NWT aims for special COVID-19 help: Caroline Cochrane says the prime minister made assurances in a phone call March 13

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K'amba king NWT woman stuck in Italy

Citizens recognized in Hay River

Hockey weekend in Inuvik

People of NWT Elijah Norn was crowned prince of the 2020 K'amba Carnival on K'atlodeechee First Nation earlier this month. See more photos on page 11. Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "He was a very, very, very loved person and always had time for people." 7 71605 00200 2 –One former NWT commissioner, George Tuccaro, remembers another, the late John Parker, page 7. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 news Citizen of Year named in Hay River Niada Monkman honoured with Customer Service Excellence Award

by Paul Bickford taurant. Northern News Services "It's just been a dream of Hay River mine," Duford said of owning Linda Duford, a well-known her own music studio, where musician and music teacher, she teaches fiddle, guitar, key- has been named Hay River's boards and more. "I'm living Citizen of the Year. my dream." "I can't believe it," she said, Duford is also a member of just after receiving the award Hay River town council. at the annual gala of the Hay At the Chamber of Com- River Chamber of Commerce merce gala, Niada Monkman on March 7. was also honoured with the "You think you don't really Customer Service Excellence deserve it. There are so many Award. wonderful people in this town." Monkman is a pharmacy Duford has been a fiddler technician at Ring's Pharmacy. for many years, and has also "I'm shocked," she said. "I passed on her musical know- don't deserve this." ledge to young and old over It is the second time that those years. Monkman has been recog- And in November of 2018, nized with the Customer Ser- she opened The Purple Pick vice Excellence Award. Paul Bickford/NNSL photos Studio, not long after she and It's a great feeling to win the Linda Duford, left, was named Hay River's Citizen of the Year at the annual gala of the Hay River Cham- her sister sold their family award, she said. "But it's a little ber of Commerce on March 7. Niada Monkman, right, a pharmacy technician at Ring's Pharmacy, was business, The Back Eddy res- bit overwhelming, too." honoured with the Customer Service Excellence Award. People of NWT NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 3 Did we get it wrong? News/North is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in News/North, call (867) 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email editorial@ nnsl.com. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. People of NWT Everyone has a story to tell. Meet the People of NWT! Tell us your story and show us your photos for a chance to win $100 News every week! We would love to see more of what makes living in the NWT special – the people, the places, the shared experiences. Each week, one story from those submitted to our Facebook Page fb.com/nnslonline will win the prize! Briefs (Winners will be featured in News/North. Photos may be used in other NNSL publications with credits.) Clarence Wood recognized for long-time chairing of NWTAC Inuvik Long-time Asso- ciation of Communities (NWTAC) chairman and Inuvik Town Councillor Clarence Wood was awarded with an Honorary Lifetime Membership. He is only the sixth person to be given the recognition. Wood had served on the board for 18 years, serving as vice-president for 14 of those and served one additional year as president, but stepped down at the AGM to make room for the next generation. – Eric Bowling KFN elects new band councillor K'atlodeechee First Nation A byelection was held on March 5 to fill a vacancy on the band council of K'atlodeeche First Nation. The new councillor is Joyce Studney. She collected 45 votes, compared to 39 votes for Lenny Fabian, the only other candi- date in the byelection. – Paul Bickford Town of Inuvik presented with Energy Excellence Award Inuvik Inuvik was presented with a new award at the Northwest Territories Association of Communities AGM Feb. 29, with it a $5,000 grant to put towards a project. The award will be available for all munici- palities to apply for next year. Senior Administrative Officer Grant Hood said the grant would go towards renovations currently being worked on at the town office, including more energy efficient windows. – Eric Bowling Polar Pond hockey returns, but Friday event cancelled Hay River For the first time since 2017, Polar Pond Hockey will return this weekend to the ice of the Hay River, albeit with some COVID-19 precautions. Terry Rowe, an executive member of Polar Ulukhaktok Pond Hockey, said everyone is "very happy" to be back. Sarah Kallak Organizers posted to Facebook that extra Last summer my granddaughter Lola Nigiyok caught this beautiful red belly fish at Uyagaktuk lake. sanitizers will be available in the pavilion​​​​​​, and are asking participants to avoid shaking hands or high fives at the end of a game. The event's gala has been limited to 250 attendees, and an event planned for the Friday night has been cancelled. Organizers usually aim for 35 to 40 teams, and there were 23 teams registered as of late February, including nine out-of-town teams. – Craig Gilbert Behchoko man charged with murder RCMP have charged 29-year-old Colton Migwi with murder. The charge is linked to a sudden death investigation by the NT RCMP Major Crimes Unit in Behchoko, RCMP said in a news release Friday. A 30-year-old man was found dead on March 7. Migwi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24 at 9:30 a.m. The charge against him has not been proven in court. Members of the public with information Somba K'e/ regarding the investigation or other criminal activity are asked to call Behchoko RCMP at WINNER: Trevor O'neill 392-1111. For the past couple weeks, I had a wolverine 'terrorizing' where I haul my nets. He would drag all my tools all over the lake – Blair McBride and chew my ropes to pieces. He wouldn't come near any conventional trap sets and I could never catch him out on the lake. Finally he committed to a special set I constructed different than the rest. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 news NWT senior stranded by Italy travel ban Carla Pagotto in lockdown in COVID-19 emergency by Simon Whitehouse online etc. (and) try(ing) to phone few days after that, the whole prov- started worrying a lot. Now it is just said. Northern News Services Air to change my flights but ince was quarantined and then the a totally different situation and things News/North asked McLeod's Somba K'e/Yellowknife (it is) busy, busy," she stated. . I never assumed the Italian have changed quite a bit. office what a resident can do in the A longtime Yellowknife resident Pagotto's grandson and roommate government had any control of the "She was expected to come back Pagotto situation and executive assist- and senior citizen is in lockdown Taylor has been in touch with Carla situation and I still don't. in the first week of April and that is ant Hayden Moher recommended in in northern Italy due to the global every couple of days, especially over "She is bored and depressed. She when the quarantine is supposed to an email Thursday that Canadians spread of COVID-19. the last two weeks is very optimistic but I'm mostly be lifted, but that is pretty tentative." requiring emergency consular service Carla Pagotto, 74, as concerns of the worried because she is going through Prime Minister , should reach out to Global Affairs who winters every spread of Corona- this alone. My biggest concern is that who himself went into self-isolation Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and year at her birthplace virus have increased I don't know when she is going to be with his wife Sophie Gregoire-Tru- Response Centre in Ottawa. in San Fior – in the and since local quar- allowed to leave." deau after his wife reported symp- Pagotto is a longtime Yellow- province of Treviso – antines began in the Taylor said his grandmother knew toms, announced on Thursday that he knifer who came North with her has been alone at her country in mid to late about the virus when heading for has been in contact with Italian prime late husband Camillo after getting winter home since the February. Italy in December but they weren't minister Giuseppe Conte. married in 1961. They later had two Italian government People in lock- overly concerned at the time because Taylor said he was looking for children Daniel and Steven. announced a nation- down have had to cases were largely confined to . answers and help from leaders and Camillo worked as a miner at wide lockdown on stay in their homes "These things tend to come and added that he reached out to Rylund Con and Giant Mines until 1992 and Monday. and few amenities go," Taylor said, noting H1N1 and Johnson, MLA for Yellowknife passed away in 2009. Carla has been Italy has been are available, beyond MERS as examples. North. He told him to contact NWT spending more time in Italy ever reported as the grocery stores, Taylor "So it was just before I would have MP Michael McLeod's office, he since. second-most impact- explained. He added ed country in the Carla pagotto that people need per- world next to China mits to be able to go due to the virus. to the next town - even if only a few Pagotto left for her annual winter kilometres away - and services like trip in December and was expected to hairdressers, restaurants and pubs are return at the first of April. not accessible. She contacted News/North by The situation further worsened email on Friday morning to update after Air Canada announced that it her situation. was suspending all flights to Italy as "I am worr(ied) and want to go of March 11. back to Canada!" she stated in the There was some hope a few weeks email. "I feel I am in house arrest ago that the situation was improv- as we have to stay home and police/ ing but the lockdown has since only urban police are everywhere and grown tighter. need paperwork if going to grocery "A few weeks ago they reopened store, etc." schools in Italy and they had thought Carla also stated that the local it was pretty much done with," Taylor governor in Treviso is addressing a said during a phone interview March shortage of masks and respiratory 11. Google Maps image machines. "But I said no, 'keep paying atten- Carla Pagotta of Yellowknife is in lock-down in San Fior, the town in Northern Italy where she "I'm passing the time reading tion because I'm still concerned.' A winters every year. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 5 North will get special attention on COVID-19, PM tells premier Caroline Cochrane confirms no infections in NWT in March 13 news conference by Blair McBride and Simon Whitehouse "(Prime Minister) Trudeau has committed that he will be "Just like we prepare for the weather, ferry or ice-road closure, Northern News Services looking to do special measures for the North recognizing our have a plan in place that includes keeping two weeks of household Somba K'e/Yellowknife needs are more dire," she said. "We are the most vulnerable supplies such as food, water cleaning supplies and medication and In a transformative week that saw COVID-19 spread globally, people." also make arrangements for child care or taking care of an Elder the territorial government ended it with a news conference involv- A response is expected "in the next couple of days," she added. if you other wise aren't able to," she said. ing senior government leaders and health professionals providing Health and Social Services Minister reiterated Kandola also said festival boards should keep in touch with an update at the Great hall of the NWT Legislative Assembly. the premier's comments stating that the expectation is that there her office for a "risk assessment" to ensure they are safe to carry A news release stating that there were zero cases of COVID- will be "new challenges" in the weeks and months ahead even as on with public gatherings that could potentially spread the virus. 19 while 80 people have been tested, was also issued Friday, at the present time, the risk of contracting the virus remains low. Ivan Russell, a manager of emergency operations with the March 13. Still, she expects frontline health care staff to face new condi- Department of Municipal of Community Affairs, stated an emer- Led by Premier Caroline Cochrane, Friday's conference tions as the virus spreads North. gency operations centre was being launched as of Friday to work included Diane Thom, minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Dr. Kami Kandola, who led a news conference March 11, with the NWT's 33 communities and ensure that plans are in Kami Kandola, chief officer, Ivan Russell, manager reiterated that screenings are taking place for anyone travelling place to ensure government services for if the virus hits. of emergency operations with the Department of Municipal and outside of the territory with flu-like symptoms within 14 days. "Our main effort at this time is ensuring the readiness of our Community Affairs, and Kim Riles, chief operating officer with Kandola reported that as of Friday morning there had been 80 communities and supporting the public health out," he said. Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. tests performed for COVID-19 and all came back negative. Cochrane stated that after a first ministers' conference call She said when cases of the virus arrive, her office will Friday morning, she is calling for a North-specific response from announce it in a press release when it is identified as "presumptive the federal government to prepare for whatever eventual impact cases" based on flu swabs sent to labs. This announce- COVID-19 has on Northern communities. ment would take place before a final confirmation from the As of Friday, there were zero cases of the virus in the NWT, National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, she said. however Cochrane said it isn't a matter of if the virus hits, but In Canada, there were 152 COVID-19 cases and one death as when. Residents in isolated Northern communities will need of Friday. special federal assistance, she added based on unique and costly "We do know that the common cold, the flu and pertussis conditions associated with fly-in and out communities with no are all circulating in the Northwest Territories and presents with road infrastructure, overcrowded housing, and a lack of health similar symptoms as COVID-19," she said. care accessibility and capacity. Kandola provided a list of recommendations on how those "For me it was a matter of reinforcing that although we are with symptoms can avoid spreading the virus. Among them often preparing ourselves as 45,000 people, that is about one city include identifying and reporting on flu-like symptoms if one has block in the City of ," she said. "They don't have 33 com- travelled outside the NWT over the last 14 days, staying home if munities in that one block. They don't have 33 water treatment sick and avoiding close contact with others by staying at least six Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo plants, municipal centres, etc. feet away; cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing; use Chief public health officer Kami Kandola, left, "Our expenses are huge and 33 times more than a jurisdiction tissue to wipe up and throw away immediately and wash hands addressed reporters during a news conference at in the south." frequently with soap for 20 seconds or use a sanitizing product. the Great Hall of the NWT Legislative Assembly, She said similar concerns were heard from the premiers of Kandola also stressed the importance of planning for an out- March 13 with Diane Thom, minister of Health and and . break in the North with emergency supplies. Social Services. 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 news No cruise ships coming to Cruises offer economic activities for remote communities by Blair McBride However, former Tuk mayor Merven Gruben, who was in number of incidences of COVID-19, with at least 152 positive Northern News Services office until last December, said the hamlet receives few tour- cases reported on Friday, and one death, as the Public Health NWT ists from the cruise ships but "more importantly would be the Agency of Canada reported. All cruise ship tours through the Arctic will be suspended slow down or stop of tourists coming up to visit us on the Tuk The virus has so far spared the NWT and no cases have for the rest of the year as federal transportation minister Marc all weather highway." been reported as of Friday, said the Department of Health and Garneau announced March 11. The cruise ship restrictions come as Canada faces a rising Social Services. "Given the limited public health capacity in Canada's Northern communities, the cruise ship season for vessels with Canadian Arctic stops will be deferred for the entire season this year. This would apply to cruise ships of all sizes," said a state- ment on the Ministry's website, in reference to safety measures in the face of COVID-19. The minister also announced a delay in the cruise ship sea- son until July 1 for ships carrying more than 500 people for the rest of Canada. Several NWT Arctic communities benefit from the ships that pass through the and anchor off shore. Passen- gers visit the communities and contribute to their economies through tourism activities, sales of arts, crafts and clothing and other transactions. More than $100,000 was spent in Ulukhaktok alone last year during four cruise ship visits, according to a Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) blog post.

'Thankful' for cruise ban "I'm thankful for (the ban) because we're a very small community and we'd be wiped out in no time if this virus came up here," as Joanne Ogina, acting SAO of the hamlet of Ulukhaktok told News/North. However, Ogina acknowledged her community would feel the economic impacts of the ban. "We do make a tidy sum off sales to cruise ship passengers. We provide tours, we do drum on the ships, we provide tour guides and people who do demonstrations of Arctic and share country foods with passengers on the shore. "But we'll make do and we've made do in the past," she said. News/North reached out to Erwin Elias, mayor of Tuktoyak- tuk for comment but didn't receive a response by press time. photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises Likewise for Sachs Harbour Mayor Norman Anikina and Cruise ship sailings, such as those of the Crystal Serenity, will be suspended for the rest of the year in the Paulatuk Mayor Ray Ruben Jr. Arctic as Canada enacts more measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 7 Former commissioner dead at 91

John Parker, as newly appointed deputy commissioner, hammers a small wooden sign, one foot by five feet, with the letters Government of the Northwest Territories – onto the side of the slanting, clapboard building. NNSL file photo

Remembered for final act of devolving commissioner's powers to assembly by Simon Whitehouse (now legislative assembly). weeks. "Later in his career he than the best that I can. I control of the government at Northern News Services Today the role, which is "Then he made the deci- was involved in the division think he was honoured by the local level so that it was Somba K'e/Yellowknife currently occupied by Mar- sion to leave the chamber with Nunavut and was quite that." not directed from Ottawa. The Northwest Territories garet Thom, is ceremonial completely so that there was involved in establishing the Whitford said Parker's Whitford won that elec- lost an historic figure this and equivalent to a provincial no influence or a situation boundary of NWT and Nuna- legacy was big enough that tion and held Yellowknife week as John Parker, former lieutenant governor. From where MLAs could see their vut," Tuccaro said. he should be seen as one MLA seats in the 1990s commissioner and mayor of the late '60s to when Par- boss there." "The boundary line that of the "Big Three" figures and the 2000s and was later the City of Yellowknife, died ker left the position in 1989, they had was the Parker Line in the territory's history appointed commissioner. March 9. the Ottawa-appointed com- A final act named in his honour." who ensured it had elected "He was a great guy for He was 91. missioner was considered all- Tuccaro similarly recalled Tuccaro said when he responsible government in the North and he did a lot Parker is survived by his powerful, chairing the execu- it as an important act for the became commissioner in the Northwest Territories. and his memory and legacy wife Helen, daughter Sharon, tive, introducing legislation, territory's devolution. 2010, he did his best to emu- The other two were Stuart will carry on," he said. "His son Gordon as well as six controlling the budget and "It was his final act as late Parker. Hodgson, the first resident legacy certainly is, when you grandchildren. hiring and firing employees. commissioner and everyone commissioner, who died in look at the numbers of not He spent his final years who followed after that were 'Very' loved 2015, and Arthur Laing, for- just northern people – but living in Sidney, B.C. but The chairman more in line of a lieuten- "He was a very, very, very mer minister of Indian and aboriginal people – he want- spent most of his professional "He was the chairman of ant governor than a commis- loved person and always Northern Affairs. ed aboriginal people to get years in the Northwest Ter- the legislative assembly or the sioner," he said. "He was so had time for people and was Whitford said while work- involved with their govern- ritories from the late 1950s to council as they called it then," proud when those last powers approachable and if he knew ing for Parker, the late com- ment, he called it. the 2000s. recalled Whitford. "It had lots from Ottawa were given to you he would say hello to missioner influenced him "You see it now with Pre- The Office of the Com- and lots and lots of power the Northwest Territories." you," he said. to run for MLA in a 1988 mier McLeod and MLAs missioner of the NWT con- but he surrendered that power In the 1990s, the bound- "When I was appointed, byelection to replace Ted almost all were from native firmed Parker's passing this to the elected members (in ary of the NWT and new I got congratulations from Richard who was appointed ancestry. It was like we need- week. Former commissioners 1989). I remember the move. territory Nunavut was estab- John and (wife) Helen and I to the Supreme Court of the ed to make a breakthrough Tony Whitford and George He left the chair or what they lished and named in his hon- told him I would do every- Northwest Territories. and I believe Mr. Parker Tuccaro remembered his leg- called 'the ropes' and then he our leading up to the Eastern thing I can and if I came It was part of Parker's helped us make that break- acy as a champion of North- sat in the gallery for a short Arctic territory in 1999, Tuc- close to what he had done, desire to have Indigenous through. He certainly did for ern governance. period of time of months or caro said. then I would have done more people and young people take me." "It is a great sadness in announcing the passing of John Parker former commis- sioner and former Mayor of the City of Yellowknife," said Tuccaro. "He was my mentor when I was a commissioner (2010 to 2016) and I had a great deal of respect for John Parker. "

Arrived in 1950s Parker first came North from Alberta in the '50s to work as a geologist and soon got involved in local politics as an alderman for the City of Yellowknife. He served as mayor from 1963 to 1967 before being appointed to the Carrothers Commis- sion that eventually brought responsible government to the NWT. Throughout the '70s, under the NWT's first in- resident commissioner Stuart Hodgson, Parker served as deputy commissioner before taking over his boss's role from 1979 to 1989. Whitford, also a former commissioner, worked under Parker as an executive assist- ant in the late '80s. He said it was in that decade that Parker should be remembered because of his insistence that the powers of the commis- sioner's role be devolved to the then Territorial Council 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 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

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In the meantime, stay Monday's News/North. outside of China, and a nationwide in the NWT have been tested for tuned and stay safe. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 9 A new direction Northern News Services At this point I've been asked to work with Friends, I have been at these Indigenous my school to come up with a new approach to PhD Studies now for a number of years, with working with community. finally a little light at the end of the academic It helps that I have been at this for over a tunnel! decade now and over the last few years right The hardest part by far, my in my home of Radelie Koe, Fort comprehensive examinations, is Good Hope. now over and done with. This I've always found that our involves an intimate and verified people relate best with things they understanding of a total volume can see and/or be directly involved of 120 textbooks, with supporting with. materials. The last of the good number PhD students uniformly dread of murals I've worked on with the these tests, some even getting Elders, community members and physically ill in the taking. especially the Youth is a Cancer One added feature to my future Victims Memorial Mural, with a studies turns out as a result of my total of 45 names of our people outright challenging my school, on it, who've succumbed to the Trent U, to allow more of an MOUNTAIN dreaded disease. Indigenous approach. View We still have to do what we can Another colleague who has with the cancer, but for now my Antoine Mountain is a done just that is Tlicho student Dene artist and writer part of it will include a request, for Celine Vukson, whose older broth- originally from Radilih our young people to understand er, George Mackenzie, happens to Koe'/Fort Good Hope. more of our Dene culture. He can be reached be the Tribal Chair of the Tlicho at: amountainarts.com. One example is our traditional Grand Council. Dene gravedigging practices. I my case I have always pointed There is much more than sim- out to academia that we Indigenous peoples ply digging a hole in the ground and putting a first learn by seeing and doing. Even a verbal body in it, to our way of thinking. explanation comes later, after you've proven It is one way in which our culture keeps you know how to do the simplest things, like itself together, and for my ongoing research, to starting a fire, getting the right kind of snow add to tradition of education. for tea and on. Mahsi, thank you. Coronavirus: battening down the hatches Northern News Services the stores to stock up. I don't know what to must remember that this was before most No one really knows much about the virus, I didn't want to write about the corona- believe anymore but all this pan- of the world had full access to which is why it is called novel. In this way, virus because I've been in denial somewhat icking has got me asking what health care. These diseases were COVID-19 might just be preparing us for of how serious it really is but since its on people did in the days before toilet sadly bound to wipe out much how to handle something even bigger and everyone's minds, I will say a few words on paper was invented to which my of the population. Nowadays the more extreme that might come our way in it. mom answered, "moss and leaves." world's population is so vast that the future, but with that said, we cannot live I was surprised to hear that Arctic Winter I am now starting to question the ratio to determine the compar- our lives in fear. Games was cancelled but I could understand my own sneezes and sniffles. ability between past and present I certainly do not want to walk around that in the isolated communities it would be Should I quarantine myself? Could pandemics is on a much larger with a mask on my face. I also don't want to harder to provide emergency health servi- I have it without even knowing it? scale. The good news is that most have to steer clear of the things I enjoy doing. ces if the virus were to spread North. It's a viruses can be contained with the I will continue to wash my hands after com- shame that this virus is stopping people from How to pay the bills help of advanced science, but the ing into my house from being out in public being able to enjoy themselves and socialize People in the are question remains has COVID-19 but I want to be able to shake hands when I face to face, limiting the ability for people to looking at jail time if they don't gone beyond the point of being introduce myself or when I am travelling, as be able to congregate in crowds without an comply with their quarantine. Northern able to control it? And if not, will it's customary in my culture. underlying fear. Those in quarantine are missing Wildflower we become immune to it? Ultimately, this virus urges us to be vigi- It's no question that this virus is further days if not weeks of work thus There are so many ques- lant and reminds us of the things that are Catherine Lafferty is a revealing the awful truths about hidden running out of sick leave leaving published author and an tions floating around in regard most important to us like being able to visit racism but this week I overheard a middle- many to worry about how they Indigenous Law Student to this virus. There are so many with our closest friends and family. We all aged man talking about how the virus will are going to pay their bills. Is the who grew up in Yel- unknowns and I think that is are hoping that this is an epidemic that will most likely kill off the people that are rent- heavy reliance on the systems for lowknife. the most dreadful thing in all of come to pass like other things that have come ing which would free up the housing market paid leave going to further col- this is that humans are naturally our way as of late. and he seemed okay with that possibility, lapse an already broken capitalis- afraid of just that, the unknown. Like a predicted storm in the night, we exposing his classist stereotypes. That same tic society? It's no wonder why death is the number one are doing up our best to board up our win- man then started to cough uncontrollably and The Spanish Flu, tuberculosis; the black fear. dows or as the saying goes "batten down the cleared an entire room. death, are all examples of epidemics that There are concerns floating around about hatches" in hopes that the storm doesn't do Some think that there will be a severe were cause for concern killing thousands of the absence of a cure, not knowing the sever- too much damage when we wake up the next shortage on toilet paper and are running to people and wiping out entire towns but we ity of the disease or how long it might last. morning.

We asked you! "What the coolest thing about the IRC with Eric Bowling Native Hockey tournament in Inuvik?" [email protected]

Livia Amos: Tianna Gordon-Ruben: K'ae Kargegie: Hailey Kudlak: Zandria Blake: Mia Gruben-Stewart: "A lot of the commun- "Hockey games." "My uncle from Nor- "I get to see my family." "Probably the team- "…" (she's shy, but her ities come here." man Wells is playing." work." father says she loves hockey.) 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 news Talking about the future of teaching Indigenous languages Fluency down for some languages, but has increased for others, since 1989 by Blair McBride Compared to the report's findings are 16 Indigenous language teachers. ers are employed teaching South region and teach the language from Northern News Services in 1989, proficiency has declined Six teach South Slavey, two teach Slavey from JK to Grade 9, said Deh- JK to Grade 9. Colville Lake School NWT in some languages, but it has also Cree and eight teach Chipewyan, said cho Divisional Education Council offered 15 and 25-level courses in The Auditor General's report on increased modestly in more than half SSDEC spokesperson Chris Talbot. superintendent Philippe Brulot. South Slavey last year and Chief education in the territory released in of them. All three languages are taught North Slavey is the Indigenous Albert Wright School in Tulita has February painted a dismal picture of There are 631 teachers working from JK to Grade 9 in the South language taught in schools in the piloted those courses since 2012. Indigenous language education. across the territory and of those 70 Slave but only certain schools teach Sahtu region, with seven full-time "The current students have the "After our audit in 2010, the are Indigenous language educators, each one. Students can continue teachers and one half-time teacher, necessary credits so it will likely department acknowledged its need to Meagan Wohlberg, spokesperson of studying the languages as electives in said the divisional education council review its policy for Indigenous lan- the Department of Education, Cul- Grades 10, 11 and 12. superintendent Renee Closs. guage and culture-based education. It ture and Employment (ECE) told In the Dehcho region, seven teach- They work in five schools in the 'Please see 'You,' page 12 completed this review in 2014, which News/North. found that its model was not leading Of that group, 53 are teachers to fluency for Indigenous students," (mostly full-time and some part-time) the report noted. and the rest are educational assistants The numbers of Indigenous lan- and Elders who help out in class- guage teachers in the territory, rela- rooms. tive to the total number of teachers The seven main regional boards offers one explanation for the low of education are responsible for the educational results with the territory's teaching programs of the territory's nine Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages. According to an NWT Bureau of Yk1 in Yellowknife has three Statistics report from 2014, the most teachers teaching Wiiliideh Yatii, a recent year for which official lan- dialect of Tlicho. It is offered from guage proficiency data is available, Junior Kindergarten up to Grade 11, the Indigenous language with the said Scott Willoughby, Indigenous most speakers over 15 years of age Education Co-ordinator with Yk 1. is Tlicho, which had 2,235 speakers. Yellowknife Catholic Schools Next is South and North Slavey, (YCS) has one Wiiliideh Yatii teach- which had 1,443 and 1,081 speakers er and offers the program from JK respectively. to Grade 8, with a Grade 9 course Inuvialuktun had 601 speakers, recently being added, said YCS

Chipewyan 562, Gwich'in 335, Cree superintendent Simone Gessler. Blair McBride/NNSL photo 275, Inuktitut 201 and Inuinnaqtun In the South Slave Divisional Desiree Charlo points to the Wiiliideh Yatii word 19. She has been studying the language since had 195. Education Council (SSDEC) there she was in kindergarten. photo story NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 11 K'amba Carnival fun for all

For the first time in the 38 years of K'amba Carnival, the new carnival queen succeeded her sister. The 2020 K'amba Carnival queen is Shayla Moore, right, who was crowned by her sister Sha- Averly Guild, left, is crowned princess of the 2020 K'amba Carnival by Riley Thomas-Comeau, the prin- nelle Moore. cess from the 2019 carnival.

One of the most exciting scenes of K'amba Carnival is the mass start of the 10-dog races at the ice cross- Roy Salopree of Meander River, Alta., drums for ing to the Old Village on the Hay River Reserve. handgames. winter festival Feature by Paul Bickford

Northern News Services The 38th K'amba Carnival – the annual winter festival on the Hay River Reserve – was celebrated from March 5 to 8. As in previous years, the carnival offered lots of excit- ing events and fun for every- one – talent shows, dogsled races, handgames, drum dances, outdoor games, and much more. The excitement included a first-ever in the festival's 38 years when the new carnival queen succeeded her sister. The 2020 K'amba Carnival queen is Shayla Moore, who was crowned by her sister Shanelle Moore. K'amba Carnival is hosted by K'atlodeeche First Nation and organized by a commit- tee of volunteers. 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 news 'You don't reach fluency in ... core' Talking, from page 10 The relatively low number of language However, several said they have been pil- Tlicho Yati course like most students do in core teachers spurs questions about whether it's oting the new Our Languages curriculum French courses)," said Hope. be offered to a new cohort in September. We enough, but teachers in all fields would ask the developed by the ECE, which aims at greater The Sahtu Divisional Education Council anticipate all schools will offer the 30 level same question, said Angela James, director of proficiency. hopes to begin a kindergarten/JK immersion in September 2020, pending approval of the the Indigenous Languages and Education Sec- "The curriculum focuses on students' attain- program in at least one community for next course by ECE," said Closs. retariat with the ECE. ment of five language learning levels: Emer- school year. Up in the Arctic, there are 13 full-time "We can always have more, but especially gent, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and "This would be a pilot program with the teachers and one part-time instructor in the with Indigenous language education," she said. Capable by the end of Grade 12. For a student desire to add more immersion classes in future Beaufort Delta Education Council (BDEC), "In the last century we were embarrassed and to be fluent they will also need to use their years," said Closs. said superintendent Frank Galway. punished and made to feel ashamed of our lan- Indigenous language at home," an ECE website Yk 1 also aims to bring in immersion pro- Gwich'in, Inuvialuktun and Inuinnaqtun are guages. In this century the tide is turning and said. grams in the future, but as Willoughby said "it's taught in the region's nine schools. we're welcoming the languages (and) coming to "Children from each of the schools were just a matter of getting teachers and students to In the Tlicho region, the Tlicho Community revitalize the languages. It's a very challenging assessed using a draft Oral Proficiency Scale by that level." Services Agency (TCSA) employs eight teach- endeavour since many of the speakers experi- a fluent speaker who is not their teacher. These MP Michael McLeod announced $150,000 ers at the schools in Wekweeti, Gameti, Whati, enced the residential school system." baseline data results will be used to set goals for of federal funding for a new Inuvialuktun and Behchoko. All of the seven education boards who spoke increasing language proficiency." immersion program March 2. The program is Tlicho education is offered from kinder- with News/North said their students have not to be developed through the combined efforts of garten to Grade 12, said Linsey Hope, director yet achieved fluency through their language Curriculum not perfect the BDEC, experts at Aurora College and with of education with TCSA. programs. But while that curriculum should be com- Inuvialuit Elders. mended, it's not perfect, said James. The development of the program and cur- "It's still a core curriculum. You don't reach riculum is set to begin shortly and it is hoped fluency in a core program. I must say that in it can begin next year, said Elizabeth Kolb, the NWT we have a lot of work to do to move spokesperson for the Inuvialuit Regional Cor- through those (proficiency) levels. We're play- poration (IRC). ing catch up on the language revitalization "IRC would like to see the first intake of and the majority of our students are still at the students in a year but there is a lot involved emergent level." in ensuring funding is adequate and all comes While achieving widespread fluency in the together. Proposals and advocacy at all levels languages appears to be a difficult task with of government for Inuvialuktun is ongoing," the relatively small number of teachers, there Kolb said. are efforts afoot to intensify how the languages "The big/future idea is to ensure there are are taught. fully fluent, fully qualified individuals so that The TCSA stands out as the only educa- we can create future teachers across the region tion authority in the NWT to offer immersion to revitalize language with as many and all programs in an Indigenous language, with two students. Those in this initial program will gain teachers at Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary a Bachelor of Education to follow two years of School in Behchoko teaching two JK to Grade full time Inuvialuktun at college level." 2 immersion courses. For James, it is "without a doubt" that more "We are very proud of the program. It takes immersion programs are needed, but it's not a a lot of team effort to develop songs, phono- simple goal. Blair McBride/NNSL photo logically appropriate resources, books, and "It's a catch 22. Immersion is the most Madelyna Goulet-Beaulieu, left, Elder Verna Crapeau and Desiree Charlo culturally relevant materials. Our team has seen effective strategy, and so are Master Apprentice bead in their Grade 5 Wiiliideh Yatii class at Weledeh Catholic School on Thurs- an increase in the Tlicho language skills in the Programs. It takes time (and) takes the whole day. Crapeau, a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) helps immersion students who move to English class- community to make sure we're successful in out in the language classes three times a week. rooms in Grade 3 (but continue Tlicho in their this area." NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 13 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo A whale of a tale Beluga whale researcher Dr. Lisa Loseto explains to the group of students the various techniques used to study beluga whales as part of the Our Climate, Our Arc- tic youth summit in Inuvik March 7. Youth workshop held The typical employment period for students hired through AGM, a grant that can be placed towards an initiative to "sup- Deline the program is April 15 to Aug. 30. port your residents in adopting a healthier lifestyle by providing Youth interested in participating in a healing and trans- – Erin Steele access to physical activities, nutritious foods and social connec- formation workshop had the opportunity to do so thanks to the tions that foster mental health." Deline Gotine Government and the Sahtu Dene Council. Fort McPherson wins third Inuvik Drum reached out to the hamlet for more information The Yamoreya and the Sky workshop took place March 8 to on what would be done with the award, but did not receive a 11 in the traditional knowledge boardroom and camp. Healthy Communities Award response as of press time. The workshop included a presentation by special guest Fort McPherson – Eric Bowling speaker Chris Cannon. Fort McPherson was awarded $5,000 and the third Healthy "Anthropologist Chris Cannon will be sharing his journey in Communities Award at the NWT Association of Communities Please see page 14 learning about Dene astronomy (star constellations) across the circumpolar North," stated a bulletin on social media. "He will be joined by a panel of our own Elders and know- ledge keepers who he has worked with in the recent past." An evening star-gazing outing wrapped up the workshop. – Erin Steele Ulukhaktok awarded $5,000 for Climate Change Resilience Ulukhaktok The Hamlet of Ulukhaktok was awarded $5,000 and pre- sented with the Climate Change Resilience Award during the NWT Association of Communities AGM Feb. 28, making the hamlet the first recipient of the new award. Municipalities will be able to apply for the award for the 2021 AGM. Inuvik Drum reached out to the hamlet for more information on what would be done with the award, but did not receive a response as of press time. – Eric Bowling Summer student applications sought NWT Northern students looking for work this summer have been invited to apply to the GNWT summer student employment program. Those who register for the program will have access to employment opportunities throughout the NWT along with training opportunities, career planning services and mentor- ship. "The program provides average wages between $26 and $29 per hour to help offset the high cost of university," states the GNWT's website. To be eligible, students must be attending full time post- secondary studies in the fall or completing a semester of full time post-secondary studies within four months of applying. 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 around the NWT

ATN, from page 13 tuk, has her latest work on display in New York's Independent a unique handmade leather wallet. Art Fair. The workshop took place March 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m. to Learn to paint Northern Lights Called Consumed, the display used dried beluga whale 4:30 p.m. at the Open Sky Creative gallery. Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson intestines to recreate packaging for small inorganic items "This leather wallet will have six card slots, two hidden Aspiring artists inspired by the aurora borealis will have like crayons, dollar bills and other trinkets. Her work is being pockets and one big pocket for notes," states a bulletin on their chance to capture the northern lights on canvas during a hosted by Fazakas Gallery. social media. painting workshop. – Eric Bowling "Participants will have the choice of different stamps and The Artist In Me workshop by Wilfred Joey Klein is taking different colours to stain your leather." place over the course of three days from April 17 to 19 in the The workshop was open to both members and non-mem- Leather wallet workshop held bers. Fort Simpson Heritage Building. Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson "This workshop will include how to paint the Aurora Bor- Open Sky Creative Society is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led Participants in an Open Sky Creative Society workshop got organization, according to its website. ealis Northern Lights in water mixable oil paints," states a to take home a new fashion accessory after crafting themselves bulletin on social media. Space is limited to 10 participants. – Erin Steele Those looking to participate have until April 3 to sign up. The workshop is open to artists of all levels. Wilfred Joey Klein in a Fort Simpson artist. – Erin Steele Information night covers Canada Learning Bond Lli Goline/Norman Wells Parents will have their chance to start the process of signing their children up for the Canada Learning Bond in Norman Wells. An information night is taking place March 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Heritage Hotel. "The Government of Canada contributes up to $2,000 to pay the costs of a child's full or part-time studies after high school," states a bulletin on social media. A Service Canada representative will be on-hand issuing Social Insurance Numbers. Attendees are asked to bring their children's birth certificates to the event. Children's activities, draw prizes and food will also be included. – Erin Steele Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Tuktoyaktuk artist on display Just the facts at New York Art Show Dr. Kami Kandola, the chief public health officer for the NWT, speaks on the novel coronavirus to members Tuktoyaktuk and Albany, NY of the Hay River Seniors' Society, March 3. International artist Maureen Gruben, based in Tuktoyak- photo story NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 15 Hockey weekend in Inuvik Hockey Feature by Eric Bowling

Northern News Services For the cost of $10, resi- Inuvik was ground zero for dents were able to take in three the 32nd annual IRC Native days of hard-hitting hockey Hockey Tournament March action while enjoying trad- 5 to 8 at the Midnight Sun itional coutry food and learn- Complex, showcasing the top ing how to make traditional talent both on and off the ice. crafts and tools.

Amber Lennie-Ipana sings the national anthem in Inuvialuktun during the opening ceremonies.

Tuk Bulldogs captain James Keevik hoists the B division trophy during the closing ceremonies.

Malena Selects goaltender Mitchell Jacobson reaches out of a puck as LJ's Sabres' player Tyrell Hope races to the net during the closing game of day two on March 6.

Eileen "Bunik" Allen assists Aurélie Noel and Alison Fine with their first foray into traditional Inuvialuit jewelry making during the IRC Cup Cul- Malena Selects forward Sean Poitras races to the net with LG's Sabres' goaltender Jordan Nighttraveller tural Weekend that hosted several workshops on bracing for the shot during the closing game of day two on March 6. traditional crafts. 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Shock, tears and disappointment Coaches and athletes react to cancellation of 2020 by Brendan Burke and James McCarthy more and more like it was the right Northern News Services decision," said Stipdonk. "We've NWT seen so many big events being can- The Arctic Winter Games made celled and sports leagues are shut- history on March 7. Just not for the ting things down. I think it was the reasons it would like. right thing to do." The Stipdonk had high hopes this in have been cancelled year as he was going into the Arctic over coronavirus concerns, marking sports competition as one of the the first time in its 50-year history favourites in the knuckle hop, the that there will be no Games. very same event where he set the According to a news release new open men's world record of 200 issued on March 7, the decision was ft., 8 in. during the trials in Inuvik based on a recommendation from back in January. Dr. Catherine Elliott, Yukon's chief He had his sights set on breaking medical health officer. the Arctic Winter Games record but "It has been determined that can- he said having the world record is a celling the 2020 AWG is the most nice consolation prize. responsible precautionary measure," "I'm happy. I set the world record stated the news release from White- because if I didn't do that plus miss horse 2020 Arctic Winter Games out on the Games, I would be devas- officials. tated," he said. "This decision is a direct result Stipdonk will have another of concerns around the spread of chance to compete should he make COVID-19 and is supported by the the team in 2022 as he competes in Arctic Winter Games International the open men's category. Committee." He knows others won't have that Despite the cancellation, the chance again and that's what tugs at release said the risk for COVID-19 his heart. in Yukon "remains low", as it does "It's all about staying positive around the North. because there will be other chances There are currently no reported for me but my heart goes out to all cases in either of the three territor- of those kids who won't get that ies. chance," he said. "I'm so sorry to "It is with a heavy heart that I see all of those kids who are aging have had to make this recommenda- out and miss out on that last time tion," said Elliott during a news con- because for a lot of our kids, the ference in Whitehorse announcing Arctic Winter Games is the pin- the cancellation. nacle. They may never get to do "We are disappointed." anything like this again and that's Breaking down in tears, an emo- what hurts." tional Elliott said the "difficult" Stipdonk's next chance will most decision to cancel the games was NNSL file photo likely come this July as he's plan- made out of an "abundance of cau- Jason Jones of Fort Smith returns a shot during the trials in Yellowknife back in ning on going back to Inuvik to com- tion." January. Jones and the badminton team were all set to head to Whitehorse for the start of the pete in the Northern Circumpolar Reported COVID-19 cases, ori- Arctic Winter Games on March 15 but those plans were scuttled when the host society pulled Games and he said he's hoping to go ginating in China late last year, have the plug on March 7 due to the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). one better on his world record there. soared in recent weeks. Govern- Don Reid, head coach of the ments and health officials across team, said it was dis- the globe are scrambling to contain "emerging and novel" virus, said Games. Our community really to build a plan for decommissioning appointing to be told because of all – and understand – the respiratory everyone is susceptible to COVID- stepped up for this event and I want the Games," said Arcand. the time his young grapplers have disease, which continues to spread 19, but that older people, and indi- to thank the nearly 2,000 volunteers put in. rapidly worldwide. viduals with underlying medical for their efforts and preparation for Tough decision to swallow "They've made a lot of sacrifices The rapid and "surprising" trans- issues, stand to be impacted more. these Games," stated Silver in a sub- One athlete who was looking and we were just a week away so we mission of COVID-19 in recent Yukon Premier said sequent news release. forward more than most was Chris were starting to begin our mental days ultimately prompted the health the decision to cancel the games was George Arcand, 2020 AWG Host Stipdonk of Fort Simpson, who preparation," he said. "Some of our authority's recommendation, said a precautionary measure made in Society president, said the move to missed out on the 2018 Games after kids were really looking forward to Elliott. the "best interest of our athletes … cancel the games, supported by the issues with transportation caused getting a chance to go and win gold "In a setting like the Arctic Win- families and communities across the Arctic Winter Games International him to miss the trials for Arctic because they had some unfinished ter Games, even a suspected case circumpolar North." Committee, was the "responsible" sports that year. business. The Games is something would be devastating," stated Elliott. "It was a tough decision, that's for course of action. He'll now miss out on the Games they'll remember for the rest of their "It is the responsible recommen- sure," said a noticeably emotional "We will be meeting with the for the second time running through lives and I'm gutted for them but dation, and it is very unfortunate," Silver. Host Society's Board of Manage- no fault of his own but he's not angry there's always other tournaments and she added. "We support the difficult but ment, our funding partners and at how it all happened. Elliott, citing estimates about the responsible decision to cancel the stakeholders over the coming days "It's disappointing but it seems Please see next page

past the championship round as he lost in a tiebreaker game to Spirit North XC, the Hay River Ski Club, and the Department Brad Jacobs of Northern Ontario, 8-3, on March 7. of Municipal and Community Affairs. sports Koe was one of four skips tied at seven wins and four losses – Paul Bickford following the completion of the championship round, meaning Check a total of three tiebreaker games had to be played. IRC Cup a hit with James McCarthy Inuvik email: [email protected] Cross-country ski festival planned The 32nd annual Battle of the Beaufort was on display in Hay River Inuvik as the IRC Cup was held from March 5 to 8. The NWT Cross-Country Ski Festival was set to be held A total of 14 teams from Paulatuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Kevin Koe falls short in Hay River on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hay Fort McPherson, Aklavik and Deline hit the ice looking to Kingston, Ont. River Ski Club. capture one of the big prizes up for grabs in NWT senior men's There is a new Canadian men's champion and it's The event planned to feature cross-country skiing games, hockey. When the ice settled, the K&D Outlaws ended up win- not Kevin Koe. coaching and a fun timed loop at the ski club. ning the A division crown while the Tuk Bulldogs captured the Koe was the defending champion and played as Team Can- All ages and experience were welcomed. B division title. ada at the Tim Hortons Brier in Kingston, Ont., but couldn't get The festival is being presented by Cross-Country NWT, – with files from Eric Bowling sports & recreation NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 17 Registration fees to be refunded continued from page 16 our kids will fight another day." Like Stipdonk, Reid said the decision of the host soci- ety to cancel the Games was probably the best thing that could have been done consid- ering the circumstances. "The first and foremost concern should always be the health and safety of the ath- letes," he said. "I think they did the right thing, based on all the information that's out there, because you don't want the liability if something goes wrong or someone gets really sick." Speedskating was one where the NWT was NNSL file photo expected to do well in and Dalton McLeod of Inuvik, left, leads a pack including Luke Dizon and Lachlan MacGillivray, both of Yellowknife, during the junior the decision was a tough one boys 1,000-metre race of the speedskating trials in Yellowknife in January. All three were set head to Whitehorse for the start of the to take for Kerry Egan, the Arctic Winter Games on March 15 but those plans were scuttled when the host society pulled the plug on March 7 due to the threat team's head coach. She said she was heart- of COVID-19. sick over it. than a week. That's a big so that every athlete who was the 11th hour, he added. 2024 Games has yet to be decision made as of yet." "You send that e-mail leap. If there was an outbreak, scheduled to compete would "We had our (chef de mis- determined by the Games' But Wells, who sits on the out to the kids and you don't fine, cancel it. But I think the get one from each jurisdiction. sion) meeting (on March 5) international committee. NAIG Council as the Sports know what to say," she said. "I Games could have gone off Rentmeister said it was and everything seemed to With the AWG being can- Circle's representative, said had high hopes for this team fine." an added memento, though it be fine," he said. "The prob- celled, there's now the pos- the situation surrounding because we've worked so hard One case has since been won't take away the sting of lem the doctor saw was that sible threat of the other big COVID-19 has come up in and we've worked to raise our confirmed in . not competing. we had a lot of kids coming multi-sport event involving recent talks. game. The kids were ready, In terms of the overall through international airports the NWT this year being can- "We know things can so ready." Registration fees feeling of what's happened, and the recommendation was celled. The North American change and we could be in Joe Acorn, the junior boys to be refunded Rentmeister said he's had bet- made to not jeopardize any Indigenous Games are set to better shape by that time but coach, said he found out Following the cancel- ter times. residents of Yukon or any- happen this July in Halifax we've seen what's happened about the cancellation during lation, there were questions "Just shocked and dis- one else who may be coming and while there's been no around the world recently," a team practice on Saturday about what would happen appointed about everything, in. There may not have been word on what the future holds he said. "Things can change and it was a huge letdown. to uniforms and registration especially for the kids," he anyone with (COVID-19) but for that, it has become a topic rapidly, like it did with the "You feel bad the most for fees, as in whether there were said. "There's kids who lost you're more susceptible to it of discussion, according to Arctic Winter Games." the kids," he said. "For some refunds coming and whether out on their chance to rep- when you're travelling." Aaron Wells, executive direc- There is a face-to-face of them, this was their last the team members could keep resent the NWT for the last Rentmeister added he tor of the Aboriginal Sports meeting planned with all 26 shot to do this. I had about their uniforms. time because the Games are understands the feelings of Circle of the NWT. representatives of the NAIG five or six kids who have The short answers to those such a huge part of the fabric those who feel let down. "I know the host society Council next month with a never represented the NWT questions were yes and yes. of the North. It's our flagship "They've been practising has been having conversations conference call in May and before and unless they change Doug Rentmeister, chef de event and having it cancelled and preparing and to get the about it but I haven't been Wells expects there to be the ages, they won't get to mission for Team NT, con- sets us back in terms of par- rug pulled out from under given any definitive answer some sort of response by then. do it." firmed on March 9 that the ticipation." them is extremely tough," he on what's happening," he said. "We'll have a better idea But unlike others who felt $350 registration fee paid by The cancellation was the said. "It's hard to go through "I know they're taking a long by that time what will be the cancellation was the right athletes would be completely first time the Games had ever because we've never had this look at what's happening with going on," he said. "I'm sure thing to do, Acorn felt the refunded and anyone who had been called off since the very happen before and I can't other major sporting events the right decision will be host society may have pulled a team uniform will not have first edition in Yellowknife imagine how the kids feel. around the world, such as the made and they'll come to the the plug too soon. to give them back, including in 1970. They're getting ready for what Summer Olympics in Tokyo right conclusion, no matter "I think they over-reacted," those who had issues with the "We're dealing with some- could be the biggest moment this year, but there's been no what it is." he said. "Take a look at where wrong size being given out. thing unprecedented with in their athletic lives and it's the kids are coming from: "We will be reimburs- this illness," said Rentmeis- gone in an instant." the NWT, Nunavut, Alaska, ing all registration fees and ter, referring to COVID-19. He also said there are no , Green- allowing the kids to keep "This is an international event plans to hold the Games at land. None of those places their clothing," he said in an and I understand the decision any other point during the are affected by the outbreak interview. to cancel it. It was done in year. and there aren't any cases There is also an added the best interests of everyone As for the rotation of anywhere there. We went bonus coming soon as it was involved because God forbid future Games, everything from washing our hands and agreed between all the teams something were to happen to is still scheduled to happen practicing proper hygiene to that the official pins sets anyone." in Wood Buffalo, Alta., for cancelling the Games in less would be sent around, enough The decision was made at 2022. The location for the 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 sports & recreation Now what do I write about? Not getting to rent a car?

Northern News Services with little to no cases of the illness present, Now what do we do for our March break? why would the World Curling Federation let I wasn't planning to go anywhere except this go on? Whitehorse. I mean, you'd think any international I won't bore you with my letdowns … sporting event involving the two hardest-hit some people on Twitter who know I don't would be canned, right? Must be populate on Twitter will simply complain all the booze or something. We all know about me posting a half-page in this sports curlers love their post-game refreshments. section about how I couldn't rent a car or Darts is still plugging along, at least in stuff like that. England. The Professional Anyway, the Arctic Winter Darts Corporation has had to Games were cancelled and postpone its upcoming events 3,000 or so souls will have to Sports on the European mainland – spend an extra week at home Germany and the Netherlands photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Talk Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz is one NBA player who has tested positive or whatever it is they plan to – but it's added a couple of do to fill the void. It sucks with James McCarthy extra tournaments in Milton for Coronavirus (COVID-19). How many more do you think there are? because I know everyone Keynes to make up for it. was looking forward to it: the Insert your jokes about self- sports, the socialization, the late-night stuff. sanitizing here. All clean, of course … unless you're at that And so comes the next question: what will Sports Card age where you don't mind being picked up happen in the near future? We know there off of a cold sidewalk in downtown Nuuk, will be no hockey, no basketball, no soccer, basketball after last call. no sumo, no anything. I guess we should I'll tell you about that when you're older. all just sit at home and wait for the big one, 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 I get that it was the responsible thing right? to do because of all the fear surrounding No. Coronavirus (COVID-19). It's nasty business This is where we need to understand that AGE: 15 Community: Tulita and I hope it gets solved sooner rather than life will go on. I lived in Toronto during later. Problem is it's only going to get worse, the SARS outbreak of 2003 and it's turning Joshua hails from Tulita but joined up with it seems, and while I disagree with the can- into the same sort of hysteria we're facing Liidlii Kue Regional High School to play in cellation of the Games, it was inevitable. now. Yes, people will get sick and yes, some the Senior Cager basketball tournament I was doing some reading about every- people will perish because of it. You don't earlier this month. Along with his brother thing that's been cancelled/postponed want that to happen but it will. Jeremy, Joshua was supposed to play at because of COVID-19 and it's a rather You go out and support your local busi- the Arctic Winter Games in boys basket- lengthy list. Everything from to soc- nesses. You go out and enjoy a meal with joshua moyo ball and we all know how that turned out. cer to hockey to sumo – yes, sumo – has your family. You go out and shop like you been affected in some shape or form. Not a would on a normal pay day. You go out and lot to make fun of or talk about in this space enjoy what your community has to offer. You and that should make some of you happy. No go to community events and mingle with chance to commit wrongthink. people. You socialize because that's what Curling, though, seems to be bucking the we do. You don't let something like this take trend. The World Women's Curling Cham- over your life. You take the precautions and pionship is going ahead in B.C. (a province you live life like it's a Monday morning. where there are several cases of COVID-19 In short, we will be fine. We'll get and, sadly, one death) with … wait for it … through this and things will return to normal. Italy and China competing. If there are other In the meantime, I'll whine to myself major international events shutting down about not being able to rent a car. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 16, 2020 19 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 16, 2020