News

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!

Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok has tested positive for elevated levels of lead in the drinking water. At this time, information is not publicly available about how many fixtures tested positive for lead levels above Health Canada's guidelines.

The GNWT's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola is recommending that day centres and day homes in the N.W.T. have their drinking water tested even though the testing of these facilities does not fall under the purview of the GNWT. One main reason for the recommendation,  has to do with the age of buildings along with the risk contaminants like lead and rayon can pose to children ages 6 and under, explained Dr. Kandola.

In December, the night sky is the place to focus your attention, as the annual Geminid meteor shower will be at its finest on the night of Dec.13, into the morning of Dec. 14. “A 23 per cent waning crescent Moon will rise late into the morning hours, so no big interference this year. This is a weekend event. If cloudy Saturday night, it’s still visible on Sunday night, but the numbers will be reduced,” says The Backyard Astronomer Gary Boyle.

The Still Dark Festival has just released the second wave of artists slated to perform at the Still Dark Festival beginning Feb. 5 and running to Feb. 8.