Latest news with #Behchokǫ̀
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dead bison in N.W.T.'s North Slave region might have had anthrax
Traffic on Highway 3 may be reduced to one lane over the weekend while crews plan to burn a bison carcass suspected of having an anthrax infection. In a news release Friday, the N.W.T. Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) said the possible anthrax case was found on the highway between Fort Providence and Behchokǫ̀. Lab results are still pending, but the statement said crews plan to burn the carcass on the side of the road Saturday and Sunday, if conditions allow. Incinerating the carcass prevents scavenging and the risk of spreading the disease if it is confirmed to be anthrax. ECC warned that there may be smoke and periods of low visibility near the site and asked drivers to reduce speed and follow traffic control directions but not to stop at the site. Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease in wildlife that can be dangerous to people and animals. The territory has seen anthrax outbreaks among bison in the past. Dozens of animals died in 2023, and hundreds died in 2012. ECC will be conducting aerial and ground surveillance for bison carcasses and sample other carcases. Anyone who comes across a sick or dead bison should stay away from the animal and report it to the wildlife emergency number at 1-866-762-2437.
CBC
3 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Future generations top of mind as Tłı̨chǫ assembly's youngest member starts term
Trent Rabesca, a 26-year-old from Wekweètì, N.W.T., says one of his goals as the youngest person appointed to the current Tłı̨chǫ assembly is to consider future generations in decision-making. Rabesca was sworn in to his role on Monday alongside Nathaniel Tom, another 26-year-old man from Wekweètì, as representatives of their community. The assembly is the law-making body of the Tłı̨chǫ government, and is meeting in Behchokǫ̀ this week as part of the Tłı̨chǫ annual gathering. Rabesca said serving as the youngest member means a lot to him — and it's a big responsibility. During his four-year term he hopes to get more young people involved in governance, and to emphasize culture and tradition over money. "I understand money is important," he said before Tuesday's meeting began. But, he pointed out, his ancestors lived a way of life that didn't rely on it. The assembly consists of 13 people: the chief and two representatives from each Tłı̨chǫ community, as well as the region's grand chief. Rabesca is "very likely" the youngest member in the assembly's 20-year history, a spokesperson for the Tłı̨chǫ government said in an email, but they couldn't confirm it citing privacy reasons. They said another member appointed in 2013 might have been around the same age. They also said Rabesca, Tom and Skye Ekendia — who, in her mid 30s and in her second term is also being acknowledged as a young person on the assembly — were selected at the community level and then appointed to their roles. Jackson Lafferty, who is the current grand chief, said the young members have a "heavy agenda" in front of them. "They'll be pressured to make decisions. But we're going to guide them," he said. "We need to mentor these young individuals, work with them. It's really great to see more young people engaged. Even the females, educated, on the council as well. Even the chiefs. But it has to take the whole community to deal with the matters." Mable Bohnet, a Behchokǫ̀ resident, said it's good to have young people in leadership roles because they know what's going on with the youth in their communities. "They're probably thinking or looking into the future to make changes for the young generations," she said. "They're starting young and hopefully, you know, they'll stay longer and you know, like accomplish what their dream is right now."
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tłı̨chǫ tree-planting project paused after death of helicopter pilot
A helicopter pilot who died Monday following a crash near Highway 3 had been part of a reforestation project, the Tłı̨chǫ government said in a news release Thursday. "This loss is felt deeply across our communities," Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty stated. On Monday afternoon, RCMP said the helicopter crashed about 1.5 kilometres from Highway 3, near Behchokǫ̀. The pilot died from his injuries. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating and has said it is working with Great Slave Helicopters — which the helicopter was registered to — to collect information. "We are proud of and grateful to the medical staff, tree planters, wildlife monitors, RCMP, and paramedics who responded swiftly and worked tirelessly in an effort to save the pilot's life," the Tłı̨chǫ government wrote. In its news release, the Tłı̨chǫ government said it would be pausing the reforestation project for "a period of reflection" and to prioritize its team's health and safety. After that, the government said, it "[hopes] to continue this meaningful work with both grief and gratitude in our hearts." The reforestation project aims to plant 12 million more trees on Tłı̨chǫ land.
CBC
30-06-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfires burning along Highway 3 between Fort Providence and Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T.
Social Sharing N.W.T. fire officials say there are new wildfires along Highway 3 between Fort Providence and Behchokǫ̀. In a Facebook post published just before 3 p.m. on Monday, N.W.T. Fire says that the fires are between kilometres 160 and 185 and that smoke is visible on both Highway 3 and Highway 9. The notice does not refer to any closure of the highway, and said more details would be provided in the evening update. As of 3:30 p.m., the N.W.T. highway conditions map showed the section road as open. There were no updates on the N.W.T. Infrastructure Facebook page.
CBC
11-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Another historical event,' Tłı̨chǫ grand chief says of new female chief in Behchokǫ
Tłı̨chǫ leaders say residents have opted for change after Bertha Rabesca-Zoe was voted to replace longtime chief Clifford Daniels to lead Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., after Monday's election. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty and Chief-elect Rabesca-Zoe say it's the first time a woman will lead the community. "I think being the first female chief has a lot of significance for many people, especially our young ladies," Rabesca-Zoe said. "With education and determination and commitment, you can achieve whatever goals you set for yourself." Rabesca-Zoe will become the third female chief out of four Tłı̨chǫ communities, joining Wekweètı̀ Chief Adeline Football and Gamètı̀ Chief Doreen Arrowmaker. Rabesca-Zoe described Behchokǫ̀ as a predominantly Catholic community and said she thinks some still carry the belief that women shouldn't lead but Monday's election shows a push for new direction. "I think people just generally were ready for change," she said. Lafferty also pointed to the fact that many of the new councillors are young, something that he said also signifies the public's want for fresh ideas for the region. Lafferty recognized outgoing Behchokǫ̀ chief Clifford Daniels, who served for 16 years, and outgoing Whatı̀ chief Alfonz Nitsiza. He said he's looking forward to working with all of the new and returning leaders. "It's another historical event," he said. "Things are changing with us." For Rabesca-Zoe, the first order of business will be to meet with council to set priorities. She said she's keen to get to work on tackling the housing and drug crises in her community. She says she's considering a 24-hour blockade to stop the flow of drugs into Behchokǫ̀ and will look forward to hearing other ideas on how best to serve the community.
