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AROUND THE NORTH: Lights On off for summer

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Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

The program that opened Thomas Simpson School every Friday and Saturday Night since October is taking its summer break.

“Lights On is now finished for the summer,” states a bulletin advertised on social media.

“Huge thank you to the supervisory staff, volunteers, TSS, Rec Centre and the DEA for ensuring the success of the Lights On program!”

The program – an initiative of Liidlii Kue First Nation – was intended to keep youth grades 7 to 12 occupied during the weekend evening hours.

Lights On will start up again in the fall.

– Erin Steele

 

Drivers’ to be certified

Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence

For drivers wishing to take the next step, a driver examiner and issuer will be in Fort Providence Aug. 22.

The territorial Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice to area residents stating the examiner and issuer will be at the office in the DOT Highways yard between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.; and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. that day.

“All written and road exams must be booked and paid for between 10:30 and 12 p.m., no exceptions,” states the notice.

Only cash payments will be accepted.

“Appointments are on a first come first serve basis.”

To get an appointment, residents must have a birth certificate, plus one other piece of ID.

A bill or lease agreement as proof of residency will also be required.

– Erin Steele

 

First-aid classes offered around territory

NWT

Because territorial residents loved taking free first-aid-training courses by Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission (WSCC), the organization is offering them again.

“Due to popular demand, we are continuing to offer additional classes and expand our reach this year,” states a bulletin advertising the initiative.

So long as there are more than 12 people per class, the two-day courses will take place, with certified first-aid providers travelling into each community.

Classes were already scheduled to take place in Fort Good Hope and Tulita in July.

In September, classes will take place in Fort Providence and Deline.

The WSCC will also be travelling to Nunavut to put on the same two-day workshops.

Maximum class size is 18.

– Erin Steele

 

Wellness a priority in Fort Liard

Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard

Acho Dene Koe First Nation is following through on its commitment to a greater focus on wellness.

The Fort Liard-based First Nation’s community wellness arm is offering a number of upcoming events and activities meant to bring the community together and promote healthy living.

An afternoon for family crafts was scheduled for Aug. 1 with participants learning a chromatography science experiment.

On Aug. 2 and 3, community members were invited to make beaded headbands.

Aug. 8 is another family craft night where parents and children can together make slime and Aug. 9 is the deadline for the band’s poetry contest.

The person who brings in their “best poetry” will win a mini iPad.

– Erin Steele

 

New Deline council gets to work Sept. 1

Deline/Fort Franklin

A new council will take office exactly two years after Deline self-government became a reality.

On Sept. 1, 2016, Deline self-government came into effect.

On July 11, the community elected its first council under the Deline Got’ine Government Elections Act.

On Sept. 1 of this year, that new council will get to work.

Leeroy Andre was elected chief. Councillors include Danny Bayha, Tommy Betsidea, Dora Blondin, Georgina Dolphus, Leonard Kenny, Sidney Tutcho and Walter Bezha.

The push for self-government in Deline was at least a decade long.

It is the first community in the NWT to be governed this way: all residents who live in the community fall under the government’s jurisdiction; but some positions like chief are only available to First Nations members.

– Erin Steele

 

Youth centre abuzz for summer

Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence

With the summer sun blaring and school out, the youth centre in Fort Providence is buzzing with activities.

Nearly every day there’s something going on between mid-afternoon and evening.

Activities for the week of July 31 through Aug. 4 were set to include both outdoor activities and video games.

Also tag, hide-and-seek, a water fight, plus movies and snacks were all on the docket.

On Aug. 4, all scheduled activities were off because of the Mackenzie Days carnival, which stretched throughout the long weekend.

Youth activities normally take place at the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre.

– Erin Steele