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7 71605 00100 5 – Amanda Peterson of Peterson's Point Lake Lodge is hiring up, page 4. 2 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news Aspen Isolation Centre to close 51 Street apartment building had been leased to assist homeless during pandemic; did not have enough users to justify staying open, says HSS by Simon Whitehouse statement that the time has come to transition to hotel-based service. Northern News Services "Continued support for homeless individuals is important and The Health and Social Services Author- we will continue to support these individuals in their isolation ity (NTHSSA) announced Thursday it will close the Aspen needs. Aspen served its purpose well; however, transitioning to isolation centre and transition to hotel-based isolation centers in support through the isolation centres will allow for the best use of Yellowknife. health and social services system resources and reduce duplica- Since March 2020, the NTHSSA has had a lease at the Aspen tion of services and effort." Apartments on 51 Street to provide as an isolation centre for According to the press release, there were no people in under-housed or homeless people and has provided additional residence at Aspen this week and use has been "intermittent." support for those vulnerable populations. In March 2021 three clients used the centre; nine in February photo courtesy of Google Street View "It was developed quickly as a safe space to protect individuals and three in January. The Aspen Apartments on 51 Street were used who were awaiting COVID-19 test results or required isolation For much of last year it was not used extensively, with the as an isolation centre for vulnerable populations because of a positive test," the NTHSSA said in a press release. highest monthly figure being about 15 isolators, according to during the pandemic but the health authority Sue Cullen, chief executive officer with the NTHSSA said in a NTHSSA spokesperson David Maguire. announced on Thursday it will be closing. news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 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 april 1 error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a 377 correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Active cases: 0 Days since first confirmed case: Confirmed cases: 76 Days since last confirmed case: 3 Recovered cases: 75 Vaccines News Completed tests: 16,084 First doses administered: 23,722 Negative tests: 16,014 Scan for the Second doses administered: 13,933 Briefs latest GNWT Pending tests: 24 Diavik mine Covid-19 case Covid-19 statistics Total doses administered: 37,655 is 'anticipated' variant Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer The GNWT says the B.1.1.7 Covid-19 vari- ant is in the Northwest Territories. But since the infected party is a non-resi- dent Diavik Diamond Mine employee, the case isn't being counted in the NWT's total. One of the 'real bright This is the first time the "variant of con- cern," first detected in the United Kingdom and one of several now circulating around the world, has been confirmed in the NWT. A pair of variant cases were confirmed in the at the end of March. Chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kan- lights of the world' dola said she "anticipated" the arrival of vari- ants here. But while new variants seem to spread more easily than the original virus, "the same types of preventive strategies will be effective. There is strong evidence that the Moderna vaccine is very protective against the B.1.1.7 variant." She said there is no identified risk to NWT communities related to this infection. – Craig Gilbert WSCC appoints Jenni Bruce as chair of governance council The Workers' Safety and Compensa- tion Commission of the NWT and (WSCC) announced Thursday the appointment of Jenni Bruce as the new chair of its govern- ance council. The seven-person council oversees the WSCC's conduct of business and management while ensuring the viability of the Workers' Protection Fund. Bruce, who is also president the NWT Chamber of Commerce was appointed by Shane Thompson, Minister Responsible for the WSCC in NWT, in consultation with his photo courtesy of Armin Johnson counterpart in Nunavut, George Hickes. Michael Chinna relaxes in an old building on the Canol Trail in the late 2000s. Family and friends remember Chinna Bruce replaces former chair David Tucker. for his fondness of the outdoors, his strong work ethic and love of relatives. – Blair McBride

Working group seeks feedback Fort Good Hope man killed on the job at NTPC to reduce regulatory red tape studied after work to become a power engineer The GNWT is asking for help in identifying by Simon Whitehouse enthusiasm and passion shared by Michael in "He was definitely an outdoors person government regulation and processes that are Northern News Services his youth. who loved the mountains and loved kids. unclear, unreasonable or redundant. Friends and family recalled the joy that The younger Chinna loved the mountains His niece and nephews were his world," she To identify unnecessary red tape, and make Michael Chinna brought to their lives after and spoke of the Canol Trail often – a place recalled. suggestions for improvement, residents can the Fort Good Hope man died tragically he visited many times. In 2014, Chinna moved to Whitecourt, email the Red Tape Reduction Working Group while working for the Northern Territories Johnson added he was amazed at Chinna's Alta., where he attained a job with Genalta at [email protected]. The working group is Power Corporation in March. ability to navigate on the land and find people Power. During that time, he spent three to made up of representatives from the depart- Chinna, who would have turned 40 on when they were located "in the middle of four hours a night studying independently ments of Finance, Industry Tourism and Invest- April 6, was involved in an on-the-job acci- nowhere." toward his certification, Bayha said. ment, Infrastructure, as well as from the Busi- dent at Yellowknife's Jackfish Generating "There is sort of a funny story that kind "He did that for four or five years almost ness Advisory Council and the NWT Associa- Plant. of connects a few of us that if he heard of a and was pretty stoked to become a first-class tion of Communities. The incident remains under investigation friend that was out in the bush, the first thing power engineer," she said. The group will use the information to deter- by the Worker's Safety and Compensation he would often try to do is get off work and He was hired by NTPC in 2018 and also mine and address regulation that burden NWT Commission. go find them," Johnson said. "It was almost attained power systems electrician certifica- small businesses the most. Longtime friend Armin Johnson, who like this challenge that he would take on and tion in 2019. – Natalie Pressman lives in , heard the news while he he would show up right at the moment you "He was always in touch with his mom. He was racing dogs in Alaska. He recalled how needed the most help." called her every day to give her an update on New human rights panellists he and Chinna became friends during their That Chinna was so well connected his course and his life in Yellowknife," said MLAs have appointed three new members "formative" 20s while residing in Norman and that he passed away with family and Bayha. "It was always his favourite thing to to the NWT Human Rights Adjudication Panel Wells in the 2000s. friends by his side, made word of his death be learning and on-the-job training experi- for four-year terms. At that time, Johnson was a federal a little easier to accept, Johnson added. ence." The independent panel hears and adjudi- employee while Chinna was working with During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people She also spoke to his sense of humour and cates complaints in relation to the NWT Imperial Oil. have been dying alone while in hospital, love of travelling. Human Rights Act. "We were the same age and we just hit it he said, and it's important that Chinna was "He was always full of jokes and was Sheldon Toner is a Yellowknife resident and off," Johnson remembered. "I don't know too with people who loved him during his final one of the funniest people I knew," she said. lawyer and has been a member of the Human many guys like him and it's just crazy how moments. "He was always big on travelling, spent a lot Rights Adjudication Panel since 2012. an accident like that can happen to the real Samantha Bayha, Chinna's partner for of time in Ireland and always talked about Lou Sebert, a former MLA and justice min- bright lights of the world, like Mike." eight years, said the two met in Norman travelling." ister, has been practicing law since 1977 and Over the years, the two grew apart geo- Wells in 2013. She remembered his strong Chinna was expected to return to North- lives in Fort Smith. graphically as Johnson moved to Whitehorse work ethic and commitment to achieving a ern Institute of Technology (NAIT) Jay Sengupta of Hamilton, Ontario was and raised a family while Chinna moved first-class power engineering classification, to finish his studies in first-class power engin- called to the bar in 1992. The panel has trad- south. But Johnson said he was always appre- as well as his warmth to his family, children eering in in May. itionally appointed one person from outside ciative of how Chinna kept in touch, made and people he knew. He is survived by his mother Una and his the territory to adjudicate where resident panel trips to Yukon to see him and planned excur- "He was just a great, caring and lov- sisters Nancy, Cathy and Jill. members might have a conflict of interest. sions on the land together. ing guy," said Bayha, who's originally from A memorial is expected to be announced – Blair McBride Johnson said Chinna's late father Alexis Tulita. "He always worked hard and his motto this summer, pending Covid-19 restrictions was a highly-skilled bushman, which was an was 'No matter what.' being eased for gatherings. 4 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news NWT businesses fared better than national average in 2020: StatsCan

photo courtesy of Peterson's Point Lake Lodge There has been little economic recovery for Peterson's Point Lake Lodge due to the lack of tourists, but the lodge is hoping its staycation packages in the summer will offer some relief, said owner Amanda Peterson. Recovery in tourism and hospitality lags other sectors by Blair McBride modation and food services; Chamber of Commerce. sneeze guards. Northern News Services wholesale trade; and admin- "Businesses were quick to Over the next three months, Blair McBride/NNSL photo One in four NWT busi- istrative support and waste implement and comply with half of all NWT businesses nesses experienced revenue management. all public health orders, and expect their profitability to Barren Ground Coffee expects its revenues to declines of more than 30 per About one in four NWT as a community we've come remain the same but 27 per grow over the next three months if it doesn't have cent in 2020, compared to businesses – or 25.5 per cent together to limit the spread of cent expected it to decrease. to shut down the front of the cafe, said owner Eric one in three businesses across – closed temporarily and then Covid-19 and generally avoid Expected profit declines Binion. Most of its business is in roasted coffee . reopened later in 2020 amid the second wave and further were similar across busi- bean sales. The declines came amid the Covid-19 pandemic. lockdowns," he said. ness sizes, except for micro- the economic disruptions The territory is higher than businesses of one to four "Our revenue continues to and can't count on a return of of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian average of 18.5 Actions taken employees. Forty-two per cent grow, but it has every year international and non-NWT which also saw the Canadian per cent of businesses clos- At the time of the Statistics of those businesses predict since we started. We expect guests to her lodge on Point economy contract by 18.2 per ing temporarily. Manitoba and Canada survey, seven in 10 lower profits in the next three 2021 to be no different in Lake, about 320 km north of cent in March and April 2020 Yukon had the lowest levels of businesses reported restrict- months, and they expressed that respect as we branch Yellowknife. combined. This was the steep- such closures, at 10.5 per cent ing or planning to restrict the more pessimism on issues out to filling larger whole- But she hopes the lodge's est fall on record, according to and 12.6 per cent, respectively. number of people allowed such as operating income and sale and online orders in the new staycation packages will Statistics Canada's quarterly Only two per cent of NWT into their spaces, 15 per cent expenses, sales and demand NWT, Nunavut and northern draw more NWT guests. Business Conditions Survey, businesses have remained reported reducing hours of for their products. Alberta," he said. "We'd love to rely on released Thursday by the closed and 52.4 per cent were operation, and 12 per cent had Even though Barren The 52 Street bean roaster locals. We're really work- NWT Bureau of Statistics. "fully operational" throughout or planned to have an online Ground Coffee would have and cafe currently employs ing on recruiting employees. Some NWT businesses the year. sales platform. been considered a micro- eight staff, all of whom are We've called the GNWT to saw their revenues increase The ability of most enter- Most businesses provided business in 2020 because it part time. Most of its business see if there's funding for train- during the pandemic, such as prises to keep going despite sanitizer, face masks, gloves employed about four staff, is in roasted coffee bean sales. ing for guides for hiking and in the retail trade sector. the pandemic challenges or other personal protective owner Eric Binion expects his Annette Althouse, owner fishing," she said. Industries that experienced reflects the adaptability of equipment for their employ- revenues to remain unchanged of water and coffee services Travel restrictions were revenue losses of 50 per cent the Yellowknife business ees or provided hand sanitizer over the next three months if company Tundra Transfer is cited by almost half of NWT or higher included transporta- community, said Tim Syer, to customers. One in three he doesn't have to shut down also optimistic about recovery businesses as the main hurdle tion and warehousing; accom- president of the Yellowknife businesses added Plexiglass or the front of his cafe. over the next few months. they expect to face in the next "Not only do I hope to see three months. a resurgence of business in The second most-cited the coming months but also issue is recruiting or retaining I look forward to some relief skilled employees. from the staggering cost of One in four businesses did fuel for vehicles and furnaces not expect to encounter any that are the reality of Northern obstacles in the next three winters." months. Amanda Peterson antici- The findings of the sur- pates revenues of her Peter- vey generally reflect the real- son's Point Lake Lodge to ity of economic recovery for remain the same over for the members of the Yellowknife next three months – on the Chamber of Commerce, said same flat line they've followed Syer. since the arrival of Covid-19. However, he noted that "There's consistently no recovery has been unequal economic activity going on," across sectors, such as in the Peterson said. "But that being tourism and hospitality, where said, we've diversified and businesses are struggling. we're providing shuttling for "They need to cover their the Covid-19 vaccine teams. operational costs while gen- That has helped us keep the erating substantially less rev- wheels in motion (and) it's enue because of restrictions nice to be involved in that. It placed on their business," he provides a bit of revenue com- said. ing in." The next report from the Peterson doesn't expect Canadian Survey of Business NWT border restrictions to Conditions is expected in June be eased in the near future 2021. news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 5 Suicide prevention strategy needs revision, says MLA

A spectrum of sup- ports for suicide prevention includes counselling and care for individuals, fam- ilies and commun- ities, said Health Minister Julie Green, pictured alongside MLA Kevin O'Reilly in the legislature in 2020. NNSL file photo

Better after-care, family supports needed, according to Kevin O'Reilly

by Blair McBride "My constituent stressed The current rate in the ity Counselling Program or community's goals. prevention fund in the three Northern News Services the need for continuing care territory – 28 per 10,000 – is psychiatry. "This system is in place weeks since it was launched The GNWT recently after a suicide crisis as key to four times higher than the Psychiatry plans are now. I know it was recent- and groups have finalized funded suicide preven- preventing chronic, personal national rate of 6.7 per 10,000 tailored to individual needs, ly used in connection with proposals. tion programs but questions cycles of suicide attempts. (2018-19). Green said, and it is up to an incident in Tuktoyaktuk. Although $45,000 is the remain over supports for Individualized after-care The NWT Health Status them to follow through with What happened there was limit per community, not after-care among people who plans and better family Chartbook from 2019 shows the plans. that a counsellor flew in from every group will apply for have attempted suicide. supports are needed," said the suicide rate for the NWT The stepped care approach Paulatuk to assist the com- that amount and some pro- Frame Lake MLA Kevin O'Reilly. was at 2.3 per 10,000 in 2013- eliminates waiting lists, she munity, and there were people posals might call for signifi- O'Reilly told members of He then listed several sup- 2017. It was 1.2 for Canada as added, making it possible for who flew in from Yellow- cantly less than that, Green the legislative assembly on ports such as the Community a whole. people to access a same-day knife to assist the commun- said. Tuesday that one of his con- Counselling Program, Child appointment or return the ity," Green said. Green added that if more stituents informed him of the and Youth Care Counsellors Individual supports after next day if needed. The minister said there funding is required, the limits of health supports for and "stepped care" models suicide attempts It also involves online sup- has already been a lot inter- GNWT would contact Health individuals with experience offered through Health and Addressing Green, ports through the Strongest est in the community suicide Canada for more money. of suicide. Social Services. O'Reilly asked what the nor- Families Institute that pro- The person reached out However, even with all mal practice with for after- vides care for families with after Health Minister Julie of those programs the NWT care plans for people who children and young people. Green announced on March "suffers rates of suicide at have attempted suicide, how "What we're trying to do 9 that her department had alarming levels compared to the plans are monitored and here is provide a spectrum of allocated $225,000 for a other territories and prov- the supports available for supports," she said. community suicide preven- inces," O'Reilly said. affected families and com- On the community level, tion fund. The NWT Health and munities. the GNWT has formed a The fund will provide Social Services System Green responded that fol- suicide prevention and crisis $45,000 per project for Annual Report 2019-2020, lowing a suicide attempt, the response network with the Indigenous governments and published on Nov. 5, 2020 person is assessed to deter- Northwest Territories Health non-governmental organiza- doesn't specifically have rates mine if they need medical and Social Services Author- tions to develop and deliver on suicide, but it does offer treatment or if they would ity (NTHSSA). community-based suicide statistics on self-injury as an benefit from certification Following a critical inci- prevention activities. indicator of suicidal behav- under the Mental Health Act. dent, the community can But O'Reilly said his con- iours. The non-hospital route reach out to the health author- stituent wrote to him about The rate of self-harm hos- involves speaking with the ity to ask for help and there her family's experience of pitalizations has increased individual and doing risk is a conversation about what suicide that included issues from about 15 per 10,000 per assessment. They're given help is needed. NTHSSA of stigma, lack of intensive year in the latter half of the a safety plan that includes then seeks those supports counselling at the commun- 2000s to an average 24 per community-based supports which could be one-on-one ity level and follow-up after 10,000 in the last five years, and referral to follow-up ser- counselling or outreach sup- suicide attempts. the report said. vices such as the Commun- port and tries to meet the 6 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 7 Fédération Franco-Ténoise wants to help new francophones grow roots Yellowknife one of 14 cities receiving federal funding to support francophone groups

by Natalie Pressman (IRCC) named 14 Canadian Northern News Services cities to receive a collective The Fédération Franco- $12.6 million over three years. Ténoise welcomed some of The funding comes through Yellowknife's newest arrivals the Action Plan for Official at a bilingual reception and Languages 2018-2023: Invest- city tour Saturday afternoon. ing in our Future announced in The group of close to a Budget 2018. dozen initially gathered in the Cécile Fagot, the Fédéra- Multiplex to receive packages tion Franco-Ténoise's coordi- of tourism guides, Yellow- nator of the welcoming franco- knife memorabilia and lists phone communities program, of city resources as well as an said for newcomers to stay opportunity to ask questions of in Yellowknife, it's important Mayor Rebecca Alty. to help develop their sense of Alty told the newcomers belonging to the community. about ways of getting involved, Though French is listed as one from YK dance groups and of the 11 official languages of Northern Arts and Cultural the NWT, she said growing Centre (NACC) performances, roots requires more than trans- to the benefits of living in a lated documents. place where one can go for a "Having (French) services ski during a lunch break. is not enough to keep people The group then filed into living in Yellowknife," she a school bus to take a tour of said. Giant Mine, Old Town, the "We also need to be able legislative assembly, Prince of to have activities in French, Wales Northern Heritage Cen- going to the theatre, etcetera, tre, downtown and the Yel- because for those not able to lowknife dump – where the understand English, how do tour's youngest member took they create relationships and photo courtesy of Cécile Fagot possession of a new set of live in the community?" While at the YKEA portion of the group's tour – the Yellowknife dump – Meraal Zulfiqar finds a new wheels for the upcoming bike That's why in addition to bicycle to take home. season. guides on multilingual servic- The event was part of a es and resources in health care the culture and history of their events and build connections The IRCC program runs anina Lora said since arriv- federal funding initiative and employment, for example, new home. within the community. until 2023, at which point ing in December from the seeking to support franco- the program also prioritizes She said new franco- "It helps to stay when Fagot hopes to see a renewal Dominican Republic, Yellow- phone minority communities recreational activities. Fagot phones can also sign up to be you have those friendships," of funds with more research knife "has been even better across Canada. lists aurora viewing as one paired with residents in "the she said. "I think it's a pret- to inform how to make the than we thought." In 2018, Immigration Ref- such activity where partici- twinning program" to form ty amazing program for the program successful. "So far it's been a great ugees and Citizenship Canada pants can better understand friendships, learn about social newcomers." Still, newcomers like Lly- city," she said.

Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo Lucero Hernandez, originally from Mexico, receives a welcome certificate Llyanina Lora is gifted her Yellowknife welcome package with city resources from Mayor Rebecca Alty. and memorabilia. 8 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 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] Website: www.nnsl.com

FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo – [email protected] This drawing should COORDINATING EDITOR: be coming to life Craig Gilbert– [email protected] later this spring if not already. Instead, ACCOUNTING: [email protected] it's a source of frus- Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas tration for North Editorial board: Slave Metis Alliance Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert • Emily McInnis president Bill Enge. image courtesy of the NSMA Reporters: [email protected] Simon Whitehouse • Natalie Pressman Blair McBride

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CIRCULATION: [email protected] The NSMA spent thousands on a rushed housing proposal that Circulation Director: Amy Yang never had a chance. What an absolute air ball by the NWTHC Subscriptions: Print: (mail) $95/year Northern News Services housing capacity that's simple and Online: (entire content) $50/year Funding announcements are often straightforward. It's complicated and replete with action words. The issue: difficult enough in the south. Add the They create movement in the Not-so-rapid housing complexities of building North of 60 reader's mind. Things are going to We say: and the consternation of tying it to happen. Things may already be hap- Hurry up and wait co-investment and you find yourself pening. staring down quite the quagmire. In In this context, the North Slave some places in this grand and sprawl- Metis Alliance (NSMA) at this hour ing nation of ours, they're referred to occupies a rare and stupefying corner by the GNWT, other projects were as one-third-one-third-one-third pro- NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED of space-time. denied by the Canadian Mortgage jects because the federal, provincial 100% Northern owned and operated According to the organization's and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and municipal levels of government Publishers of: president, Bill Enge, invoices from which administers that co-investment share the cost equally. Elsewhere, Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub professionals like engineers running fund. including in the NWT, we've heard the NWT News/North Nunavut News/North into the tens of thousands of dollars Another thumb in the eye while term "50-cent dollars," which refers to (and surely many person-hours of the NSMA is being punched in the projects that are eligible for split cost- Member of: work) were what was under the tree gut is the fact that the Nation sharing with a senior level of govern- Canadian Community Newspapers Association for the NSMA in December. The group received funding from this most ment. Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association scrambled on a five-week turnaround recent announcement in order to "We're installing a new sewer main Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association to apply for NWT Housing Corpora- build in Ndilo. under Franklin Avenue," you might say, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils tion (NWTHC) funding for a proposed The NSMA wasn't the only group "but we're spending 50-cent dollars." Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce 12-unit apartment building in the squinting at the list of approved pro- It sounds nice coming from a com- Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited city's core. jects, which, if completed, will add 60 munications professional but as Enge The deadline was Dec. 31. Much to affordable housing units to the terri- laid bare, it creates a disproportionate the chagrin of Enge, and to the com- tory's stock. The YWCA NWT headed amount of work for entities at the plete shock of the NSMA, their appli- by Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay likewise lowest tier. They have the least cap- Send us your comments cation wasn't just in before deadline, had a 21-unit proposal on the books. acity (no offense, we're comparing You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off it was dead on arrival. That project, which the YWCA sought the local level to territorial and fed- at our office at 5108-50th Street. Why? funding for after the Rockhill fire dis- eral apparatuses) and probably have All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we Because the pot of money they placed 33 families in 2018, would to do the most legwork. can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- were applying for doesn't exist any- have created $15 million in construc- And it leaves them holding the erence is given to short letters of broad interest or more, because it was replaced by tion activity. They might as well have bag when the upper two tiers aren't concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as the National Housing Co-Investment fired it into space. aware of what each other is doing, or, we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. Fund, at least for the NWT. And "I don't think (the government) at the very least, acting that way. Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and because the territory has a $60-mil- is getting the true reality of family Enge has plans to bring his con- those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to lion barrel of gold coins stashed in homelessness," Dumbuya-Sesay cerns to Premier Caroline Cochrane eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis the back of a sea can somewhere. says on page 5 of Wednesday's edi- and the rest of cabinet. for a story. What we heard was that because this tion of Yellowknifer. We can't wait to hear what they federal funding hadn't been allocated There's very little about creating have to say. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 9 City lynx

Menopause is all symptoms, no disease

photo courtesy of Daryl Dolynny Avens CEO Daryl Dolynny said his staff contacted the Department of Environ- ment and Natural Resources (ENR), which is the prevailing advice when wild- life is spotted within city limits. The lynx population is at a high point, but that of their primary prey, snowshoe hares, may have already crashed, explaining the sightings of the big cats in Yellowknife. Northern News Services She had the eyes of a lynx. Inquisitive and at the same time serene. I sat there looking Tales from at her and she sat there looking at me. We sat looking at each other for well over an the dump hour. No doubt, we were both thinking our own thoughts. I was thinking "That's a good- Walt Humphries is a well-known looking lynx. I wonder what she is thinking." Yellowknife artist and prospector. She just sat there looking back. Cats can be like that. It is hard to tell, what if anything, once you start to study nature most critters they are thinking. and living things not only have population Now, just in case you had not heard, cycles, but the cycles are often interrelated recently there have been a number of lynx and dependent on one another. sightings in and around Yellowknife. Some When conditions are good and food is NNSL file photo may say that it is because the KFC sign just plentiful, the population will grow and grow The development of vaccines against Covid-19 happened in record time went up, and the lynx fancy some fried chick- until it reaches the point of overpopulation through the cooperation of the scientists worldwide. There is hope is that en. There are other explanations of course. then it tends to crash. This even works with this cooperation will speed up the discovery of vaccines for illnesses like Lynxes have a population cycle which runs forests. They grow, mature, get old then either HIV, columnist Aaron LaBorde writes. Bruce Jonasson, pictured, was the from low to high over the span of seven to 12 a forest fire or windstorm clears them out so first NWT resident to receive the Moderna vaccine. years. Their cycle seems to lag a little behind the cycle can begin again. the snowshoe hares' cycle, from low to high. The more we study and learn about nature Hot flashes might be of some help. The best way to get Snowshoe hares are a main food supply for the more complex and interrelated it is. Also, Menopause is not a disease vitamins and minerals is from lynxes, so when their numbers crash, soon the we have to learn and respect these cycles that has to be treated. food but magnesium levels are lynx population crashes as well. That is the because often human actions or reactions However, it's a good idea often low in many people so way nature works. have an effect on them. Basically, everything to check with your doctor if supplements might be in order. So, I would assume this is the high point humans do or don't do has an effect on all you have symptoms that are How much to take daily? For of the lynx population and that the hare sorts of other species. troubling you. Here are some women, 320 mg and for men population has already crashed. So, there are For some reason, a lot of humans want ideas you can use to ease the 420 mg. It might help. a bunch of hungry lynxes wandering around everything to always be the same. Unfortu- transition into and through looking for food. They will eat voles, squir- nately, that is not the way nature works. It is menopause: quit smoking; eat Miracle foods rels, birds, and other small critters when they always changing. It may be sad, but soon a a diet high in fibre, low in fat People are always looking can catch them. Hares may be their preferred lot of lynx will pass away, because the hare with many vegetables and fruit; for a miracle food that may food but when an animal gets really hun- population has crashed and that is just a part ensure adequate intake of cal- Capsule have positive health effects. gry they will take risks and try eating other of nature's cycle. cium and vitamin D; keep to a Groups of researchers have things. Also, the crash in the hare and lynx cycle healthy weight and do weight- Comments observed thousands of people Unfortunately, no one gave the lynxes the means that other plants and animals will bearing exercises (even stair- who regularly included chili climbing and dancing) at least Aaron La Borde is peppers in their diets and memo, of how to behave in the city. One is flourish without so many of them around. a pharmacist at not allowed to hunt within the city limits. Nature is like a tapestry or symphony of all three times weekly. Sutherland Drugs. observed a relative reduction in This includes pet dogs and stray cats. So, these interwoven and connected cycles. The deaths from heart disease and watch out for your furry friends. Once the more we learn about the planet we live on the Sleep tight cancer. lynx population crashes, we won't be seeing more fascinating it becomes. More than 60 per cent of Canadians say NOTE: These results were an associa- many around for a number of years. So, enjoy Soon we will be entering the big spring they don't get a good night's sleep. It's a tion not a causation. There were no pla- seeing them while you can. melt and it is a fascinating time because the common problem and sleeping pills aren't cebo groups as in good studies. But it's still The correlation between the population migratory birds return, and the forest bursts the answer. The mineral, magnesium, interesting. cycles of hares and lynx are well known but into life. So, enjoy the changing seasons. 10 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 photo story photo story Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 11 Artist puts colour back in YK mural Pamplin says funding for the arts takes 'hind tit' YK Mural to sports after he was denied money for 'repairs' Northern News Services Mural artist Terry "This mural is being pieces they have created in Feature When winter thaws and Pamplin has been working redone completely out of my the past." by Simon Whitehouse the warm weather inspires nearly every day for hours love for the original and my Pamplin's piece, one of Yellowknifers to get outdoors since January fixing up his pride in putting my name on several he's had a hand in and active this spring, a fam- six-panel-plus "Articipaction" something in public," he said. downtown, is an ode to the of how the arts and sports "I was sort of spoofing iliar mural in the downtown piece which depicts major "But it's also about trying to physical activities of various should be seen on equal foot- the fact that everybody lines core will be refurbished and sports and recreational activ- challenge fellow artists to get kinds in Yellowknife. He says ing when it comes to securing up for sports and recreation restored to its former glory. ities. out there and take care of the it is also a bit of a reminder public funding. funding and the arts always seems to take the hind tit," he explained. The Articipaction, a play on the old 'ParticipACTION' fitness commercials emerged to show how the arts comple- ment the sports world. The mural was first erected on the streetside of Overlander Sports in January 2008 to great fanfare which included a ribbon cutting with then-mayor Gord Van The Articipaction mural by Terry Pamplin aims Tighem. to be culturally inclusive with no represen- Pamplin said he noticed tations of white, black or yellow skin colours in the people participating in a wide array of late last year that the colours sports. were beginning to seriously fade and he arranged for the panels to be brought to the warehouse basement of Over- lander where he has been working for weeks. "When I first started way Mural artist Terry Pamplin fills in some outlines back when, I used exterior of his colourful mural on March 31 at Overlander sign gradation enamel paints Sports. thinking that is the tough- est thing you can do," he Continued from previous page difference otherwise Yellow- explained of the mural. "But knife could be like any city Downtown public art anywhere." they faded like you wouldn't According to the NWT believe ... It really suffered Arts Art Walk map, there are Seeking support for over the years and I didn't up to 38 places with recog- realize it until (recently)." restoration nized public art in downtown He acknowledged that Although there was no Yellowknife alone. sense at the time how long costs can be heavy and it may Pamplin's other public be advisable for the GNWT the painting was expected to murals in the town include last, it was a disappointment or the City of Yellowknife to the large Charlie Delorme look at adding financial help that it didn't last longer as he portrait which was hung at used quality exterior paint. for refurbishment. the Somba K'e Dental Centre He noted that this project's in 2018. He has also worked breakdown in costs included A crowd gathers in front of Terry Pamplin's mural at Overlanders Sports store for the official unveiling by then-Mayor of Yellowknife, in collaboration with other about $1000 in paints and Mayor Gordon Van Tighem in January 2008. Please see next page artists on the Legacy Mural varnish, about $800 to move at True Value Hardware and the mural to a studio and then another mural at the Foster reinstall it on the building, Family Coalition put up last and about $200 in materials winter. for saw horses and tables. The artist said he has a "There has to be a pro- Terry Pamplin, mural artist, set up shop for weeks in the Overlander Sports basement warehouse to vision of trying to have more gram because I got original refurbish his six-panel-plus mural called Articipaction. Pamplin has been trying to restore the colours to public art in the downtown funding for this through the the artwork that was unveiled at the downtown sports adventure store in 2008. because many of the build- NWT Arts Council way back ings in the core aren't aesthet- when and at that time it was ically pleasing. an adequate amount," he said. "The Greenstone building "I went back this time and isn't a bad building to look at I said the time has come for it but the rest of them are basic- to be refurbished." ally utility boxes. Steel clad, Pamplin said he didn't get grey and blue. So anything funding support because it would help." was tied to repairs. He has been impressed He also made an effort to over the years by the works get some support from the of his fellow artists which dot City of Yellowknife's Herit- the central core; noting the age and Culture Committee work on Northwestel utility and had some help, but had boxes and the northern lights to make the case that sports depictions on the wall by the activity in Yellowknife was Swap Shop as examples. culturally worth supporting. Pamplin said he wants to "The mural depicts every- help inspire other artists to body in town and just about continue doing more, includ- all the sports from high kick, ing restoration. snowshoeing, wheelchair ath- "The Charlie Delorme letes... You'll also note that it portrait I made is the big- is also culturally appropriate gest portrait so far and it is where there are no depictions not just a single panel stuck of white, black or yellow skin up somewhere," he said. "If colour." you look at Montreal, there The GNWT Department is a building where Leonard of Industry, Tourism and Cohen's portrait is on it and it Investment was not available is about 12 to 14 stories high. for comment before Yellow- That is just amazing. knifer's Thursday afternoon Mural artist Terry Pamplin has been working since January almost non-stop to refurbish his 2008 mural "Public art makes a huge press deadline. "Articipaction." The piece is expected to be on display again when the snow melts. 12 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news Federal carbon tax deemed constitutional by Supreme Court NWT environment advocate says carbon policy far from 'aggressive action' required by Simon Whitehouse related vocabulary falls out of use Northern News Services – negatively impacting efforts to Michael McLeod, Member of revive and use Indigenous languages Parliament for the Northwest Ter- in the North. ritories said this week he welcomes In 2018, the federal government last week's Supreme Court of Can- passed the Greenhouse Gas Pollu- ada ruling which upheld the con- tion Pricing Act which introduced a stitutionality of the federal govern- minimum national price on carbon ment's carbon pricing. emissions. McLeod said the issue is a press- Alberta, Saskatchewan and ing one for the NWT because of the Ontario challenged the constitution- impact of rising temperature and as ality of the federal government's a result, the issue requires national pricing scheme based on the div- leadership. ision of powers and the fact that "Climate change is significant natural resources are managed in the North and it is something I provincially. hear about on a regular basis where Some provinces have also argued people are very concerned about that they already have their own what is happening," he said. "There climate-related policies to fight cli- is lots of change happening that we mate change and charge the federal have not seen in a life time..." government with overreaching. McLeod said that climate change In a 6-3 decision on March is affecting land, water and tem- 25, however, the majority ruling peratures – symptoms Northern- was that the pricing scheme by ers have long expected – but it's the national government is consti- NNSL file photo changing Indigenous people and tutional. The NTPC's Bluefish generating complex. "Climate change is significant in the North and it is cultures, as well. McLeod was also asked about his "It has had a lot of impact on thoughts on neighbouring jurisdic- something I hear about on a regular basis where people are very concerned about what is hap- traditional knowledge and impact tions, like the provinces of Alberta pening," NWT MP Michael McLeod says. on relationships between Elders and Saskatchewan, who posed con- and youth because now a lot of stitutional challenges to the federal katchewan, who want to be free to was positive news for the North. future climate action at the national Elders can't talk about where the government's carbon pricing efforts. pollute and want to go back to that, They also used the opportunity to level and, importantly, it will pre- best places are to hunt or the safest "We don't follow their lead and in the GNWT has worked well with the call for the federal government to vent future legal challenges from areas to cross the river while it is the territories it is different because federal government to put a price on strengthen its climate plan and for provinces," stated the newsletter. forming," McLeod said. we want to do our part to fight carbon and have a pricing system." the public to cooperate across juris- "But the carbon pricing policy He explained that because the against climate change," he said. Ecology North stated in their dictions to build a "just transition." itself is far from the aggressive conversations aren't happening, "Unlike Premier Kenney or in Sas- March 30 newsletter that the ruling "This decision will protect all action we desperately need." news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 13 Zoning bylaw behind schedule Council briefs: CanNor cash for visitors centre, rapid housing project rejected

by Simon Whitehouse for assistance from the Canadian Northern News Services Northern Economic Development City staff are still working to Agency (CanNor) last October. The complete a draft zoning bylaw that funds were approved March 15 with was expected to be ready for review the condition that it be spent by by now. March 31. Last September, the planning "We are now looking to put out a and development division presented request for proposals for designing a schedule to replace the existing the space, and then with the design 12-year old zoning bylaw, which the we will be able to get somebody to city says is outdated and cumber- complete that vision and open the some due to up to 80 amendments doors probably at the tail end of this attached to it. year," said Mayor Rebecca Alty. The plan had been to have a draft In 2017, the Northern Frontier bylaw before council tentatively by Visitors Centre was shuttered due February or March. to the building being structurally "We are a little bit behind and it unsafe. Services for travellers and is more because we did get a lot of newcomers were eventually moved great feedback from our consulta- to the basement of city hall. tion process in the fall and early Last January, the city presented winter," said Mayor Rebecca Alty. a plan to move those services to the "Staff are now working to incorpor- former Bank of Montreal site in the ate those recommendations into the lower half of Centre Square Mall. draft bylaw." The federal support comes Each municipal division and in addition to $161,000 from the department have to provide input on GNWT Department of Industry, how the bylaw is shaped, as it covers Tourism and Investment, as well as areas as diverse as agricultural land $125,000 from the city's downtown use, short-term rentals, and can- improvement reserve. nabis – aspects that didn't appear in Alty said an operating model the 2008 document. is expected to be developed in the photo courtesy of the City of Yellowknife The mayor said she expects the summer or early fall. A presentation by the City of Yellowknife planning and development division laid out a sched- draft bylaw to be revealed through The upside to the project, she ule that would see a draft zoning bylaw presented to council for approval by February or March. the city's website and social media noted, will be the reopening of the in the near future. After an expected 50 Street access to Centre Square one-month public review process, Mall, which has been closed to convert 30 units at the Slave Lake Corporation, Alty said. and Natural Resources (ENR), as the document will come to the city's the public for over a decade; the Inn to accommodate adults experi- outlined in a long-standing memo- governance and priorities commit- development of a non-commercial encing homelessness and the other to Fire division changes in effect randum of understanding (MOU) tee before landing on council's desk art space; and the city hall board- a renovate Aspen Apartments. The City of Yellowknife Fire Div- between the city and ENR," stated for a vote. A statutory public hear- room being available to municipal Those applications were rejected ision stopped serving most fire-relat- Alison Harrower, spokesperson for ing will give residents a chance to staff again. earlier this month. ed emergencies outside of city limits the city. "This MOU states that the address the proposed legislation. "We will keep our eyes peeled if as of April 1. A news release from city will respond to structural fires there is a Rapid Housing Initiative 2.0 the municipality stated that after to the extent that resources are avail- Rapid housing bid rejected and maybe reapply then, but we are Thursday, fires that occur beyond able when ENR determines a risk CanNor grants funding The City of Yellowknife is not not actively looking to apply," said the boundary, including on highways of spreading to the wildland during for mall visitors centre planning to actively revive its fed- The City of Yellowknife received eral Rapid Housing Initiative plans, Mayor Rebecca Alty. 3 and 4, may not get a response from forest fire season and requests the $400,000 in federal grant approval but will be watching the April 19 Other organizations that applied city firefighters. city's involvement. The city will also to advance its efforts to place a federal budget for any possible for the same funding are expected to Last September, council approved continue to provide service to Dettah visitors information centre in Centre housing funding support. seek financial aid for their projects a motion that would limit fire ser- under a separate agreement." Square Mall. The city submitted two applica- through the National Co-investment vice to within the municipality. Emergency medical services and The municipality had applied tions in December – one being to Fund, a separate pot of money from "YKFD will continue to assist the vehicle rescue will continue to be the Canada Mortgage and Housing GNWT, Department of Environment provided outside of Yellowknife. GNWT creates online education tracker Portal details progress towards 30 action items by Blair McBride tion (ERI) and the 2020 report governments; common job the Education Act and renew son. "The GNWT is commit- ing educational outcomes." Northern News Services of the Office of the Auditor descriptions for JK-12 sup- the JK-12 curriculum. ted to improving the NWT Public engagement on The Department of Edu- General, ECE has developed port assistants; and a five-year "How we deliver equit- education system, in partner- Education Act Moderniza- cation, Culture and Employ- an Action Plan to Improve review of ERI. able education in the NWT ship with education bodies, tion is expected to occur from ment (ECE) JK-12 Student Two of the most important is critical for ensuring the Indigenous governments, now until June, while direct has developed Outcomes. items, according to the gov- development of accomplished, communities, educators, fam- engagement on JK-12 curricu- a new online Deliver- ernment's news release, is the capable Northerners," said ilies and students, who all lum renewal will be happen- tracker to "How we deliver ables, time- ongoing work to modernize Education Minister R.J. Simp- have a role to play in improv- ing over the coming months. demonstrate lines and progress on equitable progress for improving stu- education in the each of the 30 dent outcomes action items in the NWT. NWT is critical is available This work on the action stems from the for ensuring the tracker. government's T h r e e commitment development of items have to raise junior accomplished, been com- kindergarten to pleted to date. Grade 12 stu- capable They entail dent education- the develop- al outcomes to Northerners." ment of a the same level R.J. Simpson Certificate as the rest of of Indigen- Canada, ECE ous Language said Tuesday Revitalization in a news release. (CILR) program that delivers To meet this pledge and a two-year pilot program at respond to the findings of the in partnership mid-term evaluation of Edu- with the University of Vic- cation Renewal and Innova- toria and regional Indigenous 14 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news RCMP plans to review sex assault cases twice yearly

A review commit- tee examined NT RCMP practices in sexual assault investigations and, while offi- cers were mostly respectful, the committee found areas where the police force should improve. NNSL file photo

Committees aim to improve investigations into accusations of sexual violence by Natalie Pressman ings and recommendations cess, Aubin said. ducted in a trauma-informed ada to have been dismissed as NWT, pointed to the need for Northern News Services for improvement. Last month, the RCMP manner," SAIRC found unfounded. improvements considering The NT RCMP will make The next review is sched- released a report outlining officers' personal opinions Since then, Aubin said the the territory's high rates of changes to practices on sex- uled to take place this month, the findings of the SAIRC have sometimes appeared in RCMP has introduced train- sexual violence. ual assault cases following a followed by another in the based on sexual assault case reports and that additional ing to improve the use of the A Statistics Canada report committee's assessment. fall. files reviewed in December training is still needed to unfounded classification and from December 2020 stated One such improvement is He explained the move is 2019 and June 2020. inform consent and combat that the NT RCMP adopted that more than half of both bringing representatives from a direct result of consulta- The committee brings rape myths. policies requiring super- men and women in Canada's the communities into the tions between the police and together members of the Among the cases ran- visory reviews on files that territories have been vic- room, NT RCMP family vio- community groups like The police force with advocate domly selected for investi- are deemed unfounded. tims of at least one sexual or lence coordinator Cpl. Jesse Status of Women Council of groups like The Status of gation were those labelled Aubin told media that physical assault since age 15. Aubin said at a press confer- the NWT, speaking further Women Council to ensure "unfounded," meaning deter- bias training, consent law Women were reported to be ence Thursday. to the importance of a col- investigations are thorough mined by police to have not and common sexual assault three times more likely than Moving forward, the Sex- laborative approach. and impartial, and to identify occurred or not be in viola- myths training is also man- men to have been sexually ual Assault Investigations Having an advocate from any systemic gaps or barriers. tion of the Criminal Code. datory for all members of the assaulted at least once since Review Committee (SAIRC) one of the smaller commun- While the report found In 2017, an investigation NT RCMP. While officers the age of 15. will be conducting reviews ities present is one change that most RCMP investiga- by The Globe and Mail found are often moving in and out In the NWT, the report twice yearly, and releasing that will help bring greater tions of sexual assault are one in five sexual assault of the territory, he said it's the found that 52 per cent of annual reports with its find- perspective to the review pro- "thorough, timely and con- allegations reported in Can- commanding officer's prior- women and 55 per cent of ity that members are properly men had been sexually or trained as soon as they trans- physically assaulted since age fer into the division. 15 and those numbers were "It's something that we even higher for Indigenous monitor quite closely to groups. ensure that everyone is tak- Elder said SAIRC has "a ing the appropriate training," very committed group work- said Aubin. ing to address this," and that He added, however, that they are proud of the work further measures are clearly that's been done so far. necessary given the report's "We believe that the work findings in spite of ongoing of the committee is making a officer training. difference and has the poten- Louise Elder, execu- tial to have an impact on the tive director of the Status RCMP response to survivors of Women Council of the of sexual assault," she said. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 15 No carnival, no half-day

Northern News Services tion that was formed to raise funds 50 years ago for the theatre left Yellowknife for 30 years ago Yellowknife Fire Department's a meeting with the editor and pub- The Bank of Montreal opened its newest pumper lisher of the news- new location in the Centre Square arrived and believe it paper which billed Mall. The move was completed on or not it was white! itself at the time as the weekend and then branch Man- Experts had decided Canada's national ager Deborah Robertson said that that white trucks newspaper. the new location would be better show up better than Doug Earl who for traffic and more convenient for red. represented the shoppers. Northern Arts Cen- The new Bank of Montreal was 40 years ago tre group said the located across the mall from top The Globe and $10,000 donated by Forty, and the bank's Instant Teller Mail's promise to the Globe and Mail had been working since the week- NNSL archive photo contribute money was a 'sizeable con- end. Yellowknife Fire Department's newest pumper arrived and towards a theatre tribution' and that it believe it or not it was white! for Yellowknife had was much appreci- 20 years ago come true and the LOOKING ated. Secretary of State for Children consider it a necessity," she said day on Friday, according to city and Mayor was on his Although difficult and Youth Ethel Blondin-Andrew Previously cabinet ministers territorial government officials. way to Toronto to Back to estimate at the said the government's move to pro- used limousines and secretaries of Employees for the city and pick up the cash. with time what the theatre vide junior members of cabinet such state used taxis. GNWT usually received a half-day Mayor Mike Bal- Candace A. McQuatt would cost to con- as herself with chauffeur driven on the Friday of Caribou Carnival. lantyne, accompan- struct, estimations limousines would make her more 10 years ago However, that year the carnival ied by a representa- were somewhere effective at her job. GNWT and city workers would was cancelled, therefore Friday was tive of the organiza- near $1 million. "I don't consider it a luxury, I be heading to work for the whole just a regular work day. Analysis: what makes a rapist?

Northern News Services ditioned to find the act of dominance, bully- tions, than the other person. Without the basic tion skills, and belief in a patriarchally organ- Recently I read an article that was pub- ing and exploitation gratifying, by providing communication skills to ask repeatedly if ized and enforced system of sexual relations, lished in the Ohio State Journal of Criminal psychosocial training to connect them with somebody is interested in sex, nor the abil- is unreasonable and fundamentally ludicrous. Law, written in 1997. From time to time, I like authentic forms of communication via intim- ity to read and understand nonverbal cues let Help me end this madness by calling out to review how far we've come in the under- acy-building skills. The basic communication alone accept a changed mind, rape is a tool of and embarrassing anyone who still clings to standing of causal links to rape/sexual assault. skills they lack can be generated through control. the old ways. It's not funny, it's dangerous. I cannot tell you how grateful I am as a sur- teaching, practicing and evaluating nonviolent It is never the survivor's fault. The only way this lethargy is going to end vivor and therapist, supervisor and teacher, for question asking, active listening techniques, Expecting the survivor to take responsibil- is for those still enamoured with sexual ignor- the gains and public accountability to safely mentalization exercises (the precursor to ity for the offender's sexual and emotional ance to lose friends and have less influence speak about experi- empathy), and of immaturity, lack of interpersonal communica- over people. ences of rape, incest course, the tracing and sexual assault. back of how their We still have a long counsellor's neural pathways ways to go, and what first fired and wired I would like to argue corner violence and sexual to you today, are the Jessica Bruhn is the author of fulfillment together. endemic factors con- three books and a Canadian People who do tributing to rape and certified counsellor and not have access to sexual abuse stated supervising clinician in quality educational in the title of this Yellowknife. Visit her website at or diverse cultural article. www.recreationhealing.ca. influences are often Back in 1997, limited in their Dryden, an academic understanding of lawyer and his peers, tried to catalogue the healthy sexual dynamics. They remain sex- differences between the feminist perspective ually immature, and feel entitled to sexual of rape being a tool of control and oppression intercourse. This immaturity can make raping against people (as a symptom of a patriarchal sheep seem like an hilarious thing that "just toxic masculine dominant narratives), and the happens" outside of the proximity of rape- perspective of evolutionary psychologist theor- culture. ies, which at the time, still clung to the old In reality, toxic masculinity's entitlement song of rape and sexual assault being connect- to sex-on-demand extends sadly to animals ed in some way to legitimate sexual desire. as well. Domesticated animals are often far As a counsellor, I can see both perspec- more containable and controllable for the non tives, and each one, respectively, lends itself consensual penetration some people find so to its pathway to "resolution." Endings to the thrilling, funny, or "harmless." survivor's mixture of fear, rage, distrust and I found an article written last year report- societal double-binds, and endings to resolve ing on three men who raped their farm ani- the sexual and emotional immaturity, deficits mals, which included nine horses, many dogs, in interpersonal communication and male a cow and a goat, and then videotaped these supremacy that exist within the offender. crimes (NY Daily News, April 23, 2019). When working with a rapist/sexual assault These men manipulated a teenager to help offender, assisting them in decoupling their them abuse the animals, covertly sexually ideas of successful relationship through rape, abusing him also, and later, this boy had the and separating their neural pathways of pleasure courage to report them. They were charged response chemicals through the act of rape (or with animal sexual assault and sent to jail. having been raised watching rape simulations), The societal costs of this kind of microag- the defence of and even pride-taking in rape- gression (laughing at sexual assault) against culture, requires me to recognize there is some survivors of sexual assault (be they animal or kind of sexual thrill and gratification associated human), are many. with the act of rape. So here's how I help the survivors: I valid- However, I do not believe this is legitimate ate that the above experience of living in a sexual desire, but a dysfunctional result of toxic culture where sexual assault is funny to a and abusive early life experiences. Toxic mascu- large segment of the population, is traumatiz- linity has officially been linked to poor mental ing. health outcomes by the American Psychological I acknowledge that rape and sexual assault Association in 2019, negatively impacting boys, is motivated to control another person because girls, non-binary people, and the families they in order for somebody that sexually abuses later form (Psychology of Men and Masculinity, another person to continue doing what they're online first publication, 2018). doing, they have to care more about their I have treated people who have been con- own feelings, thoughts, experiences, sensa- 16 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Have racquet, will play

Randy Rivers, left, Hiro Kobayashi, Elizabeth du Plessis and KM Safat Rashif were the final- ists in the Tennis NWT March Tournament's men's singles division at the Fieldhouse on Sun- day evening. Rivers and Kobayashi teamed up to win in straight sets. photos courtesy of Slavica Jovic

Tennis NWT hosts March Tournament at Fieldhouse by James McCarthy the Yellowknife pairing of KM Safat anyone. He loves the sport and he Northern News Services Rashif and Nikki Gohil, 6-4, 6-3. told us he may come back to play if Tennis was one of those sports The women's doubles champions the rules on Covid-19 change." which benefitted greatly from the were Tamara Jovic of Yellowknife The indoor season is set to con- outdoor sport boom in Yellowknife and Joan Bevington of Fort Smith tinue until the end of April, said this past summer thanks to Covid-19. as they defeated Anita Aogaa and Jovic, with the plan of starting the It would appear that popularity Hiro Kobayashi, both from Yellow- outdoor season by May 31 in Yellow- carried over to the indoor version of knife, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, but knife. the sport last weekend. Kobayashi would turn around to She said Jan Martinek of Vancou- Tennis NWT hosted its March win the mixed doubles with Randy ver will return as the head pro at the Tournament at the Fieldhouse with Rivers as they downed Elizabeth Yellowknife Tennis Club for another both fields in action over the course du Plessis and KM Safat Rashif by season. of the weekend. A majority of the the same scoreline as the women's players hailed from Yellowknife doubles. with a total of eight making the trip "All of the matches were really fact file in from Fort Smith to join in. close and there was lots of good It was the second indoor tourna- games," said Jovic. "We had seven tournament ment of the season, following the different winners and it was good to event held in December 2020. see some variety." results Slavica Jovic of Tennis NWT said You may notice the lack of a the tournament was held thanks to women's singles division and that's some extra funding from the Depart- because of a combination of a lack of Men's singles ment of Municipal and Community women who wanted to play singles Jerry Wald def. Brooke Harker; Affairs' Emergency Support Fund- and restrictions on how many div- 7-6, 6-1 ing for Sport Organizations. isions a player could enter. "We received $21,000 for the win- Jovic said three players had regis- Men's doubles ter and we had to spend it by March tered but two of them decided to play KM Safat Rashif and Nikki Gohil 31," she said. "The tournament was a doubles instead. def. Jerry Wald and Larry Van part of that funding and we were able "We only allowed players to sign Beek; 6-4, 6-3 to help cover the cost of travel for up for two categories and people just those coming in from Fort Smith." preferred to play doubles," she said. Women's doubles The money also went toward renting Wald's win in the men's singles Tamara Jovic and Joan Beving- the fields at the Fieldhouse for Sun- could be the final time he plays in a ton def. Anita Aogaa and Hiro day sessions for the duration of the tournament in the NWT as he's mov- Kobayashi; 6-4, 6-4 winter, she added. ing to Cranbrook, B.C. On the court, Jerry Wald of Fort Jovic said it's a big loss for tennis Mixed doubles Randy Rivers and Hiro Kobayashi Brooke Harker, left, and Jerry Wald were the finalists in the Smith took the men's singles crown in the territory. by beating Brooke Harker of Yellow- "He was a great addition to the def. Elizabeth du Plessis and KM Tennis NWT March Tournament's men's singles division at the knife in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1. Wald tennis community in Fort Smith," Safat Rashif; 6-4, 6-4 Fieldhouse on Sunday evening. Wald won out in what could then teamed up with Larry Van Beek she said. "He coached a lot of people possibly be his final tournament in the NWT. for the men's doubles but they fell to and he would play with or against Source: Tennis NWT sports & recreation Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 17 A record-breaker for skiing Yellowknife Gold Loppet sponsored by Gold Terra sees 430 registrations for 2021 by James McCarthy courtesy of Kathi Woodward, who Northern News Services baked 1,200 of them on one month's It would only make sense that the notice, said Titus. Yellowknife Gold Loppet sponsored With several trails to choose by Gold Terra would be a popular from, Titus said it's tough to say event this year. which one was the most popular. But it's never been this popular. "I have no idea where most of A record-breaking 430 people the people were," she said. "I know signed up to ski some portion of Walsh Lake had lots and Range Lake the loppet in 2021, the most ever was expected to be popular. I thought recorded for one year, according to about putting something up on (the) the Yellowknife Ski Club. Like last Zone 4 (website) and let people pick year's loppet, this year featured ski- their trail so we knew where they ers hitting trails around the Yellow- were going but we didn't want to knife area with several to choose tie people down to just one trail." from including Walsh Lake, Range One idea Titus said is being con- Lake, Madeline Lake and Burwash. sidered for next year is a passport of Alyssa Titus was the co-ordinator sorts so people can make a note of for the loppet this year and she said which trail or trails they skied on. the numbers this year reflect what's Of course, the big goal is to get been happening in other places back to the traditional venue of Vee around the world. Lake and have the start/finish line "The global interest in skiing has there but Titus said she would like to grown because of Covid-19 – people consider something a bit more within are looking for things to do to stay Yellowknife. active," she said. "Lucky for us, we "I love the Vee Lake loop and it have the space up here to give people gets us all together but a silver lining many options to go out and everyone would be to have the option of doing did an amazing job this year. It was something in the city," she said. such a co-ordinated effort." Heather Scott, president of the ski The trails were laid by the Guer- club, said having a record number of illa Groomers, a group of volunteer skiers was a big plus for her as well groomers who lay down tracks for as everyone who pitched in to help. people to ski on, and that group "We are very grateful for the included folks such as Kevin generosity of the many groomers and Hodgins, Niels Konge, Dave Kellett, organizers," she said. "I was particu- David Gilday and Stu Impett, among larly appreciative of the people who several others. carefully and safely packed hundreds There was no traditional bowl of of individual race packages that so chili at the end of the loppet for the thoughtfully included the event buff, photo courtesy of Heather Scott second straight year but there were bib, stickers and the infamous loppet Heather Scott, left, and Sarah Cook stop to grab a selfie during their ski in the Yellowknife two cookies for everyone who skied cookies for each participant." Gold Loppet on Sunday.

photo courtesy of Shea Alain Shea Alain was out on the trails with his son on Sunday as part of the Yellowknife Gold Loppet. 18 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021 19

Bobby Zoe designated long-term offender Repeat criminal will spend the next 10 years under the supervision of Corrections Canada

by Natalie Pressman dent, along with some beers from the have changed their argument to have "An absence of adequate intensive Where Zoe will live after his Northern News Services couple's fridge. him instead classified as a long-term supervision leaves the female public release from prison will also be Repeat sex offender Bobby Zoe Other previous offences include offender. at an unacceptable risk of sexual determined by Corrections Canada. was designated a long-term offender sexual assaults on strangers in the One factor is a new psychiatric violence from Mr. Zoe," Molloy said. Though, "with the relative lack Wednesday after successfully appeal- street, as well as one case where Zoe, report that demonstrates Zoe is now Given Zoe's "cognitive deficits, of services in Yellowknife and its ing a dangerous offender designation along with two others, were drinking compliant with medication regimes his cultural needs and the lack of 'triggers' that contribute to Mr. Zoe's from 2017. with a 13-year-old girl who passed and "has finally acknowledged the services in Yellowknife, it will be a offending," Molloy said, "it is dif- Over the last 10 years, Zoe has out and woke up to Zoe touching her role that substance abuse played challenge to craft a plan that mean- ficult to imagine that he will be able spent all but approximately nine inappropriately over her clothes. in his criminal history and has ingfully addresses his risk and his to return to the Northwest Territor- months in custody. Significant In 2017, Zoe, born in Yellowknife expressed an openness to treatment." treatment requirements," Molloy ies for some considerable period of stretches of that incarceration have and raised in Gameti, was deemed a Molloy also notes an updated states in his decision. time." been spent in solitary confinement dangerous offender – a designation pre-sentence report that shows fresh for his "significant history of violence given to offenders who represent an evidence of Gladue factors, which towards women and girls," according ongoing threat to community mem- pertain to socio-economic disadvan- to court documents outlining Judge bers. tages that confront many Indigenous Donovan Molloy's ruling. In January 2020, a panel of three offenders. Molloy has decided that Zoe will judges accepted Zoe's appeal and "The parties now maintain, and I spend the next 10 years under the ordered his case to be reheard in Ter- agree," Molloy stated, "that had the supervision of Corrections Canada. ritorial Court. Gladue report been available at the Zoe has been convicted of a num- The panel ruled that the senten- original sentencing hearing, Mr. Zoe ber of sexual crimes, including a 2015 cing judge had failed to properly may not have been designated as a break-in at a Yellowknife residence consider Zoe's treatment prospects dangerous offender." where a sleeping woman woke to Zoe before designating him a dangerous Molloy agreed to the terms of touching her over her clothes. She offender. the joint submission ordering Zoe to opened her eyes to a man, Zoe, stand- In considering Crown and defence 10 years of long-term supervision, a ing over the bed with a finger pressed lawyers' joint recommendation to DNA order, a 10-year firearm pro- to his lips to indicate she should keep designate Zoe a long-term offender hibition, and a lifetime listing under quiet. – an order to place an offender under the Sex Offender Information Regis- She screamed and woke her sleep- supervision of Corrections Canada tration Act (SOIRA). ing partner, who chased Zoe out of for up to 10 years – Molloy raises the The judge recognized that the NNSL file photo the house after a short struggle. Cash question of what the Crown perceives decision places "a great deal of faith After successfully appealing his dangerous offender desig- previously in the man's wallet was to have changed since Zoe's danger- in the Correctional Service of Can- nation, repeat sex offender Bobby Zoe was designated a long- noticed to be missing after the inci- ous offender designation that would ada." term offender Wednesday. 20 yellowknifer, Friday, April 2, 2021