Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence
As a revived Mackenzie Days draws closer in Fort Providence, organizers continue to prepare for the August long-weekend festival.
Already conforming to the festival’s Western Theme, organizers have issued a good old-fashioned wanted ad for vendors.
“Seeking individuals looking to peddle their wares and wrangle up some cash at this year’s Mackenzie Days Festival,” stated the bulletin.
Interested vendors are asked to register by July 15, but can access an early booking discount if they register by June 30.
Out-of-town vendors pay a small fee to sell their wares at the festival, but the society that runs the festival is waiving Fort Providence-based vendors’ fees.
Mackenzie Days is a long-time Fort Providence celebration, back after a hiatus.
– Erin Steele
Discussion in the Deh Cho
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The people of the North are well acquainted with the impacts of melting permafrost.
As such, a gathering co-hosted by the Dehcho First Nations and Scotty Creek Research Station in Fort Simpson May 29 aims to broach the topic with the community.
Permafrost Thaw in the Dehcho: Community Discussion is a regional gathering “to share and discuss concerns about permafrost, and how we can respond to these challenges,” stated a bulletin advertising the talk.
“Permafrost thaw is changing the lands and creating new challenges for land users,” stated the bulletin.
The talk runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Recreation Centre.
“Lunch served at noon, snacks at 5 p.m.”
– Erin Steele
Lafferty ferry hours to expand
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Liard River ferry will see a change in its schedule – 6 a.m. will be the new 8 a.m. for this season, thanks to an agreement with Enbridge that will see the service running two hours earlier than usual each morning.
Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson announced the deal with Enbridge, which allows the company to work on its Line 21 Replacement Project.
“This enhanced ferry service is being 100 per cent funded by Enbridge for as long as they require it,” stated Thompson.
The MV Lafferty began its seasonal work ferrying people across the Liard River near Fort Simpson on May 11 – the first NWT ferry to become operational this season.
“This service will be available to all residents for the duration of this industry contribution,” stated Thompson.
“I would like to thank Enbridge for thinking about the residents of the riding and working with the department to include others to use this service.”
It couldn’t be confirmed by press time whether the new hours had already come into effect.
– Erin Steele
Fort Liard gets handgames ready
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
As the date draws closer to the 4th annual Acho Dene Koe Handgames Tournament Aug. 17 to 19 in Fort Liard, the community is getting ready.
Handgame practice is ramping up, with practices every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m. for all ages.
“Come out and enjoy the drumming while getting some practice,” stated a bulletin.
The tournament itself will be a triple knockout style, with eight players per team, and an optional alternate.
The tournament is for ages 12 and up, with a $1,000 entry fee.
The pot is $25,000, and it will be held at the Arbour.
– Erin Steele
‘The heart of police week’
Deline/Fort Franklin
To mark this year’s National Police Week, the Deline RCMP detachment opened its doors to the community on May 18.
Between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. community members were invited to participate in a draw for a Northern Store gift card and a Deline Keep Calm T-shirt.
Children received treats and colouring sheets.
National Police Week ran May 13 through May 19 this year.
It began in 1970 “as a way for police to connect with their communities and increase awareness about the services they provide,” stated an announcement on the RCMP website.
“Community policing is at the heart of police week.”
– Erin Steele
Groups work together to clean up hamlet
Tulita/Fort Norman
The Hamlet of Tulita divvied out community spring cleanup work to a handful of organizations in a very strategic way.
Between May 22 and May 25, the community was divided into numbered areas, with each participating organization responsible for a specific area.
“Each organization that completes their clean-up will be entered into a draw for one grand prize of $500,” stated a bulletin advertising the plan.
Fifteen groups and organizations were set to take part, including the Metis Office, Chief Albert Wright School and Parks Canada.
On May 25, each area was inspected, followed by a cookout in the afternoon “to thank everyone for their support.”
– Erin Steele