Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
A new program in Fort Simpson aims to equip community members with life skills to better navigate the world sober.
Drop-In Sober Skills Group, an initiative of the Health and Social Services Authority, was scheduled to begin in September.
The group meets every Thursday between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Stanley Isaiah Wellness Centre.
On Sept. 20, the scheduled topic was sleep.
“The Community Counselling Program is inviting individuals at all stages of recovery to join our drop-in group which focuses on one sober-living skill each week,” states a bulletin advertising the program on social media.
– Erin Steele
Bye, bye tourists
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Community members in and around Fort Simpson said a roaring “neghohdae-si” to tourist season.
The Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre hosted a season ending campfire for the community complete with prizes, giveaways and food.
The celebration took place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Fort Simpson Territorial Park.
“Make sure to dress warm and bring your own marshmallow stick!” stated a bulletin on social media about the event.
At the bonfire, community members were treated hot dogs, s’mores, raffles, giveaways and more, according to the bulletin.
– Erin Steele
Mental health first aid offered
Sambaa K’e/Trout Lake
Those looking for free, practical, specific information about how to respond to a mental-health issue or emergency are invited to participate in an upcoming course in Sambaa K’e.
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is offing a free, three-day mental health first aid training from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12.
The course runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sambaa K’e Development Corp trailers.
The program aims to equip people with the equivalent of first aid skills, but for mental, rather than physical, health. It’s run by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
“Just like physical first aid is provided until medical treatment can be obtained, (mental health first aid) is given until appropriate support is found or until the crisis is resolved,” the commission stated on its website.
– Erin Steele
School back in full swing
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
Things are revving up at Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells as students wade deeper into the school year.
A recent community Facebook post from the school’s principal outlines several activities and events coming up.
Junior NBA was set to start on Sept. 22 at the school, open to all students in Grade 1 to Grade 3.
“This will be happening every Saturday until hockey season starts,” the post states.
That same week, guided reading for students in Grade 1 to Grade 6 was also set to begin.
That program involves students learning to read with other students, guided by a teacher.
An assembly scheduled for Sept. 28 was meant to dole out awards from the previous school year, distribute team T-shirts and more.
That was set to be followed by a car wash two days later on Sept. 30, as a Mackenzie Mountain School sports fundraiser.
Overall, an aim of the school is to connect with the wider town.
“As always, ... we value your input as a citizen of this community,” the post states.
– Erin Steele
Fort Liard all over literacy week
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
There was no shortage of activities planned for literacy week in Fort Liard, scheduled for Sept. 24 through Sept. 28.
The week, billed by Acho Dene Koe First Nation as being “for all community members” was scheduled to include daily events.
On Monday, “fun learning games” and crafts were scheduled for between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
There was set to be trivia on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, “Everyone in the kitchen” was a cooking circle at the community hall between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
There was a bingo night scheduled for Thursday evening, which included a door prize.
And on Friday a scavenger hunt was scheduled between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., also with a door prize.
– Erin Steele
AGM coming up in Tulita
Tulita/Fort Norman
At least 30 people are needed for quorum at the upcoming Tulita Land Corporation and Tulita Financial Corporation Annual General Meeting.
Scheduled for Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 at the Community Arena, the agenda primarily includes overviews of financial statements and reports.
Members can contribute to quorum by proxy, if necessary.
“A member may, by means of a written proxy, appoint a proxy holder to attend and act at the meeting by completing a proxy form,” stated a bulletin advertising the AGM on social media.
Proxy holders must be at least 18 years of age and a member of the land corp. They can hold a maximum of two proxies.
The land and financial corporation is a not-for-profit corporation representing Sahtu Dene and Metis of Tulita.
– Erin Steele