Tulita-Band Office Chambers - Family Fun Night at 7 p.m. & Family Fun Night/Talent Show by ALL DGG staff. Sewing Circle at 7 p.m.; Tulita-Preschool - AA Meeting; Tulita- School Gym - Family Volleyball. Nov. 27 Colville Lake-Community Gym - Craft Night/Making Snow Globe Cup Ornament. Nov. 29 12-1:30 Deline-Arena -Hot lunch for everyone by DGG staff. p.m. Nov. 28 9-10:30 a.m. Deline-Culture Centre - Free Smoothies & Muffins by DGG staff 2:30-4 Deline-Ski Hill - Sliding Party/Cook Out – Followed by Closing 3-4:30 Deline-Culture Centre - Judging of the REAL STORY Contest – p.m. Remarks. Snacks will be provided. p.m. 6 p.m. Whati-Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Movie night, 867-573- 3-6 p.m. Whati -Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Vision boards at 3012, ext. 1408 - Tephaine Wedawin - Email: tephainewed- 3:00 p.m.; Supper at 5 p.m.; Sharing Circle: People living with [email protected]. sobriety at 6 p.m. 6-9 p.m. Inuvik-Ingamo Hall - Family Night. 5:30-8:30 Inuvik-Arctic Family Center - Healing Circle: Addictions and 7-9 p.m. Tulita-Cultural Centre - Line Dancing; Colville Lake-Commun- p.m. Family Violence Presentation & Circle; Chili dinner. ity Gym - Movie Night/Making Snow Globe Ornaments. 7 p.m. Tulita-Arena - Family Board Games. Nov. 30 2-5 p.m. Tulita - Band Office Chambers - Sewing Circle; Tulita - Band Office - Family Sliding. 3 p.m. Whati-Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre - Community Feast, call 867-573-3012, ext. 1408 - Tephaine Wedawin - Email: [email protected]. 7-9 p.m. Colville Lake-Community Gym - Nutritional Bingo. 9 p.m. Inuvik-Ingamo Hall - Old Time Dance & Jigging Contest. Dec. 1 5 p.m. Tulita-Arena - Pot Luck at 5 p.m. & Drum Dance to follow. Dec. 4-5 10 a.m. - Deline-Wellness Centre - ‘Creating Safe Communities for 4 p.m. Older Adults Workshop' by Suzette Montreuil, NWT Seniors' Society; Seniors, service providers & concerned people wel- come! NWT Seniors' Society Toll-free: 1-800-661-0878 or email: [email protected]. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 7 Our beautiful North

jpessi ascal Aklavik A beautiful birds eye view of the Richardson mountains, west of Aklavik.

WINNER: Bryden Smith Ian patterson Behchoko Inuvik Frank Channel Bridge outside Behchoko. Ghostly on-the-land tents at a camp near Horton Lake.

Submit entries via Facebook messenger to our NNSL. com page each week by 4 p.m. Thursday and we'll post the contestants each Friday on our Facebook page. They may also appear in this newspaper and other Northern News Services publications. The photo with the most votes at the end of the week's voting will receive $100. 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 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 Fax: (867) 874-2804 Email: [email protected] Mackenzie Delta office, Inuvik: Phone: (867) 777-4545 Fax: (867) 777-4412 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/inuvikdrum Baffin office, Iqaluit: Phone: (867) 979-5990 Fax: (867) 979-6010 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/nunavutnews Kivalliq office, rankin inlet: Darrell Greer – Bureau Chief Phone: (867) 645-3223 Fax: (867) 645-3225 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/kivalliqnews

Founder (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo MANAGING EDITOR: Mike W. Bryant – [email protected] Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant • Craig Gilbert ACCOUNTING – [email protected] Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Amy Yang Assignment editor Craig Gilbert - [email protected] Photo: Emily McInnis

Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected] NNSL file photo Business: [email protected] Nearly three-quarters of Northwest Territories residents would describe themselves as a "current" drinker, according to Arts: [email protected] GNWT statistics. Four in 10 binge drink at least once a month. Addressing mental health and addictions is the eighteenth of Reporters: Brendan Burke • Simon Whitehouse 22 priorities set by the 19th Legislative Assembly. Nick Pearce

Advertising production Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Diana Mathisen • Zdena Kunderlik Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson Customer service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] NWT has no time to ADVERTISING [email protected] Representatives: Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan • Echo Xin

Advertising co-ordinator: Zerline Rodriguez Administrative assistant: Emmanuel Ramos waste on addictions Social Media co-ordinator: Vincent De Leon

CIRCULATION: The struggle is difficult, but one that must be met nonetheless [email protected] Northern News Services al average and the top three are the Circulation Director: Emma Thomas Jewala Jhankur The costs associated with addic- The issue: territories, with the NWT placing a Subscriptions: tions in the Northwest Territories are addictions distant second behind Nunavut and One year mail $90 Online (entire content) $50/year staggering. We say: slightly ahead of our neighbours in Right off the bat this means poli- kicking the can down the road the Yukon. cing and justice, and health care, This doesn't just represent NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated but the impact extends to other a human tragedy, it illustrates Publishers of: Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News parts of society that publicly funded and variety of culturally respectful, yet another cost to current and Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North • Nunavut News/North social services are tasked with community-based mental health future taxpayers, that being the Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association addressing. and addictions programs." unfathomable loss of productivity, Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association The 19th Legislative Assembly But there isn't even a GNWT-run the unknowable achievements and Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association placed the growing municipal fund- treatment centre in the territory any- advances that will never happen in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce ing gap – the difference between more, and it has already been clear- the wake of this crushing loss of life. Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited what the GNWT transfers to com- ly demonstrated that flying people For the most part, people on both

We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons munities and what they actually down to Edmonton is not working. sides of the 60th Parallel will find financial support of l'appui financier du the Government of gouvernement du need to balance their own budgets This, in a territory where 74 per a way to get drunk, high or both, so Canada. Canada. – in its list of priorities but what cent of people aged 15 or older the challenge faced by the bodies

Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council stands out from an addictions describe themselves as a cur- tasked with caring for our commun- was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public and press alike, and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints perspective is the bottomless pit rent drinker, and 43.2 per cent of ities is not to be minimized. And the from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and pub- lishing news, opinion and advertising. of money territorial taxpayers are them binge drink more than once people who show up to work day in Complaints should go to: asked to contribute to year in and a month (defined as four drinks in and day out in order to help stran- The Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706 Toronto, Ont., M5B 1J3 year out. one sitting for a woman, or five for gers who are, for the most part, the Email: [email protected] Fax: 1-416-340-8724 www.ontpress.com You could call it a social deficit, a man). most vulnerable among us, should and it's only going to get worse. Nearly a third gamble more than be celebrated. Send us your comments Email us at: [email protected] with the subject Priority #18 is among the most $20 in a typical week, more than a But their task will remain incom- line "My opinion"; or send mail to News/North at Box ambitious of the 22 that MLAs set third smoke cigarettes. plete without a clear strategy to 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at our office at 5108-50 Street. All letters submitted for themselves in the weeks leading The costs aren't limited to the address the large and growing must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number. We will do our best to ensure that up to their swearing-in on Oct. 25. It living. Eight Canadian jurisdictions social deficit the GNWT is effectively letters submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday are printed in Monday's News/North. calls for an "increase in the number have suicide rates above the nation- handing down to future generations. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 9 From root to fruit! Northern News Services Even with an RCMP detachment it often Friends, at the outset what Tsiigehtchic takes years for any arrests of bootleggers. citizen Lawrence Norbert has to say about Meanwhile people are being medevac'd off, the bootleggers there can easily be taken the regular as the mail to get patched up. wrong way. Many come back in a coffin. Our grave- Every decent minded person, sober or not, yards are full of these grim reminders. in a small Northern town wants to In my own experience, over 25 keep the place clean and safe. years ago, even the local social Norbert's call to get to the root assistance counsellor outright causes of addictions, for instance, laughed at me, when I mentioned is a very mature way of looking to needing treatment for my drink- the problems we have. ing. A couple of columns back After a month at Poundmaker's here in News/North I made strong Lodge, as Norbert mentions, I had support for people like Dene film- to deal with an alcoholic com- maker Raymond Yakeleya, about munity, with almost no support his take on community corrup- system in place. tion. In the transition from being Mainly for a lack of education land-based Indigenous Peoples to we usually end up with leaders MOUNTAIN now the stress of life in town, we of important offices with but a View also have to deal with inter gener- Grade 10 learning level. Antoine Mountain is a ational residential school trauma. What with the extreme poverty Dene artist and writer People are still basically liv- in the North's smaller places, originally from Radilih ing in fear of losing their souls to Koe'/Fort Good Hope. people have to deal with the high He can be reached the devil. One sign of this is that cost of living, making some, even at: amountainarts.com. when anything happens, even to elders, turn to bootlegging. the point of murder, it's said to the These are otherwise good be work of God. people who simply see no other way to make It isn't, friends! ends meet. These are social, man-made problems Officials like the RCMP pretty well have that we can deal with, given the right way to to deal with the fallout, the ‘symptoms', as think it through. the Tsiigehtchic mans points out. Like our For now, I am thankful for the people neighbouring Kabami Tue, Colville Lake, like Tsiigehtchic's Lawrence Norbert who go the problem gets more complicated, with no out of their way to provide an honest light to enforcement officers stationed there. the dark of addictions. Mahsi, thank you. We asked you! with Paul Bickford

Two wrongs still [email protected] don't make a right Why are you interested in the Franklin Expedition? NNSL file photo Concept Energy Systems owner Rocky Simpson pictured at his work site in 2017. A reader believes a more rigorous discussion about how the Northwest Territories Housing Corportation can build capacity in Northern contractors needs to take place. Dear editor, and NWTHC senior management made an I agree with the statement in the editorial, error in assuming that Rocky could complete dated Nov 10, 2019, that Northern contract- the contract for his $9.3 million bid amount. ors are key to Northern prosperity; however, There was too much enthusiasm for that great there needs to be a rigorous public discussion price per unit. of the best way that the NWT Housing Cor- Since the NWTHC was partially at fault Erika Koop: Eileen Gross: poration (NWTHC) can help build Northern for the failure of Concept Energy to complete "I think it's a really interesting part "Because my husband is Tom contractor capacity and expertise. the contract, the NWTHC could have taken NWTHC senior management made their a more conciliatory approach to solving the of history." Gross." first mistake when they chose to bypass the problem. This could have allowed both par- established bid evaluation process for pro- ties to save face and complete the work by jects of this size and award the contract to a Northern contractor whose capacity the build 19 duplexes (38 housing units) to Con- NWTHC was trying to build. Rocky Simp- cept Energy Services Ltd., the lowest bidder. son was led to believe that he could do the Bypassing the established bid evaluation work, since the NWTHC appeared to have process resulted in NWTHC senior managers confidence in his abilities by awarding him setting up Concept Energy to fail. In addi- the contract. Instead, the NWTHC chose to tion, the NWTHC did not protect taxpayers' take a more inconsiderate approach to correct interests; nor did it end up successfully build- their error; and get the construction of the ing contractor capacity and expertise. duplexes completed. The second mistake made by NWTHC I suspect that the reason the formal bid senior management was how they chose to evaluation process was bypassed was because correct their first mistake. They chose to the individuals who opened the tenders real- pull the contract from Concept Energy; and ized that the Concept Energy proposal would take possession of the work-in-progress and not stand up to the bid evaluation process. the building materials purchased to build Awarding the contract to Concept Energy the 19 duplexes. Instead, NWTHC senior would be much easier to justify if the bid managers should have negotiated and worked evaluation process did not take place. with Concept Energy to complete the work. When the final decision to award a That would have meant NWTHC senior contract is not fair, open and transparent, Mary Lister (Alberta): Vicky Latour: managers would need to admit that they future similar bidding opportunities could be "I think I got interested because "Because it's part of Canadian made an error in bypassing the bid evaluation ignored by prospective contractors. Eligible we went on a Northwest Passage history and I like the history of process, while finding the additional funds contractors don't want to waste resources bid- expedition through Adventure the Northwest Territories. Franklin to complete the work. This would have been ding on projects that they have no chance of the most cost-effective way to get the work winning. Canada, and one of the places we actually went past Hay River on an completed; and get beyond the error that was stopped was Beechey Island." earlier land expedition." jointly made by the NWTHC and Concept Allan Cleary Energy. Rocky Simpson underbid the project; Oyama, BC 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 news Property connected to indebted MLA up for sale $699,999 for three Hay River construction lots used by Rocky Simpson's Concept Energy by Simon Whitehouse after being awarded a contract Other media outlets have Northern News Services by NWT Housing Corpora- reported since the election Hay River tion in 2016. The contract was that Simpson owes more than A work site connected to revoked the following year the $2 million - a claim that Rocky Simpson, the heavily after Concept Energy failed to NNSL Media has been unable indebted MLA for Hay River deliver on the contract. to confirm through official South, is up for sale. Last June, NWT Superior sources. The property, made Court Judge Karan On Monday BDIC was up of three adjoining Shaner ordered Simp- supplied with a list of ques- lots, is listed with Cen- son and his companies tions that included whether tury 21. The asking to repay nearly $2 mil- a formalized repayment plan price is $699,999 plus lion to GNWT lending has been initiated, to what GST. The Century 21 firm NWT Business extent the properties sale listing advises that the Development Invest- would contribute to debt Vale Island property Rocky ment Corporation repayment, and when the full "has so much to offer." Simpson (BDIC) after failing to debt is expected to be paid News/North was pay back a loan dating back. unable to verify ownership for back to 2011. Officials with the GNWT two of three lots but one – lot Simpson didn't publicly corporation refused to com- 29 – is listed with the NWT reveal his debt during the ment this week. Land Titles Office under Con- territorial election campaign "The BDIC doesn't com- cept Consulting, a company in September. The revelation ment on individual client owned by Simpson. didn't come until five days files directly with media," The property is where after the Oct. 1 election. Simp- said Brad Poulter, manager Screenshot Simpson's other company, son beat his opponent, Indus- of business services and com- A Century 21 Canada listing shows the properties have a railway easement Concept Energy, was working try Minister Wally Schumann, munications. across all three lots, "a great opportunity for receiving freight to a new to build 19 modular homes by a vote of 350 to 322. Please see Listing page 14 manufacturing operation. health NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 11 Tlicho nurse marks fourth year as stomach cancer survivor November Stomach Cancer Awareness Month by Simon Whitehouse camera that goes through the mouth cancer over the last decade. Of those Northern News Services to evaluate the mouth, swallowing years, more than 60 per cent of inci- Behchoko tube, stomach and internal organs – dents have occurred in the last five After suffering stomach cancer results soon came back that she had years. that led to the removal of her stomach stomach cancer. In most cases, based on the and parts of her esophagus and intes- Within a month she underwent department's figures, males are typi- tines four years ago, a local health a 10-hour operation to remove her cally more afflicted with the disease professional is advocating for greater stomach and surrounding lymph as over the last decade, more than patient awareness about the disease nodes as well as parts of her esopha- 80 per cent of stomach cancer cases this month. gus and intestines. were men. Nov. 30 is Stomach Cancer "The recovery was the most pain Diagnoses have ranged from peo- Awareness Day, but the entire month I had been in my entire life," Mantla- ple aged 32 to 93 and most cases (69 is known as Stomach Cancer Aware- Look stated in an email. "I hated per cent) were diagnosed later – in ness month. every moment of being a patient. either stage three or stage four. Lianne Mantla-Look, a 38-year- Most of my life I've taken care of "Usually when it is caught, it is old Tlicho citizen and trained nurse other people and this time it was me in the late stage, which is stage three who works with Hotii Ts'eeda in in the hospital bed and I did not know or four and your chances of survival Behchoko celebrated her fourth year how to deal with it." then are pretty slim," said Mantla- as a stomach cancer survivor in Sep- Look. tember. Body parts removed Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, deputy chief Until this week she has kept her Mantla-Look said the removal of public health officer with the GNWT, story private. her body parts has since led to a said in a recent interview that stom- "My main objective with sharing completely different lifestyle and a ach cancer is typically more com- my story is that I was first diagnosed daily routine that has included having mon in many other countries than in because I actually really fought for to eat smaller, more frequent meals Canada. an endoscopy to happen in the first throughout the day in order to keep However, it has a high rate of risk place," she said. "My biggest thing as her blood levels up. for cancer-related death. a front-line worker has been to pro- She also has to ensure that she is "The Canadian Cancer Society mote patient advocacy or advocating equipped with food and drink while shows that the five-year survival rate for yourself in the health care system. travelling and in emergency situa- (from diagnosis to five years) is in the "Had we waited for me to pres- tions. neighbourhood of about 25 per cent," ent with symptoms I would be dead. "Living without a stomach is a he said. "So it is a serious cancer photo courtesy of Lianne Mantla-Look Which is kind of scary." challenge but it is doable," she said. typically." Lianne Mantla-Look celebrated her fourth anniversary – or In August 2015, Mantla-Look's "I didn't know you could live without Delli Pizzi said stomach cancer life changed dramatically after she a vital organ like this. can be a very serious and life-altering ‘cancer-versary' – as a stomach cancer survivor in September. was diagnosed early with stomach "Eating is a challenge. I have to disease, particularly if it is caught She is hoping to share her story and experience with the dis- cancer. She said she had none of eat small meals throughout the day - in later stages or is associated with ease in order to promote patients advocating for themselves the common symptoms at the time roughly every two hours to keep my an aggressive cancer. It can also in the health care system. but had a history since her teens blood sugar in check. Drinking fluids pose difficulties for quality of life of suffering with a reflux disease is a challenge. I can't drink and eat at if it involves serious surgery as in Delli Pizzi said typically the more severe cases - blood in the stool which caused her to have really bad the same time because I don't have Mantla-Look's situation. symptoms are abdominal pain in or drastic weight loss. heartburn. space for both." "It really is a lifelong struggle the upper abdomen that bring per- "Unfortunately, with stomach can- After a checkup led to her doctor According to the GNWT Depart- after treatment for stomach cancer sistent discomfort, problems with cer, the symptoms are so non specific recommending to have an upper GI ment of Health and Social Services, so it does really impact peoples lives, food digestion, trouble swallowing, and not always that clear so it is often endoscopy – which is a tube with a there have been 38 cases of stomach yes, "said Delli Pizzi. severe heartburn, vomiting and in diagnosed in later stages," he said. 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

photo courtesy of Heather Coakwell Silver Lining

The Hay River Huskies won silver in the bantam hockey tournament held earlier this month in Hay River. The team consisted of, front row, left to right, Liam Tybring, Helene McKay-Ivanko, Jhett Maher, Owen Pettipas, Jack Pettipas, Conor Wilkins and Theron Mabbitt; and, back row, left to right, coach Terry Webster, James Gra- ham, Reese Leonard, Chayce Beck, Shaelyn Mabbitt, Jenna Demarcke, Cash Rewega, Johnny Demarcke, Keira Coakwell, Hailey Bassett, Kale Beck and coach Shaun Demarcke. Keith Pettipas, another coach, is missing from the photo.

Christmas bazaar moves The bazaar is scheduled to take place on Nov. 30 with the named the Chief Baptiste Cazon Building by the GNWT. Lli Goline/Norman Wells doors opening to the public at 1 p.m. The name is in honour of Chief Baptiste Cazon, the Fort Residents in the holiday spirit who are looking to scratch Those excited to see what products will be available can Simpson elder and chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation from some names off their Christmas shopping lists will find the look forward to vendors selling crafts, baked goods, food and 1955 to 1974. Norman Wells Christmas Bazaar in a different location from beverages during the Christmas bazaar. "I would like to thank all residents who took the time to past years. – Erin Steele submit a nomination, and the NWT Honours Advisory Coun- The new location for the event is in the Mackenzie Moun- cil for their thoughtful recommendations," states Premier tain School gymnasium. Caroline Cochrane. Building name announced "These GNWT owned office buildings have been named Attendees are asked to use the main entrance to access Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson the gym. to reflect the culture, heritage and history of the communities An office building in Fort Simpson has officially been where they are located." The newly named government building is located at 9902 – 98th avenue. – Erin Steele Flight schedule changes for winter Sahtu Region Users of North-Wright Airways can expect a seasonal reduction in service due to lack of traffic beginning Jan. 1. "During the months when the winter road is open and operational, North-Wright Airways will be reducing service to some of the communities in the Sahtu Region," states a social media bulletin. "North-Wright Airways believes this schedule will accom- modate passenger travel with a schedule that is balanced between service and accessibility." Among the changes, service from Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake to Yellowknife on Tuesdays and Thursdays will also be discontinued for the duration of the winter road flight schedule. This schedule is set to remain in place until April 1. – Erin Steele Grants available for trappers NWT Trappers in the NWT will have an opportunity to receive funding from the GNWT via micro-business grants. "Looking to increase your level or quality of production or income? Need tools or equipment to get there? We can help," states a bulletin on social media from the GNWT. "Up to $5,000 in annual assistance is available to qualify- ing NWT trappers." Those interested in applying for assistance have until Dec. 6 to do so. Trappers are invited to contact their local economic development officer in order to apply. The GNWT's micro business funding is provided under the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy. – Erin Steele photo stories NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 13 Celebrating to the MAX Geoscience forum wraps Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photos Lorraine Lebeau, left, with gala the capital regional mapper with the Canada Nuna- vut Geoscience Office GALA (CNGO), with Karen Costello, president of the Northwest Territor- Feature ies and Nunavut Asso- by Simon Whitehouse/ Yellowknife ciation of Professional Engineers and Geo- The 47th Geoscience Forum closed out with the NWT Max scientists and Linda Awards Excellence in Mining and Exploration eventin Yellow- Hamm chief geologist knife on Nov. 21. with CNGO. The awards portion of the forum were in their third year. The event, which is co-sponsored by the GNWT and NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines featured special keynote speaker Bruce Anderson, chair of Abacus Data, polling and market research firm. There were 220 people in attendance. Anderson gave a presentation that discussed data from his firm that touched on the Canadian attitudes toward the mining and natural resource extraction sector and the North, media consumption patterns, federal and American politics and social concerns around the environment and diversity, identity and inclusion. The evening also featured guest speakers Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Industry Katrina Nokleby. An awards presentation saw six new recipients celebrated. The Chamber of Mines issued a news release on Friday explaining the MAX award recipients have all played an enor- mous in responsible and successful resource development, help- ing establish industry best practices, creating opportunities, and demonstrating leadership in their respective categories."

Honoured at the ceremony were: Wally Schumann, former minister of Industry, Walt Humphries – Distinguished Service Award Tourism and Investment, left, with Mason Cockx, Bruce Davidson, left, Parks manager, with Chief Det'on Cho Management LP – Economic Leadership Award of -based Boxville Homes. Leonard Kenny of the Deline Got'ine Government. Newmont Goldcorp – Environmental Responsibility Award Shayne Paul – Indigenous Achievement Award Hilary Jones – Special Achievement Award Bob McLeod – Honorary Achievement Award

Sabrina Lakhani, University of British Columbia resident researcher, Peter Ohokanoak, Nunavut Tunnga- Bruce Anderson, owner of Abacus Data was the vik Inc (NTI) manager of mineral agreements and promotions, Chris Kalluk, NTI manager of GPS/ITI, and guest speaker at the awards ceremony. Jorgan Aitoak, NTI senior advisor minerals of oil and gas management.

Dwight Grabke, left, environmental lead with NewmontGoldcorp Corporation, Scott Stringer, general manager with Newmont Goldcorp Corporation (Environ- mental Responsibility Award), Bob McLeod, former premier (Honorary Achievement Award), Hilary Jones, general manager of Mine Training Society, (Special Achievement Award), Shayne Paul, mining engineer with Rio Tinto (Indigenous Achievement Award), Bobby Drygeese, director and Paul Gruner, president and CEO with Deton Cho Corporation (Distinguished Service Award) and columnist and mining historian Walt Humphries (Distinguished Service Award). 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 news Listing includes office, warehouse Property, from page 10 ing, the 189,900 square-foot sized land on 102 Avenue is zoned by the News/North also reached out to Town of Hay River as "T-Transpor- Canada Revenue Agency, to whom tation." Simpson allegedly owes more than The property has about 297 feet $1 million, but the agency declined of frontage along 109 Avenue to the to comment on questions concern- North, 659-feet of frontage along ing Simpson's tax arrears due to 106 Street to the west, and 209 feet confidentiality provisions in the of frontage to the south. Income Tax Act. Included in the sale is a 1,728 TJ Madigan, communications square-feet office building, which manager with the agency, stated in was built in 1983 and which fea- an email that it is the responsibility tures "concrete footing with pre- of the indebted party to contact the served wood lift and skirting, tiled agency if they feel that cannot repay floors throughout and panelled the debt. walls." "The CRA's collection policy There is also a steel-frame 7,000 is to resolve outstanding tax debts square-foot-plus warehouse on the in a mutually satisfactory way," property that was built in 1987 Madigan stated. "We encourage which includes "a reinforced con- taxpayers to contact us and work crete slab, metal siding and two together to develop suitable pay- overhead bay doors." ment arrangements based on their The listing states that there is a ability to pay, if they cannot pay the smaller wood-frame warehouse and total amount owing immediately." "a Quonset-style tent" with approxi- If the indebted person fails to mately 7,000 square feet of space. It co-operate with a new payment has "vinyl covering, supported by a arrangement or refuses to pay, light metal frame," states the listing. "legal action may be taken," Madi- The property sale comes with gan stated. "a railway easement crossing all "These actions could include three lots." garnishment of wages or other Multiple efforts to reach Simp- income sources, seizure and sale son by phone and email for this of assets, or any other means under story were unsuccessful. any applicable statutes or laws to News/North also sought com- photo courtesy of Century 21 Canada collect an amount owing." ment from Century 21 but received The property, made up of three adjoining lots, is listed with Century 21. The asking price is - no response. According to the Century 21 list $699,999 plus GST. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 15 Sports & Recreation Sport s hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Thousands of reasons to smile

photo courtesy of Thorsten Gohl Close to $200,000 worth of sports gear showed up in Fort Providence on Nov. 15 thanks to the work of Edward Landry, a minor hockey coach in the community, Cpl. Cagri Yilmaz, detachment commander of the Fort Providence RCMP, and Sport Central, an Edmonton-based organization which provides donations to com- munities in need. Nearly $200,000 of sporting equipment donated to Fort Providence by Edmonton-based charity

by James McCarthy maz, detachment commander for "Cagri told me to try and get "They told me it was in High cess includes several aspects each Northern News Services Fort Providence RCMP) and told whatever I could because there wasn't Level and it was early," he said with prospective recipient needs to out- Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence him I needed to get some gear for the much here for the kids," said Landry. a laugh. "I had to find people and line, he added. Edward Landry of Fort Provi- kids," he said. A week after he submitted the volunteers to help unload all of the "We want to learn more about the dence is a long-time coach in minor Yilmaz came up with the idea of application, Landry checked in with stuff that was coming." community where the donation will hockey and had a problem. getting in touch with Sport Central, Sport Central to see how things were In total, Landry said seven pal- be going," he said. "We want to know Plenty of youth in the community which Landry did. moving along. lets were taken off of the truck and what the resources are currently and didn't have any equipment to wear "I wanted to help our kids," stated He received the news he was look- he was surprised with what was how it will be used because we have in order to play and he wanted to try Yilmaz in a news release on Nov. 21. ing for. there. to answer to Revenue Canada for and get some. "Team sports can boost kids' self- "They told me the application "There's uniforms, there's balls, that. Being a charitable organiza- That's when he hatched a plan esteem, coordination was approved and they there's hockey sticks," he said. "Our tion, we have to show the federal into action and, from that, the com- and general fitness, and would be taking it from cup overflowed and our prayers government we're helping to allevi- munity now has enough equipment help them learn how to " Our cup there," he said. were answered. I've been praying for ate poverty so we have what's known for several sports. work with other kids The next trick was something like this for a long time." as winning conditions." Close to $200,000 worth of sports and adults." overflowed getting everything Sheldon Oleksyn, Sport Central's The hockey equipment was set to gear of all kinds arrived in the com- Landry spoke with and our to Fort Providence executive director, said this isn't the be handed out on Nov. 21 in time for munity on Nov. 15 thanks to the Don McDonald, Sport and that problem was first time the organization has given the start of the minor hockey season, work of Landry and others. The Central's director of prayers were solved thanks to Mani- donations to the North. which is this week. donation, which came courtesy of outreach, to see what toulin Transport, which He said Ulukhaktok received a Landry was taking registration Sport Central, an Edmonton-based they could do to help, answered." trucked up the gear free barged donation back in August and forms as of Nov. 21 and he was charitable organization which pro- if at all. of charge. they've also sent gear to Resolute going to be putting things into bags Edward Landry vides donations to communities in "I went to see him "That was a big and Iqaluit in Nunavut. to hand out. The remainder of the need, includes equipment and uni- and checked out the help and without them, "We always give more than what's equipment will be going to Deh Gah forms for hockey, baseball, basket- program," said Landry. "They have I don't think it would have arrived so asked for," he said. "Part of that is School and the hamlet. ball, lacrosse, volleyball, golf and a lot of great stories of commun- soon," said Landry. because it's hard to predict sizes for "This is such a great thing for the snowboarding. ities they've helped out in the past." The equipment actually arrived everyone. Pulling an order together community and great for our kids," Landry said the idea started when Landry then filled out the forms to sooner than expected. Landry thought would be tough if we had to go into said Landry. "There's going to be a he was in Edmonton for some physio get the ball rolling and he said it it was going to be in the community specifics so we always give a cross- lot of smiles on the kids faces and earlier this year. turned into more than just hockey on Nov. 19 but a phone call to check section of sizes and equipment." that's worth it. I know they'll enjoy "I spoke with (Cpl.) Cagri (Yil- equipment. on it caused a bit of panic. Sport Central's application pro- it."

territory has ever produced, the late Floyd Daniels, a fastpitch an evening tilt with of Ontario in draw no. 3. softball legend in the NWT and the late Roseanne Allen, a This will be the first chance Koe gets to qualify for the sports graduate of the Territorial Experimental Ski Training (TEST) Canadian Olympic Trials in 2021 in Saskatoon as the Program and member of the 1972 Winter Olympic team. tournament is one of several ways a team can punch a ticket. Check The newest inductees brings to 12 the number of athletes with James McCarthy inducted. Youth members wanted email: [email protected] NWT back in action Volleyball NT is on the lookout for some new board mem- Alberta bers but not just any board members. Class of 2019 inducted Kevin Koe and his rink are back out on the road, so to The organization is looking for youth members to join its Somba K'e/Yellowknife speak, and he won't have very far to travel from his home base ranks with the preferred age range being 14 to 18. Those who The NWT Sport Hall of Fame has three new inductees of Calgary. want to join will have to be in school, be involved with vol- among its membership. Koe is one of the eight men's rink playing in the Home Hard- leyball in their home community and participate in monthly This year's induction ceremony took place in Yellowknife ware of Curling, which gets underway on Nov. 27 board meetings. on Nov. 22 and the trio of new honourees all entered into the in Leduc, Alta. Koe will kick things off the first draw by play- You have until Dec. 10 to get your name in for considera- athletes category: John Tram, one of the finest gymnasts the ing John Epping of Ontario in his opening contest followed by tion. 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 sports & recreation Communities help Yellowknife to victory Fort Smith and Hay River players join in with Wolfpack senior girls to division title at Wickenheiser Female World Hockey Festival by James McCarthy camp and they needed some Northern News Services extra players," she said. "I've Calgary played with most of those girls You know the old say- before so it was easy to be a ing about getting by with a part of the group." little help from your friends? It was a bit of a step up The Yellowknife Wolfpack for Aubrey-Smith as she's a senior girls hockey team made bantam but because there were the trip to Calgary for the midget players among the Wickenheiser Female World ranks, that meant the team had Hockey Festival in Calgary to play in that division. earlier this month and came She said it wasn't too much home victorious. of a difference in terms of the All thanks to a little help pace. from their friends in Fort "I played in the tourna- Smith and Hay River. ment last year as a peewee," The Wolfpack ended up she said. "It was different winning the midget Tier 3 playing up a division but not division thanks to a 7-2 win too much of a difference." over the GHC Jr. Inferno squad The ladies played four round- from Calgary in the final robin games in total with three on Nov. 18. It was a rever- lopsided wins to their credit, sal of fortunes as the Inferno the loss to the Inferno being defeated the Wolfpack in the the lone blemish on their rec- round-robin meeting between ord. the two teams immediately "Once we got out to a com- before the final, 5-3. fortable lead, we started to Both communities provided focus on things we wanted to three players each for the tour- get better at," said Hart. "We photo courtesy of Rob Hart nament: Anais Aubrey-Smith, worked on our defensive zone The Yellowknife Wolfpack senior girls outfit won gold in the midget Tier 3 division at the Wickenheiser Julia Heron and Sarah Por- plays, offensive pressure and it Female World Hockey Festival in Calgary on Nov. 17. They are, front row from left, Ellie Loutitt and Kamilah ter made up the Fort Smith was good to see the girls get- Gostick; middle row from left, Anais Aubrey-Smith, Helen McKay-Ivanko, Jenna Demarcke and Jaci Dusome; compliment while Kamilah ting stronger and better every back row from left, Zoey Remo, Samantha Noyce, Julia Heron, Brooklyn Helyar, Katie Hart, Maddie Minkoff, Gostick, Jenna Demarcke and game." Helene McKay-Ivanko were Hart thought his ladies Taylor Catcher, Emma Wicks, Emma Carey and Sarah Porter. the Hay River players. were the better of the two Aubrey-Smith said she got teams when they played the had the better chances, the bet- of game." thinking we would win it," she had plenty of parents and fans the invite to go thanks to a Inferno in the round-robin but ter pressure, better puck con- The loss meant the Wolf- said. "They just caught us off- in the stands being from Cal- phone call from Rob Hart, the it was just one of those games. trol but I told the girls after pack ended up finishing sec- guard the first time. We just gary and they were making a team's head coach. "We ran into a hot goal- the game that you can be the ond following the round-robin couldn't score any goals." lot of noise." "I always go to the summer tender," he said. "I thought we underdog and have that kind but it was good enough to get The Wolfpack came out the As was the case all tour- them into the gold medal game better of the two teams in the nament long, the goaltenders as the top two teams advanced final, potting two in the open- were swapped out at the half- right through. ing period to take a 2-0 lead way point as Ellie Loutitt Hart said he didn't make into the intermission. of Yellowknife came off the any wholesale changes before "The girls were brilliant in bench in place of Gostick and the final. the first," said Hart. "I don't it seemed to do the trick as "We tweaked a couple of think they gave up a good Loutitt shut the door the rest things but the message was scoring chance in the first. of the way. just get back to the basics," he They were transitioning well The Wolfpack restored its said. "Things like putting the and everything was clicking." two-goal lead near the end of puck on net, work on passing. But as much as they may the second period to make it I know (the Inferno) thought have been clicking, the Wolf- 4-2 and took charge in the they were the better team and pack got themselves into pen- third, scoring another three would beat us twice but anyone alty trouble early in the second unanswered to skate away with who's played in a tournament period and that came back to the title. will tell you it's tough to beat bite them as the Inferno struck "After the second period, the same team twice." twice in quick fashion to tie the we were getting more confi- Aubrey-Smith said the girls game at 2-2. dent," said Aubrey-Smith. "I were confident the loss was That struck some fear into was confident we were going nothing more than a blip on Hart. to win at that point. I had never the radar. "I was thinking this could won there until this year so it "We all went into the final be dangerous," he said. "They was a good weekend." Sports Card hockey

1257+:(677(55,725,(6

AGE: 13, Community: Hay River Helene was part of the Hay River contin- gent that helped the Yellowknife Wolfpack claim victory at the Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival in Calgary earlier this month. She was joined by Jenna Demarcke and Kamilah Gostick, who also Helene McKay-ivanko hail from Hay River. sports & recreation NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 17 Who else should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame? These people …

Northern News Services player (1,327) not already in the Hall of Fame. How First off, a mea culpa on my part: does that happen? If Dino Ciccarelli is in the Hall of I messed up last week describing why we wear pop- Fame, Turgeon should be there. pies. They came after First World War, the war to end Alexander Mogilny, perhaps? After all, his numbers all wars, and not Second World War as I erroneously are similar to Paul Kariya's and Kariya was inducted in wrote. My fault and I should have known better. I am the class of 2017. Mogilny played one more game than sorry to anyone who read it and had a few four-letter Kariya did, though it could be argued that Kariya could words to describe it. I deserved them. – and should – have played more had it not been for On to this week's buffet: concussions. Mogilny has 71 more career goals and 43 more career points than Kariya, both are Olympic gold Where are these people? medallists, both are world champions as well as world So the Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2019 is junior champions but Mogilny had Kariya beat in the officially enshrined. Hayley Wickenheiser getting in Stanley Cup department. wasn't a case of if but more when and why did it take In any event, I firmly expect to see Iginla enter the this damn long? Wickenheiser is the greatest women's Hall of Fame next year. hockey player this country has produced without ques- tion. Find me another women's player who has had the Garnet Hathaway is disgusting impact on the female side of hockey in this country and There are so many no-nos in sports, some written, I will always show you a photo of Wickenheiser because some not. Spitting is someone's face is one which counts she's all I need as a retort. She has been this country's in both categories because not only is it one of the ulti- greatest hockey soldier – male or female – and is the mate acts of disrespect, it's just dirty. Imagine the germs most deserving of the 2019 class. contained in someone's loogy. Now on to the future and who should Anyway, Garnet Hathaway of the follow and there's one player who should Washington Capitals decided he would be a no-brainer for 2020: Jarome Iginla, Sports show Erik Gudbrandson of the Anaheim one of my all-time favourite players. Ducks he can be a dirtbag by winding Iginla will be eligible for the first up and tossing a spitbag into Gudbrand- time next year and he's the easiest choice Talk son's craw during a line scrap between of the bunch. He played 20 seasons in with James McCarthy the two teams on Nov. 18. It isn't like the National Hockey League and never Hathaway is hiding it, either – he loads won a Stanley Cup, a distinction he up and lets loose with cameras filming shares with the late Ted Lindsay, but his career stats are the whole thing. as follows: 14th in career games played, 16th in goals Look, emotions boil over sometimes when athletes scored (tied with Joe Sakic, who's in the Hall of Fame get into it and they cross a line. I've done it – I inten- already), 12 straight 30-goal seasons, two Olympic gold tionally cracked a guy in the cubes during a rugby game medals, world champion, world junior champion. Put in my high school days but I had an excuse: he ripped the man in already. hair out of my head and that was my payback. Am I Someone else who should be in is Theoren Fleury. proud of it? Of course not but I did it. Similar sort of stats to Iginla in that he averaged around By rights, Gudbrandson could press charges against a point per game in his career and he, like Iginla, is a Hathaway if he really wanted to as spitting on someone Stanley Cup winner and Olympic gold medallist. Not with intent is considered a form of simple assault under bad for someone thought to be too small at 5-foot-6. District of Columbia law. That's the extreme end of Sure, he had personal issues but he's not the only one what happened but the fact of the matter is Hathaway is who's gone through demons. He's beaten them and when a dirtbag and needs to be treated as such. I met him in 2015 on a trip to Yellowknife, he looked in The punishment for Hathaway was handed down on great shape and in good spirits. Nov. 20 – three games. That's all. Spitting in someone's There's plenty of debate about Pierre Turgeon's face gets three games. How pathetic. Something is induction and the big reason people like to throw better than nothing, I suppose, and I only hope Hatha- Wikimedia Commons photo around is that he never won any individual awards. way simply takes the punishment and sits. Any sort of Hayley Wickenheiser rightfully took her place in the Hockey Hall Fleury didn't, either, but Turgeon should get a serious appeal would make him a double-dirtbag. of Fame on Nov. 18 alongside four other inductees. She belongs look. After all, he has the most career points of any Until next time, folks … there, as do many others who aren't already there. 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 19 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, November 25, 2019 news A sky-high career NWT flight school starting two-year program in January by Tim Edwards Northern News Services Thebacha/Fort Smith The Terry Harrold School of Aviation is starting its first two- year intensive program in January in Fort Smith, and its operators hope this will lead to a new generation of Northern pilots. It's also still accepting applications. Fort Smith-based Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. is behind the new school, and chief operating officer Jim Heidema said the company is hoping having Northerners become pilots will stem staff turnover for them and fill some badly-needed positions. "We're facing a severe shortage (of pilots) within the industry throughout the world, and that is growing exponentially," said Heidema. "They expect that in the next 15 years we'll be about 640,000 pilots short, and, of that, 90,000-plus in North America, regardless of what the schools can produce today." Heidema said a lot of pilots come north with their commercial licences and build their hours to join bigger airlines out of the bigger cities. He hopes this program might attract people already invested in the North, who want to live here, and that it might help build a more diverse pilot workforce that has more Indigenous and photo courtesy of Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. more female pilots. The Terry Harrold School of Aviation, created by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. in Fort Smith, is starting its After five semesters and 200 hours of flight time, participants of the two-year Aviation Management Diploma program come out two-year intensive pilot training program in January. with a commercial pilot's licence, as well as other skills that will $60,000 and $100,000. After about three years, most pilots have "Most weekends you don't work. It's a white-collar profession." be useful in the industry. enough hours and experience, Heidema said, to become a captain. NWT Student Financial Assistance recognizes the program "If you're a person out there looking for a career, I'd give this Captains, he said, easily break six figures and can reach $125,000 and Harrold said those who are really interested but don't think some serious thought because it's one of the ones that is going to or beyond with more experience. they can afford the program could reach out to the school, which grow like crazy," said Heidema. "There's just going to be so many The school's namesake, Harrold, is the owner of Northwestern has some funding partners who may be able to help. options for people who have this career." Air Lease, and still flies regularly at 86-years-old. The school can be reached by email, phone or on its Facebook After graduating, Heidema guarantees new crops of pilots will "In the majority of cases up here, you're home every night, so page. undoubtedly find jobs – if not with Northwestern Air Lease, which you don't face that separation when you're doing two-on, two-off at News/North reached out to Canadian North on the value of they'd obviously prefer, then with the other airlines in the NWT. a mine," said Heidema. having a made-in-the-North pilot training program but didn't hear First officers, coming out of school, can make between "You're paid very well, in our company. You're home every night. back by press time.