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NWT climate goals cant raise cost of living premier NWT Premier Bob McLeod says the rest of Canada needs to recognize the Norths chal- lenges when it comes to reduc- ing greenhouse gas emissions. See page 3. NWT boarders catch air at territorials in Yellowknife Youth aged 14-18 are already prepping for slots on the team that will head to the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Greenland. See page 19. TALKS COLLAPSE Strike continues after failed negotiations in Hay River. See page 2. Fort Smith Fishing Derby organizers retire after 25 years Barb and Richard Mercredi are hoping to do a little more shing and a lot less work at next years shing derby after overtwodecadesoforganizing. See page 10. Northern farm school sprouting new growers Classes are set to begin this weekend at the Northern Farm Training Institute in Hay River where a new crop of students is starting seeds. See page 7. V IS IT W W W .N O R J.C A A national award winning independent newspaper serving northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories since 1977 1.00 April 21 2015 Vol. 38 No. 49 South Slave bison TB study ofcially axed as scientists remove tracer collars By DALI CARMICHAEL A study examining tuberculosis TB and brucellosis in Wood Buf- falo National Park WBNP bison herds has been cancelled at the behest of local indigenous groups. Scientists were hoping to study more reliable means of diagnos- ing buffalo with the diseases but members of Smiths Landing First Nation SLFN Salt River First Na- tion SRFN and the Fort Smith Mtis Council stated they were improperly consulted. The groups pulled the plug on the project which was headed by Adam Her- ing a Masters student at the Uni- versity of Saskatchewans school of veterinary medicine and Parks Canada wildlife health specialist Todd Shury. These kind of things are maybe hard to do but they have to be done said Fort Smith Mtis Council presi- dent Ken Hudson. There has to be proper consultation in place. The Journal reached out to Parks Canada SRFN and SLFN for com- ment but received no response be- fore press time. A skin test is the only method currently available to check bison for TB and brucellosis though sci- entists agree the practice is not very reliable. Alternatively the research- ers were looking into ve different blood tests already used to check for diseases in cattle. It would have been administered to around 200 older male bison over the course of three years both from the South Slave herd and from bison located in southern parts of the park. After a period of time the ani- mals would have been culled and samples taken in for necropsy the only reliable way to conrm an in- fection and to determine the ef- fectiveness of those blood tests. Any meat clean of infection would have been handed out to local in- digenous groups. This past winter 29 bison were sedated and given the blood and skin tests tagged to signify to hunt- ers they were part of the study and tted with tracking collars. By the end of March the study was can- celled at least for 2015. After some debate it was decided the collars would be removed for the long-termsafetyoftheanimals.Her- ing said he was hesitant to take off the devices in the warmer weather worried about how the stress might impact the health of the animals. Ultimately the removals were suc- cessful and all but one of the col- lars retrieved Hering believed its battery had died in the eld. The captures all went really well. Wedidnthaveanyinjurieshesaid. Therewasoneanimalthathaddied in between the period - there was a wolfkill-sowerecoveredthatcollar as well. All of the ones that we cap- tured the chase times were all very shorttheanimalsbodytemperatures werereallyverymuchwithinaccept- able range so we were really pleased with how it all turned out. While removing the collars the scientists determined through the skin test that about 70 per cent of the bison appeared to have TB matching their hypothesis. Theresearchersrequestedtolethally removethecollarstosavesomepartof theexperimentHeringsaidbutwere rejected by the indigenous groups. If we had been able to lethally remove the collars we would have gotten results for the animals that were killed Hering said. It would give early indications of what we might expect to see after getting the nal numbers. We were hoping for 70-80 infected animals in the study over three years and the infected animals would count towards that. Without lethally removing any col- lars we cant say for sure which of the animals were infected. See Future on page 3. PhotoMeaganWohlberg Author Richard Van Camp left and local actor Joel Evans gift a raven from the set of The Lesser Blessed lm to the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre in Fort Smith. The NWT-born author was in his hometown for a book reading signing and lm screening last Monday. See page 11. 2 Tuesday April 21 2015 POLITICS LABOUR NEWS BRIEFS Yellowknife RCMP make major drug cash seizures The RCMP G Division Federal Investigation Unit con- cluded a six-month investigation in Yellowknife on Apr. 15 seizinglargeamountsofdrugsandcashintheprocess.Ata residenceinFrameLakepoliceuncoveredOxy-Cotincrack andpowdercocainemarijuanaPhenacetinover200000 and two guitars previously reported stolen. In a separate but parallel investigation RCMP also seized marijuana Percocets cocaine residue and 19000 in cash. Five men have been arrested and charged in relation to the busts. Rowes Construction ned 40000 for ice auger incident HayRivercompanyRowesConstructionisfacinga40000 ne as well as a 15 per cent victim of crime surcharge be- causeofanemployeeinjuryfromtwoyearsago.TheWorkers SafetyandCompensationCommissionWSCCsaidRowes haspleadedguiltyforfailingtoensuretheadequateinstruc- tionofeachworkerinthesafeperformanceoftheirduties. A sub-contracted worker was hurt while operating an ice auger during ice road construction near Trout Lake. WSCC reports the worker didnt receive training on the machine. Fort Smith resident facing multiple charges for violent behaviour AmanfromFortSmithisupagainstnumerouschargesthe result of an investigation that took place on the evening of Apr. 16. Tony Vermillion 39 has been charged for assault with a weapon uttering threats forcible connement pos- session of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unsafe storage of a rearm under the Criminal Code of Canada. Vermillion will remain in custody until a scheduled court appearance on Apr. 21. 684-106 NN NJ Answer a few multiple-choice questions about emergency preparedness for the chance to win one of two emergency kits. How ready are you Dont leave it to chance. www.maca.gov.nt.ca National Emergency Preparedness Week May 3-9 2015 Know THE RISKS. Make a plan. Be ready. READY SET GO When a natural disaster or an emergency strikes how prepared are you to take care of your family and home Take The Test Visit www.maca.nt.ca Strike continues as third round of talks fail in Hay River By MEAGAN WOHLBERG A third attempt at nego- tiation has collapsed in Hay River after a day and a half of talks between town council and striking municipal em- ployees ended in failure on Monday afternoon. The latest round of nego- tiations began Sunday and ended just before lunch on Monday. According to the union both bargaining units went back and forth on a number of counters before the union presented its bot- tomline Monday morning. After some deliberation the employer returned to reject the offer. All our members are very disappointed with the fail- ure to reach a settlement said Jack Bourassa regional vice president for the Public Service Alliance of Canada in the North who said the union has modied its de- mands as much as possible in an effort to end the strike. We have already taken everything virtually off the table Bourassa said. Theres no housing allow- ance theres no travel allow- ance theres nothing left but that little wage increase and its a whole lot less than what it was before. Employees went on strike in early February after town council refused their original request for a wage increase of 2.5 per cent in the rst year followed by 2.25 per cent per year over over the life of their three-year collective agreement the last of which expired in December 2013. The towns nal offer since the start has been a 1 per cent annual increase. Bourassa couldnt give de- tails on the unions revised demands and Hay River Mayor Andrew Cassidy was unavailable for comment as of press time. The union argues that the town has already saved the cost of the wage increase many times over by not hav- ing to pay 10 weeks of salary. The estimated cost to offer the workers their requested wage bump would be around 45000 per year. Accord- ing to the unions figures the town has already saved more than seven times that. a major economic genera- tor for the community. The meetingofleadersfromevery municipality in the territory is scheduled to be held in Hay River from May 7 to 10 and is anticipated to bring in as much as 120000 to the community but threats Our members are very determined. They absolutely refuse to accept the towns measly offers when every- one knows a full settlement comes at no cost to town cof- fers said Union of Northern Workers President Todd Par- sons. We will hold the line as long as it takes to get a fair settlementthatrecognizesthe sacrices made by our mem- bers since February. NWTAC meeting in jeopardy Bourassa said the strike continuestohurtthecommu- nity. Hay River ice users lost out on a hockey and skating season as well as some curl- ing events and residents are now facing the loss of their entire swimming season. The town may now also forfeit the NWT Association of Communities NWTAC annual general meeting of picketing by the striking workers means the event could be relocated due to some leaders refusal to cross the picket line. Bourassa said the union has already been contacted by many munici- palities indicating their soli- darity with the workers. Theres about half of them who will not be coming if the event stays in Hay River Bourassa indicated. Though the municipality hasdiscussedmovingittothe Katlodeeche First Nations reserve or the golf course Bourassa said the striking workers will be there. It doesnt matter the picket line will follow he said. We will exercise every right that we have available to us to try to get their atten- tion. If that means escalat- ing to the point where there might be some costs involved to this town then so be it. It doesnt matter the picket line will follow. We will exercise every right that we have available to us to try to get their attention. If that means escalating to the point where there might be some costs involved to this town then so be it. Jack Bourassa Public Service Alliance of Canada - North PhotoMeaganWohlberg Around 30 municipal employees have been on strike in Hay River since Feb. 6. Tuesday April 21 2015 3 ENVIRONMENT CLIMATE CHANGE The Pelican Rapids Golf Country Club is currently hiring Club House Staff. Drop off a resume at Lous Small Engines. ANNUALANNUALANNUAL GENERALGENERALGENERAL MEETINGMEETINGMEETING 700 PM Thursday April 23 2015 RC Legion in Fort Smith Fort Smith District Education Authority PICHE SCHOLARSHIP Applications for the 2015 Piche Scholarship Award will commence on April 13 2015 and close May 19 2015 at 330PM Application criteria can be picked up at the FSDEA office at JBT or call 872-2011 and criteria can be mailed. Completed applications are to be mailed to Fort Smith District Education Authority P.O. Box 131 Fort Smith NT X0E 0P0 or dropped off in person to JBT School no later than May19th at 330PM. Climate change goals cant make life harder in NWT premier By MEAGAN WOHLBERG As Canada prepares to present its emis- sions targets at the next international climate convention in Paris this winter Northern premiers are looking to ensure those goals dont make life more challenging for residents above the 60th parallel. NWT Premier Bob McLeod released a joint statementwithfellowPremiersDarrellPasloski in the Yukon and Peter Taptuna in Nunavut last week in preparation for the national Cli- mate Summit in Quebec City on Apr. 14. ThestatementpointsoutthatCanadasNorth- ernterritorieshavehadaminorimpactonover- all greenhouse gas emissions in the country while at the same time experiencing the rst- handimpactsofclimatechangemostseverely. With that in mind their Northern per- spective calls for Canadas climate goals to be conducted in a way that does not signi- cantly impact Northern costs of living under- mine food insecurity or threaten emerging economies the premiers agreed. I think it really reinforced the science and certainly for the southern jurisdictions it made them realize that although they rec- ognize climate change is starting to impact them more...for us we can actually show how its impacting us how were having to adapt and mitigate McLeod told The Journal. Notonlyisclimatechangeaffectingusbutits combinedwiththefactthatwerefacedwithvery highcostsofenergyandalackofinfrastructure. That means no carbon pricing or carbon storage he said at least for now. I think that if we put in a carbon tax immediately that would increase the cost of living. If we put in a cap and trade system that would also impact McLeod said. The model- lingthatwevedoneinthepastindicatedthatwe have a very small economy and carbon pricing approacheswouldprovideverylimitedbenet. If anything if we decided to go down that road wed probably have to join up with somebody else he said. Then those dollars would ow south. While low on the scale of emitters overall McLeodadmittedthattheNWThasthehighest rateofgreenhousegasemissionspercapitainthe countryduetothefactthatmanycommunities rely on diesel for their electricity and heating. That struggle is compounded by the very realeffectsofclimatechangealreadybeingfelt in the North which have made the necessary conversions to clean energy more challenging while the NWT is forced to - sometimes liter- ally - put out res caused by climate change. Last years record-breaking wildre season consumed an estimated 3.5 million hectares of forest ultimately caused by a drought that has also cut back on the use of hydroelectric- ity in the territory. Warming experienced at four times the rate of the south is also caus- ing permafrost melt coastal erosion and loss of sea ice in the NWT. ThatswhyMcLeodsaidasmuchofthefocus for the GNWT has to be placed on adaptation and mitigation as is on emissions reduction. Evenhydrosatrisknowbecauseofthechang- ing Northern climate and the predictions for continueddroughthesaid.Sowecanensure that there are reliable energy and heating sys- temsinourcommunitiesbutevenifwemovea longwaysonrenewablesandalternativeswere still going to have to use diesel as redundancy. Despite the challenges he said the terri- tory is still nding ways to cut its emissions by investing more and more into renewables like biomass and solar and nding ways to conserve and increase efciency. The work were doing is resulting in a re- duction in greenhouse gas emissions so that this year 2015 weve reduced our emissions to 2005 levels McLeod said. Ithinkthemostsuccesswevehadinreduc- ing our greenhouse gas emissions has been in the use of biomass by converting buildings to biomass heating which has allowed us to re- duce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent. Proportionately were the highest users of biomass energy in Canada he said. Were also expanding the use of solar en- ergy currently we have 294 KW of solar en- ergy electricity capacity and we made a com- mitment to replace 20 per cent of the average load in diesel with solar systems by 2017. McLeod said the provinces and territories are expected to come to an agreement on tar- getswiththefederalgovernmentbySeptember starting with a meeting of environment minis- ters in early June the Climate Summit of the Americas in Ontario in July and Council of the Federation meetings also set for this summer. He said cooperation among jurisdictions and the federal government is going to be key in coming up with an arrangement that ef- fectively controls emissions while adapting to ongoing change. TheUnitedNationsClimateChangeConference inParisisscheduledforNov.30toDec.112015. Continued from page 1. If the project goes ahead in future years wed have to start from scratch Hering con- tinued. It would also show funders that their money wasnt wasted this year. While he understands the inconvenience for the scientists Hudson said a decision has been made and needs to be upheld. I know they wanted to salvage some of the work but I said If you guys want to come back next year and meet with us and put a complete package together youre welcome to do that Hudson said. Im not saying they will get support because they got peo- ple pissed off with them. I think if there was proper consultation they may have not got- ten support because people found out this could eventually lead to cleaning up of the park and maybe taking all the buffalos out of the equation. They may not get support the second round. There are still plans in the works to try to continue with the study Hering said. Whether or not it will go ahead depends on support from the local community and from nan- cial sponsors. Theres denitely still hope to try and pur- sue this study again in future years. Were still taking the steps toward the consulta- tion we need to do in WBNP and I think if there is support in Fort Smith then there is still interest in trying it again for next year he said. Theres a lot of value in this project in terms of long-term management of disease in the area and of bison conservation in Canada in general. We really just need more tools to be able to deal with these diseases and I think its really in the best interest of local people as well as bison conservation as well as re- search in Canada. I think its sort of a win for all of them. Future of study will depend on community support funding Masters student Adam Hering conducts TB testing on a wood bison earlier this year. PhotoChristaCoetser PhotoRobertvanWaardenGreenpeace Around 25000 people march for action on climate change in Quebec City last week during the national climate change summit where provinces and territories met to discuss targets. ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE 4 Tuesday April 21 2015 The Northern Journal is an independent newspaper covering news and events in the western Arctic and northern Alberta. 2013 CCNA BLUE RIBBON CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013 C M C A AUDITED The Northern Journal is published weekly by Cascade Publishing Ltd. Printed at Star Press Inc. Wainwright AB. Publisher................................................................................. Don Jaque 867-872-3000 ext.21 donnorj.ca Editor.........................................................................Meagan Wohlberg 867-872-3000 ext.24 newsnorj.ca Reporter....................................................................... Dali Carmichael 867-872-3000 ext.25 reporternorj.ca Comptroller ..................................................... Dixie Penner 867-872-3000 ext.23 dixnorj.ca Advertising.............................. Heather Foubert Hay River 867-874-4106 adsnorj.ca Administration............................................Jeremy Turcotte 867-872-3000 ext.26 adminnorj.ca Production Manager ......................................Sandra Jaque 867-872-3000 ext.22 sandranorj.ca Graphics........................................................Paul Bannister 867-872-3000 ext.27 graphicsnorj.ca Letters to the Editor Policy The Northern Journal welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include a phone number so the author can be veried. Names will be withheld on request in special circumstances where the reasons are determined to be valid. The Journal reserves the right to edit letters for length libel clarity and taste. Opinions expressed in letters and columns are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Advertising Deadlines Display ad deadline is Thursday at 400 p.m. Classied ad deadline is Thursday at 500 p.m. Email adsnorj.ca Subscription Rates Prices include GST. 47.25 in Fort Smith 52.50 elsewhere in Canada 105 in the USA overseas 164.30. EDITORIAL COLUMN Respect ebbs as partisan politics poison Parliament Peoples regard for politicians has been in decline over the last few years but the scan- dals emanating from Ottawa have taken us well beyond that tarnishing the credibility of all of government and any respect and trust Canadians had in it. The trial of suspended Senator Mike Duffy is not just about someone of low moral char- acter accused of graft not foremost about someone who was appointed to one of the highest ofces in the land and then abused it not only about the revelations in this and several other trials in the last few years where Senators time and expenses were inappropri- ately taken advantage of by the Conservative Party for partisan campaigning at times so close to breaking the law that a number were charged with criminal offences. No in fact the problem is more that Canadians have become so numb to this institutionalized corruption they now ignore it. Our country is in crisis yet people are jaded because this manner of operating is normal. That is the real shame. Our democracy is deteriorating because of it and our government is to blame. The Liberals under Jean Chretien au- thored the Sponsorship Scandal and were The problem is that Ca- nadians have become so numbtothisinstitutionalized corruption they now ignore it.Ourcountryisincrisisyet people are jaded because this manner of operating is normal. seen to be so corrupt they were outed in an election in 2006 shamed and demoted into third place in the House of Commons. Chre- tien was a master at holding on to power and that strategy included stacking the Senate with Liberal Senators something the Con- servatives long decried. Opposition Leader Stephen Harper harped constantly about the need for an elected Senate. When he came to power he turned his back on all his pre- vious positions and proceeded to stack the Senate with Conservative appointees then used it as a base to run election campaigns. One scandal after another has swept through Parliament under Harpers watch worse even than the Liberals in their dark- est hours bringing our country to a new low. The move by Justin Trudeau in January 2014 to remove all Liberal Senators from his caucus and no longer use them for election- eering was principled even visionary. It was a good start at xing a broken institution. It meant that the strength of the Liberal Party election machine was diminished and oddly Trudeau was broadly criticized for that for weakening his party and reducing its chances of regaining power. That points to just how bad things have become. Doing whats right should be applauded and supported but that does not happen in the poisonous partisan environment in Ottawa. Harpershouldhavefollowedthatleaddoing the same thing and set the Senate on a much better track. It was the right thing to do. Freed of partisan politics the Senate could do its job the role of the upper chamber of govern- ment providing sober second thought on all legislation. Instead the Senate continues to be further diminished as its Conservative members act as shills for their party. MeanwhilealargegroupofNewDemocratic Partycaucusmembersaresuingtheparliamen- tary Board of Internal Economy BIE after it ruledtheymustrepay2.7millionforstaffcosts incurredrunningofcesinMontrealandQue- bec City. The NDP say the ofces were for par- liamentary duties but the BIE ruled they were partisanNDPofces.TheBIEisdominatedby Conservativesandthemeetingswereinsecret. The NDP say the decision is politically biased and unreasonable arbitrary and incorrect and have gone to court over it. The Conserva- tives have parliamentary ofces in different parts of Canada paid for by taxpayers which they say are necessary and appropriate for the governing party. They are also spending mil- lions of dollars on government ad campaigns that are obviously partisan. They are in power and can get away with it. What business do either of them have in opening up ofces for their own gain spend- ing taxpayer money so wantonly We have to ask would the NDP be any better than the Conservatives and Liberals if they were in power Would they who are so righteous now take advantage of their new position and do everything and anything to hold onto power as the Harper Conservatives are doing now It is hard not to be jaded about such things. Parliament should be focused on xing the economy ending child poverty alleviating homelessness bringing prosperity and jus- tice to indigenous communities and so many other noble and necessary tasks and chal- lenges facing our country. Canadians need to demand that political leaders be trustworthy and honest do their jobs well and respect the institution they serve. By SIKU ALLOOLOO Violence against Indigenous women and girls is an incredibly daunting issue to en- gage. Many feel as helpless and unequipped to deal with it as we do with the idea of secur- ing justice it seems entirely out of our hands. Indigenous women are subject to overlap- ping forms of violence physical gendered systemic racist economic Most of us ex- perience sexual violence at some point in our lifetime often in repeated incidents and without retribution. This reality has a way of normalizing violence to the point that many just assume it is a standard part of our lives. Violence against Indigenous women has a long history going back to 1492 when my Taino ancestors encountered the rst Euro- peans. Gendered violence is one of the most effective weapons of colonization. In order to annex Indigenous lands and exploit re- sources our connections to the earth and to our lifegiving force must be broken which is enacted upon the bodies of our women. This ongoing legacy is apparent in the over- whelming number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls MMIWG a crisis we have collectively failed to end. The incessant murders of women such as Cindy Gladuewhicharehorrifyingintheirbrutality and staggering absence of justice along with the failure to address the underlying causes present an unmistakable message we are in desperate need of ways to protect the lives of Indigenous women and instate accountability. As long as the status quo prevails more of us will continue to be killed. Meanwhile we must also endure the ongoing violence of a society and judicial system that have yet to afrm our rights as human beings. This barbarity could not continue if enough people were in touch with their own humanity. Eliminatingsystemicracismandimplementing real justice would be humanizing for everyone. Unfortunatelymanyofusdistanceourselves fromthecrisisbecausetheincidentsaresoatro- cioussounthinkableandsoprofoundlydevas- tating that our impulse is to disengage. But we mustbebraverthanthatwemustconfrontthe realityandconvertourpowerlessnessintoaction. EachnewlossremindsmeofhowfortunateI amtobealiveandhoweasilyIcouldhaveended uplikeanyoneofthesewomen.Thepossibility stillstands.Recognizingthiscompelsmetoface thesickeningrealityandworkfortransformation. Manycourageouspeoplearebuildingaware- nessandsupportthroughpublicmarchesteach- inswritingmusicartandceremony.Muchof theworkisinstrengtheningconnectionsacross communities and visible in the thousands of Indigenouswomenwhocontinuetoasserttheir vitality and presence on this earth. Wehaveeveryrighttolifeandtojustice.We deserve to be supported and treated as valu- able human beings. We belong to freedom to love to our cultures and homelands and we belong in connection to these without ever beingharmed.Thisiswhatisnaturalandwhat should be normalized. Collective compassion our sense of connectedness respect for life. Justice is out of our hands so much of the time but we cannot neglect the power that is in our hands. We must take accountability and put things right in the ways that we can. Start by connecting to the experience of MMIWG.WhatifyouwereCindyGladueWhat ifitwasyourdaughtermothersisterorpartner Could you not help but demand justice Could younotdoeverythinginyourpowertoendthis crisis and afrm our right to live Show the women and girls in your life that their lives are valuable that respect is their in- heritance. Prioritize their safety and nurture theirresilience.Teachmenandboysthepower of respect to honour their humanity and nur- ture their strength of heart. Find the courage to stand up for what is just. Help protect life. Dont stop until the violence is ended and all are free to live. Siku Allooloo is Inuit Taino and part of an extended Dene family. She lives in Denendeh. Reclaim Justice End the Violence SevenstudentsfromChiefJimmyBruneauSchoolandthreeoftheirteacherstooktotheirtrusty snowmobiles and sleds last week as they traveled from Behchoko to Whati exploring a tradi- tional-use trail. The journey took about a day with stops on the way to talk about historical sites and landmarks. Once they arrived in Whati the group rested at the Mezi Community School where they were met with much hospitality. PhotoPaulGentlemen Tuesday April 21 2015 5 COLUMNS 15 Years Ago... Kakfwi talks business Premier Stephen Kakfwi told Alberta business rep- resentatives last week that their investment in NWT resources will result in huge benets as the economic potential of the Northwest Territories is fully realized. Kakfwi invited over 100 business representatives to join the NWT and Aboriginal governments in developing the NWTs brilliant future. Issue April 18 2000 20 Years Ago... Mtis health benets passed by assembly The Mtis Nation is declaring a major victory of the battle to gain extended health benet rights from the Government of the Northwest Territories. The legisla- tive assembly passed its health budget last Wednesday with a clause to allocate 1 million to a health benet program for territorial Mtis. Issue April 19 1995 30 Years Ago... Transfer sheries to free land claims The transfer of authority for sheries from federal to territorial jurisdiction may be hastened to break the log jam stalling the DeneMtis land claims wildlife agree- ment. The initialing of the agreement was halted Janu- ary 30 by a last minute intervention from the federal sheries department. Issue April 18 1985 ARCHIVES By DAWN KOSTELNIK Sea ice moves and shifts and heaves especially along the shoreline. With the inu- enceoftheCopperRiverrun- ningalongtheforeshoreofthe villagetheseaicewouldswirl and back eddy in front of the community with the current from the river. The sea ice is gone but the greengarbagetypebagsswim infrontofthevillageanddoa full 360 and return yet again andagainaroundandaround they go. This is very unusual behavior for the green guys what is going on Ah-h-h out come the guns bodies crouch stand tall or lay on their stomachs ries cradled uptoshouldersmenwomen boys and girls. The beach has become a shooting gal- lery complete with carnival atmosphere. Huge smiles and cheers are heard as a strike is made. Favourites are chosen peo- ple clap when a good shot is made. This is more fun than huntingsealsmucheasierfor sure. Bangpoofbangpoof the oating green islands of poop drop their cargo as they are shot full of holes. Feeding the shes is an old divers ex- pression that comes to mind for some reason. ExperiencedHoneyJockeys know they have to puncture the honey bags or they oat and remain oating on the surface of the sea shameful for the entire world to see. A knife if carried by the pros who give the bags a quick jab before they are left out on the sea ice. As a species our favourite form of garbage disposal has been to throw stuff into our water systems. If we dont see it it is obviously gonebril- lianceNowwegettodrinkour garbage eat our garbage and batheourbabiesinittoo. Next weadddeadlytoxinstoxour mistakes disguising garbage with poisonous chemicals is an amazing move. What can IsayWatchinghoneybucket bags getting shot when I was 11 years old was fun but we are much older now we know better. I have gotten ahead of my- self we need to back up to snowdrifts and winter and brand new town. Our house sits across the road from this pristineocean.Anendlessex- panse of white and ice is our front yard the back yard is endless white as well. I look out to sea and see what I think I could be standing on the edge of the world. A curve atthehorizonisapparentbut where are the trees I under- stand the concept of walking offtheedgeoftheearthIcan seetheslightlycurvedendofit. To be continued. www.thewhitegirl.ca White Girl The Edge of the World Northern Journal 2015 Join us online Like Northern Journal on Facebook and get the weekly news delivered to your feed FACEBOOK FEEDBACK The hunt for more diamonds and minerals in the Slave Geological Province SGP will also have the added impact of supporting regional research on changes to permafrost and ground ice conditions according to territorial geologists. Mineral search to benet permafrost studies NWT Geological Survey Patricia Sepp Time for First Nations to protect habitat for Caribou that is de- creasing every year Ronald Beaulieu Indicator minerals must be found rst. James Christie The point that is being missed is the Tlicho received approxi- mately 12 sq Kmsperson and the De- hcho are being offered 9 sq Kmsperson. How can the Dehcho leadership hold that up as an honourable settlement when asking the membership to accept it The territorial government has agreed to continue discussions with the Dehcho First Nations DFN re- garding their land claim process this month. Premier agrees to meet with Dehcho First Nations Gardening with Lone Ghost Food Real Food By LONE SORENSEN In order to be good food growers we need to come into alignment with the tim- ing of Mother Nature which means planning ahead and have the soil amendments seeds seedlings and tools ready and in hand before spring arrives. If you are se- rious about feeding yourself and your family this year start collecting these sup- plies and be ready for plant- ing. Spring is here and soon the ice and snow will be gone. Over the last few years I have become increasingly aware of how dependent peo- ple living in the North have become on food that is not from around here. Most of us over the last 30 years have come to rely on food that is produced far away that has to be transported hundreds even thousands of miles be- fore it reaches us. We dont know the ways the food we buy is produced. We hear about monoculture dying soil and desertification pesticides GMOs and meat and egg production where the animals are suffering. The food is often not labeled properly so often we dont know what is in it. We buy food at the store and we eat. We still feel hun- gry without understand- ing why. Then we buy more lots of it packaged food and eat some more. Even buying the healthy vegetables we just cant seem to feel full in a good way. Have you ever wondered why that is I have started calling some of this store-bought food ghost food. There is not much real and true about this food any longer. Much of the goodness and alive- ness in the food we buy these days is gone. Real food is authentic food. It is the food that comes from the land the food the Dene people hunt sh and gather and the food we grow in our gardens.Ourtastebudsknow the difference when we eat a carrot from our own garden instead of a carrot from the store. Even the organic car- rots at the store are not half as good both taste wise and in nutrients as carrots grown in our own community. How do we take more re- sponsibility for feeding our- selves in a good way It is a big question. There are many skilled hunters shers and gatherers in the North- west Territories and we can increase the food self-suf- ciency many-fold by sup- porting these skilled people while growing more of the vegetables that will really help feed us. Growing food is the most powerful single action we can do in taking back the responsibility to feed ourselves and in build- ing healthy futures. When we hunt gather sh and grow real food then our food is truly our medicine. There is no bigger satisfaction than harvesting your own veg- etables right before dinner. Lone Sorensen is the founder of Northern Roots. Shehaslivedandgrownfood inYellowknifefor27years.In the last few years she has be- come a popular professional gardening mentor and has taught many children youth adults and elders about food gardening. 6 Tuesday April 21 2015 POLITICS ENERGY Flood Season Its flood season again. Flood season typically goes from late April through to mid-June. If you live in a flood risk area you should be preparing by ensuring your property and possessions are protected from the damaging effects of floods. Staying informed having an emergency plan in place and an emergency kit ready are three important steps that everyone should take to ensure they are prepared. Flood Season Emergency preparedness is everyones responsibility. Be prepared. For more information and resources on emergency preparedness go to www.maca.gov.nt.ca. 684-108E NNSL MP accuses NWT premier of passing buck on fracking review as new regulations tour territory By MEAGAN WOHLBERG Federal MP Dennis Bevington joined the fray of residents calling for the territorial gov- ernment to slow down with moving forward on its new rules for hydraulic fracturing or fracking in the NWT. Bevington said the GNWT should focus on conducting a study on the regional cumula- tive effects of fracking to determine the risks and benets of the unconventional method for drilling shale oil and gas before develop- ing regulations. The GNWT is conducting public hear- ings on new hydraulic fracturing regulations without having any idea of the cumulative impacts of this development Bevington said. Only once we know the cumulative impacts of hydraulic fracturing should the GNWT be proposing regulations. By taking a piecemeal project-by-project approach to regulating unconventional petroleum devel- opment we fail to get the big picture view of the impact on the environment. The department of Industry Tourism and Investment ITI is currently on a tour to en- gage the public on its recently released frack- ing regulations throughout much of the ter- ritory where senior bureaucrats heard from residents in Inuvik Fort Good Hope Norman Wells and Tulita last week. At every stop community members ex- pressed concern that the meetings part of the governments 90-day review process for the regulations are being rushed. Often the conversation shifted from the regulations to questions of whether or not fracking should be permitted at all in the NWT. Local govern- ments voiced a desire for more time to carry out legal and technical reviews of the new rules. Others expressed disappointment that no MLAs or ministers attended the sessions and that meetings were scheduled during the workday rather than the evening. Bevington echoed those concerns accus- ing the territorial government of passing the buck to the federal government in its alleged rush to approve fracking. Last year the Sahtu Dene and Mtis called for such a regional review but Premier McLeod tried to pass the buck to the federal government said Bevington citing a letter from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Devel- opment Minister Bernard Valcourt in which the federal government supports the GNWTs ability to conduct its own review of fracking. It is our view that there is nothing pre- venting the Government of the Northwest Territories from commencing the monitor- ing of cumulative impacts at a regional level now the letter states. Bevington said the review should take place through the Mackenzie Valley Envi- ronmental Impacts Review Board to be the most cost effective. Cumulative impacts being monitored GNWT The GNWT maintains that it already car- ries out the cumulative impacts monitoring mentioned by Bevington but failed to directly address the MPs comments when questioned. Signicant research and monitoring re- lated to hydraulic fracturing is underway in the Sahtu region of the Northwest Terri- tories reads a document from the depart- ment of Environment and Natural Resources ENR forwarded to The Journal in response to questions last week. This work will ensure a representative baseline data set is collected. Among those initiatives is the Sahtu Envi- ronmental Research and Monitoring Forum a three-way information exchange between industry Sahtu communities and government to set environmental monitoring policies for the region and enhance collaborations be- tween monitoring agencies. Monitoring work is also being conducted in the Sahtu under the Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program inherited from Canada throughdevolutiononlandscapechangeswa- tersheddisturbanceandbenthicinvertebrates. An industry-funded Environmental Studies Research Fund has also been established for the Sahtu with studies focusing on surface and groundwater assessment caribou genetic diversity forest succession and regeneration and traditional spatial knowledge. ENR in partnership with Sahtu com- munities has also completed three years of community-based water quality monitoring at 15 sites in the region. Many of the sites were selected for pre-hydraulic fracturing baseline work the document states. A similar response from ITI indicated that the existing environmental review process sufciently ensures projects meet require- ments and that the new regulations will only serve to enhance that system. The review process will not change and review boards will continue to play a key role in the system according to the department. The NWT oil and gas regulator announced last week that it had signed an agreement with the BC Oil and Gas commission to join their online fracking chemical disclosure site FracFocus.ca. FracFocusistheprimarymethodmostcom- paniesandgovernmentshaveoptedforinorder to make information public on the composi- tion of fracking uids and chemical additives. Though the proposed NWT regulations do not require mandatory disclosure they will ask companies outright to voluntarily release information on their fracking uids to the public on the FracFocus website. The original FracFocus an industry- funded site run by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Ground- water Protection Council is currently under review by the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency EPA. The rst report from the EPA released last month found problems with the fact that the site allows companies to refrain from report- ing anything deemed to be a trade secret. At least one ingredient from 70 per cent of all well reports uploaded between January 2011 and February 2013 was kept condential due to proprietary rights. FracFocus recently announced it would be undergoing improvements to make the information more transparent and easier to analyze. PhotoBobWilson Yellowknifers march against fracking in the Northwest Territories as part of the 2014 Global Frackdown protest. NWT regulator joins FracFocus Tuesday April 21 2015 7 INDUSTRY AGRICULTURE www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PROPERTY OWNERS The Property Assessment Notices for the 2015 tax year were mailed Friday February 27 2015 to all Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo property owners. If you have any concerns regarding any information on the Property Assessment Notice or you did not receive your Property Assessment Notice please call 780.743.7900 or 1.800.973.9663 and arrange to speak with an Assessor. Assessors will be available during regular business hours 830 a.m. to 430 p.m. Monday to Friday. If a discussion with an Assessor does not resolve your concern an Assessment Review Board Complaint Form accompanied by the appropriate filing fee may be filed with the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board. For more information regarding the complaint process please call 780.743.7001 or 1.800.973.9663 or visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.caarb. The deadline to submit an Assessment Review Board Complaint Form is 430 p.m. on May 1 2015. Council will set the 2014 tax rates in May. Property Taxes are determined by applying the appropriate tax rate to the assessed value shown on your Property Assessment Notice. Property Tax Notices will be mailed in early June. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR ASSESSMENT NOTICE CAREFULLY. Assessed ProPerty VAlue ProPerty tAx rAte ProPerty tAx Bill X For more information check out our web site at www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca or call us at 780.743.7900 or 1.800.973.9663. New crop of growers sprouting at Hay River farm school By MEAGAN WOHLBERG With spring in the air a new crop of stu- dents is ready to start sowing the seeds of gardening knowledge at the Northern Farm Training Institute in Hay River this week. Startingthisweekendapproximately15stu- dentsfromacrosstheterritorywillbecomethe first batch to participate in this years monthly courses at the agricultural school beginning with a three-day session on seed selection. SpringIntoPlantingYourSeedwillfocuson selectingseedsschedulingandstartingplants and seedling care giving students hands-on planting and transplanting experience out at NFTIpresidentJackieMilnesowngreenhouse. Studentswillthenreturnhometotheircom- munities with their own planting kit ready to starttheirgardensnextmonthwhentheground warms up and the chance of frost diminishes. Now in its third year offering courses to students from as far north as Fort Good Hope down to Fort Smith NFTI offers training in seeding designing and planting a garden creating forests of fruit and nut trees North of 60 garden maintenance and marketing food harvesting preparation and storage and large and small animal husbandry. Thosesixkeycourseareaswillbetaughtover a period of three days each month throughout the summer ending in late September. The idea is that the classes sort of syn- chronize with the season and the activity you would be doing that month so the stu- dents come learn that and then go home and implement that for a month and then come back Milne said. Its organic in its process. Land secured for campus After two pilot years of getting courses off thegroundatMilnesownfarmnearHayRiver NFTI is now on its way to having its very own campus located at the abandoned Northern Pork hog barn just outside of town. NFTI recently secured a five-year lease for the260-acrelotfromthemunicipalitywiththe optiontorenewforanotherfiveyearsthanksto federalfunding.Lastyeartheinstitutereceived a2-milliongrantfromtheCanadianNorthern EconomicDevelopmentAgencyCanNorwhich hinged on substantial support from the town as the flow-through agency. The municipality and CanNor then worked out a deal to have the land leased as an in-kind contribution though NFTIwillberequiredtopayfullpropertytaxes. While the crew is waiting for the snow to melt before launching into full-bore construc- tionanddemolitionatthesite-wheredecrepit buildingsandvehiclesneedtoberemoved-they have been anything but idle over the winter. NFTI managed to secure a workshop space where theyve been able to build a number of modular units to take out to the new site which include housing for students bath- rooms and kitchens. Overthesummertheinstituteexpectstohave employedatleast20peoplefromofficestaffto labourersandinstructors.CurrentlyNFTIisin themarketforgenerallabourersgreenhouseand gardenassistantsandamarketgardendirector. Right now the site consists of a series of meadow clearings surrounded by mixed forest with a spectacular view of the Hay River valley below.Milneandherstaffarealreadyexcitedly pointingoutwherethestudentsyurtsaregoing togowhereberrybusheswillbeplantedwhere acafeandgardenmarketcouldthriveandwhere studentsfromasfarasNunavutmightinthefu- turefullyimmersethemselvesintheirlearning. The beauty of having the institute is it will give us the capacity as the students increase in their skill set to be able to come for longer periodsoftimeshesaid.Soifsomeonewants to move to specialization say you just really love greenhouses we could have interim positions of a month three months a whole year whatever to learn that whole process. Spreading skills across the North As the first agricultural school of its kind in the North NFTI is designed to empower students with the basic experiential knowl- edge required to return to their communities armed with applied skills in food production so that down the line communities are no longer dependent on the often unaffordable unhealthy options at their grocery stores. Milne who originally began her foray into teaching by traveling throughout the terri- tory offering gardening courses said she real- ized she could create a more lasting legacy of food sovereignty in the North by establishing a permanent campus where students could learn how to produce food for themselves their families and communities. With Aboriginal culture traditionally they really believed that they were secure when ev- eryonewassecure.Thatswhatgivesussecurity. Whetheritsatafamilylevelacommunitylevel astatelevelacountryoragloballevelwhenwe really have security is when we have all of our needsmetsaidMilneaMtiswomanbornand raisedinHayRiver.Thathasreallytouchedme and I realized that I could influence more food being produced by helping other people learn than what I could physically grow myself. I re- alizedthatwasprobablythefastestwaytodoit. Students are already running with the knowledge theyve obtained from NFTI over the past few years. Milne said there is an ab- solute food revolution going on in Fort Good Hope with four more fresh faces from the community coming to join the NFTI move- ment this spring. Further south in Fort Smith the garden capital of the North Kymberlee Sellwood took the plunge last fall and bought a plot outside town that shes now actively trans- forming into farmland. Sellwood took three courses in garden de- signwildcraftingandgrantproposalsthrough NFTIlastyearandsaidshewasblownawayby the amount of economic support available for Northern farmers. It was then that she and her partner Corey decided to go for it reclaiming theareahehadactuallygrownuponasachild. Having been unoccupied for over a decade Sellwood said the feat ahead of the duo is daunting - basically starting in the nega- tive - but manageable. Itscompletelyovergrownandwildshesaid. The soil is sandy and heavily compacted so Imworkingonbuildingupasoilcomposition. Over the next year Sellwood plans to plant 50 Saskatoon berry bushes and add tonnes literally 10 tonnes of chicken manure to the garden. She also needs to find a sustainable source of water on the premises and build some of the greenhouse structures to extend hergrowingseason.Afterthefirstyearofhard work is done sheep and chickens will likely be brought on board to graze down and fertilize areas for planting. Sellwood said her farm project is turning out to be a much tougher effort in ecological restoration but said the support she contin- ues to get from Milne and NFTI keeps her going even when its overwhelming. I cant help but want to be part of this Northern farming movement she said. Jackie is so passionate about what she does so Im easily inspired. Milne said the commitment she sees blossoming across the territory shows the will is there all Northerners need is just some free time to learn the art of food production. Its so encouraging to see it have such a strong effect she said. It was even more than I anticipated. PhotoKimRapati PhotoMeaganWohlberg NFTI founder and president Jackie Milne shows where the market gardens will go at the institutes new farm campus. Greasy Bacon is one of two Berkshire sows owned by NFTI currently housed at Milnes farm near Hay River. YWCA releases manual for women facing violence Legal Pathways book part of a push for national action plan 8 Tuesday April 21 2015 JUSTICE FAMILY VIOLENCE Please leave a message at 872-5543 for details. WESCLEAN NORTHERN SALES LTD. Ph 867 875-5100 Fax 867 875-5155 Avalon Cat Hair - long Size - medium Gender - female Avalon is a very loving and beautiful cat. She is spayed and is up-to-date with all her shots.If you think you have a home for a Avalon please call the shelter at 872-5543. Please leave a message at 872-5543 for details. WESCLEAN NORTHERN SALES LTD. Ph 867 875-5100 Fax 867 875-5155 E-mail infowescleannwt.com web www.wescleannwt.com Avalon Cat Hair - long Size - medium Gender - female Avalon is a very loving and beautiful cat. She is spayed and is up-to-date with all her shots.If you think you have a home for a Avalon please call the shelter at 872-5543. Please leave a message at 872-5543 for details. WESCLEAN NORTHERN SALES LTD. Ph 867 875-5100 Fax 867 875-5155 E-mail infowescleannwt.com web www.wescleannwt.com Avalon Cat Hair - long Size - medium Gender - female Avalon is a very loving and beautiful cat. She is spayed and is up-to-date with all her shots.If you think you have a home for a Avalon please call the shelter at 872-5543. SpayedNeutered Up-to-datewithroutineshots House trained MinnieFemaleAdult Grey and white Looking for a new home Minnie was a very scared shy cat when she first came in. She had been kept in a bedroom and was not socialized. She has come a long way but will require some patience to gain her trust. She is a great cat just not good with other animals. Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre is seeking a highly motivated individual for the Executive Director Position DUTIES including but not limited to the following Establish and maintain an excellent working relationship with community territorial and federal governments Ensure all funds that are raised for the Friendship Centre and other fundraising initiatives are deposited in the centre fundraising account Ensure all reporting requirements are met as per contribution agreements for various programs that have been funded Ensure that all program coordinators are following their programs work plans Process record and monitor all financial transactions of the Friendship Centre using Sage Accounting Prepare monthly invoice for various programs Track employee hours i.e. annual leave etc. Identity training needs and direct staff to undertake such training upon board approval Represent the Boards of Directors at meetings and advise Board of Directors Review and recommend to the Board of Directors all capital expenditures Comply with all government statutes policies and ordinances that may require reports to be submitted Supervise all core and program staff. Arrange for meeting with board or staff as required or directed Overall the Executive Director is in charge of the management and day to day operations of a non-profit organization Establish and maintain an excellent working relationship with Friendship Centres auditor and ensure that the Annual Executive Directors report is submitted to the National Association of Friendship Centre andor other appointed agency Assist all program staff in completing their program monthly activityquarterly reports and submitted to funding agency prior to reporting deadlines Prepare and submit all monthly quarterly mid-year and year end reports to funding agenciesdepartments. QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of 2 years experience in office management and administration Ability to make rational decisions in areas of policy program and financial management Capable of working with little supervision Excellent written and verbal communication Excellent proposal and budget development Excellent supervisory and interpersonal skills Willing to travel Strong accounting background and excellent working knowledge of Sage Accounting Criminal record check References required. SALARY Annual salary will depend on qualifications experience and performance. APPLICATION DEADLINE April 30 2015 Please submit a resume along with a cover letter to Email soaringeaglefcnorthwestel.net Fax 867874-3362 Mail Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre 2-8 Gagnier Street Hay River NT XOE IGI By DALI CARMICHAEL Women in the NWT living with family violence now have an easy-to-use resource to turn to should they decide to take action against their abuser. The newly released Legal Pathways - Spousal Violence in the NWT A resource for women was developed by Lani Cooke a consultant for the YWCA Yellowknife to provide NWT families with plain-language information on how to escape violence and what steps to take afterward. I think its useful to have all the different kinds of information that women need in one place said YWCA Yellowknife executive di- rector Lyda Fuller. We have put it online were having more copies printed. We hope it will be really accessible for women so that they can look at it and get the information that they need. The 127-page book includes information on legal protection orders child protection and the youth welfare system criminal justice in- come and housing family law and supports and contacts to reach out to in times of crisis. When leaving behind an abusive household women almost always have to consider each of these elements Cooke noted. In an effort to make Legal Pathways easy to use it is written in a conversational tone and features example scenarios for the indi- vidual to work through to help them deter- mine the best course of action to take and understand why. The document came together following a long-term study on household violence in the NWTs smaller communities. From 2009 to 2012 Cooke and her partner Suza Tsetso traveled the territory gathering research. On the road they found the biggest barrier for women living in violent households was that no one wanted to talk about it. Theycantreallytalktotheirfriendaboutthe violence that their husband is perpetrating on thembecausetheirbestfriendmightbehisrst cousinCookesaid.Ireallydothinksecrecyis awaythatthiscontinuestobeasbigaproblem. It strengthens the ability to be violent. Its be- come kind of normalized which is a big issue. Over those same three years the YWCA held annual information sessions on family violence in Yellowknife with groups of about 30women.One of those gatheringsfunded by a nation-wide YWCA project also brought in social service providers including lawyers so- cialworkersRCMPandhealthauthoritystaff whoweremadeawareofthelegalissuesfacing women who ee. It was there that Cooke and Fuller realized women in the NWT were not fully aware of the resources available to them. Theyfoundmanywomentobeafraidoftheir childrenbeingseizedbychildprotectionservices if they decided to report abuse due to a clause that states kids who witness violence at home mayberemovedfromthefamilyincertaincases. Some expressed interest in Emergency Pro- tection Orders EPO which allow victims to connect with a local justice of the peace - via the Alison McAteer House or the RCMP - who can grant a protection order to effectively ban an abuser from entering a household for up to 90 days without laying any charges - so long as the orders are obeyed. When I read the evaluation of the Protec- tion Against Family Violence Act which was donemaybethreeorfouryearsagotherewere anumberofwomenwhohadusedsafetyprotec- tionordersinthesmallestcommunitieswhere there are no RCMP ofcers and it was hard to exactly tell from the evaluation whether all weresuccessfulCookesaid.Therecouldbea questionofawomanputtingherself into more danger. I do think some women in the small- est communities have been successful with an EPO though I expect some of them have chosen not to use an EPO because theres not a consistent presence of RCMP to enforce it. Improvements to system needed While Cooke said she is impressed with the resources the GNWT has created to aid people escaping family violence especially in providing emergency nances and hous- ing she noted there are still gaps to be lled. One problem is a lack of funding available for shelters in the NWT. While the depart- ment of Health and Social Services HSS provides 2553000 to shelters annually as well as 199000 to support travel for those living in regions without shelters Cooke said there is still not enough money allocated to have a shelter in each region of the NWT let alone to alleviate heavy caseloads. They are doing terric work and very important frontline work and I do feel quite strongly that government could provide more nancial support to those shelters Cooke said. I have been on a lot of calls with the ve shelters and this issue of a shortage of re- sources pretty much comes up all the time. She also encouraged the GNWTto continue developing mens healing and support pro- grams to help quell violence in the long term. Working towards a national action plan Fuller also sits on the board of directors for the Canadian Network of Womens Shelters and Transition Houses which is currently pressuring the federal government to create a Canada-wide set of standards. Idreallyliketoseeanationalactionplanso womenhavesomemorecertaintyaroundwhat remediesandservicestheycouldaccessFuller said. Theres a real push from the sheltering communityforthegovernmenttoputtogether a national action plan on their agenda. Were hoping to make that an election issue because rightnowitisarealhodge-podgeofthingsthat women encounter across the country. To access Legal Pathways for information on resources in the NWT head to http www.ywcanwt.casitesdefaultleslegal_ pathways_0.pdf I really do think secrecy is a way that this continues to be as big a problem. It strengthens the ability to be violent. Its become kind of normalized which is a big issue. Lani Cooke YWCA Yellowknfe Mtis actress confronts Pocahottie phenomenon with film Tuesday April 21 2015 9 ARTS CULTURE FILM www.auroracollege.nt.ca Please join us in Celebrating our Northern Graduates Thebacha Campus April 24th 2015 Fort Smith Recreation Centre 100 p.m. 2015 Spring Convocation Aurora College By DALI CARMICHAEL Tired of dealing with the Pocahontas fan- tasyimageofindigenouswomenthatpermeates mediapopcultureandherdailylifeoneMtis womanfromnorthernAlbertaistakingastand by releasing a short film addressing the issue. In her producers debut performer Tanis Parenteau from Peace River Alta. filmed A Big Black Space which unflinchingly exam- ines the imposed sexualization of indigenous women by outside cultures. I realized I have a big problem with what I keep calling the Pocahontas fantasy the hypersexualized native woman we always see in society in images and with celebrities dressing up as Pocahotties for Halloween said Parenteau who also wrote and stars in the roughly eight-minute short. As a native woman when I meet some non-native males they just have this fascination about the fact that Im native and its really creepy. Theres this fetish that brews underneath. Exasperated after experiencing this behav- iour on a regular basis Parenteau decided to take action the best way she knew how. I realized what I could do with this film is make a connection and show people why thats a problem why these images in society are a problem and how they actually affect native women in real life. The result is A Big Black Space. The story takes place at a party where an Aboriginal woman has a life-changing experience after narrowly escaping a sexual assault. The plot is based on a combination of Parenteaus own experiences. The idea came about when Parenteau was doing an exercise with her theatre group in NewYorkcalledSpiderwomanTheatreowned and operated by indigenous women since the 1970s. The crew was working on remount- ing its inaugural performance Women and Violence to demonstrate how little attitudes toward indigenous women have changed in the last four decades. The performance was collaborative and each member of the theatre was expected to share an event that happened to them or someone they knew. I didnt really think I was exposed to vi- olence because when I used to think of vio- lence I would think physical abuse like being beaten up or hit Parenteau said. Then it dawned on me that I had experienced this form of sexual violence. The small-budget film was shot in Paren- teaus apartment by a cast and crew made up of volunteers. Fellow Albertan Alexandra Lazarowich Fighting Chance directed the film which features Canadian Screen Award nominated actress Kawennhere Devery Ja- cobs Rhymes for Young Ghouls along with actors Greg Carere A Lot Like Marriage and Andreas Damm Person of Interest. Using fame to improve awareness FansmightrecognizeParenteaufromtheac- claimed Netflix show House Of Cards. In the shows second season she played indigenous casinowaitressTammyaloveinterestofDoug Stamper Michael Kelly the right-hand man of the shows notorious power-hungry pro- tagonist Frank Underwood Kevin Spacey. It was amazing everybody was really fan- tastic Parenteau said noting she didnt have todealwiththeracistbrandofsexismhernew film addresses. It was actually a dream job it was amazing. I was just treated so profession- allyandnobodyevercrossedanyofthoselines and made me feel uncomfortable with that fascination. Being kind of vulnerable in those scenes I am really happy that didnt happen. Parenteau looks forward to using her rise as an actress to draw attention to the issues that are important to her. With her movie she is contributing to an increasing pool of recent productions that draw attention to violence against indigenous women. Some of those projects include STOLEN a short film based on the story of Tina Fontaine being produced by Jacobs Down Here a tale of Vancouvers infamous East Hastings featuring fellow in- digenous activist and actress Tantoo Cardi- nal and Apikiwiyak Coming Home a film produced last year by Mtis filmmaker Shane Belcourt that examines Canadas colonial his- tory and its continued influence. Im doing this to be a voice and to have women be able to see themselves and to relate Parenteau said. Maybe it will get people to open up eventually and start talk- ing about it and healing. Ive been getting a lot of support all around. Parenteau hopes to run A Big Black Space through the film festival circuit this year. It is currently in post-production funded through a Kickstarter crowdsourcing campaign. To do- nate head to www.kickstarter.comprojects abigblackspacefilma-big-black-space-short-film. PhotoClaudeBauschinger Greg Carere left stars opposite Tanis Parenteau in the latters new film A Big Black Space. 10 Tuesday April 21 2015 Fort Smith shing derby team steps down after 25 years By MEAGAN WOHLBERG After 25 years Richard and Barb Mer- credi are hoping to do more shing and less organizing at next years annual Fort Smith Fishing Derby. The couple who have been organizing the three-day excuse to head out on a beautiful weekend shing trip since the mid-80s recently announced theyd be passing the torch - or at least the tackle - on to another keen volunteer next spring. But just exactly who is going to step up has yet to be determined. Thats the burning question said Rich- ard. Someones gotta step up to the plate and hopefully they do. The Mercredis took on the task of orga- nizing the derby back in the events infancy when it was a much smaller gathering at Piers Lake. Since then the duo has trans- formed the event into a highly-anticipated three-day community gathering at Natawa Blackman and Jacksh Lakes two hours north of town by snowmobile near the Mer- credis trapline. Throughout the years the Mercredis have had help from a precious crew of com- mitted volunteers including Sholto Doug- las Melvin Fortier Bill Reimer Brent and Norm Dievert and the late Dave Dragon among others. Lauraine Armstrong has been helping Barb do the judging for 15 years. Even some of the kids who used to come out with their parents have grown up and are now bringing their own kids and helping out. The to-do list for the derby is long and begins well before any snowmobiles or planes head out to the site to set up - though thats a big part of it. Barb spends days prior to the derby making over 30 pounds of chili that along with some 300 bannock hot soup and hot dogs keep the fisherfolk warm and fed throughout the weekend. Then theres gathering sponsors for the prize donations and food coordinating ights to the site with Northwestern Air Lease chopping wood marking trail selling tickets setting up tents plus all of the tasks required during the actual event from reg- istering anglers to weighing sh and trans- porting people around. I enjoy the work I like working with people but when youre younger youve got more energy said Richard. Now we want to spend more time at the derby fish- ing ourselves. I want to take my grand- son out. Richard said his favourite memories over the years were easily the few times he won a prize for a sh made rarer by the off- chance he could actually sit at a hole and do any shing. I got I think three wins in 25 years so that proves I dont know where all the sh are he said with a laugh. But if I won every time nobody would go. Barb said she loved to see the kids over the years out having fun. A lot of people bring their kids. Its a fam- ily event. Its nice watching them catch their rst sh she said. The derby has become such a commu- nity event that many people go out just to visit without even dropping a line through the ice. Part of it is just seeing everybody having fun Richard said. Theyll sit around and chew the fat or drive around and hang out eat some chili drink coffee. When people bring in their sh everyone gets excited and comes over wanting to see who caught what and how big it is. Part of the draw he believes is because the area is so picturesque and it gives peo- ple an excuse to take their snow machines out for a ride. A lot of people dont realize how nice it is out there. I mean Fort Smith is a beautiful town but its not like Fort Smith. Its in the Shield he said. Barb said its been a good run but is look- ing forward to taking it easy next year. Ill probably end up helping a bit but there comes a point when you have to let other people take over she said. But Id hate to see it like so many other things go by the wayside. It would be nice to see it kept up. SPORTS RECREATION FISHING Besides being known for her famous chili Barb Mercredi is seen here in her element as the long-standing judge for the Fort Smith Fishing Derby responsible for weighing all the sh registering participants and keeping the event running. Richard Mercredi caps off a 25-year run as organizer of the Fort Smith Fishing Derby with a winning jacksh - one of three times hes won a prize at the event in over two decades of helping to make it happen. Devyn Dievert poses with her winning fish at this years shing derby held Mar. 27-29. One of the youngest anglers at the derby Kowan Modeste shows off his big catch of the weekend. From left Melvin Fortier Ethan Gillis and Richard Mercredi hold the winning catches for the weekend spent at Natawa Blackman and Jacksh Lakes. PhotosBarbRichardMercredi Tuesday April 21 2015 11 Van Camp visit filled with gifts and surprises By MEAGAN WOHLBERG As Fort Smiths unofcial ambassador - or atleastbiggestfan-RichardVanCampnever returns to his hometown without bringing a few gifts for his friends family and elders. ThatwasespeciallytrueoflastweeksEve- ning of Fort Smith Magic where the NWT- born author held a giveaway party for the community as part of a lm screening and book reading at the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre on Monday evening. Apart from the collection of books and artwork rafed off in between the authors usual hilarious and heartwarming stories the former screenwriter for the classic CBC television show gave away a North of 60 jacket and t-shirt to two community mem- bers who wrote the most tear-jerking letters inspired by their love of the show. But the greatest gift of the night may have been the announcement that two lms are slated to be shot in Fort Smith over the com- ing year. The news elicited gasps of excite- ment from members of the audience who have evidently not given up hope for a truly made-in-the-NWT movie adaptation of one of their hometown boys stories. A few years ago Fort Smith was disap- pointed when Van Camps breakout novel The Lesser Blessed set in the towns alter- ego Fort Simmer was ditched as the lming location for Ontario due to a lack of funding. Asecondwaveofdisappointmentcamewhen VanCampsshortstoryDogribMidnightRun- nershadtobeshotinSixNationsforthesame reasonresultinginMohawkMidnightRunners. But this time around Van Camp promises Three Feathers - his latest graphic novel that launched in the community last month - will beshotinFortSmithandonceagaincastlocal actorJoelEvansthestarofTheLesserBlessed lm who was discovered during a casting call atthelocalhighschoolandideallyhometown actor David Burke who starred in the recent Hollywood production Cut Bank. And were going to need all of you too Van Camp told the crowd. I want to see all of youonthebigscreenattheboatlaunchwhen the boys are bringing meat back into town at RoaringRapidsHallattheFriendshipCentre. One of Van Camps new unreleased sto- ries is also set to become a lm shot in Fort Smith directed by local lmmaker Carla Ulrich. Hickey Gone Wrong is a funny - and true - tale of Van Camps rst North- ern rosary scored during his time working as a pump jockey at local gas bar Kellys. Additionally Van Camp said the new graphic novel hes working on about sui- cide called Spirit needs an artist and that artist has to come from Fort Smith. Aspiring illustrators have until the end of April to draw six panels of the story for Van Camp in order to land a one-year book deal with Winnipeg publisher Portage Main. Apart from the announcements Van Camp took time to read from his brand new no- vella Whistle which serves a sequel to The Lesser Blessed written nearly 20 years ago. The novel is written as a collection of letters from bully Darcy who as part of his restor- ative justice program at a youth detention facility writes to a kid he used to torment ultimately helping his former victim over- come a traumatic life event. He also gave a teaser for his upcoming graphic novel A Blanket of Butteries in- spired by the museums real-life samurai suit of armour which was out on display during the event and gifted a stuffed raven from the lm set of The Lesser Blessed to the museum. The evening was capped off with a screen- ing of Mohawk Midnight Runners a lm by Six Nations director Zoe Hopkins. Though not set in Fort Smith Van Camp ensured the dedication at the end of the lm went out to his late friend Paul Grundy and all the people of Fort Smith especially those whose loved ones have been lost to suicide. I dedicate this movie to all of us here he said.Becausewerefamily.Weshareeachoth- ers joys and also carry each others sorrows. Van Camp ended the evening with a book signingbutnotbeforeemphasizingtheimpor- tance of giving and sharing as a community. Were rich in Fort Smith because we have eachother.Weliveinparadise.SoIencourage you to host more giveaways he said. This is my challenge to you cousins bring back visiting and start throwing feasts again. PhotosMeaganWohlberg Community members check out the mysterious samurai armour housed at the Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith which was the inspiration behind Van Camps upcoming graphic novel A Blanket of Butteries. Van Camp signs free copies of Three Feathers for Janine Fryer left and Chloe Daniels. The graphic novel written in Cree and English tells the true story of some Fort Smith thieves with a reimagined ending of restorative justice. Author Richard Van Camp reads from his new book Whistle a sequel to his acclaimed rst novel The Lesser Blessed. The book is written as a series of letters from the bully Darcy after he is sent to jail. Hometown author Richard Van Camp shares stories with a packed audience in Fort Smith where the crowd was treated to readings from a new book free graphic novels prize giveaways and a screening of the lm Mohawk Midnight Runners adapted from one of his short stories. ARTS CULTURE BOOKS FILM 12 Tuesday April 21 2015 Yellowknife chef preps Northern delicacies down south Wise Guy Robin Wasicuna serves prestigious meal with nations top chefs Tuesday April 21 2015 13 ARTS CULTURE NORTHERN FOODS Northwestern Air Lease Kaesers Stores Berros Pizzeria Aurora College BZT Contracting Freunds Building Supplies Wallys Drugs TDC Contracting J.M. Miltenberger MLA Mike Labine Polar Creations A big thanks also to Lauraine Armstrong Ashley McLaren and Barb Mercredi for judging and cooking at the derby Liz Fortier for the great bannock all the wood splitters who kept us with wood for the fire and anyone we may have missed a big thank you. A very special thank you to NU Mechanical and Dezron Advertising for sponsoring the youth fishing prizes. We thank you once again for coming out and supporting our great community and sincerely look forward to welcoming you back for the annual Ice Fishing Derby next year NU Mechanical Border Cabs Dezron Advertising CAB Construction FS Royal Canadian Legion Pelican Rapids Golf Club Fields Fort Smith Mtis Council Dennis Bevington MP Salt River First Nation Annas Home Cooking Lous Small Engines Home Hardware ITI ENR Phoenix Auto Services Pelican Restaurant Terry Freund Sand Excavating Aurora Guest House Richard Mercredi Bill Reimer Melvin Fortier Gordon Pischinger 2015 Derby Committee Bruce McArthur Sholto Douglas The Fort Smith Fishing Derby Committee would like to thank all of our sponsors participants and volunteers for their contributions to the 2015 Fort Smith Ice Fishing Derby held on March 27 28 29 2015. Thanks to the generous monetary and draw prize donations and support from our sponsors community and individuals we continue to have a successful derby each year. This year was no exception We had excellent participation accompanied by an exciting weekend great people from various communities and a good community event. Fort Smith Sponsors Thank YouThank You Rusty Raven Fort Smith Liquor Store Shear Fun Tree Stone Holdings Terrys Construction Northern Stores Norm and Brent Dievert Town of Fort Smith South Slave Services NTPC Brookmar Electric Brent Dievert Terry Freund Hay River Sponsors Kingland Ford Monster Recreational Products Home Builders Norland Insurance Biggest Fish Winner Mel Fortier - 15lb 13oz Pike Biggest Fish Winner MSS Ltd. Diggerz By DALI CARMICHAEL EveryyearStevenCooperandhiswifeTwyla Campbell host one of the most exclusive culi- nary experiences in the country and this time around one lucky Yellowknife chef had the chance to bring his skills to the dinner table. Chef Robin Wasicuna owner of Wise Guy Foods in Yellowknife served up a total of 22 dishes at Northern Food Night 2015 on Apr. 11 alongside the Governor Generals private chef Louis Charest Chopped Canada winner and Calgary restaurateur Dilan Draper and JoshnaMaharajthe game-changing assistant director of food services and executive chef for Ryerson University in Ontario. Wedidsomethingprettyepicthisweekend anditwasntjustservingreallygoodfooditwas cookingandeatingsomeingredientsthatIdsay 80 to 90 per cent of the world will never even eat Wasicuna said. It was pretty amazing. Cooper started the tradition of hosting Northern Food Night at his Edmonton home about six years ago. A lawyer with the rm Ahlstrom Wright Oliver and Cooper servic- ing Alberta Nunavut and the NWT Cooper travels all around the far North for work. Often clients will gift him meats rarely pre- pared in the south including muktuk whale blubber walrus seal polar bear narwhal caribou and muskox. After stockpiling his gifts for about a year Cooper and Campbell plan their annual event. Dinner service is always headed by Charest with contributions from a rotation of visiting chefs. The guestlist usually consists of around 60 people from Cooper and Campbells fam- ily and friends to experts from various areas of the food industry including bloggers chefs and restaurant and winery owners. This was Wasicunas rst time being in- vited to the food night he said noting that Cooper and Campbell had previously enjoyed his gourmet-style comfort foods on several occasions. He particularly enjoyed making - and eating - Kentucky fried muktuk served with gravy and a wonderfully avourful wal- rus masala an Indian-spiced dish created by Maharaj. Thewalrusmasalawasunbelievable.Itwas oneofthebestthingsIveevereatentobequite honestWasicunasaid.Itwasabasiccurrybut madewithwalruswhichImsurehasneverever beendonebefore.Walrusisamarineanimaland sometimesiteatsrottenshsoitsgotabitofa funk to it but when she put it in the curry and cookeditthetraditionalway-whichisbraising for a long time - the avours of the curry took over. The avour of the walrus was there but it really got rid of a lot of that funkiness that wal- rus has. All the things you maybe wouldnt like about walrus were gone but all the things you do like about it were left behind. The fusion of international cuisine with Northern proteins continued all night as the chefs put together dishes like bowhead and narwhal tandoori polar bear ganjang-gejang cheesy barbecued black bear meatballs on bagel caribou loin tartare with mango and g sambal - the menu went on. All in all the group spent about two days putting together the feast prepping all the sauces and seasonings on Friday discuss- ing what dishes to serve Saturday morning and cooking from about 1000 a.m. until the last plate was served and the kitchen cleaned about 14 hours later. Itwassomuchfunbecauseyouputfourchefs inakitchenandyouhaveageneralideaofwhata dishisgoingtobebutbythetimeandyoureall bouncingideasoffofeachotheritsjustbecome thiscompletelyotherthingWasicunasaid.It wasreallynicetoseesomuchknowledgecome togetherinonelittlekitchenanditwasapretty amazing experience to have that camaraderie andcompanionshipofotherchefsandworking together. We worked really hard but I guess it didntseemthatwaybecauseitwasverycasual. There was no These dishes have to be out at a certain time. It was just like were going to put stuff out as its ready. For Wasicuna the weekend was a learning experience he wont forget anytime soon. Theres a good chance were never going to gettoeatanyofthisstuffagainlikepolarbear andwalrusandwhaleWasicunasaid.Iknow we live in the North - I live in the North - but lets face it I dont get the chance to eat a lot of thosethingsinYellowknife.ThatsaveryNorth- erncountryfoodandjusttohavethatopportu- nitytoevencookit-theresnottoomanychefs in the world who can even say theyve cooked polar bear or walrus or narwhal.PhotocourtesyofRobinWasicuna The chefs of Northern Food Night 2015 Dilan Draper left Joshna Maharaj Robin Wasicuna dinner guest Thomas Ford and head chef Louis Charest. 14 Tuesday April 21 2015 ARTS CULTURE FILM REVIEW Visit Diggerz Powersports online at www.diggerz.ca 2 Aspen Road Hay River NT X0E 0P0 867 874-3224 OUR BIGGEST SALE TO DATE HUGE SAVINGSALL WINTER CLOTHING IS 35 OFF NEW NON-CURRENT SIDE BY SIDES STARTING AT 8999 THATS 4500 OFF MSRP NEW NON-CURRENT FULL SIZE ATVS STARTING AT 5499 THATS 3500 OFF MSRP ALL WITH FULL WARRANTY SPRING INTO SAVINGS By MARLI R. BODHI ForthelastsevenyearslivinginnorthernB.C. I have followed the proposal and approval of EnbridgesNorthernGatewaypipelineproject. My unease over the course of natural resource projectsoccurringinthebeautifulsceneryhas grown over the years and when I heard about LineintheSandamoviethatshowcasescom- munitymembersandcommunitiesthatwillbe affectedbythepipelineIwasexcitedtoattend the world premiere lm release at the Univer- sity of Northern British Columbia UNBC. Attended by about 75 people the purpose of premiering at UNBC instead of in Vancouver wasacentralthemepresentedinthelmpeo- plelivinginthenortharejustasimportantand deserve an opportunity to be treated equally. The audience myself included applauded this assertion and throughout the movie it was clear how much the audience identied with the voices showcased in the lm. TheNorthernGatewayprojectisaproposed 1177-kilometretwinpipelinesystemownedby EnbridgethatwouldtravelfromBruderheim Alta.toKitimatB.C.Withprojectssuchasthe Site C Dam and the Northern Gateway proj- ect being approved after going through public consultationprocessesthroughwhichaffected community members have loudly voiced their concernsandoppositionitseemsasthoughthe public is not being listened to. Its not public engagementitspacicationstatesDr.Annie Booth midway through the lm. Production for Line in the Sand began in 2012 with lmmakers Tomas Borsa and Jean- Philippe Marquis traveling along the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline route. The map of the proposed pipeline is successfully used as a visualtrajectoryforthemoviehighlightingspe- cic areas along the path that have already ex- perienceddetrimentalenvironmentalimpacts. FarmerscommunitymembersandFirstNations are interviewed regarding their concerns and opinions on the impact of Northern Gateway andothernaturalresourceprojects.Themovie setsacarefultoneoffactualitybyonlyproviding narrationforbackgroundandcontextregarding theprojectandcommunitiesvisitedandallow- ingtheimageryandtestimonialsfromaffected community members to stand out. Juxtaposed with the stunning natural land- scape are shots of signs saying The Neglected Live Here statements from individuals about their love for the land they live on and their feelingsofinvisibilityandvoicelessnessagainst the decisions being made about the environ- ment around them. The lm interviews indi- viduals with the Yinka Dene Alliance where one member states You grow things on the land you dont tear it up. There are other scenes in the movie that showcase what some are doing at the Unistoten Camp to build housesintheproposedpipelinepathtoimpede its construction. As one community member states We have an obligation to protect and make sacricesFarmers arent radicals and First Nations arent special interest groups. The lm projects a sense of urgency and ob- ligation from these community members to protect their land ecosystems and health. The lm also soundly contends with the ar- gument that Enbridge and natural resource companies make regarding the existence of emergency safety protocols. The movie does well in presenting the shoddy due diligence of safety and clean-up with the example of Marshall Michigan which experienced one of the largest oil spills from an Enbridge proj- ect in 2010. Testimonials from a former em- ployee of the company coupled with green- washed advertisements illuminate the fact that there is no real due diligence in consul- tation safety or emergency responses asso- ciated with the natural resource projects. Not only are these projects being approved without the real consent of impacted popu- lations but the costs are also being paid by these unheard populations. When your government is not listening to yourconcernsinarealmannerhowcanpopu- lations in northern rural areas feel anything more than marginalized and helpless The movie does well in creating an outlet for im- pacted and concerned populations to have a voice regarding Northern Gateway and other existing natural resource projects. Line in the Sand provides a platform for a mostly invis- ible population to be heard regarding natu- ral resource projects that often exist without proper consent and the invisible costs that are being paid by affected community mem- bers.It alsoprovidesadocumentationofthese voices and the costs and impacts being expe- rienced something that might in the future hold more weight for future proposed natural resource project decisions. Speaking out along the Northern Gateway pipeline Line in the Sand documentary airs concerns of northern rural residents John Phair a resident of Burns Lake B.C. leads a campaign opposing Enbridges pipeline. PhotoJean-PhilippeMarquis Folk on the Rocks announces 2015 lineup Yellowknife summertime festival celebrates 35th anniversary Tuesday April 21 2015 15 ARTS CULTURE FOLK ON THE ROCKS Papa I love and miss you. You are my best friend. I want to make you a carrot cake. Your grandson Mason Love and miss you. It has been a year already since you left us It seems like just yesterday you were here with us. The moment that you died My heart was torn in two One side filled with heartache The other died with you. I often lie awake at night When the world is fast asleep and Take a walk down memory lane With tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy I do it every day. But missing you is heartache That never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart And there you will remain. Until the joyous day arrives That we will meet again. Love you now and will love you always Your wife Judy In Loving Memory of Dad He never looked for praises He was never one to boast He just went quietly working For the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken His wants were very few And most of the time his worries Went unspoken too. He was there a firm foundation Through all our storms of life A sturdy hand to hold on to In times of stress and strife. A true friend we could turn to When times were good or bad One of our greatest blessings The man that we call Dad. Miss you Kelsey and Trent In Loving Memory Charles W. HeronAug. 12 1952-April 21 2014 By DALI CARMICHAEL InhonourofFolkontheRocksFOTR35th anniversarytheYellowknifesummertimefesti- val has announced a lineup stacked with local nationalandinternationalaward-winningtalent. Atthesold-outFOTRSpringThawconcerton Apr.11organizersrevealedAlbertacroonerDan Manganasthisyearsheadliner.Abouttwothirds of the full line up have been announced so far. Were very happy with how the lineup is panning out said executive director David Whitelock at the FOTR helm for his second year now. From all across Canada were get- ting feedback saying Wow this is well done youve got a great lineup. Well just keep our ngers crossed that the bad res stay away. JoiningManganontheFOTRstagesareJuno winnersLeelaGildayaDenefanfavouritewho hailsfromtheNWTandTanyaTagaqanInuit experimental throat singer from Nunavut who took home this years prestigious Polaris Prize for her recent album Animism after gaining international recognition through previous collaborations with Icelandic musician Bjork. Keeping with the Northern talent the Yukon-based Dakhk Khwan Dancers tra- ditional inland Tlingit dance group will be performing a combination of traditional drumming song and dance for festival-goers. Other high-caliber performers include alt- country star Corb Lund with his backup band The Hurtin Albertans and Grammy-nomi- nated Afro-Cuban funk band PALO. Some up-and-coming talent hitting the FOTR stage include the Fungineers Shred Kelly The West Secrets The Funk Hunters Sarah McDougal Terra Lightfoot and Mary Caroline. Organizers pride themselves on having a festival with a variety of sounds from diverse backgrounds.Thisyear38percentofperform- ers booked so far are women a high rate com- paredtootherfestivalsaccordingtoWhitelock. We have a matrix that we look at in terms of what were trying to achieve and present to the public Whitelock said. Rather than just be known for world music or indie music or whatever because we are so geographically displaced as a city and this is the only big summer festival in the region we have to try and serve as many of our public as possible. One of the best ways he saw t to do this was to embrace the powerful female and in- digenous performers living in the territory. I just think its a really amazing thing that from the North weve got some really amazing female performers and we should be singing from the mountain tops at how amazing that thing is. Its the same with Ab- original participation as well. We had a really strong indigenous representation last year and I think weve got eight again this year. Whitelock also wants to make the festival more welcoming to families. Parents can expect a revamped childrens area more re- moved from the main stage to protect little ear drums and with more space to run around and play to whatever beat is pounding on stage. Accomplishing that goal would only be one check off his to-do list. In the long term we would like to do a lot of thingsWhitelocksaid.Wehaveadreamleast of70000worthofimprovementsandcapital expenditurethatreallyneedstobedowntothe site to bring it up to standards. It takes a while to raise that kind of money Ill probably start to source those funds in third or fourth year. At the end of the day all the work is about enhancing the experience of live music for audiences and musicians alike. For me its just bringing focus to what folk is holistically he said. Its not about any- thing else other than that and as long as we can keep our focus on diversity and inclusion benchmarked with great artistic output then well be good to go. The festival will run at its usual site on the shores of Long Lake the weekend of July 17. Early bird ticket sales will start on Apr. 23 and end on May 10. 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Licensed dealer. 1-866-960-0045 www. dollars4guns.com. 12345 12345 3 wide version 3.75 wide version 12345 12345 3 wide version 3.75 wide version Place your ad in this newspaper and province wide with a combined circulation of over 800000 for only... 995plus GSTHST Value Ad Network Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andreaawna.com or visit this community newspaper the most out of your advertising dollarssqueeze Place your ad in this newspaper and province wide with a combined circulation of over 800000 for only... 995plus GSTHST Value Ad Network Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andreaawna.com or visit this community newspaper the most out of your advertising dollarssqueeze Program-value-ad.indd 1 72511 12 EMPLOYMENT TENDERS AND LEGAL NOTICES Tuesday April 21 2015 17 WWW.NORJ.CA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGIST Yellowknife NT As a member of the Engineering Technical Services Work Group in Yellowknife the Electrical Technologist will construct commission and maintain plant and substation equipment in various facilities throughout NTPCs service territory. This position assists Electrical Engineers and Manager Technical Services to provide technical support to Operations. Qualifications Degree in Electrical Engineering or Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology. Several years of related experience working in plant environments. Software fluency with automation programmable software Allen Bradley RSLogix 5500 platform GE PLC and Modicon. Knowledge and experience in administrative and financial planning procedures to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding the preparation of budgets related to operational and maintenance activities and preparation of projections for capital requirements to update and improve systems. Good planning organizational communication skills and proficiency in computer applications such as spreadsheets word processing mainte- nance programs and electrical design software. Must possess the ability to read and work off blueprints as well as interpret drawings diagrams and specifications of a variety of types of electrical equipment including manufacturers manuals. Salary Range Salary range is 43.34 to 64.51 per hour plus location and accommodation allowances of approximately 8592 per annum. This is a full-time permanent position. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health and dental benefits long-term disability life insurance paid sick days and a defined pension plan. Please send resumes to Human Resources Northwest Territories Power Corporation 4 Capital Drive Hay River NT XOE 1G2 Fax 867 874- 5229 Email careersntpc.com Please quote competition 05-YK-15 Closing date Open until suitable candidate found. Affirmative Action Employer - Candidates must clearly identify eligibility status in order to receive priority consideration. We thank all those who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Empowering Communities EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POWER LINESPERSON Fort Simpson NT As a member of the Transmission Distribution Group and reporting to the Manager Thermal Transmission Distribution performs Journeyperson level work in the construction and maintenance of electrical transmission and distribution systems including substations underground and streetlight systems. Qualifications Journeyperson Power Lineperson certification with an Interprovincial Red Seal preferred. Several years of directly related experience in power distribution and transmission maintenance line construction and customer service. A valid Class 1 drivers license with airbrake endorsement and a standard first aid certificate would be an asset. Travel to remote settlements in small aircraft is required. Salary Range Salary range is 40.11 to 48.75 per hour plus location accommodation allowances of approximately 10134 per annum. This is a full-time permanent position. We offer a comprehensive benefitspackagewhichincludesHealthandDental BenefitsLong-termDisabilityLifeInsurancepaid Sick Days and a Defined Pension Plan. Send resumestoHumanResourcesNorthwestTerritories Power Corporation 4 Capital Drive Hay River NT XOE 1G2 Fax 867 874-5229 or email careers ntpc.com. Reference 25-SM-14. Closing date Open until suitable candidate found. Affirmative Action Employer - Candidates must clearly identify eligibility status in order to receive priority consideration. We thank all those who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Empowering Communities NOTICE OF TENDER Sealed Tenders plainly marked on the envelope Town of Fort Smith Water Sewer Works 2015 will be received by the Town of Fort Smith 174 McDougal Road Fort Smith NT until 300PM MST Friday May 1 2015. The project is located in the Town of Fort Smith Northwest Territories. This project is associated with the supply and installation of water and sewer mains manholes valves and construction of new granular roadway Project documents may be obtained from the Town of Fort Smith after April 14th 2015. Each tender must be accompanied by the specified bid security made payable to the Town of Fort Smith. The right is reserved to reject any or all Tenders or to accept any Tender that may be considered in the best interest of the Town of Fort Smith. Any Inquires may be addressed to Mitchel Heron C.E.T Maskwa Engineering Ltd. Phone 867-872-2812 Fax 867-872-2813 Email mitch.heronmaskwaengineering.ca Town of Fort Smith Water Sewer Works 2015 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Town of Fort Smith has an opportunity for a seasoned and highly qualified individual to take on the leadership and operational supervision of the Towns public works and waterwastewater divisions. Reporting to the Director of Municipal Services the Supervisor will ensure the delivery of municipal services that are vital to the health and safety of the Town. Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a successful track record in the delivery of services within a municipal or similar public sector setting. Heshe will possess excellent supervisory skills and proven technical abilities in the field. A minimum of 5 years of experience is required at the supervisory level with comprehensive knowledge of municipal operations particularly in the areas under the positions supervision. Salary Benefits Salary is currently under review. The Town also provides a Northern Allowance of 7715.79 annually comprehensive health dental benefits and a pension plan provided by Northern Employees Benefits Services. Submit application to Senior Administrative Officer Town of Fort Smith P.O. Box 147 FORT SMITH NT X0E 0P0 PH 867 872-8400 Fax 867 872-8401 Email receptionfortsmith.ca Application deadline is Friday April 24 2015. To view job descriptions please visit our website at httpwww.fortsmith.cacmsjobs. Town of Fort Smith Supervisor of Works EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Town of Fort Smith has an opening for a one year term ClerkReceptionist. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services the ClerkRecep- tionist acts as receptionist cashier processor of applications for various required licenses and other duties associated with the position. The ideal candidate will have excellent communica- tion and public relations skills computer experience and organizational skills. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work under minimal supervision. Completion of Grade 12 and a minimum of 1 year related experience is required. Experience in a municipal setting would be an asset. Salary Benefits Salary is currently under review. The Town also provides a Northern Allowance of 7715.79 annually as well as a group benefits package. Closing Date May 1 2015 To view a job description please visit our website at httpwww.fortsmith.cacmsjobs. Qualified candidates are invited to forward their resume to Director of Corporate Services Town of Fort Smith Box 147 174 McDougal Road Fort Smith NT X0E 0P0 Fax 867 872-8401 Email receptionfortsmith.ca Town of Fort Smith ClerkReceptionist One Year Term 18 Tuesday April 21 2015 6.8103 in x 6.3125 in EMPLOYMENT TENDERS AND LEGAL NOTICES VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.NORJ.CA Yellowknife hosts NWT snowboarding territorials Enthusiasts hoping to strengthen sport base for 2018 AWG Tuesday April 21 2015 19 SPORTS RECREATION SNOWBOARDING By DALI CARMICHAEL Justbeforethesnowmeltedawayyoungsnow- boardersintheNWTmetupinYellowknifefor the nal territorial competition of the season. About 13 youth from the capital and Fort Liard hauled their gear out to Bristol Pit on Apr. 10 and 11 for a weekend of friendly com- petitioninoneoftheterritorysgrowingsports. Competitorswerebetween14and18theage group that will attend the 2016 Arctic Winter Games AWGs in Greenland. They competed inslopestylearailjamandslalomdisciplines all slightly modied for the small hill. Junior boarder Alinda Edda and juvenile Abby Duntra both from Fort Liard were the only girls to ride on Saturday the day of the competition.InthejuniormalecategoryTorin Dowe from Yellowknife took rst place while Stan Bertrand of Fort Liard took second. In the juvenile males Yellowknifers snagged the top spots with Ben McGregor in rst followed by Ben Toner and Matthew Wiebe. From this event were hoping to select a group of snowboarders that will make up a development team said Lyric Sandhals ex- ecutive director of the NWT Boardsport As- sociation. Theyre not necessarily already selected for the AWGs for 2016 but theyll get together next season and maybe go to a couple ofcompetitionsandjusttrain.InJanuarywell haveourterritorialselection.Werejusttrying to get a program going we havent had a very structuredprogramforsnowboardersorclear pathways so were just kind of starting out. On the Friday evening before the competi- tion youth had a chance to warm up during a training session with top NWT boarders An- drew Matthews and Molly Milligan who have both showed their skills in southern and in- ternational events. Matthews said he enjoyed puttingontheclinicespeciallybecauseitgave him a chance to give back to a community that has given him so much support. The weather was amazing and the course that we put together was great for the kids to progress and have fun he said. It was good to have two of our high-per- formance snowboarders out Sandhals said. Theyve gone down south and trained at a higher level. They were with the kids giving them tips before the event on Saturday and I think that really encouraged them. PhotosAndrewMatthews Torin Dowe of Yellowknife shows off his freestyle skills. Youth spend the day of Apr. 10 training with top NWT snowboarders Andrew Matthews and Molly Milligan warming up for the territorial competition the next day. 20 Tuesday April 21 2015 yellowknife chrysler .jeep .dodge .ram A Auto dealership YELLOWKNIFE CHRYSLER 340 Old Airport Road Yellowknife NWT X1A 3T3 Phone 867 873-4222 Fax 867 873-2029 0 FINANCING WE DELIVERLIFETIME ENGINE WARRANTY ON ALL NEW VEHICLES 2015 RAM 1500 SXT QUAD CAB 4X4 NOW ONLY 27998 YOU SAVE 10000 2015 CHRYSLER 200 LX 2015 WRANGLER SPORT 2015 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 2015 CHEROKEE SPORT NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 19998 YOU SAVE 3000 2500 NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 39998 NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 24998 CASH BACK NEW VEHICLE PRICE NET OF REBATES PLUS GST. 2015 GRAND CARAVAN CVP 2015 JOURNEY CVP 2015 DART SE 2015 2015 RAM ST NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 19998 YOU SAVE 2000 NOW ONLY NOWNOW ONLY 19998 YOU SAVE 8100 NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 17498 NOW ONLY NOW ONLY 20998 YOU SAVE 6500 2015 RAM ST 2014 RAM 2500 SLT HEAVY DUTY NOW ONLY 49995 WAS 65503 2015 RAM 1500 SXT QUAD CAB 4X42014 RAM 2500 SLT HEAVY DUTY NOW 49995 ALL RUNWAYS AND ROADS LEAD TO SAVINGS AT YELLOWKNIFE CHRYSLER WE WILL PAY YOUR INBOUND AIRFARE FLY IN BUY IT DRIVE IT HOME.ALL FLIGHTS UP TO 500