Behchoko/Rae
The annual sports festival that sees Northwest Territories youth testing their strength and skills in a handful of sports will take place in Behchoko this summer.
Mackenzie Youth Summer Games will take place Aug. 20 to 24.
Youth ages six to 18 will compete in a number of activities, which in the past has included canoeing, soccer, swimming, golf, Frisbee gold, mini-Olympics, bubble soccer, field games, basketball, traditional games, and dance.
Last year’s Mackenzie Youth Summer Games were held in Gameti.
The games is a signature event of the Mackenzie Recreation Association, which collaborates with communities, groups and individuals to support recreation, volunteer and leadership opportunities.
– Erin Steele
Dreams of flying?
Deh Cho
Students with their eyes to the sky have an opportunity to apply for a number of available aviation-related scholarships.
The scholarships, from Dehcho Regional Helicopters and Deh Cho Airways, are available to any First Nation and Metis student in the Nahendeh Region.
The Fixed-Wing or Helicopter Pilot Scholarship offers $30,000 for a student enrolled in an accredited program of that sort.
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Scholarship offers seven $3,000 scholarships.
The Aviation Support Services Scholarship offers two $1,500 scholarships meant to promote the non-operational side of the industry.
Eligible roles for that scholarship includes accounting, logistics, human resources, business management, sales and marketing and in-flight paramedics.
Those eligible have until Aug. 31 to apply.
– Erin Steele
Simpson to Wrigley or bust
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
A group of young adults have a unique opportunity to travel to the Dehcho Assembly in Wrigley later this month.
On July 18, a group will leave Fort Simpson by canoe and paddle to Wrigley for the Dehcho Assembly which takes place from July 24 to 27.
Young adults ages 18 to 30 were encouraged to apply.
“The aim is to have one participant per Dehcho community/organization,” states a bulletin advertising the excursion, called 2018 Yundah Gogha – For the Future.
The trip, co-ordinated by Dehcho First Nations, is focused on cultural immersion, education on the Dehcho Process, health and wellness and physical activity.
“Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Dene values, law and understanding through trip content,” states the bulletin.
– Erin Steele
Sahtu youth to hike Canol Trail
Sahtu
A group of Sahtu youth are expected to hike the Canol Trail from July 16 to 21.
Youth ages 13 to 21 were encouraged to apply for the 2018 Canol Youth Leadership Hike.
“Are you interested in challenging yourself, improving your leadership skills, and connecting with Mother Nature?” stated a bulletin advertising the hike.
The annual hike, organized by the Sahtu Renewable Resources Council, guides participants on a section of trail, dubbed “Canada’s Toughest Trail,” according to the bulletin.
The Canol Heritage Trail is a 355-kilometre trail that runs from Norman Wells to the Yukon Border.
– Erin Steele
Election prep in Norman Wells
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
The first of two information sessions about a fall municipal election in Norman Wells is set for July 19 at the town office.
Those interested in running for mayor or councillors are invited to attend that session, or the one following it on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.
The election will take place on Oct. 15, with the nomination period opening on Sept. 4.
The community will elect a mayor and six councillors.
In October 2017, the territorial government dissolved Norman Wells’ municipal government, stating the town was having “operational difficulties.”
Since then, the town has been administered by the territorial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, which stated at the time it will work with the newly elected council come October.
– Erin Steele
Territorial park gets lively
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
MacKinnon Territorial Park in Norman Wells was set to be abuzz with activity July 14 for Parks Day between noon and 4 p.m.
Organized by the GNWT, the afternoon was expected to include live music from Yellowknife-based Rebels Without Applause, fresh trout from Great Bear Lake, and a bouncy castle.
Also expected was a taste test of salsa and pie filling made from locally-grown agriculture.
An arts and craft sale with wares from local artists was also planned.
The park, on the banks of the Mackenzie River, includes an event stage, gazebo, playground and tipis.
– Erin Steele