Victim 'satisfied' with sex assault sentence Cynthia Grandjambe was in court to see her attacker get 9.5 years in jail

Online first at NNSL.com A more permanent tattoo artist lands in the city Volume 48 Issue 40 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 75 CENTS ($1 outside city) Diamonds and denim

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teams Far North From left, Tyson Goodvin, Weston Blatz, Ben Chase, Matt O'Connor and Nate McMurdo show photo played a selection of country rock tunes well into the evening at the Stanton Territorial they can festival Hospital Charity Foundation's Denim and compete continues Diamonds fundraiser Saturday. photo courtesy of Samantha Stuart Photography

$1.00 outside Yellowknife Publication mail Contract #40012157 "Often I'm better at giving advice than I am at taking it."

7 71605 00100 5 Metro Huculak, Yk 1 school board superintendent, is retiring at the end of the school year, page 4. 2 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 news YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 3 Did we get it wrong? Yellowknifer is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in Yellowknifer, call 873-4031 and ask to speak to an editor, or email [email protected]. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. NEWS Briefs

photo courtesy of Health Canada Cody Punter/NNSL photo Health Canada says there is a risk of Cynthia Grandjambe, who had a publication ban on her name lifted so she could speak about her case, said she the 4800W Mastercraft Construction was relieved Peter Tsetta was sentenced to 9.5 years for the violent sexual assaults he committed against her and Heater overheating and posing a burn another victim, who has since died, in the summer of 2017. and fire hazard. Space heaters recalled A space heater sold by Canadian Tire between 1997 to 2014 has been recalled. Grandjambe 'satisfied' with Health Canada says there is a risk of the 4800W Mastercraft Construction Heater over- heating and posing a burn and fire hazard. The blue Chinese-made heaters bear the number 052-2604. The item number and cer- 9.5-year term for attacker tification file number can be found on the label affixed to the back of the heater. As of Nov. 8, Canadian Tire had received Peter Tsetta's pre-trial credit means he'll serve nearly six years nine reports of the product overheating, with by Cody Punter name be lifted so she could speak on behalf according to Charbonneau was the fact that two incidents of the product catching fire and Northern News Services of other victims. Tsetta was under a court-ordered condition damaging property in Canada, according to Peter Charlie Tsetta was sentenced to "I want to give encouragement. I know it's not to consume alcohol at the time of both the recall notice, which also said no injuries 9.5 years in prison Monday evening after been a long and hard process but it's worth assaults. In both cases, Tsetta was drinking were reported. previously being found guilty of sexually it. He's been found guilty," Grandjambe told when committing the offences. About 10,000 units of the affected product assaulting two women just a month apart in Yellowknifer at the time. During the sentencing Charbonneau also were sold in Canada. the summer of 2017. The Crown has been asking for a 10-year raised concerns that Tsetta did not seem Health Canada advises owners of the heater In August, Tsetta was convicted of raping sentence while the defence, citing Tsetta's to understand the severity of his offences. to "immediately stop using the recalled prod- Cynthia Grandjambe "over and over" in June difficult upbringing as an Indigenous man, Referring to the pre-sentence report for uct and return it to the place of purchase for a 2017, as well as another unnamed woman, sought five years. which he was interviewed, Charbonneau store credit or to obtain a replacement unit." whose name is protected by In her ruling on Monday, said Tsetta was more concerned with resum- For more information, consumers should a publication ban, that May. Charbonneau explained there ing a friendship with Grandjambe than tak- contact Canadian Tire at 1-800-387-8803 Justice Louise Charbon- were several aggravating factors ing responsibility for the harm he inflicted Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. neau gave Tsetta a 66-month "It's been hell which called for a longer term upon her. or on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 year sentence for the rape than the defence was asking for. When questioned about Tsetta's hopes of p.m. and unlawful confinement but it's also She pointed to Tsetta's exten- resuming a friendship with her, Grandjambe – Craig Gilbert of Grandjambe and another helped me sive criminal record, which was unequivocal. 48-month sentence for the dates back to 1989. It includes "Never in this lifetime," she said. "He's Yk Scouts tree 'elves' return rape of the unnamed victim, too." numerous convictions for violent sick in the head if he thinks someone can who has since passed away. crimes: several for assault, a 1992 rape someone over and over and then hold The Yellowknife Scouts annual tree stand Cynthia Grandjambe is back. The 51-year-old was in sexual assault and an aggravated them hostage and then think that the person Holiday revelers can pick out the perfect custody for 29 months before assault in 2014, for which he would want to be friends with him. That just -grown premium balsam fir or his trial began, so the time was sentenced to three years in shows how sick he is." Fraser fir tree in the parking lot of the Co-op he has left to serve in prison was reduced by prison. As part of his sentence Tsetta must grocery store on Old Airport Road, then go 43 months, reflecting the 1.5 days of credit Although she took into account the hard- refrain from contacting Grandjambe. He home for hot chocolate while The Odd Job courts give an accused for every day they ships which Tsetta faced growing up, she did will be registered as a sex offender, cannot Squad takes care of the rest. spend behind bars awaiting a decision. not find those circumstances sufficient to own firearms for 10 years and submitted a For $15, the Squad will deliver your tree This means Tsetta still has to serve ignore his previous record. DNA sample to the national registry. within 24 hours of purchase. An email asks another 5 years and 11 months. "Those circumstances were very sad," Grandjambe told Yellowknifer that those interested to "please contact us no later After the decision Grandjambe erupted she said. "I would not go so far as to say that Tsetta's sentence is just one more step on than 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and before 2 p.m. in tears as she called her family members to his previous record should be discounted her path to healing. She said she has been on weekends. notify them of the verdict. entirely." receiving counselling and has been reaching "After your household's holiday season "I'm so happy and relieved with that sen- Charbonneau also pointed to the par- out to other victims of sexual assault to help winds down, contact the squad to pick up your tence," she said on the phone. ticularly aggressive nature and prolonged support them. tree from your curbside after January 2," the Talking to reporters outside the court- nature of the sexual assaults, referring to "It's been hell but it's also helped me release continued. room Grandjambe said she was elated by the repeated attacks on Grandjambe over a too," she said. "I've met some of his previous The Squad also hangs Christmas lights. the decision. period of hours as "particularly callous" and victims that I'm also fighting for. It's not just And in the aftermath, pick up will be avail- "I am totally satisfied. I would have a "very brutal offence." for myself. That's what has kept me going, able weekdays until Jan. 31, again with 24 settled for eight (years), I was praying for The fact that Grandjambe was confined knowing that it's going to help his other vic- hours notice. 10 but I had to be realistic and I'm proud of and repeatedly raped before finally being tims as well as victims that are listening to Phone an elf today: 867-445-6967. getting the nine-and-a-half." let go also increased the severity of the sen- what's going on." – Craig Gilbert In October Grandjambe was successful tence, according to Charbonneau. Grandjambe said she is also considering in requesting that the publication ban on her The final, and least aggravating factor taking civil action against Tsetta. 4 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 news The longest year

"They wouldn't let me out of the hos- pital because they thought I was going to have a stroke or heart attack," retiring Yk 1 superintendent Metro Huculak, pictured here at a barbecue with JH Sissons vice-principal Jeff McConom and Range Lake North School principal Yas- emin Heyck in August, said after a tough year that included heart surgery and the loss of two close family members. NNSL file photo

Metro Huculak retires after 15 years at the helm of Yellowknife's largest school board by Simon Whitehouse suffered two deaths in his surgeon's table within days of well as 12 grandchildren. after choosing the northern school breakfast programs, Northern News Services family that included his being in Vancouver. capital over two other options Canadian Tire, Adam's Den- After 15 years as super- 47-year-old son Terrence who Huculak was released two- Looking back offered in Langley and tal, Konge Construction and intendent of NWT's largest succumbed to a brain tumour. and-a-half days after surgery Huculak is arguably one Abbotsford. Clark Builders which provide school board, Metro Hucu- In the same month, he lost his and recuperated at his home of the longer serving super- At the time of being hired, funds and various goods. lak will be retiring after this mother-in-law. in Agassiz, B.C., which is intendents in the Northwest Yellowknifer reported that school year. But it was the last Then in late April, Hucu- near Harrison Hot Springs. Territories to retire of late. trustees were enthusiastic Looking ahead year that presented to him one lak had a triple bypass and He said he was in regular con- Seamus Quigg, who served about his approach to educa- Many say Huculak's posi- of his biggest hurdles. required open-heart surgery tact with the school board's more than 20 years with the tion. tive energy has been effect- The 72-year-old Yk 1 edu- that took him off work for staff during recuperation but Sahtu Divisional Educational "He's very dynamic, he ive in the school board com- cation district superintend- months. returned to his regular duties District retired this year, as has a lot of good ideas and pleting some major tasks and ent recently announced he "It was (difficult)," Hucu- in mid-August. did Claudia Parker, former a lot of positive energy. The retaining an optimistic future. will be calling it quits after lak admitted when asked if "I did make progress superintendent of the Yellow- board was really impressed "I think I get along with the 2019/20 school year. A this year was especially chal- although I should have prob- knife Catholic School Board with that," said board chair just about everybody," Huculak replacement is expected lenging. "I went home for Easter ably been doing almost noth- after serving since 2009. Reanna Erasmus at the time. said. to be named at the end of and I was working around the ing," he said, laughing. "Often Simone Gessler was her suc- Since that time, Huculak As Huculak leaves, the March. The year also happens yard and I couldn't catch my I'm better at giving advice cessor. said he believes he has con- big project within the board to be Huculak's fiftieth year breath. I went to the hospital than I am at taking it." Curtis Brown, super- tributed to a more healthy is ensuring that 300 students as an educator since starting and they never let me out." Huculak said his retire- intendent of the South Slave education than when he first at JH Sissons are re-assigned his career as a young teacher ment will be a welcome Divisional Educational Dis- arrived. Among his proud- throughout the city. The build- in Willingdon, Alta. in 1970. Health scare chance to reconnect with his trict is still going after 20 est accomplishments included ing is set to be demolished in "It was the beginning of Huculak said after an family. During his tenure in years. the establishment of Route 51 June and construction of a this year (that I decided) and angiogram was done, it was Yellowknife, he maintained Huculak first came to Learning Institute, which he new school to be done on site. the board has already started decided that open heart sur- a long-distance relationship Yellowknife as an outside hire helped get going shortly after Fraser Oliver, president their search," Huculak said in gery was necessary and he with his partner Monique in 2005. By that time in his he arrived. of the a recent interview. "I felt that was flown to Vancouver Gen- Gratix, who is a principal career, he had worked him- "Basically for me I want Teachers' Association said I needed to get it out there that eral Hospital. at Coquihalla Elementary self up through the education all kids to succeed," he said, whoever fills Huculak's pos- I will be retiring. It is time." "They wouldn't let me out School in Hope, B.C. She also system in Alberta to become recalling that there were too ition will have "big shoes to The announcement comes of the hospital because they will be retiring this January a superintendent with the many students not attending fill." He said although the after Huculak faced a number thought I was going to have to join him. St. Thomas Aquinas Roman school at the time. "Then you union and the board have of life-altering events in 2019. a stroke or heart attack," he Each one of them have Catholic School Division. try to put in place programs had disagreements over the In January Huculak had said, noting he was on the three children of their own as He came to Yellowknife and resources to have that and years, the two entities worked it is difficult because you have toward the common goal of kids that drop out of school bettering education for stu- and you try to get them back dents and staff. into school." "The NWTTA is sorry Huculak said he also to see him go," Oliver said. thinks he has been able to "Metro has been a great work better with businesses advocate for education in and parents to help in the edu- the North. Not only his own cation system. He notes, for board, but across the NWT example, that many business- as well. He is a supporter for es help out including Polar teachers and students and a Eggs, which provides eggs for real strong advocate." news YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 5

Nick Pearce/NNSL photo QUITE THE FENDER BENDER Two vehicles collided outside the Multiplex just before rush hour Monday afternoon. There were no injuries and the vehicles were in the process of being removed at 4 p.m., however there was a long line traffic as drivers either turned away or waited for the debris to clear. Drug charges, thefts are down over 2018: RCMP Impaired driving charges, though, on par with last year, according to report by Nick Pearce leading to a continued investigation. Northern News Services Man, 63, still missing In a Monday report to city council, RCMP reported statis- Glenn Harold Field, 63, has been officially missing for over Assault suspects go uncharged tics from October and for the year so far. a month. In the RCMP report was a reference to a previously Incidents of theft of motor vehicles dropped from 84 last Police first put out a notice alerting the public to the situa- unreported stabbing. year to 56 so far this year. tion on Oct. 11, before renewing the call on Oct. 18. Reiterating Police responded to a stabbing near an unidentified apart- Drug possession and trafficking occurrences dropped from the notice to city council on Monday, RCMP indicated the ment complex Oct. 11 and found a man suffering from stab 57 to 22, and 64 to 34, respectively. investigation was ongoing. wounds. Likewise, Liquor Act charges are down, with 604 charges Described as five feet, eight inches and weighing in at 169 According to the report, officers performed first aid until laid up to and including October, compared to 857 charges laid pounds with the grey hair and grey-blue eyes, Field was last medical help arrived and brought the man to the hospital. in all of 2018. reported around Rolfe Lake, roughly 150 kilometres northeast Police dogs then swept the area, finding three suspects. Impaired driving charges appear to be on par with 2018; of Yellowknife. An Oct. 18 RCMP news release said Field, who However, after he was treated for non-life threatening injur- 20 charges were laid in October, compared to 23 in October spends much of his time on the land in the area, has "regular ies, the man refused to cooperate with the investigation and as 2018; so far 255 charges have been laid compared to 308 in all contact with people and businesses in Yellowknife." efforts progressed, again declined to cooperate. The investiga- of 2018. However, an RCMP search of the area failed to locate him, tion was closed with no charges laid. Potluck had a real French spread Festin de la Francophone celebrates French newcomers to the North by Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services La Federation Franco-Tenoise marked the end of National Francophone Immigration Week (Nov. 3 to 9) at a community potluck supper last Saturday night. The event, called Festin de la Francophone, also involved Reseau en Immigration francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest and College nordique francophone as co-organizers. The evening was filled with friends and families in Yellowknife's Francophone community as well as recent immigrants and newcomers to the community. About 30 people attended the event, according to Annik Theberge, NWT Francophone immigration Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photos coordinator. From left, Audrey Fournier and Patrice Lapointe grab some grub, at right, Lise Theriault holds Amelia Sibanda. 6 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 news Award-winning artist lands at Yellowknife Tattoo shop Bill Gray says he has tattooed more than 40,000 people since he began 23 years ago Over the years Gray has made to meet its clients needs. He said a name for himself in Canada as a Gray came highly recommended by competitive tattoo artist. While he long-time Yellowknife artist Denis Focus said he enjoyed the thrill of compe- Nobody. tition – where artists must complete "His work is above and beyond," on business a single large piece in just a day – he said Yuill. with Cody Punter said he gets more joy out of working Nobody, who has since moved with customers on a daily basis than out of town and Michelle Stark, who winning awards. tattoos under the name Bambi, still In the 23 years he has been "For me I'm only as good as my occasionally return to Yellowknife tattooing people Bill Gray reck- last tattoo," said Gray. to ink up clients. But Yuill said hav- ons he has laid ink on more than Gray is not only focused on ing a permanent artist would allow 40,000 customers. Gray's passion improving his craft. He also work- customers to request much more has brought him back and forth ing on staying sober three years ambitious tattoos because follow- across the country six times in his after he gave up the bottle for good. up appointments will be easier to quest to visit every province and Gray explained that when he started schedule. territory in the country. Now, the tattooing as a teenager, the profes- "Now we have a chance to do award-winning artist has settled in sion was seen as a "bad guy job." some incredible pieces," said Yuill. Yellowknife as the new resident at Over the years, as he improved as an Gray said he specializes in doing Yellowknife Tattoo shop located in artist, it pushed him to quit drink- larger tattoos. But his policy is that the basement of Harley's. ing. Now that he is clear-headed he he will tattoo anything so long as he "I bought all my winter gear. feels better about his artwork more thinks it will look good. I can't wait for the first – 50 day. than ever. "If it's not going to last or it's not I've never seen that before," he told "I wasted so many years with going to look good, I can't do it." Yellowknifer. a bottle in my hand. Now that I'm It's now been seven weeks since Gray said he was looking for a sober I want to see what I can do as Gray arrived in town. Now that the change of scenery before he came an artist." shop is up and running again Yuill up. He emailed seven shops across Scott Yuill, the owner of Harley's said he has been hosting contests on the country all of which offered and Yellowknife Tattoo, said the social media to help boost business him a job. Ultimately, he decided parlour had been trying to a hire a and to get Gray's name out there. Cody Punter/NNSL photo that Yellowknife would be the best new artist when Gray reached out Even though he's an experienced Bill Gray, who reckons he has tattooed more than 40,000 fit for him. to him earlier this year. Ever since artist Gray said he is as excited as customers in his 23-year career, was recently hired as the "Within my first few weeks up Yuill took over the ownership of ever to work with new clients. resident tattoo artist at Yellowknife Tattoo. The shop has been here I fell in love with the place" Harley's the tattoo parlour has been "I still get nervous every time I working to increase business since it moved into the base- said Gray. depending on a rotation of artists start up my machine and I like that." ment of the new Harley's on 48 Street. news YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7 47th annual Geoscience Forum opens with new slate of speakers

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photos About 650 delegates registered for the 47th Geoscience Forum, which runs Nov. 19 to 21. paleontologist, Ottawa earth scientist among keynote speakers

by Simon Whitehouse and reinvested in new areas for mineral-related study in the "Minister Nokleby opened the Geoscience Forum and Northern News Services NWT, he said. people had a chance to see her in person and hear some of The 47th annual Geoscience Forum opened Tuesday which "It is critically important to have a number of industry her thoughts," he said. "She is a professional engineer and brought hundreds of delegates from near and far to a three-day professionals up here and sharing information. Our leading has experience working with industry and Indigenous groups slate of activities involving the mineral industry. industry has been flagging for 12 years and we have really and she gave the impression that 'I get it and understand what Tom Hoefer, executive director of the NWT and been trying to turn that around." industry needs,' which was encouraging." Chamber of Mines said there were about 650 delegates regis- Hoefer said some of the highlights of the event include the Many delegates were seen mingling and networking Tues- tered as of yesterday and said that figure is about on par with keynote presentation from Dr. Bill Arnott of the University of day afternoon at Capitol Theatre including Tim Ensom, who is last year's figures, which eventually saw more than 730. Ottawa Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He working on a graduate degree in permafrost studies at Wilfred He said the trade show, which is at the Multiplex, has more is presenting "Planar Stratification – the threat that binds the Laurier University and Ed Grozic, a Calgary-based consulting than 90 exhibitors and that the three theatres at the Capitol shallow- and deep-marine sedimentary records and unconven- engineer with Tetra Tech Canada. Theatre were all filled with speakers for the entire event. tional petroleum reservoirs" at the Capital Theatre Wednesday "I have been coming here for a few years now," said Ensom. Among some of the new features this year include a GNWT afternoon at 2:45 p.m. "This year it so far seems to be a really interesting and broad Coffee with Cabinet which will allow industry representa- Dr. Grant Zazula, a paleontologist with the Government of conference with lots of really interesting science, and highly tives and other delegates to meet the newly elected executive Yukon, will present the Charles Camsell Public Lecture Wed- relevant information for industry and for climate change and council. nesday night at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre adaptation." Hoefer said he has been involved with the annual event in at 7:30 p.m. His talk is called "Yukon's fossil rush: Ice Age Grozic added that he enjoyed the networking aspect of the one capacity or another since 1990. As in other years, he said mammals from Canada's North." event. the event is intended to support the Northern mineral industry Hoefer said he was encouraged by Indigenous government "It is a really good opportunity to hear from mining clients and spread knowledge among professionals. representatives speaking this year to present their mineral and other infrastructure clients – like the GNWT – what their "I think it is important to invite people here to help us strategies – noting presenters from both the Gwich'in Tribal plans are for the near term and the long-term (in the mineral work on our industry," he said, pointing out that attendees Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. industry)," he said. are always interested in new discoveries, advances in science, Hoefer also noted Katrina Nokleby, minister of Industry, "There is really good discussion about the need for a long- potential for mines and new findings of resources. The shar- Tourism and Investment and Infrastructure officially opened term vision for the Northwest Territories and the GNWT want- ing of new knowledge leads to people becoming re-energized the forum on Tuesday morning. ing to build infrastructure to support the mining industry."

Tim Ensom, left, and Ed Grozic were among those mingling during the forum at Capitol Theatre, Tuesday afternoon. 8 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Editorial & Opinions Published Wednesdays and Fridays COMMENTS AND VIEWS FROM YELLOWKNIFER AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com

FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Judy Triffo – [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR: Mike W. Bryant – [email protected] ACCOUNTING: [email protected] Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Amy Yang Assignment editor Craig Gilbert - [email protected] Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant Craig Gilbert • Simon Whitehouse

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ADVERTISING: [email protected] Representatives: Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan • Echo Xin Advertising co-ordinator: Zerline Rodriguez Administrative assistant: Emmanuel Ramos NNSL file photo Social Media co-ordinator: Vincent De Leon Yellowknife from the air in the 1950s or '60s. Many street names in the city harken back to the boom days.

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Diana Mathisen • Zdena Kunderlik Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson Customer service: Holly Yestrau Planes, prospectors [email protected]

CIRCULATION: [email protected] Circulation Director: Emma Thomas Jewala Jhankur Subscriptions: and proprietors Print: (mail) $90/year Online: (entire content) $50/year Yellowknife street names rich in everything but Yellowknives history Northern News Services original inhabitants? Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut's most THE ISSUE: It's an awkward question when NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated northerly piece of mainland, was STREET NAMING paralleled with the solemn acknow- Publishers of: named after Felix Booth, a wealthy ledgement uttered at the start of Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News gin distiller and supporter of British WE SAY: every city council meeting: "We are Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North expeditions to the Arctic in the early WHERE ARE THE YELLOWKNIVES honoured to be on Chief Drygeese Nunavut News/North 1800s. NAMES? Territory." If so, where is Chief Dry- It's the most iconic example of a Member of: geese Road? Canadian Community Newspapers Association place named for someone who has There are some terrific street Ontario Community Newspapers Association never been anywhere near the North knife's first mayor, who also ran names paying homage to commun- Manitoba Community Newspapers Association Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association but Yellowknifers needn't sail to Can- Negus Mine. ity builders like Mike and Jean Piro, Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association ada's High Arctic to find examples of Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils The name for Kam Lake was taken Vi and Grant Beck, "Mr." Ed Jeske, Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce head scratchers for place names. from a 1934 blueprint identifying and Vic Ingraham, who lost both legs Contents copyright – printed in the North Flipping through Tyler Heal's The mining claims. It fits on an election after a boat explosion on Great Bear by Canarctic Graphics Limited Times Behind the Signs at times sign but its significance has been Lake in October 1933, some years feels like roving through a chamber lost to time for the most part. before opening the Yellowknife Hotel. of commerce directory from 70 years This isn't to say that it's time to Also, in the slightest bit of self- SEND US YOUR COMMENTS ago. start renaming everything but News/ indulgence, Horton Crescent, named You can e-mail us at [email protected]; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off Rycon Drive was named for the North columnist Roy Erasmus Sr. for Ted Horton, was the editor and at our office at 5108-50th Street. Rycon Mine, Negus Place for the makes a valid point when question- publisher of News of the North from All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we Negus Mine, Con Road and Place for ing why Yellowknife's main drag – 1946 to 1967 and mayor between can confirm it came from you. Not all letters will necessarily be published. Pref- the Con Mine. Even Ptarmigan Road Franklin Avenue – is named after a 1958 and 1963. erence is given to short letters of broad interest or was named not after the vapid bird long dead British explorer Sir John They are all worthy of recognition concern. We particularly encourage new contributors as but after the mine named after the Franklin, whose only connection to but it cannot be denied that street we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. vapid bird. Same for Albatross Court, the place is that he once wandered names – and names of buildings, Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and named for the plane named for by on an ill-fated expedition to the lakes and other landmarks, for that those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to the bird, not to mention Norseman, Arctic coast. Yellowknife's largest matter – are lacking when it comes eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis Catalina and Anson drives, Bellanca high school is also named after him. to honouring the Dene. City hall for a story. Avenue, Fairchild Crescent, Dakota Franklin's saviour, the Yellowknives should ask the Yellowknives for a list Court and Stinson Road off Old Air- Dene chief Akaitcho, meanwhile, of names that should be taken into port Road, likewise named for types barely gets any mention in Yellow- consideration for future place marks. of aircraft. knife. Where are the street names It's time to recognize that Yellow- Niven Lake and Niven Drive are honouring notable figures in the his- knife history is very much Yellow- named for Jock McNiven, Yellow- tory of Yellowknives Dene, the area's knives Dene history as well. commentary YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 9

WE asked you! with Nick Pearce [email protected] What's the best homemade gift you've received?

Erica Able: Lois Little: David Finch: "Picture frames from A friend of mine knit- "Our family does Dutch granny. Cloth material ted me a sweater. baking. Lots of cinna- and little fringes." There's so much time mon, lots of fried stuff." and effort."

Express yourself: Write a letter to the editor Quentin Haener: Madelon Haener: Muhammad Rahman: Letters should be short and to the point. No longer than 500 words, please. Your letter should be "My socks." "This hat from my "Cookies. Any kind. relevant to our readers. Emailed letters are preferred. Include your full name and a phone number, daughter." Chocolate maybe." as we verify authenticity of all letters prior to publication. We may edit your letter for grammar, length (for our print version) or any potential legal issues. Email your letter to: [email protected] with the subject line: Letter to The Editor Or by regular mail: Yellowknifer 5108 50 St., Yellowknife, NT., X1A 1S2 Attn: Editor Fighting light pollution (in the dark) GUEST Comment Craig Scott is the executive director of Ecology North.

There are all types of pol- of the northern lights, and lution in the world. our connection with the One that does not get night's sky. discussed often is light pol- The good news is that we lution. You know, that hazy can do something about it. light that surrounds towns The International Dark Sky and cities, it's especially Association identifies and noticeable when the clouds certifies dark sky compliant are low and snow is in the lights. air. These lights gener- But what is light pollu- ally point light down, have tion, and is it a big deal? reflectors to keep light I'm sure most of you have from spilling up, are sized seen the photo of Earth from appropriately for the need, space with all the cities and and they have a softer more urban areas lit up in a spider- yellow light tone. Motion web of sprawl around many sensors are also one of the of the most populous regions most effective ways to reduce of the earth. The NWT is light pollution. one of those dark areas on A little-known fact is that the map with only a few the NWT and Alberta share tiny dots (Yellowknife being the largest dark sky preserve noticeable on a global scale). in the world (Wood Buffalo This global network of Park). So tonight, when you pollution is made up of mil- go to walk the dog or get lions and billions of individ- some exercise, take a look at ual lights that find their way our beautiful Northern sky, up to the sky. try to find some nice dark This light pollution can areas where the lights are at be a real problem for wildlife your back, and try to identify and birds who navigate by examples of good and bad the stars, studies show it also light fixtures in your neigh- has health implications for bourhood. humans who have our circad- Wouldn't it be great if ian rhythms impacted. It also they were all dark sky com- impacts our viewing pleasure pliant? photo courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory In 2012 NASA took 312 orbits to get enough images to put this aggregate of the Earth's surface at night. 10 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 commentaryphoto story photo story YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11 Far North Photo Fest shines in Yk PHOTO Feature by Cody Punter

Northern News Services This weekend marked the kick off of the inaugural Far North Photo Fest. The festival featured a group exhibition of Northern photographers, workshops and a round-table talk led by two internationally acclaimed photographers. More than 100 people turned out for the launch of the festival at the Centre Square Mall on Friday night, where the work of 11 Northern photographers from around the world is exhibited. On Saturday night Dene Nahjo hosted a nearly packed house for a round-table talk at the Top Knight headlined by the festival's two keynote speakers: Daniella Zalcman and Mauricio Palos, both award-winning photographers whose work has focused on Indigenous issues. Throughout the weekend participants had the chance to learn about a range of topics from how to photograph the Northern Lights and making your own photo book, to lighting and grant-writing workshops. Today marks the final day of the festi- val. The "Of The North" exhibit in Centre Square Mall will be open until 6 p.m. tonight. Far North Photo Fest board member Pat Kane, left, Daniella Zalcman, Mauricio Palos, fellow board member Angela Gzowski and Amos Scott, take part in a panel discussion hosted by Dene Nahjo at the Top Knight on Saturday night.

The late Rene Fumoleau's work is on display as part of the "Of The North" Amos Scott, one of the founding board members of the Far North Photo exhibition at the Centre Square Mall. The photos were selected by staff at the Fest, checks out the opening of the "Of The North" exhibition at the Centre Loren McGinnis takes in the work on display at the opening of the "Of The Angela Gzowski leads a lighting workshops as part of the Far North Photo Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre who are familiar with his catalogue. Square Mall last Friday night. North" exhibition at the Centre Square Mall last Friday night. Fest on Saturday afternoon.

Donovan Erutse and Thomas Gagnon-van Leeuwen check out the opening of the "Of The North" exhibition at the Centre Square Mall last Friday night. Bob Williams has his portfolio reviewed by Daniella Zalcman during work- Gagnon-van Leeuwen was one of 40 photographers whose works was exhib- shops held on Sunday as part of the Far North Photo Fest. ited as part of the festival's open call selection. The opening night of the "Of The North" exhibition at the Centre Square Mall last Friday night. 12 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 community Denim and Diamonds charity

The silent auction had approximately 30 donations, that had winning bids of up to $1,800.

photos courtesy of Samantha Stuart Sandra MacKenzie, chair, Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, speaks at the gala Saturday.

Dr. Darcy Scott, Central Area medical director, Northwest Territories Health Foundation board members Caitlin Cleveland and Paul Gillard alongside and Social Services Authority, speaking to the Stanton Territorial Hospital wish Sandra MacKenzie handing out "Bubbly and Beer" tickets as guests arrived. list of items in the evening's program. community YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 13 gala sells out at Explorer Hotel

The Ben Chase band, from left, Tyson Godvin, Weston Blatz, Ben Chase, Matt O'Connor and Nate McMurdo kept everyone up and dancing until 1:30 a.m. Event is main fundraiser for Stanton Territorial Hospital Charity Foundation by Nick Pearce porate table purchases, live and Stanton Hospital. Additional train- dust and put it somewhere on a shelf, tables. Dessert, tiramisu cake with Northern News Services silent auction, monetary donations, ing like that, typically offered only when I can donate and spend $700 coffee, followed. No price tag is too high for a it all adds up." in the south, is rarely budgeted. or $1,000 on an item that's going to Country-rock singer Ben Chase healthy community. They money raised this Saturday Support like the fundraiser can benefit someone at the hospital?" took the stage after dinner to enter- That was on display at Stanton will help purchase equipment, sup- offer professionals these additional Meanwhile, an additional item up tain attendees well into the evening. Territorial Hospital Charity Founda- port patients and offer additional opportunities. for purchase that night was a virtual It was all evidence to Olexin- tion's Denim and Diamonds event training for health care profession- reality system – which can be help- Lang of the support charity can at the Explorer Hotel on Saturday als at the hospital. In the past the That's not a kangaroo ful for seniors and others experien- garner even in lean times. evening. While the Foundation is Foundation has offered support to She added this year's fundrais- cing distress – that can be used for "I think people just realize," she still tallying its results, roughly 260 the dialysis unit, the mammography er also saw purchases through a coping with stress, anxiety and pain said. "There's cutbacks everywhere. people attended. machine and other smaller pieces. silent auction and the organization's reduction. These people, these corporations, Typically these events can raise The $2 million from an anonym- catalogue – additional items like a "We asked the hospital for their they're impacted by the downswing anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000, ous donor this June, for example, Kangaroo e-pump enteral feeding wish list basically," Olexin-Lang of Yellowknife's economy and the according to Foundation executive will fund a three-year mental health pump for pediatrics. Olexin-Lang said. "To me these, make sense that North's economy, but they still find director Patty Olexin-Lang. program aimed at youth and chil- estimates at least one or two of these we would want to promote and help a way to give." "It's incredible. We're just appre- dren. The foundation is working were purchased. … purchase them." For her, it's proof that health is ciative of the companies, the organ- with the NWT Health and Social One of those purchases was for On top of the fundraising, there close to home. Everyone's affected izations in Yellowknife that want to Services Authority and the Hospital a friend whose daughter relied on was a praiseworthy meal. For salad, by health concerns, whether it's a come to these events and support the for Sick Kids in Toronto, and is plan- that feeding pump for seven years, it was northern greens with fresh family member, friend, or co-work- different causes, especially the hos- ning to have the program roll out in she said, adding "He was happy to berries, candied pecans and goat er. It means something that busi- pital foundation," she said. "We're January. purchase one. He said he was just cheese blueberry vinaigrette before nesses and organizations can always very grateful." Foundation donations can also happy to be giving back." the main course. Dinner was boar find the money for the foundation. "People in Yellowknife are very go toward health care training like "Another lady said, ‘why should I bacon wrapped beef tenderloin "It all revolves and people just generous," said Olexin-Lang. "Cor- oncology for the professionals at buy something that's going to gather served with roast potatoes and vege- want to give back," she said.

Ben Chase led the entertainment with his band. 14 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 15 Sports & Recreation SPORTS HOTLINE • JAMES MCCARTHY Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Yellowknife takes the top

James McCarthy/NNSL photos Tamara Mathison of the Crush 15U girls, right, The Yk Blue duo of Benji Straker, left, and Mike Brianna Helyar of the Potential Volleyball Club's sets one up as Naledi Ndlovu watches on in Mathison get up to try and deny Matt Craig's kill 18U girls outfit gets her hand to a shot from Allie anticipation during the women's Tier 2 final of the attempt during the men's final of the Canadian Hinchey during the women's Tier 1 final of the Can- Canadian Tire Open at St. Pat's Gymnasium on Tire Open at Weledeh Gymnasium on Sunday. adian Tire Open at Weledeh Gymnasium on Sunday. Sunday. Yk Blue and Potential Volleyball Club win men's and women's titles respectively in Canadian Tire Open by James McCarthy together; they were solo players and (the organ- when he hits and it's pretty awesome to see." They told me they were good, all casual even Northern News Services izers) put them together as a team so they had The women's division was split into two tiers after the other team came back." Another weekend, another volleyball tour- never played with each other before. You could for the playoffs with the top eight teams moving Horn also said he tried out some players nament in the city and for the fourth weekend see a huge improvement from their first game on to play for the Tier 1 title. The four teams in positions they normally don't play and that running, Yellowknife featured prominently in right up to the final. They were starting to gel that missed out went on to play for the Tier 2, or helped. the final standings. pretty good." consolation, crown. "If I rolled out a different line-up to start a The Canadian Tire Open saw a total of six There were plenty of long rallies in the final The Tier 1 champions this year are the set, they just went with it," he said. "They all men's team and 12 women's teams take to the and those can go either way once the ball stays Potential Volleyball Club's 18U girls as they supported each other and it's a great way to start courts at Weledeh and St. Pat's Gymnasiums in the air long enough. downed That's What She Set in the decider. It the year." looking to win one of the biggest adult titles of Goodwin said his team's strategy was to try went all five sets as That's What She set came The Potential club hosted this year's tourna- the season. and find Christopher Mathison to put the rally back from 2-0 down to force the fifth-set tie ment, which made its return following a one- On the men's side, Yk Blue made it look easy to bed. break but Potential was able to hang on and win year absence and Goodwin, who serves on the as they ran the table to win that title, wrapping "He's a really, really talented young player, the final set, 15-11. club's board of directors, said he was surprised things up with a straight-sets win over Deep just turning 17 I think," he said. "Once we get Darren Horn, Potential's coach, said he knew to see as many teams get in on the action as Tips in the final. In fact, the champs dropped into those long rallies, we try to get it to Chris his girls would be up against a team that would there was. just one set in total on their way to victory. and he'll put it down." be taking chances down two sets but they held "It was very last-minute," he said. "We didn't Andrew Goodwin of Yk Blue said there was Something else Mathison did which their composure. have a lot of teams near the deadline but they some daylight between the two teams in terms impressed Goodwin was his ability to place the "The girls played really well," he said. "If all came out of the woodwork at the last minute. of the set scores but their opponents did well ball even while seemingly hanging in the air. you would have told me these girls would do We had out-of-town teams from Whati, Deline getting to the final. "He has a crazy amount of hang time and so well, considering we only had one practice and Behchoko and that's always good. We "They're a good team and they played us you can see him try and pick out where he wants before the tournament began, I would have said weren't sure if we got the word out fast enough tough," he said. "They were actually pieced that ball to go," he said. "He has a lot of vision you were nuts but their composure was great. but it looks like we did."

Friday. Galusha and company will get going in the afternoon Experimental Ski Training (TEST) Program and 1972 Winter versus Nola Zingel of Alberta in her first game of the triple- Olympian. SPORTS knockout format spiel, meaning each team has three chances Everything is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. to make the playoffs, which start next Monday. Check Unlike most other World Tour events, each game Club curlers off to nationals with James McCarthy will be 10 ends as opposed to eight ends, the format used at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. The next national curling championship involving the NWT e-mail: [email protected] is on the horizon and it's for the club-level curlers. The Canadian Curling Club Championships kick off in Hall of Fame adds three Leduc, Alta., this coming Monday and the Yellowknife Curl- Team Galusha back in action The NWT Sport Hall of Fame is set to grow by three this ing Centre will be providing the men's entry as Chris Kell will and her rink of Sarah Koltun, Shona Bar- weekend as the induction ceremony will happen at the Elks his rink of Trevor Moss, Travis Weagant and Nick Rivet bour and Jo-Ann Rizzo are hitting the road again this week for Hall on Friday evening. into action. They'll get underway with their first game on open- their next big event on the World Curling Tour circuit. It's a trio of athletes this year as gymnast John Tram of ing day against Nova Scotia. They will be part of the field in the Boundary Ford Curl- Yellowknife will join the late Floyd Daniels, one of the finest The women's rink hails from the Hay River Curling Club ing Classic in Lloydminster, Alta., and it all gets underway on fastpitch softball players to ever play the game in the NWT, and is skipped by Katrina Delorey. They will take on P.E.I. on and the late Roseanne Allen, a graduate of the Territorial Monday evening in their first contest. 16 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 sports & recreation The volleyball bonanza continues

Taya Straker manages to get a passing shot up during the women's Tier 2 final. Northern News Services For the fourth weekend in a row, vol- leyball took over Weledeh and St. Pat's g VOLLEYBALL ymnasiums as the Canadian Tire Open hit the courts. The finals happened on Sunday with Feature three championship games – men's, women's Tier 1 and women's Tier 2 – and by James McCarthy here's some of the best of the action from championship Sunday.

Thea Marzan manages to get Benji Straker, right, prepares to send Allie Hinchey volleys one over her head during a rally in the women's Tier 1 in a passing shot during the one down over the outstretched block of final. women's Tier 2 final. Matt Craig during the men's final.

Scott Thomson saves the ball during a rally in the men's final. sports & recreation YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 17 A volleyball tour for the NWT: Why not? Nunavut does it already

Northern News Services Now for the important part: how to do the It's always tough to organize any sort of qualification. circuit or league for the NWT. Nigh on impos- We just had the Canadian Tire Open in sible in most cases simply because of the town. That could be one tournament which geography but Nunavut manages to make it could give out points. The Paulou Ittungna work for volleyball. I shall explain: Memorial Tournament in Inuvik is another and The Nunavut Open Volleyball Tournament there are plenty of opportunities to host tourna- is the final big event of the season for the ments in the South Slave, Dehcho and Tlicho sport for our neighbours to the east and serves regions as well. Behchoko and Whati love as the adult territorial championships. The their volleyball and hosting a tournament there four men's and women's teams that qualify would make sense. Deline and Fort Good Hope for the big show in Iqaluit do so by playing in love their volleyball just as much. what's known as the Nunavut That's been a knock on Open Volleyball Tour, a series Yellowknife for many years of events throughout the year – teams from the capital can't where teams play and earn SPORTS be bothered to go to the com- points toward their final total. munities to play. This could be a Teams that do make it then Talk chance to remedy that. pay a flat $500 fee per player with James McCarthy The challenge has always to play and that includes every- been how to get teams from thing: flights to and from their Yellowknife to go and play. home community, accommodations in Iqaluit, Well, teams from the Beaufort Delta and Sahtu food, team jerseys and registration fee. That's regions always seem to be able to make their a pretty good deal considering $500 would way down to Yellowknife so why can't we return barely pay for the hotel for one player. the favour? I can recall one particular softball Now, we have the NWT Volleyball Cham- tournament in Norman Wells where the organiz- pionships but I see a way to make it a bit more ers offered up a sweetheart deal for teams from exciting. The NWT Open Volleyball Tour? Yellowknife to go and play: deeply-discounted I don't see why not. We already have plenty airfare, damn-near free hotel rooms and all food of volleyball teams and communities play- expenses paid. Guess how many teams from ing within driving distance in the south and Yellowknife took up that offer? Exactly. Yellowknife could be the centre of it all, much Before you say anything, yes, I am aware like Iqaluit is with its tour. that community teams do sometimes have their I was bandying this idea around with travel subsidized but they still have to pay for Andrew Goodwin of the Potential Volleyball things when they show up. They pay for their Club and he liked the idea. The challenge, food, their hotels, their transportation in town. James McCarthy/NNSL photo though, is getting teams to buy in. One idea which several people smarter than Matt Craig lines up a big swing during the men's final of the Canadian Tire The ground rules would have to be estab- I have always brought up is to have a bunch Open at Weledeh Gymnasium on Sunday. Could the Canadian Tire Open make lished first, starting with eligibility. As it of teams from Yellowknife come together and up part of a new NWT Open Volleyball Tour? stands, any team wishing to qualify for the book a charter. It's a lot cheaper for a group of Nunavut Open needs to submit a roster before people to split the costs as opposed to booking the start of the first tournament in November a ticket for each person on Canadian North. and can only play those players on their roster The Nunavut Open is always held during the if they wish to accumulate points. Any non- same weekend as the Nunavut 18U Volleyball roster player which plays for a team in a quali- Championships and this could be a great oppor- fication tournament means all points earned tunity to piggy-back on Spike It! It would be a for that tournament are nullified. tight squeeze but having the NWT Open held The reason this is done is to stop teams during the Senior Spike It! weekend makes a lot from loading up on ringers to boost qualifica- of sense. It would break up the tournament and tion chances and here in Yellowknife, there give people some good volleyball to watch in are plenty of chances to do just that. Rent-a- between times. players are something teams have employed Here's a radical idea: would it work to have in many other sports (don't give me that look senior teams – I'm thinking 19U here – play in … you know it happens and everyone else the tour perhaps? Make Senior Spike It! a tour knows) and while it's not illegal – so long as stop perhaps? Encourage youth to play? Food eligibility rules are followed – it does give an for thought. unfair advantage to a team which does it. Anyway, this is just a blueprint for some- The Nunavut Open is just that: an open thing I think would be cool to do. We had the tournament and that means anyone of any Northern Hockey Challenge with the NWT age is eligible to take part and has the exact and Nunavut together but that ended up being a same chance to qualify for the tournament as one-off deal, though Yellowknife and Hay River anyone else. The NWT Open should follow have kept it going in some fashion. the same rule of thumb and make that part of The NWT Open Volleyball Tour – watch the deal. for it in a gymnasium near you? SPORTS CARD VOLLEYBALL

AGE: 14 Oleta was part of the Crush 15U girls team which managed to get to the final of the Canadian Tire Open's women's Tier 2 final before losing to Whati. She was also part of the swimming team that competed at the Western Canada Summer Games this past August. OLETA DURU 18 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 19 20 YELLOWKNIFER, Wednesday, November 20, 2019