NWT
As part of healing and reconciliation efforts, First Nations and Metis citizens over 18 are invited to apply for funding through the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund."Preference will be given to former students of residential schools and their family members," stated a bulletin advertising the program.
Funding is available in three forms: scholarship, for university or college-level studies; bursary, for certificate and training programs; and award.
That last category is for individuals who wish to pursue cultural or traditional knowledge building.
"This could include learning a language or skill from an elder or expert, learning traditional ceremonies, or acquiring land-based skills," states the bulletin.
Those interested have until 5 p.m. on June 8 to apply.
– Erin Steele
Tsiigehtchic to host 30th Gwich'in Gathering
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
The Gwich'in Steering Committee announced it will host the 15th Biennial Gwich'in Gathering in Tsiigehtchic June 25 to 29.
The gathering of the Gwich'in Nation will, "reaffirm (the Gwich'in Nation's) commitment to protect the calving grounds of the porcupine caribou herd" stated the committee's Facebook page.
" ... the Gwich'in still stand united and oppose any and all oil and gas development in the Arctic Refuge," stated the post. "Gathering at a time like this is needed, we must come together in goodness and strength and discuss how to protect our ways of life."
The gathering is not only about protecting the refuge, it is also about the culture and the traditions that go with it. Family and friends will come together and reinforce the idea that the Gwich'in and the refuge are interwoven.
– Samantha McKay
Sharing circle aims to continue conversation sparked by MMIWG
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
On the heels of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIWG) stop in Yellowknife, a program offered by the Native Women’s Association is aiming to keep the conversation about abuse and inter-generational trauma going.
On May 15, the non-profit organization will host a sharing circle above the post office on Franklin Avenue in Yellowknife. The event, which runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., will offer guests the opportunity to share their stories.
“It’s a safe sharing together. It’s more about getting together and after-care. People can come to share – or listen – mainly on missing and murdered Indigenous women and systemic abuse,” said Marie Speakman, of the Native Women’s Association.
Speakman said the discussion is meant to provide guests with a platform to offer an update on their well-being post-inquiry.
“We’re keeping that going ... it’s a place where people can come to look after yourself in a way where you’re not alone. There’s support there, we’re here to share with one another,” said Speakman.
As families are affected by the topics that will be explored, Speakman said the circle won’t be limited to women, and all are welcome to share their experiences.
A short film documenting MMIWG will follow the sharing circle.
– Brendan Burke
Time for annual spring cleanup
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The dates for Fort Smith's annual Residential Spring Cleanup have been set.
The cleanup – promoted by the Town of Fort Smith – will begin on May 22 and conclude on June 2.
Tipping fees will be waived at the landfill for residential households and commercial businesses for the duration of the spring cleanup.
More information, including on the registration fee per household, is available from the Town of Fort Smith.
– Paul Bickford
Bearathon grows in 10th year
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
An annual run is celebrating its 10th year by adding on option to run a half-marathon.
Norman Wells Bearathon X is set for June 16 this year and will include three race distances.
A 1 km run for kids starts at 11 a.m.
The 5 km and 10 km walk/run begin at 11 a.m.
And the 21.1-km half-marathon starts at 7 a.m.
"BBQ and awards to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion," stated a bulletin advertising the event.
Participants had until May 11 to register.
The annual event is organized by the Norman Wells Running Club.
– Erin Steele
New GNWT fees
NWT
Changes to health fees and fees for vital statistics services, such as requests for marriage licenses or birth certificates, will come into effect on May 15.
A May 3 news release stated the changes are the result of standard procedure to review and adjust fees to reflect inflation during the past five years.
Fees are used to help offset the costs of providing services to NWT residents and to assist in sustaining the health and social services system.
GNWT departments are required to review their fees regularly to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Department of Health and Social Services reviews its fees every five years.
Fees for residents accessing their own health records under the Health Information Act have not changed.
– Paul Bickford
Spring show and sale at school
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Thomas Simpson Secondary School in Fort Simpson is opening its doors to the public May 17 at 7 p.m. for the TSS Spring Show and Sale.
Admission is just $2 and community members will be treated to both entertainment and light commerce.
On hand will be presentations from the drama class, the travel club's European tour and there will be hand-print animals and face painting,
There's also expected to be a concession stand and art sales.
– Erin Steele
Nursery school seeks registrations
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Fort Smith Co-operative Nursery School is inviting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year.
The deadline for registrations is May 18.
The program, which will run in the morning from Monday to Friday, is for children aged three and four years.
– Paul Bickford
DKFN seeks family for on-the-land program
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Deninu Ku'e First Nation in Fort Resolution is seeking a family of seven to attend an on-the-land travel program with Ni Hadi Xa – the organization responsible for monitoring the Gahcho Kue diamond mine.
The on-the-land program will take place at Fletcher Lake, northeast of the mine.
Each First Nation with a successful application will have one week at Fletcher Lake between July 1 and Aug. 31.
The program is designed to strengthen the connection between the communities and monitoring of the mine.
– Paul Bickford
ICS releases children's show on APTN
Inuvik
The Inuvialuit Communications Society's (ICS) new children's television show, Iglaq, premiered on APTN North May 12.
Iglaq, which means "to laugh" in Inuvialuktun, will focus on youth and learning the language.
Viewers will learn new words and phrases, learn how traditional items are made and hear stories from elder Gerry Kisoun, stated a release from ICS. The show will also feature the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers.
The 13-episode series will air every Saturday at 6:30 a.m. MST and will replay on Sundays at 7:30 a.m. MST.
– Samantha McKay