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Volume 49 Issue 98 friday, March 5, 2021 75 CENTS ($1.00 outside city) Jam fam slams ban on live performance Performers circulate petition calling for public health to allow concerts

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo Patrick Jacobson, owner of Yk Rocks, left, and Trevor Sinclair, president of Music NWT, pictured here at Top Knight on March 4, are demanding that the Government of the Northwest Territories makes more accommodations for the live music industry in Yellowknife.

St. Croix MLA calls Nubian Soul looks to NWT SPCA Sista gets future with experience to business fundraiser in YK 'racist'

$1.00 outside Yellowknife Publication mail Contract #40012157 "Anyone receiving a vaccine will also receive an immunization card for their personal records only." 7 71605 00100 5 – Darren Campell, manager of communications with the OPCHO, says there will be no immunization passport, page 4. 2 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 3 Did we get it wrong? Yellowknifer is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an nwt covid-19 situation as of March 2 error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a Active cases: 5 347 correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Days since first confirmed case: Confirmed cases: 74 Days since last confirmed case: 8 Recovered cases: 69 Vaccines News Completed tests: 14,681 First doses administered: 15,217 Negative tests: 14,612 Scan for the Second doses administered: 4,558 Briefs latest GNWT Pending tests: 14 Covid-19 statistics Total doses administered: 19,775 Monkey Tree case Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer adjourned to March 30 The Monkey Tree Pub will not be bat- tling the Government of the Northwest Ter- ritories over a Covid-19 related summary offenses ticket until later this month. MLA calls for reverse The food and beverage establishment on Range Lake Road had been scheduled to appear in court on March 2, however the court adjourned the case until March 30. The pub remains the only food and recycling vending machines beverage establishment that has received a summary offenses ticket for $5,175. The ticket was issued on Dec. 15 and related to an alleged violation of Covid-19 around Rylund Johnson wants greater access to recycling capacity. Jen Vornbrock, co-owner of the pub, and bottle returns for downtown residents stated that not a lot came out of her court appearance, however she is finalizing her by Blair McBride representation and expecting more disclo- Northern News Services sure of information regarding the case in Environment and Natural Resources the future. (ENR) Minister Shane Thompson said his The Covid Coordinating Secretariat was department is open to introducing recycling asked for comment about the outcome of container deposit machines in Yellowknife. Tuesday's court date, what was discussed Department staff are examining technical during the case. specifications to see if the machines could The Secretariat was also asked if the operate in the extreme weather conditions of GNWT intends to continue using taxpayer the NWT. money to fight a $5,000 ticket and if the Thompson was responding to questions pub remains the only one in the Northwest from Yellowknife North MLA Rylund John- Territories which has been charged. son, who mentioned vending machines into Shelley Browne, manager of communi- which recyclable items are inserted in return cations for the Secretariat declined com- for cash. The machines could be a solution ment due to the issue being before the court. for elderly residents or people with dis- – Simon Whitehouse abilities or mobility issues so they don't have to walk all the way to the recycling depot on Wage top-up program Old Airport Road. Another option is a satellite recycling sta- extended for low-wage workers tion in downtown Yellowknife that feeds the The GNWT announced Thursday that main one. the wage top-up program will be extended "Several years ago I had a conversation until Aug. 31, 2021. with a man in downtown Yellowknife who The program, originally announced as collected bottles – mostly out of the trash – a short-term measure, supports low-wage into a bag, slumped the bag over his back workers by topping up wages between and walked them out to the recycling depot $13.46 and $17.99 to $18 an hour. for the few dollars he earned. It's a common Businesses have been asked to provide sight in Yellowknife to see people walking top-up wages to eligible employees on down Old Airport Road with a bag over their behalf of the GNWT. In return, the GNWT shoulders. compensates the employer by covering their "Our beverage recycling program is one of CPP and EI expenses related to the top-up. the best in the country. But when will some- If an employer chooses not to participate one be able to return recycling in downtown in the program, employees can apply dir- Yellowknife?" NNSL file photo ectly through the Department of Finance’s Thompson said ENR is very supportive of website, or by contacting NWTwagetopup@ piloting automatic deposit machines and the Rylund Johnson is calling for better recycling in downtown, Katrina Nokleby gov.nt.ca. The program, originally in place department is looking into them for the new wants a engineer tech teacher at new polytechnic and Caitlin Cleveland from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020, has licensing process for 2022. gives a shout-out to female business owners. now been extended three times. As of the end of Feb. 2021, there are 96 Shout out to YK businesswomen are entrepreneurs the list is extensive: Sarah circumpolar engineering. businesses participating in the wage top-up In a session of the legislative assembly Kalnay-Watson of Let Me Knot, Meaghan "This is a field that could incorporate program and 2,337 individuals who have Thursday where MLAs paid homage to the Peters of Etanda, Sarah Eramus of Eras- traditional Indigenous knowledge as well as benefitted. The cost of the program so far contributions of women, just days before mus Apparel, Charlene Chapple of Haylani permafrost experience and climate change is $2,670,079. International Women's Day on Monday, Kam Apparel, Cheryl Houweling of Kavanaugh, adaptation to vastly improve our understand- – Natalie Pressman Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland gave a shout Nadja Lennie of Fireside Denture Clinic, ing of cold regions engineering," she said. out to local women in business. Diana Curtis of Diana Curtis Design and Gil- Local engineering firms could provide Applications open for "I'm honoured to know some pretty lian Rivers of PH8 Studio Beauty Boutique." training and mentorship to students, giving incredible people who identify as women," Cleveland explained that people with incentive to young engineers to stay in the Yellowknife Spring Clean-Up she said. "I've met, learned from, worked entrepreneurial spirits challenge the status North. The City of Yellowknife has once again with and loved women who are change mak- quo and are open to change, despite the risks But amid the many national and inter- opened applications for their annual Spring ers, trailblazers, creative geniuses, intellec- and costs of going into business. national research projects undertaken in the Clean-Up initiative. The campaign is open tual rock stars and expert humans." "But it's not about perfection or never NWT, there aren't enough northern-raised to non-profit organizations volunteering to "Monday is International Women's Day failing. Every misstep is a chance to learn, professionals to pursue them. clean up an assigned are of the city between and this year's international theme is Choose grow and get better. Teaching women and Nokleby cited German and Finnish stud- May 17 and May 23. In exchange, the pro- to Challenge. The constituency I serve is girls how to fail, be brave and try again is ies on permafrost and the Inuvik-based Nihtat gram offers $600 to the community group home to great change makers who choose to imperative to the success and future of our Corporation's geotechnical investigation for for their work. Interested organizations challenge." entrepreneurial spirit. the GNWT for a wind study. should apply by 5 p.m. on April 30, through She named Myrna Pokiak, Inuvialuit "Can you imagine the wealth of know- the City's website at www.yellowknife.ca/ artist and entrepreneur; Yellowknife city Train techs at polytechnic: Nokleby ledge that projects like these would bring springcleanup. Organizations are required councillor and Best Movers owner Cynthia On the subject of resourceful, Northern to local expertise? How they could help us to provide ten volunteers to be assigned a Mufandaedza; and Tiarella Hanna, animal spirits Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby better understand our own backyard. By space. Groups looking to be assigned more advocate and owner of Happy Pooch Groom- called for the creation of an engineer tech ensuring engineering tech programs are part than one area must have ten different volun- ing and Services. program at the new polytechnic university. of our new university we'll be better equipped teers per area. "One strong commonality between these To lessen reliance on southern techs for to deal with our Northern, remote climate by – Natalie Pressman passionate women is they're business owners. Northern jobs, Nokleby said the new pro- retaining knowledge, expertise and experi- When I think of women I grew up with who gram could train engineers to specialize in ence in the North." 4 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news GNWT not providing immunization passports: CPHO Territorial government leaving issue up to the Government of Canada, for now by Simon Whitehouse administration and tracking people Northern News Services for later doses. Immunization passports or vac- "If you got your vaccine in Hay cine certificates will be more of a River but were in Yellowknife for the national responsibility, if it happens second dose, they can basically go at all, according to the NWT's chief into the electronic medical record, public health officer. retrieve your record and know when "Around the vaccine certificate or you got the first dose and where you a vaccine passport, we ourselves in got the first dose," Kandola said. the NWT have not generated that," "They will then from that informa- said Dr. Kami Kandola during a Feb. tion be able to provide the second 26 news conference. dose." "I think this is more of a nation- While the GNWT does issue al discussion, because if someone immunization cards, they are not in Ontario got vaccinated and they intended for travel or proof of vaccin- wanted to come to the NWT and if ation, according to an email from the we had more data on transmission Covid Secretariat earlier this week. and found that people who are doubly "Anyone receiving a vaccine will vaccinated don't transmit the virus, also receive an immunization card that could be a game changer." for their personal records only," Ursula von der Leyen, presi- stated Darren Campbell, manager dent of the European Commission, of Covid communications with the announced on March 1 via Twitter Office of the Chief Public Officer. NNSL file photo that her government is planning on "The Immunization Card is not con- Chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kandola says the idea of immunization documents for introducing a travel-related passport. sidered an official record to be used official proof of vaccination is more of a national discussion, not a GNWT responsibility. Called a Digital Green Pass, the as proof for travel or other purposes document would allow freer travel and it does not contain unique identi- contact their local public health unit email. from the GNWT. by proving that a person had been fying information. " or community health centre to request "An immunity passport or risk- vaccinated. Dr. Anne-Marie Pegg, territorial a copy of their vaccine record. free certificate is a document that is Vaccinations and In the Northwest Territories, medical director, added, "We have "It is important that you return considered by some as evidence that asymptomatic individuals there has been little discussion of had some people requesting proof of for your second dose to be con- a person has either recovered from The Health Canada spokesperson the issue at all. Health and Social vaccination for travel or for various sidered immunized against Covid- Covid-19 or has been vaccinated." said there still remains some uncer- Services Minister Julie Green said other reasons and there is a form for 19," Campbell stated. The statement goes on to say that tainty around how well vaccinations in January that vaccinations aren't this request. That's available through A media spokesperson with the federal government is monitor- work in stopping asymptomatic mandatory, however, there are some the Department of Health and Social Health Canada and Public Health ing other jurisdictions in how they people from transmitting the virus. public spaces that may require proof Services website where you can find Agency of Canada stated in an email are "granting privileges to vaccin- "Scientific evidence is clear that of immunization before access is the process there for requesting a on Thursday that certificates are ated people through a certification the Covid-19 vaccines approved for granted. copy of part of your electronic med- being considered. process. use in Canada are highly effective The CPHO oversees an electronic ical record with that vaccination info "Governments and international "Any similar consideration in the at preventing illness," the spokes- medical record system where all vac- on it." bodies around the world are explor- Canadian context would have to be person said. "However, it is unknown cination information is kept. Kan- Campbell stated that people need- ing the possible use of vaccination based on reliable scientific evidence," whether vaccinated individuals can dola said the current system provides ing proof of vaccination are to fill certificates as one tool to support says the statement, which adds that still be asymptomatic and spread for "permanent storage" of vaccine out the Request to Access or Correct the reopening of societies and econ- "any move toward issuing such a the virus, thus can still pose a public information to make it easier for Your Health Information Form and omies," a spokesperson stated in an document" would require agreement health risk." business Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 5 Nubian Soul Sista addresses gap in Northern market New business sells hair and skin-care products not carried at local chain stores

Northern News Services After 30 years in the territories, Gail Dyer was growing tired of constantly shipping per- sonal care products north, stocking up when she travelled south and concocting hair cocktails with combinations of products available in town. As a Black woman in Yellowknife, Dyer said her hair requires products providing extra mois- ture – something she hasn't been able to find in the decades since she moved from Ontario. Though friends and family told Dyer she was crazy for opening a business amid a global pan- demic, beauty cosmetic and personal care shop Nubian Soul Sista has been in operation since November 2020. "I just thought, it's time," she said. "No one has ever opened a store like this (in the North) – no one has even attempted it. So I thought, let's just do this and see how it goes." Nubian Soul Sista carries shampoos, con- ditioners, beard oil, hair treatment, soaps and lotions, all with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, cocoa and shea butter. While the business started as a means of fill- ing a gap for her own hair care needs, Dyer said Nubian Soul Sista products can be used for men, Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo women and children of any group. After 30 years in the North, Gail Dyer was tired of being unable to find products at local businesses with enough mois- While she continues to work full time in ture for her hair. In November 2020, she opened Nubian Soul Sista with her son Brandin to offer those products. administration at Stanton Territorial Hospital, her son Brandin staffs the shop during the day. Quebec, Ontario and from around the United was one initiative that got Yellowknifers' atten- Although there are days where she works Nubian Soul Sista is located on 49 Street in States. While the business operates just the tion. through doubts, Dyer said she's proud to man- the same building occupied by Blunt YK hair physical shop and Facebook page for now, Eventually, Dyer hopes to make Nubian Soul age a business she has created from scratch to salon and Piercings by Haylee J. The location is Dyer said a new website is in the works. Once Sista her full-time job. benefit herself and her community. perfect for foot traffic, Dyer said. Especially as operational, the shop will service online orders temperatures climb, she said from Nunavut and the Yukon downtown workers can stop as well. by during their breaks and Four months in, Dyer is return to their office without already turning small profits. hassle. Back After paying her rent, buying Before merchandise hits products and covering shipping their shelves, Dyer said it to business fees – all paid for out of pocket is properly researched and with Natalie Pressman – Dyer is able to put $200-300 tested to ensure they can back in her pocket. vouch for it honestly. She As it's still early days, and Brandin test their shipments so they can she's optimistic business will only continue support shoppers and make suggestions for cus- to grow. When Black advocacy group BACup tomers to get best results. North profiled the business as part of their Nubian Soul Sista imports products from Black History Month campaign, Dyer said that 6 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 7 Fighting to bring live music back Petition attempts to galvanize live act lovers, but singing and air expulsion still prohibited by Simon Whitehouse masks for audience members on his Facebook page call- Northern News Services and Plexiglass for acts. ing for better support for live Live music artists and There were close to 200 artists. He said he aims to fans in Yellowknife have signatories on the petition as show support for Jacobson's been deprived by the Covid- of Thursday and Jacobson petition, will call for the 19 pandemic for roughly a hopes to reach 500 to 1,000 restoration of the industry year and a new online peti- in the near future. and will encourage artists to tion is aiming to garner sup- He said he's not complain- work with venues to come port to bring such perform- ing how live music is being up with solutions, along with ances back again. managed, but he wants to the Office of the Chief Public Patrick Jacobson, a well- get people talking about the Health Officer. known singer/songwriter who issue and ways the situation "We will be prepared to has led live music gigs at the could be improved. work with the CPHO and Top Knight put up a change. "I am asking all of you to GNWT to establish policies org petition addressed to add your voice to this cause. and approaches to get artists chief public health officer Dr. If you value the performing back to work like they have Kami Kandola on March 1. arts in your community, now done with most other indus- Jacobson's petition, is the time to make your voice tries," Sinclair said. entitled Bring Back Per- heard," Jacobson writes. The GNWT's position is forming Arts to the Northwest "Every industry has had that public singing remains Territories, asks the GNWT challenges and obstacles to prohibited as the territory Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo to find a way to accom- overcome in order to return to remains in phase two of its Patrick Jacobson, owner of Yk Rocks, left, and Trevor Sinclair, president of modate live music acts. He business, and yet everything Emerging Wisely document, suggests several avenues in from restaurants, bars, sal- which outlines steps toward Music NWT, pictured here at Top Knight on March 4, are demanding that the the petition. including that ons, stores, coffee shops, and reopening. Government of the Northwest Territories makes more accommodations for the acts be required to have 30 even strip clubs have found "Restrictions on live live music industry in Yellowknife. -minute sets between equal ways to return to operational music (that require the length breaks; increased dis- status. All I'm looking for is expulsion of air) were put brass instruments) is cur- or piano." income and livelihood are tances between performers the same opportunity to do in place to ensure that if a rently not allowed, without When asked for exam- not the primary concern. in larger venues with pos- this with the performing arts (Covid) case does occur in a specific exception as they ples when public singing "Money is not the issue sible barricades; "minimum industry so that we can all the NWT that there would are prohibited in the order. has led to the spread of the and it is not about the income square footage" restrictions finally return to work." not be widespread transmis- Live music that involves the virus, Campbell cited a – it is a cultural thing," he until restrictions are loos- Trevor St. Clair, president sion of the virus," stated exhalation of air (e.g. sing- case in March 2020 where said. "Performing art and ened; the implementation of Music NWT, the organ- Darren Campbell, manager ing, playing a wind or brass a 122-member choir in voice and all of that, it is part of health and temperature izing body for the territory's of communications with instrument) presents a higher Skagit County, Washington of our being." screenings and contact lists live performances, said he the Covid Secretariat. "Live risk than music created using saw many singers become at all shows; and the use of plans to have an open letter music (singing and wind and instruments such as a guitar ill after weekly and lengthy 'Very rigorous process' practices. In that case, three The Yellowknife Choral singers tested positive with Society resumed in-person SARS-CoV-2. It led to 53 rehearsals last September but cases identified where three the public safety stipulations individuals were hospitalized have led to a very "measured and two died. The Centers environment," according to for Disease Control and Pre- music director Margo Night- vention produced a report ingale. The extent to whether documenting the spread. there should be more lobby- Jacobson said in an inter- ing efforts to loosen restric- view this week that the pan- tions further is "a tricky demic has been devastating question to answer" because for many musicians and she recognizes singing music music promoters, includ- is transmissible. ing himself. He had hosted "I think there are lots of weekly Jam Knights with ways where live music can his company YK Rocks at be performed safely and Top Knight up until the bar's I'm really excited about the 2019 renovations. When BAM (Borderless Art Move- Covid cases began popping ment) concert this weekend, up in early 2020, he had to for example, where they are suspend the company's work doing some live and creative altogether. things at NACC," she said. For Jacobson, the loss of "But I think it really depends. music income came on top of I've seen live music with Car- being laid off as a dispatcher men Braden over the pan- NNSL file photo with Air Tindi last March demic period which worked Karen Novak, left, of Welder's Daughter played during the Hockey Day in Canada festivities in Febru- shortly after the pandemic ary 2020. With her is her husband Attila "Novi" Novak, lead guitarist, and bassist Doug Friesen, at right. began. But he insists that Please see page 11 8 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 Editorial & Opinions Published Wednesdays and Fridays Comments and views from Yellowknifer and letters to the editor

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: [email protected] Finance Minister Caro- Website: www.nnsl.com line Wawzonek has her hands full with reviews FOUNDER (1934-2018): including a look into suc- J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason cession planning within PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] the government, acknow- Chief Financial Officer: ledged that increasing Judy Triffo – [email protected] employment in regional COORDINATING EDITOR: centres is one of the Craig Gilbert– [email protected] goals of the 19th Legisla-

ACCOUNTING: [email protected] tive Assembly and has Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas started an examination of Assignment editor GNWT procurement poli- Brett McGarry – [email protected] cies and practices. Editorial board: NNSL file photo Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert Brett McGarry • Emily McInnis

Reporters: [email protected] Simon Whitehouse • Natalie Pressman Blair McBride

Sports: James McCarthy – sports@nnsl.com

Photo: Thomas Jono – [email protected]

ADVERTISING: [email protected] More of the same Representatives: Petra Memedi James Boylan • Brock Grills Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Account executive: Laura Whittle Social media manager: Wesley Cook Administrative assistant: Miko Wu will not cut it

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Territorial government has made no progress in hiring a Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson representative Indigenous workforce; reviews must produce results Customer Service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] Northern News Services combined total fewer than 2,800. The legislative assembly is some- The issue: The latest MLA to reintroduce CIRCULATION: [email protected] times a broken record. this long standing GNWT workforce Circulation Director: Amy Yang Unfortunately, there may be no bet- Equitable workforce dilemma is Thebacha's Frieda Mart- Subscriptions: ter example than discussion centred We say: selos. On Wednesday, she succeeded Print: (mail) $95/year around the need to hire more Indigen- GNWT failure in launching a territorial government Online: (entire content) $50/year ous GNWT employees and create a review into GNWT policies and prac- more representative workforce. tices for racial and cultural bias, but Every year, the territorial govern- not only relating to government hir- ment releases its public service report ing Indigenous civil servants with the ing, also pertaining education, health and every year one or more MLAs skills and training to become upward- and social services, justice and hous- seizes the opportunity to chastise ly mobile in their careers. ing. It's worth mentioning that the cabinet over the GNWT's inability to By June 6, 2019, Nahendeh MLA motion's unanimous passing followed NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED recruit more Indigenous civil servants. Shane Thompson proclaimed: "the two days of Great Slave MLA Katrina 100% Northern owned and operated Despite the government's affirma- Indigenous Gateway and Regional Nokleby questioning Wawzonek on Publishers of: tive action policy being in place for Recruitment programs are not getting the GNWT's hiring of Indigenous men Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub three decades, the statistics have people into vacant positions." and whether they are considered a NWT News/North Nunavut News/North hardly budged. Indigenous people rep- Indeed, Finance and Human priority group (they aren't). resent approximately 47.5 per cent of Resources Minister Caroline Waw- That's a worthwhile undertaking – Member of: the NWT's population but only about zonek confirmed in February that one that, if done properly, will entail a Canadian Community Newspapers Association 29.7 per cent of the GNWT's work- just 12 hires were made through that mountain of work. Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association force. The percentage is even more program in 2018-19 and only another Wawzonek certainly has her hands Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association stark among Indigenous men, who seven in 2019-2020. It appears full with reviews. She has commit- Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils consist of a mere 8.8 per cent of gov- momentum is being lost and the ted to look into succession planning Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce ernment employees. numbers were not particularly inspir- within the government, acknowledged Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited It's not that past assemblies didn't ing to begin with. that increasing employment in region- make attempts to address this deep- There are strongly-held beliefs al centres is one of the goals of the rooted issue. why Indigenous hiring isn't up to par 19th Legislative Assembly and has On Oct. 16, 2018, Robert C. within the government. Some MLAs started an examination of GNWT pro- Send us your comments McLeod, then deputy premier and blame direct appointments, whereby curement policies and practices. You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off Finance minister, touted the new senior government officials ostensibly Our government is embarking on a at our office at 5108-50th Street. Indigenous Career Gateway Program. reward friends and acquaintances fairly lengthy period of introspection. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we The concept was that the Department with permanent jobs after starting off This could be a very fruitful exercise, if can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- of Finance would work closely with as casual workers with the govern- solutions are truly found and applied. erence is given to short letters of broad interest or other departments to help create ment. However, if much time and effort concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as entry-level positions and customized Others say the problem lies with is devoted to soul searching and yet we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. training programs for Indigenous too many GNWT positions remaining the statistics fail to change and MLAs Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and Aboriginal applicants who didn't have in Yellowknife, which has a lower pro- are still raising these same issues in those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to all of the qualifications. This was portion of Indigenous residents. The the years ahead, then this great span eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis complemented by the Indigenous numbers show that just over 3,000 of scrutiny will be just another stretch for a story. Management Development and Train- civil servants reside in our city while of spinning wheels, and we cannot ing Program, designed to help exist- the remainder of NWT communities afford it. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 9 Been there, done that

Knowledge is power

NNSL file photo Harlla Kenny, left, and Cora Causa give it their all after the ceremonial launch of the Walk to Tuk in Fort Providence Jan. 14, 2020. The event persists into this year, but where are the T-shirts?

Northern News Services "What … no T-shirt?" That may not be the Battle Cry you would Tales from expect to lead a revolution in the way gov- ernments think and do things, but one never the dump knows. That is the thing about revolutions of thought, they can start in the weirdest ways Walt Humphries is a well-known and you never know how they are going to Yellowknife artist and prospector. end. The Walk to Tuk is an annual event put on without thinking about how it is going to affect by the GNWT, through its Parks and Recrea- people. It happens all the time where some tion Department. People sign up and then in politician or bureaucrat makes a decision with- teams keep track of how long or far they walk out asking the all-important question "How is each day. In the virtual world, they pretend this going to affect people and how are they they are walking from Fort Providence to going to react to it? Will they be happy or sad." Tuktoyaktuk and often back. Some people call To me the government had a great success Wikimedia Commons photo it The Good Luck Tuk Ramble, while others story. More people signed up for the walk than It's always good to know the ins-and-outs of your prescription drug regime, referred to it as the Long March. Not for the ever before! Then probably some bureaucrat even if you've been on it for a while. Always speak with your pharmacist for faint of heart, given our winter conditions. panicked when it was obvious they were going the details, writes columnist Aaron La Borde. Some people walk outside, along trails to go over their T-shirt budget, so they prob- or across frozen lakes. Others prefer to walk ably panicked and canceled T-shirts for the Northern News Services is that if you are on them for many years, inside at places like the field house. Some do year. Literally shooting themselves in the foot Even when you have been taking a pre- that it will be more difficult to get preg- both. It runs for a couple months. from a PR point of view. They could have scription drug for a long time, it's good to nant once you stop taking them. Not true. It was something for people to do and asked people if people wanted a T-shirt or not talk to your pharmacist about it. You can become pregnant in the first a walk every day is theoretically good for and that would have cut down on the numbers The pharmacist can provide a good month off the pill. you, mentally, physically, and spiritually. To a little. Or they could have given out certifi- review on how the drug works, There is one form of con- encourage people to take part in the program, cates. But they did neither. Also, there are review basic instructions for use traception, the Depo-Provera the government for years gave everyone who many creative ways they could have covered and discuss any side effects that hormone injection, that will take participated a free Walk to Tuk T-shirt. There this slight budget overrun. For example, the may be occurring. six to nine months for all the was a different colour every year and because MLAs could have dipped into their constitu- Remember to ask any ques- drug from the shot to leave the this has been going on for years, it had become ency funds. tions you might have regarding body. a tradition. You can go on the internet and there are any aspect of your drug therapy. Going for a walk every day is one way to all sorts of sites which, for a fee, offer virtual The hunt for the P6 alleviate the symptoms of cabin fever. Which walking, biking, swimming, and paddling What causes bruising? pressure point is a lot like pandemic fatigue. So, this year a tours and you get a medal when you finish. Bruises result from the Speaking of pregnancy, the whole lot of people signed up. Now, for reasons The walk to Tuk could be turned into one of bursting of blood vessels that nausea and vomiting that can only known to the government, they decided to those. As could all sorts of other tours. Swim- transport blood around the Capsule occur in the early months may break with tradition and not give out T-shirts. ming the Mackenzie River from Fort Provi- body. Red blood cells leak Comments be relieved by stimulating the That is a bit of a bummer. Some of the old dence to Inuvik. Walking around Great Bear out into the surrounding tissue P6 acupressure point. This timers looked forward to getting a T-shirt and or Great Slave Lake. A paddle from Waterways and start to break down. This Aaron La Borde is point, also called the for some of the new walkers, this would be Alberta to the gold fields of Yellowknife. Or results in that multi-coloured a pharmacist at Nei Guan point in Chinese their first souvenir or memento of the event. walking the Arctic Coast from Aklavik to Iqal- area called a bruise. Immediate Sutherland Drugs. medicine and is found three So, it is a little unfortunate that the government uit visiting every community along the way. It treatment is a towel-covered fingers width up from the wrist decided to pick this of all years to break with could be the start of a whole new business and icepack and pressure. bone and between the two tendons. tradition. To my mind this was an unfortunate bring in some virtual tourist dollars. The point is stimulated for five seconds decision. All these virtual tours could happen Birth control myths at a time. Non-drug methods of symptom- To me, it is not about the T-shirts. It is because the GNWT went cheap and didn't give One of the myths of birth control pills relief is preferred during pregnancy. about the way the government does things, out Walk to Tuk T-shirts during the pandemic. 10 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news Vaccination rollout complete for YK shelters Public Health has administered first and second Moderna doses for eligible and willing shelter staff and clients

by Natalie Pressman that "people who are street involved are Northern News Services at higher risk for contracting Covid-19 As of Friday, public health staff and, due to co-morbidities, at increased completed vaccinations at Yellowknife risk of death or serious illness from shelters for first and second doses. Covid-19. We were happy that Public Eligible staff and clients of Alison Health made immunizing our clients a McAteer House, Lynn's Place, Hope's priority." Haven, Salvation Army, Spruce Bough, Jason Brinson, Salvation Army exec- the GNWT day shelter and the sobering utive director, has likewise said he's Centre/day shelter received initial doses impressed with the government's vac- on the weekend of Jan. 15 to 17. cination efforts and the way they have Last week, second doses were admin- supported those at risk. istered. The Department of Health and Though residents of the Salvation Social Services (HSS) was unable to Army make best efforts to maintain provide a figure for the total vaccina- proper Covid safety precautions, Brin- tions prior to press deadline. son said practices like social distances Due to increased health vulnerabil- are not natural. ities and close quarters living arrange- The Salvation Army vaccination ment, shelter staff and clients were made clinic, "was a really good opportun- priority groups and are now among the ity for the people in high-risk popula- almost 50 per cent of the NWT popula- tions," Brinson said. He said the breadth tion who have been fully vaccinated. of HSS's offering the vaccine at all Those who were not on site the days Yellowknife shelters is critical since the vaccine was offered were provided residents of the Salvation Army, for assistance to book their shot at the mall example, "go elsewhere during the day." clinic for a different time, said Damien In addition to the Yellowknife shel- Healy, HSS communications manager. ters, Healy said other NWT shelters Neesha Rao, executive director of will complete both doses by the end of NNSL file photo the Yellowknife Women's Society, said this week. An additional vaccine clinic offered in the Centre Square Mall as an "overflow" site. news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 11 'To have live shows ... requires a lot more work'

Fighting from previous page 7 too. Artists are having to be very creative. The question comes down to how patient do we need to be to get through this whole scenario because I feel like we're so close to the end." The choir has continued to meet every Tuesday but it takes place at the Alain St. Cyr school gymnasium – 10 times larger than the rehearsal area at its regular space, the Calvary Community Church. Additionally, there's more ventilation and air circulation, a cap on the number of people who can attend rehearsal, social distancing is enforced, health checks and sign-in sheets are manda- tory for those attending and all participants must wear masks. Rehearsal times are also limited to 75 minutes, of which only 30 minutes can be devoted to singing. The rest of the time can be devoted to rhythm work or humming, Nightingale said. Everything is essentially recorded for online consumption. In this way, Nightingale said she's sympa- thetic to the plight of live performers. "The tough thing for performing artists," she said, "is that there is now a very rigorous process required before you can put on a live show for a paying audience. Online perform- ances don't fill the same spot as live shows, which we all miss terribly." However, she said she sees the value in keep restrictions in place for the time being. "The point is, there is a process to have live shows – it just requires a lot more work than normal," she said. "I don't want to debate whether there are other or better ways to manage this situation. I accept that other folks photo courtesy of Margo Nightingale see this differently, but I think the restrictions Members of the Yellowknife Choral Society practice at the Alain St. Cyr gymnasium on Feb. 23. Measures to allow for – as difficult as they have been – have kept in-person choir practice remain rigorous, says music director Margo Nightingale. the North a safer, healthier place as a whole." Karen Novak, lead singer of Welder's providing her support. She agrees with Jacobson that a conversa- Without a solution for musicians, it's tough Daughter, has been performing live for over "Performing arts has been my livelihood tion has to be had to make better accommo- to find a reason to come back to Canada any- two decades, but she hasn't had a live gig for over two decades and that has now been dations for live musicians, dependent on the time soon, she said. since a closed-door, live concert was held at taken away," she said in frustration. "At this industry. "The problem is I have nothing to go back the Gold Range on March 21, 2020. point, it has been almost a year. I've never "I am in support of it (the petition) for to," said Novak. "There should be no problem Last May, she moved with her husband been this unemployed for my entire life and sure," she said, adding that the future of in doing at least something. Let's figure out to Hungary, where she has family who are no options other than to get another job." Welder's Daughter may be in question. how we can do it." We are all responsible for caribou

Northern News Services trophically, with only about two per cent shared awful stories, describing what was ers take their stewardship responsibility ser- If it seems like I've been silent for a while, of the herd remaining. This herd is in such going on as a "war zone". Bullets whizzed iously, and what is happening in the Lac de it's frankly because I haven't had much left critical state that there is a total ban on hunt- around dangerously, leaving in their wake Gras area is not their doing. Unfortunately, to ponder about this pandemic. Usually, I get ing Bathurst animals. Caribou can still be many wounded caribou left to die unharvest- the acts of a few are reflecting badly on us all geared up to write this column when I am hunted from other NWT herds, though they ed. We witnessed carcasses left behind with all. cranky about something. On the are also seeing similar, less dra- wasted meat. Camps were left filthy. Caribou Many of us have heard whispers of Covid-19 front, there hasn't been matic downward trends. Nobody meat was being harvested with the intent of slaughters such as the one up the ice road much to complain about. We enjoy knows for certain what is causing being sold – most commonly as drymeat, the over the years – second-hand stories, more freedoms within our borders this decline, though it is likely a NWT's black gold. rumours and tales at the coffee shop. Occa- than other parts of the country, combination of industrial develop- We spoke with some resource officers – sionally a story will flare up in the news, any Covid-19 cases are quickly ment, climate change, and hunting all Northern Indigenous people – that had only to fade quickly away as our GNWT and contained, and we have the high- pressure. returned from patrol in the area, and they Indigenous leaders stay silent. Caribou are a est vaccination rate in Canada. Recently I had the fortune to were shell shocked. These officers are people political minefield. The most we usually get Our plan to "Emerge Wisely" from go hunting with friends in the who grew up with a love of the land, instilled is the pointing of fingers. It's that commun- this pandemic has worked so far, barrenlands. We travelled far to in them by their families and culture. They ity over there that is disrespectful of caribou, despite gripes from some corners Pandemic the east of the Bathurst no hunt- were especially hurt that it was primarily not mine. The government messed this up, – including mine. ing zone, with hopes of finding other Northern Indigenous people that were not us. Or it has nothing to do with roads and Given my lack of pandemic Ponderer caribou from other herds. Though responsible for these shameful actions. And mining, it's you people who hunt too much. related issues to write about, I Steve Ellis is a there were very few animals they said that this same thing has been hap- Guess what? We all share a part of the longtime Northerner pening year after year. asked the publisher of this paper who enjoys setting nets across the vast area we traveled, blame. We are all responsible. With the right if I could expand my column and being on the land. we were fortunate to have some Now the NWT has master hunters in all to hunt caribou comes a great responsibility beyond pandemic related matters. modest success. its communities, and many of us have had for their care, and collectively we have not In a decision he may yet regret, he We purposely avoided the area the privilege of being mentored by them on taken this responsibility seriously enough. agreed. just off the ice road around Lac de Gras, respectful hunting practices. I owe a great And unless we start being honest with what So I turn my attention beyond the pan- immediately to the east of the Bathurst no debt to the likes of the late Sam Boucher of is happening and doing more than having demic to another crisis – the state of barren- hunting zone. This is where caribou were Lutsel K'e for his teachings, and I have the yet another meeting to blame each other, the ground caribou. As most people know, the readily accessible and most hunting was tak- fortune of keeping the company of friends caribou will have the final revenge. We will Bathurst caribou herd has declined catas- ing place. Hunters who had been in this area who practice respectful hunting. Most hunt- not deserve them, and they will disappear. 12 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news Stabbing victim seeks fresh start Marina St. Croix is still living where she was violently stabbed by Natalie Pressman Tariq is set to be released on "take it easy" on Tariq. She has also Northern News Services May 2, 2022. "I do not plan on continued to be taunted "snitches Three years after Marina St. being here when he is released," get stitches" by Tariq's friends she Croix sustained a violent attack Marina said. "Or at least that is my told the court at Tariq's sentencing from her former husband Tariq St. hope." hearing. Croix, she and her four children One condition of Tariq's three She said that his freedom is the continue to live at the scene of the year probation is that once released start of their captivity. crime. from prison, he is barred from re- "We were really upset when their Having sought help through entering the Northwest Territories. plan was to take him out of the ter- social service avenues and bring- This order was made as a means ritories and leave us here," she said. ing the matter twice to the rental of protection for St. Croix and her "You've now just given him freedom board, "the government themselves children but she said she does not to be in all the places that we would have failed me," she said. "Housing trust "a piece of paper to tell him to potentially be trying to run to." failed to transfer me. I've spoken stay away from my family and I." "These laws are put in place that to my MLA, she has failed to get On the night of the attack in are very lenient towards the accuser, any help for me, I brought it to the question, Tariq was already on two and the women that are abused, we Supreme Court, they failed to help separate court orders preventing are the ones that have to go through me." him from attending the residence another system of abuse, where St. Croix is turning to the public of his estranged wife. Both were these systems are very broken, and instead. brought on from prior convictions for some reason are catered towards On Jan. 26, 2021 she launched of violent attacks against her. the abusers," she said. "This is a a GoFundMe campaign seeking Canada wide problem." $88,888 to give her family a fresh His freedom, At the time of the attack, St. start. her family's captivity Croix was in school to obtain her In addition to the emotional tur- "The goal is to try to move nursing degree. She has since had moil caused from remaining at the somewhere else, I don't feel com- to drop out of school to focus on residence – including PTSD, regu- fortable just sitting in the same her healing. lar nightmares, feelings of with- place where he assaulted me," she The family's current home is drawal and isolation and distrust said. "Even moving within this city under the umbrella of city housing towards men – St. Croix said that is not going to provide me any field and therefore low rent. when Tariq is released from prison, of safety, because everybody knows "I'm conscious of the fact that I she and her children will no longer everyone here, and it doesn't take am only surviving and making ends be safe in that home. very long for someone to find out meet because I have low income Tariq was sentenced to five years where you live." rent," St. Croix said. in prison for aggravated assault. Throughout the course of the To relocate, however, the family After deducting the time already court proceedings, Marina said will need the funds to afford hous- spent at the North Slave Correc- she has been contacted on numer- ing at market rent in addition to fly- photo courtesy of Marina St. Croix. tional Centre (NSCC) and applying ous occasions by Tariq's father and ing a family of five to their destina- Marina St. Croix has launched a GoFundMe campaign to the standard 1.5 credit for pre-trial brothers expressing disbelief in the tion and starting from scratch since relocate her family out of the house where she was violently custody, he has 21 months remain- crimes she claims against her for- attacked by former husband Tariq St. Croix. ing in his sentence. mer husband and imploring her to Please see next page news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 13 Five years for stabbing estranged wife; deportation pending Victim calls Canadian justice system 'broken' as former husband attacked her twice before while on probation by Natalie Pressman the residence are "very disturbing to Northern News Services look at," and "brings home the sav- The following story contains ageness and brutality of the attack." graphic details that some readers In a victim impact statement read may find disturbing. to the court earlier this month, Mar- Marina St. Croix, victim of a ina said she wants her name to be brutal 2018 New Year's Eve stab- known and the details of the crime bing, told the NWT Supreme Court to be widespread so the public can Thursday that she's stopped trusting be confronted with the brutality the "broken Canadian system." facing Indigenous women. At the sentencing hearing for "I'm angry because I want to see her former husband Tariq St. harsher sentencing to those who Croix, Marina said even though her harm Indigenous women and chil- estranged partner is barred from re- dren," she said. entering the territory once released She told the court that while from jail, "We fail to mention that I she currently goes by St. Croix, too will lose my right to mobility." she plans to change her and her In delivering her ruling, Jus- children's last name. She acknow- tice Louise Charbonneau said she ledges no father for her youngest understands that, from Marina's per- two children. spective, the court order to protect her must ring hollow as Tariq was Baby put in jeopardy under two separate court orders in Charbonneau described again 2018 intending to protect her when the events of the night of the stab- the stabbing occurred. bing. Marina, intending to watch Following a joint recommenda- the New Year's Eve fireworks with tion from the defence lawyer and her children stayed home. When she NNSL file photo Crown prosecutor, Tariq was sen- saw Tariq outside, she called to him Marina St. Croix says she's lucky to alive after her former partner stabbed her multiple times tenced to five years in jail on Thurs- from the balcony to go away. He on New Year's Eve. She credited the actions of police, paramedics and hospital staff in saving day. After deducting the two years instead broke a window, entered the and 56 days the offender has already home, armed himself with a steak her life. Dec. 31, 2018. spent a the North Slave Correc- knife and went upstairs to stab Mar- tional Centre (NSCC) and applying ina in the face, chest, left, shoul- murder. He instead pleaded guilty Immigration Canada. The designa- moral blameworthiness in this case the standard 1.5 credit for pre-trial der and stomach. She was pregnant to the lesser charge of aggravated tion, akin to refugee status, can is high, the judge added. custody, Tariq has one year, nine at the time and holding her 18- assault to keep the victims from shield a person who has reason to Among the features that months and one week left to serve month-old baby while her 11-year- having to testify. fear persecution in his or her coun- Charbonneau said were aggravating of his sentence. old daughter watched. The attack Charbonneau told the court "it is try of origin. to the attack, were the fact that there His jail term will be followed by only stopped when the blade separ- a matter of pure luck that he is not Once a criminal's ruling is were two children witnesses – one three years of probation. In addi- ated from the handle and remained facing sentencing for a homicide." entered, immigration officials per- which the victim held, and another tion to counselling, he will not be lodged in the woman's stomach. She She said she has dealt with a number form a "danger opinion" assessment. old enough to understand the cir- permitted to re-enter the territory or sustained serious injuries, physic- of cases where a single stab was all The danger opinion evaluates the cumstances; the fact that Marina make contact with the victim or her ally, emotionally and financially. it took to cause death – it often is a possible risk the offender poses on was pregnant; that she is an Indigen- four children for the duration of his Marina gave birth to the baby matter only of centimetres. Canadian soil compared to the risk ous woman and therefore classified probationary term. in her womb despite the stabbing, that might be inflicted on him in the as a vulnerable person; that Tariq Reading her ruling to the court, though she said labour was extreme- Deportation country from which he fled. breached two court orders to com- Charbonneau acknowledged the ly painful. She told the court that pending Charbonneau noted the abuse mit the offence; and that the crimes limited discretion granted to sen- she had to drop out of nursing As Tariq is a permanent resident Tariq faced as a child and the post- were acts of domestic violence. tencing judges when faced with a school while she continued to deal in Canada, but not a citizen, defence traumatic stress disorder he suffered She noted the prevelance of these joint submission from lawyers. She with the trauma and support her lawyer Kate Oja said he could be as a result. While it's common for crimes, in the NWT in particular. noted that the sentence is on the children who, like her, suffer night- deported back to St. Lucia, an island traumatic upbringings to serve as "Family violence should be a very low end for what she calls a mares of the attack that occurred in the Caribbean. As a convicted an explanation to violent crimes, concern to everyone, not just vic- very serious crime. In considering at the home in which they continue criminal, Tariq loses his permanent the judge said it's not an excuse. tims and families, not just those in the photos submitted as evidence, to live. residency immediately. However, The offender, who was twice previ- support groups," said Charbonneau. Charbonneau said the injuries and The offender was originally set Tariq has been designated a pro- ously before the court for assaulting "It should be a concern to polit- the enormous amount of blood at to go to trial on charges of attempted tected person by Citizenship and his former wife, should know his icians, courts, everyone." St. Croix wants to move before ex get released Continued, from previous page advice from others in circumstances of abuse and almost St. Croix called the plea deal a joke and said that she wants always tells them the same thing, "do as much as you can to to she harsher sentencing for those who harm Indigenous they don't have the means to pack and move their belongings. just get out somewhere else. women and children. St. Croix is still waiting for surgeries to recover from a "There are endless amounts of women in this territory that labour made extra painful from injuries sustained in the stab- are being hurt, and maybe even killed, with EPOs (emergency bing. protection orders) already in place. Men don't listen to a piece Her physical injuries raise questions as to whether or not of paper." she will be able to find work at their new location. She has As an Indigenous woman, St. Croix asserts the importance also raised concerns over the job market due to the ongoing of telling her story and breaking the cycle of abuse and ensu- Covid-19 pandemic. ing silence. As of Tuesday afternoon, her GoFundMe campaign had Tariq was originally charged with attempted murder, but collected $700 of her $88,888 goal. St. Croix is keeping her pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault. fingers crossed that she can raise enough to relocate sooner rather than later.

Lucky number The $88,888 figure, she said, is considered a lucky num- ber in Chinese culture. After consulting a Chinese aunty, St. Croix said she decided to be all eights. "I don't have an amount, I just know that I need to get out of the North," she said. Typically, in cases of family violence, names are ban from publication in order to protect the victim. St. Croix, however, said that "a publication ban will being me no justice." She said that she often receives messages soliciting her 14 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 news New book chronicles Snowking winter festival's history

photo courtesy of Bill Braden "It has become a beloved part of the community," author Ryan McCord says of the Snowcastle and its related festival. Ryan McCord and Bill Braden's new Snowcastle book delves into the history of the winter festival, its evolution and how it has become an icon of Yellowknife by Natalie Pressman the energy and the heart and the devotion that Northern News Services people have to building this thing," Braden said. For 26 years, Yellowknifers have looked for- "It's really remarkable when you go down and ward to snow slides and ice sculptures down by look at it and think, 'How did they do this? Why Yellowknife Bay. did they do this?' Each year, the Snowcastle evolves to answer "At -35 C day after day after day, the spirit festival-goers inevitable question of, what's dif- that's there among the people who build this is ferent this year? really a remarkable thing." In a new Snowcastle book, writer Ryan The new Snowking book, which also fea- McCord and photographer Bill Braden docu- tures the work of local photographers Fran ment the stories of those evolutions. Bound Hurcomb, Pat Kane and Stephan Folkers, is between 88 pages, the book chronicles the for sale at the Yellowknife Book Cellar and the castle's inception, the structure's construction Snowcastle Merch Shack as of March 6. and the community the festival forms among In lieu of a book launch, McCord and builders and visitors alike. Braden will be available to sign books outside McCord, known for his Yellowknife country the Yellowknife Book Cellar on March 7 from music, recalls discovering the Snowking cut- photo courtesy of Sara Minogue 2-3 p.m. ting ice panels shortly after McCord's arrival in A new book on the Snowcastle delves Although Covid precautions have trans- 2003. When his curiosity drove him to approach into the history of the winter festival, its formed this year's Snowcastle to an open air the monarch, McCord was quickly put to work evolution and how it has become an icon of Yellowknife snowgarden, "the creativity and passion that and he spent the better part of that winter build- goes into it is the same," Braden said. ing. Upon moving to Yellowknife, McCord said the kids tired and abandoned the project, only their technique, the festival incorporated con- The 2021 festival is now open and Yellow- he knew no one, but that quickly changed. the adults remained. What transpired was an certs and dances to build an event larger in knifers are asked to book their free tickets in "It's fair to say that the Snowcastle played a extraordinary structure with flags and a small stature and structure. advance to keep the garden at safe capacities. huge part in helping me to establish community open fire for heating tea. "It has become a beloved part of the com- While festivals throughout the pandemic in Yellowknife," McCord said. By 1996, the fort became a proper castle. Five munity," McCord said. year have cancelled events or gone virtual, The Snowcastle seeds were planted in 1993 years later, the team had amassed a group of Braden describes the book as a record of Braden said Snowcastle crews refused to quit. when Snowking Anthony Foliot and Scott volunteers and secured funding from the city as something really special and unique. "I hope that everyone in town takes the time Mitchell contributed their skills to a snow fort well as donations from Yellowknife businesses. "It opens the festival up, opens up the way to book ahead and come down and see this is a the neighbourhood kids were building. When As the years went on and the crew honed it's done, the creativity and the thinking and remarkable thing," he said. news Yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 15 Assembly passes motion to review racial biases in the GNWT All MLAs vote in favour of anti-racism motion, while members of cabinet abstain by Blair McBride impacted Indigenous people for too Marteslos told the assembly that Northern News Services long. she tabled her motion in the context A motion was passed in the legis- "It's happening in my commun- of the NWT, where half of the popu- lative assembly Wednesday calling ity at a specific institution that I've lation is Indigenous and becoming on the GNWT to review its policies probably mentioned many times in more diverse and where Indigenous and practices for racial and cultural the House and in meetings. And it's people have faced colonialism and bias. continuing to this day. I do support cultural genocide. It urges a review of policies espe- the motion," he said. The GNWT has also accepted cially as they relate to education, Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Steve the recommendations of the Truth health and social services, justice, Norn, who recalled an offensive and Reconciliation Commission, the housing and government hiring. incident of racism in his childhood principles of the United Nations Dec- The motion – put forward by in the former town of Pine Point, laration on the Rights of Indigenous Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos commended Martselos' motion. Peoples and the calls to justice of the and seconded by Deh Cho MLA "We have nice words and well- national inquiry into Missing and Ron Bonnetrouge – passed with 10 worded documents (about opposing Murdered Indigenous Women and votes in favour, zero against and racism) but at the heart of it all is Girls, Martselos said. seven abstentions. Martselos gave action. I hope all of my colleagues Furthermore, there is growing notice about the motion on Monday. work really hard and back up our public awareness of the effects of Government House Leader R.J. words with actions." racism in society from the efforts of Simpson said that under convention Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Black Lives Matter and other anti- members of cabinet abstain from Semmler said the work of anti- racism organizations. voting on recommendations to the racism isn't just for Indigenous government but in this case cab- people in the NWT but for black MLA recalls incident at SPCA inet supports the principles of the people as well. "I think it's an important motion motion. "We all should make sure we and we have to recognize things have access to education, our justice aren't what they should be all of the photo courtesy of the Legislative Assembly Session about systemic racism system, our child welfare system – time," said Martselos. Dehcho MLA Ronald Bonnetrouge seconded a motion calling The debate and motion came dur- they're all intertwined. We need to She recounted an experience she for a review of GNWT policies for racial and cultural bias. ing a themed session on systemic make sure we have this motion here said exemplified systemic racism racism where MLAs and ministers to move things forward and continue which she had at the NWT SPCA "I've never had that happen to me organizations in the NWT – that's spoke about their commitment to that momentum," she said. in Yellowknife on Feb. 1 while try- and I've never felt that way in all of where you see the difference." confront racism and dedicate resour- Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokle- ing to adopt a puppy (see related the years that I've lived in the NWT. News/North has reached out the ces to rooting out racism in govern- by said that she commits to being an story below). A member of the upper I've been very fortunate. But many NWT SPCA for comment. ment and society. ally, to educating herself and check- management at the shelter behaved of the people I represent, especially The GNWT has 120 days to In supporting the motion, Bon- ing her own privilege and she looks in a "cold and microaggressive" way the Indigenous people of Salt River provide a comprehensive response netrouge said "racist overtones" have to her colleagues to help her do so. towards her, Martselos said. First Nation and all the Indigenous to the motion. NWT SPCA manager behaved in racist manner, says MLA 'As a Dene woman I know what racism looks like and feels like,' says Martselos

by Blair McBride systemic racism." entered the room. said Martselos. received mixed responses they say. I'm sure that most Northern News Services When Martselos visited "I turned to her, told her "I felt very odd about that from people with whom she Black, Brown or Indigenous Thebacha MLA Frieda the shelter in February to my name and asked if the interaction. It was a very has shared her experience. folks who hear this story will Martselos said she experi- look for a puppy to adopt, she puppy was still available for unfriendly and microaggres- "Some people seem com- know the feeling I'm describ- enced systemic racism at the said staff were initially help- adoption. Then, without any sive response. I considered pletely unconvinced that any ing." NWT SPCA in Yellowknife. ful and kind. introduction or any greeting going to the board of dir- racism occurred and they'd A spokesperson for the During the Wednesday They introduced her to a at all, she pointed and quick- ectors but felt it wouldn't rather find excuses on behalf NWT SPCA said its board of session of the legislative puppy she was interested in ly and coldly said, 'That dog change much. As a Dene of the individual in question. directors was to meet Thurs- assembly, Martselos said that adopting, and was told the is already spoken for.' Then woman I know what racism 'Maybe she was having a bad day night and would pro- during an interaction with a dog was still available. she turned around, left the looks like and feels like." day,' they say. 'Maybe she vide a response to Martselos' manager at the Yellowknife She said the mood abrupt- room and never came back," The MLA said she has was busy in that moment,' allegation Wednesday. animal shelter on Feb. 1 "I ly changed when a member strongly feel I experienced of the upper management

photo courtesy of the Legislative Assembly Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos claims she experienced racism at the hands of the NWT SPCA in Yellowknife. 16 yellowknifer, Friday, March 5, 2021 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 2022 Arctic Winter Games on hold

NNSL file photo Bradley Nowdluk-Fraser of Nunavut, left, takes the opening face-off against Team NT's James MacCara in bantam boys hockey at the Hay River Recreation Centre during the bantam boys hockey tournament at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games. The AWG International Committee announced on Wednesday that the 2022 edition of the Games has been postponed indefinitely owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. AWG International Committee makes decision to postpone upcoming edition owing to Covid-19 pandemic by James McCarthy engaged in an extensive consultative postpone the Games to 2023 or pen this year in Ontario, will now CCNWT will discuss alternative Northern News Services process with both the Wood Buffalo cancel them altogether," he said. "I happen in 2022 and one of the things competition options for the 2021- The 2022 Arctic Winter Games 2022 Host Society and our valued wanted them to have a say and I sent organizers did was adjust the ages to 2022 season with coaches over the were scheduled to be held in Wood Chefs de Mission from participating their responses to the international ensure that those athletes who would course of the coming months." Buffalo, Alta., in one year's time but units." committee." have been competing this year still Curling is another sport which that's been put on hold for the time The release also stated that all The Aboriginal Sports Circle of get the chance to do so next year. has borne the brunt of cancellations being. parties are working together to come the NWT looks after Dene games Wells said he knows there is and postponements of AWG past. The AWG International Commit- up with an appropriate and Arctic sports, two the potential of athletes missing out It was part of the six sports which tee announced that the next edition date for a re-scheduled of the affected events. because of that. didn't get the chance to feature when of the Games has been postponed Games and the inten- Aaron Wells, the "If they give us a chance to give the Games were held in Greenland and will now be held at a later date. tion is to announce the "They didn't Sports Circle's execu- feedback on that, we'll obviously in 2016 – along with figure skating, There was no immediate word on date in the near future. tive director, said at the ask that no one misses out," he said. dog mushing, gymnastics, speed- when that will be but the commit- Bill Othmer, the take it lightly end of the day, it's all "There wasn't any news on that in skating and U18 boys hockey – and tee stated in a press release that acting executive direc- about respecting the the announcement but they'll have to lost out with everyone else in 2020 the decision was a "planned and tor of Sport North and because there decision that was made. make a decision on that. I'm hoping when the Games were cancelled proactive response to the global acting chef de mission are plenty "They didn't take it there will be a way to accommodate altogether. Covid-19 pandemic" and was made for Team NT, said the lightly because there those kids." Nick Saturnino, NWT Curling's in discussions with the Alberta gov- issue about 2022 first of factors are plenty of factors Shawne Kokelj, president of president, said there was a genuine ernment and Regional Municipality came up last month involved," he said. Cross Country NWT (CCNWT), fear of curling missing out again. of Wood Buffalo. when the international involved." "Of course, we want said that the organization would "We suggested that postpone- John Flynn, president of the committee first floated – Aaron Wells the athletes to get the have loved for the event to go ahead ment was the best option and I think international committee, stated that the idea about whether chance to compete but as scheduled but it understands the that's a wise decision," he said. the health and safety of participants, to cancel the Games as it's important to note concern that remains about Covid- Another recommendation NWT coaches and volunteers is of para- scheduled. that postponement was 19. Curling made was to talk with Dr. mount concern and that was the Othmer sent an e-mail to the ter- the key word and so we're just look- "While I'm sure organizers in Kami Kandola, the territory's chief main factor behind the decision. ritorial sport organizations (TSO) on ing to the future." Alberta are disappointed, hopeful- public health officer, to get her opin- "Although it is a great disappoint- what they thought should be done One thing which will certainly ly having this information well in ion on what to do, he added. ment that we must postpone the and give them a chance to provide come up in any discussion about the advance of the event will make it "She has a good idea as to how 2022 Arctic Winter Games, we are some input. future of the Games is age categor- easier for them," she said. "I am dis- things will look one year from now steadfast in our decision," he stat- "I gave them three options: pro- ies. The Canada Summer Games, appointed for this cohort of AWG- so we felt it would be prudent to have ed. "The International Committee ceed with the Games as scheduled, which was originally slated to hap- potential cross-country skiers, but her thoughts," he said. 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