Leaders caught 'off guard' by Dominion Ekati mine owner files for insolvency protection, but plans to reopen

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Merchants vs. Merchants for greatest of all time Volume 49 Issue 10 friday, april 24, 2020 75 CENTS ($1.00 outside city) Together on the front line

Blair McBride/NNSL photos Supervisor Angela Watson, above, and cashiers Donna Panela, top, Pamela Olimpo and Gabriel Fabros have been keeping a brave face as they serve as essential workers at the Yk Co-operative grocery store during the pandemic. Read all about them on page 4.

$1.00 outside Publication mail Contract #40012157 "It makes me feel great because I know everyone is trying to help everyone else." 7 71605 00100 5 Bullock's Bistro owner Jo-ann Martin was lifted by the number of people telling her about new federal cash for businesses, page 13. 2 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 3 Corrections A column published in the April 15 issue of Yellowknifer, "Homeless still out in cold after Arnica Inn announcement," wrongly indicated that Yk nursing students the YWCA is responsible for the Arnica Inn. The Yellowknife Women's Society is. A column published April 22, "Hey, public health police: we are not the enemy," indicated that tickets had been issued related to the social distancing orders issued by the chief public health officer. This was also receive $20,000 health wrong. No fines/tickets have been issued in the NWT under those orders. A number of verbal warnings, and one written warning, in the Sahtu, have been issued since the orders took effect, according to the GNWT. Yellowknifer apologies for the errors and any confusion they may have caused. research 'studentships' News Briefs Intoxicants a factor in fatal rollover: RCMP A Behchoko woman is dead after a rollover on Highway 3 south of the community. Police say they responded to the crash at about 5 p.m. April 22. The vehicle was found about 150 feet off the roadway on its roof, 15 km south of the hamlet near Mosquito Creek. Two occupants of the vehicle were trans- ported by ground ambulance to Yellowknife for medical treatment of non-life threatening injur- ies. A third occupant, a woman from Behchoko, was located, deceased. Two other occupants of the vehicle were unaccounted for when the RCMP arrived on site and efforts are being made to locate them. Behchoko RCMP is investigating the inci- dent along with the territory coroner's office. "It is believed alcohol and/or drugs use is a factor in this incident," a police release read. Behchoko ambulance and Fire Department members were also on site to assist the RCMP, as well as the GNWT Department of Transpor- tation, who provided traffic control. The high- way remained open during the investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Behchoko RCMP at 392-1111, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, (click on "submit a web tip") or text: "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637. – Craig Gilbert Youth charged with sharing intimate images, extortion A young person who can't be named is charged with a number of serious crimes. The RCMP is not releasing the area of jurisdiction to prevent possible identification of the youth charged April 18 with distribution of intimate images without consent, extortion, assault, voyeurism and uttering threats. The RCMP Child photo courtesy of Erica Abel Exploitation Unit (ICE) laid the charges. Erica Abel, an Aurora College nursing student is one of the recipients of the 2020 Edets'seèhdzà Studentships offered "We want to bring these charges to the by the Hotıì ts'eeda health research organization and Aurora College/Aurora Research Institute. public's attention, to show that our unit can, and will, thoroughly investigate this type of file," Cpl. Sandi Nischk said in a news release. "We Erica Abel and Marisa McArthur are both third-year hope that these charges will both prevent this type of crime and provide hope to those who Aurora College Bachelor of Science in Nursing students have been victims, that there may be justice." The investigation is ongoing and anyone by Blair McBride ing this recognition. I am eager to be able to in June. with information on suspicious activity is asked Northern News Services work alongside with great minds whose heart "The opportunity to engage in health- to call their local RCMP detachment, contact Two Yellowknife nursing students have is to better the people of the North," she said related research while pursuing studies Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips. been awarded studentship stipends worth in a phone interview. provides Aurora College students a rich com, (click on "submit a web tip") or text: $20,000 to support them while they conduct For her research project she wants to study opportunity to anchor learning in Northern "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637. health research projects. issues related to addictions in the North. communities," said Aurora College president – Craig Gilbert Erica Abel and Marisa McArthur, both "We have such high rates (of addiction) Andy Bevan. "Aurora College and Aurora third-year Aurora College Bachelor of Sci- and there's a lot of unresolved trauma in the Research Institute are proud to support the ence in Nursing students are the recipients of North and there are no treatment centres. Edets'seèhdzà Studentship and our two out- Land and Water Board awards the 2020 Edets'seèhdzà Studentships, accord- Hopefully I can find out the reasons why. standing recipients, Erica Abel and Marisa permits to rare earths project ing to a news release from the Hotıì ts'eeda Maybe it's a government problem? Maybe the McArthur." The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water health research organization, which funds facilities haven't been upgraded?" The students will work with Dr. Pertice Board authorized two land permits and one the studentship and provides it jointly with McArthur is interested in social epidemi- Moffitt, Aurora Research Institute manager water permit for the NWT's only rare earths pro- and Aurora College/Aurora Research Insti- ology and said in the news release about the of health research programs. Moffitt's team ject – NWT Rare Earths Ltd – at the proposed tute. awards that "locally driven Indigenous health recently received funding from the Canadian signed southeast of Yellowknife. This is the second year the Edets'seèhdzà research has the power to cultivate meaning- Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) for Shelagh Montgomery, executive director of Studentship program has been running, after ful change in the communities in which we the project Welcoming the Sacred Spirit, a the land and water board confirmed that the Aurora College nursing student Allison live." three-year collaborative project looking at authorizations were issued on April 12. Forbes was its first recipient in 2019. The studentship of Edets'seèhdzà, which Indigenous maternal health care in Canada. The completed applications allows the com- Abel, a member of the Yellowknives Dene means "stepping forward to challenge your- Last year, Moffitt worked with pany to begin a three-year demonstration min- First Nation, was informed she was a winner self" in the Tłıcho language can be complet- Edets'seèhdzà recipient Forbes in the sum- ing project this summer at the Nechalacho site on Tuesday and said she was "speechless" at ed part-time while a student is in the nursing mer on research related to actions against at Thor Lake about 100 kilometres southeast of the news. program or full-time during the summer. family violence. Yellowknife. "It was quite a bit of money and I'm cer- Abel said she would be better prepared Hotıì ts'eeda is funded by CIHR and is a – Simon Whitehouse tain quite a few people have applied for that. to do it in the summer after she finishes her research support unit hosted by the Tłıcho I'm extremely grateful and humble in receiv- program's consolidated practice experience Government. 4 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 news On the retail frontlines during a pandemic Health precautions, customer interactions keep cashier staff on their toes by Blair McBride In such an extraordinary time their jobs thought, 'These guys seem to be going above and Northern News Services demand more resilience as they face the social beyond.' I think they're doing very well, for us as With supermarkets like the Yellowknife distancing requirements and deal with cus- cashiers and for the public with social distancing Co-op being designated as essential servi- tomers who are sometimes agitated. to curb the number of people inside. A lot of ces, staff interact daily with the public and But they keep working with their heads people are scared of the unknown and Co-op must take extra health precautions during the held high and smiles on their faces. tries to take care of their feelings." Covid-19 pandemic. Brooke Vallis, cashier Donna Panela, cashier Panela works 40 hours a week, sometimes longer, and has worked at Co-op since last August. What has been your experience of working during the pandemic? "It has been pretty good. It's busy. The Co-op has treated me well especially with the situation going on now. As much as possible we try to keep our customers safe as well as our cashiers and staff so we can go forward until this Covid thing is done. "The first two weeks were rough ever since Covid started because people were panic buy- ing. We were very busy but actually I wouldn't say 'busy' I would say it was crazy. But now worked at Co-op for 18 months. we sometimes have customers who are easily What has been your experience irritated. They aren't so used to following rules of working during the pandemic? like social distancing so they become easily "It has been pretty good. I met some nice and irritated." bad people. I developed more patience for people because of the Covid situation. It's nice being Pamela Olimpo, able to help them out. cashier "I've had to limit some items and people get Olimpo works 32 hours a week and has mad at us because they say they need to have (for Vallis works 29 hours a week and has been example) two jugs of milk. And they get mad working at Co-op for two weeks. and decide not to buy the stuff anymore and just leave. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's fine." What has been your experience of working during the pandemic? "It has been an opportunity to get out of the Angela Watson, supervisor house and do something productive. "It's different than it would be normally because there are more precautions that need to be taken. But overall if we have good hygiene and wash our hands and sanitize everything it should be okay."

Gabriel Fabros, cashier

Watson works about 32 hours a week and has worked at Co-op for 10 years. "This is my part-time job. I have a full-time job with the GNWT. "I'm in charge of a few cashiers but I pretend that I'm in charge of the whole store sometimes (laughs). "I love working here. I started off as a cashier here just to make some extra pocket change so I can keep up with my bills. When I come here it's almost relaxing for me. I'm making extra money Fabros works about 32 hours a week "but I plus I'm enjoying myself serving people. I really might work fewer hours in a few weeks because like Co-op. I never feel like I'm coming to work. I'm doing the online courses and will have I do love it here." homework." What has been your experience He has worked at Co-op since Aug. 30. of working during the pandemic? What has been your experience "I think we're doing very good. When I saw of working during the pandemic? that Co-op has provided us with the (Plexiglas) "It's good working here. You meet a lot of shields - when I came in and saw those I was people. You don't just stay at home not talking really happy. We've got the gloves, we've got the to anyone. I can socialize more here. (But) It's masks. I think they've done us very well. They've hard. It's kind of scary because anyone could even provided us with snacks in the lunchroom. I have (Covid)." news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 5

Nick Pearce/NNSL photo the visitor centre's new normal The Northern Frontiers Visitors Centre, abandoned since 2017, is being torn down. This week, workers began to strip the insides of the building before demolish- ing the rest next week. Ace Enterprises won the $225,460 GNWT contract to tear the building down in December. The building was worth $2.25 million when the Northern Frontier Visitors Association that oversaw the project voted to disband in October 2017. The building, which was facing significant structural issues, was considered beyond repair. Dominion Diamond granted protection from creditors Disappointment, surprise and fear for jobs as Ekati's future hangs in the balance by Simon Whitehouse ington Companies' affiliate he said. bers who have been dealing Investment, said she was "dis- of Covid-19. Many are being Northern News Services is the successful purchaser, Of the mine's 1,625 with the impacts of Covid-19, heartened" by the announce- forced to make difficult deci- Dominion Diamond it would pay what's owed to employees in 2018, 715 were Parsons said, adding that the ment. sions like the one Dominion Mines, operator of the Ekati employees, the government – Northerners. biggest priority is to ensure "The mining sector is the had to make today, but the diamond mine and a minor- including reclamation – and Yellowknife Mayor Reb- members have job security as biggest source of private-sec- Government of the North- ity owner of Diavik, has been fulfill obligations under the ecca Alty said the news is the company works through tor jobs and income for our west Territories will continue granted creditor protection, company's agreements with very disappointing given the its restructuring while avoid- residents and has been part to collaborate with industry leaving many in the NWT Indigenous groups. company's vital role in the ing bankruptcy. of our landscape for almost to overcome the challenges worried about jobs in an NWT MP Michael territory. "For the union, we are 100 years," Nokleby wrote in ahead." economy already ravaged by McLeod said it was hoped "It's such an important part going to continue to protect a statement. "Despite the eco- Ekati spent $302 million Covid-19. that such unfortunate cir- of our economy and it cre- our members and all of their nomic challenges faced dur- with Northern businesses in On Wednesday, the heavi- cumstances could have been ates a lot of jobs in Yellow- benefits and their rights that ing this pandemic, I remain 2018. Half of that money went ly-indebted mining company avoided. knife and a lot of business (is are under the current collect- committed to ensuring this to Indigenous enterprises. cited the pandemic as being a "We knew that this down- done) here. Anytime you see ive agreement and labour law sector has the tools it needs Located about 300 kilo- primary reason for having to turn in the economy and news like this it hurts. I hope in general," he said. to endure and rebound. All metres northeast of Yellow- fend off insolvency. Ekati had downturn in the market sales it is the pause they need to Katrina Nokleby, minis- sectors of the global economy knife, Ekati has been in pro- been on care and maintenance for diamonds, along with the restructure and coming out of ter of Industry, Tourism and are suffering from the impacts duction since 1998. status since March 19. effects of the pandemic, could the Covid-19 restrictions, they Dominion stated that it lead to this," McLeod said. "I will be up and running again," cannot generate sufficient think a lot of people are going said Alty, acknowledging the revenue to support ongoing to lose jobs if we're not able to hardship created by the pan- financial obligations because, turn the situation around and demic. "With (Dominion Dia- despite its strong diamond if the markets and the indus- mond's) India and Antwerp inventory, sorting houses and try doesn't allow for it to turn offices still closed, they do diamond markets are closed. around." have their diamonds but they "The company believes Asked whether the fed- just can't sell them, so they that filing for protection ... is eral government has a role to can't make their debts." the most prudent course of bailout or financially support Todd Parsons, president of action," its new release reads. the mineral industry, McLeod the Union of Northern Work- The diamond miner, owned said several departments ers (UNW) and who repre- by the U.S.-based Washington have been in contact with the sents more than 400 workers Companies, indicated that it's Dominion Diamond Mines to with the company, said the considering a financing pro- find resolutions, but he was news came as a surprise. posal from its parent com- non-committal on funding "We had no indication pany that would get it through assistance. prior to being advised by the the creditor process. Pending "I think for this mine, the employer that there were any court approval, it would entail future is going to be dependent concerns around solvency a possible sale of assets to an on whether it (will) restructure for the company, so we were affiliate of the Washington or sell. We also have to wait caught off guard," he said. Companies and bidding pro- and see how well the dia- The mining company's cedures for competing offers mond sales resume after we struggles add "another extra to an asset sale. If the Wash- get through the pandemic," layer of stress" to union mem- 6 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 opinions Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 7 Let's do the time warp again

illustration by Walt Humphries When columnist Walt Humphries thinks about the cult classic film, it says "Rocky Mountain Picture Horror Show," because his mind works in mysterious ways. Northern News Services In fact, the whole city has gotten quieter with less vehicles If you are feeling a little discombobulated, you are not and fewer people out and about. alone. In fact, this could be called the Era of Discombobula- Most of the little clues, that tell us the time of day and Tales from tion. At times, it feels like we have all fallen into some sort day of the week, have pretty much disappeared. I think this of weird time warp, again. It is truly astounding. Time is so is true for most people and it is a little unsettling. Time is all the dump fleeting. And isolation is taking its toll. But listen closely. It relative and it is currently playing a lot of tricks on people. is only, for a little while longer. Then we will enter the time Add to this the stress and it is no wonder some people are Walt Humphries is a well-known warp, again. And things will return, to something akin to feeling a little stir crazy or bushed. Others are suffering from Yellowknife artist and prospector. normal, once again. cabin fever or the isolation jitters. Maybe we need a need If some of that sounds somewhat familiar, you can blame word to describe this. COVIDIVED. self a shake, turn on some music and do the time warp again. it on the Rocky Mountain Picture Horror Show and its song Some people become flummoxed, befuddled or stupefied. Its just a jump to the left, a step to the right, with your hands and dance Lets do the Time Warp Again. And yes, I do know Others are in a zombie-like state from binge watching way on your hips… that it is called the Rocky Horror Picture Show, but I always too much TV. Some people just can't seem to beat the old Or you can think up your own dance, The Discombobula- get the title screwed up. My mind works in mysterious ways isolation blues. tion Shuffle. The point is dance around, have some fun. For- and wants to add in a few mountains. So, if you find yourself suffering from Dis-covid-calm- get the news and live for the day. Its all about keeping busy Discombobulation is a wonderful word and who ever bob-bob-bob-ulation, well then its time for a celebration. because busy people tend to be happy people, yes, even in invented it should win a Nobel prize. If you are feeling a little You might as well have some fun with it. Get up, give your- tough times. Remember you are not alone. confused or uncomfortable you may be suffering from dis- combobulation. And there is a bit of irony and humour to this condition. It is that feeling you get, when you can't remem- ber, what day of the week, it is. This happens to everyone occasionally but during these Covid times, I am willing to bet, that a lot of people are having trouble remembering what day of the week it is. Or even what week it is. It is ironic, that if you are severely overworked or under- worked, the result is the same. The days start to merge together. What gives me the heebie jeebies about this, is that "What day of the week is it?" is one of those skill testing questions medical people ask you. To see if you are really with it. If you get it wrong, they look at you a little funny and make notes on their charts. An even more popular questions is "What is your birthday?" So, I am thinking of getting the answer to that question, tattooed on the side of my hand, just so I get it right. The flaw in this would be if I forgot where the tattoo was. If you read much science fiction you have no doubt read stories about time warps and the space time continuum. Not sure about the continuum part, but with all the Covid virus stuff, most of us are experiencing a time warp. I was sitting by the window enjoying my morning coffee but feeling a little odd or unsettled. I had that "something is not right feel- ing." Then it dawned on me, that the morning traffic rush, had become a trickle and no school buses were rumbling by. 8 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 Editorial & Opinions Published Wednesdays and Fridays Comments and views from Yellowknifer and letters to the editor

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com What's more import- FOUNDER (1934-2018): ant, a new pool or giving J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason struggling Yellowknifers PUBLISHER, CEO: a break on their property Bruce Valpy – [email protected] taxes during the pan- Chief Financial Officer: demic crisis? The city is Judy Triffo – [email protected] reporting a $6.7-million MANAGING EDITOR: surplus. The city wants Mike W. Bryant – [email protected] to put it into its general ACCOUNTING: [email protected] fund while Coun. Robin Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Salleah Wagas Williams wants to provide Assignment editor some property tax relief. Craig Gilbert - [email protected] Considering how many Editorial board: businesses and workers Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant Craig Gilbert • Simon Whitehouse in the city have been left without income during the Copy editor: Brett McGarry pandemic, it is a proposal worth considering. Photo: Emily McInnis - [email protected] NNSL file photo

Reporters: [email protected] Simon Whitehouse • Brendan Burke Nick Pearce • Blair McBride

Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected]

ADVERTISING: [email protected] Representatives: Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan • Echo Xin Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Features coordinator: Emmanuel Ramos Social Media manager: Vincent De Leon Spread that ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Zdena Kunderlik • Randy Hiebert Joshua Uson • Wesley Cook

Customer Service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] surplus around CIRCULATION: [email protected] Circulation Director: Amy Yang Jewala Jhankur City hall has done an admirable job managing finances

Subscriptions: but desperate times warrant sharing the wealth Print: (mail) $90/year Northern News Services Online: (entire content) $50/year Williams, on the other hand, sees These are extraordinary times, and The issue: merit in offering tax relief and his is the City of Yellowknife is sitting on an a recommendation worthy of strong extraordinary $6.7-million surplus. City finances consideration. Yet there's much hand-wringing to We say: The territorial and federal govern- NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED be done as municipal council decides Tax relief in order ments, who have heard strong mes- 100% Northern owned and operated how to financially guide the city sages from the Yellowknife Chamber Publishers of: through the Covid-19 pandemic. of Commerce, are providing some Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub Our mayor and councillors should measures of aid to businesses and NWT News/North News/North be equal to the task. They're the felt in a big way. The city reacted in more may come. same crew who whittled down a pro- mid-March by mercifully making tran- The city, also targetted by the Member of: posed 8.5 per cent property tax hike sit and parking free and waived late Chamber, should do its part as well, Canadian Community Newspapers Association last November to a mere 1.63 per fees and penalties that Yellowknifers especially now that council has a Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association cent increase for 2020, although that owe. Many municipal facilities, like grasp of the fairly decent existing Weekly Newspapers Association meant not funding the Indigenous the Multiplex, were shut down for Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association financial picture. Yes, the future is Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils relations adviser position, which had safety reasons and that too will mean murky but that's true for numerous Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce been created using federal funds. plenty of lost revenue. businesses in town as well. Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited That move was not popular. Right now, it's analogous to a There are going to be conse- So where did the city's large sur- gaping wound but the pain isn't really quences, of course. Capital projects plus come from? Revenues in 2019 being felt yet, at least not at city hall. – a new aquatic centre likely near were a little higher than forecast Many business owners are already the top of the list – are going to be Send us your comments due to items like land sales, invest- experiencing agony, however. Hotel delayed, perhaps for years. You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off ment income, grants and transfers, bookings are almost non-existent. The city's debt will grow, no doubt. at our office at 5108-50th Street. user fees and sales of goods fetch- Hair salons, the Capitol Theatre and That will be terribly difficult to avoid. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we ing more than projected. On the some coffee shops and restaurants, As we've heard more than once, can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- expenses side of the ledger, water among many others, have had to we're in this together. erence is given to short letters of broad interest or and sewer, planning and develop- shut down. Landlords are having diffi- When we've regained our footing concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as ment, community services and gen- culty collecting rent from tenants who from this crisis and the outlook is we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. eral government – including salary are working less, if at all. once again brighter, then city hall can Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and and wages – all came in lesser than City administration is advising go knocking on the GNWT's door and those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to predicted. that surplus money should remain in demand the outstanding $11 million eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis This year's spring thaw is bringing the general fund so the municipality in funding from the territorial govern- for a story. troubled waters, however. The fallout can access it for short-term needs ment. After all, not every debt can be from the coronavirus is going to be related to the pandemic. Coun. Robin forgiven. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 9 Collective amnesia and over-retelling

Needapix photo Ignoring the value of a thoughtful opposition on a topic is akin to throwing out money because it is in a different currency, counsellor Jessica Bruhn writes. Northern News Services The intent behind these retellings is to Milk of the poppy This article is about a kind of conflict. stop the more socially powerful from falling This conflict is based between two key prem- back into the collective amnesia that perpetu- ises: forgetting things because it is uncomfort- ates this oppression. This is important work; able to think about them, and clinging to what people should continue to be encouraged to happened in order to escape the challenges of care about one another by hearing authentic being fully present. stories of adversity and triumph that generate I will first refer to the kind of collective empathy and commitment in the listener. amnesia that we as humans have towards our In some areas, however, the over-retelling shared history. I remember just as many of of these stories can be harmful. I have actual- you may, sitting in history or ly witnessed the brainwashing social studies class and being of a child into believing that bored out of my mind watch- they cannot trust anybody who ing an old video about a war, or is not of their identical ethni- about a massive armed conflict city and family's world view that happened so many years due to the pain and unresolved ago. psychological trauma of their In peace times, war is bor- loved ones. In this way, when it ing. War is on the edge of our happens, we poison the mind- periphery, and in many ways, sets of our children to camou- this is a kind of adaptive denial. Counsellor's flage our scars and hurt from Why would we want to persev- the world. erate on something that was so Corner This is a child, who, in their devastating for so long? Well, newness, has every right to Jessica Bruhn is the author there is something to be said of three books and a form their own relationships for the remembrance of what it Canadian certified counsellor with safe individuals once was like. and supervising clinician in they learn what safe is. We do When we can recognize Yellowknife. Visit her website not want to delegitimize the what's happening in front of at www.recreationhealing.ca. pain of those who find value us from the lessons of old, and in retelling the story, and we the need to take measured and certainly do not want to fall strategic action, we don't leave it to only a few prey to foolishness by forgetting those lessons people to call the shots. We remain positively painfully won. But, there is also value in tak- ing life as it comes. engaged in our remembering by applying the Wikimedia Commons photo lessons of the past to the present. What I have Healing by its very nature is reconstruct- seen happen in the realms of social media has ive. Most of our reality and how we process Poppies used to be known as the happy plant, pharmacist Aaron La Borde been the deterioration of our collective ability images, words, ideas or procedures is based writes. to discuss points without becoming defensive on a learning theory known as constructiv- Medical discoveries from the past are In the early 1900s, the U.S. Congress or malignant towards our opposition. ism. That means we create meaning around today often forgotten amidst this passed the Pure Food and Drug Opposition, if it reveals a logical fallacy, or us. Even when the things happening around us high tech age. However discov- Act requiring all products to some kind of underlying problem with a prop- have no inherent meaning. eries were giant steps forward in have labels listing all their con- osition, can be incredibly valuable. Ignoring It's an interesting phenomenon, and I dare the treatment of many medical tents. the value of a thoughtful opposition on a topic you to try it. See if you can look around your conditions. Up to that time, opium was is akin to throwing out money because it is in room and identify things only in terms of In about 3400 BC, the opium often added to many medicines a different currency. Thinking critically about their most basic components without ascribing poppy was cultivated in lower making addicts of many users. the feedback that respectful opposition pro- any meaning to the objects. Mesopotamia where the Sumeri- In 1831, there was the discov- vides and then translating it into our own lives The definition of meaning or "judgements" ans called it the "joy plant." ery of chloroform and in a few where there is merit, is like us exchanging that for this exercise, are descriptions of where you Over the centuries it found a years it was used in obstetrics. currency at our own metaphorical bank. We got the object, comparisons to something else, place in medicine for treatment In fact, chloroform was used get richer from the experience, when we know or any associations to anybody to that object. of pain and in 1690, Sydenham's on Queen Victoria to ease the how to use it. Color, shape and size are OK. Chances are, if Laudanum, a compound of Capsule pain of childbirth. Our second premise in this conflict is the you can do this, you are able to remain in the opium, sherry wine and herbs Comments In 1799, laughing gas or damage that can be done with over-retelling. middle of falling into abject denial of history was popular in treating many nitrous oxide was first discov- We see many oppressed groups that have and over-attachment to the pain of the past. ailments. Aaron La Borde is ered but it took another 50 years been marginalized, discriminated against, and You are able to look at things with a kind a pharmacist at It took another couple of Sutherland Drugs. or so before it was used in den- held to higher standards than their white and of objectivity that facilitates problem-solving centuries to realize the addictive tistry for tooth extractions. heterosexually male counterparts. Many of at a faster rate and be less likely to engage in nature of opium and laws were Some dentists use in their these people reliably retell their stories with the conflict depicted above. put in place to restrict its use. practices even today. the aims of preventing continued wrongdoing. Wishing you good mental health. 10 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 11 Airlines serving NWT scale down flights, ramp up safety Some flights have dropped from twice a day to twice a week by Blair McBride The drop in flights is a Joe Sparlin. Northern News Services result of fewer passengers "Flights were cancelled Yellowknife's vital air buying tickets and govern- following the cancellation links with the outside world ment restrictions, Valin said. of the . have become thinner in the He said he couldn't be more Because we generally oper- wake of the Covid-19 pan- specific about the drop in pas- ate seasonally there were demic, as airlines signifi- senger volume. only a handful of flights that cantly reduce their schedules WestJet's routes between were impacted," he said in an while they have also enhanced Yellowknife and Edmonton email. their safety protocols. and have also been Air Canada flies three Canadian North's flights to significantly reduced amid times a week between Yel- communities in the territory the pandemic, down to only lowknife and Edmonton, and heading south have all two flights per week. according to a search of its decreased in frequency. online flight itineraries. "Our trunk routes, for Demand remains low Flights to Calgary are example between Edmonton The airline's pre-Covid more irregular for the remain- and Yellowknife used to be frequency was once a day der of April but depart almost daily. There were a couple between Yellowknife and daily in May. days when Yellowknife to Edmonton and twice a day The airline did not respond Inuvik was twice daily. Some between here and Calgary, to a request for comment. of the communities were said spokesperson Morgan Westjet has taken several daily as well, including to Bell, who acknowledged that measures to enhance health NNSL file photo Cambridge Bay," said compa- demand for flights remains and safety during the pan- The GNWT hasn't answered questions on passenger volume at the Yellow- ny spokesperson Dan Valin. low nationwide. demic. knife airport during the pandemic. Some routes now only As a result of "significant- Seat blocking is in effect operate once a week, includ- ly reduced guest demand dur- to facilitate social distancing up to use the washrooms. tective face covering prior to vide customers with masks ing from Yellowknife to ing the Covid-19 crisis" about during flights. On Boeing 737 In line with a federal direc- (airport) screening," Bell said. and those without masks Ulukhaktok, Kugaaruk and 4,000 flights will be removed and 787 aircraft the middle tive on Monday, WestJet and "Guests will be asked to will not be allowed to travel. Gjoa Haven, while others from WestJet's schedules seats are unavailable to book, Canadian North require all temporarily remove the mask Customers denied boarding go twice a week to Norman across the country, including as are every other seat inside guests to wear non-medical while their identification is because they don't have masks Wells and Inuvik, according the Yellowknife-Edmonton its Bombardier Q400. face masks or facial coverings verified." will be re-booked onto a to the airline's online sched- route that will be suspended Other passenger proce- during flights. Canadian North said that future flight with change fees ule. Flights to Edmonton entirely from May to June 4, dures have also been modi- "In support of the direc- each customer must pro- waived, the company said. depart four times a week. the company said in a blog fied. Guests are required to tive, it will be mandatory vide their own face cover- The GNWT's Depart- The trans-territorial Yel- post on Sunday. The Calgary keep two metres of distance for WestJet's guests to wear ing, which will be verified ment of Infrastructure did lowknife-Rankin-Iqaluit route route will still operate. between each other when protective face coverings by company customer ser- not immediately respond to was five times a week but was Air North, which operates lining up, using disinfectant throughout their travel jour- vice personnel during check- inquiries about data on pas- suspended and replaced tem- out of has sus- wipes provided during board- ney, including at the airport in, according to the airline's senger volume at the Yellow- porarily by an Iqaluit-Rankin- pended all flights to Yellow- ing to wipe down seats and and while in flight. Travelers website. knife airport, and pre-board- Cambridge Bay route. knife, said company president table trays and avoiding lining will be required to have a pro- The company will not pro- ing policies. Following the kid through B.C. Richard Wagamese's novel Medicine Walk follows Frank, known as "the kid" throughout the book, as he reunites with Book his dying father, Eldon. As Frank makes the physical and psychological trek review through the interior of British Columbia Grace Guy is a lifelong Yellow- to find a place to bury his father, Eldon knifer and lover of literature. starts to share stories that have been lost to time, trying to find a way to reconcile I recently heard an old phrase from with his son. the poet Ralph Emerson. He stated that Well-known for his earlier novel Indi- "we do not inherit the Earth from our an Horse, Wagamese's slow, thoughtful ancestors, we borrow it from our chil- writing creates a world populated by rich dren." I think that sentiment seeps into and intense characters. Medicine Walk, a beautiful, delicate Made up of 26 often short but always story that touches on the passage of impactful chapters, Medicine Walk keeps knowledge. a slow and steady pace as it explores Blurring the lines between one gen- the terrain of British Columbia and the eration and the next and showing history deeper, more complex histories of its being passed between a father and a son, characters. Richard Wagamese ultimately just shows Almost every moment in Medicine Eldon and Frank to be two people con- Walk is made up of conversations, focus- nected by stories of a history they can ing on the little interactions between never truly share. people that either mean nothing or I found Medicine Walk a pretty pain- everything to Frank, "the kid." Instead ful book to read, because Eldon and of letting everything that is said be taken Frank try to understand each other so at face value, however, the writing in much, but are ultimately doomed to fall Medicine Walk always seemed to be short of connecting. pushing me to scratch below the surface Timeless and sincere, Wagamese's and judge the characters on their actions Medicine Walk is the kind of book that instead of their words. sticks around in your mind well after While the bulk of Medicine Walk is you've finished it. made up of chats and conversations, it With explorations and revelations that never felt like Richard Wagamese relied have as much to do with the landscape of on exposition. Instead, the novel seemed the interior of British Columbia as they Wikimedia Commons photo to come together slowly in the small have to do with the minds of Frank and Medicine Walk keeps a slow and steady pace as it explores the terrain of British Colum- details that are written in and the ones Eldon, this journey is about confronting bia and the deeper, more complex histories of its characters, columnist Grace Guy writes. that are excluded. the past as a way to move forward in life. 12 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 13 Relief as CanNor offers more Fund offers coverage of fixed costs for Covid-impacted businesses by Blair McBride those costs, retroactive to April 1, for he would struggle to afford paying his But owner Jo-ann Martin is relieved at this point. She hasn't taken the Northern News Services up to four months. staff the 25 per cent that businesses about the NBRF. route of some local eateries that Small businesses in Yellowknife "(The point) is so that they're not must cover under the program. "It's fantastic. I think it'll be a huge have managed to keep going to some might soon receive the help they need re-opening with a whole bunch of The NBRF gives him some breath- help," she said. degree by offering take out and with fixed costs to last through the debts related to costs," said Keats. ing space and his cafe would qualify "It depends on how many people online ordering, as she prefers to Covid-19 pandemic. In the second scenario, the busi- under the fund's second scenario. need access to it but it's definitely focus on freshly made, on-site meals. The Canadian Northern Economic ness has some incoming revenue "This way we'll something that the But CanNor's fund will at least Development Agency (CanNor) on despite Covid-related losses but is get grants and we'll Yellowknife Cham- help her pay her rent and utilities Monday announced that the $15 mil- collecting deficits because it can't be able to pay our ber of Commerce until she can open her doors again. lion it received from the federal gov- cover all of its fixed costs. The fund expenses and rent. So has requested. And "It depends on how long this con- ernment for Northern assistance dur- would help cover the deficit up to 100 we can survive until it's good that it's not tinues. We'll re-evaluate at the end of ing Covid would go into the Northern per cent, depending on the specifics things go back to nor- a loan but a grant April," she said. Business Relief Fund (NBRF). of costs and revenue streams. mal. It's great news," because when we get The NBRF's coverage of fixed The fund aims to provide small "(Let's say) you have $2,000 in he said. started again it'll be costs addresses one of the chief con- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) fixed expenditures, but are making But the fund a slow hill up and cerns that the Yellowknife Chamber with financial help on fixed expendi- $1,000 in revenue, then we'd cover doesn't cover salaries people won't have of Commerce has had with Covid- tures like rent, mortgage, utilities and 100 per cent of that so that you're and wages, so Kassem money to pay back related assistance programs, namely insurance. making something." isn't in a position loans. that there should be rent relief, said The $15 million is divided across Coverage ranges from $2,500 up to hire back the 10 "The beauty of Chamber president Tim Syer. the three territories and about $5 mil- to $100,000. workers he laid off, being it the North He's also impressed that the Can- lion will be accessible for NWT busi- Rami Kassem, owner of Javaroma out of his total staff of and in Yellowknife in Nor program targets SMEs, which nesses, said Cheryl Keats, regional cafe, said the fund is one of the 15. Even if he could rami kassem particular is we have he said numerically represent most director of operations with CanNor best options he has heard of to help rehire them, there are huge support systems businesses in the NWT. NWT. out businesses during the economic too few sales. like CanNor and the Department of But Syer wonders if the $15 mil- Businesses employing up to 50 downturn. "I really appreciate what the Industry, Tourism and Investment lion will be enough for the three employees that have been operating His cafe has lost about 90 per cent GNWT and federal government is and our banks. Between yesterday territories. at a loss since the pandemic and that of its revenue since customer numbers doing for us. When I call my family and today, I think I received six "It will dry up pretty quickly," expect to continue being in the red dwindled in March, he said in an back in Lebanon, the government notifications from people and groups he said. can qualify for funding under two interview. doesn't give them support and my saying that this funding was avail- "(Applications) are on a first-come scenarios. Kassem's reaction to the federal family can't leave their homes because able. It makes me feel great because first-serve basis. It'll be interesting to In the first, the business has hit government's Canada Emergency of self-isolation. We are fortunate. We I know everyone is trying to help see if that distribution model favours bottom and has no revenue coming Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has been luke- are here." everyone else out." one territory or one business sector in but still has to pay rent and other warm, because although he appreci- Down in Old Town, Bullock's Bis- Martin is unsure that the fund, over another. I'm not sure how busi- expenditures, with its debts piling up. ates that the government is trying to tro has laid off its entire staff of 13 even in combination with CEWS nesses are going to be able to react to The NBRF would pay 100 per cent of help, he has lost so much business that people and is bringing in no revenue. would allow her to resume business this and take it up." 14 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 15 Yk dealer who sought jail release over Covid-19 drops bid for bail Convicted drug dealer withdraws application hours before judgement was expected by Brendan Burke ing bodily harm after he gave withdrawn earlier that morning. Northern News Services a dose of furanylfentanyl to a "It's being abandoned," said An incarcerated Yellowknife friend in November 2016. The Oake, who appeared via video drug trafficker who sought bail woman subsequently overdosed from NSCC. over Covid-19 concerns aban- and was hospitalized. He's consenting to stay doned his effort to be released Oake, who admitted to behind bars pending his on April 17, just hours before ordering the drug over the upcoming sentencing hearing, an NWT judge was set to hand "dark web" in late October 2016 the date of which hasn't been down her decision on whether using Bitcoin, picked up the set yet. he'd be freed. mail-ordered opioid just hours Smallwood called the move Darcy Oake, 25, made his before laying out a line for the "unusual" at this stage of the case for a bail release ahead of victim, who testified during the proceedings, but granted the his sentencing during an April weeks-long trial. application. She also granted 14 hearing. Oake was found On April 14, Oake's law- an application to have Harte guilty after trial last month on yer Peter Harte sought bail removed as Oake's lawyer. four charges related to possess- on behalf of his client, tell- Harte, speaking over the ing and distributing furanylfen- ing Smallwood that if Covid-19 phone – lawyers are calling in tanyl, a designer derivative of reached North Slave Correc- to proceedings amid Covid-19 the potent opioid fentanyl. tional Complex (NSCC) – the – said it was necessary for him Justice Shannon Smallwood Yellowknife corrections facility and his now former client to convicted Oake of importing where he remains in custody – "part ways." the drug; possessing it for the Oake would be put at risk. The latest twist in a years- purpose of trafficking; traf- At his bail hearing, Oake long case means Oake is cur- ficking furanylfentanyl – an said practising physical distan- rently without a lawyer, but offence he pleaded guilty to cing at the jail is next to impos- Harte said he expects legal aid – and criminal negligence caus- sible. will facilitate counsel in the ing bodily harm. On April 17, Smallwood was coming weeks. Seldom seen in drug cases, set to give a decision on wheth- Oake is due back in court Facebook photo Smallwood found Oake guilty er Oake would be released, but on May 12 to set a date for a Darcy Oake, 25, made his case for a bail release ahead of his sentencing of criminal negligence caus- the bail application had been sentencing hearing. during an April 14 hearing. He withdrew his application. 16 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 GOAT: A season for the record books Team Galusha hits pay window multiple times and wins on 2018-2019 World Tour circuit by James McCarthy up with another quarter-final unbelievable shot. It was one came through such a good field Galusha said the second ("This one stings" – Kerry Northern News Services finish at the StuSells Toronto of those shots you make one and each game was a grind, half of the game was where Galusha, Yellowknifer, March The 2018-2019 curling sea- Tankard the following week- out of every 10 times and I just but we just plugged away and the tide started to turn in her 8, 2019). son for was one end. couldn't get it out." won the games we had to." rink's favour. "This one stings," she said. which saw her put together a Galusha spoke with Yellow- But that quarter-final jinx Galusha went into the final "We started getting the "I don't think I've ever been new team and take a serious knifer after returning home Galusha and company were with the hammer to start, but breaks and out-curled them," more disappointed to miss run at the World Curling Tour from Toronto ("More quar- having came to an end in Arsenault was the one who she said. "Mary-Anne had a hit out." circuit. ter-final heartache for Kerry November 2018 as the four- drew first blood by stealing in seven for one and rolled out There were messages from It would turn out to be one Galusha and co.", Yellowknifer, some went on to win the Royal a single in the first end and and we got the steal. We played people around the country, as of the best seasons ever seen Oct. 10, 2018) and said losing LePage Women's Fall Classic another in the second. Galusha a great eighth end, she had no there usually are whenever by a rink from the NWT. at this particular quarter-final in Kemptville, Ont., over Nova got on the board with a single shot to win it or even to tie it the Scotties comes to an end, Galusha and company stage was a bit of a shock. Scotia's Mary-Anne Arsenault in the third and stole one of and send it to an extra (end)." but Galusha said the messages would begin their campaign "We felt like we were going by a score of 5-3 in the final. her own in the fourth to tie the Galusha and company were different this time. that season in Edmonton at to win it," she said. "We were It was the first time a rink game at 2-2. would go to have near-misses "Everyone was telling us the Avonair Cash Spiel, where one down coming home with from the NWT had won an "Mary-Anne's team wasn't at events in both Edmonton how impressed they were with they ended up with a quarter- the hammer and sitting three event on the World Curling missing anything in the first and Red Deer before they how we played," she said. final finish and followed that (rocks) but Cathy made an Tour and the foursome picked half of the game," said Galu- won the 2019 NWT Women's "Each year is different but we up a cheque for $6,000 for sha. "We missed a key shot in Curling Championship and had a much different team this the win. the first two ends, but Mary- advance to the Scotties Tour- year. We travelled lots and She was still on cloud nine Anne was on fire." nament of Hearts in Sydney, we're 30th in the Canadian in the days following her tri- Both teams ended up trad- N.S., that year. Team Ranking System. I can't umph ("Team Galusha tops in ing points in the fifth and sixth It would be one of the remember ever being above Ontario", Yellowknifer, Nov. 7, ends before Galusha stole in toughest for Galusha as she 100. We had a really good 2018). the seventh to take a 4-3 lead missed out on the champion- season together and the wheels "It's so crazy," she said. and stole another in the eighth ship round by one game and just fell off for us at the Scot- "You don't know what a big and final end to claim arguably she didn't mince her words ties but we know what it takes deal it is until you win. We the biggest win of her career. in the post-mortem interview to be successful."

photo courtesy of Team Galusha Team Galusha, made up of , left, , Kerry Galusha and , hold the championship trophy from the Royal LePage Women's Fall Classic after beating Mary-Anne Arsenault in the final in Kemptville, Ont., in 2018. It was the first professional win for Galusha as a .

photo courtesy of CCA/Brian W Doherty Photography Robert Borden, left, , middle, and Kerry Galusha, right, plan their next shot during a match at the 2015 Mixed National Championships this past weekend where the NWT team earned a silver medal. sports & recreation Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 17 Young kids take down older kids 1979 Yellowknife Junior Merchants beat 1974 Yellowknife Junior Merchants in Greatest Of All Time competition

photo courtesy of Paul Gard The 1979 Yellowknife Junior Merchants won the silver medal at that year's Canadian Junior Men's Softball Championship in Richmond, B.C., but they move on in the Greatest Of All Time competition after beating the 1974 edition of the Yellowknife Junior Merchants. They are, front row from left, coach Dennis Milligan, Randy Maksymowich, Randy Rechner, Kelly Tyacke, Rod Stirling, Leonard Dies, Scott Alexander and coach Doug Bothamley; back row, Craig Bentley, Kevin Dan- iels, John Waniandy, Joker Gaida, Dave Inch, Brent Hinchey, Glen Alexander, Sigmund Undheim, John Ewasyke, Paul Gard and Andy Tereposky. Missing is team manager Adam Pich.

by James McCarthy A heartbreaking loss, for sure, but in the latest round of the Greatest Of All Northern News Services they got a measure of revenge of sorts Time competition. Voting wrapped up The 1979 Yellowknife Junior Mer- but they had to beat a fellow traveller on Tuesday evening with the 1979 Junior chants lost the gold medal game at that to do it. Merchants receiving a lion's share of the year's Canadian Junior Men's Softball The 1979 edition of the team defeated Championship in extra innings. the 1974 Yellowknife Junior Merchants Please see Merchant, page 18 18 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 sports & recreation Merchant versus Merchant

image courtesy of PrintYourBrackets Three match-ups have been completed in NNSL Media's search for the Greatest Of All Time, the latest being the match-up between the 1974 Yellowknife Junior Merchants and 1979 Yellow- knife Junior Merchants.

Young, from page 17 Robert Borden and Megan Cormier (Koehler). That con- votes cast. The 1974 edi- test will get going on April tion of the Junior Merchants 27. made history by becoming Voting will get underway the first team from the North on April 27 at 9 a.m. and to win a national champion- will run until 11:59 p.m. the ship in any sport by capturing following day. You can vote gold at the inaugural Can- by going to our Facebook adian Junior Men's Softball page and liking, commenting Championship in 1974 but it or sharing the post of your wasn't enough to move on. choice; both teams will have The 1979 Junior Mer- their own dedicated posts for chants will await the winner you to choose from. of the next match-up between There's already one rink the 2018-2019 edition of that won a medal at the Can- Team Galusha, which had adian Mixed Curling Cham- one of the most successful pionship, that being the 2020 seasons ever had by a curl- bronze medal-winning outfit ing rink from the North, and in our first contest of the the 2015 Canadian Mixed competition. Could there Curling Championship sil- be a second? Or is Team ver-medal winning team of Galusha your selection? Jamie Koe, Kerry Galusha, It's up to you. Yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020 19 20 yellowknifer, Friday, April 24, 2020