January

Whooping crane on coin

An image of a whooping crane from Wood Buffalo National Park was featured on a new collector's coin from the Royal Canadian Mint. The endangered whooping crane and three endangered plants grace a 2011 silver dollar celebrating the 100th anniversary of Parks Canada.

The new coin also features the Southern maidenhair fern, the Western fringed prairie orchid and the Kentucky coffee tree.

Syphilis outbreak declining

A report released in 2011 by chief medical officer Kami Kandola indicated the number of cases of syphilis in the NWT dropped dramatically in 2010. There were a total of 103 reported syphilis cases in the territory since an Alberta-based outbreak of the disease hit the NWT in May, 2008, but only eight of those were diagnosed in 2010. The NWT's syphilis rate had been declining since the outbreak began, while the Alberta rate had been steadily climbing, according to a report by Alberta's chief medical health officer.

Heroic action saves kids

Two Aklavik men were praised for their heroic actions in saving five children, the mother of the children, and themselves from a house fire. The fire broke out in a two-storey, single-unit house on the evening of Jan. 13. The rescuers included the father of the family, 32-year-old Philip Elanik, and a family friend. Elanik suffered burns and cuts, and was transferred to Edmonton for treatment. The house was completely destroyed.

Education lag by Grade 1

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment pledged to step up early childhood programs after learning many NWT students are falling behind in school by Grade 1. Results of the 2010 standardized Alberta achievement and functional grade level tests, released Jan. 13, showed a decrease in the number of Grade 1 students capable of working at their grade level - 81 per cent in English language arts in 2010 compared to 83 per cent in 2009. Most educators blame the problem on low attendance.

Priest injured in accident

The Roman Catholic priest for the Deh Cho was in stable condition following a vehicle collision. Father Wes Szatanski was travelling from Yellowknife to Fort Providence on Jan. 17 in a mid-size pickup truck when he collided with a parked semi-trailer, which had experienced engine trouble. Szatanski's truck was destroyed by the impact and became lodged under the trailer with him trapped inside. The priest was freed from the wreck after almost three hours, and was taken to hospital where he was in stable condition. "I believe God save my life," he later said.

Sentence doubled

A Fort McPherson man who sexually assaulted a woman in 2008 had his jail time doubled after the Supreme Court of Appeal granted the Crown's application to overturn his previous sentence on Jan. 18. Archie James Perry Jerome, 52, was found guilty of sexual assault on Feb. 3, 2010, after a three-day Supreme Court jury trial. Justice Donald Cooper sentenced Jerome to a "blended" sentence of two years in prison and two years probation.

The appeals court imposed a new sentence of four years minus credit for time served.

RCMP save suicidal man

Quick action by two Inuvik RCMP officers was credited with saving the life of a man who had harmed himself and was resisting arrest. The officers had to force First Aid on the man until an ambulance arrived. Const. Leo Maceachern and Cpl. Sean Doornbos responded on Jan. 18 when they received a call stating a man was threatening to kill himself. The man's wife called the police in a panic saying her husband had already cut his hand and was bleeding severely.

Bridge flaws need repair

Flaws in the Deh Cho Bridge will cost between $4 million and $5 million to repair, but NWT taxpayers won't have to pay.

The Government of New Brunswick will bear some of the financial brunt for the mistakes made by New Brunswick-based ATCON Construction during its time as general contractor for the $182.8-million project. An audit revealed several minor flaws. All repairs and the cost of the report will be paid through a $2.9 million holdback from ATCON and $13.3 million from the New Brunswick government.

Devolution signing, protested

A signing ceremony for a devolution agreement-in-principle was held in Yellowknife on Jan. 26. Premier Floyd Roland, Indian and Northern Affairs Minister John Duncan, and Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, signed the document, which commits signatories to negotiate a transfer of federal authority over land management and resources to the GNWT. The Northwest Territory Metis Nation said it would sign later. Around 50 people from across the NWT, including Tlicho, Akaitcho and Dehcho leaders gathered to express their opposition.

February

Second-degree murder charge

A Hay River man was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his brother. The RCMP identified the accused as 66-year-old Wilfred Lawrence Buggins. The deceased was identified as Raymond Cecil (Roy) Buggins, 61. The charge is in connection to an incident at a cabin south of Enterprise and approximately 20 km north of the NWT-Alberta border on Feb. 5. The RCMP did not reveal a lot of details about the incident at the cabin, but did say a firearm was involved.

Ulukhaktok centre opens

A long-awaited $2-million community centre opened its doors to Ulukhaktok residents on Feb. 7. The 3,600-square-foot building is complete with a kitchen, youth centre and radio station. The youth centre is a first for the community. One highlight of the new community centre will be a display of Canada's first known second-generation polar-grizzly hybrid 'grolar' bear, which was shot in 2010 by Ulukhaktok hunter David Kuptana.

Five years for drunken killing

An Inuvik man was sentenced to five years in prison for drunkenly beating another man to death. Claude Jerome Harry, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the December 2009 killing of 45-year-old Angus Kikoak in NWT Supreme Court in Inuvik on Feb. 7. Though initially charged with second-degree murder, Harry reached a plea bargain with the Crown to be sentenced on the lesser offence of manslaughter, as both the defence and the Crown agreed Harry was remorseful for his admittedly unprovoked attack on Kikoak.

Deninu Ku'e elects chief

After serving as acting chief for over three years and winning an election that was overturned, Louis Balsillie won his own mandate on Feb. 11 to lead Deninu Ku'e First Nation in Fort Resolution. Balsillie's closest competitor, Tom Unka, unsuccessfully appealed the election. Balsillie collected 98 votes, compared to 86 for Unka. The other candidates were George Larocque and Therese Villeneuve. Balsillie had been acting chief since former chief Bill Norn was suspended and later ousted in 2007.

Inuvik boy mauled by dog

A four-year-old Inuvik boy was attacked by a dog that dragged him into its kennel on Feb. 12. The boy was treated at Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital for injuries to his face, head and hands. According to the RCMP, the boy was at home with a 15-year-old babysitter. The police said the boy was outside playing with the sled dog, a larger breed husky mix. They also reported the babysitter's quick action rescued the boy from the estimated 150- to 160-pound animal.

Actor visits Fort Resolution

Dakota House, an actor best known for the role of Teevee Tenia on the television series North of 60, visited Fort Resolution from Feb. 17 to 20. The motivational speaker offers advice to help others succeed, including young people. In Fort Resolution, he and students at Deninu School shot a public service announcement - in the form of a music video. The PSA, which was written and produced by students, focuses on the hazards of alcohol and illegal drugs.

Blizzard hits Beaufort Delta

Communities in the Beaufort Delta were without communications for three-and-a-half days after a heavy wind storm crippled the region starting on Feb. 25. A problem with a communications tower along the Dempster Highway cut long-distance phone, Internet and cell phone service. The storm caused whiteout conditions because of high winds and shut all roads in and out of Inuvik and surrounding communities.

Not guilty of murder

A Fort Smith man was found not guilty on a charge of second-degree murder in Edmonton. Augustine Darren Poitras, 43, heard the verdict on Feb. 25 following a jury trial in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. The jury deliberated for 26 hours before returning with its decision. Poitras was charged with stabbing a 42-year-old man on Canada Day of 2009 at a transit terminal in downtown Edmonton. Poitras always maintained he didn't stab the victim.

Second lottery jackpot

A Fort Smith woman won a multimillion-dollar Lotto 6/49 jackpot, just a few years after her husband won a larger jackpot. Ann Lepine won $7,662,940.80 in the Lotto 6/49 draw on Feb. 26. In 2007, her husband, Barkley Heron, won a Lotto 6/49 jackpot of $11.3 million, which still ranks as the largest lottery prize ever won in the NWT.

Back in 2007, when her husband won the jackpot, Lepine was known as Ann Heron. However, she and her husband have since separated.

March

Colville Lake elder dies

Colville Lake elder Alexis Blancho was found dead on March 3 by an RCMP search helicopter. An emergency makeshift camp was nearby. His snowmobile was found abandoned 25 km southeast of Colville Lake. It was assumed he was travelling back to the community before he went missing in a storm. Blancho, 69, was last seen on Feb. 24 on his way to his cabin in the Lac Des Bois area. His snowmobile was found stuck in an opening in the ground.

Taltson hydro project paused

The switch was not pulled on expanding the Taltson River hydroelectric site, but proponents were reassessing the idea. "We're looking at a pause," said Premier Floyd Roland.

Diamond mines in the NWT won't be buying enough power to make the project feasible was the main reason for reconsidering the $700-million project. The Taltson River hydroelectric site, 64 km north of Fort Smith, produces 18 megawatts of electricity. An expansion would add between 36 and 56 megawatts.

New leader for association

Long-time Northerner Marilyn Napier was elected president of the Native Women's Association of the NWT at the group's annual general meeting on March 7. She served on the association's board of directors beginning in 1982 and as president from 1992-97. As president, she said she wants to see the association take on a bigger role.

Year's pay for ex-ministers

Former territorial cabinet ministers will be restricted from obtaining work from the GNWT for one year after resigning or not being re-elected, but will be paid a 12-month transition allowance for that time no matter how long they served in the legislative assembly. Amendments were made to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act on March 10. The transition allowance equates to about $94,000, the annual wage of an MLA.

Book on Fort Smith history

A new book Wooden Boats and Iron People: The History of Fort Smith, NWT was officially launched on March 10. It was written by Sandra Dolan under contract with the Mary Kaeser Library Board. The book is a glossy, soft-cover production, highlighted by fascinating historic photos and concise but highly informative text. Wooded Boats and Iron People is actually the second history book about Fort Smith.

The first was On the Banks of the Slave, which was written more than 40 years ago.

Debaters gather in Hay River

There was really no debate about the success of the Canadian Student Debating Federation's 41st annual national seminar in Hay River. The March 9-14 event brought together 72 participants, representing all provinces and the NWT. The seminar had been held in the NWT only once before - in Yellowknife in 1975. Most students, who ranged in age from 14 to 19, competed in English, but the seminar included bilingual and francophone divisions.

Irma Miron passes away

One of Hay River's most beloved and respected residents passed away on March 16. Irma Miron - a town pioneer, former teacher and history enthusiast - died at the age of 89. Miron, who was born in Alberta, first came to Hay River in 1949 and taught until retiring in 1986.

Her contributions to education in the North were recognized in 2010 when she was inducted into the NWT Education Hall of Fame.

Buffalo Joe on coin

A new coin in Hay River recognized Buffalo Joe McBryan of the reality TV show, Ice Pilots NWT. The image of the owner of Buffalo Airways, along with the company's famed DC-3 aircraft, is featured on the coin by the Hay River Chamber of Commerce. The $5 trade coin has been produced as a fundraising effort. As of March 16, the bronze coin began to be circulated by retail members of the chamber. In all, 3,000 coins were produced.

New Tlicho grand chief

Eddie 'Ediiwa' Erasmus, a former Behchoko chief, was elected Tlicho grand chief on March 23. Erasmus won with slightly less than 50 per cent of the vote in a three-person race. The other candidates were former MLAs James Wah-Shee and Leon Lafferty. Alphonse Apples had been acting grand chief after replacing Joe Rabesca, who resigned in October of 2010 following controversy over his leadership. Erasmus built his election campaign on a promise of increasing communication between the Tlicho chiefs and constituents.

April

Frustration over food

Empty shelves in stores and minimal discounts on food left many Northerners feeling frustrated and hungry for healthy, fresh food since the cancellation of the Food Mail Program. Without the program, consumers found empty shelves in stores due to increased demand, subsidies amounting to mere pennies, and drastic increases in shipping costs as a result of the federally-run Nutrition North Canada, which started on April 1.

Superbug infections increase

The Department of Health and Social Services reported on April 7 that the NWT is rapidly catching up to provinces in the number of occurrences of superbug infections. Prior to 2008, the territory would experience between three to five cases of the superbug MRSA per year.

In 2010, there were 124 cases. MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and causes skin infections that can lead to pneumonia, blood and bone infections, urinary tract infections and flesh-eating disease.

Bear from 1864 not grolar

A bear shot in the Northwest Territories in 1864 was once thought to possibly be a grizzly-polar bear hybrid. However, a scientist at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, where the remains of the so-called McFarlane's Bear are located, said the animal is a young female grizzly, with no indication of polar bear characteristics. Don Wilson, chair of the department of vertebrate zoology at the National Museum of Natural History, said the bear is paler than most, but in no way white or yellow.

Inuvik to Tuk and back

An ultra marathoner completed a run from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk and back to raise money for the Inuvik Homeless Shelter. Alicja Barahona, a Polish-born resident of New York City, raised $20,000 for the shelter. The 57-year-old completed the run from April 6-10. The run, known as the Arctic Challenge, covered 370 km in temperatures that hovered around -30 C.

Community constable

Hay River got the Northwest Territories' first aboriginal community constable, a new position created by the RCMP. The community's Steve Beck was among the first troop of aboriginal community constables to graduate on April 12 from the RCMP's training academy in Regina. As an aboriginal community constable, he is an armed, uniformed officer with the rank of special constable. Beck, who is of Metis heritage, focuses on crime prevention and reduction, and builds relationships between the community and the RCMP.

Tulita man wins $1 million

Chris Hopkins of Tulita did not buy a lottery ticket in Norman Wells on April 15 like he usually does when there is a big jackpot. He waited until he arrived in Montague, P.E.I., for a visit with his family before he bought a Lotto Max ticket for a chance at a $50-million prize. Hopkins, who has been working in the North for about 20 years and is executive director of the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board, won $1 million.

Hip hop in Paulatuk

Students at Angik School in Paulatuk learned about being a hip-hopper from a Toronto-based hip-hop group in April. Principal Jessica Schmidt said the group's 2010 visit to the school was so successful in increasing school attendance and participation it was brought back. National break dance champion Mike Smith and Sheena Vera Cruz, founding member of the world champion Philippine All Stars, offered workshops on poetry, break dancing and hip-hop dance moves. Students then performed for community members on April 15.

May

Bevington re-elected MP

Dennis Bevington was returned as MP for the Western Arctic in the federal general election on May 2. It was Bevington's third win in the riding. The NDP incumbent emerged victorious in a five-person field which included former NWT premier Joe Handley representing the Liberals and former territorial health and social services minister Sandy Lee running for the Conservatives. Lee placed second in the race and Handley came in third.

State of emergency declared

The town of Norman Wells declared a state of emergency May 6 when the natural gas lines supplying the community were cut off after an oil spill in Northern Alberta spewed 28,000 barrels of oil - approximately 4.4 million litres of oil - into the surrounding ecosystem. The almost 800-km line, owned by Plains Midstream Canada and connected to the Enbridge-owned pipeline that runs south from Norman Wells into Alberta, was shut down after the Plains Midstream Canada Rainbow line breeched.

Elder dies days after wedding

Just days after being married, Karl Mueller, a well-known Enterprise elder, died on May 12 at the age of 82. Mueller suffered a heart attack at Hay River's H. H. Williams Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient in long-term care since 2007. Mueller and his long-time partner Anne Leskiw, 73, were married at the hospital on May 7. Mueller, who came to Canada from Austria in 1954, was known for, among other things, his construction company and his service on Enterprise council.

West Point elects new chief

West Point First Nation elected a new chief. Gwen Cayen became leader of the Hay River band after winning against one other candidate in a May 16 byelection. Cayen collected 10 votes, compared to six for her cousin Courtney Cayen. The byelection was called after Abner Cayen resigned for personal reasons on April 29. The former chief was acclaimed to the post in an election in March of last year.

Roland decides not to run

NWT Premier Floyd Roland announced on May 18 that he would not be running in the next territorial election set for later in the year. Roland explained he was lacking the necessary passion to continue as a politician. The MLA for Inuvik Boot Lake for 16 years had been premier since October of 2007. Prior to entering territorial politics, Roland was an automotive mechanic with the Department of Public Works and ran an outfitting tourism company in Inuvik.

Rabesca gets probation

Former Tlicho grand chief Joe Rabesca was sentenced May 19 to a year of probation for a sexual assault committed in Behchoko in 2010. Rabesca, 62, was convicted on May 18 of sexually assaulting a woman on Oct. 13, 2010, after she entered a room in his Behchoko home to interview him. According to the Crown, Rabesca reached out and touched the woman's buttocks at the end of his conversation with her. Rabesca did not testify at the trial.

A million beads

The Million Project in South Slave schools created a string of more than one million beads. It was laid out more than 16 times around the track at Diamond Jenness Secondary School on May 24. The string of beads stretched more than six kilometres. It was accepted as a world record by the Guinness organization in November. The project was designed to give students a better understanding of a million.

Rangers patrol established

A Canadian Rangers patrol was officially established in Hay River. A ceremony was held on May 21 at which a certificate was signed recognizing the patrol as the 58th in the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which covers all three Northern territories. The Hay River patrol is the 21st in the NWT. Canadian Rangers are attached to the Canadian Armed Forces as army reserves and assist with ground search and rescue, surveillance and sovereignty, delivering humanitarian aid and helping in times of natural disasters.

Inuvik doctor honoured

After 20 years of serving Inuvik and the Beaufort Delta, Braam de Klerk received the highest civilian honour in Canada for his dedication as a physician, teacher and advocate of health care in Canada's North and in rural communities. On May 27, de Klerk received the Order of Canada, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to a community and service to the country. The doctor was honoured, in particular, for his commitment to training medical students from Canada and around the world.

Researchers studying fish

Researchers were in Fort Smith and Fort Resolution in late June to collect Slave River fish - with the help of the public - and to seek signs of impacts from Alberta's oilsands development. The four-person team came from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. The researchers also looked for other contaminants in walleye, whitefish, pike and burbot. The fish were examined for signs of damage, lesions and anything abnormal. The researchers took blood and tissue samples of 30 fish from each species for further study.

June

Bevington gets NDP position

Less than a week after being omitted from the NDP shadow cabinet in the House of Commons, Dennis Bevington was given two influential roles in the official opposition. The MP for Western Arctic accepted an appointment as critic for northern development and the nomination as vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. The appointments were announced by the NDP on June 1. Bevington was not included on the NDP's 43-member shadow cabinet announced on May 26.

Death ruled an accident

A coroner's investigation found a Hay River woman died in 2010 as the result of an "accident" during treatment at Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. Mary Leona Poitras, 62, passed away in hospital in Hay River on June 27, 2010. According to the report, the cause of death was peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen following a colonoscopy and hot snare polypectomy, which is a process to remove small growths known as polyps. Poitras was treated at Stanton on June 23, 2010.

Tsiigehtchic elects chief

Tsiigehtchic elected a new chief, charter community council and band council on June 20. Longtime councillor Phillip Blake was elected chief, beating his cousin and two-term incumbent Frederick Blake Jr. by a margin of 78 to 48. In 2009, Phillip Blake lost to his cousin by a margin of 41 to 34.

The new chief credited his win to both hard work and his past experience as a councillor in the community.

Hay River icon dies

Hay River lost a Northern icon who was instrumental in shaping the community for more than six decades. W. R. 'Red' McBryan - the town's first mayor, a long-time councillor and famed river-watcher, to mention just a few of his many roles - died in the early morning hours of June 29 at the age of 92. McBryan served on Hay River council for 49 consecutive years from 1952 to 2000, and was the town's first mayor when it was incorporated in 1963.

July

After seven generations, 130 years, 132 schools and more than 150,000 students, Inuvik became another landmark in the North's residential school era.

The town hosted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for a week-long event that included speeches, feasts, old time dances, concerts and talent shows, as well as many different venues for survivors to tell their stories.

More than 2,500 attended the event from across Canada.

"We all share the same thing. We all share the suffering," said Whati resident Isidore Zoe.

Fort McPherson boxer killed

The story of Jonathan Andre's life was one of triumph in the boxing ring. The final chapter of his life was cruelly and tragically written on the night of June 26. The promising boxer from Fort McPherson was struck and killed by a car in Edmonton, reportedly while out on a training run. Emergency personnel responded to the incident, but Andre was pronounced dead at the scene.

Royals visit

"He shook my hand. He's beautiful. Oh, he's so handsome," swooned Joyce Sklapsky of Grimshaw, Alta., after Prince William passed by the throngs of cheering people from both near and far who came to catch a glimpse, and perhaps a handshake, from the royal couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Yellowknife the night of July 5, taking part in a full day of events on July 6 before leaving the morning of July 7.

The NWT was the couple's sixth stop on their eight stop, nine-day Canadian tour. Their official welcoming took place outside city hall in Yellowknife where territorial and community leaders, as well as cultural representatives, greeted them warmly.

They watched demonstrations of Arctic sports, a dance by the Paulatuk Moonlight Drummers and Dancers, a game of street hockey and a debate by youth in the legislative assembly.

Mary Barnaby dies

Mary Barnaby, a mother and teacher known for her love of Sahtu traditions and culture, died at the age of 79 on June 28. She left behind eight children, which she had with husband Charlie Barnaby, and countless students who were gifted with her spirituality, pride, work ethic and inquisitive nature. She loved to travel and was a master sewer and beader, but perhaps what she was most known for was her master moosehide tanning skills.

"She was so knowledgeable in the bush, it was unreal," said friend Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox.

Deline evacuated

Residents in Deline were first alerted of a forest fire burning just outside their community on the night of July 10, and by 2:30 a.m. the first evacuation flight arrived in Yellowknife.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources gave all 107 evacuees the go-ahead to return home on July 13 and by the afternoon of July 14 everyone had returned safely.

"It's such a relief with everybody that they're home and they're home safe," said Christina Gaudet, Deline's SAO.

Cranes in danger

The Alberta oilsands development is a growing hazard for migrating whooping cranes, according to a report released on July 11.

The warning came from Global Forest Watch Canada, a not-for-profit research organization. According to the report, tailing ponds from the oilsands represent a risk of oiling and ingestion of toxins which could result in death or reduced fitness for the birds. Other concerns included emissions from the stacks of oilsands facilities, transmission lines and human activity.

Great Slave rescue

On July 29 several people joined forces in Hay River to save three teenage girls who had floated away from the beach.

At about 5 p.m., a woman on the beach told Lucie Benoit she couldn't see her children on the water anymore. Jordan Groenewegen, also on the beach, used his high-powered binoculars to scan the lake, and saw their heads bobbing in the waves. He called the police, but at the same time Benoit saw her son, R.J., driving by in his boat.

She phoned him on his cell phone, and with their help was able to locate the girls.

August

The doctor's out

Seven Beaufort Delta communities were without a doctor this past summer, a first that had nothing to do with funding and everything to do with doctors wanting time off to spend with their families, according to Deborah Tynes, CEO of the region's health authority.

"We haven't got any physicians right now," she said.

The communities of Aklavik, Fort McPherson, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tsiigehtchic, Tuktoyaktuk and Ulukhaktok normally have a doctor visit every five weeks, but in July and August the Inuvik Regional Hospital had none to spare.

Running on empty

Nearly every regulatory board in the NWT has vacancies to fill, leaving them without the expertise and manpower to function properly, Dennis Bevington, MP for the Western Arctic, said in late July. Of the territory's 13 regulatory boards, only two were functioning with full membership, he said.

At the time, the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board had only half of its voting positions filled, and no chair.

"It's not ideal. We're only making operational-type decisions," said Amy Thompson, executive director of the board.

A long walk home

On Aug. 8, Carol Norwegian headed off on an exceptionally long walk - 125 km to be exact.

The 44-year-old Yellowknife resident, who calls the Mackenzie Delta home, walked from Inuvik to Tsiigehtchic to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of her mother, Therese Remy-Sawyer.

She was accompanied by her two children, Shanta Ansdell and Mark Ansdell, as well as her brother Joey Klein and sister Pearl Norwegian.

They arrived in Tsiigehtchic the night of Aug. 11.

Bus drops passenger service

In August, Greyhound Canada decided to eliminate its passenger bus service to the NWT. The route to Hay River from Peace River, Alta., - the only Greyhound service to the NWT - was set to end on Oct. 24, a decision triggered by a revamping of regulatory changes by the Alberta government.

Over the past four decades, fewer people were riding the bus, said Tom Olsen, a spokesperson for the company.

Housing divide

In August, the divide between NWT Housing Corporation and Paulatuk residents continued to grow.

Two families were evicted in three weeks because they were behind on their rent, and residents asked for a change in policy.

"They need to have a little compassion for the problems that people are having, and that's all we're asking," said Lawrence Ruben, director of the Inuvialuit Game Council.

Of the 53 public housing units, more than 65 per cent were in arrears, owing a total of more than $500,000.

Crash in Resolute

Twelve people died after a First Air 737 en route to Resolute from Yellowknife crashed near the hamlet on Aug. 20.

RCMP Sgt. Paul Solomon, Gabrielle Pelky, 7, and Nicole Williamson, 23, were the only three to survive the crash.

"It doesn't matter who it is, it affects the whole community," said Resolute resident Ralph Alexander.

Philip Elanik dies

People in Aklavik mourned the loss of Philip Elanik, who died on Aug. 10 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 33.

He will be remembered as one of the community's foremost drummers and dancers, having performed just one month earlier at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's national event in Inuvik. He will also be remembered for his heroism.

Elanik and Shawn Firth rescued four of Elanik's six children from a fire that gutted the family home in February.

Wildlife Act withdrawn

With chiefs and community leaders from Dettah to Sachs Harbour looking on, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Miltenberger quietly shelved the Wildlife Act in the face of widespread opposition on Aug. 24. On Aug. 22, Miltenberger said he wanted to put the legislation to a vote, but by the end of an emotionally-charged afternoon on Wednesday, he said simply that "the government will not be proceeding with Bill 9 at this point."

Miltenberger said at the close of the session on Thursday that the Wildlife Act was just one vote short of passing.

Poor health report

The NWT Health Status Report released on Aug. 22 painted a grim picture of health and wellness in the North.

Among its findings: people here are less active and more overweight than other Canadians, are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and marijuana, have sexually transmitted infection rates 12 times the national average and are still being infected with tuberculosis six times more than the average Canadian.

In addition, more than half of residents outside Yellowknife were categorized as heavy drinkers.

September

Havoc on the Canol Trail

The Canol Trail is slowly being destroyed by Land Rover enthusiasts intent on conquering the 320-km heritage route, Garth Wallbridge told News/North in September.

"They've made a heck of a mess," he said.

The trail, which stretches through the Mackenzie Mountains from Norman Wells to the Yukon border, is touted as one of the most challenging hikes in Canada.

It attracts people on foot, bike, horseback, ATV and in four-wheel drive vehicles. The latter, Wallbridge said, are doing more harm than good when they head onto the trail.

Chief steps down

Frieda Martselos, the chief of Fort Smith's Salt River First Nation, stepped down from her position.

In a letter to council on Aug. 23, she wrote that the summer had been a challenge.

"Personally, I feel council is not working together to strive for greater things to benefit all members equally," she wrote.

Her last day at work was Sept. 9.

Nutrition North bashed

Nutrition North Canada, the federal government's replacement for the Food Mail program, needs to be changed or sacked altogether, Sahtu residents told News/North in September.

"The program is not working, that's all I'm saying," said Suat Lin of Norman Wells.

"If a government replaces a program, it should either be better or equivalent, not worse."

Nutrition North was first put in place on April 1, but residents said they need more options than their local grocery stores.

October

Crash outside Lutsel K'e

Air Tindi flight AT2000 was making a routine trip from Yellowknife to Lutsel K'e on Oct. 4 and was scheduled to arrive at 11:45 a.m.

At approximately 2 p.m., police were notified that it had crashed.

The pilot of the Cessna 208B Caravan, 28-year-old Matt Bromley of Yellowknife, and passenger Timothy Harris, 54, also of Yellowknife, died at the scene.

Survivors Sheldon Catholique and Bernice Marlowe, both from Lutsel K'e, were medevaced to Edmonton.

New assembly elected

On Oct. 3, NWT residents elected 19 MLAs to the 17th legislative assembly.

Fourteen incumbents won their seats, while the Mackenzie Delta, Deh Cho, Hay River North, Range Lake and Inuvik Boot Lake elected newcomers.

Michael Miltenberger won his fifth straight term in Thebacha with 526 votes, compared to 426 that went to Peter Martselos and 263 for Jeannie Marie-Jewell.

Michael Nadli, former grand chief, defeated incumbent Michael McLeod in Deh Cho.

Investigation in Monfwi

Elections NWT opened an investigation to look into complaints in Monfwi about possible violations of the Elections Act during the Oct. 3 election.

In a media advisory issued Oct. 11, chief electoral officer David Brock acknowledged that "several independent complaints have been received and are now being investigated."

Election results for the Monfwi district saw incumbent Jackson Lafferty defeat rival Bertha Rabesca Zoe by 139 votes.

The investigation is ongoing.

Rangers in Deline

For the first time, a team of Deline residents donned the distinctive red caps and hooded sweatshirts of the Canadian Rangers in late September.

Maj. Jeff Allen of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group presented the 19 newly trained recruits with their caps during a graduation ceremony on Sept. 30 as about 200 family, friends and community leaders looked on.

Ranger Verna Firth earned the top candidate award.

Deadly Inuvik house fire

Teddy Angasak, 12, managed to rescue his 11-month-old sister and help to get six to eight adults up and out of his home when a fire started in the early morning of Oct. 16.

However, his two-year-old sister died in the fire, despite the efforts of RCMP constables Todd Glemser and Andrew Aucoin to save her. Town Coun. Vince Sharpe put forward a motion later that week to nominate the three for medals of bravery.

Bob McLeod named premier

Yellowknife South MLA Bob McLeod was selected as the 12th premier of the Northwest Territories on Oct. 26. The former Fort Providence resident said he can build consensus and help to repair the government's relationship with First Nation leaders.

"It feels great," he said.

"This is something I've been working towards for a long time and it's taken a lot of hard work."

Cabinet named

On Oct. 26 MLAs voted, by way of secret ballot, for the territory's next cabinet.

Veteran ministers Michael Miltenberger of Thebacha, Robert C. McLeod of Inuvik Twin Lakes and Jackson Lafferty of Monfwi held their positions.

Lafferty was named deputy premier, minister of Education, Culture and Employment, minister of Public Works and Services and minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.

Miltenberger was named minister of Finance and chairman of the Financial Management Board, minister of Environment and Natural Resources, minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, government house leader.

McLeod was named minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, minister responsible for Homelessness, minister responsible for Youth.

Rookies Dave Ramsay of Kam Lake, Glen Abernethy of Great Slave and Tom Beaulieu of Tu Nedhe were also named to cabinet for the first time.

Ramsay was selected as minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and minister of Transportation.

Abernethy was named minister of Justice, Minister of Human Resources, minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. Beaulieu was selected as minister of Health and Social Services, minister responsible for seniors, minister responsible for persons with disabilities.

Their inclusion meant a $50,000 raise.

Three new airport terminals

Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk all received new, more efficient airport terminals in the fall.

Federal stimulus funding made it possible for all three terminals to be built at the same time, where usually they would have to be built one at a time over the span of a few years.

The Tuktoyaktuk terminal was up and running on Sept. 22; operations were transferred to the Sachs Harbour terminal on Oct. 5; and Paulatuk was completed on Oct. 20.

RCMP involved with residential schools

The RCMP was actively involved in tracking down and returning students to residential schools between the 1880s and 1990s, according to a report released at the end of October.

The Role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police During the Indian Residential School System, compiled by Marcel-Eugene LeBeuf, concluded that in most cases officers did so at the request of school principals, school staff and government officials.

Attendance matters represented about 75 per cent of school-related cases conducted by the RCMP.

Deline's emergency brigade

This fall Deline became home to the world's most northerly St. John Ambulance volunteer brigade.

Since September, approximately 15 residents trained as advanced medical first responders, and can now assist the community's nursing station within Deline and along the shores of the Great Bear Lake.

"We've never had anything like this before," said Terri Smith, a volunteer with the group.

November

Wacky weather in Tuk

On Nov. 3, strong winds caused the ice in Tuktoyaktuk's Kugmallit Bay to blow right out, creating open water on the Arctic shore.

"It's un-freakin-believable," said Mayor Merven Gruben.

The bay froze overnight again, but caused concerns in the community that relies on ice roads for transportation in the winter.

Bootlegging charges withdrawn

The RCMP's search of a Tuktoyaktuk man's luggage was unlawful and a violation of his Charter rights, even if the police were correct in assuming he was guilty of bootlegging, Judge Garth Malakoe ruled on Oct. 28.

"There is no question that the RCMP seized 12 bottles of Smirnoff's vodka on Oct. 6, 2010," he wrote in his decision.

The case came down to the law of search and seizure, according to Crown prosecutor Blair MacPherson, and because police did not have permission to search Douglas Panaktalok's bags and didn't obtain a warrant, the bootlegging charges were dropped.

NWT drops in water quality ratings

In November, the Northwest Territories was handed a C for its job at safeguarding residents drinking water.

The result was published in a report by Ecojustice, an environmental protection organization, that ranked every province and territory, as well as the federal government.

The GNWT lost points because it does not place enough emphasis on source water protection.

Charges laid in boxer's death

The Edmonton Police Service charged three people in relation to the death of Fort McPherson boxer Jonathan Andre on Nov. 19.

Nicole Reid, 24, who was driving the car that police say hit Andre, as well as a 16-year-old female were charged with dangerous driving while street racing causing death.

Both are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 13, 2012.

In addition, the 23-year-old owner of the Honda Civic, who was a passenger at the time of the accident, has been issued a summons for permitting an unqualified person to drive and supervising a learner without a valid driver's licence.

Public housing in crisis

The future of housing in the NWT is in jeopardy unless the federal government steps up its funding, according to a report released in November.

Nick Falvo, a doctoral candidate at Ottawa's Carleton University, undertook the study of homelessness and affordable housing in the NWT in partnership with the Centre for Northern Families.

Among his findings: the GNWT spends 25 times more on housing than the average Canadian province, eight per cent of households in NWT communities are crowded and 22 per cent of households in communities require major repairs.

December

10 years without an election

The Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council - one of Aklavik's three local governing bodies - hasn't held an election in 10 years, leading residents to draft a petition demanding one.

"It's a dictatorship," said Danny Greenland, chief of the Aklavik Indian Band. "We just want some transparency, and we get the cold shoulder and the blank stare - like we're asking stupid questions."

More than 50 people who are eligible to vote signed the petition as of Dec. 5, according to Greenland. In response, the Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council posted a sign in Aklavik promising to hire a returning officer and hold an election.

Big spending by parks

Parks Canada spent nearly $17 million in the NWT in 2008-2009, according to report released in late November, and park visitors spent an estimated $7.6 million.

The Economic Impact of Parks Canada, prepared by the Outspan Group for the federal government, details the direct and indirect affects of the territory's four national parks - Aulavik, Tuktuk Nogait, Wood Buffalo and Nahanni.

Governor General visits Fort Smith

Gov. Gen. David Johnston made a stop in Fort Smith on Dec. 9 as part of his whirlwind tour of the NWT.

"It's unexpected, unforgettable and unbelievable," he said during impromptu comments at an informal reception at the Rec Centre.

Johnston travelled to the community with his wife, Sharon, and their entourage. Their first stop was at Aurora College.

Booze rules end in Norman Wells

At the start of December, 53 per cent of Norman Wells residents voted to end liquor restrictions in the community.

Andrew Bailes, who started the petition that spurred the plebiscite, said the results from the vote are definitive - but the Sahtu remains divided on the issue, and many worry it will lead to larger problems in surrounding communities.

"It's like a calm lake, and you throw a rock in the middle of the lake," said Norman Yakeleya, MLA for the Sahtu. "It will produce ripple effects."

Pierre Catholique dies

Pierre Catholique, former chief of Lutsel K'e, died on Nov. 30.

A funeral service was held at the community's church on Dec. 3, and a week later his body was buried beside his wife and son on the shores of the Lockhart River.

"He wasn't the loudest person in the room, but when he spoke people listened," said friend Stephen Ellis.

While serving as chief from 1968 to 1971, Catholique was integral in protecting the East Arm of the Great Slave Lake, and in forming the Indian Brotherhood.

Elections in 12 communities

Twelve communities across the North headed to the polls on Dec. 12 to elect new leadership.

Elected mayors included Mike St. Amour in Enterprise; Garry Bailey in Fort Resolution; Arny Steinwand in Aklavik; Danny Yakeleya in Tulita; Merven Gruben in Tuktoyaktuk; and Morris McLeod in Fort Liard.

In Wrigley, Tim Lennie was re-elected chief and in Fort McPherson a recount was called after incumbent Mayor Hazel Nerysoo led by just two votes.

NEB report released

The National Energy Board released its offshore drilling requirements on Dec. 15 following a 19-month Arctic drilling review.

"We're quite pleased in lots of ways with the report," said Rob Powell, director of the Mackenzie River basin for the World Wildlife Federation.

Oil companies that plan on drilling in the Beaufort Sea must hold extensive consultations in the North before filing their offshore drilling applications, make their safety and contingency plans public and be able to counter a blow-out with a same-season relief well, according to the board's filing requirements.