Deh Gah Got'ie Kue/Fort Providence
Has someone you know done you wrong and need a time out?
Mackenzie Days is holding a jail or bail fundraiser where officers will be issuing warrants and making arrest throughout the day on June 15 starting at 11 a.m.
The event's Facebook page states, “Should you find yourself behind bars you can pay bail ($10) or wait out your 30 minutes with your fellow inmates!”
Students can get in on the fun by putting their principal or teachers in jail for half price, stated the bulletin.
To request a warrant, contact Linda, Sophie, Pat or Carol by email at: mackenziedayssociety@gmail.com or phone 699-3297 and leave a message or text 902-523-2091.
– Michele Taylor
Pingo Market open for business
Tuktoyaktuk
The Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk's recreation department is now hosting its Pingo Market for local artists, crafters and caterers to sell traditional wares
The market happens at Kitti Hall every Tuesday, Thursday and Satuday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The department's bulletin states to contact the tourism co-ordinator at the hamlet office at 977-2286 ext. 1005 to register for a spot at the market.
– Michele Taylor
Summer hiring for students
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Students looking for summer work will have until June 15 to drop off resumes at the Liidlii Kue First Nation office, stated a bulletin from the LKFN Facebook page.
Direct your resumes to executive director Liza McPherson.
– Michele Taylor
Beading workshop for beginners
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
A beading workshop will take place on June 15 at 5:30 p.m. and again on June 24 at 11 a.m.
The posting states no experience is necessary and materials will be provided.
So head out and learn the basics to create your own masterpieces.
– Michele Taylor
Youth canoe lessons
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
Canoe North will host one more lesson for parents and youth – ages eight to 12, with parent participation – on June 12 at 7:30. Contact Andrea Williams at the MACA office at 587-7103 to register or get more information.
– Michele Taylor
Fun under the sun in Simpson
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
There are plenty of reasons to visit Fort Simpson, with golf and camping being just a small part of that.
As part of National Tourism Week, which began May 28, visitors and locals were treated to the Fort Simpson Tourism Golf Tournament on June 2 and the opening of the Fort Simpson Territorial Park on June 1.
The tournament was the fourth annual, at Seven Spruce Golf Club and it ended with a 4 p.m. barbecue.
The campground opening event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and included storytelling, bannock on a stick and a barbecue dinner.
According to territorial government stats, tourism grew to a $200-million industry in 2016/17.
– Erin Steele
Dehcho grand chief election coming up
Deh Cho
Nominaions are now open for the Dehcho First Nation Grand Chief election coming up this summer.
The elections will take place during the Dehcho Annual Assembly held this year in Wrigley between July 24 and July 27.
An elections committee has released a list of criteria for the position.
Among the criteria is “demonstrated understanding of local regional, territorial and national political arenas including a thorough understanding of the Dehcho Process,” as well as a “positive and responsible lifestyle,” among others.
Nominations must be submitted by July 16 at 5 p.m.
Dehcho First Nations works together with its member communities across the territory to “protect and promote shared interests” and more.
The grand chief is elected on a three-year term.
Herb Norwegian currently holds the seat.
– Erin Steele
Free boot camp in Norman Wells
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
Community members in Norman Wells willing to get their butts kicked at boot camp, have the opportunity to do so for free, in the great outdoors.
Norman Wells Outdoor Bootcamp, hosted by Everrrr Sexy Health & Wellness was set to kick off June 4.
Classes will take place on Mondays between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the soccer field beside the arena.
“Classes are free and open to men and women,” stated a bulletin advertising the event.
“Please bring water, a mat or towel for the ground and a great attitude.”
Participants will be expected to fill out a waiver and to keep an eye on the organization’s Facebook page for updates or changes to time.
– Erin Steele
Drum dance planned for Aboriginal Day
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Preparations are already underway for Aboriginal Day June 21 in Fort Liard.
Acho Dene Koe First Nation is hosting a drum dance between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the arbour, as part of its Community Wellness Program.
“Please come out and join our Fort Liard Drummers for an evening of dancing and celebrating Aboriginal Day,” stated a bulletin advertising the program.
National Aboriginal Day falls on a Thursday this year and is a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories.
It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the culture and contributions of indigenous people in Canada.
It was first celebrated in 1996.
– Erin Steele
Youth ideas sought in Fort Liard
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Acho Dene Koe First Nation is reaching out to youth with a chance to help make their ideas come to life.
The opportunity sprouted from TakingITGlobal, which offers small grants to youth who have simple ideas on how to improve their communities.
They can apply with their ideas and have them reviewed.
Acho Dene Koe First Nation has taken that a step further, issuing a statement of its own.
“If you are a youth in our community that has an idea for a community project ... I can help you design, apply and help you launch your idea,” stated Jacqueline Spies, community services manager.
TakingITGlobal’s mandate revolves around youth actively engaged in and connected with shaping stronger communities.
– Erin Steele
Bear sighting stirs school
Deline/Fort Franklin
A bear sighting near Ehtsea Ayha School in Deline on May 30 caused students, staff and parents to raise their guard for the day.
The bear was spotted behind the community arena, according to a statement from the school.
As such, recess was moved indoors and parents and guardians were asked to pick up their children at 3:45 p.m. through the front door.
“Staff will be on watch for the bear,” reads the statement.
It couldn’t be determined by press time whether the bear was found or spotted again during the remainder of the week.
– Erin Steele