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Friday, June 19, 2015
Bell to run again
Adrian Bell announced on social media this week he plans to run for another term on city council.
The real estate agent has advocated for downtown redevelopment during his first term at city hall. The municipal election will be held Oct. 19.
– Shane Magee
Giant Mine clean-up oversight body created
An independent organization to oversee clean-up of Giant Mine has been created.
It will review ongoing remediation operations and manage research for a permanent solution for the toxic arsenic stored underground according to a news release issued Wednesday.
If it finds inadequacies, the agreement includes dispute resolution mechanisms such as binding arbitration.
Alternatives North, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the city, North Slave Métis Alliance, Government of Canada and GNWT signed an agreement May 22 in Ndilo to create the not-for-profit body of experts.
– Shane Magee
Niven public housing appealed
Residents of the Niven Lake subdivision have appealed a development permit to build 19 units of multi-family public housing on Moyle Drive.
The city had approved the housing project May 8. A hearing by the city's Development Appeal Board was expected to be held Thursday evening. The board will have 60 days to issue a written decision.
– Shane Magee
Human Rights Commission announces results of review
A report reviewing the processes carried out by the NWT Human Rights Commission suggests changing legislation in order to reduce the adversarial nature of the adjudication panel which currently makes decisions on human rights complaints, according to commission chair Charles Dent.
Focusing on early resolution would reduce the need for legal counsel, said Dent. He said the group needs legislation to change in order to gain funding to make the changes they want to make.
– Evan Kiyoshi French
Thursday, June 18, 2015
MLA pleads guilty
Deh Cho MLA Michael Nadli pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm in territorial court in Yellowknife on June 11.
Nadli was arrested and charged on April 5 after an incident in Fort Providence where the victim was taken to the health centre.
Nadli's bail conditions have also been changed so that he can now live in Fort Providence as well as Yellowknife. Nadli is to be admitted to an alternative justice program in August and will be back in court on July 23.
There is a publication ban on revealing the name of the victim.
- John McFadden
Fire conditions stable
Thirty fires have been reported in the Deh Cho, with one of those being confirmed in the last week, according to Environment and Natural Resources in its latest fire update.
Six have been declared out and 23 are being monitored.
A fire has sprung up about 11 kilometres northwest of Wrigley after being ignited by a lightning strike. The territory has deployed two fire crews, plus two additional firefighter crews to move in after the fire is under control and a helicopter to tackle that fire, which was burning at about 10 hectares in size before the weekend.
The territorial department said the fire outside Wrigley does not pose a threat to the community.
Energy talks ahead
The Arctic Energy Alliance is inviting community members in Fort Simpson and surrounding areas to come out and learn about sustainable transportation during LKFN's spring gathering.
The alliance will have an electric vehicle and renewable energy demonstration station at the arbour on June 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The vehicle has a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 17.1 kWh and the electric motor pumps out the equivalent of 149 horsepower.
The station will have a mix of hands-on activities to use energy more efficiently and tap into renewable energy.
Chief's report out
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge says his community has had both good news and challenges in the last year.
The chief released his Chief's Report on June 15.
In that report, Bonnetrouge said one of the challenges Deh Gah Got'ie Koe has surmounted was the influx of morel mushroom pickers from around the world. The nation was able to acquire funds for four monitors on a rotational basis and laid out safety and security protocols for the pickers.
It is also purchasing two helicopters in partnership with K'atlodeeche First Nation.
Cournoyea receives honourary degree
Nellie Cournoyea, head of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, received her latest honour last week.
Cournoyea was granted an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Calgary.
It represents the institution's highest academic honour, bestowed on individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition, according to a news release issued by the school.
Described by the institution as one of Canada's most influential women, Cournoyea was sixth premier of the NWT from 1991 to 1995. She is also the first female aboriginal government leader and longest-serving public figure in the North.
Police issue drug warning
The RCMP is warning the public about a potentially dangerous substance known as salvia.
Const. Elenore Sturko stated in a news release that the warning follows a recent incident in Inuvik in which a youth was transported to the hospital for treatment after inhaling smoke from the drug.
She said salvia is a plant hallucinogen commonly delivered to the body through smoking.
The news release goes on to say police have recently seen several cases of youth exhibiting extremely erratic and violent behaviour while in police custody as a result of the drug.
Salvia is not currently banned under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, the RCMP is asking parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers associated with the use of legal and illegal drugs.
Arctic market opens for the season
As the Aboriginal Day weekend activities ramp up, organizers of the popular weekly Arctic Market are preparing to open for business on June 20.
The market is a venue for local artists, artisans, bakers and crafters to display and sell their wares to tourists and residents alike.
This is the third year for the current incarnation of the market, sponsored by the Town of Inuvik at Chief Jim Koe Park.
The market is set to be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.
This year, entertainment will also be presented during the market hours.
Aboriginal Day on tap
Organizers are getting set for Inuvik's Aboriginal Day celebrations.
The event will be held in Chief Jim Koe Park on the afternoon of June 21 as usual.
Jackie Challis, the town's manager of tourism and economic development, said spectators should anticipate all of the usual activities, including drum dancing, northern games, jigging, food, a blanket toss, and fiddling.
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