Dechita Naawo, a career training program run by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, received $2.4 million in federal funds to train 218 Indigenous students over a 3.5-year period."There are some very real barriers for many Indigenous people in our country," NWT MP Michael McLeod said in Ndilo yesterday.
Dechita Naawo, he said, gives students the opportunity to get "the skills-upgrading they need to get good jobs and gain the knowledge and confidence to launch their own businesses."
Students can train for jobs in construction, carpentry, the environmental sector and early childhood education, among others, said Margaret Erasmus, Dechita Naawo's program manager. She said Dechita
Naawo mixes time on the land with classroom training and work placements.
"We balance between what the interest is in the community ... and we see what industry needs are, so we make sure there's going to be jobs for what people are interested in," said Erasmus.
– Sidney Cohen
Dominion Diamond to lay off union workers
Dominion Diamond Mines intends to lay off 150 workers from the Ekati mine by October, stated a news release issued yesterday by the Union of Northern Workers.
The release states Dominion Diamond Mines plans to replace a number of entry-level union workers with contract workers in an effort to "increase profitability."
The cuts would only apply to Ekati as no other mine in the Northwest Territories currently employs union workers, said a NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines spokesperson.
Less than 10 per cent of the mine's total workforce would be affected by these layoffs as Ekati currently employs a total of 1,734 employees.
The UNW stated it would be filing grievances and unfair labour practice complaints with the Canada Industrial Relations board.
Dominion Diamond did not respond to interview requests as of press time.
– Dylan Short
Grill with the police
It's National Police Week and the Yellowknife RCMP is hosting a Detachment Open House today.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5010 Veteran's Memorial Dr., in the rear parking area of the building, stated a news release. The Mounties will be cooking a BBQ style lunch and offering detachment tours.
"Partnering law enforcement agencies will be also be present and providing information about their agencies," stated Const. Heather Cosenzo in the release.
"We hope you will accept this invitation to attend, learn more about the law enforcement officers in your community, and of course to help us celebrate National Police Week."
– James O'Connor
Give it away, or haul it to the dump
There will be a Curbside Giveaway Weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Residents are invited to put their fair condition items on the curbside, clearly marked as FREE, stated a news release.
The city reminds people only to take items clearly marked for giveaway throughout the weekend. All uncollected items must be removed from the curbside by property owners by Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Amnesty Week at the dump will run Saturday to Friday, May 25. During that time, the city will waive the residential $10 tipping fee. Other tipping fees still apply.
– James O'Connor
Green up your event
The City of Yellowknife in collaboration with Ecology North, Yellowknife Farmers Market and the GNWT has published a Sustainable Event Checklist.
The checklist provides event organizers with information on running a sustainable, zero waste, bottled water free, energy conscious event in Yellowknife, stated a news release.
The checklist focuses on waste reduction, active transportation, food procurement and catering, as well as "offering tips on how to support volunteers and event goers in order to better integrate principles of sustainability."
The checklist is available to download from the Ecology North and city websites.
– James O'Connor