Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The John Tsetso Memorial Library in Fort Simpson was expected to open its doors again Oct. 8 after a short closure.
The library was closed from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8 due to a staffing shortage, according to a bulletin on social media issued by the library.
“Sorry for the inconvenience,” the bulletin stated.
“If you have items to return please hold onto them until the library reopens.”
The library provides free computer and Internet use, along with library and literacy programs.
“We have books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines and online databases to meet your educational needs as well as your recreational desires,” states its website.
– Erin Steele
Gettin’ jiggy wit’ a jigger
Deh Gah Got’e Koe/Fort Providence
It was nearly a full week of jigging at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence Sept. 24 to 28.
Professional jigger Beverly Lambert visited the community and hosted jigging sessions at the school nearly every night.
“Drop in every night for a fun hour of jigging!” stated a bulletin advertising the week.
On the final evening, Sept. 28, youth were scheduled to perform for the community what they had learned.
Beverly Lambert is a Metis jigger, originally from Fort Vermillion, Alta.
Lambert now lives in British Columbia and continues on her years-long mission to revive traditional dancing.
– Erin Steele
Farming in the territory
Deh Cho/South Slave
Community members in the Deh Cho and South Slave were invited to Northern Farm Training Institute in Hay River Sept. 28 to 30.
An Intro to Farming workshop put on by the institute was meant to teach participants a slew of information about raising a variety of animals.
“Join us for this exciting course to gain hands-on skills with goats, chickens, pigs, ducks, geese, rabbits, turkeys, cattle, yak, sheep and dogs,” stated a bulletin advertising the event.
Some of the more topical topics for the North and time of year included “selecting hardy breeds for the North” and “winter care for livestock”.
The institute is a non-profit society that aims to “empower people to transform their lives,” according to the organization’s website.
– Erin Steele
Halloween party coming up
Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence
“All freaks (and wannabes)” are invited to the Snowshoe Lounge’s upcoming Circus Freak Out Halloween Party in Fort Providence.
The adult-only costume party event scheduled for Oct. 27 will include prizes for creepiest circus costume, best couples/group costume and most original costume.
The theme of the evening is “get your freak on under the big top!” according to the Facebook event.
Johnny Landry & The Boys are set to perform.
Everyone in costume will get “happy hour prices.”
Advance tickets were set to go on sale on Oct. 5.
The party goes from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., according to the event and those 19 and older are invited to participate.
– Erin Steele
Community meeting coming up
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
All Fort Liard band members are invited to a community meeting Oct. 10.
A notice issued by Acho Dene Koe First Nation informs the community that between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the recreation centre they can have any “concerns or questions” addressed.
“It is important … that you attend these meetings so we can address them for you,” states the bulletin advertising the event.
Chief Gene Hope and council, as well as band management will all be on-hand to talk to the community.
The community meeting is meant to “update you on band office happenings,” states the bulletin.
– Erin Steele
Arts Week in the Sahtu
Sahtu
The Sahtu was abuzz with arts-related activities, showcases and workshops between the last week of September and the first week of October.
Tulita’s Arts Week ran between Sept. 24 and 28 with daily scheduled workshops on everything from beading earrings to storytelling and even a “karaoke open musical night”.
In both Norman Wells and Deline, Arts Week events were scheduled to run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 5.
In Norman Wells, workshops were all at the Norman Wells Historical Centre and were set to include beaded keychains, crochet dishcloths and homemade Christmas Cards.
Workshops held in Deline were similar to those held in Norman Wells, including beading earrings, plus Kids Mitt Strings.
The events in all communities were sponsored by by NWT Arts, which is a territorial government “marketing program that helps registered artists of the Northwest Territories share the stories of their artwork.”
– Erin Steele