NWT's herd immunity expected before May Chief public health officer says vaccination of population about a month behind schedule Online first at NNSL.com

Galusha just misses at Scotties tournament

Volume 49 Issue 96 friday, February 26, 2021 75 CENTS ($1.00 outside city)

Answering the call

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo Reverend Linda Marcotte, left, and partner Ari Snyder, sit at their 65-year-old baby grand piano with their dog Bono in Yellowknife, this week after arriving recently.

No Yukon Prosperous Johnson travel Lake Soaps wants less bubble gets back red tape on says Kandola to business NWT beer

$1.00 outside Yellowknife Publication mail Contract #40012157 "We're really passionate about entrepreneurship through an Indigenous lens that really values cultural integrity." 7 71605 00100 5 – Xina Cowan is pleased EntrepreNorth has won an award at the Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference, page 13. 2 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 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 Feb. 25 error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a Active cases: 8 342 correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Days since first confirmed case: Confirmed cases: 74 Days since last confirmed case: 3 Recovered cases: 66 Common symptoms: Runny nose or congestion (50 News Completed tests: 14,403 per cent), cough (53 per cent), muscle aches (32 Negative tests: 14,334 Scan for the per cent), fever, (32 per cent), headache (37 per Briefs latest GNWT Pending tests: 14 cent), malaise (26 per cent), fatigue (26 per cent) 2021 Edets'seèhdzà Studentship Covid-19 statistics Award applications opens Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer Starting March 1, applications will be open for the 2021 Edets'seèhdzà Studentship Award. The award, a partnership between Aurora Col- lege and Tlicho research support unit Hotıì ts'eeda, grants a $20,000 stipend to one Aurora Vaccine rollout delayed College student involved in health research. The studentship launched in 2019. Three students have since been awarded the fund. In a Feb. 23 news release, Hotıì ts'eeda spokes- Herd immunity might not be reached until April, fourth person Rachel MacNeill noted that participa- tion in the research project can be full-time shipment of Moderna vaccine to be in the NWT this week over the summer months or part-time during the school year. by Simon Whitehouse Students are welcome to apply with a Northern News Services research project in mind, or request to be paired Chief public health officer Dr. with a relevant research project. Edets'seèhdzà Kami Kandola said that 75 per Studentship Award applications are open from cent of the adult population will Match 1 to 15. To apply, students must submit receive an initial dose of the vac- a letter of intent, two reference letters and a cine by the end of March, but essay describing professional goals and how won't be fully vaccinated until the participation in a research project would fur- end of April. ther those goals and contribute to health and This is one month later than wellness priorities of Indigenous people in the previously expected. NWT. A fourth shipment of 16,200 For more information, visit https://nwtspor. doses of the Moderna vaccine is ca/programs/edetsseehdza-studentship or scheduled to arrive in the NWT email [email protected]. by the end of this week to add to – Natalie Pressman the 19,000 that have already been received to date, she added. A fifth shipment is then Yellowknifers celebrated for expected by the end of March or contributions to NWT literacy early April. Recipients of the NWT Ministerial Literacy "The NWT is still leading the Awards were honoured virtually Tuesday for country in the delivery of first their achievements across the territory in doses, which are already giving learning, employment, education and personal strong protection to 42 per cent advancement. of our population," Kandola said. The awards, founded in 2002, employ a As of Feb. 20, 14,521 first selection committee of GNWT and territor- doses of the vaccine have been ial NGO representatives to name winners given and 934 people are now from the pool of nominees. Among the eight fully vaccinated with two doses. recipients, Susan Chaffee, William Maltus All 33 NWT communities are and Javaroma Gourmet Coffee and Tea from scheduled and listed for second Yellowknife earned awards in adult learning, dose vaccine clinics on the second language learning and literacy develop- GNWT website and residents can ment categories respectively. now get vaccinated throughout "It is an honour to celebrate the excellence the territory. NNSL file photo of our winners and all they have achieved," "Anyone who missed the initial R.J. Simpson, Minister of education, culture dose and initial visit and falls Dr. Kami Kandola says there are no plans to open a travel bubble with the Yukon. and employment said in a Feb. 23 news release. under one of the priority popula- "Literacy skills in any and all of our Official tions can still get their first dose second dose of the vaccine. "We also have to take into Feb. 1 and all remaining contacts Languages are crucial to daily living, employ- when the vaccine teams return There is currently one con- consideration the route that Alas- from the outbreak have completed ment, citizenship, personal advancement and to the community," Kandola said. firmed Covid-19 case in Yellow- kans travel through Yukon to get their 14 day self isolation and all life enjoyment. I offer my sincere congratula- "If you're not going to be in your knife as of Tuesday, Feb. 23. into B.C. and that also people can three (Covid) cases have fully tions to all of this year's recipients." community for your second dose, enter the Yukon if they're trav- recovered," she said. – Natalie Pressman and now want your first dose, you No Yukon travel bubble eling through Alberta and B.C." can get the vaccine" in another Chief public health officer Dr. she said. The chief public health offi- community. Kami Kandola will not commit to Kandola added that Yukon cer is advising that people stay Association of Communities People choosing this option the opening of the border between hasn't provided a timeline or any home during the upcoming March urges fight against Covid fatigue will be subject to a priority list the Northwest Territories and the direction as to whether they want break. The NWT Association of Communities based on their home community, Yukon. to ease their travel restrictions. "Non-essential travel outside (NWTAC) launched Thursday its "Finish not where they are receiving the "I know there have been ques- The Office of the Chief Public the Northwest Territories is not Strong" campaign encouraging all NWT resi- vaccine. tions around Yukon and the Gov- Health Officer is also continuing recommended right now," she dents to maintain safe Covid-19 practices and Territorial medical director ernment of the Northwest Ter- to monitor the Covid-19 outbreak said. "Transmission rates across fight pandemic fatigue. In a news release, Dr. Anne-Marie Pegg said that ritories does recognize that there announced at Gahcho Kue Mine Canada and other parts of the the association acknowledged sacrifices made rollout response among NWT are strong ties between commun- on Feb. 3. world are still high. We still need during these challenging times but urged resi- residents has been very positive ities," Kandola said during a Feb. Kandola said the situation to get 75 per cent of our adult dents to keep the end in sight and continue as communities have been rally- 24 press conference. appears to be improving. population vaccinated. keeping communities and the territory safe. ing around vaccination efforts, "But we also recognize that There have been 19 Covid "And we still need more data "As we watch the pandemic ravage areas to she said. residents have made sacrifices cases related to the mine outbreak on the impact of Covid-19 vari- the south of us, this is no time to take our foot "They're encouraging others, by refraining from non-essential and 11 of those have recovered ants, because they are more infec- off the pedal. We are so fortunate to be able they're working to educate each travel to the Yukon, so we can and eight are still active," she said. tious than the original strain." to experience the accelerated vaccine roll out other, and they're even tak- keep our community safe during Kandola said that three hospi- For those insisting on travel- which will mean all of our residents will be ing efforts to make this a fun the pandemic." talizations related to the Gahcho ling, Kandola said that the GNWT protected," the NWTAC wrote. experience with photo opportun- Anyone entering the Yukon Kue Mine outbreak should be "a website is providing information "Soon we will be what we were and will ities, etc.," Pegg said. "Everybody – including from the Northwest stark reminder" that people should on regions where people should resume doing the things we love and that bring involved deserves a bit of recogni- Territories – will still be required continue to take the pandemic be careful. us joy. tion for their efforts in protecting to self- isolate for 14 days for the seriously. "Knowing the Covid-19 situa- We would not want to be living anywhere themselves, and also all their time being, Kandola said. She also declared that the out- tion or destination, especially if it else during these challenging times! We are the communities." The GNWT also has concerns break at the Gahcho Kue winter is outside the Northwest Territor- North. Finish Strong NWT!" Kandola said that the GNWT about opening the border too soon road worksite from early February ies before you travel will allow – Natalie Pressman remains committed to meeting given some of the out-of-territory is now over. you to make more informed deci- the recommended 28 to 42 days travel that runs through Yukon, "There have been no addi- sions about your own health and time frame between the first and she said. tional cases of Covid-19 since safety," she said. 4 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 news Elders facing 'pandemic' of abuse and neglect: MLA Problem a real and frightening one, says minister responsible for seniors

by Blair McBride lem of Elder abuse is a real and fright- Green said five attended. Northern News Services ening one in the NWT. However, the minister said the Elders experiencing abuse in small But finding solutions entails mov- organizers concluded the event intend- communities are in a "pandemic" ing away from tolerance of Elder neg- ing to develop a plan to address Elder situation where they feel helpless and lect and exploitation, she said. abuse in the Dehcho community. abandoned, said Dehcho MLA Ron "We need to value our Elders and "It will be taken back for Elders to Bonnetrouge on Feb. 23. we need to walk the talk and we won't review to ensure it meets their needs. Speaking in the legislative assem- put up with exploitation and neglect," That's the plan for Fort Providence," bly, Bonnetrouge said the problem said Green. "Right now we're doing she said. has been going on for years, with a jurisdictional scan. We're working Bonnetrouge asked Green if she victims feeling neglected by other with the NWT Seniors Society, who could establish an official staff pos- people, organizations and even social are the lead organization to prevent ition dedicated to helping Elders and workers. abuse of older adults. We're working combating abuse. "I hear about neglect. When people with them on regulatory or legisla- The minister didn't directly go out of town they leave Elders at a tive change that would provide real respond to Bonnetrouge's request, but GNWT image friend's home, and go away sometimes consequences for people involved in said the GNWT provides funding to for several days with the Elder's bank this abuse." the Seniors Society to organize work- Elders in small communities are being neglected and card. This is probably as prevalent in shops. abused mentally and financially, Dehcho MLA Ron Bonnet- many small communities as it is in Plan underway for She explained that health care staff rouge in the legislative assembly said on Feb. 25. (Fort Providence.) Fort Providence are trained to recognize the signs of "People don't know who to turn to Bonnetrouge responded that he Elder abuse, which resembles intimate stories. Social workers provide many func- for help, especially with finances." rarely hears about the NWT Seniors partner violence in that victims are Green outlined other services tions and not just for children. I'll He then said that social services Society in Fort Providence and is often shamed into staying silent. available, such as the Office of the follow up on what other resources are personnel in Fort Providence were unsure how much involvement the "Seniors and Elders (can) access Public Guardian that helps family available," Green said. approached about the problem of Elder organization has in small commun- those same services we provide. That members or close friends become The exchange on Elder abuse came abuse and "they refused to help in any ities. includes family violence shelters, legal guardians of people who are almost three weeks after Great Slave regard because they're dealing mostly He and Green differed on the court orders, emergency protection unable to make decisions about per- MLA Katrina Nokleby pressed Green with child and family services." details of an Elder abuse awareness orders, restorative justice and coun- sonal or health-care issues. about mental health supports available Julie Green, minister responsible workshop held last September in Fort selling." "That exists only in Yellowknife. for seniors during the pandemic. for seniors, expressed her shock at Providence. The Dehcho MLA, said he wants But you can call that office and ask Nokleby also described the "stress hearing about the social workers and Bonnetrouge said no Elders resources allocated so that Elders for help. We also have adult social and anxiety" that many seniors experi- said she would follow up on it. attended, "especially the ones being can be interviewed with a translator workers in Yellowknife and I'll find enced while trying to book Covid-19 Green acknowledged that the prob- abused financially and mentally." present, allowing them to tell their out about the Dehcho. vaccine appointments over the phone. business Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 5 Prosperous Lake Soap Co. supplies means of self-care through pandemic Jackie Hall never imagined she'd turn her hobby into a business – now she can't keep ahead of Yellowknifers' penchant for products Northern News Services Former government dir- ector turned Yellowknife entrepreneur Jackie Hall has been helping Yellowknifers stay squeaky clean for almost two years through Prosperous Lake Soap Co. Now retired, Hall launched her company in May 2019 while she was still working for the GNWT Department of Infrastructure. Side projects that tap into her creativity have been a part of Hall's life for as long as she can remember. "I'm always doing some- thing weird," she said. The Prosperous Lake soaps and self-care products were born out of a soap- making book Hall dabbled in while she was home with her Through chat rooms, community groups, consult- son in his younger years. ing chemists and trial and error, Hall learned to She recalls gifting the make soaps fly off of Yellowknife shelves. soap to friends and family "who were all very kind," materials, but never expected As a team of one, Hall cre- though Hall said her soaps to turn her hobby into a proper ates her own soaps, candles, were initially terrible. "They business. Now, she admits she shampoo and conditioner bars looked like dog turds. Not can't keep up with demand. as well as the related pack- at all like the pictures in the Things were going well aging and marketing materi- book." before the als with all eco-friendly, and That was pandemic, natural ingredients. If there almost two but since is plastic in packages, she decades March, Hall stresses that it's been recycled. ago. said busi- When possible, she looks Back photos courtesy of Jackie Hall H a l l ness has to source her materials close eventually to business taken off. to home. It's not always feas- In a collaboration with Barren Ground Coffee, Jackie Hall created espresso lost interest with Natalie Pressman With the ible to buy Yellowknife-based candles. and turned stress of ingredients in the quantities her attention the Covid she requires but Hall said all The curing process, which for toire. yard Brewhouse, Janet Pacey to other creative hobbies until era, people are looking to her supplies are purchased Prosperous Lake soaps takes She explained that her and other Yellowknife busi- a friend pulled out a soap of gift loved ones products that from Canadian companies. about a month, allows the excitement for new things can nesses. Hall's that she had kept all promote self-care, she said, Once the ingredients ingredients to sit and harden. sometimes pose a challenge Prosperous Lake prod- these years. and often that leads them to arrive, making the soaps only While the formula for when one product sells out ucts can be bought at Mer- "It reminded me how much Prosperous Lake. takes a couple of hours. It's soap-making remains primar- and she's already on to the maid and Moon Boutique, I really liked that so I made Though Hall admits she the curing that takes weeks. ily the same between prod- next with a new set of inven- the Gallery of the Midnight another effort," she said. sometimes feels overwhelmed Since Prosperous Lake Co. ucts, Hall is always experi- tory. Sun, Flowers North as well as She suspected she would by the appetite for her prod- only uses natural oils and menting with new ingredi- "One of my problems is online through the company's sell a handful of products, ucts, producing them "is a butters, the soaps tend to be ents, new scents and essential that I can't stop coming up website. enough to cover the cost of joy," she said. softer than other generic bars. oils to freshen up her reper- with things," she said. "I want Hall said she couldn't have to try this and try that and imagined that her soap-mak- always want to make stuff. ing hobby would have grown "In some cases, I have to into the business it is today. terminate certain products "Yellowknife is so good and I have to try to limit to small, local business," she myself and keep myself in said. "People are always will- check," she said. ing to give you a chance. Since its inception, Pros- "I want to emphasize how perous Lake Soap Co. has appreciative I am to be in partnered with Barren a small community. Yellow- Ground Coffee, the Wood- knife is so gracious."

Jackie Hall has always enjoyed creative projects. With Prosperous Lake Soap Co., she turned her hobby into a thriving business. 6 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 7 Make it easier to make beer in the NWT, YK MLA urges Upcoming Liquor Act review will target regulatory hurdles, says Finance minister

by Blair McBride Finance will work with that Northern News Services company to figure out ways Yellowknife North MLA forward, Wawzonek said. Rylund Johnson wants it to The planned review will be easier to make beer in the look at barriers in the liquor Northwest Territories. industry and the newly He said in the legislature formed red tape working Feb. 23 there's too much red group will also accept pub- tape tying up Northern brew- lic feedback about barriers ers. so they can be reduced, she Johnson asked that an added. upcoming review of the Johnson then compared Liquor Act consider lowering the NWT's tax rate on local- taxes on beer produced in the ly-produced beer to that of territory. Ontario's, an imbalance that harms the competitiveness of 20 years behind Yukon NWT brewers. He compared the current Under that province's Tax- relationship of NWT liquor ation Act, which came into regulations and brewers to effect in 2007, eligible beer the Yukon 20 years ago. manufacturers can receive a That's when our neighbours refundable Small Beer Manu- to the west had just one brew- facturers' Tax Credit. They ery, as the NWT does. have to have made between Today, there are four of 4.9 million litres and 30 mil- them in Whitehorse. lion litres in the previous year GNWT image "There is an industry to qualify. growing with people work- The maximum tax credit "Has the department conducted a review of the barriers that people face in wanting to get into this indus- ing, Northern labour," he said. available to Ontario brewers try?" MLA Rylund Johnson asked earlier this week. "I hope one day I can stand in is $2,449,510 for non‑draft this House and another MLA beer and $1,788,010 for draft tion, but said the process of trolled or whether it should be can ask questions about local beer on eligible sales between changing liquor regulations more open and whether there manufacturing of wine, beer, 4.9 million litres and 20 mil- must be done methodically should be more production or and spirits in this territory." lion litres. and in consultation with the whether there should be less He said the "capital bar- "The reality is that anyone community. production. Do we need to rier," a way to describe the who is looking to brew beer "One thing I have dis- change the way people can amount of money needed to in the NWT is never going covered in this role is that buy liquor, sell liquor? Those start up a new brewery in the to do it with local Northern liquor brings out a myriad are exactly some of the ques- NWT, is "extremely high. labour and get to a price point of different opinions. About tions we will be asking in the "Has the department con- anything comparable to the whether it should be con- course of that." ducted a review of the bar- large producers in the south," riers that people face in want- he said. ing to get into this industry?" In response, Finance Min- Skip the middleman? ister Caroline Wawzonek The Yellowknife MLA indirectly referred to the ter- asked Wawzonek about ritory's sole beer producer, allowing locally made beer the NWT Brewery Company to be sold directly to restau- in Old Town. She said the rants. That would circumvent business "is receiving a fairly the current model where pro- significant discount in terms ducers sell their product to of the typical markup that the NWT Liquor and Canna- would normally be seen." bis Commission and then buy When more Liquor Act it back using taxes. review information comes Wawzonek didn't directly back, the Department of respond to Johnson's ques- 8 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 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 Ndilo Chief Ernest Bet- sina of the Yellowknives FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason Dene First Nation, left, David Connelly, vice- PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] president with Cheetah Chief Financial Officer: Resources, Sarah Kak- Judy Triffo – [email protected] fwi, office manager of COORDINATING EDITOR: Cheetah Resources Corp. Craig Gilbert– [email protected] and Bobby Drygeese,

ACCOUNTING: [email protected] chairperson of Det'on Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas Cho Nahanni Construc- Assignment editor tion mingle ahead of a Brett McGarry – [email protected] contract signing in Yellow- Editorial board: knife Feb. 19. Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo Brett McGarry • Emily McInnis

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

Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected]

Photo: Thomas Jono – [email protected]

ADVERTISING: [email protected] Representatives: Petra Memedi Mining for James Boylan • Brock Grills Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Account executive: Laura Whittle Social media manager: Wesley Cook Administrative assistant: Miko Wu ADVERTISING PRODUCTION prosperity Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson

Customer Service: Holly Yestrau Yellowknives Dene reaping benefits from natural [email protected]

CIRCULATION: [email protected] resource development and related cleanup Circulation Director: Amy Yang Northern News Services ades ago. Subscriptions: The premise remains the same: The issue: While that represents tremendous human ingenuity, a good dose of progress, it doesn't erase the environ- Print: (mail) $95/year Mining Online: (entire content) $50/year elbow grease and heavy equipment mental damage caused by Giant play prominent roles in extracting We say: Mine's "toxic legacy." On that front, valuable natural resources from the Local benefits Yellowknives leaders renewed their ground. demand last December for the Gov- That's been the lifeblood of the ernment of Canada to provide com- NWT's economy for decades, but pensation and a formal apology. what has changed is that Indigenous Det'on Cho Procon Joint Venture NWT member of Parliament NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED peoples are now occupying command- is in the midst of carrying out a Michael McLeod has endorsed a fed- 100% Northern owned and operated ing roles in the North's mining indus- $24.2-million underground care and eral apology and "nation-to-nation" Publishers of: try. maintenance contract as part of the discussions to resolve the issue. Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub This was demonstrated once again Giant Mine remediation. That agree- He didn't attempt to downplay the NWT News/North Nunavut News/North on Feb. 19 when Det'on Cho Nahanni ment, which runs until March 31, destructive nature of the way gold Construction was officially contracted 2022, also has built-in targets such as mining was done during Giant's hey- Member of: to provide mining and equipment ser- 1,000 hours of training, 20 per cent day. Canadian Community Newspapers Association vices at Cheetah Resource's Nechala- Indigenous labour and 50 per cent "These people were displaced from Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association cho rare earths project, approximately of subcontracting dollar value being their traditional territories and pushed Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association awarded to Indigenous companies. Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association 100 kilometres southeast of Yellow- to the sidelines. Their health was Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils knife. It doesn't stop there. There's been ignored. There was cultural loss. There Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce That will bring a good portion of security work through Det'on Cho are so many ways they were affected," Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited $8 million into the Yellowknives Dene Scarlet Security Ltd., supplying aggre- McLeod said. First Nation's coffers since it owns 51 gate through Det'on Cho Landtran A 45-page consultant's report lays per cent of Det'on Cho Nahanni Con- Transport Ltd., surface care and main- those impacts bare. It's troubling to struction. It will also mean plenty of tenance through Det'on Cho Nuna read. Send us your comments jobs. Joint Venture and emergency medical That shameful history warrants You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off And, it should be noted, this particu- services through Det'on Cho Medical significant redress and it cannot be at our office at 5108-50th Street. lar contract only runs between March Solutions. Bouwa Whee Catering has forgotten. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we and September at a mining project been working at the diamond mines In the meantime, the Yellowknives can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- that is expected to be active for at for years, and the list goes on and on. have embarked on a new trail, one erence is given to short letters of broad interest or least three years, so there's potential It all represents many millions of that is enriching their communities concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as for much more coming down the pike. dollars. through multi-faceted approaches, we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. While working with Cheetah Resour- Let's not forget that Yellowknives and they're doing it with environment- Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and ces represents a new collaboration Dene and North Slave Métis Alli- al responsibility in mind. those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to for the Yellowknives Dene, the First ance have seats on the Giant Mine Some minerals and metals are eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis Nation has been building an impres- Oversight Board and a strong voice extremely rare. Industry signing con- for a story. sive track record of profiting from the in a much more stringent regulatory tracts with Indigenous companies mining industry. environment than what existed dec- should not be. commentary Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 9 The Hi Ho Hi Ho remote controlled robotic prospector

Cannabis oil can

photo courtesy of Bill Braden "I find it amazing that since gold was first discovered, humans have been reduce seizures carrying gold around with them, and now we have sent some to another planet," columnist Walt Humphries writes. Northern News Services Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go. I have sung that song, on more than one Tales from occasion, as I headed out for a day of pros- pecting. Think about it. A day spent in the the dump great outdoors. A day spent hiking around and exploring this incredible planet of ours. Some Walt Humphries is a well-known places on some days can be so incredibly Yellowknife artist and prospector. beautiful they can literally take your breath away. You stand there saying wow. Mind you, and thin and cover things with it. In some that same spot can be less charming when the countries, only the extraordinarily rich and weather is horrible. powerful were allowed to have gold. At least So, I am more likely to sing Hi Ho, Hi Ho that was the theory. Gold was so valuable it on sunny days. became a currency. There are other forms of prospecting, of We still mine gold and put it to good use course. Recently three remote controlled pros- for high-end electronics and for light and heat pectors arrived at Mars. One from the United shields. There will be gold on the spacecraft as NNSL file photo States, one from the United Arab Emirates protective shields and in the electronics. I find Cannabis oil has proven to help reduce seizures in epileptic patients, and the third from China. I am sure there are it amazing that since gold was first discovered, writes columnist Aaron La Borde. other countries just itching to get in on the humans have been carrying gold around with Northern News Services action. They are prospecting the planet to see them, and now we have sent some to another Anti-anti-vax Preliminary results on the use of A quick comment about vaccines: They what's there. They are also, no doubt, looking planet. Gold along with a variety of other min- medicinal cannabis oil in epilepsy are to see if there is anything interesting, useful or erals of course. do NOT cause autism. encouraging. This false idea is still around and has valuable. That is what prospecting is all about I have no doubt that eventually some new Canadian researchers have released pre- after all. minerals will be found on Mars. Especially discouraged many parents from liminary results that showed the immunizing their children One of the fun parts of prospecting, is you since new minerals are still being found here oil can reduce seizures in chil- just never know what you may find. on earth. What they decide to name them is against serious diseases like dren experiencing severe and diphtheria, measles, mumps, The United States named their remote- anyone's guess and what properties they have drug-resistant epilepsy. Parents will be interesting to find out. HIV and flu. controlled robot, "The Perseverance Rover." of children with severe epilepsy On Mars, because there seems to be no These vaccines are safe and They have sent several robots to Mars over the should consult with their doctor vegetation or water, there is a lot of soil and effective. Polio struck fear into years. The Chinese named theirs "Tianwen – or neurologist before starting 1." Which apparently means "Heavenly Ques- rock dust being blown around. That fine the hearts of parents in the mid- treatment with cannabis. tions." The United Arab Emirates spacecraft material and snow tend to drift in much the 20th century. is called "The Hope Orbiter." Interesting and same way. Because of this, some of the Mar- Today, the polio vaccine has I am sure the names were chosen for a good tian landscape pictures look much like the Epilepsy month conquered the disease in 99 per reason. If I were to send one up, it would be north does in winter, the only visible differ- March is Epilepsy Month in Capsule cent of the world. called the "Hi Ho, Hi Ho Remote Controlled ence being the colours. So, you can imagine Canada. Although a majority Comments Robotic Prospector." An RCRP for short. Mars and you might be able to imagine what of epileptics have their seizures Pregnancy and nausea Imagine centuries ago, when at various humans on Mars would look like when you under control, many do not. It Aaron La Borde is Pregnant women suffering places around the world, in South America, see people all dressed up for winter and is this unpredictably when a a pharmacist at from nausea and vomiting com- Africa, Asia, people living on the land dur- snowmobiling, they look a lot like astronauts seizure might occur that is very Sutherland Drugs. mon during the first few months ing the Stone Age discovered gold nuggets in in spacesuits. If you go for a drive on one of troubling. of pregnancy might want to try a stream. They picked them up because they the many ice roads around town, some of the Researchers are working on a non-drug method to control these symp- were different, unusual and pretty. They were ice fishing huts you see do look like aliens. I an algorithm to help epileptics predict a toms. a bright yellow colour, which seemed to glow. could imagine them on Mars. So, Mars and seizure before it happens. There is an acupressure point called P6 They discovered that they were very heavy. the NWT have some things in common. Implantable devices are already avail- (Nei Guan) point. Also, that by tapping them with another rock Now here is something to consider. What able to help decrease the frequency and It is found three fingers' width up the you could shape and form them into anything would happen here on earth if a remote-con- severity of certain types of seizures. arm from the wrist between the two ten- you wanted. trolled robot from another planet landed and For more information on epilepsy, go to dons. Apply gentle pressure for about three A piece of jewelry, a plate, a little golden started poking around. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, pros- epilepsy.ca minutes a few times a day. It may help. figurine. You could also make gold very flat pecting we will go! 10 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 11 12 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 commentary Crowbars, cellphones and beer Popsicles Northern News Services 30 years ago The new NorthwesTel Mobility (NMI) site was operating in the Kam Lake area – expand- 50 years ago Two men, one armed with a crowbar, met ing coverage to the Kam Lake and Frame Lake The house the fire chief rented from the city had been sinking their match in a late-night break in. areas. considerably due to the then typical School Draw soil conditions. Barbara, a GNWT employee who wished not NMI assured customers that they would Council gave consideration to moving the house to one of two to have her last name published, was working notice a difference in the areas that they use their lots across the road. Council had approved funds for test drilling late at the Lahm Ridge Tower when she noticed cellphones, clarity of conversations, additional on the other lots. two unauthorized men on the third floor. She channel capacity and a reduction in call blockage chased them out of the building and called the during busy times. RCMP, who arrested two individuals the next 40 years ago day. Beer lovers were happy to know that the liquor control system Her co-workers, who didn't let Barbara's cour- 10 years ago was taking quality care of their suds. As a result, 2,500 cases of age go unnoticed, held a ceremony in her honour Visitor spending in the NWT was on the rise, beer were unceremoniously dumped onto the ground. The beer and presented her their version of a medal of LOOKING according to the GNWT's Tourism 2015 market- was dumped because it had been allowed to freeze on its way to bravery. ing plan. Yellowknife drinkers from the Molson breweries in Manitoba. The medal was a sheriff's badge along with Back Tourists spent $111 million in the NWT dur- The beer was usually shipped in a heated truck, but this time handcuffs, a toy gun and a handwritten licence ing the 2010-11 fiscal year, up by four million with the heating system failed along the way, and turned the shipment to kill. from the previous year and reversing a trend of to beer popsicles. Candace A. McQuatt downward spending that had marked the terri- MLA George Braden at the time responsible for the liquor tory during the previous four years. control system said that although the beer had not frozen to the 20 years ago While hunting and general touring saw point that it expanded and burst the bottles, the manager of the Yellowknife's cellular phone customers were chatting more spending decline, aurora viewers, outdoor adventures and fish- liquor warehouse felt it would have been an inferior product and with few problems, thanks to the start-up of a second full cell ers collectively contributed $17 million more than during the refused to accept delivery of the shipment. site in the city. previous year. In between and all around Northern News Services Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens, a novel by Tanya Boteju, follows self proclaimed skinny brown kid Book Nima Kumara-Clark over the course of a summer as she fails at romance in the most engaging and believ- review ably humiliating ways possible. Grace Guy is a lifelong Yellowknifer and Set in smalltown Canada, Nima's experience lover of literature. attending a drag show introduces her to the world of drag and leads her to a strong support system of queer young girl hurled into a new world that she readily friends as she explores her own interest in performing embraces and, most importantly, set during summer- as a drag king. Half about awkward teens and half time to offset our wintery weather, this novel was a what I would call "the secret life of grown-ups", Kings, close-to-perfect read. Queens, and In-Betweens was a gut-splittingly funny The only aspect of this book I wasn't thrilled read that has something for every kind of reader. about was that the main romantic pull throughout this From the zany cover, I knew that I was in for novel was the budding relationship between Nima, something fun and new. Set mainly around four or five who is underage, and a girl who is at the very least extremely eventful days during Nima's summer vaca- a few years older than her. While this romance was tion before her senior year in high school, I can only treated as a normal thing within the novel, it felt really describe the plot as an endless series of embarrassing uncomfortable to me that it was not only pursued by moments that somehow didn't make me sad or anxious Nima but also encouraged by multiple other adult fig- but rather came together to create a fantastic novel ures in her life. Though Nima is 17, she never actually about the resilience of queer youth. states her age – let alone to her crush so most of the Nothing says "it gets better" than a novel that starts adult characters are left to guess her age from the fact with crushing rejection, yet it only motivated Nima to that Nima is a high schooler who doesn't have her keep exploring her identity and finding an environ- driver's license yet. The reality that Nima was a pre- ment where she felt most like herself. Deeply awkward dictably immature 17-year-old would be uncomfortable and very self-aware, I found myself laughing out loud enough, but to the knowledge of most of the people at least once every handful of pages. Nima is endear- around her she could have been a 15-year-old who'd hit ingly pathetic, with a tendency to throw up on girls an early growth spurt. Nestled into such a well paced she likes (once is a chance, but is twice really a coinci- and light-hearted book, this relationship tipped a few dence?). of the scenes from funny to uncomfortable, making I can honestly say I have never been there, never it my least favourite part of Kings, Queens, and In- done that, but Nima still stands out as a realistic and Betweens. relatable character; I get the feeling that we've all Enthusiastically hilarious and unapologetically either known her or been her at some point in our queer from line one, Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens lives. Even in the first half of Kings, Queens, and In- was a great first read on the subject of drag while also Betweens, when Nima was more of a people watcher feeling very honest to small-town life. Ultimately a than someone who took initiative in her own life, she super accessible read and, most importantly, set during provided a strong and interesting voice that only grew the summer time, I can whole-heartedly recommend submitted photo more bold as the novel went on. Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens as a cozy winter From the zany cover, columnist Grace Guy knew she was in for Told from the perspective of an incredibly lovable read. something fun and new. news Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 13 GNWT to fund managed alcohol program until October MLA calls for longer funding commitment to solidify progress made in tackling addictions by Blair McBride "The Department (of it to 75 per cent vaccination Northern News Services Health and Social Services) rates, we can't lose the prog- The GNWT will continue has renewed funding with the ress we've made just because supporting the managed alco- Spruce Bough until the end of one public health crisis is over hol program (MAP) at the September, 2021," Green said. but another rages on." Spruce Bough, previously "The idea is that in the Green explained that MAP known as the Arnica Inn, until next six or seven months the started out as a way to avoid at least September. department will work with the "doubling the problem" when Health Minister Julie Yellowknife Women's Society people were isolating and also Green updated the legislative to explore options to continue in alcohol withdrawal. assembly Feb. 24 in discus- this program once the pan- Individuals staying at sion with Yellowknife North demic funding expires." Aspen Apartments in Yellow- MLA Rylund Johnson. knife can also be provided The Spruce Bough has Lasting program with managed alcohol if been hosting the MAP initia- needed necessary, but Green said that tive since May. It is accom- While she didn't give spe- facility is intended more for modating 30 people who cifics on the continuation of people isolating or waiting for are isolating as part of the MAP into 2022, she said her Covid-19 test results. GNWT's Covid-19 response. department has a mandate pri- Information continues to It was moved from the Day ority to establish that program be gathered on how the MAP Centre and Sobering Centre. in the NWT and it is exploring is progressing and whether it's The Spruce Bough is operated options to make it a reality. reaching the goals of reducing by the Yellowknife Women's In a speech on Feb. 12, she the number of hospitalizations Society and the GNWT. said the GNWT is working related to alcohol use, Green A total of $1,881,160 was on developing its NWT Alco- said. budgeted for the program run- hol Strategy, which aims to The Stanton Territorial ning from May 2020 to March reduce alcohol-related harms. Hospital is responsible for col- 31, 2021, said Department of Johnson raised concern lecting this data. Health and Social Services about MAP's longevity due "HSS works with all loca- (HSS) spokesperson Damien to the fact that it's supported tions where managed alcohol Healy. through Covid-19 relief fund- programs are provided to

The voluntary program ing and not through HSS' gather lessons learned," Green NNSL photo started in April to support operations budget. said. "Information is being The GNWT has renewed its funding for the managed alcohol program operat- vulnerable individuals isolat- "I want dedicated funding gathered in interviews with ing at the 50 Street facility and wraparound services to providers and users. They are ing at the Arnica Inn, or Spruce Bough until the end of September, said Health during the Covid-19 lock- be a legacy of this pandemic," asked what worked and what Minister Julie Green, in the legislative assembly Feb. 24. down. he said. "Data shows that we didn't work and how we can A "small portion" of the must look beyond housing and do better for a managed alco- "The test is whether this said. NWT Disabilities Council 30 people are being provided have a combined approach that hol program. We expect that program has been effective. Last May, just a month into noted that program recipients with managed alcohol, Healy tackles housing, mental health data to be analyzed in the We want to see if the program the MAP at the Day Cen- were drinking less alcohol and said. and addictions. If we make spring. is worth continuing," Green tre and Sobering Centre, the feeling better than before. Three NWT companies win awards at Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference Awards recognize Indigenous business leaders in the three territories and Alaska by Blair McBride do things in different ways to stay Northern News Services sustainable in times like these." Three NWT Indigenous com- Det'on Cho Logistics, formed in panies won awards at the Arctic 2009 is owned by Det'on Cho Cor- Indigenous Investment Conference poration, the economic development (AIIC) held virtually Thursday. arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Det'on Cho Logistics took home Nation. the Top Indigenous Business of the Year (2020) award, EntrepreNorth EntrepreNorth won Community Champion of the Xina Cowan, community man- Year for the NWT and Det'on Cho ager with EntrepreNorth, said the Bouwa Whee Catering LP scored organization is highly honoured to the Arctic Innovators Award. receive the accolade. This year's fourth annual AIIC "We feel it's something shared was hosted by the Yukon First not just with our small but mighty Nations Chamber of Commerce, team but also our advisory team and sponsored by Victoria Gold Corp all the entrepreneurs we've worked and broadcast from Whitehorse. with over the last three years," Cowan said. Det'on Cho The Yellowknife-based organ- Logistics ization works to help entrepreneurs "We're very grateful to be recog- build sustainable businesses and nized for this type of award during livelihoods in the three territories. photo courtesy of Chickweed Arts a time where a lot of businesses "We're really passionate about Bobbi-Rose Koe, left, Teri-Lee Isaac, Meta Williams, EntrepreNorth's project director Benjamin weren't quite so lucky," said Det'on entrepreneurship through an Scott, James McPherson, Dumaresq Valpy, community manager Xina Cowan and Atuat Should- Cho president Matt Mossman. Indigenous lens that really values "This is the first award we've cultural integrity," Cowan added. ice in Iqaluit in March 2020 for a meeting of EntrepreNorth's tourism cohort. ever had from the business com- "We like to meet the entrepreneurs munity. Part of our messaging is where they're at and so they can very proud to contribute to the fab- McConnell, in a news release from innovation, including the Arctic we look forward to getting back achieve their goals and knock down ric of the Yukon, and to the achieve- AIIC. "We are pleased to partici- Indigenous Investment Conference to meeting with our fellow busi- barriers." ments of Northerners," said Victoria pate in a number of initiatives that and we congratulate all the success- ness community and learning to "The team at Victoria Gold is Gold Corp President and CEO John benefit and recognize ingenuity and ful award winners." 14 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 news Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 15 City council gives $1.8 million to community homelessness projects But politicians strain against strings tied to federal funds

by Simon Whitehouse posed here related to mitigat- Northern News Services ing the impacts of Covid-19 Yellowknife city council and homelessness in our com- agreed unanimously to dir- munity," Coun. Julian Morse ect temporary federal money said. "It just seems like in toward an array of commun- absence of being able to iden- ity homelessness projects. It tify programs that achieve didn't come without criticism that, we've kind of gone to regarding how the program is funding other things. laid out. "It's a bit difficult to rec- At the Feb. 22 regular oncile this quite large amount council meeting, the major- of money that I think could be ity of council approved more really well-used in our com- than $1.8 million dollars from munity to solve some long- the Reaching Home: Canada's standing issues and get some Strategy to End Homeless- people under roofs." ness Fund for both Covid and Mayor Rebecca Alty, who non-Covid related community holds a seat on the Commun- projects. ity Advisory Board Commit- During the meeting, coun- tee on Homelessness, agreed cil also continuing Reaching with Morse and noted that NNSL file photo Home homelessness funding bureaucrats in Ottawa devised related to Covid-19 which the funding program. She On Feb. 22, Yellowknife city council approved more than $1.8 million in federal funding for a variety of included toward rental rears said she also would have pre- programs. ($300,000), a non-govern- ferred to see money directed ment staffing wage top-up, to housing projects. projects but the funding isn't there will always continue to fact file ($320,000), continued fund- "The federal government designed to be able to cre- be homelessness. So we found ing for YWCA family unit is creating policy from the ate long-term projects," the other opportunities where we City-Funded projects 2021 leases ($109,200) and an ivory tower of Ottawa is a bit mayor said. could put our energies, to be expansion of service hours how I see this funding work- Coun. Stacie Smith said able to assist them in those for the Somba K'e Civic Plaza ing," Alty said. "They have that while there were restric- holistic methods that might Reaching Home– federal homelessness funding public washrooms ($55,000). very strict directives where tions on the funding, the reach them a lot better than Homelessness Prevention and Diversion – YWCA – Some councillors you can use it for this funding homelessness committee the norm." $75,000 expressed dissatisfaction with but you can't use it for this. decided that monies could go Given that many of the the limitations of the federal It's time sensitive and there's to other areas. street-involved people in Housing First for Families – YWCA – $94,000 funding program, which left no opportunity to roll fund- "In terms of mitigating Yellowknife are Indigenous, On the Land Breakfast Program – Arctic Indigenous Well- them unable to help address ing over. homelessness, doing that culturally appropriate pro- ness– $ 112,084 the municipality's long-term She also noted that fund- doesn't often mean having grams could go a long way in Housing First for Adults – Yellowknife Women's Society– homelessness goals. ing couldn't be used for a roof over one's head," she helping them, Smith added. $100,000 "I understand that this is homelessness projects already said. "We can provide as "These are items that YKDFN On–the–land Program $363,624 temporary funding and that existing and the funding won't many groups as many apart- they're craving to have back it's supposed to be dealing be ongoing. ments and places for people in their lives," she said. "So Yellowknife Women's Shelter Support $25,000 with the impacts of Covid-19, "By all means, I've been to stay, but if we're not getting these are things that we want- YWCA Food Program $10,000 but I just don't see much in advocating the whole time to the root of why they're in ed to put energy into and to Covid-19 Cleaning Supplies –YWCA $5,000 any of the things that are pro- to try to find actual housing the situation that they're in have as a service for them." YKDFN Community Hunt $100,000

2021/2022 Reaching Home Homelessness Funding Housing First for Families $282,000 Housing First for Adults $250,000 Homelessness Prevention and Diversion $144,000 Housing First for Youth $175,000 Indigenous Case Management $99,000 YKDFN On–the–land Program $6,814

Top-up of ongoing Covid–related homelessness funding Rental arrears – YWCA $300,000 NGO staffing wage top–up $320,000 YWCA family unit leases $109,200 Expansion of service hours for the Somba K'e Civic Plaza public washrooms $55,000 Source: City of Yellowknife

Craig Gilbert/NNSL photo Order, please Yellowknife city hall employees played their part on Pink Shirt Day, assembling in council chambers Wed- nesday afternoon for a socially distanced and public health-capped gathering. Pictured are Kyla Ricks, left, Geraldine Penney, Christine Siu, Brooklyn Poeschek, Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Kerry Thistle, Shirley Zhang and Brian Kelln. 16 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 news Answering the Call: Yellowknife United Church's new reverend feeling more at home Questions linger about congregation's return in a post-Covid Yellowknife by Simon Whitehouse me to come up in September Currently there are about Northern News Services of last year," Marcotte said. 100 people in the Yellow- It has been a life-changing "First of all, we had to fig- knife congregation, but active experience for retired Rev. ure out what to do in Saint members who attend services Dr. Linda Marcotte and John with our house, and our are somewhere between 25 her husband Ari Snyder in car wasn't good. We also had and 30, she said. their move north to head the the dog and our 65-year-old There can also be further Yellowknife United Church. piano to move." challenges with attendance as In October 2018, Peter In March 2020, churches some members like to use Chynoweth, who had been in Yellowknife shut down their weekends to go to their minister for 13 years, gave due to Covid-19. The United cabins because people deeply his last sermon and stepped Church didn't reopen until respect being on the land. down. For over a year-and- Sept. 6. The church has held Zoom a-half, the church had been The pandemic has been services during the pandemic looking for someone full- especially hard on places of to accommodate members. time to fill the spot. worship, given their depend- "It's very difficult to have The couple, both over 70, ency on large groups, musical a congregation that feels safe made the journey to the NWT expression and other types of enough to come into crowds last August with their dog physical contact. With dwin- and we have a limitation of Bono from Saint John, N.B. dling numbers, Marcotte 50 people in the auditorium," Over the past few months, admitted she's worried about Marcotte said. they have grown accustomed the long-term impacts among "Our concern, when I to their surroundings. church-goers and the extent speak with my colleagues, is "I was just really, really to which people will ever what's going to happen after surprised when they invited come back. Covid? People have gotten out of the habit of going to church. All denominations are in decline anyway, but the question is what's going to Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo happen if we ever get back to Rev. Linda Marcotte, left, and partner Ari Snyder, sit at their 65-year-old baby what they call normal." grand piano with their dog Bono in Yellowknife this week. In some ways this has led to a tighter bond between herself and other church lead- monthly. In other ways, however, share in each other's trad- ers in the community. She's As the newest member, people have grown more itions, which makes week- joined with the Yellowknife she will be responsible for dependent on the church. ends extra special, they say. Ministerial Association, presiding over the Easter Marcotte and Snyder said "Ari is Jewish and, of which comprises all church Sunday sunrise service on they were both impressed course, I'm a Christian min- leaders in the city, who meet Pilot's Monument. with attendance of people ister, so that has brought a who, due to the inability to lot of smiles to people up travel during the pandemic, here," Marcotte said. "And came to rely on the church we do so celebrate the sab- over the Christmas holidays. bath every Friday night and This was especially true of Saturday. Our sabbath starts the annual Comfort Service at sunset on Friday and it held on Dec. 17, headed by ends at sunset on Sunday, so the Church Laity. we're really doing the whole The United Church often weekend, and we have a good holds these services – in time doing that." other denominations known Marcotte said her main as Blue Christmas – during concern in making such a the holiday season to bring life-altering move North was comfort to families grieving in how Snyder would adjust. lost loved ones. "But I've connected like "Normally, it's attended by with a home run, it was just people who have had some- fantastic," Snyder said. one die ... but because of Being associated with Covid, a lot of people were the arts and music scene in grieving in not being able Montreal as a concert pianist to see their children or their and appearing in theatre and grandchildren in the south," film, he has made new con- said Marcotte. "It was a nections in the community. beautiful service." On the Sunday following In addition, the Yellow- Christmas, he held a concert knife United Church has been at the church while mindful characterized as a denomina- of Covid public health restric- tion that advocates for social tions. justice, openly welcoming "We're allowed to hum people of all sexual orienta- and we have to wear a mask tions and gender identities. right, and we're allowed to have a single person at a time Christian and to sing," Snyder said. "I did Jewish unity piano versions of a bunch Marcotte and Snyder of carols and hymns, and express newfound happi- Christmas-themed and win- ness in their later years since ter-themed material." meeting in 2015. He was a He also played during a widower and resided in the Songs to Make You Swoon Eastern Townships of Quebec concert with soprano Susan while she had been without a Shantora on Feb. 7. And he's partner for 38 years. set to perform on keyboards Both had experienced the for the upcoming Vivaldi's loss of close family members The Four Seasons: A North- and they came together in the ern Reflection by the Border- amid grief. They ended up less Art Movement (BAM), getting married twice: once conducted by Joe Pamplin. under Jewish religious law He has also been provid- and once in an interfaith mar- ing mentor services to the riage. They both continue to Yellowknife Music Festival. Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 17 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Galusha goes 4-4, misses playoffs Yellowknifer beat Ontario's Homan rink for first time ever, but later slipped off the bubble

by James McCarthy turning point. Northern News Services "That steal was so big, especially It seems Kerry Galusha is good against Homan," she said. for one big result each year at the Homan got that two back in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. eighth but Galusha would strike This year, she took down one of again in the ninth with the ham- the biggest fish in the pond and put mer as she scored two of her own herself in a very good position down and it could have been three had the stretch in the process. Galusha's final stone not rubbed one Galusha and her rink of Shona of Homan's sitting at the top of the Barbour, Margot Flemming and four-foot. Jo-Ann Rizzo took down Ontario's A measurement was called to Rachel Homan Feb. 23 in Calgary in figure out the final result and it was a 7-5 win. The victory gives Galusha Homan's which was closer to the a record of 3-3 while the loss was button. Homan's first of the event. "I had no idea it was for three," Not surprisingly, Galusha said it said Galusha. "I was just thinking was a huge win. about hitting and getting two but "To be honest, beating Rachel then I saw how close it was." wasn't in the cards for us," she said The 10th saw Galusha run Andrew Klaver/Curling Canada photo with a chuckle. "We were surprised Homan out of rocks and secure the Team NWT is all smiles following their 7-5 win over Ontario's Rachel Homan at the Scotties to get the win and it's a big result." win. Homan started with the hammer Galusha said she was hoping Tournament of Hearts in Calgary on Wednesday morning. From left, Kerry Galusha, Shona Bar- and scored a single to open up the to get a split between Homan and bour, Margot Flemming, Jo-Ann Rizzo and coach Jim Waite. game. After a blank in the second Alberta's Laura Walker. end, Galusha scored a single with "We lost to Laura and we played and going from the venue are strict, doing your best to relax. It's literally mer, Peterson got two of those last rock and then stole another in Homan tough and that's what you said Galusha, and that includes eat, sleep and curl." points back in a sloppy ninth end; the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. Homan have to do," she said. "We got into interacting with her own teammates. Unfortunately, the pride of the both teams missed key shots to give scored a deuce with hammer in the trouble a couple of times against "The only time we see each other NWT fell apart at the end of their each other chances to score. fifth but Galusha tied things up in Homan but we made some big shots is either on the ice or going to and final pool game, a do-or-die tilt Peterson would force the extra the sixth with a single. when we had to." from the rink," she said. "It's a lot against the wildcard rink of Beth end by stealing one in the 10th and The seventh end, though, was the The event is being played inside of alone time in the hotel room Peterson. would go on to steal another single difference as Galusha stole a pair to of a bubble at the Markin MacPhail but we get to watch a lot of curling Despite Galusha coming home in the 11th to win and advance to the take a 5-3 lead, a steal she called the Centre and the rules about coming and when you aren't curling, you're with a two-point lead and the ham- championship round.

Volleyball

Yk Volleyball Association final round two By the numbers 2. 6-Pack 2 1 Even in times of Covid-19, ports stat packs have returned standings as of Feb. 26 to Yellowknifer. Standings and top scorers will appear A division 3. YKDFN Spikers 1 2 4. Team North 0 3 Fridays. If you'd like your league featured, call the sports Team W L line at 766-8257 or email [email protected]. D Division 1. DCL Detonators 4 1 2. Safe Sets 4 2 Team W L 3. Can't Block This 1 3 1. Bumpin' Uglies (tie) 3 1 4. Avery Cooper Crushers 0 3 1. Coyote's Muktuk Snappers (tie) 3 1 3. 2 Legit 2 Hit (tie) 1 3 B division 3. No Chalkers (tie) 1 3 Team W L 1. Can't Get It Up 4 0 E division 2. All Blacks 2 2 Team W L 3. Setters of Catan 1 2 1. Harley's Ball Busters 5 1 4. Blue Balls 0 3 2. JTFN Defenders 3 3 3. Crowe MacKay Number Crunchers 2 3 C Division 4. BFTA 1 4 iNDOOR sOCCER Team W L 1. The Young and the Rest of Us 3 0 source: Yk Volleyball Association yk SOCCER League standings as of feb. 26 basketball Hockey Team W L T yk basketball association men's league Yk Rec Hockey League Standings as of Feb. 26 1. Yk Galaxy Pepsi 34 0 0 standings as of feb. 26 2. Anytime Fitness Purple Cobras 31 3 0 A division Team W L 3. Woodyard Growlers 23 9 2 Team W L OTL Pts. 1. Nuggets 13 2 4. @ourfriendcraig FC 21 13 0 1. Ace 13 1 0 26 2. Bureaucrats 12 3 5. Overlander Sundogs 18 11 5 2. Fuel Flo 12 1 0 24 3. Jazz 11 4 6. Pickaxe United 14 14 6 3. Weaver and Devore 10 4 0 20 4. 76ers 9 7 7. Midnight Sun Mayhem 13 16 5 4. Slayers 6 8 0 12 5. Spartans 5 10 8. Ragged Ass 62 Degrees 13 17 4 5. Diamond Glass 5 7 2 12 6. New Team 2 13 9. JTFN 2 12 17 5 6. J-Tech 4 8 2 10 7. Fruit Punch Ballers 1 14 10. JTFN 1 12 19 3 7. KaSteelHeads 4 7 1 9 11. Breakaway 11 20 3 source: Yk Basketball Association 8. Carl's 4 9 1 9 12. Summit FC 6 22 6 9. Aurora Ford 4 9 1 9 13. Dirty Birds 4 27 3 10. Eagles 2 9 4 8 14. Maley and the Pussycats 3 27 4 Note: Overtime losses are worth one point source: NWT Soccer source: Yk Rec Hockey League 18 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 Yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021 19 20 yellowknifer, Friday, February 26, 2021