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AROUND THE NORTH: Lights On seeking volunteers to kick off

Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

A program in Fort Simpson aimed at keeping youth busy and entertained on the weekends is getting ready to start up again Oct. 12.

But volunteers are needed to ensure the program continues through the December break. The commitment is minor.

“We need volunteers to sign up for just one evening between Oct. 12 and Dec. 31,” states a bulletin seeking volunteers.

The program opens Thomas Simpson Secondary School every Friday and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Students in Grade 7 to Grade 12 are invited to “hang out and socialize”.

Activities include cooking, crafts, ping pong, Wii games, board games, sports and more.

Volunteers are needed for supervision.

– Erin Steele

 

Men’s Talking Circle opens up

Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

A Men’s Talking Circle was scheduled to start back up in Fort Simpson at the end of August.

The Liidlii Kue First Nation Program welcomes men of all ages and cultures to the Liidlii Kue First Nation boardroom ever Wednesday at 7 p.m.

“The Circle is a place where men can find their voices and speak of things that get in their way,” states a bulletin about the program.

Some of those things may include grief and loss, feelings of hopelessness, alcohol and drugs, residential school experiences and relationships.

“There is no connection to any church,” states the bulletin.

“Each man is free to bring his own belief to the circle.”

A version of this talking circle also ran last year.

– Erin Steele

 

Connections with water explored

NWT

No matter what community in the NWT you’re from, one thing is certain: you live near a lake, river, stream or the ocean.

How you connect with water is the theme of the 2018 NWT Water Stewardship Multimedia Contest.

“Our hope is to have entries from every community in the NWT!” it states on the website explaining the contest.

The contest, put on by the GNWT, invites residents 25 years and younger to submit a photo, video, or artwork that highlights their connection to water.

“There are some new and exciting prizes up for grabs this year,” the website states.

Those hoping to submit have until 12 p.m. on Oct. 9 to do so.

– Erin Steele

 

Drumming before the freeze

Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard

In what was billed as the “last outdoor dance of the year,” community members in Fort Liard were invited to a full day and evening of drum-related activities Sept. 15.

To kick off the day, a drum workshop was scheduled for between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the arbour.

“Learn a few drum songs and the history of the drum. We might even play a handgame or two,” stated a bulletin on social media advertising the event.

All ages were welcome to that.

Then, at 7 p.m., the community was invited to a drum dance, also at the arbour, which was set to go until 10 p.m.

– Erin Steele

 

Learning centre opens doors

Deline/Fort Franklin

Aurora College’s Deline Learning Centre opened its doors to the public Sept. 14 for an open house luncheon.

“Drop by the learning centre to enjoy a meal and learn about the courses we are offering this fall semester,” stated a bulletin advertising the event, which ran between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

The college’s learning centres in communities throughout the territory are “an integral part of Aurora College as they are often the first contact that many students have with the College,” states its website.

Registration for the fall semester is now open.

– Erin Steele

 

Running for Terry

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

Norman Wells was among those communities in the territory to host a Terry Fox Run.

Participants laced up Sept. 15 and were scheduled to run, bike and walk the route.

Registration took place at 12:30, and the run began at 1, and was followed by a barbecue.

“Terry Fox’s dream lives in Norman Wells,” states ####a post from an organizer on the community’s Facebook forum.

Terry Fox’s vision is a world without cancer, and each year 9,000 runs are held across the country to raise money for the foundation with his name.

Terry Fox ran 5,373 kilometres across Canada with an amputated leg to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

His quest was cut short by his cancer spreading and he ultimately succumbed to the disease.

More than $750M has been raised in his name since.

– Erin Steele