News

“You get to know the people, their stories and it's nice to see them.” The Hay River Soup Kitchen is run by a dedicated group of volunteers led by Kim Tregidgo. Serving warm meals to people coming in from the cold, the soup kitchen has grown into a community and family where those in need can get a nutritious meal but it’s about more than that.

Nearly 30 recommendations were accepted by GNWT and three partially in their response to the After-Action Review of the devastating floods of 2022 in Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation, except for one. In a press conference held yesterday afternoon, Minister Vince McKay emphasized that the current emergency management structure within the ministry of Municipal and Community Affairs can do the job of the recommended standalone territorial Emergency Management Agency.

The N.W.T. Heath and Social Services Authority issued an advisory reminding folks experiencing flu-like symptoms to avoid going out unless in need of medical attention. The public advisory comes just over one week after an advisory was issued by the Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kami Kandola.

Police in Behchokǫ̀ are investigating the tragic death of a 73-year-old Indigenous man who went missing on Sunday. Officers reported that the man was last seen leaving a senior’s complex in the community. "The 73-year-old man from Behchokǫ̀, who was reported missing to Behchokǫ̀ RCMP on December 14th, has sadly been located deceased," said police.

A suspect remains in custody after an investigation of two alleged assaults in Dettah, which according to reports, led to the “ramming” of police vehicles and an alleged altercation with officers. Officials reported that they believe the suspect was trying to “evade” police.

Scientists with the GNWT’s Environment and Climate Change centre reported that data collected last month showed water levels and flow rates for lakes and rivers showed that water levels were “very low” across most of the NWT. Climate change scientists also found that November temperatures were much warmer than average, but anticipate temperatures will be cooler than average across much of the NWT over the winter, except for the Beaufort Delta region.

“We recognize and understand that trust must be earned, that healing takes time and that reconciliation is not a gesture but a responsibility. We all must work collectively towards reconciliACTION,” said the Yellowknife Women’s Society and the N.W.T. RCMP in a joint statement issued on Dec. 10.

GNWT health officials say they are working to bridge gaps for Two Spirit, Trans and gender diverse youth with provinces like B.C. after Alta passed a controversial law this week to restrict gender-affirming care. On Dec. 10, the province’s legislative assembly invoked something called the “notwithstanding clause” to block legal challenges to Charter rights regarding three bills affecting Two Spirit, Trans and gender diverse youth. The new law will be in effect for the next five years.

Santa visits Yellowknife in pictures!