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Around the North: Calling all artists

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Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

Open Sky Creative Society is looking for artists for its 18 th annual Open Sky Festival, set to take place in Fort Simpson June 30.

Northwest Territories-based artists, artisans, musicians, performers and vendors are invited to apply no later than March 31 to participate in the festival.

“We look forward to hearing from you.” states a bulletin advertising the artist call-out.

In the past, the long-running festival has included events and demonstrations such as yoga, live music, kids crafts, traditional crafts and much more.

Applications can be picked up by contacting Open Sky Creative Society.

Erin Steele

Mackenzie Days fundraising begins

Deh Gah Goti’e Koe/Fort Providence

Fundraising for the revived Mackenzie Days weekend in Fort Providence has kicked off with a trifecta of endeavours.

The first, a Mother’s Day fundraiser where handcrafted wooden roses will be delivered within Fort Providence community limits, is in full swing.

“(The roses) are already selling like hotcakes,” said Linda Croft, secretary/treasurer of the newly-formed Mackenzie Days Society.
Participants can also opt out of the delivery and instead take them home upon purchase.

Next, 1,000 rubber ducks are en route to Fort Providence for the Juanita Hirtle Memorial Duck Race, to take place during Mackenzie Days. Community members sponsor ducks at $10 a head and half the proceeds will go to the owner of the first duck across the finish line in the race; the other half will go toward local fundraising initiatives.

Also, tables can now be reserved for the Canada Day outdoor flea market, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The festival, coming back Aug. 2 to 5 after a four-year hiatus, is run by the Mackenzie Days Society.

Erin Steele

Loppet like it’s hot

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

Community members were invited to Norman Wells Ski Cabin March 18 for the Mackenzie Mountain Loppet.

The afternoon of outdoor wintery fun, scheduled to take place between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., was expected to include cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow-hill sliding, bonfires, snacks and warm beverages.

Those participating in the event – co-hosted by the Town of Norman Wells and Norman Wells Ski Club Association – were to receive T-shirts.

Cross-country skis, boots and poles were set to be on-hand for those who don’t own them.

According to Cross Country Canada, a loppet is defined as “a great gathering of skiers who ski on a specifically groomed trail … of various distances.

“Enormous amounts of food and drink are consumed during the event.”

Erin Steele

Early ABCs

Deline/Fort Franklin

A new batch of toddlers will be starting preschool in Deline as of March 20.

“We are excited to be able to accept new students.” states a bulletin advertising the program.

The preschool will be opening its doors March 19 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to register new preschoolers.

Little ones are eligible to register if they are between the ages of 2 and 4 and are either potty trained or in pull-up diapers.

Preschoolers will then be registered for the rest of the year.

Erin Steele

Men’s talking circle opens

Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard

A new program for men is available in Fort Liard through the Health and Social Services Authority.

The Men’s Talking Circle gathers Wednesday evenings between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“Any men are encouraged to come and speak about ideas or things that are on their mind,” states a bulletin advertising the program.

Coffee, tea and snacks will be available, and the atmosphere will be “a relaxed and supportive sober environment.”

“Please feel free to just drop by,” the bulletin states.

The meetings will take place at the Gathering Place.

Erin Steele

Contest alert

NWT

NWT residents have until April 23 to share with the world – or at least the NWT Literacy Council – their Indigenous language role model.

The My Language Opens Doors photo/video contest, run by the literacy council, is part of Indigenous Languages Month in March.

“Send a photo (or two-minute video) and a brief story about your Indigenous language role model and how their language has opened up doors for them at work, on the land, in their family, or their community,” states a bulletin advertising the contest.

Winners will be chosen by draw, with both the role model and entrant receiving prizes. There are both youth and adult categories.

Erin Steele