Mackenzie Days back for 2018
Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence
Mackenzie Days will be back this August after a four-year hiatus.
"A cooling down period was required," Linda Croft told News/North, adding the weekend had largely become about alcohol, parties and arrests.
"The event has been missed by many including local and out of town attendees. A new committee has taken over and we are planning the event based on culture, tradition, family with a significant focus on ensuring that it doesn’t become an alcohol fed event like it had been the last several years of its existence," said Croft.
This year, there will be no "tent city" where out-of-towners camped.
"Tent city was intended for people to stay and enjoy the events; instead it became a rat’s nest where people partied and RCMP often frequented."
Among the events being considered during the weekend – set for Aug. 2 to 5 – is a pageant, canoe and/or raft races, a fishing derby, traditional events, youth and adult talent shows, a cake decorating contest, among many others. It will be western themed.
It’s sew fun
Tthek'ehdeli /Jean Marie River
A sewing circle for women is starting up in Jean Marie River.
"Let’s get together, have tea, healthy snacks and sew with each other," states a bulletin advertising the program.
"Bring your own sewing!"
The circle will take place in council chambers every Wednesday between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
"Once a month, I would like to invite an elder/sewer to give us some tips and tricks on different sewing items," states Jean Marie River SAO Brenda McDonald in the bulletin.
"I am making a mother hubbard parka for my granddaughter!"
– Erin Steele
Anxiety workshop promotes wellness
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
With aims of making a difference in the lives of Fort Liard community members, a four-week anxiety workshop began Feb. 7.
Participants will meet every Wednesday afternoon between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. through Feb. 28.
"It’s a detailed workshop to help individuals with anxiety," said Jacqueline Spies, manager of community services, who is facilitating the group.
Spies, who also holds a master’s degree in social work, says the workshop is a component of Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s ongoing promotion of community wellness.
As of Feb. 2, four people had signed up, with others expressing interest in a similar workshop during the evenings.
– Erin Steele
Moved by music
NWT
As part of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre’s territory-wide programming, a taste of Down Under will reach the palates of community members around the territory.
Australians Shane Howard and Yirrmal Marika are touring the territory with stops in the Deh Cho, Sahtu and the South Slave as well as Yellowknife.
"Howard combines a deep understanding of poetic and musical folk tradition," it states in NACC’s 2017-18 program.
Marika "is an aspiring songwriter and guitarist with a beautifully powerful voice, singing songs about his homeland and culture with feeling and depth beyond his years."
They play Feb. 19 in Fort Smith, Feb. 20 in Norman Wells, Feb. 22 in Inuvik, Feb. 24 in Yellowknife, Feb. 26 in Fort Simpson and Feb. 28 in Hay River.
– Erin Steele
DEA seeks member
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The body that governs education in Fort Simpson has an empty seat.
The Fort Simpson District Education Authority is seeking an "eligible community member" to fill the vacancy through to October.
The successful candidate must be at least 18 years old and have lived in the community for at least 12 consecutive months.
Eligible and interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest to the authority.
The Fort Simpson Education District shares borders with the community and falls within the larger Dehcho Education Division.
The authority’s mission is multifaceted but overall is "committed to providing a child centered learning environment through the delivery of programs and policies."
– Erin Steele
Week-long addictions workshop
Tthets'ek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Jean Marie River First Nation is putting on five-day addictions workshop scheduled to begin Feb. 19.
"This will be a workshop to support and assist our members to deal with addictions and to teach those who live with addicts how to be supportive," states a bulletin advertising the workshop, set to run through Feb. 23.
"Addictions hurt our children, families and community, but there is hope for change."
The workshop will be facilitated by Pat and Betty Bernard.
Participants are asked to register beforehand.
"Take the chance to make this choice for your future," the bulletin states.
– Erin Steele