New MLA owes GNWT nearly $2M Rocky Simpson sued for unpaid balance of loan from business development corporation

1257+:(677(55,725,(6 Getting busy with inspections Volume 74 Issue 23 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019 $.95 (plus GST) Surrounded by natural beauty

Climate change strikes held across NWT

Beaufort sends two women to legislature

Fort Prov learns a new kind of literacy

photo courtesy of Bernice Marlow This monster trout was pullled out of the water near Fort Reliance, Lutsel K'e.

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "We are pro-industry, pro-mining, pro-drilling and pro-energy, whatever that energy may be."

7 71605 00200 2 – Luke Quinlan of the People's Party of Canada leaving no doubt where he stands on resource extraction, page 7. 2 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 Our beautiful North NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 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 Break-in attempt at store Hay River Hay River RCMP are seeking witnesses to an early-morning incident at the Fields store. At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sept. 19, the RCMP responded to an attempted break and enter into the business on Woodland Drive. RCMP members found the main front door had been extensively damaged. No arrests have been made as of Sept. 27 and the investigation is ongoing. The police are asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area in the early hours of Sept. 19 to contact the Hay River RCMP at 874-1111. Anyone with information can also submit anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, going online to nwtnutips.com, or texting 'nwtnutips' plus a AMY WHYNOT WINNER message to 274637. – Paul Bickford The picture is of Ulukhaktok. It captures a lot of the beauty here: Harold's Island, the Three Hills, and all aglow at sunset. Attempted murder charge in Tuktoyaktuk A 38-year-old Tuktoyaktuk man was charged with attempted murder after a shoot- Our beautiful North ing in the community. Submit entries via Facebook messenger to our NNSL.com page each week by 4 p.m. Thursday and we'll post the contest- After responding to a call related to an ants each Friday on our Facebook page. The photo with the most votes at the end of the week's voting will receive $100. "incident involving a firearm," around 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 22, Tuktoyaktuk RCMP located an injured 43-year-old man outside a residence in the community, states a news release issued by police Tuesday. The man was transported to Inuvik Regional Hospital with non-life threat- ening injuries. A suspect, Michael Robert Gruben, was located in the area by RCMP. Along with the attempted murder charge, Gruben faces a raft of firearm-related offences, including careless use of a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm and pointing a firearm. He also faces an uttering threats charge. Gruben remains in custody. The charges against him have not been proven in court. —Brendan Burke Trades program returns in Fort Smith /Fort Smith The South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) partnered with the Fort Smith Career Centre and Aurora College to bring the introductory Trades Awareness Pro- gram back to Fort Smith last month. BERNICE MARLOW CHRIS THOMPSON The annual program, which ran from Sept. Lutsel K'e Hay River 23 to 27, introduces junior and senior high This was caught in Fort Reliance. This photo was taken outside my house around 11 p.m. school students to several trades, including cooking, aviation, carpentry, plumbing, elec- trical and heavy equipment mechanics. There are two components to the program: introductory and intensive. The introductory program provided students from Fort Smith, Hay River, Fort Resolution, Lutselk'e and K'atlodeeche First Nation with hands-on learning. Students then have the opportunity to return in the spring of 2020 for the intensive program. "The Trades Awareness Program is a great way for students from across the South Slave to try out several trades at Aurora College," said Curtis Brown, superintendent of the SSDEC, who helped found the program. "There's a great need for skilled trades professionals in the North and across Canada." The program gives students access to the trades shops, equipment and instructional expertise at Aurora College and in the Fort Smith business community. Students earn career and technology studies credits toward their high school diplomas. fiona joe – Paul Bickford Inuvik On Inuvik-Tuk highway during an evening ride looking for wildlife with the kids. 4 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 Our beautiful North

CODY STEVEN MANTLA hitcham itjiou Behchoko Somba K'e/ Sept. 21, on Highway 3 between to Yellowknife and Behchoko – an amazing sunrise. Captured in Yellowknife. Our beautiful North NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 5

keith sangris mikey wedzin Fletcher Lake Behchoko Glassing the Barrenlands in the red tundra. The Frank Channel Bridge in breathtaking Behchoko. 6 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 news Exclusive: Hay River MLA sued by GNWT for failing to repay loan Rocky Simpson denies he was trying to keep voters in the dark during the campaign

by Brendan Burke Karan Shaner ordered Simpson and when asked whether his debt could Northern News Services his companies to pay a total of prompt constituents to question his Somba K'e/Yellowknife $1,885,955.03 on June 28 of this year. ability to manage funds as an MLA. Rocky Simpson may have just Simpson said hard economic "At the end of the day I'm here to ousted incumbent Wally Schumann times have hit his company, pre- represent everybody with whatever as MLA for but the venting him from paying back the concerns they have and just like in MLA-elect still faces another chal- loans. The Alberta oil patch crash the past I've helped people out even lenge. He owes nearly $2 million to in particular, he said, hurt the com- when I wasn't an MLA," he said. the territorial government – a debt pany's bottom line. Asked if he should have disclosed he didn't disclose to voters on the Hay River-based Concept Energy his debt during the election run, campaign trail. Services Ltd. rents out industrial Simpson said he thought most people "No one asked me about it," said equipment, while manufacturing and in Hay River already knew what was Simpson when pressed by News/ installing modular homes. going on. North as to why he kept the large Simpson said the government He maintained he wasn't trying to sum a secret during the campaign. loans went largely to equipment. keep voters in the dark. "It's a business thing," Simpson "We were renting stuff out, build- In November 2017, The North- said during a phone interview Friday. ing accommodations in Alberta," west Territories Housing Corpora- According to court documents said Simpson. "Probably 80 per cent tion cut ties with Concept Energy obtained by News/North, Simpson's of my revenue was coming out of Services Ltd. The authority ended company Concept Energy Services Alberta and coming back into the its contract with the company after it Ltd. entered into a loan agreement NWT. When (the oil industry) went failed to deliver all of the promised eight years ago with the Northwest flat, we took a big hit on that." 19 modular homes it was expected Territories Business Development Asked if he can effectively repre- to deliver to NWT communities Paul Bickford/NNSL photo and Investment Corporation (BDIC), sent the interests of his constituents, between March and June 2017. a GNWT Crown corporation. while, at the same time, owning Simpson was awarded the con- Rocky Simpson, right, is congratulated on winning Hay River "Up until and including the almost $2 million to the government tract in June 2016. South on election night by his son R.J. Simpson, who was month of November, 2018 Concept he will now oversee as an MLA, Simpson called the contract acclaimed to his legislative assembly seat in . Energy Services Ltd. failed to make Simpson said his business problems breakdown unfortunate, stressing The elder Simpson owes the territorial government more than 59 out of 93 recurring monthly pay- have nothing to do with his job as loans weren't used from BDIC to $1.8 million of a $2 million loan his business received in 2011. ments since the loan was originally an MLA. build the homes. advanced in 2011," reads a statement "That's Concept Energy. So I will When it comes to potential con- I'm over there. Anything to do with rently the minister responsible for of claim from the BDIC. represent the people of Hay River flict of interest concerns in the 19th my business … I'd make sure that's BDIC, said he didn't disclose Simp- "Concept Energy Services Ltd. as best as I can because, really, the Assembly, Simpson said he would dealt with prior to sitting." son's debt because the matter was has missed every scheduled month- economy is a problem, not just for "talk with the person in charge of that Simpson doesn't know when he'll before the courts. ly payment starting in September me but for other businesses as well," just make sure there is no conflict. be able to pay the money back in full. "It's under legal action and I'm 2017," continues the claim. he said. "I'll make sure I step aside, prob- Simpson's opponent in the Hay not privy to say anything about it," NWT Supreme Court judge "I hope not," replied Simpson ably deal with that this week or when River South race, who is still cur- said Schumann. news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 7 Four federal candidates square off in first debate Boosting the economy, cost of living and internet outages took centre stage at the first federal candidates debate by Brett McGarry munities is very poor. He said the Northern News Services Conservatives would prioritize rural Somba K'e internet connectivity. Four of the NWT's five federal Beckett suggested that using the candidates held a debate at Northern internet has become so important United Place on Wednesday. to everyday life and business that The event was hosted by the it should be considered a necessity NWT Chamber of Commerce and that the government should work to NWT and NU Chamber of Mines. provide in every community. NDP candidate Mary Beck- "I think internet and cellphone ett, Green Party candidate Paul use has to be considered a part of Falvo, Conservative candidate the public utility network, things that Yanik D'Aigle and Luke Quinlan are treated as a necessity of life," of the People's Party of Canada all she said. answered five questions and gave She said the NDP would work their two cents as to why residents to connect Northern communities should vote for them. ahead of the Liberal 2030 schedule. Liberal candidate Michael Falvo said the green economy is a McLeod was absent from the debate. digital economy and his party would According to his Facebook page, amend CRTC regulations to increase the NWT MP was campaigning Brett McGarry / NNSL photo competition. in Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Four of the NWT's five federal candidates held a debate on Wednesday. Pictured are Green "The NWT paid for a (fibre optic) Resolution on Oct. 2 and 3. Party candidate Paul Falvo, left, NDP candidate Mary Beckett, Conservative candidate Yanik line and signed it over to a monopoly The moderator informed the D'Aigle and PPC candidate Luke Quinlan. that now stifles its competition," said crowd McLeod gave "his regrets" Falvo. that he was unable to attend. He, like D'Aigle, would want to Candidates expressed their dis- exploration. He also promoted eco- cient retrofits for their homes. ing, pro-drilling and pro-energy, piggyback fibre optic lines with elec- appointment that they would not nomic diversification. "It will provide us with a huge whatever that energy may be," said trical conduits and expand the terri- address the Liberal MP directly. He and the Conservatives would amount of work ... and it will add Quinlan. tory's power grid. "It's difficult to challenge the support other sectors of the economy a whole lot of new money into our Quinlan also highlighted other Quinlan on the other hand sug- status quo without Michael here," such as tourism, green energy and economy," she said. PPC platform points including keep- gested the PPC would eliminate the said D'Aigle. academia but said sectors like "tour- Falvo and Quinlan took polar ing GST in the territory and reducing CRTC entirely. ism will not replace our resource opposite positions on the energy sec- business tax among other things to "It's preventing competition in the Growing the economy economy." tor. boost economic activity. telecommunications sector," he said. With economists forecasting an Beckett, who has a small busi- Falvo suggested that in order to Candidates also discussed devolv- economic slump for the territory ness background, said it's import- leave fossil fuels in the ground we Connecting the North ing the Mackenzie Valley Resource as its diamond mines are set to ant to reduce taxes for small busi- must innovate by cutting all sub- Candidates were also asked how Management Act to the GNWT stop producing, the candidates were nesses and noted how the promise sidies to oil and gas companies and they would work to ensure reliable and how to keep a greater share of asked how they would act to boost of free pharmacare, which the NDP re-purpose the money to subsidize and inexpensive high-speed internet resource royalties in the territory. the economy and all four offered is making, would alleviate pressure cleaner industries. across the territory, after Yellow- Another federal leader debate varying answers. on businesses to provide benefits to Quinlan, on the other hand, made knife experienced two major tele- took place on Oct. 3, which was D'Aigle recognized the import- employees. it clear than he and his young party communication outages this year. hosted by Ecology North as a part ance of mining in the NWT and She also proposed interest free would be pro-resource development. D'Aigle said the costs and con- of the 100 Debates on the Environ- said more funds should be spent on loans for residents to get energy effi- "We are pro-industry, pro-min- sistency of telecom services in com- ment series. 8 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 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

Founder (1934-2018): NNSL file photo J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason Premier Bob McLeod speaks in the NWT legislative assembly's chambers. PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – [email protected] Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo MANAGING EDITOR: Mike W. Bryant – [email protected] Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Mike W. Bryant • Craig Gilbert Secret votes make charade ACCOUNTING – [email protected] Florie Mariano • Cindy Minor • Amy Yang Assignment editor Simon Whitehouse - [email protected] Photo: Emily McInnis of 'consensus' government Sports: James McCarthy – [email protected] Business: [email protected] Arts: [email protected] MLAs have no good reason to shield choices for premier, cabinet Reporters: Brendan Burke • Simon Whitehouse Nick Pearce Northern News Services This is plain nonsense. Do they not

Advertising production If MLAs didn't clue in last election The issue: take a look at the world around them, Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes selecting cabinet Diana Mathisen • Zdena Kunderlik that voters wanted change they surely full of democratically elected but Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson must see the writing on the wall now. We say: partisan governments where party Customer service: Holly Yestrau In 2015, voters turfed eight out choices should be public politics is the norm? Lots of elected [email protected] of 16 MLAs seeking re-election who MLAs, MPPs, MPs etc., in the ADVERTISING [email protected] were not acclaimed. Last week, opposition ranks, yet, miracle upon Representatives: the incumbents were pulverized yet to the candidates asking whether miracles, they continue to support Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan again. Out of the 11 facing a con- they would publicly disclose their leaders who are not in government.

Advertising co-ordinator: Zerline Rodriguez tested race only four survived the picks for premier and cabinet. If we were to follow our MLAs' Administrative assistant: Emmanuel Ramos election. Of the 19 MLAs heading to the logic, these people ought to shut up Social Media co-ordinator: Vincent De Leon It's worth noting too that for the legislative assembly, only Great about their political party affiliation CIRCULATION: first time in NWT history, women Slave's has fully for fear of being cut off from the [email protected] have been elected to the legislative committed to revealing her choices Circulation Director: Emma Thomas government gravy train. Yet in nation Jewala Jhankur assembly in significant numbers – for premier and cabinet. Thompson after nation, province after province, Subscriptions: from two after the last election to has announced his pick for premier people still run for office opposed and One year mail $90 Online (entire content) $50/year nine. The 'Old Boys Club' survived the but has said nothing about cabinet. unafraid of the governing party and 2015 election but women will have Likewise 's , its leader. considerably more power in the legis- who is also supporting Lafferty for Why should it be any different here NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated lative assembly now. There will be no premier. 's Caroline Coch- under a consensus government? Publishers of: Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News need to take the democratically-dubi- rane, a cabinet minister during the We will also note that once MLAs Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North • Nunavut News/North ous step of awarding women seats to last assembly who is now seeking the emerge from behind the darkened Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association reach gender parity. premiership, says she is undecided curtain with their secret premier and Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association No doubt this ought to be a differ- about whether she will reveal her cabinet picks, nothing – nothing – Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association ent legislative assembly than in the cabinet choices, which at this point is stops them from spending the next Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce past. For the first time it will truly basically a 'no.' four years on the opposition bench Contents copyright – printed in the North by Canarctic Graphics Limited have a female perspective, one that So why should MLAs publicly trying to undermine, interrogate and

We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons recognizes the innate differences declare their choices for cabinet and irritate in an attempt to elevate them- financial support of l'appui financier du the Government of gouvernement du between men and women, and craft premier? Aside from being undemo- selves at the expense of those chosen Canada. Canada. legislation and ask questions reflect- cratic, the oft-trotted rationale for to be on cabinet.

Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council ing those differences. making these decisions in secret The only logical explanation as to was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public and press alike, and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints That's good news. Alas, the one doesn't make any sense. why MLAs decline to openly declare from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and pub- lishing news, opinion and advertising. thing that does not appear to be MLAs have routinely insisted that their selections for premier and cab- Complaints should go to: changing, at least not entirely, is the by going public with their picks they The Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706 Toronto, Ont., inet is because they don't want to be M5B 1J3 way the premier and cabinet are put their constituents at risk. If some- held accountable for them by voters. Email: [email protected] Fax: 1-416-340-8724 www.ontpress.com selected – in secret, behind closed one other than the MLA's choice for It is an undemocratic process that doors. premier and cabinet is chosen, then undermines consensus government Send us your comments Email us at: [email protected] with the subject After MLA Shane they will face retribution from the and erodes faith among the elector- line "My opinion"; or send mail to News/North at Box vengeful victors: a school gymnasium 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at Thompson announced prior to the ate. our office at 5108-50 Street. All letters submitted vote that he was supporting in their district getting nixed from the MLAs should understand that must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number. We will do our best to ensure that MLA Jacskon Lafferty to be premier, budget, or government jobs getting problem and put an end to this shady letters submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday are printed in Monday's News/North. News/North sent out a questionnaire moved somewhere else. practice once and for all. editorial – opinions NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 9 Women ready to flex their muscles Northern News Services continuing the legacy of residential schools. It Well what do you know? Nine women was also a hot topic on the election trail and were elected as MLAs in the NWT election. in various forums. Yay. That is three times more women than have And of course, lack of completed land ever been in the legislative assembly at one claims is holding up development in the time, and women make up almost half of the southern NWT. Hopefully the new MLAs MLAs. Woohoo! will get cabinet to have the GNWT step back I'm pretty sure things will be from land claims negotiations. But very different from the previous it will be hard, because GNWT assembly. From my experience, employees will push back to keep women have different priorities their power. than men. They will fight to make As Bruce Valpy said in a recent changes in family and women's opinion piece, "Over the years, issues, education, health care and GNWT bureaucrats have operated child care. on the idea that whatever powers A priority in education should and land the Dene governments bode well for turning Aurora Col- get from the feds is a poten- lege into a polytechnic university tial invasion of their turf. They for the NWT. Now you're talking. WHEN resisted and urged their masters The idea of a university is a in cabinet, if not the assembly, to Department of Education propos- THE resist." al, which needs endorsement and HEART The thing is, many Aboriginal continued support from the MLAs. leaders have stated privately and So, if you want to get degrees and says No publicly that the GNWT is now trades training in the NWT, tell Roy Erasmus Sr. is "running the show" in land claim your MLA to support the proposal a certified wellness negotiations and they are much for a university. Well yaaaaaa. counsellor and coach harder to deal with than the feds So, you want land claims finished in the In 2015, when I ran for MLA, Jean called The women will also probably who survived heart ever were. Tsk, tsk. Not cool. life of this Assembly? Tell your MLA that the a woman to see if she wanted a ride to do a better job with our ailing wel- disease. It's only recently that the GNWT should be part of the federal govern- vote. The woman laughed and said, "I'm in fare system, which was blasted by GNWT was even allowed to have ment's party at the table. Edmonton, but don't worry I voted for Roy the Auditor General of Canada. their own voice at the negotiating before I left." Jean said, "Oh, you did?" She For one thing, more Indigenous children tables after being part of the federal team. Pat yourself on the back said, "Of course, I wouldn't leave without vot- are in foster care in Canada today than there Apparently, after devolution they became dic- Those of you who voted should pat your- ing for him!" Sounds good eh? were in Residential Schools in total. These tators in negotiations. selves on the back because we had a 54 per Meanwhile, Jean called the lady because kids are separated from their families and Even with devolution, the GNWT is still cent voter turnout. That's 10 per cent higher our people at the polls kept track of who cultures and are often abused in various an arm of the federal government. Land than last election and the highest in a long voted, and we knew she had NOT voted ways. Not cool, man! claim negotiations should reflect reality; the time. Woohoo. for me … Because she had not voted at all. And many women and girls spoke elo- GNWT should be part of the federal team And … We also have the highest propor- Eschia. quently at various hearings about how gov- and not a separate party at the negotiation tion of female MLAs in all of the provinces Nonetheless, it's great to see more voters ernments and child protection agencies are table. Well yaaaaaaa! and territories. at the polls and more female MLAs. Northern bankers wear mukluks and moosehide

Northern News Services land bank paid regular dividends, hard to do. So land claims were Prince Edward Island combined, along with When I go south, I get asked about land without fail, in clean water, meat, invented to save on legal fees, real- $509 million in cash payments. That means claims. Not an expert I say, but here’s how I wood and clothing, all to be left for ly a redo of the treaty negotiations. Canada now has title to 1.15 million square see it, in strictly non-Indigenous terms. their children when they died. This time the Indigenous people km, minus the pending Dehcho and Akaitcho To me, land is something to be owned to Since arriving, we Europeans have lawyers. landclaims. Pretty good deal for Canadians. live on, or to be bought and sold. The more took whatever land we could get In the North, Indigenous gov- So when southern industry, or anybody, land people have, the more likely they have our hands on because the land ernments are lawfully rebuilding comes calling on our Northern land bank- lots of money. banks in Europe were locked up by their land banks. ers looking to withdraw land from the land The Dene, Metis and Inuit value land too royalty and rich business people. The Inuvialuit have regained bank, without offering security and immediate but they usually put THE in front of it. They Ordinary people got the crumbs. title to 90,600 square kilometres, dividends, like cash and jobs, they shouldn’t say "I love THE land," "I am going out on European-based law says you with 12,949 in subsurface (min- be surprised when their request is denied or THE land," "on THE land is the best place to must show legal title to the land eral) rights. The Gwich’in got back worse, ignored. No banks down south will be" or "don’t mess with THE land." you want to own. That law even approximately 22,330 sq km of finance risky ventures either. That’s how they When we Europeans arrived 400 years ago, applied to the Indigenous land. From the land in the , hang on to their (and our) money. the idea was to get as much land as possible Treaties were signed but because Publisher and 1,554 sq km in the Yukon, The diamond mines brought jobs and bene- so you could make a king or queen happy and Indigenous people had no lawyers Bruce Valpy is the including subsurface rights to 6,158 fit agreements to Indigenous communities. they would give you lots of money to put in to ensure fairness, the legal basis of publisher and CEO of sq km. The Sahtu Dene and Métis That works. Resource exploration companies the bank. European ownership is like candle NNSL Media. got back 41,437 sq km, including are going to have to find a way to do the same Or the royalty might give you land for ice in the spring – appears solid 1,813 sq km of subsurface rights. if they want Northern land bankers to take yourself so you could make your own money on top but you can’t stand on it The Tlicho got back 39,000 sq km, them seriously. and put that into the bank for your kids to because it’s rotten underneath. including subsurface resources In the meantime, the shareholders of the enjoy when you are dead. When Indigenous land disputes get into the under their communities. land banks – the Indigenous communities – To the Dene, Metis and Inuit, THE land courts, the weight falls on the ‘Crown’ to show So that’s 193,367 square km, a land bank will continue to collect healthy dividends in was THE bank. And like all good banks, the they got the land in good faith which is very the size of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and clean water, meat, wood and clothing. 10 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 news 'We don't need token seats' , , Frederick Blake Jr. and Jackie Jacobson pack their bags for Yellowknife by Nick Pearce during celebrations. Northern News Services "With a lot more women in Beaufort Delta there, they're going to be look- In a night that elected a ing at everything differently. historic nine women to the That's what we wanted. We Legislative Assembly, voters want to have our voice: women in Beaufort Delta had their say. represented in the government, Among the evenings win- women represented in making ners were Diane Thom for decisions, and looks like that's Boot Lake, Lesa Semmler for going to happen." Twin Lakes, Frederick Blake "We don't need token seats. Jr.'s acclamation to Mackenzie We don't need to be given Delta, and Jackie Jacobson's seats. We'll win our seats," return to territorial politics. As Semmler said. Dianne Thom spared voters called for change at the a moment from cele- polls, the new batch of MLAs Thom wins Inuvik-Boot Lake will face persistent issues Diane Thom has become brations Oct. 1 after around housing, the economy one of a record nine women winning the race for and climate change as they set elected to the Northwest Ter- Boot Lake. to work in the 19th Assembly. ritories legislature. Sher collected 239 votes was a tough month for all of Semmler runs away with to 179 for Eugene Rees and us," he said, explaining half Inuvik-Twin Lakes Desmond Loreen, who took the candidates were all relat- Lesa Semmler cruised to a 94 votes, and Jimmy Kalinek, ed. "(All the candidates) want- convincing victory in Inuvik who took 47 votes. ed what's best for the people. Twin Lakes. "I worked really hard in the We're going to do good things Securing an early lead, last month. And I had such a now." Semmler watched results great team of supporters that "We're going to fix the with bated breath alongside really encouraged me to go out housing issue for Nunakput. friends and family at her there and reach out to every- We're going to do the shore home on Tuesday night. Once body," she said. line erosion for Tuk. My plan results became official, guests "I'm pretty excited right is to get Ulukhaktok a long stepped outside and set off now," she said to cheers around term facility for our elders that fireworks in celebration as her. "I'm in a room of amazing are stuck in Inuvik. I'm going the constituency's new MLA people." to get that fixed," Jacobson shared hugs and a few words While she enjoyed the said, adding he also planned

Nick Pearce/NNSL photos with family. night's win, she knows the real to address education and Lesa Semmler watches the results roll in on Tuesday night at home with "I worked hard and the work begins now and she's the fuel issues plaguing the people spoke," she told Inuvik ready to get down to business. constituency over the past two friends and family. Drum. "The west end spoke. The first task is to acquaint years. They voted for me. Now it's herself with the series of fresh Jacobson won the six-per- my turn to do what I said I was faces that will be joining her in son race in Nunakput with going to and take care of." the 19th Assembly. 231 votes, to incumbent Her- Semmler ran on improving She said Wednesday she bert Nakimayak's 143. Annie education and health, along- was planning "to wake up and Steen, who held the lead out side tackling the cost of living do a lot of homework and fig- of the gate with one vote to and housing. In addition, she ure out who's all in there, and zero for the rest of the field, aims to find ways "to help do the best I can to learn about finished in third with 127. our people with addictions and their platforms and priorities." Last time, Jacobson, who's mental health in our way." Her priorities are to come served as a regular MLA and With those priorities in in with a new lens and per- in cabinet, lost by a thin mar- hand, Semmler enjoys a strong spective that she said will be gin of four votes. He said his mandate – she garnered 470 of benefit. Her constituents journey back has been "hum- votes to Sallie Ross' 106, and have a diverse list of concerns bling." Donald Hendrick's 41 – which – education, health, climate When he lost last time, will carry her to an Assembly change, economy, heating over he said the mayor and dep- with several new faces. the winter – and for Thom, "it's uty mayor of Tuktoyuktok "Sometimes changing it up just really going back there." encouraged him to put his is going to be good. People "The hard work starts," she name forward. voted. They voted change, now said. "It's going to be sad leav- we got to produce," she said. ing the hamlet, … but it's She is also part of a wave Jacobson back in legislature going to be more exciting of nine women headed to the Jackie Jacobson has to help so many people. Not 19th Assembly – something returned. only in Nunakput, but in all that didn't escape her attention "It was tough campaign. It of the Northwest Territories." news NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 11 MLA-elects respond to results Elected MLAs talk about priorities, politics heading into 19th Legislative Assembly by Simon Whitehouse how passionate we are in our In the Sahtu, Daniel traditional foods and money concerns are going to con- and Eric Bowling riding." McNeely, who was elected in management. tinue to be addressing hous- Northern News Services He said he was holding 2015, was unseated by Paulie "I want to push that we ing conditions and shortages, Dust is still settling from back on a preference for pre- Chinnie, a first-time candi- have a total review of the as well as the need for more the NWT election but newly mier until he met with all the date and the firs- ever woman education system and that we and better-paying jobs. elected MLAs are wasting no nominees but was not shy elected in for the district. go as a government to com- Thompson was one of time preparing for the 19th about his priorities. Chinna took 309 votes, munities and grassroots and the first to name his choice legislative assembly. "A big part of my platform followed by McNeely at 287, really get a good view of of premier For veterans and newcom- is to make sure the Akai- Wilfred McNeely Jr., 120, what they want - not just during the campaign. ers alike, the top priority tcho Treaty 8 and other treat- and Caroline Yukon, 135. want someone from the south "To me it was very import- is establishing better com- ies are signed in my term," "I was quite surprised," wants to see," he said. ant to get that out because it munication and establishing he said. "There's so much she said. "With all of the As for the university, has a huge impact on what we a more manageable agenda. at stake, in terms of busi- campaigning that I had done, Bonnetrouge, said he is not Jackson Lafferty has are trying to do," Thompson ness and employment oppor- I felt I was received very totally against it, but wants to represented Monfwi said, adding he is listening Monfwi tunities. There's all kinds of respectfully in the commun- ensure his people are proper- for four terms. to a numbers leaders in his "I feel happy the constitu- implications that stem from ities. ly served and that the GNWT region and said that Lafferty, ency allowed me to serve these being ratified, so I "When running in the isn't throwing good money from Monfwi, represents a another four years and that would like to see it finished." election I think there was after bad. small community and under- they believe in me," said Aside from treaties and always the feeling like I was "The last minister was Nahendeh stands the issues they face. Monfwi MLA Jackson Laf- bringing down the cost of not doing enough or that I really harping on about a uni- was one "The thing was that in the ferty, now on his fourth con- living in the communities, he could do a lot more." versity "" well nobody asked of the few MLAs to retain last cabinet there was nobody secutive term and seeking the added his other main prior- Chinna said as a first- my opinion," he said, adding his seat in the election and he from small communities." premier's chair. "I'm looking ity was establishing a treat- time candidate she wants to down south there are several took the second highest num- He said he is going to run forward to working with the ment centre in the North for make sure her full focus on institutions set up already ber of votes of any candidate for a cabinet position as he newly elected members." addictions counselling and issues in the Sahtu, including and that it will be a challenge across the territory with 536. has been asked to do so by With two endorsements for recovery. the need for advancing the not only starting a univer- He was in a four-way race leaders he has a consulted in the top spot already (Nuna- Tulita bridge project, bring- sity, but filling it with people, against Mike Drake, 190, Nahendeh. kput's Jackie Jacobson and Nunakput ing education and training including those outside of the Randal Sibbeston, 111, and Nahendeh's Shane Thomp- Jackie Jacobson reclaimed dollars into the community NWT. Eric Menicoche, 40. Thebacha son), Lafferty said he took his seat in a competitive, and getting support for an Bonnetrouge said he has "It was good and I had felt In Thebacha, Lou Sebert, advantage of his acclamation six-way race in Nunakput as Indigenous led, on-the-land not considered who he will confident going in," Thomp- justice minister during the to attend a number of election incumbent Herb Nakimayak addictions treatment centre. support for premier but said son said when asked of his last term, was unseated by forums and get a wider per- went down in defeat. Jacob- She said she will not be he is at least considering run- reaction to the results. "Basic- . spective on the issues facing son received 231 votes, running for speaker, premier ning for cabinet after consult- ally the support system that I Martselos ended up the North. while Nakimayak followed or cabinet and still needs ing with respected leaders in had was there and showed up with 504 votes, followed by He said MLAs would with 143. Annie Steen, 127, time to decide as to whom his community. on voting day." Denise Yuhas at 454, Don meet up this coming week for Holly Campbell, 107, Sheila she will choose and whether Bonnetrouge said he is Thompson concurs with Jaque, 139, and Lou Sebert orientation and to establish Nasogaluak, 101, and Alisa or not she will publicly dis- not intending to disclose his other candidates that small with 70. A message was left priorities. Then, on Oct. 18, Blake, 48. close the vote ahead of time. choice for premier and cab- communities need a bigger with Martselos but she did nominations for the executive Jacobson had served two "I haven't decided and inet ahead of his vote. voice in this session of the not return a call by press positions will be declared. terms between 2007 and there are several names legislative assembly. His key time. The premier, speaker of the 2015, and was speaker dur- around but I haven't final- house and cabinet elected ing the second term. In 2015, ized," she said. "So I'm not by secret ballot on Oct. 24, Nakimayak defeated Jacob- quite sure because it will be though MLAs could decide son in a 229 to 225 vote. a very new government and to make the ballot public if "I am ecstatic and ready," I really want to attend talks they wish. The legislature Jacobson said Oct. 4. "The and meetings to look at what will sit the next day. campaign went really well the interests and what do they Lafferty said his 14 years and it was clean. All six of want to see in territories for of experience, including us candidates wanted the next four years." several ministry portfolios, best for the riding. I have a Chinna said she is looking make him a strong pick for lot of good to say about the forward to working with the the job. candidates and all wanting other female MLAs who she "In the last four years, as change in regards to helping believes will bring a "differ- a speaker of the House I have the people in Nunakput. ent perspective" to challen- been listening to both sides "Herb did a good job in ges in the Sahtu. of the cabinet and the regu- the four years that he was lar members. There's been there and I have nothing but Dehcho a lot of frustration," he said. respect for him. No matter In the Dehcho, Ron- "In the past, I created part- what anyone says, it is easy to ald Bonnetrouge unseated nerships with First Nations judge an MLA, but less so if Michael Nadli in a two-way governments on education you put your name forward." race. Bonnetrouge had 283 initiatives. We need to start Jacobson said he intends votes versus Nadli's 253. building partnerships in and to support Jackson Lafferty Bonnetrouge said there outside of the Northwest Ter- for premier and will be put- was a feeling of "elation" ritories. ting his name forward for a when the results came in late "We all have a common cabinet position, largely due Tuesday. vision for healthy, educated to his eight years as an MLA "We got the final tally and communities, so that will be and local governance experi- it was elation and happiness my area of interest going for- ence in Tuktoyakuk. Jacob- that the whole campaign per- ward." son is a former mayor of the iod was over and done with," hamlet and has also sat on the Bonnetrouge said. Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh hamlet council and served "There was basically the Newcomer , with the local education dis- sentiment from the people representing Tu Nedhé- trict authority. that they wanted to see some Wiilideh, said he was hum- Jacobson said he wants change and fresh outlook." bled to be selected from a to ensure there is a strong Bonnetrouge said he pool of five candidates. He voice for his electoral district wants to ensure small com- attributed his ability to speak and issues, which include munities and First Nations to elders in Dënesułiné and severe housing shortages, the peoples of the NWT have his emphasis on door knock- absence of a long-term elders a stronger voice on issues, ing has helped him edge out facility in Ulukaktok and a such as education. He said he the competition with 36 per lack of family-sized homes is concerned about the lack of cent of the vote. throughout the region. He input from Indigenous people "You don't do this by also said there is a need to in the polytechnic university yourself, you are at the mercy address the high cost of liv- and that the education system of the voters," he said, not- ing and for the Northern and is reviewed so that it is serv- ing his constituency had the Stanton's stores to address ing people better. This means second highest voter turn- high prices. ensuring that there are strong out in the election. "I'm very life-skills taught like shop, proud of that. It goes to show Sahtu home economy, cooking 12 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 Around the North If you have an item of interest from your community, call (867) 873-4031, or email: [email protected]

Nick Pearce / NNSL Photo INSPECTING THE INSPECTORS The volunteer members of the Inuvik fire department took a break from inspections Sept. 25 to pose for a group photo.

Homes turn haunted Entrants will be judged on Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Acho Dene Koe/ winners announced on Oct. 31. – Erin Steele Ballet dancers perform The haunting season has arrived and Fort Liard is set to get Liidlii Kue/ spooky, thanks to Acho Dene Koe First Nation's Halloween Those excited about ballet will have the opportunity to watch decorating contest. Candidates answer questions a performance of Not Quite Midnight on Oct. 14 in Fort Simpson "Do you have the spookiest Halloween house in Fort Liard? Lli Goline/Norman Wells thanks to the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. Here is your chance to prove it," states a bulletin on social media. Sahtu region residents passionate about politics and their com- Billed as a "magical interpretation of Cinderella and other clas- Participants are invited to decorate their homes in the spirit of munity were set to have their chance to hear from MLA candi- sic tales" according to a bulletin on social media advertising the Halloween to compete for Northern Store gift cards. dates during a forum held Sept. 27 in Norman Wells. event, the show is a creation of dance company Cas Public. Gift cards are valued at $300 for first place, $200 for second "The Norman Wells Chamber of Commerce is hosting an "Six dancers hand in their ballet slippers for a glass slipper and place and $100 for third place. event where questions will be asked to the MLA candidates in with gusto plunge us once again into this fairy tale, so emblematic running for the Sahtu Region," states a bulletin on social media. of our collective psyche," states the Northern Arts and Cultural "An open mic will be permitted after the question and answer Centre's website. period, time permitting." The show is set for 7:30 p.m. at Liidlii Kue Elementary School. The MLA candidate forum was scheduled to take place from 7 – Erin Steele p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dennis Drolet Community Hall. Candidates are Caroline Yukon, , Wilfred McNeely Jr. and Danny McNeely. Apply for youth travel program – Erin Steele NWT NWT youth interested in the Northern Youth Abroad Can- adian Program have until Nov. 7 to get their applications in. Honouring Orange Shirt Day Open to all youth between the ages of 15 and 20 in the NWT Lli Goline/Norman Wells and Nunavut, the successful applicants will have an orientation in Mackenzie Mountain School and the Norman Wells Land Ottawa before taking part in a six-week volunteer work placement Corporation invited everyone to wear orange Sept. 30 for Orange in southern Canada. Shirt Day. "While on placement, participants gain hands on work place The event was set to take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at experience in a chosen field and engage in cultural sharing in their Mackenzie Mountain School. host community," states the Northern Youth Abroad website. "It is a national movement to recognize and acknowledge the "Confidence is built by experiencing life away from home, but experience of students in Residential Schools, to honour the sur- still being connected to a strong support network." vivors and those who did not make it home," states a bulletin on – Erin Steele social media. Orange Shirt Day was set to include workshops on traditional learning, storytelling, food and experiences. Grant available for filmmakers Each student and staff member was set to receive a free "Every NWT/Nunavut Child Matters" orange shirt. The Northwest Territories Professional Media Association has – Erin Steele a new $20,000 grant for an emerging filmmaking team in the NWT. The grant, entitled the HGF/Territories Shorts Program, was Elders get together for fall created through a new partnership between the Northwest Ter- Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson ritories Film Commission and the Harold Greenberg Fund. Elders were set to enjoy an autumn afternoon of socializing and Two other $20,000 grants will be awarded in Nunavut and activities Sept. 26 thanks to an event put on by Liidlii Kue First the Yukon in partnership with the Nunavut Film Development Nation. The Elders Fall Get Together was scheduled to take place Corporation and Yukon Media Development. from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the rec centre in Fort Simpson. In order to be eligible for the grant, applicants and their script Moose stew and bannock were set to be provided for those must meet the following guidelines: the script must be 10 pages who helped dry the meat and fish. or less; the writer, producer and director must be Canadian citi- Teachers from the Kole Crook Fiddling Association were zens or permanent residents, and living in the NWT, Yukon or scheduled to play music during the event from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nunavut; and they may only submit one application. – Erin Steele The deadline to apply is Nov. 6. photo stories NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 13 Candidates talk climate at Inuvik strike protest Feature by Nick Pearce

Northern News Services "every one sees it. The fact A climate strike that that all of the candidates are appeared equal parts protest- out here shows how big of ers and politicians took place an issue this is across the in Chief Jim Koe Park Friday. country." Then-hopefuls in the ter- He said that concern will ritorial election and federal carry across every election the New Democrat candidate community sees going for- Mary Beckett lined up to ward. speak alongside activists. "Educate yourselves on Youth Kendra Bulldog talking to your neighbour came to help spread aware- about what they see when ness about climate change they go out on the land. Edu- with the potential MLAs. cate yourselves by talking to She hoped voters picked the your elders and the changes most environmentally minded they've seen over a lifetime. candidate, because politicians From canoeing and dog team- "are the big people and they ing down the river and on the hopefully they'll help us." land from being able to drive "I'm a youth," she said. "If a vehicle from Inuvik to any- they're hearing it from kids where in the country. hopefully they'll listen to us." The cumulative effects of Gwich'in Deputy Grand those changes will be world- Nick Pearce / NNSL photos Chief Jordan Peterson said changing, he said. Protest signs are laid out at Chief Jim Koe Park during a climate change rally in Inuvik held Sept. 27.

Abe Drennan and the youth of Climate Action Inuvik perform an original song for protesters. Kendra Bulldog addresses the rally.

Among his remarks, Gwich'in deputy grand chief Jordan Peterson says a "just transition" was neces- sary for those who may be affected in an economy Candidates joined residents to march in front of Inuvik Centennial Library. developing in response to climate change. 14 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 around the NWT Historic Hay River hotel finds new life 'The Zoo' was at times a pharmacy, post office and restaurant by Paul Bickford northern assets of the defunct Northern News Services Northern Transportation Co. Hay River, Ltd. in late 2016. The Hay River Heritage Vander Ploeg noted the Centre now has another his- Department of Infrastructure toric building on its grounds. had originally offered to give It's a section of the recently the museum the whole Zoo/ demolished Hay River Hotel Hay River Hotel complex, but complex, commonly referred it would probably have cost to as The Zoo. millions of dollars to refurbish. "We're very happy to be After looking at the com- able to preserve a piece of it, plex, the museum determined which was the main goal," said the old pharmacy/post office/ Kirk Vander Ploeg, manager of restaurant building was in the the museum. best shape. Vander Ploeg said the build- "It was workable for us," ing, which had been attached to said Vander Ploeg. the old hotel, was at times a Among other things, some drugstore, a post office and a windows and doors will need restaurant. to be replaced, and a ramp "We can't find any literature and proper stairs will have to on when it was actually con- be built. structed, but I think it's got to The idea is that the one- be the early '50s," he said. storey building – which meas- The building was moved to ures about 33 feet by 43 feet the museum grounds in early – will become more space for Paul Bickford/NNSL photo September. the museum, not just for arte- Kirk Vander Ploeg, manager of the Hay River Heritage Centre, stands in front of The Zoo, relocated to "The government actually facts from the old Zoo and Hay moved the building to the River Hotel. the museum grounds during the recent demolition of the old Hay River Hotel complex. property," said Vander Ploeg. Vander Ploeg said the just an arm of the museum," he the spring. project and the availability of The Zoo, which closed in 2005, "It was a win, win, win. Now museum does not have enough said, noting the heritage cen- "It will probably take most funding. was not the whole of the now- the task of the museum is to artefacts from The Zoo and the tre's main building is running of the summer by the time One of the artefacts that demolished complex. refurbish it." old hotel to fill the building. out of space. everything kind of gets done," will be added in front of the "Everybody refers to it as The Zoo complex was "So now we have an oppor- Vander Ploeg said the he said, noting that depends on building is the well-known Zoo The Zoo, but it isn't The Zoo," owned by the GNWT, which tunity to maybe move some refurbishment of the relocated the number of people willing sign. he said. "The Zoo was the bar. acquired it after buying the other artefacts and use that as building will likely begin in to volunteer to help with the Vander Ploeg explained that It's the Hay River Hotel." NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 15 Sports & Recreation Sport s hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: [email protected] • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Physical literacy goes global

photo courtesy of Thorsten Gohl Thorsten Gohl of Fort Providence, front row second from left, joined in with others from around the world at the International Physical Literacy Conference held in Umea, Sweden, last month. Physical literacy brought Thorsten Gohl and Jessica VanOverbeek to Sweden by James McCarthy outside Canadian borders. Gohl and gate from Ireland, who talked about it's grown into an integral part of the was a lot of useful information he Northern News Services VanOverbeek were among 250 dele- how teachers are being trained to community. picked up and will try to incorporate Umea, Sweden gates from 21 countries under the teach physical literacy in the class- "It was very well-received when I it into his programming. Physical literacy is one of those theme of Change The Game. room. presented it," he said. "This is a job "It's great to have but it's all about things we hear a lot about but may VanOverbeek has been to the "They're doing some really cool for the students: they have to apply putting into practice," he said. "The not know why it's important. Canadian-based conferences in the things there and showing teachers to be a part of it, they go through an big topic was inclusion and making Thorsten Gohl, physical literacy past and said this one was much dif- how to run programming in their interview, they get hired and they sure everyone gets involved and we co-ordinator at Deh Gah School in ferent in terms of its intimacy. classes," she said. "Teachers in class- learn how to run a program." just need to make sure it's getting Fort Providence, and Jessica Van- "I felt we had more time to talk rooms don't specialize in phys-ed so The hope, he added, is that they done and that we educate and sup- Overbeek, executive director of the to people," she said. "There were showing them how to run certain get the experience so if they go off port our students so they get that Mackenzie Recreation Association, a lot of research sessions, which is things is something that would bene- to school, they can come back and knowledge." recently made a trip overseas to learn what I'm interested in, and we talked fit people here in the NWT." help organize and run things in the VanOverbeek echoed that senti- more about physical literacy and about the mental and physical bene- For Gohl, he had the chance to community. ment. implement it into their programming. fits of why it's important to be active. talk about what's he been doing in "A lot of people don't hear "We need to associate why The duo were in Umea, Sweden It's so much more than just being in a Fort Providence, which included the about what goes on in the NWT," physical literacy is so important," last month for the biennial Inter- gymnasium and running around for, after-school program. he said. "There are struggles she said. "It's more than just running national Physical Literacy Confer- say, 30 minutes. It's all about having While he didn't start the pro- and drama and it's important to or walking or biking. People need to ence. Sport For Life has been hosting purposeful programming." gram – Beth Hudson, now with build that sense of trust between know why they're doing it and they the conference since 2013 and this One such session which caught the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the the older and younger kids." have the confidence to do it and the was the first time it had been held VanOverbeek's eye was from a dele- NWT, was the originator – he said Like VanOverbeek, Gohl said there competence of why it's important."

finished up a four-year term at the congress and served as Ireland, Hong Kong and Iceland to see who advances to the chair of the board for the final year of her term. knockout round. sports It's actually the second time she's been inducted into the The doubles competition is on Oct. 10 with Way teaming hall as she entered in 2003 for the same reason as the second up with Martin Tremblay of Quebec for the knockout event. Check time: serving as head of the Canadian Curling Association's with James McCarthy board in the final year of her original five-year term from Skiing coaches wanted 1999 to 2003. email: [email protected] NWT Cross Country NWT is getting things going when it Keith Way takes on the world comes to the 2020 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse next Twice is nice for Maureen Miller Cluj, Romania March. The first order of business is to get the coaching staff Kanata, Ont. The World Darts Federation's World Cup gets underway in place. Maureen Miller of Yellowknife has been involved with in Cluj, Romania tomorrow, and that means Keith Way of A head coach, assistant coach and team manager are the administrative side of curling at the territorial and Yellowknife will be in action with the rest of Team Canada. required with the head coach needing to be at the Train to national level for many years and was honoured for her work Way will start in the men's singles draw on Oct. 8 against Train coaching level of higher, the assistant coach needing late last month. Dyson Parody of Gibraltar. It's a straight knockout draw the Learn to Train certification and the manager needing the Miller was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of meaning Way is out if he loses just one match. From there, Community Coach workshop level. Fame on Sept. 29 during the Curling Canada National Con- it's the men's team competition the following day with all The full list of requirements is available at the Cross gress in what's known as the Executive Honour Roll. She four men taking part in the round-robin where they will play Country NWT website and the deadline to apply is Oct. 14. 16 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 sports & recreation Have futsal, will travel NWT Soccer's regional developmental futsal camps hit four communities by Nick Pearce went to work quickly and it "It brings the whole level it wasn't soccer related, she passes was particularly inter- overseeing things. Northern News Services was more than quick primer of the group up." was an outlet and a support esting to him. "To me, that's Alty said a total of 15 play- Inuvik on the sport. The coaches That makes games easi- system," she said. "I definitely just awesome." ers were in attendance from The march toward the came to gauge the talent in the er — the last hour of the want to be that kind of person For Phelan, the game has Deline and Norman Wells and 2020 Arctic Winter Games region's communities, and to camp's session was dedicated for kids." life skills the youth easily pick they all showed some good has begun when it comes to teach new players they basics to scrimmage, where players The camp could help play- up on and learn. skill levels. futsal. of the game and "why we find put skills to the test, imple- ers who come from a low "Teamwork is a big one," "There were some that NWT Soccer was on the it so much fun," she said. menting techniques and tac- income background or who she said. "That's why camps could be contenders for the road for its regional develop- "We just kind of came out tics they learned from the didn't have the opportunity to like these are so important, Arctic Winter Games," she mental futsal camps late last here looking to see who we coaches. play in their home commun- especially for communities said. "Some of the girls from month with stops in four have, and when we see who "Here's everything you ity. The camp gives them a that don't have a large sports Deline were a bit too young communities: Inuvik (Beau- we have, make sure they learn learned this weekend. Show chance to learn the sport that team." for NAIG right now but defi- fort Delta), Fort Simpson something," Phelan said. us how to do it all," Phelan "really helped me when I was The camp is a place to nitely for the next cycle. The (Deh Cho), Hay River (South She said her coaching said about the game. a kid," she said. pick up in life skills without potential is certainly there." Slave) and Deline (Sahtu). method is to go back to the However, the most import- Laboucan-Avirom, on the the added pressure of a school The intermediate girls The fifth camp in Behchoko basics and ensure each player ant thing was that "they learn other hand, didn't find soccer environment. division is the oldest of the five (North Slave) happened this has a strong understanding of something and have fun. It's until he was in his early teens. "They come here and learn and Alty has plenty of experi- past weekend. Each of the five soccer's fundamentals. How to not fun to go somewhere and "On my reserve, it was teamwork work from having ence with that division having head coaches for the Games pass properly and shoot with everything is too hard and mostly hockey and floor hock- to pass," she said, using the coached Team NT on more than were dispatched to oversee perfect form is essential. you don't learn anything and ey," he said. example of a player scoring one occasion at the AWG. each camp, which are used "Maybe you're good and you go away thinking, 'that But once he started to play and the team learning they She said she doesn't know to determine who could be have skill at the sport, but you wasn't fun, I didn't get to do soccer, he loved the additional achieved that together. "Those what the rest of the territory invited to the AWG trials in could have wrong form," she anything.'" players on the field and play- are life skills, and you could has to offer because there December in Yellowknife and said. "Bringing it back to the Soccer was always a con- ing outside. tell them in a classroom … hasn't been any sort of post- the North American Indigen- basics puts everyone on an stant in Phelan's life. Even "But it's the emotional but they don't get it as much camp meeting yet. ous Games (NAIG) in Halifax even level and then you can when she moved schools, she learning that comes with it," unless they actually play." "The camps are always a next July. build from there." always had her friends in the he said. The 90 minutes on the In Deline, Rebecca Alty, good chance to do drills and In Inuvik, Julia Phelan, Some players will pick it sport. Her coach was also a field teach endurance differ- head coach of the intermedi- try out some things," she said. head coach of the juvenile up quickly and already have support. ently from hockey. The strat- ate girls team, and her assis- -with files from James boys team, and assistant coach the skills, but some youth only "If I ever needed anything egy of setting up shots and tant coach, RJ Wells, were McCarthy Thomas Laboucan-Avirom, need an opportunity to learn. I could go talk to her, even if

Sports Card basketball

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Age: 14 Community: Tulita Jeremy was part of the boys basketball team that finished fourth at the Western Canada Summer Games in Saskatch- ewan last month. His twin brother, Joshua, was also a member of the squad. jeremy moyo

Nick Pearce/NNSL photo Riland Keevik streaks past an opposing player on Saturday at the East Three gym. sports & recreation NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 17 Get ready for a war in college sports Northern News Services Remember those times when you were an athlete in college or university and wondered whether it would be cool to get paid for doing what you did and then find out that it was illegal and you couldn't profit off anything you did? Good times. This is exactly the fight going on in the U.S. as it per- tains to college sports. The National Collegiate Athlet- ics Association (NCAA) is Sports a monster when it comes to post-secondary sports and it is Talk a billion-dollar organization. Athletes and their supporters with James McCarthy have long clamoured for a piece of the pie and they may soon get it … if they go to school in California. Gavin Newsom, the state's governor, signed a bill into law earlier this month which allows athletes to hire agents and begin to make money on endorsements ranging from sneakers to soda pop. There are similar bills going through the legisla- tive process in New York and Florida with South Carolina not too far behind. And the war is about to begin. Now, I'm of the mind that if you're a student-athlete, school comes first. You're there to get your education. If you want to leave school early, that's on you. Plenty of collegiate athletes do so, some go back to finish their degrees in whatever they planned on majoring in, and that's fine. The lure of money is tough to push back on. Here's where I have a problem: if the school is making money off of your name and likeness and you aren't getting a cut, that's wrong. The NCAA has made plenty of money off of the players for years and it has to change. In the free mar- photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons ket, which is still the best system in the world, why shouldn't Cassius Marks of UCLA, left, would end up sacking USC quarterback Cody Kessler on this play during a someone be able put some money in their pocket through their 2013 game between the two schools. Both of these schools are in California and with the new state law name? passed in California which would allow collegiate athletes to sign endorsement deals, they could become The big money in U.S. college sports is in football and bas- rich while going to school. ketball, always has been and always will be. Those are the two sports which will most likely be targeted and you can bet play- ers who are 13 and 14 years old now and are being sized up by the big colleges can't wait to get into college now. It will make for some interesting recruitment battles. And therein lies one of the big problems with this. You don't think California won't get a huge advantage by enacting this law? Imagine if you're a athletic scout for UCLA or Stanford or USC. You're traversing far and wide looking for kids to sign on the dotted line. Come to our school, they'll say. We have a great program, wonderful facilities and, oh by the way, did you know that if you come to California, you'll be able to make money while going to school? You can bet your last toonie the NCAA will be fighting this part of it. It's already indicated that the law will give Cali- fornia schools an unfair advantage and warned those schools may be banned from its post-secondary competitions such as the Bowl Championship Series and the Final Four basketball tournament. As a private company, the NCAA can do as it pleases. It can set the rules for its tournaments and competitions as it sees fit. Membership in the NCAA is voluntary and if schools don't like the rules, they don't have to take part. The answer to that for California schools would be to simply set up their own shop. Nothing is stopping them from doing that and it could also trigger a violation under Section 1 of what's known as the Sherman Act. The interpretation could be that if the NCAA bans California schools from competing in its playoffs, it could constitute an "illegal form of wage fixing and an illegal con- certed refusal to deal." In other words, if the NCAA told the California schools to put a lid on this, those schools could simply turn around and sue. After all, the California schools would simply be comply- ing with state law and the NCAA would be seen as forcing them to contravene said law. Undue pressure and duress – two things you don't really want to be accused of when it comes to academics. So California has fired the first shot across the NCAA's bow and you can bet there will be a response from the NCAA, one which California may not like. In any event, let war commence. 18 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 NEWS/NORTH nWT, Monday, October 7, 2019 19 20 NEWS/NORTH NWT, Monday, October 7, 2019