Jennie Vandermeer appointment to the Human Rights Commission by the N.W.T.’s Legislative Assembly begins today. The appointment of Vandermeer came after a recommendation from the Assembly for a fifth Human Rights commissioner. Vandermeer is a Sahtúgot’ı̨nę Dene from Délı̨nę and a Dene Kedǝ́ speaker.
From K’amba Carnival organizing to fire fighting, coast guard rescue and raising funds for cancer equipment, volunteer work goes a long way across the N.W.T. Today, the territorial government recognized the hard work of individual volunteers and groups at an awards ceremony held today at the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly.
The Snowkings’ XXXI Winter Festival will be holding this year’s grand opening at noon on Sunday, March 1. Experience larger than life art deco-themed architecture, ice slides, and a star-studded lineup of performers at this premier winter event.
Four more school buildings have tested positive for elevated levels of lead in drinking water in a number of the water fixtures at the facilities, according to the latest announcement by the territorial government. With 24 tested school results announced to date, 20 have tested positive for elevated levels of lead in some of their drinking water fixtures.
Alternatives North believe they have uncovered evidence of the ‘regulatory capture’ of the GNWT Department of Industry Trade and Investment (ITI) by the mining industry, specifically regarding the regulatory policies surrounding the Mineral Resources Act.
Dr. Candace Manitopyes, aka The Relentless Indigenous Woman, is working with Elders and Language Keepers in the North and across Turtle Island on relaunching an Indigenous languages program. Dr. Manitopyes says there is an urgency to support Indigenous language learning, especially for Northern First Nations communities, where culturally responsive community rooted resources are even more scarce.
“The language is who we are. Language is our Elders. Language is what makes us who we are,” said Paul Andrew, who emceed a special gathering in Yellowknife that included mentors and apprentice Indigenous language learners, their families, organizers and community leaders. This year’s cohort engaged in learned the languages of Gwich’in, Tłı̨chǫ, Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut,Dene Kede, Dene Zhatıé, Nêhiyawêwin, Dëne Sųłıné and Wı̀ılı̀ıdeh.
The territorial government will soon begin offering all services in each of the 11 official languages including the nine Indigenous languages of Dinjii Zhu Ginjik (Gwich’in), ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ (Inuktitut), Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, Dene Kǝdǝ́/ Sahtúot'ı̨nę Yatı̨ (North Slavey), Dene Zhatıé (South Slavey), Tłı̨chǫ, Dëne Sųłıné (Chipewyan) and Nëhiyawëwin (Cree). Previously, the services had been available in English and French only.
The NWT Literacy Council has started a new funding program to help support Indigenous language revitalization. Kathryn Barry Paddock, Executive Director of the NWT Literacy Council made the announcement that the organization is promoting more funding and the creation of more accessible spaces for Indigenous language through "Language Cafe" events.