NWT
Youth who feel proud about living in the Northwest Territories have a chance to take that feeling to the next level.
The territorial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is accepting applications for the 2018-19 NWT Youth Ambassador Program until Sept. 19.
The program “gives youth an opportunity to build leadership skills through participation and special events and volunteer assignments,” according to a bulletin call-out for applications.
Former ambassadors have attended the Arctic Winter Games, Canada Winter Games, Canada Summer Games and the North American Indigenous Games.
“Applicants are selected based on community involvement, commitment to a healthy lifestyle and a personal reflection on how the (program) will help them in the future,” states the bulletin.
NWT residents between 16 and 24 as of Feb. 1, 2019 are encouraged to apply.
– Erin Steele
Party at the beach
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
A rescheduled beach party in Fort Simpson was set to take place Aug. 24.
The River Front Beach Party – co-organized by Deh Cho Friendship Centre and Health Promotion – was scheduled to be at the beach beside the arbor.
“Come on out for an afternoon of fun, games and learn about water safety,” stated a bulletin advertising the event.
Children younger than 7 years old needed a parent or guardian to accompany them.
Participants were asked to bring a towel and water bottle.
“Life jackets will be available,” stated the bulletin.
The event, originally scheduled for Aug. 17, was considered “weather permitting”.
– Erin Steele
Popular cancer fundraiser back
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The annual CIBC Run For Our Lives fundraiser is hitting the streets of Fort Simpson Sept. 29.
The event – a 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km walk and run raises money for cancer research.
A key aspect of the fundraiser is that all money raised stays within the territory.
Those fundraising for the run can now pick up their pledge sheet at CIBC.
“Top fundraiser will win a return flight from Yellowknife to Edmonton with Canadian North,” states a bulletin advertising the event.
On Sept. 29, all three runs take off at 1 p.m. Registration is at noon.
– Erin Steele
Market to have included cake contest
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
A lucrative cake-decorating contest was poised to be a key feature of the Norman Wells Farmers Market Aug. 25.
The contest, offering a $500 cash prize, followed an auction style, according to a bulletin advertising it.
“People can bid on your cake via silent auction during the Farmers Market,” it states.
Bidding was set to go for three hours, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Half the proceeds from that were set to go to the Farmers Market, and half to the SPCA.
The cash-prize was to go to the person whose cake went for the highest bid.
Details of the contest, including its winner, were not available by press time.
– Erin Steele
Fire department hosts community event
Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence
With a plan to return to service, the Fort Providence fire department opened the fire hall doors to the community for an open house barbecue Aug. 21.
In March, the department was reduced to a basic level of service, due to a lack of volunteers.
Aside from the barbecue, the event – scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – was to include “an update on the progress of the department to return to service,” it states in an event advertising the evening.
As well as a tour, and free fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, information about joining the fire department was also expected to be discussed.
“If you are interested in joining the fire department you can stick around for the fire department meeting,” it stated on the event page.
The original plan was to get the fire department back to defensive service (able to put out fires) by mid to late June, according to an article from another news source.
– Erin Steele
Metis council to send fiddlers and jiggers to Hay River
Deh Gah Got’ie Koe/Fort Providence
Metis membership from Fort Providence will descend on the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre for the annual fiddling and jigging competition in September, thanks to the Metis Council.
“Metis Council office will be sponsoring membership to attend the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre Annual Fiddling and Jigging Competition,” states a bulletin advertising the initiative.
The competition is scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.
The Metis council is sending membership there on Saturday, Sept.1, according to the bulletin.
Both fiddling and jigging are divided into categories: seniors, adults, youth, and children.
The competition is a popular one, drawing participants and spectators from across the territory and beyond.
– Erin Steele