State of emergency 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 'Pike' Mike dodging quarantine Volume 74 Issue 47 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 $.95 (plus GST) They are the champions

photo courtesy of Stephanie Parkes The Inuvik East Three Eagles U15 basketball team are Territorial Champions after sweeping the Senior Cager Feb. 27-March 1. L-R: Coach Josie McConnell, Jared Day, Kunal Sharma, Kolsen Church, Mason MacNeil, Hamza Mourtada, AJ Abba, Justin Stewart, Dwayne Raddi and coach Stephanie Parkes.

Community Business GOAT hunt: COVID-19 welcomes who is the reports wage greatest from subsidy NWT athlete around NWT hike Territorial government assumes unprecedented powers in fight against COVID-19 by Staff cient to deploy resources to protect residents and "At this time, all residents are urged to follow the recommendation of the head of the Emer- Northern News Services enhance our response to the orders these Orders and all other direction gency Management Organization, Ivan Russell, NWT made by the Chief Public Health and advice from the Chief Public according to the news release. The NWT com- A state of emergency has been declared for Officer." Health Officer." missioner grants additional powers to Chinna the . This step has been taken to ensure Premier Caroline Cochrane said and those designated by her "to do all acts and The Minister of Municipal and Commun- the Emergency Management Organ- "all levels of government are taking take all necessary proceedings, for the duration ity Affairs (MACA), Paulie Chinna, declared ization (EMO) is better able to sup- this pandemic very seriously. of the order, to deal with an emergency." a territory-wide state of emergency under the port the implementation of the orders "Declaring a state of emergency, Steps already taken by the GNWT to sup- Emergency Management Act to support ongoing efforts to protect public health in the Northwest issued by the Chief Public Health as many other jurisdictions have, port the implementation of the public health Territories Friday morning. The state of emer- Officer to help slow the spread of will help ensure that our officials order include establishing isolation centres and gency will be in effect from "March 24 through COVID-19, and gives the EMO the have all the tools they need to do putting measures in place to receive travellers at April 7." authority to control and direct all PAULIE CHINNA their jobs to protect and care for airports in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River and "This decision does not indicate a significant persons, including the GNWT and residents. We will continue to work Fort Smith, and at ground entry points to secure change in circumstances or an increased risk to public agencies involved in emer- closely with the federal government, borders in Enterprise, Fort Smith, Liard and the people of the Northwest Territories," a press gency management plans or programs under the provinces and territories to ensure coordinated Dempster entry points, according to the GNWT. release read. "The need to declare a state of Emergency Management Act, according to the approaches to the pandemic." Public safety notices related to COVID-19 emergency at this time is to make it more effi- announcement. The state of emergency was declared on are posted on the GNWT website. Publication mail Contract #40012157 "If COVID gets here, it will overwhelm our medical system in about two seconds flat."

7 71605 00200 2 Kimberley Young, the new SAO of Radilih Koe/Fort Good Hope, worries about her community's preparedness, page 13. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 3 Did we get it wrong? News/North is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you Ice Lake Rebels star stuck spot an error in News/North, call (867) 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email editorial@ nnsl.com. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. in 'COVID-predicament' News Briefs Liard highway closed "Pike" Mike Harri- Acho Dene Kue/Fort Liard son travelling across The Liard Highway was closed to all traffic the Liard River on the at 5 p.m. March 24. Highway 7 will be closed B.C. side of the border beginning at kilometre 1 and extending to kilo- in 2016. The Ice Lake metre 5. Drivers are advised to use Highway 1 Rebels reality television to enter or leave the territory, which is open for star was forced to turn limited exceptions. "The Commissioner of the Northwest Ter- back this week after ritories has made this order under the Public being unable to cross Highways Act in order to support the order of into the NWT due to the the Chief Public Health Officer respecting travel Highway 7 closure at the into the Northwest Territories required to slow border. the spread of COVID-19 in the Northwest Ter- photo courtesy of Mike Harrision ritories," a news release read. "Drivers are reminded that it is unsafe and illegal to drive on a closed highway. Please obey all traffic signs and barricades." – Craig Gilbert Screening stepped up in Inuvik South Dehcho resident aimed to get home Inuvik Anyone returning to the Beaufort Delta to self-isolate at remote cabin from outside the Northwest Territories will be screened and have to spend 14-days in isolation by Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services in Inuvik. Dehcho The town announced the measures at approxi- "Pike" Mike Harrison, star of reality tele- mately 11:30 a.m. March 23, adding checkpoints vision show Ice Lake Rebels, is learning how are in place both at Mike Zubko Airport and on uncompromising the territorial government is the Dempster Highway. when it comes to its self-isolation directives Anyone who lands at the airport or arrives aimed at returning NWT residents. through the Dempster Highway will first be Harrison is a homesteader and has a ter- screened and required to fill out a self-isolation ritorial land-lease in a cabin at the very small plan and submit it to the NWT government. settlement of Lindberg Landing in the south- Even travellers returning to Tuktoyaktuk, Fort ern Dehcho region near Blackstone Territorial McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, Ulukhaktok, Park, about 150 km from the B.C. border on Paulatuk or Sachs Harbour will be required to Highway 7. self-isolate in Inuvik for the 14-day period. The community is about 300 km from – Eric Bowling Fort Nelson, B.C. across the NWT border – a normal access point for Harrison when he is Airline lays off one-quarter trying to get back home. According to Google Maps, this is roughly a four hour and 21 of workforce photo courtesy of Katrina Nokleby/GNWT minute road trip. A Department of Transportation worker guards Somba K'e/Yellowknife Harrison has spent the last several months the roadblock on Highway announced today that 45 employ- travelling on Vancouver Island and Salt 7 after the Dehcho thoroughfare was closed to all but essential traffic. ees will be on "temporary leave" the airline due Spring Island on the west coast of B.C. to the COVID-19-caused economic slowdown. "This is a measure to avoid overwhelming his spot where he is isolated.'" "When I saw Premier Caroline Cochrane health centres in small remote communities, Harrison said he reached out to the office The company, which until Friday had 170 declaring a public health emergency and clos- employees based in Yellowknife, Edmonton and and ensure those exposed to COVID-19 are of Shane Thompson, his MLA, for assistance ing the borders, I was making arrangements close a well-equipped hospital care." but wasn't able to talk to him the morning of Calgary, said Friday the move was necessary to to come home back to my residence " he said. protect the business. March 25. "So I decided to drive." In B.C. when deadline passed "The next step for me? What would be "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the At the time of Cochrane's announcement, temporary closure or reduced operation of many Because Harrison was still in Fort Nelson great is that I would like to have a campaign Harrison said he was staying in isolation at when the deadline passed, he was in effect put that says 'Pike Mike - Let him into Highway of our customers businesses and operations, St. Mary's Resort on Salt Spring Island and resulting in significant reductions in Summit in what he calls a 'COVID predicament' and 7,'" he said about what he would do next. "I was practising social distancing on his own expected to make a long, 12-hour road trip need to get my people on this and make a Air's revenue and flying hours," Lane Zirnhelt, - staying out of restaurants and avoiding eat- chief operating officer with the Summit Aviation from to Fort St. John and then into Alberta dozen phone calls, send a million emails, ing out, while confining himself to his own and up north toward Highway 1 and Hay leap frog. Group. private suite. – Simon Whitehouse River. It is the closest of the four options for "It is stupid to make Pike Mike go and On March 24, travelling in his 2002 Ford self-isolation which are even further away. quarantine over here when you should just Escape, he jumped on a ferry and drove to Harrison, who is 60-years-old, said having put him in his cabin down there. So maybe NNSL papers online and free Quesnel before arriving in Fort Nelson at to make the trip would likely mean being in someone could meet me at the border and let Northern News Services and Canarctic about 9 p.m. It was there at his hotel that he contact with other people due to the need to me in." Graphics, which prints our newspapers, made the found out he could not move across the border make stops for food and fuel. Harrison was one of several Northerners difficult decision this weekend to suspend print to his remote cabin to self-isolate. The border "I have to go into quarantine at Hay River to appear in the reality television show Ice publication until further notice. Our number one crossing at Highway 7 was closed at 5 p.m. and in order to get to that quarantine I have Lake Rebels, which depicted houseboat life concern at the moment is for the well-being of "There were no notices or anything and been put at risk by this exceptional road trip I in the capital on Yellowknife Bay. It aired our staff and the public. boom I can't drive across the border back to have to make," he said in frustration. for two seasons on Animal Planet from 2014 Now that COVID-19 has been detected in my residence where I can be isolated. My "Instead of me just getting at the border, to 2016. the Northwest Territories, continuing with print remote residence." having someone say 'this guy is a resident, he A request for comment on this story was operations is simply not possible. Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public medical is not going into a community, let him go to submitted to MLA Thompson March 25. That said, we still have stories to write and officer for the Northwest Territories said on advertisers to feature, which is why ALL our March 21 that all NWT residents returning newspapers will continue in a PDF format on to the territory have to self-isolate for 14 days Update to this story this website free of charge for all readers. Look and provide information as to where they for your copy of News/North, News, have been as well as names and addresses. On Friday, Mike Harrison called News/North from Hay River after making it through the Hay River Hub, Inuvik Drum, Kivalliq News and The Highway 7 order came a few days later. border checkpoint. He said he was intending to drive on to his cabin residence at Lindburg Yellowknifer at its usual time at the top of our The GNWT COVID-19 website explicitly Landing - about a 470-km drive - without going through quarantine. homepage. And please visit our contact page if states that: "The brunt of the story is I am breaking the law somewhat except ... they will have a you have a story people need to know about, you "Anyone arriving in the NWT must self- hard time making those charges stick and it would be funny if goes to the courts," he said. need an advertisement or just want to tell us what isolate and stay at home for 14 days in Yellow- "In all practical sense i am violating the legislation and so I'm making that independent you think or how we're doing. knife, Inuvik, Hay River or Fort Smith only. decision and I'm arguing that if it goes to litigation, I will plead not guilty and my defense In the meantime, be safe and check out nnsl. No NWT resident is allowed to self-isolate in will be that they didn't assess me individually based on my particular situation and lumped com for the latest news! a small community or other regional centre me into a policy that services people living in communities and they're putting me at risk." – Bruce Valpy other than the four listed communities if they On Saturday morning, NWT chief medical officer Kami Kandola released a statement have returned from outside the NWT. condemning Harrison's actions. Click on the link for the story. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 news Northern supermarkets challenged by pandemic Heightened safety measures, product changes introduced by Blair McBride shortages but not necessarily as a now so im not too concerned," said installing plexiglass shields in front protection will help to enhance the Northern News Services result of panic-buying by customers, Peter Jirjis, manger of the Northern of priority checkout counters and safety of our employees," said com- NWT as seen in other stores. Store in Norman Wells. other areas in the shops where there pany president Alex Yeo. Supermarkets in small commun- The manager said the supply lines Unlike elsewhere, Jirjis shop has are high amounts of staff and cus- Front-line staff have also received ities across the NWT are facing the have been strained, there have been not even run out of toilet paper. tomer interaction, according to a news a temporary, $2 an hour pay rise challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic delays in groceries reaching the ware- At the Northmart in Hay River, release from parent company The retroactive to March 8 in recognition with their own product policies and houses and availability of some prod- stock levels have been restored after North West Company. of their work during the pandemic. safety measures. ucts is more sporadic than before. customers slowed down their shop- "We expect to receive delivery of That increase will be effective until Even before the first case of "One truck didn't have our meat ping activity. the units in the next few days and April 4 and Yeo said the company is coronavirus was reported in the but the next one did. Theoretically "We have toilet paper now, we will commence installation shortly "committed to extending this tempor- NWT, the Kaeser's Store in Fort we're one truck behind," Kaeser said. didn't before," said manager Darryl thereafter in all stores. This added ary pay increase as needed." Smith has been vigilant in trying to As a strategy, Kaeser explained Proulx. stop the spread of the virus. that he has been following the news "Because we're a hub we get cus- "We have asked the customers to of the pandemic for a few months and tomers from Simpson, Fort Reso- come shopping by themselves and not has anticipated shortages. lution, Fort Providence, even some in groups or families. We've asked for "I've been buying a lot more quan- from Alberta. Some First Nations are individual shopping," store manager tity than I normally did and having coming to stock up for their Elders. Nick Kaeser told News/North. in-store features," he said. "There's a I'll give them what I can but it's really His shop removed many of its lot of product missing – don't get me hard now to get product because the shopping carts to limit the number wrong. But it's going quite well." company is telling us to not go crazy of customers who could be inside at on our orders because then other one time, and staff disinfect the cart NorthMart and Northern Stores stores won't be able to get it," he said. handles after each customer is done Some outlets of the NorthMart The Fort Smith outlet announced with them. and Northern Stores have experienced in a social media post that on Friday "I've also limited the number of shortages of products but haven't yet it was offering exclusive shopping staff who are in the office at any one run out of essential food items. hours for seniors and Elders from 9 time. We've reduced hours. Most of "We're stocked fully because of a.m. to 1 p.m. the customers have been really recep- the winter road. My concern is if this "Beginning March 30, we will tive to what I've been doing," Kaeser continues we might run out if the make our store available to first Photo courtesy of Sheila Champion said. barge arrives, in a worst case scenario responders and their spouses from 8 Supermarkets in small communities across the NWT have Like other supermarkets in the where people start panic shopping. a.m. to 9 a.m," the post said. implemented several safety measures and product rules to NWT, Kaeser's is facing product But we have quite a bit of stock right The Northern Stores are also avoid shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 5 Small businesses welcome super-sized wage subsidy NWT Chamber of Commerce praises seven-fold increase by federal government by Nick Pearce Northern News Services NWT Small business owners in the Northwest Territories strained by collapsing demand amid a global pandemic may see some relief from Ottawa soon. The federal government has committed to raising its crisis wage subsidy from 10 per cent to 75 per cent, offer- ing up to $40,000 in loans that will be interest free for one year, and deferring GST/HST and import/export fees until June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday. Renee Comeau, executive director of the NWT Cham- ber of Commerce, called it a "great step." The chamber recently co-signed a letter with other business associations asking for federal support to stave off layoffs. She saw Ottawa's response as answering those photo courtesy of Pamela Basil Paulette calls, but added there was A young customer at the Rusty Raven cafe in Fort Smith in December. Owner Laurie Young says a 75 per cent wage subsidy more work to be done to keep announced by the prime minister March 27 would be a huge boost with "absolutely no income coming in." businesses afloat. It will come as a relief the corporation would also She said new businesses stay home has been devastat- health crisis that led the town ing of the circumstances, but to stressed businesses wor- offer low interest loans and or those already close to the ing. to shutter non-essential ser- it's been "stressful," he said. ried over payroll expenses and was deferring payments for up wire, particularly in small Terry Rowe, general man- vices, including its restaurant He hoped to apply to gov- costs like rent – which also to three months between April communities, may not be able ager of the Ptarmigan Inn in and gym. ernment support soon. How- should be addressed, she said. 1 and Sept. 30. to bounce back. But those with Hay River, felt the pandemic's It continues to offer take- ever, in the future, he said, Meanwhile, the interest- For Young, however, it's strong business models prior economic strain last week, out, but that's slowed along- he may be "pulling (his) hair free loan would be essential always a fight for staff in a to the crisis should be able when he personally laid off side overnight stays at the out" as a result of the damage as businesses look to cover small town. If some residents weather the coming weeks or about 50 staff. It's a temporary hotel. That means there's little to the business' cash flow, he incoming payments, she said. choose to stay in Fort Smith, months until demand recovers, measure, he told News/North, demand left to support staff as said. "It's a quick and easy way or opt to return because there's she said. but a hard one. catering and events cancel as Utilities, taxes, and other for businesses to get cash flow work, it will make a differ- For others, the economic Much of it stems from borders close. costs waited just ahead, with injected back in so that they're ence. impact setting in as residents responding to the public The staff were understand- little revenue to balance them. able to catch up with their sup- John Doody, who co-owns ply chain," she said. The Dancing Moose Cafe with While some NWT busi- his wife in Yellowknife, didn't ness owners shared relief with see the benefit for his busi- News/North, others were still ness. buckling under the economic "For restaurants in town, crunch. it's essentially useless," he "A huge boost" said. For her part, Laurie Young, There simply isn't enough owner of Fort Smith's The demand. When the crisis Rusty Raven, said the assist- began, he felt the business may ance could save some staff be able to continue since the positions at her business. crowds remained strong. "The 75 per cent of the But within days the cafe wage that I pay my staff is bet- was down to one or two tables. ter than the 60 per cent they'd Considering the loan aspect, get from unemployment," she Doody said he would rather said. draw on savings, but that it Friday's news came after could help retailers. Young decided to close shop "A wage subsidy now last Saturday. Ottawa's origin- would just mean we're paying ally proposed 10 per cent was people to stand around," he little more than a token, she said. "For us, it's useless." said, and wouldn't have made Wherever possible, small much difference. The update business owners need some pleased her. slack, according to Mary "That's going to be a huge Beckett, a longtime consultant boost to us. Having absolutely and business owner in Inuvik no income coming in, it makes who ran as NWT's federal it pretty rough," she said. NDP candidate last fall. She was less concerned "I feel heartbroken for with federal loan programs, everybody who runs business- saying she would work with es," she said. "But I know from NWT's Business Development running a business for many, and Investment Corporation many, many years, there's (BDIC) first. always cycles. At the territorial level, "It's always a case of hang- Minister of Finance Caroline ing on by your teeth until Wawzonek on March 20 said things come around again." 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 communities Kakisa keeps control of isolated status Ample food, wood, but social distancing a concern by Simon Whitehouse here but there are some that do go Northern News Services out saying that they are getting gro- Kakisa ceries, but we're not really sure who The small community of Kakisa, they are getting in contact with," he about a half-hour's drive southeast said. "That is one of the things we of Fort Providence, has always been are running into." isolated and self-dependent. There is no local health centre so Community members are taking notices are handed out to households the necessary precautions to keep it about the need to take health precau- that way during the coronavirus pan- tions, he added. demic, says longtime Chief Lloyd In the case of an emergency, the Chicot of the Ka'a'gee band is looking for Tu First Nation in units that could be Kakisa. Community used if there is the Chicot said the need, he added. community of 36 is Report "It has not been a trying to keep track real concern because of people who leave the community it has always been isolated and and those who may be visiting from stuff," Chicot of the lack of a health afar. A roadblock has been set up at care centre. "Rarely we get a (medic- the junction into Kakisa from High- al professional) once a month, except way 1 to monitor who comes and for mental health help. When a nurse goes, and there are regular updated does come, they come for vaccina- announcements to inform Elders and tion because people do need it for community members about health influenza and things like that." precautions that have to be taken. Chicot said band members are "There is not much we can do going out on the land and hunting because we are a small commun- as per usual, however he does have photo courtesy of MACA/GNWT ity and we are limited for funding some concern about people keeping Longtime Kakisa Chief Lloyd Chicot says his community is staying vigilant against COVID-19 and resources and things like that," properly informed as the corona- but is concerned about people bringing strangers into the community. Chicot said. "We are doing our best virus situation develops. to limit the amount of contact from "We are trying to (get people to ity "they are on their own." and most are abiding by the rules hands in the bathroom." people, including members going be aware of health precautions) but "They need to come into the and are in good spirits, according to Extra cleaning efforts are made south and coming back." there are a few that don't abide by office so that we can let them the chief. outside of the regular work that the He said people seem to be OK anything you say or tell them and know and stuff like that," he said "That is the message that we have janitor does at the office, too, he as far as having supplies like food they still go out," he said. "There is of coronavirus updates. "There are been giving but the kids keep com- said. and other items available. There at least one person who is going out a few people that don't do that and ing to the office here and so we have With the school being closed, it is almost always plenty of wood and then bringing people in from they're on their own and when some- information set up in the office for means kids sometimes hang around around too, he added. different communities and some of thing happens they usually end up anyone that comes and we also have the band office, but Chicot said it He is concerned about individ- them are transient." running over here." hand sanitizer," he said. presents parents a great opportunity uals who are transient. Chicot said he's concerned The community is also trying "Anyone that comes into the to teach their children at home and "It (food and emergency supplies) because if something happens while to get people to stay in their homes office we encourage to wash their engage with the local culture. is not too much of an issue for us people are away from the commun- news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 7 COVID-19 'going to get worse before it gets better' says MP MP Michael McLeod live from home community of Fort Providence by Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services NWT Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, may have started the year aiming to have a federal budget for Northerners that would address their most pressing concerns. Housing inadequacy. Infrastructure deficits. Climate change challenges. Early childhood education shortages. The list of needs in the NWT have been endless since last fall's federal and territorial elections. Many of those earlier priorities are up in the air now with federal budget 2020 postponed to a yet unknown date and as all levels of government attempt to manage the immediate and grow- ing risk of coronavirus entering the North. Like many other MPs across the country, McLeod was work- ing from his home community of Fort Providence this week where he has been with his family since the House of Commons suspended its session on March 13. He returned home on March 16 where he has been doing work by phone and email. As member representing a vast territory, he is no longer using airplane flights to travel and is no longer attending public gather- ings. Most of his days are now tied up with phone calls and other communications with constituents, mining industry professionals and other members of the NWT private sector, as well as political leaders in Ottawa.

"We are working non-stop. We have briefings and caucus calls NNSL file photo after caucus calls and also I get daily briefings from national NWT MP Michael McLeod says he is no longer attending public meetings but is keeping the lines of com- caucus and we have an all-parliamentarian briefing everyday," said McLeod during an interview March 27. munication open from home. "The other thing I'm hearing is that a number of people not Asked what he would say to Northern workers who are home Response Benefit taking the pandemic serious enough and that there is too much self-isolating with children, he said it is a necessary health and On Wednesday, the federal government passed C-13, a socializing and I think a lot of the community leaders are taking safety precaution and that it may be an opportunity for northern $107-billion economic aid package that is set to roll out in the it upon themselves to get the message out. At least that is what families to better connect. coming weeks to assist businesses and workers. Among the I'm hearing. "I think we have a lot of people in the different fields includ- items it will include are a Canada Response Benefit which will "I think you will see that stepped up a lot. As time goes on, it ing in education that are trying to reach out to people at home and provide $2,000 a month in income support for up to four months is going to start sinking in." home is the safest place to be with limited contact with anybody for Canadian workers who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Asked about the lack of protective medical gear and how that from the outside," he said. The benefit will also help people who "lost their job, are sick, might impact health-care workers in the North, McLeod said it "It may be a good time for families to go out on the land or do quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID- is one concern among many that he aiming to address with this projects together in their home. 19" and who may be forced to stay at home to look after their week's stimulus funding. "For the most part we have to keep people safe and we're children due to a lack of day care. "That is part of what we want as part of funding and the carve really nervous about this pandemic spiking where too many are Other increases include $2 billion in extra child care benefits out of money that we want," he said. "Protective medical equip- sick at the same time and we know it is going to happen. We and employment insurance. ment is one but there is so many things than protective medical know it is going to get worse before it gets better and we want to "We need to be able to roll out the emergency response benefit gear for resources to what government needs and supports." spread it out so it is at least manageable." and make sure that it is in place and make sure that people can access it and know how to get it," McLeod said. "We have to recognize this pandemic is a once in a generation challenge and the greatest health-care risk in our history. It has many people nervous, scared and confused as to what is happen- ing. There are many things we have to ensure that are happen- ing. We need to make sure that supports are there that focus on ensuring that Northerners and Canadians can pay for their rent, groceries. We have to ensure that we help businesses pay their employees and their bills in this time of uncertainty. "It looks like we are just at the starting end of the curve and there may be more need." McLeod said he is fully on board with Premier Caroline Cochrane and her government's position that more money needs to be coming from the federal government to support a territory of sparse and isolated communities lacking roads and other infra- structure as well as accessible health care as compared to most jurisdictions in southern Canada. "The GNWT has made it pretty clear what they need in terms of resources and it is pretty comprehensive and they did a really good job," he said. "The premiers's office has been in contact with me and we all agree we need more money and that is what we are working on. Finance committee McLeod sits on the House of Commons finance committee that will be overseeing the federal aid that will go to Canadians. The committee's role will be to regularly examine how monies are spent and to ensure they are accountable to Parliament. "I will be part of the oversight on the bill that was passed," he said. "It is hard to tell (the full impact it will have on Northern- ers) because we are thinking - how long is this pandemic going to last? There are a lot of things that are just so grey at this point." Constituent concerns McLeod said he is hearing from constituents that they are concerned about whether there will be cuts in other areas as the federal government diverts its attention to the ongoing crisis. "For the most part it is business as usual," he said of those concerns. "But we have to make sure things keep going because we are at the year-end and people are nervous. 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Editorial & Opinions Published Mondays Comments and views from News/north and letters to the editor Yellowknife office: Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com South Slave office, Hay River: Paul Bickford, Bureau Chief Phone: (867) 874-2802 Fax: (867) 874-2804 Email: [email protected] Mackenzie Delta office, Inuvik: Phone: (867) 777-4545 Fax: (867) 777-4412 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/inuvikdrum Baffin office, Iqaluit: Phone: (867) 979-5990 Fax: (867) 979-6010 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com/nunavutnews Kivalliq office, rankin inlet: Darrell Greer – Bureau Chief Phone: (867) 645-3223 Fax: (867) 645-3225 Email: [email protected] NNSL file photo Website: www.nnsl.com/kivalliqnews The incarcerated population in the NWT is completely unable to adhere to social distancing protocols aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 in the general population. This puts everybody in the territory at risk. Founder (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo MANAGING EDITOR: Mike W. Bryant – [email protected] Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant • Craig Gilbert ACCOUNTING – [email protected] Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Salleah Wagas Full jails are a Assignment editor Craig Gilbert - [email protected] Photo Editor: Emily McInnis - [email protected]

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Reporters: Brendan Burke • Simon Whitehouse Nick Pearce • Blair McBride health hazard

Advertising production Non-violent prisoners should be released Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Diana Mathisen • Zdena Kunderlik Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson • Wesley Cook to protect inmates and the general public Customer service: Holly Yestrau [email protected] Northern News Services like missing court dates or falling ADVERTISING The issue: [email protected] Friday saw the Congress of off the wagon while under orders to Representatives: Aboriginal Peoples, a national Jails and COVID-19 Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle abstain from alcohol and drugs. James Boylan • Echo Xin organization with headquarters in We say: Beaudin raises another level Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Ottawa, join the chorus calling for Let low-risk inmates out of concern, that being that while Features coordinator: Emmanuel Ramos low-risk inmates in custody in the incarcerated, Indigenous inmates Administrative assistant: Jessica Doyle Social Media manager: Vincent De Leon three jails in the Northwest Territor- have their treaty and Section 35 ies to be released on compassion- The Northwest Territories is rights stripped away. CIRCULATION: [email protected] ate grounds with an eye to avoiding far from alone in being asked to A state of emergency has been Circulation Director: Amy Yang spreading the coronavirus within. release inmates. Prime Minister declared for the NWT and it must Jewala Jhankur There are many inmates with Justin Trudeau faced a number of apply to its incarcerated popula- Subscriptions: One year mail $90 pre-existing health conditions, questions about releasing low-risk tion, too. For this and other rea- Online (entire content) $50/year and a vast majority of them are inmates across the country. sons, Justice Minister Caroline Indigenous – 83 per cent overall. In Overcrowding and safety con- Wawzonek's update on her depart- the case of the women's jail in Fort cerns at NSCC in particular are ment's plan to reduce the risk of NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated Smith, all 10 inmates identified as well-documented. Before the Con- COVID-19 infection in NWT jails last Publishers of: Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News Indigenous when we ran a story on servatives clamped down, judges week was welcome. Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North • Nunavut News/North over-representation in NWT jails at were granting offenders up to three She said from now on there will Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association the end of January. days' credit for every day served for be only one inmate housed in each Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association "The lives of detainees and that exact reason. cell (noting none of the NWT jails Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils the safety of the general public These prisoner advocates are not are at or near capacity, so this is Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Contents copyright – printed in the North are endangered by unnecessarily promoting the release of murderers possible). Visitation had already by Canarctic Graphics Limited keeping anyone in confined living and rapists, and neither is News/ been limited to the essential, We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons spaces where they cannot avoid North. This is about getting non- including meetings with lawyers, financial support of l'appui financier du the Government of gouvernement du infection," Kim Beudin, the organiz- violent, elderly and infirm prisoners and social distancing protocols Canada. Canada. ation's national vice chief, wrote in out of overcrowded jails that could have been put in place. Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council an open letter to Premier Caroline quickly go epidemic. Guards and Corrections officers are also was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public and press alike, and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints Cochrane. "Cases of coronavirus other employees are then put at apparently being equipped with from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and pub- lishing news, opinion and advertising. have already been detected in insti- risk, which in turn raises the chan- safety equipment, gloves at a min- Complaints should go to: The Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706 Toronto, Ont., tutions in multiple provinces, and ces of them infecting members of imum, and more if an inmate is M5B 1J3 Email: [email protected] Fax: 1-416-340-8724 overcrowding conditions threaten the general public when they leave symptomatic. www.ontpress.com to create a breeding ground for the work and go on with their lives. Details on the plan to release

Send us your comments virus." Most of the inmates in NWT non-violent inmates are being kept Email us at: [email protected] with the subject She added that reports from jails are on remand awaiting trial, secret, but what information has line "My opinion"; or send mail to News/North at Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at "various" provincial correctional meaning they haven't even been been posted online represents an our office at 5108-50 Street. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime centres indicate the presence of convicted of a crime, or they are encouraging made-in-the-North telephone number. We will do our best to ensure that letters submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday are printed in black mold, a lack of proper medi- serving time for what could be solution to an acute and urgent Monday's News/North. cation and medical care. described as procedural infractions problem. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 9 Looking to the medicine wheel Northern News Services for what we have. To be present. To count our All things balance each other out within the because we are not separate from the world In these uncertain times, it might be a good blessings. To support and protect each other. medicine wheel. If we think of the world as and the world is not separate from us, if we put for us to familiarize ourselves with the teach- To share teachings as a parent would do for one big medicine wheel we can see that it has our own selves into alignment we are also help- ings of the medicine wheel. In my last week of their children. We must protect each other like been out of alignment for some time now and ing to shift the world back into balance. school before it was cancelled, our class was the buffalo herds do when they join, strength fortunate to have an Elder come in and teach in numbers, as a community to protect their us about the importance of living calves when they are in danger. our lives in relation to that of the The North quadrant of the wheel medicine wheel and I'd like to relay represents the color white for win- some of his important messages. ter. White symbolizes spirit and The symbolism of the colours wisdom. The winter wind is domin- of the wheel are similar across ated by the crisp northern air that Nations but there are different we need to breathe for invigoration variations. Each quadrant of the and clarity. The North is where we circle represents the four directions, find the spirit of the bear or the the four seasons, the four elements, white buffalo. The North portion of spirit animals and plants, and the the wheel reminds us of the spirit four stages of human life. world through the constellations The circle starts in the East and northern lights and how we where the sun rises which is why Northern can find our way home through the East is represented by the color the lights above. "Old man winter" yellow for the sun. The East repre- Wildflower represents the Elderly and those that sents spring. The birth and creation Catherine Lafferty is a have passed before us. It represents of all living things. The element of published author and an strength and perseverance. The Indigenous Law Student Wikimedia photo the East is fire. We all have a fire who grew up in Yel- North reminds us to reflect on our that burns inside of us and con- lowknife. lives and the world around us and The medicine wheel, like this sacred and historic site in Wyomind, USA, is a tinues even after we are gone from now is a great time to do so. While central concept in Indigenous teachings, columnist Catherine Lafferty writes. this world. The eagle is the animals we are at home in these difficult that represents the East as it is the animal that times, we can reflect on our lives, how far we soars closest to the creator in the sky, because have come and where we can make improve- of this, the eagle can see far into the future. ments. The North reminds us to listen to the Some of us might be wondering if there is an guidance and wisdom of our Elders and ances- end to this difficult time and we can look to tors. the East for answers. When our foreseeable Lastly, we can't forget where our body, plans are cancelled, and we dread the future mind and spirit fits into all of this. The center because our end of month bill payments are of the wheel. If all directions of the wheel are adding up we can look to the East and know balanced, then the core of our beings will be that there will be an end to the hardships that in harmony. The center of the medicine wheel we are going through right now. represents who we are but since we are con- Then we go to the bottom of the medicine nected to everything around us, the elements, wheel. The South. Red is representative of the the animals, the spirit world, and each other, South for the rich red earth that we walk upon we are not fully balanced without one or the in the summer seasons. Summer soil is a good other. time for planting seeds. It is a time of growth Trauma in any form can affect how we and change for the human spirit. It is the age of live within the medicine wheel. Turning to the children growing up with curiosity, exploring medicine wheel can help us to heal the trauma and discovering the world around them. The we experience in our lives. The medicine wheel animal most represented in the South is the is about relating to all things associated in life deer. The southern portion of the wheel rep- and in the spirit world. If we are off balance, resents learning and having an open mind for we can look to the four directions to help put receiving new teachings and lessons. It repre- us back into balance. For instance, if we are sents abundance and energy. The South shows always travelling in the East and looking too us how we can improve on the choices that we far ahead into the future we might be worried make every day. We are all powerful in our about things to come, to help ground us we can own way and we can choose to use this power look to the West where we can learn to still in a kind, good, and lighthearted way. in our minds and be calm. We can look inside The buffalo is our cousin to the West. The ourselves and make peace with the present West is seen as the color black. The West tells moment asking for help from the community us to look inside for answers within ourselves. to support and provide us with assistance. If The West represents the dark stillness of night, we are overly focused on having fun all the but it also represents the water, where the time and have too much energy bottle up we moonlight directly affects the movement of can look to the North for patience and wisdom water. It is a time to harvest and to be thankful from the Elders.

We asked you! with Eric Bowling "What is the worst part of the COVID-19 crisis?"

[email protected]

Tanner Rae Ritias Sarah Camsell Angela Mae Ruben "Working for the mines, Michelle Gruben Louise Kuzman Lori Ann Ganiinzhih "My mom is someone "Worrying about family and not getting a "Worst part - not going "Having to self-isolate "Worried about my who may not be able and friends that live straight answer as to to work! Gonna go while stranded in Mex- family in B.C. and to fight the virus and out of the territory and the new regulations for crazy staying home." ico." Alberta, hope they are win." the ones that may have travel and self-quaran- all OK." to travel for medical. tines between flights." 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 photo story photo story NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 11 They came to work for you You stay at home for them! Northern News Services Around the world, medical professionals and paramedics in particular have embarked paramedic on a campaign to convince people to respect social distancing and self-isolation protocols. Feature The "I stay at work for you, you stay home for us" photo campaign has been adopted by by Advanced Medical Solutions doctors, nurses and others in Hong Kong, the United States, Malaysia and Canada, among others. slogan on social media. Advanced Medical Solutions of Yellow- "Our Team is recognizing #International- knife, which provides medical supplies and DayOfHappiness and their #HappyAct is to paramedic services by land and by air, is send you a note to #StayHomeForThem," a no exception. Their staff have been posting post from March 20 read. "Choose Happiness photos of them holding a sign depicting the and together we will have a healthy North!"

Inuvik ground ambulance PCP Adam.

Inuvik ground ambulance emergency medical responder Paul.

Inuvik ground ambulance emergency medical responder Angel.

photos courtesy of AMS Advanced Medical Solutions president and CEO Sean Ivens.

Inuvik-based flight nurse James.

Inuvik-based flight nurse Gary. Lena Ivens, the boss's daughter, helps out when needed. Inuvik-based flight paramedic Brenton. Inuvik ground ambulance primary care paramedic Malcolm. 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 communities

The entrance to the hamlet of Fort Liard, which lies just North of the B.C.-NWT border in the west end of the ter- ritory. Highway 7 is also known as the "Liard High- way," and was closed to all but essential travel- lers by order of the chief officer of public health in late March. Craig Gilbert/NNSL photo

Focus on Elders in Fort Liard General store owner hammering home social distancing messaging by Brendan Burke The GNWT moved to shut down the border 500 people don't speak or understand English, about a shortage of goods at the moment. Northern News Services to non-essential visitors last week. said Deneron. That's why leaders are focusing The store, which receives grocery shipments Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard To get the word out, Deneron on communicating social dis- from Edmonton, is currently well-stocked, said Fort Liard's mayor says the hamlet is focus- spent hours posting updates on tancing and health safety advice Deneron. But it is short on some items in the ing on keeping Elders safe and informed amid community bulletin boards in Community to Elders who aren't seeing wake of COVID-19, particularly dried products the COVID-19 pandemic. Fort Liard – part of an effort GNWT COVID-19 updates, the like flour, pasta and rice. "We're trying to protect our Elders – our to get crucial messages across Report bulk of which are being posted Despite the well-stocked store, Deneron does community," said Hillary Deneron. to Elders and other community online in English. have some concerns about how Fort Liard will Following days of anxiety-inducing uncer- members who don't have internet confront COVID-19 in the event of an outbreak tainty, Deneron said she received word from access. Keep your distance in the community. the territorial government that essential supply "You don't see very many GNWT posts com- Deneron is a co-owner at the Liard Valley "We do not have the proper medical facility chain workers – truckers bringing in groceries ing in on paper. Everything is on social media or General Store, a crucial grocery outpost in the here (or) the health care professionals," she said. and fuel – would still be allowed across the B.C. their website," Deneron told News/North. hamlet. She said she's been driving home social "We don't have it here." border. A lot of Elders in the community of some distancing messages to residents who come into In Fort Liard, there are three permanent the store: keep your distance and stay at home nurses, said Deneron. when you can. A doctor from outside of the hamlet makes "Young or old, it doesn't matter. We're mak- trips to Fort Liard on a day-to-day basis, she ing it clear to everybody," she said. "We're tell- added. ing community members not to take this lightly, Deneron said she's encouraging residents to that this is a serious matter." get out on the land as a way of practising social But in a small community where people distancing. So far, she's seen many families and often socialize in large groups, Deneron said the community members heed the advice. message isn't getting across to everyone. With schools closed and kids at home, Dene- "We are huggers and hand-shakers. Some ron said she's been urging parents to let children people aren't taking it as seriously as it should play inside and outside – while following social be taken," she said. distancing protocol – but she's stressing a need At her shop, Deneron said there has been for households to instill structure so that at- some hoarding of supplies – something she's home students can regain a sense of normalcy actively discouraging – but she's not worried amid the COVID-19 pandemic. communities NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 13 Indigenous communities not ready for COVID-19 outbreaks Millions of dollars in federal assistance needed immediately by Blair McBride thing by April 6. We've got to risk (health) category," he said, Northern News Services develop an application for it," citing such issues as diabetes, NWT he said. heart conditions and pregnant Indigenous communities in "Funding would defin- women. the NWT are not prepared for itely help us ... We're down "Eighty-nine per cent of a possible outbreak of COVID- on masks and hand sanitiz- the communities indicate 19 and assistance is needed. ers. We're short of all that they need additional medical "We don't have the medical stuff. Another big concern assistance. All of them require resources they have in the cit- is our nurses are doing shift disposable gloves, masks and ies. We don't have the (med- work when they come into sanitizers. ical) respiratory systems in our our communities, we're con- "Forty-seven per cent have communities. If something cerned they'll be short-staffed. indicated they have no way of were to happen we wouldn't be It could get down to the point medically transporting any ill able to take in more patients," where we're down to only one people to the larger centres" Garry Bailey, president of the nurse. Our nurses (might) end because many communities NWT Metis Nation told News/ up almost working 24 hours are accessible only by plane, North on Friday. a day." he said. "There are other health The Metis Nation president The capacity to conduct issues as well that we've bene said that a lot of its members swab tests for COVID-19 dealing with. Diabetes, asth- have lost their jobs because was uncertain because many ma, elderly people are mon- of the economic fallout from remote communities don't itored daily. Anything can the pandemic and people are have full-time nurses and happen." trying to get out onto the land Yakeleya said he has been ask- The federal government to maintain social distancing. ing the health authorities to set announced $305 million in The needs of Dene com- up drive-through clinics in the funding through the Indigen- munities in the NWT are also communities. ous Community Support high and Dene Nation chief "The picture in our small Fund. First Nations commun- Norman Yakeleya told repor- communities indicates they're Paul Bickford/NNSL photo ities in the NWT will receive ters on Thursday that "every- in dire straights. We need help. Indigenous communities in the NWT, including the NWT Metis Nation are $6 million and the Inuvialuit one is trying really hard. But We're asking the federal gov- unprepared for an outbreak of COVID-19 and are in immediate need of the Regional Corporation (IRC) we're not ready." ernment to do whatever it can promised federal funding for coronavirus relief. The leaders pictured are, left will receive $5.8 million. The chief, speaking over to get the funding into our to right, Arthur Beck of the Fort Resolution Metis Council, Garry Bailey of the Metis communities across satellite phone from his cabin Indigenous communities." Canada have been allocated near Fort Providence outlined Yakeleya said the Dene Northwest Territory Metis Nation, Ken Hudson of the Fort Smith Metis Council $30 million for their share. the findings of a survey of the Nation has also asked the and Trevor Beck of the Hay River Metis Government Council. Bailey said he's optimistic NWT's 27 Dene communities GNWT to increase the quanti- didn't receive a response by ducted and 307 tests pending. and 39 deaths, according to a about funding for the NWT that comprise 15,000 people. ties of medical supplies in the press time. There were 4,018 cases of report on Friday by the Public Metis Nation but added that "We have at least 3,200 communities. As of Friday morning coronavirus across Canada Health Agency of Canada. the government hasn't yet people that likely need addi- News/North reached out there has been one positive released the funding criteria. tional medical assistance to the IRC for comment on case of COVID-19 reported in "I hope to hear some- because they're in the high- the coronavirus situation but the NWT, with 607 tests con- Concerns in Radilih Koe 'They're not taking it seriously,' says new SAO

by Brendan Burke calls. everybody in general." implement measures to keep Northern News Services "We are bombarded con- Young said she's "very everybody safe and people Radilih Koe/Fort Good Hope stantly every- concerned" in the community aren't lis- Frustrated and concerned, day with about what tening and we're trying to Fort Good Hope's senior phone calls Community could happen get answers from people who administrative officer says and questions if the corona- aren't in their offices any- some community members from the pub- Report virus reaches more," she continued. aren't following social dis- lic that we're Fort Good "If COVID gets here, it tancing protocol amid the trying our best Hope. will overwhelm our medical COVID-19 pandemic. to answer," said Young. "It's "It's been extremely dif- system in about two seconds "They're not taking it ser- a very frustrating time for ficult because we're trying to f lat." iously," said Kimberley Young, who became SAO less than a month ago. Young said people are continuing to gather socially despite stern warnings from the territory's chief medical officer, who has recommended cancelling all social gather- ings, regardless of the size. The territory's first COVID-19 case was con- firmed in Yellowknife during the March 21 to 22 weekend. The Sahtu community of Fort Good Hope has a popula- tion of about 515 people. Band meetings and non- essential services have been shut down, but Young said community members are still hosting parties and gathering in large numbers. Meanwhile, she said she's facing an ava- lanche of COVID-19-related 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 communities Hush falls over Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly shares pandemic concerns from regional centre by Simon Whitehouse emergency operations centre, which Northern News Services brings together a body of authorities Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson to manage local public emergencies. The Village of Fort Simpson is get- The centre is based on the com- ting ready for the worst possible case munity's Emergency Response Plan of the coronavirus as the streets went and in the past has been used to deal empty last week. with circumstances that go beyond Mayor Sean Whelly said Wed- what one organization can handle, nesday that as the regional centre such as wildfires and floods. for government and Like other munici- as an access point palities in the NWT, for healthcare, food the village is mostly and emergency sup- Community following the lead of plies from surround- Report the territorial govern- ing communities like ment in the manage- Wrigley, Nahanni ment of the pandemic Butte and Jean Marie River, the com- but it's important to have local co- munity of just more than 1,000 people ordination among groups like the vil- seems eerily quiet. lage, the band office, GNWT officials, "We are a regional government the RCMP and health-care workers, centre, so there are a lot of people off Whelly said. work," Whelly said. "So it is really just Employees from the public works the essential services that are going. department have been working on I have noticed very few out-of-town rotating shifts during the pandemic NNSL file photo people coming in. People from the crisis, said Whelly. Fort Simpson enacted a regional emergency operations centre on March 23 in response to satellite communities used to come in Fortunately, it's not a typically the ongoing pandemic. frequently, but I've noticed that is not busy time of year. happening so much." "At least the other guys are at home Discussions included what to do "We sort of know that if a lot that the Dehcho region will be left Like other communities, the – one week on and one week off. Back if the situation grows worse and how of people started to get sick here relatively unscathed by the virus. He Northern store has run short on things up – if we needed a sewer unplugged to protect the community. The village that by the time that would happen, said people in Fort Simpson have been like bread, toilet paper, and sanitizing or something like that, you need guys, anticipates the territorial government Yellowknife would probably be loaded doing a good job social distancing products, he said. so we try to balance who is on and will declare a full state of emergency up with it and we would be on our from each other. Meanwhile, village facilities such who is off. " at some point that will give the gov- own," said Whelly. "Nobody says that The streets are virtually deserted, as the library, fitness centre, com- The village deferred its normal ernment greater powers to act. exactly but that is pretty much the he said. munity hall and village offices are all regular council meeting on March Right now, the village and First way I see it. No one asks the question, "I took a drive around yesterday closed to the public. 23 in favour of an operations centre Nation leaders are trying to coordinate 'how many ventilators are at the health evening and there was literally not a The municipality held a public meeting at the Liidlii Kue First Nation to respond to such a situation. centre.' vehicle moving and not a person walk- engagement session on COVID-19 band office. The band manager, vil- As for heath needs, Whelly said "It is almost like we don't want to ing around," said Whelly. "So I think with village councillors and Nahendeh lage manager and Whelly joined about the community expects it will be know the answer because it's probably people are trying pretty hard to do MLA Shane Thompson on March 16. a dozen people on a conference call pretty much on its own if a pandemic not good." that self-isolating and distancing and On March 23, the village activated its for about an hour and a half. strikes. Whelly remains hopeful, however, everything else." NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 15 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Don't forget to feed Fido Steve Anderson, a co-owner and manager at Super A Foods, said a variety of items have been in demand since public fears arose about coronavirus/COVID-19, including somewhat surprising things like dog food.

Assistance available for youth packages to those interested," states a bulletin on social media. provide information on support from their organizations and to NWT The Sunday school package includes a bible story along with a help shape plans and procedures. Children and youth throughout the North may be able to craft, lesson and gift bag. The Emergency Management Agency collects the information receive support during the current situation with COVID-19 Parents are encouraged to provide their address and the num- from the committee and provides to council for consideration. through Jordan's Principle and the Child First Initiative. ber of children in their household to the Norman Wells Commun- – Erin Steele "This could include (but is not limited to) products and servi- ity Church in order to have a package left at their door. ces such as: groceries or respite care," states a bulletin. – Erin Steele Counseling services available Supporting documentation will not be required for requests Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson stemming from the impact of COVID-19. This is to maintain Emergency measure bylaw While residents are practicing social distancing, the children social distancing practices by having families avoid going to doc- and youth of Fort Simpson will continue to have access to mental tors, schools, social workers and other professionals. and plan enacted health services thanks to the NWT Health and Social Services Jordan's Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative serves to Lli Goline/Norman Wells Authority. address any unmet health, social or education need, according to The Town of Norman Wells approved the updated Emergency "Counseling appointments will be scheduled and conducted the bulletin. Measures ByLaw and Plan during a special council meeting over the phone through this period of time," states a bulletin on – Erin Steele March 22. social media. "We are here for anyone who needs support through "The bylaw will allow us to put the measures in place to these difficult times, whether you have accessed service before or North-Wright Airways legally respond to the developing situation within the Northwest if this is your first time." Territories and our community," states a letter from the mayor. Phone appointments with the Community Counseling Pro- suspends service Roles and responsibilities for emergency management are gram will be scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday Sahtu Region broken down into three areas. to Friday. To help combat the spread of COVID-19 North-Wright Air- The Community Emergency Response Committee's role is to – Erin Steele ways has temporarily suspended all scheduled passenger flights in the Sahtu region. The suspension of service began March 25 and is scheduled to be in effect until April 13. "The time is now to close the connection from the Sahtu Region to Yellowknife. If we act fast and act early, we may be able to keep the virus out of our communities," states a bulletin on social media from the company. "Community leaders, along with North-Wright Airways, will reassess the situation on a weekly basis and will reopen the scheduled service when it is deemed safe to do so." – Erin Steele Hamlet announces changes Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence Select community services in Fort Providence will remain in place while the Hamlet of Fort Providence office closes. The hamlet office closed March 23 along with select hamlet facilities. The community hall, arena, and fire hall are closed to the public until further notice. Administrative staff and finance staff will continue to work from home. The Public Works Department will continue to provide water delivery, community fire protection and sewage collection along with garbage pick-up, road maintenance and landfill access. The changes come in response to the Chief Public Health Officer's recommendations for social distancing and minimizing person-to-person contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. – Erin Steele Church provides at-home Sunday school packages Lli Goline/Norman Wells Kids stuck at home in social isolation with their families now have a way to fight against the boredom thanks to the Norman Wells Community Church. "Due to church cancellations and COVID-19, the Norman Wells Community Church is dropping off at-home Sunday school 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 communities Hub residents heeding COVID call Kandis Jameson says Hay River is prepared for the challenge

by Paul Bickford "That's our message right now," Northern News Services she said. "We really, really are push- Hay River ing that people need to do self-iso- Hay River Mayor Kandis Jame- lation. You need to understand how son believes that most people in important this is for this commun- Hay River have heeded the call to ity, for the NWT and our health- respond to the COVID-19 crisis, care system." particularly by staying home unless In particular, she is pleased by absolutely necessary. the response to her call for non- "I believe our essential businesses community overall is to close. listening and doing Community "Most business- what they're sup- es have closed and posed to be doing," Report people are choosing she said on March to do the right thing 26. "Of course, you're for your family, for always going to have those that your community, for your country," think it's not a big deal -- 'people she said. are overreacting' -- that kind of Jameson noted that the Town NNSL file photo deal. But hopefully we can get more of Hay River itself is ready for Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson is pleased by residents' response to the COVID-19 crisis. information out to the public on why COVID-19. this is so important at this time to be "I think council and administra- "Hay River is prepared, of that Jameson. children. doing this." tion, we've been ahead of the game I have every, every, every faith that "We weren't going to be that "I think the world has slowed Jameson said that "absolutely" and hopefully still are," she said. we have done everything we can to community that looked back and down and we're going back to most people are following advice to "We've done a lot of preparation for try and mitigate the situation," she wished we'd started this two weeks basics," she said. stay at home, and it can be seen in this knowing that it was coming." said. "Our administration has really earlier. I think we're in a good place "And we need to use our imagin- the community. Jameson noted the town has had done some great work and they still as a community and I hope people ations as adults to keep these kids "When you're out and about, meetings with many people and are." just hunker down, do what we've got occupied. It's a great, great time to things have slowed down, defin- organizations – the NWT Associa- The municipality is satisfied to do now, and it will save us in the connect to family. Let's focus on the itely," she said. tion of Communities, Premier Caro- with the food supply in the com- long run. We know that." good, and we can work through the The mayor said everyone's prior- line Cochrane, territorial ministers, munity, she added. And as for families who are bad together. And I honestly think ity needs to be health, compassion representatives of the community's The Town of Hay River has now at home, Jameson suggested it's a huge opportunity to reconnect and caring for each other, not the health-care system, the RCMP and planned for and is continuing to they might consider getting back with your kids and reconnect with economy. others. provide essential services, said to basics to pass the time with their each other." communities NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 17 Inuvik bands together Caremongering Inuvik group swells to 476 people by Eric Bowling ones keep occupied. Northern News Services Others used it as a means to keep the Inuvik public aware of changes to services to help Offices are closed and arenas are empty, people cope, such as a notice from the Inuvik but Inuvik is bustling with good deeds as resi- Food Bank which noted the group was waving dents took to the internet to quickly offer their the $10 handling fee and offering home deliv- services for their neighbours in need. ery for Elders with mobility issues. Eduardo Just after lunch on March 17, Jonathon Lorenzo Wright of the Inuvik Native Band Michel created a Facebook group called Care- identified himself as the point of contact for mongering Inuvik. Within 48 the organization and offered hours it had swelled to 476 caribou meat for seniors, sin- members and counting. gle parent families, Elders and "I read a news article about Community health challenged individuals. Canadians in cities launch- All in all, Michel estimated ing caremongering Facebook Report the band of heroes had grown groups to spread care and acts to 15 and counting. of kindness to others in need of support. I Also available through the group are the thought it was a great idea," said Michel. GNWT and federal guides for self-monitoring "So many creative and caring offers for and self-isolation, as well as a set of guidelines support for people in self-isolation. Babysit- for helpers to follow to ensure safe handling ting is a huge one." practices – washing hands before handling Some residents in isolation have been able a delivery and minimizing how much time to get help getting walks shovelled and gro- is spent talking while making a delivery, for ceries delivered. One area in need mentioned example. Deliveries are also to be left at is is the need to connect with Elders via apps pre-determined location to prevent accidental screenshot sourced from Facebook like Facetime to keep people connected. exposure. Dog walkers are asked to use their Jonathan Michel, creator of the Caremongering Inuvik group on Facebook, Angel Simon offered to walk dogs, Melissa own leashes when walking pets. Rogers and her family baked bannock and "Another part of why I thought this page shares a PSA at Northmart in Inuvik about social distancing. donuts to give to those in need and Veronica would be good for the community is that it said Michel. to help and support each other during a chal- Kasook offered to help Elders and low-income promotes the social distancing and staying "If anybody has offers of ways that they lenging time. families with their taxes. Lastly, RCMP offi- home if you're sick, proper hand washing and can help or if they're stuck and they have a Hopefully people can feel less isolated and cer Stephanie Leduc has been distributing prevention advisories from the Chief Public need, this page might be a good resource for alone, while keeping up the physical social activity books and crayons to help the young Health Officers of the NWT and Canada," them. It is for a positive, safe and healthy way distancing." 'Cautious optimism' in Aklavik Ice road to Inuvik becomes lifeline to hamlet of nearly 600

by Eric Bowling Northern News Services Aklavik A few residents in Aklavik had inquired to hamlet senior administrative officer Fred Behr- ens about the possibility of shutting down the ice road to Inuvik to keep the COVID-19 virus out but Behrens said that is simply not possible. "One of my councillors went on Facebook this morning and mentioned something about closing the roads," he said. "So I had to go on there and say 'No, no, no, we can't do that. It's not in our authority.' "We can't close the road, its for us to get into Inuvik for food and such." He said the ice road is now effectively the lifeline for the community to bring in food, medicines and other sundries and if shut down, supplies would have to be airlifted into the community. That was probably the biggest issue that's come across Behrens' desk this week since all travel in and out of the Northwest Territories became restricted to essential travel only last Community week. He noted municipal services remain at full Report gusto and anyone who needs extra water is free to contact the municipality or the housing cor- NNSL file photo poration to make a request. Billing payments The Aklavik jamboree, also known as the Mad Trapper Rendezvous, took place March 29 to April 2 last year. The event have been delayed, though Behrens requests was cancelled for 2020 as a COVID-19 precaution. people who are overdue on their bills con- tact him to make arrangements to bring their the RCMP were wondering about a temporary stay occupied. school and of course her parents tried to go accounts back to the black. prohibition order, but there's no way we're going He noted getting the rules out to residents meet her at the airport," said Behrens. "But she Residents were on their own for arranging to do that," he said. "We don't have any type of was key, but he was happy with the measures was whisked away pretty fast apparently. But sports or other activities, however. restriction on if you can drink or not drink in being taken throughout the territory. they were able to scream at each other over long "Unfortunately we've had to close all our the community. An individual has the right do "There's definitely a lot less people walking distances." recreational facilities and my casual staff have whatever they want in the community." around this week than there was last week," he Overall, Behrens said there is an air of cau- been let go, though we only had a couple of With residents still trickling back in, par- said. "A lot of people are out at their camps, tious optimism. days left for them anyway," he said. "People can ticularly from schools, Behrens there is a small which takes a lot of the stress out of the people "There's definitely people who are worried, and have always cruised around town on their amount of apprehension in the community, but in the community. but with the actions the territorial government snowmobiles – with safe distancing and all the noted the required 14-days of isolation for any- "As long as people are in their camps, their are having, I think that has ease a lot of the rest of it." one coming back into the territory had largely pretty well isolated from everyone and every- concerns that small community members have Although it was suggested, Behrens said the put that to rest. thing." had," he said. hamlet is definitely not considering a ban on A brochure with information on how to He noted the community had four residents "If it hits a small community like ours, it alcohol during the crisis. Aklavik does not have protect oneself and loved ones was sent out currently in quarantine at the Mackenzie Hotel would be devastating. But if we can keep it out a liquor store. earlier in the week, along with exercise guides in Inuvik but all of them are students. with these measures, hopefully we will be in "When we declared the state of emergency and several colouring books to help the children "We had one lady just come back from for a good time instead of a bunch of sadness." 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Who is the GOAT of the NWT? A challenge to determine the greatest sports team of all time to ever come out of the NWT by James McCarthy in the final, 6-5. Northern News Services It was a win for the ages as the team NWT received an honour guard upon their return to You will have noticed there isn't much hap- Yellowknife Airport and a parade on Franklin pening in the world of sports right now. No Ave. live anything and no sports highlights to make Pitcher Leroy Eliason was named the fun of. So what's a sports writer to do? Easy: tournament's most valuable player and Greg you make something up. Vaydik made the tournament's all-star team. This isn't made up but it is an exercise to Again, this is my sentimental top seed but gauge the interest of the people. Who do you they're fifth for these purposes. think the best sports team to ever come out of No. 6 – 1976 and 1977 NWT firefighters the NWT is? That's what we're going to try and rink (Howard Brazeau, Dick Cisa- determine and by determine, we mean you. roski, Jim Schaefer, Mickey MacEachern) Over the next two issues, you will see There's a common misconception going the 16 choices made by myself, sports editor around that the 1983 Elks Corby Cup-winning James McCarthy for who should be con- rink skipped by Klaus Schoenne won the first sidered. The top eight seeds are contained national curling championship for the NWT. within this article with the next eight seeds the Wrong and the Fort Smith Fire Department following Monday. You will have a chance to will tell you why. choose and we'll give you the ways to vote in In 1976, the Fort Smith Fire Department the next edition of NWT News/North. represented the NWT at the Canadian Fire- fighters Curling Championship in Charlotte- For now, enjoy and see if you agree with photo courtesy of Sport North these: Some of the Yellowknife Junior Merchants congregate at the pitcher's circle town and went on to win the whole thing. No. 1 – 2014 NWT Rebels women's broom- Not to be outdone, they went again in 1977 ball team during a break in the action at the 1974 Canadian Junior Men's Softball Cham- to Ottawa and won that as well, successfully I know those of you who are in broomball pionship in Ottawa. The Merchants became the first team from the North to defending their title. That was the first time will be wondering why I chose the Rebels win a national championship of any kind in any sport when they beat Quebec a rink from the NWT won a national curling over the Yellowknife Ravens. Yes, they both in the final for the title. championship and it's almost forgotten. What won the world championship that year but the a shame because Howard Brazeau and his rink tiebreaker is the Rebels winning Team of the B.C., Saskatchewan, California and Arizona. Women's Classic and becoming the first team of Dick Cisaroski, Jim Schaefer and Mickey Year at the 2015 Sport North Awards. When they were done laying waste to whatever from the North to win a professional bonspiel. MacEachern deserve their moment. Jenny Crawford was named the tourna- was in front of them, they had played 62 tour- We won't talk about how the Scotties finished They are your sixth seeds. ment's most valuable player that year and also nament games – 59 wins, two regulation-time up for the ladies that year but it was a banner No. 7 – 1983 Elks Corby Cup champions made the tournament all-star team, as did Tina losses and one shootout loss. And they still year for the NWT and it made people really sit (Klaus Schoenne, Don Sian, Doug Bothamley, Locke-Setter. didn't win Team of the Year. up and take notice. Randy Waddell) I still say both teams should have shared Take a look at the names who have come Team Galusha is your fourth seed. Schoenne's rink does hold a first in curling the honour but since I don't decide that, the from that outfit: Jack Works, Liam Tereposky, No. 5 – 1974 Yellowknife Junior Merchants circles and that's the first rink from Yellow- Rebels come out on top because of that and Lonan Bulger, Anna MacCara, Sam Schofield, softball team knife to win a national bonspiel. will be your top seed. Ethan Anstey, Annie King. The ringleader? As much as I wanted to seed this team first The Elks 314 rink almost didn't make it into No. 2 – 2014 Yellowknife Ravens men's Who else: Dan Schofield. (both from a nostalgic point of view and I love the playoff round as they had to come through broomball team Impressive enough to earn the third seed in softball) I have to play by my own rules. a five-team tiebreaker just to get the final play- See above only seeded second. the bracket. The Merchants are the first of the national off spot and move into the semifinals. After No. 3 – 2013-2014 Yellowknife Wolfpack No. 4 – Team Galusha 2018-2019 curling championship teams to make it into the brack- beating B.C., Schoenne and company would peewee development hockey team rink et by virtue of being the very first team from beat Alberta to win the title and set off some How does the Wolfpack fit in to all of this, The first of our curling entries sees Kerry North of 60 to win a national championship kind of excitement. you may ask? Easy: one of the greatest seasons Galusha and her then-rink of Sarah Koltun, of any kind in any sport. They ran the table in Schoenne said the other teams felt they had ever seen by a minor hockey team representing and do the World the round-robin to advance to the playoffs but cheated because the championship was held in the capital. Curling Tour for the first time as a unit and lost to Ontario in the first round, meaning they The Wolfpack tore up the western portion found plenty of success that season. had to take the long route to win it by beating Please see page 19 of North America, winning tournaments left, They hit the pay window more than once, right and centre in places such as Alberta, capped off by victory at the Royal LePage Fall

photo courtesy of NWT Rebels The 2014 edition of the NWT Rebels women's broomball team won the World Women's Broomball Championship that year and are the top seeds for the Greatest Of All Time bracket tournament. The champs are, front row from left, Denise Pyke, Grace Lau-a, Kyra Powder, Sarah Elsasser, Danielle photo courtesy of Canadian Firefighters Curling Association Hawes and Terri-Lynn Locke-Setter; back row from left, Aki Iwase, Angela The Fort Smith Fire Department won back-to-back Canadian Firefighters Curl- Love, Janelle James, Adriana Zibolenova, Orla Tobin, Jenny Crawford, Martha ing Association championships in 1976 and 1977. They are, from left, Howard Goodman, Brenda Tittlemier and Tina Locke-Setter. Brazeau, Dick Cisaroski, Jim Schaefer and Mickey MacEachern. sports & recreation NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 19 Another Games gets shelved 2020 North American Indigenous Games postponed for one year due to COVID-19 by James McCarthy even if it means the delay of cil agreed upon was allowing Northern News Services something amazing," he said. athletes who would have aged NWT Aaron Wells, executive out the chance to come back Add another log to the fire, director of the Aboriginal and compete. The NAIG if you will, because there's Sports Circle of the NWT, sits Council and host society both another Games which won't on the NAIG Council as the agreed to raise the age limit be happening this year. NWT representative and said for each sport by one year to But unlike the Arctic the council had a conference allow for athletes who would Winter Games, which were call to discuss what was hap- have missed out a chance to gutted altogether, the North pening. play. American Indigenous Games "The chief public health For example, if a sport had (NAIG) still plans on having officer in Nova Scotia had U16 and U19 categories, they some semblance of competi- made the recommendation will now be bumped to U17 tion in a year's time. that we consider postponing and U20 respectively. The host society for the the Games for a year and Reid supports that idea. 2020 edition in Halifax and that's what was agreed to," he "We were lagging behind a the NAIG Council decided said. "Now, we work toward bit because we only had three to postpone the Games for 2021." sports where the athletes were one year, meaning everything The future of the Games picked but imagine the other will happen in 2021. The had been discussed for some jurisdictions who may have announcement was made on time before making the deci- photo courtesy of Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT had a lot of athletes already Wednesday morning through sion on Wednesday, he added, Team NWT is in place for the opening ceremony of the 2017 North American chosen," she said. "Involving a press release from the host and that there was still a Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Toronto. The territory will have to wait a year to sit them, even if they're just a society. small push to try and have the through another NAIG opening ceremony as the 2020 edition, scheduled for year older, is great." In the release, Tex Mar- Games happen in July. Halifax this coming July, has been postponed for at least one year due to the Wells said the next step is shall, the host society's presi- "The postponement is the COVID-19 threat. to tell the various territorial dent, stated that the collective lesser of two evils in a way," sports organizations (TSO) goal was to keep everyone he said. "There could have said the postponement was with our preparations but now sneaked up on them and they what will happen from here safe and healthy. been an outright cancellation, expected. we have some time to plan." had no choice but to cancel," on in. "To abide by the recom- like what happened with the "It was a matter of time," That's what makes this so she said. "We'll be getting lots of mendations and guidance of , but all she said. "We've seen how much different than the Arc- "We still had a few months questions from the TSO's the Nova Scotia government things considered, this is the everything has gone so far and tic Winter Games deal, she and now, we have an whole and we'll try and get them as and its health-care profession- best plan of action." you just can't take the risk. We added. year to make a plan and make many answers as we can," he als is critical to slowing and Jordee Reid is the chef de were still moving forward at "This wasn't like the Arc- sure we're totally ready." said. "I'm hoping to have more eliminating this pandemic, mission for Team NT and she the beginning of the month tic Winter Games, where it One thing the NAIG Coun- details (soon)." Champions of champions Sports Card curling

1257+:(677(55,725,(6

AGE: 14 Community: Inuvik Adrianna has been one of the finest young curlers to represent the NWT over the years. She competed at the 2019 Canada Winter Games as well at the Can- adian Juniors this past January, among adrianna Hendrick other appearances.

photo courtesy of Team Galusha Shona Barbour, left, Sarah Koltun, Kerry Galu- sha and Brittany Tran became the first team from the North to win a professional curling bonspiel when they won the 2018 Royal LePage Women's Fall Classic, a World Curling Tour event. Continued from page 18 Kevin Whitehead went to the 2008 championship in Rich- Yellowknife that year and the mond, B.C., and were the best only way they could have won team of the entire tourna- it was because of ill-gotten ment. gains. Sticking it to sore los- Yes, they won but did it in ers is always fun. style, running the table and Your seventh seeds for the going undefeated. bracket. No rink from the NWT No. 8 – 2008 NWT fire- has ever done that as a nation- fighters curling rink (Steve al competition and that is Moss, Chris Haichert, Ingo what makes this an impres- Bauer, Kevin Whitehead) sive victory. The NWT has won the Haichert has moved to Canadian Firefighters Curl- Saskatchewan since winning ing Championship three the title with the NWT and times. Brazeau won two and won the 2019 title with his here's the third. new province but he's part of Steve Moss and his rink of the no. 8 seed for this year's Chris Haichert, Ingo Bauer, bracket. 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 sports & recreation Who you got in the Belarus Premier League this season?

Northern News Services stations pay for said soccer action. If I was in Do you all have enough toilet paper? If charge of the league, I would be in talks with not, you can go win a roll at some restaurants anyone willing to pay my price. You want my around the world. product, it's the only thing going today and it Yes, some establishments have decided to fills broadcast blocks. What's it worth to you? have a bit of fun with the whole The other thing to think about Chicken Little-type deal with is sportsbooks, or gambling com- TP. You know those arcade-like panies. With no sports to lay bets games where you drop a claw and Sports on, they'll see this as a way to try to pick up a prize you know make a few bucks at least. It's not you'll never win? Well, some Talk the English Premier League or La owners have replaced the toys with James McCarthy Liga in Spain but it's soccer and with, yes, buttwipe. I had a laugh people will bet on it, if only to try when I saw the one restaurant and keep their sanity while they in Bridlington, England, which waste away in social distancing appears to be the first. Many others have fol- exercises. lowed suit and I think it's hilarious. You may In the meantime, pick your favourite team not but since exploding diarrhea isn't one of and cheer for them, if only for a season. This the symptoms of COVID-19, the need to stock is the only live sports action you're going to up on toilet paper escapes me. I'd like to stock see for weeks. I'm all about the underdog so up on foodstuffs more than worrying about I'm picking Smolevichi. They're a newly-pro- Wikimedia Commons photo how I'm going to clean myself. moted side. Dinamo Brest are the defending Alexander Lukashenko, left, president of Belarus, shakes hands with Volody- Anyway … champions but BATE Borisov has been the big myr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, during a meeting between the two in 2019. dog in the league for several years. Let's go … Smolevichi! Lukashenko isn't one to let something go too easily, even during a declared So the entire sports world has decided to Here's a stunner … pandemic, and that includes soccer. shut itself down so no one catches COVID-19. In perhaps the worst-kept secret going I get it but it's getting to be a bit too much. today, the International Olympic Committee and like everything else in the sports world, have been recent participants in a human form Thankfully, we have the Belarusian Premier has decided to postpone the Summer Olym- it would seem, we wait to see what happens. of Hungry Hungry Hippos. I kid thee not – League to keep us entertained. pics, which were set to happen in Tokyo, Japan The Games are now set to happen in 2021 and there's a video and it shows how the residents That's right – the top soccer league this July. Three guesses as to why. that just might throw off the rotation but who are sitting in wheelchairs with baskets on the in Russia minor is up and going with no Really, there was no way this was going cares? It's still going to happen, right? end of broomsticks, trying to catch balls, all regard to COVID-19 whatsoever. Alexander to go off as planned and leave it to Canada to while being pushed back and forth by the Lukashenko, the country's president (dictator, lead the way in telling the organizing commit- And finally … home's employees. If you've ever played Hun- depending on who you talk to), ordered the tee it wouldn't be sending a team to either the Good Idea: Seniors playing Human Hungry gry Hungry Hippos, you will understand why league to continue regardless of the situation Olympics itself or the Paralympics. Australia Hungry Hippos to pass the time while isolated this is probably the coolest thing you will see surrounding coronavirus. He figures more followed suit and it all went downhill from thanks to COVID-19. all day. people are going to die from the panic about there. Bad Idea: Why in the hell didn't we think For those of us who whine about having it the virus than the virus itself. The positives are obvious: athletes get of that? tough because we're under isolation, remember Games are going on with fans in the stands another year to train, Tokyo gets another year We're all doing our thing and trying to keep this: the old folks have it much tougher. They and it has me thinking: do you think sports to prepare for the influx of athletes and people our brains from going to mush while COVID- have no choice but to be shut-ins because they networks around the world have been secretly that will converge on the Japanese capital and 19 takes over the world. There's only so many are more susceptible to whatever COVID-19 trying to negotiate deals to broadcast this no having to worry about Russia sending its games of I Spy you can play with a four-year- rains down. The difference is that they know live? Don't think there hasn't been an overture athletes to screw around with drug testing. old before you begin to wonder if there really how to pass the time better than we ever will. or two from an outlet desperate for any live Everyone's a winner with this decision! is light at the end of the tunnel. If you needed a reminder of how much sports coverage it can get its hands on. This will become the first time an Olympic Leave it to the folks at the Bryn Celyn smarter they are than we ever will be, watch And the league probably knows the des- Games – winter or summer – has been post- Care Home in south Wales to come up with an the video. peration involved, meaning it can control what poned for reasons not related to war or conflict idea I wish I could do. The home's residents Until next time, folks … NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, March 30, 2020 21 22 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, March 30, 2020