Jumping to conclusions is common enough, but it's a mistake that government leaders shouldn't be making, not when they have entire bureaucracies at their disposal to get them the facts first.

The next time Premier Don Morin hears a rumor about whether or not BHP or anyone else is living up to Northern hiring commitments, he should ask his well-paid civil service to investigate before he casts aspersions on the good faith of a new corporate citizen.

Similarly, ordinary MLAs should take advantage of their research staff before posing public questions based on heresy and unsubstantiated gossip. ( 3/12/97 )

The controversy surrounding the GNWT's "traditional knowledge" policy, which supports the integration of modern science and aboriginal culture, just got a lot more interesting.

Twice in just two weeks, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce devoted a Friday luncheon to the topic, proving that the debate over what it really means is no longer just an abstract bureaucratic game.

And when money comes into the picture, it's a sure sign of a need for consensus. At the moment, everyone seems to have a different take on the issue. Let's sort out just what it is we're talking about. Soon. ( 3/12/97 )

It was a very strange story: RCMP arrest three men from Rae in the six-year murder investigation into the disappearance of Charlene Catholique. All three were questioned and released. Police called one of them a suspect.

That was more than two weeks ago. There have been no further statements by police and the people of Rae are starting to wonder why any public statement was made at all. North Slave MLA James Rabesca wants the police to either proceed with an arrest or apologize.

The RCMP may have intended to break open the case after years of silence but instead they have put their credibility on the line. Either an apology or an arrest would be in order. Credibility is crucial in a small community such as Rae. ( 3/12/97 )

A community that plays together stays together.

Caribou Carnival season is upon us and it is important that every single one of us come out and support the three-day extravaganza.

In far too many communities under the seige of so-called modern entertainment, community spirit is all but gone. Not so here in Yellowknife.

You can ensure the success of this year's carnival by buying tickets from Quest for the Crown participants and purchasing buttons from Caribou Cops who hit the streets this week.

And be sure to make use of the carnival itself for what it really is -- the proclamation of the coming of spring, which is more than enough reason to celebrate. ( 3/12/97 )