Comprehensive water insurance now available in the NWT

While in-person On the Land learning continues to be central to Tłı̨chǫ language revitalization, the Tłı̨chǫ language division is looking at ways to engage with youth through new immersive platforms, like virtual spaces, that honour history and traditions. Danielle Dacanay with the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s Language Division emphasized that virtual resources are supplements to learning the language in the traditional way, they are not a replacement for it.

“100 youth projects wanted in French,” a new microgrant program wants youth to plant language learning seeds outside school. A network of action-research teams in Canada, other parts of North America, Africa and Europe is launching a youth grant stream to support French language engagement outside of conventional spaces. Youth across the country aged 14 to 30 are eligible for 100 microgrants in support of grassroots initiatives as part of this program run by the Dialogue Network.

Testing at another school site in the city of Yellowknife showed elevated levels of lead and copper in water present in some of its drinking taps. Earlier this month, testing showed four other school buildings in Yellowknife and a school in Behchokǫ̀ had elevated levels of both copper and lead in water. Since comprehensive testing of schools across the territory began this fall, 28 school sites out of 34 announced to date have tested positive for elevated levels of lead.

Fort Smith officials said water testing at municipal buildings has confirmed the presence of lead. According to the announcement, water samples at the Town Hall, the Fire Hall, and the Municipal Services Building continue to show elevated levels of lead.

City officials are looking for the public’s input on a project that aims to expand Yellowknife’s raw water supply. According to the message from city officials, the project will “modernize and expand” the water system. By expanding the system, city officials also want to expand the reliability of the long term water supply. With water infrastructure aging, an adequate water supply will be critical as the city grows.