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Friday, November 18, 2016
King preliminary inquiry starts
A preliminary inquiry for Denecho Noel Calvin King, 24, is set to begin Monday morning at the Yellowknife courthouse. The hearing tests whether there is enough evidence prior to a trial.
King is charged with the second degree murder of John Wifladt and attempted murder of Colin Digness at Sunridge Place apartments on Dec. 14, 2014. Publication bans are routinely applied during preliminary hearings, preventing disclosure of evidence and testimony.
- Shane Magee
YCS gets funding
Yellowknife Catholic Schools has received $103,000 in funding from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to support student success initiatives.
The money will go toward improving student-centred learning as well as leadership and staff development, according to assistant superintendent of business Janet Toner.
- Kirsten Fenn
Toy drive kicks off
Yellowknife's annual holiday toy drive is underway.
Northwestel kicked off the campaign in partnership with the Salvation Army on Thursday morning at the Northwestel Retail Centre at 5201 50 Avenue.
Residents are invited to drop off donations of new, unwrapped toys at the retail centre until Dec. 16.
The month-long drive supports the Salvation Army's Christmas hamper program.
- Kirsten Fenn
YCS elects chair, vice-chair
Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) has chosen a new board chair and vice-chair.
Miles Welsh, who has been serving as acting chair, was elected to be the new chair at the school board's Nov. 16 meeting. Trustee Erin Currie will take on the position of vice-chair for the upcoming year.
- Kirsten Fenn
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Sibbeston case moved to Yellowknife
A man arrested for resisting a police officer in Fort Simpson had his first court appearance Nov. 2.
Daryl Sibbeston was arrested in Fort Simpson on Sept. 9. He was intoxicated at the time of his arrest but not bothering people, according to friends and family members. The arrest turned violent and left Sibbeston with a black eye and a cut that needed stitches.
Sibbeston did not appear in person on Nov. 2. Yellowknife-based attorney Gary Wool appeared on his behalf and told Robert Gorin, the presiding judge for the day, that Sibbeston was unable to afford transportation from Wrigley to Fort Simpson.
As the next scheduled court date for Fort Simpson is on Feb. 8, the judge said rather than waiting for Sibbeston to secure transportation in February he would postpone the appearance until Nov. 15 in a Yellowknife courtroom.
The MV Johnny Berens ferry to Wrigley was on notice for closure at the time and closed that day, although that information was not presented in court.
Principal recognized by Indspire
Lois Philipp, the principal of Deh Gah School in Fort Providence, was named as one of the recipients of Indspire's 2016 indigenous educator awards
The award, for leadership, was given out during a ceremony on Nov. 4 in Toronto.
Philipp was one of 10 award recipients this year, with categories including culture, language and traditions; role models and community service, among others.
Off to the races
The Deh Gah Dog Mushers Club will be holding its annual Christmas dogsled races in Fort Providence on Dec. 17 and 18.
The races will include a 14-mile 12-dog class and a seven-mile six-dog class each day, starting at noon from the Snowshoe Inn.
Dec. 17 will include a musher dinner followed by a dance.
The total purse for the races is $13,000.
Working for wellness
Events for Fort Simpson's National Addictions Awareness Week continue until Nov. 19.
The week began Nov. 13.
Upcoming events include sharing circles, a pancake breakfast and a Sober Sally/Sober Steve movie night.
A focus on languages
Boot Lake MLA Alfred Moses told the NWT legislative assembly he looks forward to tabling in March an updated NWT language plan called the NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework and Action Plan: A shared Responsibility.
The document, to be released during Aboriginal Languages Month, is an update on the 2010 version.
Most of the nine official aboriginal languages in the territory are in a "critical state and in real danger of disappearing over the next few decades," he told the assembly.
"As our territory loses its elders, we find ourselves in a serious situation with fewer proficient, fluent speakers able to teach these traditional languages to our young people," stated Moses. "Culture and language are closely connected, and while we see pockets of success throughout the territory, there needs to be a far greater focus from everybody on preserving and revitalizing these languages."
An updated language plan will better capture advice and recommendations gathered from Northerners, he said.
"Languages are the foundation on which cultures are created," Moses stated. "Language is integral to healthy communities, individual self-esteem and the growth and development of our people. Through the use of languages, people express their unique world-view, value and self-worth. Language helps people define relationships and collect and share knowledge."
The vision for the updated plan is for the NWT to be a place where aboriginal languages are supported, respected, thriving and celebrated by all people.
Craft fair this weekend
The biggest craft fair of the season takes place this weekend at the Midnight Sun Complex.
From Friday to Sunday, vendors will be selling their wares at the Christmas Art, Craft and Gift Fair.
"It's something that I know people really look forward to, and the artists depend on the income they get from it," said organizer Elizabeth Kolb.
This year's fair will feature at least 50 vendors and be as big or bigger than in past years.
Sellers will be offering everything from sewing products to Christmas ornaments, quilts, jams and more.
"There are people who have been coming for decades to this event," said Kolb, adding they come from all over, even as far as the Sahtu region.
All the sales go to the vendors, so the Great Northern Arts Festival doesn't have exact numbers, but based on estimates, upwards of $100,000 changes hands at the annual craft fair, said Kolb.
Admission is by donation to the Inuvik Food Bank.
"I feel the excitement from the community and the sellers themselves," said Kolb. "I'm looking forward to checking it out myself. I know (the vendors) have been working hard."
The festival opens on Nov. 18.
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