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AROUND THE NORTH: Election coming up in Simpson

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Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

Four people are vying for chief and 15 are vying for eight spots on Liidlii Kue First Nation council in an election slated for Aug. 28.

A pre-election forum is set for Aug. 23 where the community will have an opportunity to put questions to all the candidates.

“All candidates are encouraged to attend the forum as per election code,” states a bulletin advertising the forum.

Candidates for chief include Gerald Antoine, Howard Hardisty, Steven Jose and Herb Norwegian.

Advance poll was set for Aug. 13 and mobile poll is scheduled for Aug. 21.

On election day, voting takes place between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the rec centre in Fort Simpson.

– Erin Steele

 

Days spent honouring Mother Earth

Tthek’ehdeli/Jean Marie River

Jean Marie River First Nation Band members were scheduled to spend a week honouring Mother Earth Aug. 13 to Aug. 19.

Honouring Mother Earth Camp invited members of the First Nation in the Deh Cho to Ekali Lake.

Elders, adults, youth, children and families were all invited.

“A great opportunity to just be on the land with your family in a group setting,” stated a bulletin advertising the camp.

The theme was “personal healing journey at your own pace,” states a bulletin advertising it.

Participants were asked to bring their own plates, bowls and cutlery to stay “green” and conform to the honouring Mother Earth theme.

– Erin Steele

 

Youth asked to participate in IMB

Deh Cho

The Dehcho First Nations Investment Management Board (IMB) is inviting area youth to take part in an upcoming meeting in Edmonton.

The appointed board reports annually to the Dehcho First Nations about the investment of its trust fund.

The meeting in Edmonton is one of the organization’s quarterlies and is scheduled for the week of Sept. 3.

The IMB is asking that all Deh Cho signatory communities submit two youth names for consideration.

Eligible youth must be between 18 and 30 and “interested in learning about the Trust, IMB, finance and investment processes,” states a bulletin on social media.

Of the names received, two will be selected by draw to go to the meeting.

“All travel arrangements, accommodations and meal allowances will be provided.

Names must be submitted by Aug. 20.

– Erin Steele

 

Harvester assistance applications now available

Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard

Harvesters with outpost camps can now apply for the Community Harvester Assistance Program run by Acho Dene Koe First Nation.

The program helps harvesters with the associated supply costs of their work.

“We kindly request that you fill out the application as soon as possible, with your requests,” states a bulletin advertised on social media.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 13.

Once all applications are received and are reviewed by a committee, harvesters will be notified.

“We will purchase your requested supplies as quickly as we can,” states the bulletin.

– Erin Steele

 

Back to school in Norman Wells

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

Students head back to Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells Aug. 27.

For little ones just starting kindergarten, the school is sharing information with families to help them prepare.

“Starting school is a big step in a child’s life,” states a document circulated on social media.

The document includes tips for parents that will help their children settle into class.

“Encourage your child to use language to make needs known,” states the list.

Also, “encourage your child to independently put on shoes, jackets, boots … etc.”

By encouraging these and similar habits at home, the transition will be easier.

“We look forward to working with you and your child in the next school year and the years to come,” states the bulletin.

The office at the school opens Aug. 20.

– Erin Steele

 

Honouring Ehtseo Ayha in Deline

Deline/Fort Franklin

It was scheduled to be busy week in Deline during the community’s annual Spiritual Gathering.

Between Aug. 14 and 20, there was no shortage of events and activities of spiritual, religious and healing purposes.

The annual event is held annually on the anniversary of the prophet Ehtseo Ayha’s birthday.

It was meant to support spiritual growth including dealing with past hurt, experiencing traditional life philosophies and discussion social problems and Dene history, legends and spirituality.

The week-long event had a “zero tolerance” policy for phones or electronics, recordings, photos, and drugs and alcohol.

A mental health and addictions counsellor was on-hand during the gathering to provide any needed support.

– Erin Steele