Ban on indoor gatherings Outdoor gatherings limited to 10 people, some types of businesses ordered to close

1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Wrigley may barricade: chief Volume 74 Issue 49 MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020 $.95 (plus GST)

Eggs for seniors in Hay River

Behchoko bones up back-up health-care workers

Tulita holds radio funeral for beloved Elder

Birthday parades take hold in Hay River

Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Sandra Lester, vice-chair of the Hay River Seniors' Society, distributing 60 dozen eggs to seniors on April 2. The weekly donation from Polar Egg is for seniors staying at home because of the Covid-19 crisis.

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "We're sitting ducks here. We have no authority to govern our community."

7 71605 00200 2 –Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Erwin Elias says NWT residents should have to self-isolate before returning to the territory, not after, page 10. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 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 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. News Briefs Legislature to resume May 20 MLAs will return to the legislative assem- bly on May 20 after ending their sitting early to tackle Covid-19 in their respective constituen- cies last month. The legislative assembly is looking at differ- ent ways to reconvene, spokesperson Danielle Mager said over email. That could involve lim- iting the number of members in the chamber, or conducting business online. In the meantime, all 11 regular MLAs meet three times a week to teleconference as the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight. So far, the committee has passed several motions, including a request that the government enforce a formal pause on evic- tions and provide relief for Northern airlines. – Nick Pearce Inuvik men facing charges after crack-cocaine bust Inuvik At 1:54 a.m. April 1, police received a complaint about a disturbance at a residence on Boot Lake Road. Upon arriving at the residence, police discovered two men in pos- session of "Canadian currency and drug para- phernalia." NNSL file photo Police investigated the home and quickly discovered an undisclosed amount of crack- Territorial parks won't open cocaine in addition to the paraphernalia and Normally available for camping by reservation May 15, the NWT's territorial parks will remain closed until further money. notice. An announcement said the closures are a part of the territory's efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19. Walking "Inuvik RCMP is committed to keeping our trails within parks remain open but residents are asked to keep six feet apart and pick up after their pets. community safe and deterring crime," stated Staff Sgt. Grant Thom. "We will not tolerate outside drug dealers coming into our commun- ity to prey upon our vulnerable people." Adar Mahad Mohamed, 25, from Saskatoon, has been charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of pos- session of a controlled substance, one count of Indoor gatherings possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and three counts of fail to comply. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Yellowknife on April 5. Aaron Kay, 38, from Inuvik, faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and pos- session of property obtained by crime over banned in NWT $5,000. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Inuvik New restrictions on what businesses can operate, too on Aug. 31. by Simon Whitehouse this unprecedented threat." Friday's measures included closure orders – Eric Bowling Northern News Services Anything that brings together people who directed at tour operators, bars and night- NWT don't live together – including things like clubs, dine-in portions of restaurants, theatres, No commitment on internet The Government of the Northwest Ter- house parties, funerals, meetings, feasts, bon- gyms, fitness centres, art galleries, bottle ritories announced a ban Friday on all indoor fires, church services or team sports – will be depots and personal services establishments, overages break come May gatherings, effective the following day. banned Thom said. such as hair salons and spas. Northerners stuck inside during the Covid-19 The order came in a news conference led This was to take effect on Saturday, April pandemic may be streaming and binge-watching by Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public health 11 at noon. Kandola also banned any outdoor Strict measures on oil and gas, mines Tiger King without fear of exorbitant overage officer; , minister of Industry, gatherings of more than 10 people. There are also strict measures to be imple- fees for now but that luxury might not be avail- Tourism and Infrastructure; and , According to a news release issued Friday, mented on mining and oil and gas sites. able come May. minister of Health and Social Services. a gathering is defined as "a group of people This includes screening of transient work- Last month, internet provider Northwestel The three introduced increased emergency of any size who do not live in the same ers when they arrive in the NWT and when waived data overage fees for residential custom- measures to fight the spread of the corona- household who are not able to maintain social they depart, and follow-up calls with those ers until the end of April. The company also virus pandemic that took effect over the (physical) distance indoors." that leave the territory, Nokleby said. doubled internet usage caps in satellite com- weekend with legal enforcement for those that Kandola said the most important thing Nokleby added that southern workers munities, including Colville Lake, Gameti, Lut- do not comply. residents can do to stem the spread of Covid- would be segregated from Northern workers sel K’e, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Samba K’e, Earlier in the week, the GNWT announced 19 is to practice social distancing, or staying where possible. Ulukhaktok and Wekweeti. But it’s not clear its intent to back up its orders with an NWT six feet apart from others. This order came into effect Friday, April that the Bell Canada subsidiary will continue Compliance Taskforce. "We all need to keep our social circles 10 at noon. with the waiver. With Friday's emergency measures, offi- small," she said. "I recognize this is going to "The situation is evolving quickly across “As of today we have not made any addition- cials threatened that it will have the power be a huge adjustment for (NWT residents). It Canada which is why these additional meas- al applications to the Canadian Radio-television to "track down and investigate complaints" is not lost on me that this will affect mental ures announced today are needed," Nokleby and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) concerning violations of the Public Health Act health." said. on residential usage,” Andrew Anderson, North- or directives made by Kandola. She said people should get creative, point- "By implementing these measures we con- westel spokesperson Wednesday. "Our message has always been that public ing to churches holding online sermons, tinue to ensure the right precautions are in As of press time, a petition for affordable and health measures will get stronger before they groups of Facebook and virtual kitchen par- place from the risks of having southern transi- accessible internet launched by a Yellowknife let up," Thom said. ties. ent workers from entering the territory." resident had garnered 1,025 signatures, and "With the leadership of the Chief Public "Go outdoors," she said. "This is a healthy As of the end of day Friday, there were five increased its initial goal of 1,000 to 1,500. Health Officer we have moved forward with way to decrease stress." confirmed cases in the territory with 1,397 The CRTC has declared high-speed internet some of the most aggressive policies in the "We are in this for months, not weeks, and completed tests. Of those there were 1,392 an essential service, vital to one’s quality of life," country. if we're not all on the same team, it could be that were negative, according to the Depart- Melaw Nakeh'ko, the petition author, wrote. "While we provided advice weeks ago, we much longer," Thom said. ment of Health and Social Services website. – Blair McBride are confident that it is necessary to put legal To those who ignore these new orders and To date are also 77 tests pending and one weight behind these measures to respond to measures, Thom said: "We're coming for you." recovered case. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 communities Scant services leave Wrigley vulnerable 'As soon as there's a case in Simpson we'll barricade ourselves,' chief says by Blair McBride in Wrigley have been tested moose. They keep away from Northern News Services for Covid-19. The support town. It keeps them busy. Wrigley/NWT worker in the health centre But I tell them when they're For residents of Wrigley, administers the tests. out there they have to keep their main connection to the Moses said everyone their distance, they can't hud- outside world is the Macken- seems healthy for now. dle up together. They know zie Highway, which ends at "The health authority has and they're doing their part. their small community. given (medic- I tell them to And if Covid-19 reaches al) gear to the be careful," here, residents know the support work- Community Moses said. silent enemy will probably er. As soon Some fam- come via the all-season road. as someone Report ilies have gone "We barely get any reports they're out on the visitors," Chief Maurice getting sick land but the Moses told News/North. ... people could quarantine chief said other families are But while that fact helps themselves until test results waiting until the community protect Wrigley – or Pedzéh are back. I already told the receives its share of the $2.6 Kı in the Dene language – Dene Nation in our last meet- million earmarked by Ottawa against coronavirus, the com- NNSL file photo ing that there should be (a for transportation, fuel, food, munity's remoteness is also The small community of Wrigley sits on the east bank of the Mackenzie River. doctor) here full-time just to and medical equipment for its vulnerability because be on the safe side." NWT Indigenous people who there are no doctors, nurses the chief said. the community is taking elsewhere. It's coming. Hope- Most residents pass the want to self-isolate on the or stores there. Moses is well aware of social distancing seriously. fully everyone takes care of time inside their homes. land. "I think this weekend Wrigley's vulnerability and "Everyone phones one themselves because it's pretty Others go hunting. Wrigley is a member of the we're sending out some hunt- said the community will take another. We don't socialize serious. It's a serious virus." The youth, like the chief's Dehcho First Nation, which is ers and they're going to see if extra precautions to guard anymore. We only have one Wrigley's school is closed two sons, play online video among the designated recipi- they can get some moose for against the pandemic. staff member in the band and the only public place games. ents of the funding. the community and some fish "As soon as there's a case office (now), who does the still open is the health centre, When his boys aren't play- "Our people want to go so we don't have to rely on the in Simpson we'll barricade mail. Everyone has quaran- which has maintained regu- ing inside they also hunt. back on the land but there's Northern Store. We have to ourselves," he said. tined themselves," Moses lar hours and is staffed by a "They're steady out on the just no funding and it's sure go to Fort Simpson for gro- Even with its small popu- said. "We know there are health support worker. land. They go out as a group taking its time to come," ceries," a 220-km drive away, lation of about 120 people, cases in Yellowknife and A small number of people to the islands and look for Moses said. communities NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 5 Behchoko training backup staff

NNSL file photo The municipality of Behchoko is training backup staff in case some essential workers are stricken with Covid-19 and unable to report for duty. Hamlet prepares in case health-care workers fall ill by Simon Whitehouse Last week, the community was started about three weeks ago. The nizing that there may be a periodic this week into next week and if we Northern News Services the last office in the territory to still four communities have been meet- interruptions on the supply chain," he can get products onto the shelf with- Behchoko/NWT offer motor vehicle services. ing twice weekly with representatives said, "but so far we have been doing out panic buying then we might be Behchoko's municipal adminis- The municipal office has also from the Tłıcho Community Services well here." able to reduce panic overall and it tration is working to ensure basic been closed to the public and work Agency, the Tłıcho Government, and However, due to difficulty in will ease the outages," she said. essential services can still function hours for staff have been reduced to the Tłıcho Investment Corporation getting people to follow health and Taking health and safety seriously if Covid-19 reaches the community. four hours a day from eight. to share information and keep up to safety guidelines, the local Northern Even as local facilities have "Behchoko has both above-ground Behchoko's administration is date on how they are responding to store is cutting back hours. closed, including schools, and muni- and underground water services, so in daily contact with the GNWT's the pandemic. "I think the Northern store is cipal services have been reduced, we are looking at how do we main- Department of Municipal and Com- "I am so impressed with how folks doing the best they can to disperse Baran said there are some in the tain services during the time of a munity Affairs (MACA) for daily in Behchoko and the Tlicho agencies people and reduce the number of community who are still not taking pandemic when we may lose 30 per reports on the status of the corona- have been working in cooperation," people in the store," said Baran. the risk of the coronavirus seriously. cent of our workforce," said Larry virus in the NWT and has also enlist- said Baran. "It has not been seam- "I just got an email Saturday from "I don't know that everyone really Baran, interim senior administrative ed assistance with emergency plan- less but we are watching out for one the store saying they were going to appreciates how serious the situa- officer. "They may be sick ning. another. reduce the hours and start closing tion is," he said. "I am dealing with or have to stay home to With the "I think each one is finding little store on Sunday because the stress on emergency responders everyday that take care of family who are Community closing of blind spots in one another's approach- the staff. They are trying to do work recognize seriousness of this situa- sick, so we started a pro- Ekati and Dia- es that we may not have been able but also at the same time trying to tion and recognize the importance of cess of job shadowing and Report vik Mines last to see otherwise. As a result, we are correct people and it is creating some everyday we have that we don't have ramping up backup staff. month, Baran covering more bases and using our concerns there." to respond to Covid in the commun- "They are not on-call but physic- said there have been mine workers joint resources a lot more effectively." Anna Sahadat, store manager of ity -- that these are precious times for ally working with full-time staff so who have returned to the community the Northern Store in Behchoko said us to prepare ourselves. that if we do lose somebody, we can and brought their talents home with Food security that buying patterns have stabilized "We see it downtown, where you slide somebody in right away." them – things such as heavy equip- Behchoko, with a population of over the last week, but there has been will be driving and you see four Water, sewer and garbage collec- ment and machinery operations skills approximately 1,875 people, has a panic buying since early March. or five people wandering together tion remain high priorities and Baran that can be useful in the community. Northern Store, unlike the other three "I can't believe it has only been a and almost leaning on each other," was adamant that no one is getting communities which have food stores few weeks since this was exploding he said. "They don't recognize the cut off from service, even if residents Community connections run by the Tlicho Investment Cor- and it feels like several months," she importance of keeping that distance have outstanding accounts. Baran said Behchoko, which lies poration. said. "We did see quite a bit of panic or staying at home. "We want people to do extra hand- northwest of Yellowknife on High- Baran said like many other north- buying. We did institute limits on key Alcohol concerns washing, extra cleaning and laundry, way 3, has also been working closely ern communities, there were initial items so that of those key items are During the first weekend of April, so we want to make sure that water is with the other three communities worries about panic buying that spread out across households instead the Dene Nation sent a motion to the not an issue," he said. under the Tłıcho government – Gam- cleaned out food and cleaning and of one or two houses hoarding." Premier request- Other municipal services have eti, Whati and Wekweeti. So far, he emergency supplies quickly. He has Sahadat said the store has lim- ing that restrictions be put in place wound down over the last few weeks. said he has been impressed with how been in constant contact with the ited hours because of staff shortages. on alcohol territorially during the "The first thing here that took a all representatives have been working Northern store's regional manage- There have been cases where staff pandemic. hit was the recreation programs," the together during these extraordinary ment in regards to food cycles and have travelling out of the territory Baran pointed out that Behchoko interim SAO said. "That was hard to times. supply chains. in early last March and had to self- is the only one of the four com- shut down but we had to deal with it Tłıcho inter-agency meetings "They're stocking up the ware- isolate upon returning. munities that has allowed alcohol because of social distancing issues." involving the regional communities houses with the intention in recog- Several health and safety meas- consumption since lifting the liquor ures have been put in place including ban in December 2016. mandatory hand washing for staff. This week the community is revis- Cashiers must take 15 minute breaks iting the issue as many communities to sanitize while grocery clerks must across the North are finding that break every half hour. alcohol consumption can fuel public "Those working in our back room gatherings – something the GNWT is and doing grocery shelving are a little trying to avoid during the pandemic. less exposed to our customer base," "There are some council members she explained. who would like to see prohibition Sahadat said she is in constant restored or at least something tem- contact with the community govern- porarily put in place because they ment and the Tlicho government on were concerned about drug and alco- food security, but items that have hol abuse happening right now at a been short due to panic buying – toi- difficult time in history," Baran said. let paper, flour and disinfectant wipes "If everyone would go home to get – have been slowly replenishing. drunk that would be one thing – they Google image "I think if we can continue with would be maintaining social distan- Store shelves are staying stocked in Behchoko, says SAO Larry Baran. the normalized pattern that we saw cing." 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 communities In whisper-quiet Whati, Elders miss mass, encourage prayer Flight schedules reduced, offices and buildings closed by Blair McBride available from the federal govern- Northern News Services ment. We have staff working with Whati/NWT these people." The community of Whati, There is no full-time doctor in about 165 kilometres northwest of Whati but the full-time nurses in the Yellowknife, has become a quieter health centre are doing well for now, place as most residents stay home Nitsiza said. during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tlicho Community Servic- "I drive around now and I hard- es Agency, based in Behchoko has ly see anyone out walking," Chief plans in place to send out the proper Alfonz Nitsiza said. medical personnel in case there is "I see some (young people) go an outbreak. out to the lake and they check their Still, residents are aware of (fishing) nets. I've seen some snow- their vulnerability in case the virus mobiles around. (But) there's not reaches Whati and there is fear in the community of what could hap- much to be done except stay at NNSL file photo home." pen. Several families have gone out onto the land and to cabins that are on the islands on Lac la "With social media people are Several families have gone out Martre, according to Whati Chief Alfonz Nitsiza. onto the land and to cabins that are scared all the time. Because of this on the islands on Lac la Martre. Offices and public places in the going for meetings but they're all Residents are also staying home virus, things are happening every "They come back for a while and Tlicho community of about 500 done by teleconferences now," the because several were laid off from week and every day and every hour. then they go back out," Nitsiza said. people are closed except for the chief said. their jobs in the dia- People are really trying to listen and "We have people helping others with local store and health centre, which In normal times, mond mines. Diavik, expecting some change. gas and food that they want to take has reduced its hours. Whati residents Community Gahcho Kue and "Especially hearing from the out onto the land." While access to other communi- would use the winter Ekati have all sus- Elders when there's no church ser- The First Nation has been tell- ties is maintained through the ice road to stock up on Report pended or reduced vice in the community on Sun- ing residents to stay home, to con- road, the closure of most offices food in Yellowknife operations as a pan- days. It's hard for them to take that stantly wash their hands and it has in Whati and elsewhere has led to and sometimes in demic safeguard, and because the Elders pray a lot. On programs to deliver food to homes a reduction in the flight schedules. Edmonton to "take off the pressure sent home workers. Fridays we used to gather for rosary when necessary. "We had scheduled flights six on the local store," Nitsiza said. "More than 10 people were laid prayers in the evening. That's not "We've been talking on the radio days a week, sometimes twice a For now the store remains well- off from Dominion and Gahcho happening. That really says a lot in our language and giving them day but now they've decreased them stocked and the Tlicho regional Kue and Diavik and they're not get- about the seriousness of what's hap- updates on how serious this virus to three flights per week. All the government has stepped in to help ting paid from the mine. We're help- pening. (The Elders) advise young is. We don't know how long this services are down. There were a lot ensure there is sufficient food by ing those employees to get access to people to pray more until this thing will last." of government people coming and sending in food hampers. EI and other money that might be passes." communities NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 7 Pandemic helps bring Tulita families together Young and old trying to keep busy with activities

by Blair McBride Northern News Services Tulita/NWT The threat of Covid-19 has moved the com- munity of Tulita to look inside itself for strength during this difficult time. After the winter road closed on March 20, the Sahtu hamlet of about 500 people became effectively isolated except for a few flights a week. The first barge is scheduled to arrive along the Mackenzie River in July, deputy mayor Janet Bayha told News/North. This quiet, remote community facing the Mackenzie Mountains found itself in uncharted territory as the pandemic escalated. "Everything happened so fast and suddenly there was a state of emergency," said Bayha. The hamlet dusted off its old flu pandemic emergency plan and designated the Tulita Com- munity Arena as the triage location where people would be isolated if they're infected with coronavirus. Local hotels would also be used as isolation spots for families in case of an outbreak.

New reality for community Bayha said "reality kicked in maybe two weeks ago" when residents understood the ser- iousness of the pandemic. "We're realizing that everything is shut down, there's got to be a reason why these things are shut down." The surreal nature of the pandemic was particularly brought home when a 97-year-old resident recently passed away. In line with social photo courtesy of Kimberly Mary Stewart distancing protocols, and because Tulita's two The Covid-19 pandemic has helped to bring the residents of Tulita together as a community, says deputy mayor Janet churches were already closed, a funeral service Bayha. was held over the radio. Four or five people carried out the burial in prayers in English and Slavey on the radio at 11 they come in for the charter services. One is to experience life on the land with schools the graveyard while other mourners watched the a.m. and 7 p.m. how many employees are coming, where they're closed. scene from a distance inside their vehicles. The Northern Store has reduced its hours coming in from, when they're coming." "Everybody is saying this is a really good "It was very different than usual. Families and is now open from noon to 5 p.m. To facili- chance to take all of their kids out onto the land had to stay apart and we couldn't go to the burial tate social distancing, the retailer only allows Out on the land and practise our traditional ways. That way they site to pay our last respects," said Bayha. "This only 20 customers inside at once. Residents are coping well with social distan- can fall back on the survival skills and provide was a learning as-we-go experience. The hardest For the past two weeks the store has been cing even though they find it difficult to avoid for the community and bring back fish and meat part is because he was an Elder, not paying our running out of bread, milk and eggs because socializing in such a small place. to the community." last respects to that man." of lesser amounts of those items on plane ship- But Bayha said the safest place for people to Trips to the bush will also take pressure ments, Bayha said. be is out on the land. off the hamlet through fewer trips to the store, Relying on radio "There's fear out there and confusion about "Families are all by themselves. Basically reduced water delivery and less need for gar- Despite its isolation and running out but we were told by you live your life out there. Freedom by your- bage services. But whether people are outside unfamiliarity with such an the Northern manager that he's self. You rarely get sick in the bush. There's no or inside, Bayha said the pandemic has brought abnormal state of affairs, Tulita Community trying to get all we need. Now interaction with other community members, and families together. is still running its nursing sta- we get deliveries only twice a you're doing daily exercise, daily outings, eating "A lot of people are pretty relaxed (and) tion, RCMP outpost, hamlet Report week, but there is fear that the your traditional food that's all healthy. It's the understanding. The kids have been very good. office, water treatment plant, planes might not come. That's healthiest place." They've been home with their families. Fam- garbage services and Northern Store. why people are stocking up on things. We have About 10 families are preparing to go out ilies are liking that they're staying home with Hamlet authorities are making efforts to lots of Kleenex and paper towels but the bread, and more children than usual will get a chance families." keep people busy, with the local radio station as milk and eggs are going fast." a key medium of communication. "Our recreation department has been doing a Medical preparedness lot of activities at home with the kids, the elderly There are no health professionals stationed and the public," said Bayha. "We're coming up permanently in Tulita. Three nurses come up with projects for them to do at home, like paint- for six-week rotations and doctors come through ing windows, Easter drawings, short stories, every three months. sculptures outside their houses. And we're trying "Since the pandemic started the doctors to do our traditional sewing, and arts with our haven't come yet. But the nurses agreed to stay youth and Elders. another six weeks because they're worried about the community and they don't want new people Daily radio shows coming in," Bayha said. "And we're recording Elders telling stor- The nurses have Covid-19 test swab kits and ies about decades ago and the pandemics in at least one person has been tested so far. the 1920s. We're thinking about the kinds of "They're only testing people who have ser- projects we can do for our history and projects ious symptoms," said Bayha. we can use for the future, with Elders speaking Hamlet officials are working on plans to about them. begin screening visitors at the airport. Bayha "We're doing daily radio shows with a Covid said most people flying into the community co-ordinator we hired – in English and Slavey have been cooperative and respectful. – with updates on the community with what's "They've been very good at sending the happening. And keeping them engaged with community their manifest and asking if it's OK contests and giving out prizes of cleaning sup- to come in," she said. "At the hamlet we put in plies and gift cards for the Northern Store." an essential service charter flight protocol. We With the churches closed, people lead daily ask them a whole bunch of questions before 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 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] Website: www.nnsl.com/kivalliqnews

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Subscriptions: interest and privacy during the pan- We say: Hence, the GNWT’s decision not to One year mail $90 demic. secrecy a challenge Online (entire content) $50/year name communities. While the GNWT has taken the But while Kandola’s stance is position of not identifying the home hard to argue with, it is challenged argument for refraining from nam- NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED community of a person infected by the speed at which information 100% Northern owned and operated with the coronavirus, officials in ing a community where a case has Publishers of: spreads over the internet and social Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub Nunavut declared April 8 that they been confirmed. media in particular. NWT News/North • Nunavut News/North Member of: would. It’s also about avoiding panic, and It took less than 12 hours for the Canadian Community Newspapers Association Nunavut’s argument was about harm. Ontario Community Newspapers Association territory to learn the single NWT Manitoba Community Newspapers Association Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association avoiding panic. As the territory has seen in recent case coming from a small commun- Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils "If we announce it and just that days, some communities are tak- ity was in Fort Resolution. Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Contents copyright – printed in the North it's somewhere in the territory, there ing matters into their own hands, (As of April 10, there are five by Canarctic Graphics Limited will be 25 communities of people erecting barricades, announcing cases in the territory, three in We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons who are very concerned and feeling warnings – as occurred in Lutsel K’e financial support of l'appui financier du Yellowknife, one in Inuvik). the Government of gouvernement du the urge or the need to get tested or where residents have been advised Once people in the community Canada. Canada. at least assessed at the health cen- that snowmobiles will be seized if began taking to Facebook, includ- Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council tres," Dr. Michael Patterson, Nuna- residents don’t respect isolation was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public ing Deninu Kue chief Louis Balsillie, and press alike, and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints vut's chief public health officer, said, measures. from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and pub- that was it. We’re in a democracy lishing news, opinion and advertising. according to the CBC. Communities are right to be after all, and secrets to don’t keep Complaints should go to: The Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706 Toronto, Ont., "By identifying the community concerned and it’s understand- well in an open society such as ours. M5B 1J3 Email: [email protected] Fax: 1-416-340-8724 where it is without any of the other able they will want to take steps This is the needle the chief public www.ontpress.com specifics, we have the ability to shift to protect themselves. But it’s also health officer will have to thread – staff into that community to do the easy to see how announcing cases Send us your comments aim for discretion and privacy where Email us at: [email protected] with the subject work that needs to be done without in small communities where most able but be prepared for word to line "My opinion"; or send mail to News/North at Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at overloading the other communities." people know each other can quickly get out and deal with the aftermath our office at 5108-50 Street. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime That’s solid reasoning. But NWT devolve into a witch hunt as com- once it does. telephone number. We will do our best to ensure that letters submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday are printed in chief public health officer Dr. Kami munity members try to surmise who So far so good. Here’s hoping it Monday's News/North. Kandola also makes a compelling among them has the illness. This stays that way. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 9 A new way

to DIE!Northern News Services One of the main aims of Dene Nation presi- Friends, this is the way author and film- dent Norman Yakeleya is for a Dene Reunion, maker Raymond Yakeleya says his to find out about and at least make a uncle Johnny Lennie recalls the record of our People. devastating 1928 flu epidemic. As it is you will have no problem As related in his about-to-be- finding Dene all the way from the released book, We Remember northern Alaskan coast all the way the Coming of the Whiteman, south to the Mexican border. this happened in Tulita, but was One of our long-forgotten rela- a familiar tragedy all along the tives, though, are the Kets, in Siber- Duhogah, Mackenzie River. ian Russia. Word is they speak a One figure puts the Indigenous language very similar to ours. death at a range of from 10 to 15 per I have been to that very area a cent! This is a great number, given total of five times, from the early our relatively small population. 2000's, when the Government of the The travel vessel, Distributor, MOUNTAIN NWT took part in Siberfest, an event was responsible for the way young View for the circumpolar native Peoples. men were kept busy, just digging I personally believe there is a graves. Antoine Mountain is a very strong connection to the Kets, Dene artist and writer I have a house right next to an originally from Radilih because on a tour of the Siberian Rus- old graveyard which was set up Koe'/Fort Good Hope. sia/Mongolian border country I had a He can be reached right at the time, to take care of the at: amountainarts.com. total of five déjà vu's, and one right at overflow of the dead. There are no the gates to the dwelling of a famed individual markers, so they must shaman's son! have been simply dropped into a mass grave. Raymond Yakeleys's new book also began mountains, back to the river! will be the focus of my work with the young The way I heard it the chief at the time as a reworked version of his Seventies film, The Both Raymond and I feel that the youth of people of Radelie Koe, Fort Good Hope, this ordered all the men to go out on the land, col- Last Mooseskin Boat. today need these ways to help preserve their coming summer. lecting bodies which needed burial. Those times are also included in my first Dene identity. For now, we should be truly grateful for I have been in touch with Raymond Yake- book, From Bear Rock Mountain; The Life and My Indigenous PhD Studies also includes those like Raymond Yakeleya, who in their way leya over the last several months, for a project Times of a Dene Residential School Survivor. It this major purpose as its research proposal. bring yesterday back to the light of day. Mahsi, with much the same goal in mind as his book. was some wild ride, let me tell you, out of the Indeed, our traditional Dene Burial customs thank you.

We asked you! with Eric Bowling

[email protected]

"How are you coping with self-isolation?"

Mickey Andre: Dreydin Chilson: Arianna Cardinal: "No one on the streets "Pretty bad and pretty "I've been coping by to talk to. Just like old good. Finding fun making bracelets, days, everyone's out in things to do, but bored watching golden girls, the bush getting ready all the time too. playing outside and for spring hunt." sliding."

Faye d'Eon-Eggertson: Sarah Reindeer- "Bread making seems Brooks: to be a big quarantine "Her mom Stacey Lawrence Norbert: hobby, I've heard there Reindeer had her head "I waited all afternoon are flour and yeast bowed to pray during for the parking lot shortages all over the our little radio station social distance gather- Eric Bowling/NNSL photo place. I'm not normally Palm Sunday service. ing down by Mackenzie Caremongering in Inuvik a 'take photos of food' I looked up at her and River ice road crossing Mike Lee shows off care packages he put together for the Inuvik Warming Cen- person, but isolation saw her like this copy- but no one came … " tre April 3. Lee assembled the packages from a variety of donors assembled brings out a weird side ing me to pray. So cute through the Caremongering Inuvik Facebook group. of people " I thought." 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 news Isolation should be done outside NWT, says Tuktoyaktuk mayor

Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Erwin Elias is call- ing on further restrictions to people com- ing into the Northwest Ter- ritories after a report of a case of the Covid-19 virus in Inuvik. photo courtesy of Annangoniak Mangelana

Cites Nunavut's lack of cases as direction NWT should follow by Eric Bowling ritory back until they have completed a period April 3. "We're sitting ducks here. We have no we want you to stay in your house and social Northern News Services of self-isolation in wake of revelations a case of authority to govern our community. distance.' Tuktoyaktuk Covid-19 in Inuvik earlier this week. "One of the big problems we're having is "Does that make sense?" Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Erwin Elias is calling "I don't think it's a shock here. Everybody they're allowing people with a high poten- A news release Friday evening from Nun- for the government of the knows this was bound to happen the way the tial of being infected in from the south and akput MLA said he supported to stop allowing people who have left the ter- system is set up with the GNWT," he said on they're isolating in the North. Why would we Elias' requests. ever allow anyone to come in from the south "We cannot afford to allow the spread of whether they be residents or not? Why can't this virus into the communities. If this hap- they isolate before they board the plane? I don't pens, lives will be lost. I support the Mayors understand why they want to bring infected 100 per cent in their request for stricter mea- people into the North and put them in a hotel sures," said Jacobson. in Inuvik – why can't they put them in a hotel "The GNWT must halt all travel into and in Edmonton?" between the smaller communities, except for Noting that Nunavut cut out all travel and those transporting necessities. Any residents has not had a single case to date, Elias said returning to their home communities at this the GNWT was limiting the ability of local point in time should be required to produce governments to respond to the crisis by allow- written medical clearance. No one else should ing potential carriers of the virus back into the be allowed in. Period." territory. A second change Elias is calling for is a He said by the time someone is self-isolat- restriction on liquor sales – not to prevent ing in their home, it's too late. people from being able to buy it, but to limit "If you're going to Nunavut, you have to the volume being purchased by bootleggers to isolate in Winnipeg or Ottawa before entering. re-sell. I'm saying we have to do that in the North- He said there was a serious concern in the west Territories too," said Elias. "You should community about the virus being spread by not be allowed on the plane unless you have unauthorized liquor sales and suggested a limit documentation saying you were isolated for on volume being purchased would stop them two weeks. in their tracks.

All cases related to travel Restrict the liquor: mayor "On March 20, there were zero cases in "There has to be a restriction at the liquor the Northwest Territories. The only way we've store," he said. "It shouldn't be shut down, received cases is we've allowed them to fly in because there are people who need it and without isolation from Edmonton and White- that would cause other problems, but you can horse." restrict it and the only people you're going to Elias said he sympathized with the long hurt is the bootleggers, which is not a big deal hours GNWT employees were working and right now. understood everyone was trying their best, but "The people that are in need of it shouldn't said the current strategy was showing to not be be cut off, but if you restrict it to a 40 and effective at keeping the virus out and should be a flat or something like that, you'll hurt the reassessed and quickly. bootlegger, which is OK. Right now, people are But he says he's becoming frustrated with loading up the back of their truck and they're being told to just self-isolate while the problem driving out to communities and taking advan- seemingly gets worse. tage of this crisis." "When I brought it up they started talking A special council meeting has been sched- about the work fields in Norman Wells, but I'm uled for Monday, April 6. talking about everyone," he said. "Everybody On the agenda for the meeting are water by now should have known that they shouldn't and sewer contribution agreements, operations have left the North to begin with a month ago, and maintenance contribution agreements, at least. Everybody was warned that this was approval of minutes and financial statements, going to take place, and if you're stuck in the a temporary prohibition order and passing the south, then that's your decision at the time. 2020-2021 hamlet budget. It is closed to the "It's frustrating. The GNWT is telling us public. 'Go sit in your house and isolate because we're On April 7, a checkstop was established going to bring people in who might be infected, on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway to prevent and we're going to continue to bring them in, so unauthorized visitors from entering the hamlet. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 11 Drive-through Covid-19 testing expands in NWT Point-of-care tests underway, could vastly reduce results wait times

by Blair McBride the Northwest Territories Northern News Services Health and Social Services NWT Authority (NWTHSSA) has More Covid-19 drive- not deemed it necessary to through swab test sites are set up outside tents staffed setting up across the NWT in by medical personnel, like in an effort to meet the needs of Yelllowknife. territorial residents. "All sites noted have In addition to the drive- expressed that they do not through testing tent in Yellow- have significant wait times knife, health authorities have and are meeting demand," the installed similar sites in Beh- spokesperson said. choko and Fort Smith. According to the Depart- "Behchoko has an in-car ment of Health and Social screening service where you Services (HSS), more than call the health centre and 1,160 tests have been admin- the nurse meets you in the istered, most of them in parking lot for screening," a Yellowknife, as of Friday. GNWT spokesperson told NNSL Media. Test results turnaround It is open Monday to Fri- concerns day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and The time elapsed while test there is after hours and on- results are being processed is call weekend support. a source of anxiety for people Fort Smith has an off-site because even if they're not Paul Bickford/NNSL photo screening spot and an in-car showing serious symptoms Drive-through swab test sites for Covid-19 are expanding across the NWT. screening service is in the they might be inadvertently at works. Its services have the risk of spreading coronavirus. lab in Alberta. But sometimes explained to reporters during one test that's already been ting. Those would drastically same hours as Behchoko, The HSS said it takes up to it's more than (four days), a teleconference on April 9. approved in both countries reduce the turnaround time." as well as on weekends and one week for test results to be sometimes it's less. It depends "There are exciting and there's another test that's The federal govern- statutory holidays from noon known. Swabs must be sent to on where the swab is coming developments in technology," just been approved in the US. ment has invested more than to 4 p.m. a laboratory in Alberta. from and how many sam- Wong said, referring to point- And there are other test kits $300 million in research to "Inuvik has an off-site A senior medical official ples the lab is processing," of-care tests that take a blood being actively evaluated by the enhance the medical response screening location in the with the NWTHSSA told a said Dr. Sarah Cook, terri- sample and require as little as regulators in both countries. to Covid-19, according to a Legion, if demand necessi- teleconference on April 8 that torial medical director with 15 minutes to process results. "Once those are commer- government news release on tates they could quickly adapt one factor behind the time lag NWTHSSA. These would be less need to cially available in sufficient Thursday. to a drive-thru model," the is a backlog at the Alberta lab. But faster test turnaround send samples to off-site labs. quantity those would be tre- There are four point-of- spokesperson said. "The average is still four times could be in sight, as Dr. "There are point-of-care mendously helpful if both test care projects underway at As there are lower vol- days but there is variability. Tom Wong, Chief Medical test kits as we speak that have kits can be used in a clinic Canadian universities and umes of people seeking to be We know they're working 24 Officer of Public Health for been approved in the United setting, in a doctor's office receiving a total of $2.9 mil- tested in those communities, hours a day at the provincial Indigenous Services Canada States and Canada. There's setting, in a nurses station set- lion in federal investment. Workers commission extends assessment payment deadlines until later this year Measure gives relief to employers affected by pandemic by Blair McBride WSCC president and CEO. Northern News Services Employers currently registered NWT with the WSCC can switch to two The Workers' Safety and Com- equal installments paid in August pensation Commission (WSCC) has and October 2020 of this year. extended assessment payment dead- Renee Comeau, executive direc- lines until the summer for employ- tor of the NWT Chamber of Com- ers unable to make their payments merce, said the chamber supports because of the Covid-19 pandemic. the WSCC's payment measures. Late payment interest charges "It's a good initiative to assist are also suspended, the commission business in keeping business going said in a news release on April 8. in the short term," she said. Effective April 1 the new dead- The measures don't apply to the line is Aug. 1, 2020. GNWT and the Government of The payments comprise employ- Nunavut which remain on a four- ers' annual contributions to the installment schedule. Workers' Protection Fund to cover "All employers with changes work-related injury and illness to their workforce as a result of costs. Covid-19 are encouraged to look at The amounts vary depending on their payroll and submit a revised the annual assessment base rate for estimate to the WSCC for their employers subclass or industry and 2020 assessable payroll as soon as payroll estimates for the year. possible," Molloy said. "The purpose of these changes "Estimated payroll includes pay- is to give extra time to employers roll for workers, casual labourers, to adjust their payroll estimates for and any contractors you are cover- 2020 and to make their payments ing for work taking place in the Blair McBride/NNSL photo later in the year without facing Northwest Territories and/or Nuna- The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) has extended the assessment any penalties," said Debbie Molloy, vut in the current calendar year." payment deadline for employers to Aug. 1, 2020. 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 news NWT friendship centres soldier through crisis with lost funding MLAs pass motion asking government for temporary money by Nick Pearce Some federal money keeps them Martin Goldney said the GNWT fund- Northern News Services at a baseline of operations, but doesn't ing was short-term, encouraging the NWT support a full slate of services, Rabesca centres to find other sources of money NWT friendship centres marched said. "by offering some time-limited match- into the Covid-19 crisis weathering a To change that, Deh Cho MLA ing funds." tighter budget. Ronald Bonnetrouge asked the gov- "It wasn't intended as ongoing With the onset of the pandemic, the ernment for crisis funding to support funding to replace federal government organizations have less money than the friendship centres facing down the funding. It was meant to support the previous years to help provide their pandemic. association's own efforts to find new services: shelters, meals, community He was motivated to do so because sources of ongoing funding," he said. support, and Elders programs. he saw his local centre in Fort Provi- In response, MLA Frieda That's because last month the main dence struggling. Martselos and Hay River South MLA 2020-21 budget estimate for the ter- "There's no other organization in Rocky Simpson both took up the issue. ritorial government signalled the end our community that can provide that Noting Elder and youth programming, of a two-year program that provided kind of service," Bonnetrouge said. Simpson called the centres more than friendship centres with $250,000 in "There's nobody else running those a non-profit, being "a home for First funding. organizations. We don't have any vol- Nations, Metis and others to gather." On April 3, regular MLAs called unteer organizations and stuff like Meanwhile, Rabesca, despite on the GNWT to earmark crisis fund- this. Friendship centres have been reduced resources, said the centres ing for the centres, to organize com- counted on to run a lot of things." would still aim to offer services and munity responses and to help them The requested money isn't a replace- get the word out about social distan- access federal food bank money and ment for the lost funding, which Bon- cing and Covid-19 safety practices. northern food security support. netrouge said was his original propos- There hadn't been a wave of illness That would all be welcome for al. Rather, he sees it as crisis funding of this magnitude in the NWT since a Anthony Rabesca, president of NWT acting as a stepping stone to regular devastating influenza outbreak in the and Nunavut's Council of Friend- funding. 1920s, he said, calling the situation ship Centres, as he wants "to battle The NWT government didn't "a battle" the centres needed to take this (Covid-19) and start helping our respond to News/North's request for part in. people." comment by press time. "We're going to continue. It's some- The centres provide service to Responding to concerned MLAs thing that's in our blood as a friendship roughly 13,000 people in seven com- in budget talks on March 4, Premier centres in the North and a movement munities across NWT. During the Caroline Cochrane said "that we need that we've been doing for many, many crisis, they've transitioned to food to care for the friendship centres. They years," he said. "We need to work photo courtesy of Anthony Rabesca delivery and broadcasting community do provide valuable services." together making sure that our people Anthony Rabesca, president of NWT and Nunavut's news updates over the radio, Rabesca Additionally, deputy minister of are aware of it, so that they themselves Council of Friendship Centres, says the organizations said. Executive and Indigenous Affairs can their lives. will continue to work through the pandemic. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 13 Norman Wells entrepreneur launching detailing company Pandemic has delayed company start until summer by Blair McBride Northern News Services Lli Goline/Norman Wells Life in the remote, mountainous area around Norman Wells might be harsh at times but people still cherish their creature comforts, like spic and span vehicles. Resident Bonnie Deschene is ready to respond to that niche and is launching Deschene Diamond Detailing to give vehicles "deep, thor- ough cleaning with specialized tools," she told News/North. "(It's) things you can't get with a wash rag, the nooks and crannies. (Detailing) also includes reconditioning (and) restoration of leathers and cloths and stain removal and basically making a vehicle feel newer," she said. "It happens a lot with old cars for show and shine (events). Prior to going to any kind of show and shine, owners will have the interiors and exteriors buffed up and shined and pro- tected from the elements."

Covid-19 pauses launch Deschene was ready to open the business and begin working on customers' vehicles last week, but the Covid-19 pandemic had its own plans. During the day, she works as a resource man- agement officer with the GNWT in the Depart- ment of Lands. "I might be moved to Hay River for border patrol, because of that the soonest I could start (detailing vehicles) would be the summer." Deschene came up with the business idea as a way to keep herself busy in the Sahtu town. "In Norman Wells there's not particularly a lot of outlets (for activities), so to keep myself busy and out of trouble I need to have something on the side. I don't get into much trouble any- ways, (but) instead of sitting at home and being unproductive I thought it would be good to do something that would keep me busy and provide a service to the community," she said. "Initially it was just an idea for a few years, and then when I heard other people talk about the same idea I thought, 'OK, time to get the ball rolling.'" Several years ago she worked as a mechanic in Edmonton and, among other responsibilities, she was in charge of maintaining and cleaning her company's fleet of vehicles. But a car accident left her with injured wrists, restricting her ability to continue repairing auto- mobiles. "In the mechanic world there is no light-duty work," she said, so she moved on to a career with the government.

High demand Norman Wells is accessible by road only during the winter and with a small population of about 800 people, it's not exactly buzzing with cars and trucks. Still, Deschene said the desire for detailing services is relatively high in the community. "All of last year, any time I would work on my vehicle or other peoples' vehicles, people would drive by and ask if I could do it for them," she recalled. "Some were joking but some were serious. There's quite a lot of demand for this." She plans to offer customers a service pack- age menu ranked by degree of cleaning. The most basic service would be standard rug clean- ing, for which she hopes to charge less than $100. An intermediate cleaning would consist of window and floor work while advanced service would focus on all components including doors, dashes, mirrors and leather seats. "I want anyone and their dog to be able to afford it, but I don't want to be losing out on money based on the materials used," she said. "If it grows enough to provide students with photo courtesy of Bonnie Deschene summer jobs that would be ideal, as well with a Bonnie Deschene poses with her truck in Edmonton. The Norman Wells resident plans to launch her own interior detail- shop I would be able to run year round." ing company by the summer. 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

photo courtesty of Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk If the house is a rockin' It might fall into the ocean. A project in Tuktoyaktuk is moving homes away from the crumbling coastline to more solid ground. The hamlet released a notice April 1 asking residents to stay off a specially constructed ice road during the project.

Short story contest closes Sewers make facemasks Grocery delivery Tulita NWT Kids and adults had their chance to get creative while com- Residents of NWT communities will be able to have access for Elders peting in a short story contest for cash prizes thanks to the to handmade facemasks thanks to the Arctic Indigenous Well- Tsiigehtchic Hamlet of Tulita's recreation department ness Foundation. Tsiigehtchic's charter council is stepping up to help Elders Participants were tasked with writing a story or essay about "We are in the process of looking for one to two traditional keep their pantries stocked during the Covid-19 epidemic. either a young person who gets three wishes from a magic genie, sewers in each of the NWT small communities to make masks A public notice issued April 2 notes that any Elders in a young, poor person who becomes rich unexpectedly or their based on a provided pattern," states a bulletin on social media. Tsiigehtchic who need help getting groceries from the store are version of how Yamoria defeated the giant beavers. "We will arrange getting the supplies to the sewers and one welcome to call the charter office at 954-3201 and the SAO will Contestants competed in one of four age categories: six to mask is to be distributed to each household in the communities arrange for any help needed. nine, 10 to 13, 14 to 18 and adults over 18. using safe drop off techniques." Younger residents in Tsiigehtchic are asked to be mindful of First place will receive $100 with second place receiving $75 Those receiving masks are advised to wash them prior to use. their use of snowmobiles on the roads. A second public notice and third place receiving $50. Anyone looking to support this project can donate materials from the charter community notes there had been a couple of The contest closed April 11. or make a financial donation. near accidents between larger motor vehicles and Ski-doos. – Erin Steele – Erin Steele The charter asks residents to make sure their children are obeying stop signs and watching for any vehicles. Water schedule extended Easter egg hunt – Eric Bowling Tulita The Hamlet of Tulita has extended water service for residents revamped Greenland bans by giving them one extra day of delivery. Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson The annual Easter egg hunt put on by Open Door Society alcohol sales "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and residents practicing the Greenland self-isolation rule with more hand washing, more dishes and was cancelled in Fort Simpson. In lieu of the Easter egg hunt, the organization continued to As debate over alcohol sales in the Northwest Territories laundry, the Hamlet will be giving one extra day of water to rages on, neighbouring Arctic self-governing body Greenland housing units and private homeowners," states a bulletin on keep Easter spirits up by providing treat bags instead. "We have a number of pre-made treat bags available to has banned all sale of liquor in its capital, Nuuk. social media. Greenland prime minister Kim Kielsen said March 29 that "Keep in mind once the Covid-19 pandemic subsides your families of children zero to 12 years," states a bulletin on social media from the Open Door Society. the move was intended to reduce violence against children in the water delivery schedule will go back to your regular deliveries." territory. Since schools closed down March 22, the state saw a Those wanting an extra day of water delivery added to their Treat bags were delivered to children April 10 and left at the doors of the families who had requested to take part in the spike in domestic violence. water schedule are asked to contact the Hamlet to put in their The ban is scheduled to last until April 15. Greenland has request. initiative. – Erin Steele also banned gatherings larger than 10 people and air traffic to – Erin Steele the island has been halted. – Eric Bowling On the land Thousands of books funding available available online Ulukhaktok thanks nurses Dehcho Region NWT Ulukhaktok Families of the Dehcho region can access funding to go on Book worms throughout the NWT looking for books to read Residents of Ulukhaktok didn't let something little like a the land thanks to Dehcho First Nations. now have access to another online resource thanks to NWT major blizzard stop them from showing their local nurses how "This funding has been distributed to all the member com- Public Library Services. much they appreciate their hard work in these difficult times. munities to support physical distancing on the land," states a "Reading is a free e-book service with an online library of A blizzard on April 3 led to water rationing and reduced bulletin on social media. thousands of titles/books for readers aged approximately eight services as visibility was at a minimum, but a kind soul helped "This means going on the land with members of your own years and up," states a bulletin on social media. a local nurse get to work in the blizzard and another cooked the household and maintaining a six-foot distance from members of "The variety of categories range from comic to cookbooks to good workers at the Ulukhaktok medical centre a warm meal. other households!" fiction and non-fiction that would appeal to any reader." Ulukhaktok nurse took to the local Buy and Sell group to Those accessing the funding can use it for food, supplies and To sign up for an account, residents will need their library express her thanks. transportation costs to go on the land. card and PIN number from their local library. "I am overwhelmed with gratitude today. Thank "Alternatively, a grocery or wood supplement could be pro- Anyone with an account can download up to six free e-books you all for posting and expressing your respect, vided to those left behind or house-bound," states the bulletin. per month. – Erin Steele – Erin Steele Please see page 16 NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 15 Need a safe celebration? Try a birthday parade

Paul Bickford/NNSL photos Melanie King introduced Hay River to the idea of birthday parades, which celebrate people's special days while maintaining social distancing in light of the Covid-19 crisis. Weekly mobile celebrations replace parties in era of social distancing by Paul Bickford standing outside or waiting in their win- Louis and his mother also joined the Northern News Services dows for the drive-by," said King. first parade to visit others, either celebrat- Hay River The first birthday parade on March 27 ing their birthdays on the same day or in Even difficult times like these can't visited a half-dozen houses. recent days. prevent families – or the whole commun- "Especially for a child, their birthday "It was pretty funny to see their faces ity – from celebrating birthdays. is the one day that is their day and where and like the shock," he said. However, the celebrations are being they're celebrated and where they get to On April 3, almost 40 vehicles joined done in a creative and, more importantly, feel special," said King, explaining that the parade. safe way as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. they can't celebrate in the traditional way It first drove by the home of Kairyssa Melanie King has brought the idea of during the social distancing for Covid-19. Jacobs, who turned 11 on March 30. weekly birthday parades to Hay River, Her son Louis turned 13 on March 27. "It was amazing," she said. "It was with the first held on March 27 and "At first, I could tell he was a little like fun." another on April 3. bit embarrassed," King said of her son's King is hoping the birthday parades King said she came across the idea on reaction to the idea of a birthday parade, become weekly events. Facebook when a friend shared a report, but he smiled when he actually saw the "As long as we have to practise this possibly from the United States, of chil- procession. social distance, I think it's only fair that dren's birthdays being celebrated through "It succeeded what I wanted him to all kids get this opportunity when we can't parades to maintain social distancing. feel on his birthday," she said. "It's to feel have birthday parties," she said. "And it was right before my son's birth- like he was appreciated for that day." Plus, King noted that the parades give day and I thought, 'Oh, what a fantastic Louis said the parade was something all participating families a chance to idea. I would love something like this for different. come together and to still feel like a com- my son,'" said King. "I really liked it," he said. munity. So she shared the post and asked who would be interested in doing a drive-by birthday celebration for her son and many of her friends jumped at the idea. "Everybody was so excited about it and I thought, 'Hey, you know what, I know of a few other kids that are celebrating their birthdays, as well,'" she recalled. "Why don't we include them and make a rounds of it?'" In less than 24 hours the first parade was organized and featured about 30 vehicles, some decorated with signs and balloons. "It far, far surpassed my expectations," said King, who noted she couldn't have done it without help from Jennifer Tweed- ie. Of course, a person celebrating a birth- day – either that day or recently – has to be home to receive the birthday wishes. Kairyssa Jacobs, who turned 11 years old on "Whoever requests the drive-by, it's up On April 3, a birthday parade in Hay River turns into Delancey to them to make sure that child or adult March 30, was visited by Hay River's weekly birth- – we have done a couple of adults – are Estates. The parades are an alternative to traditional birthday parties day parade on April 3. and are designed to maintain social distancing. 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 around the NWT

ATN, from page 14 needs. "You will be hearing from us as we begin our humanity, and compassion for what we (the nurses) journey together with remote learning," stated a do! Thank you to the amazing human being who Facebook post for parents and students. brought us a wonderful warm meal, and who is "Our goal is to begin remote learning on April always humbly caring for others! 14. Remote learning will look different for each "Thank you to the selfless, funny and very gen- class and student. Please be patient with us as we erous human being who picked me up in a blizzard are learning, too." and got me to the health centre in one piece. It was – Paul Bickford not a pretty (sight) getting into the truck, just ask my neighbour, but it worked!" she wrote. Drive-in wi-fi at "Thank you for the very generous gift of healthy Fort Smith library snacks, fresh food and edible energy for the nurses from the Northern Store! Simply, thank you, from Thebacha/Fort Smith the bottom of my heart! We are all in this together!" A drive-in wi-fi service is being offered in the – Eric Bowling parking lot of Mary Kaeser Library in Fort Smith. The wireless internet will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Thebacha Trade Show No password is required. postponed in Fort Smith Like many other public facilities in the NWT, Thebacha/Fort Smith Mary Kaeser Library has been closed because of the The 15th-annual Thebacha Trade Show in Covid-19 crisis. Fort Smith has been postponed due to the – Paul Bickford Covid-19 crisis. The event had been set for April 25 at the IRC's interim Emergency Child Fort Smith Centennial Arena. First Initiative support maxed out However, Thebacha Business Development Services, which organizes the event, announced Beaufort Delta on March 30 that it had been postponed. A relief fund to help Inuvialuit Regional Cor- No new date was announced for the trade poration (IRC) beneficiaries in need during the show. Covid-19 crisis has reached capacity and the IRC is – Paul Bickford promising to locate more funding to continue pro- viding the social safety net. A modification of the existing Inuit Child First Remote school to be Initiative, the fund was used to help provide one- offered in Fort Smith time bulk food orders for some 320 families with Thebacha/Fort Smith children, however the IRC announced that fund Paul Bickford/NNSL photo Joseph Burr Tyrrell School in Fort Smith is had been effectively maxed out in an April 2 press planning to offer a remote school, beginning in release. mid-April. The press release goes on to note the IRC is in a living library Teachers at the elementary school have been call- negotiations to set up another fund and operations Christine Gyapay, head librarian at NWT Centennial Library, says ing the families of students to determine existing were expected to resume mid-month. home delivery of books is beginning, while maintaining social distan- technology in the homes and each student's learning – Eric Bowling cing and using other safety measures in light of the Covid-19 crisis. NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 17 Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 No Northern Hockey a in Hay River Re-birth of annual competition between Hay River Huskies and Yellowknife Flyers only half completed because of Covid-19 by Paul Bickford Northern News Services Hay River All of the excitement of the Northern Hockey Challenge between the Hay River Husk- ies and Yellowknife Flyers was cut in half thanks to you know what. The Hay River Huskies and the Yellowknife Flyers were tentatively set to have the second half of the series in Hay River on the weekend of March 28 to 29. "Obviously, everything is changed, which we fully understand," said Greg Rowe, one of the organizers of the games, referring to the Covid- 19 crisis that has closed the Hay River Community Centre. "But our intent is to keep it going," he said. "And, cer- tainly, the players and the communities have supported it very well, so we fully expect that we'll be able to again host it next year, and keep moving it forward." James McCarthy/NNSL photos Rowe said the Northern Connor Goudreau prepares to smother the puck during action Hockey Challenge has been in the opening – and now only – weekend 2020 Northern Hockey "thrown some curveballs" Challenge between the Hay River Huskies and Yellowknife Flyers back in February. since it began as a six-team event. two games in Hay River, but However, the game itself start we wanted. Yellowknife er game than the final score. I bre, fast, fun games to watch," The challenge began in the none in Yellowknife. didn't turn out as he had hoped, had a very strong team and think we outshot them badly." said Rowe of Hay River and 2012-2013 season with three This year, there was a game with the Yellowknife Flyers they jumped out in front of Rowe said it was fun to get Yellowknife. "So that's really teams in the NWT and four in in Yellowknife on Feb. 8 as winning by a score of 11-5. us and we just got a little too back to Yellowknife this year. what we're trying to do is just Nunavut. part of the Hockey Day in Can- "It sounds a little more lop- far behind. But we did make "There's certainly been an keep it going, and there's cer- It has since become a com- ada national event. sided than it really was," said a game of it in the second and appetite from both commun- tainly been good support from petition between Hay River "It worked out with Hockey Rowe. "We just didn't have the third periods, and it was a clos- ities to want to have good cali- both communities." and Yellowknife. Day in Canada," said Rowe. However, it was not held "We were able to tie it together for two years as the Hay and really showcase senior River Community Centre was hockey at a prominent venue, rebuilt, and it was not held and certainly Hockey Day in 2018 because of the South in Canada was a great audi- Slave Arctic Winter Games. ence to be able to play senior And last year, there were hockey."

Curtis Rowe heads up the ice with the puck dur- ing action in the opening – and now only – week- end 2020 Northern Hockey Challenge between the Hay River Huskies and Yellowknife Flyers back in February. 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 sports & recreation Gee, Karlos Williams, tell us how you really feel about your former boss sports Talk with James McCarthy email: [email protected]

Northern News Services So as we carry on with Williams has been his own the isolation and social/ worst enemy and is the rea- physical/whatever distancing, son he hasn't played profes- I'm reminded of what we're sional football since 2015. dealing with. Williams plans on mak- I saw a photo online ear- ing a comeback and will do lier this month of a soldier so this coming season with from World War II carry- the Toronto Argonauts ... so ing a donkey on his back. long as there's a season. But Why? Well, apparently the he hasn't forgiven the way field was full of mines and the , one of his if the donkey stepped on former teams, supposedly one, it would set one off and treated him, specifically the cause as much damage as if team's former general man- a soldier did the same. The ager, Doug Whaley. moral of the story? The ones Whaley drafted Williams you have to watch out for in 2015 and it looked like photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons the most in times of danger a great move as Williams Dominico Field at Christie Pits in Toronto has been hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs club for are the jackasses who don't and LeSean McCoy turned decades. It could be empty this season if the Intercounty Baseball League, which has been around for know any better. into a big one-two punch for Anyway: the Bills. Williams, though, more than 100 years, cans the 2020 season, which looks more and more likely by the day. ended up being suspended So it's a maybe? before the 2016 season began Football League's sub- released by the Bills during decisions and blames his for- the six-time reigning league In his own words, Karlos for violating the National stance abuse policy and was that year's training camp. mer employer because they champions, both announced Two subsequent suspensions decided to go in a different they will not play in 2020 no saw Williams forced to sit direction? That's on him and matter what happens. The out for an entire calendar if he's accepted responsibility league is hopeful to have year. for his past actions, that's a baseball of some sort in Sports Card He could have played in good first step. 2020 but Ontario is one of track and field the XFL this past season but Something else which the hardest-hit places in Can- he didn't want to because bothers me: he's proclaimed ada and Baseball Ontario has 1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Whaley is employed by the that he's going to "tear up" said there will be no action XFL as the league's senior the CFL and they don't know until July 1, which is the vice-president of football what's coming. Right, junior. downswing for the league's AGE: 17 Community: Hay River operations. We've heard that song and annual calendar. The perpetually happy Declan Munro is a In an interview with dance before from so many Again, this is just one of jack of all trades when it comes to sport- The Athletic published on people – Lawrence Phillips, many leagues facing such ing exploits but track and field is where April 9, Williams let loose Dexter Manley, Chad John- a situation but it's tough. I his strengths are. His specialties are the on Whaley, saying he could son, Johnny Manziel – and used to go to Christie Pits in middle distances – 400 and 800-metre consume a body part, die in they fizzle out worse than an Toronto from time to time events – and has seen plenty of success a hole and drink bleach. In East German sparkler. He'll and watch the Toronto Maple Declan munro in those over the years. case you aren't understand- be brought back down to Leafs (the baseball team, not ing, Williams doesn't like planet normal in no time. the hockey team) in action. Whaley. Good quality baseball for Williams is convinced Let's hope they make it not a lot of money and it was that Whaley gave up on him Covid-19 is playing havoc entertaining. too soon and he plans on with everything and that sticking it to him by tearing includes sports leagues of And finally ... up the Canadian Football all sorts. I talked about how Good Idea: Contactless League this season. mid-level minor professional tap payment method using a You know, I don't feel the hockey players have lost any hockey stick. least bit sorry for this guy. source of income until at Bad Idea: That the unit He decided to make his own least next season. has to be passed using a There's another league hockey stick because of which is facing an uncertain Covid-19. future, though its commis- Thanks to Covid-19, sioner has said it will push we've had to change the way on no matter what. we live. Literally. Luckily, The Intercounty Baseball there's Harveys and Bauer League has been in operation to keep us happy that we're in Ontario for more than Canadian. 100 years and has featured My favourite burger joint some of the best amateur in the entire world has gone senior men's baseball in the all drive-thru on its restau- country over that time. It's rants and does it without featured some players who contact. The difference here have either gone on to play is that Harvey's employees in or played Major League are passing out the payment Baseball over the years such unit attached to a Bauer as Fergie Jenkins (Baseball hockey stick. This is perhaps Hall of Fame member), Rob the most Canadian thing I've and Rich Butler, , seen since Vasek Pospisil Paul Spoljaric and . of Vancouver drank maple Former prime minister Les- syrup during a crossover in ter B. Pearson even played a tennis tournament earlier with the Guelph Maple Leafs this year. at one time. It's enough to make you But things are very much smile and sweet baby Jesus up in the air as the Brantford knows we need to smile. Red Sox and Barrie Baycats, Until next time, folks ... sports & recreation NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, April 13, 2020 19 Curlers upset the broomballers

Valerie Simard/Curling Canada photo The 2020 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship bronze medal-winning rink of Jamie Koe, left, Kerry Galusha, David Aho and Megan Koehler pulled off the big upset of round one in the Greatest Of All Time tournament as they beat out the top-seeded 2014 NWT Rebels broomball squad that won the gold medal at the World Broomball Championships that year. No. 16 beats No. 1 in first match-up of Greatest Of All Time competition by James McCarthy Koe, Kerry Galusha, David Aho and Megan at the 2019 Canadian National Darts Champi- tory by beating the Nova Scotia duo of Nick Northern News Services Koehler, the No. 16 seeds, in the first big upset onships in Saskatoon, the first national darts Smith and Rob Piercy in the final to make his- NWT of the tournament. championship ever won by players from the tory. Beaudoin clinched the title in the third Everyone loves a great upset, don't they? It was really no contest as Koe and com- territory. leg of the best-of-five affair by checking out Nothing like seeing the bottom seed take pany received roughly two votes to every one Moss and his rink ran the table at the 2008 (finishing) 155 with his last three darts. out the top dogs because that's what makes received by the Rebels. Votes were cast online edition of the event, becoming the second rink Voting will begin on April 13 at 9 a.m. people interested. at NNSL Media's Facebook page and through from the territory to win the title at the event, and will continue through to 11:59 p.m. the Well, that happened in round one of the e-mail. following in the footsteps of Howard Brazeau following day. You can vote by visiting NNSL Greatest Of All Time tournament. The next match-up starts today, April 13, and his rink from the Fort Smith Fire Depart- Media's Facebook page or by sending an e-mail The NWT Rebels women's broomball as the 2008 Canadian Firefighters Curling ment that won back-to-back titles in 1976 and to [email protected]. The team which receives team came into the tournament as the No. Championship winners of Steve Moss, Chris 1977. the most votes will move on to face Koe and 1 seed but they were bounced out by the Haichert, Kevin Whitehead and Ingo Bauer Brazeau and company will enter the ring, company in round two. 2020 Canadian Mixed Curling Champion- go up against the duo of Elvis Beaudoin and so to speak, in the coming weeks. Do you like the curlers or is darts your ship bronze medalist-winning team of Jamie Keith Way, who won the men's doubles crown Beaudoin and Way, meanwhile, made his- thing? It's all up to you. 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, April 13, 2020