Latest news with #NWT
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hugs in the airport as Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę members arrive in Norman Wells, N.W.T. to celebrate self-government
Delanie Cormier and her family peered through the window of the airport in Norman Wells, N.W.T., Friday to get a glimpse of passengers getting off of one of the planes that had landed in the community. Warm embraces in the airport followed soon after. The Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę government has been celebrating the ratification of a self-government agreement this past week. Many Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'įnę members arrived in town for the weekend to mark the big milestone, and Cormier was among those waiting to greet them. "This is amazing that this is happening here in our hometown, I'm really happy that all my family and friends are here," said Cormier. "Most of them haven't seen where we grew up. I'm happy for that, for all of them, everybody to meet all the younger generations, that's our future. "It means everything, this is my home, and I'm very proud of the self-government team, what they've managed to make happen for our people." Norman Wells is at the heart of a major shift in governance as it begins implementing its self-government agreement, one shaped by decades of negotiations, the visions of elders, and the lived experiences of families. The Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'ı̨nę government, formerly known as the Norman Wells Land Corporation, is hosting celebrations this weekend to mark the ratification of the final agreement, which lays the groundwork for a new form of governance grounded in Dene and Métis law. Nolan Horner was one of around 90 passengers on a chartered plane that landed in Norman Wells. It's his first time in the community and he said it's surreal to be voting for the self-governance agreement and to be there in person. "It made it feel a little more real, and kind of connected the heritage a little bit more. And now coming up here it's a full circle moment,' said Horner. Sherry Hodgson, the president of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got'ı̨nę government, said these moments of reflection and reunion are a highlight of the celebration for her as well. "Some have never been here, and their family ties are from here. I think for them to see and be here.... Just knowing where their family came from is one of the most important things for me to see." The agreement was officially ratified by the community earlier this year. Hodgson said they're now entering the beginning of the next chapter. "There's a transition time where priorities are set, the goals, the laws, the procedures, regulations, and everything that comes along with creating the new government," said Hodgson. "We're all very excited about our next steps in this process." Implementation in the coming months The process ahead involves drafting new laws, creating administrative structures, and navigating relationships with the federal, territorial and municipal governments. Hodgson said a workshop is scheduled for August where leaders will begin developing a "starter kit" of laws that will be part of the groundwork required to fully transition to a self-government. Hodgson also emphasized the importance of honouring the legacy of those who came before. "We started as a Métis nation and moved on to the land corporation after the land claim was signed," she said. "There was always a firm belief that we could chart our own course ... to make our own decisions on the land." Not all of those who guided conversations over the years are still alive. Hodgson says their ideas remain central to the work ahead. Self governance workings across the Sahtu Self-government in the Sahtu is not limited to Norman Wells. Fred John Barnaby, a long-time band councillor and business arm representative, says Colville Lake is nearing the final stages of its own agreement. Barnaby was in Norman Wells as people began to arrive this week. "These are exciting times to be around and witnessing all these changes occurring," said Barnaby "We wanted to add on some of our old traditional ways.... Passed on through generations, through word of mouth and our oral traditions. We're trying to keep that alive and get back to our roots." Barnaby is hopeful that self-government will bring the autonomy and funding needed to build community programs that reflect local priorities, especially for youth facilities. For many residents, the weekend's events are not only about governance, but about culture and connection as well. "We need to remember ... and work in the direction that is positive for all of us, getting our families together and talking and discussing about their own elders within their own families, and how we would integrate them into what we're going to do tomorrow," said Hodgson. While many technical and political steps still lie ahead, for now, the focus is on celebration — and those coming home.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
RCMP to launch new approach to South Slave policing
RCMP in the South Slave region are preparing to roll out a new organizational structure they're hoping will improve policing in the area. NT RCMP Sgt. James Lai told NNSL Media that the three major detachments in the area — Hay River, Fort Resolution and Fort Smith — will share resources and staff in an effort to ensure that there's enough presence where it's needed. It will also help police curb drugs and alcohol moving between the communities, he added. The initiative is called 'Project Guardian.' 'We're choosing the name Guardian because it emphasizes and highlights what we do here,' said Lai. 'We're trying to protect not only the communities the RCMP loyally serves in the NWT, but we're also protecting our people. 'In listening to both our community leaders and our (RCMP) members, we've concluded we essentially need to do business different in the NWT, specifically in the South Slave area. 'What community leaders are asking for is more visibility, more police officers and more proactive work. So we are removing the boundaries of our detachment areas to allow us to efficiently and effectively redeploy police officers in areas that have increased criminal activity. Criminals don't abide by borders or boundaries, and our police shouldn't either,' Lai added. Overall, the RCMP in the NWT had a 27 per cent vacancy for positions across the territory, including in the South Slave region. By pooling resources and staff, Lai said local detachments will also be more visible in communities, which he hopes will be reflected in more people reaching out to police when there's trouble. Day-to-day operations are not expected to change much, but there will be more police moving through communities, which Lai says will mean more police vehicles on highways. He said the three detachments will have a rotating schedule with the goal of having enough personnel on hand during peak times in each community. He also noted having the three detachments gives RCMP a 'surge capacity' to quickly move officers to a specific area in the event of an emergency. A second factor in the RCMP's organizational change is for the officers themselves. Lai noted being a police officer can be an isolating job and coming into a Northern community can exacerbate that feeling of isolation. So to help support the mental health of officers, Lai said having the pooled resources would aid officers in feeling at home in their communities. To that end, police are asking community members to help police feel welcome by simply reaching out to them and saying hello. 'You might not know the first name of the community police officer you meet in the store,' said Lai. 'We're encouraging community members when you see police officers you don't know, please introduce them. 'Part of this project is making sure our police officers are exposed to different patrol areas they traditionally wouldn't be.' A little known fact, said Lai, is RCMP officers in smaller communities are on call 24/7 — if a police officer is off duty and gets a call for service, they're effectively on duty. Having to be ready for action at any given point during the day can be taxing enough on mental health, so by pooling resources from the three smaller detachments, officers can actually get a break. This is hoped to reduce burnout and keep officers in the communities they're assigned to. 'I strongly feel that will increase our service delivery,' said Lai. 'So that way when the members are attending calls for service, they're refreshed, rested and able to provide the service communities are expecting of us. 'The long-term plan is not only protecting our members but retaining our members who are here. If they're supported, rested and able to see other areas, once we start showing our membership the gems of the North, we're going to have retention up here.' Project Guardian will be rolled out in a phased approached. The initial push was getting the word out and the program will be implemented throughout the rest of the year. A review of the project with feedback from community partners is planned for completion by Dec. 31. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
NWT, Nunavut and Yukon sign free trade framework agreement with Ontario
Premiers of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Ontario have signed a memorandum of understanding to break down barriers to free trade among the four jurisdictions. Details of the agreement were announced July 22. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) itself was signed a day earlier in Huntsville, Ont. 'For the North to reach its full economic potential, we need to reduce the barriers that make it harder for our people and businesses to connect with the rest of the country — and for them to connect with us,' said NWT Premier R.J. Simpson. 'This agreement is a step toward that: supporting labour mobility, streamlining certification and opening up new opportunities for Northerners. 'It reflects a shared commitment to building a more open, connected and resilient Canadian economy.' Under the terms of the agreement, all four governments say they will work to align safety regulations to eliminate barriers to moving goods and services, as well as aim to align professional regulations to enable better cross-border employment opportunities. All parties also agree to strive, 'where feasible,' to eliminate any unnecessary costs to businesses and workers in moving and trading across jurisdictions. They are also promising to adopt a 30-business-day standard for issuing certifications and licences to regulated professions. Nothing in the MOU is legally binding. The document also notes all parties recognize that Ontario no longer has any exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement. 'This MOU is a strategic opportunity for Nunavut to enhance labour mobility, reduce trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties with other jurisdictions,' said Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok. 'It positions Nunavut to be a more connected and competitive player in Canada's economy.' In 2021, trade between Ontario and Nunavut was estimated at $1.7 billion. Trade between Ontario and the NWT was estimated at $800 million, the same amount value as the province's trade with Yukon. Making it easier to move goods, services and workers through the country will help shield the economy from outside threats, such as those made by current U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly stated he wants to annex Canada and turn it into a 51st state in addition to imposing tariffs on various goods. 'This agreement between Ontario and the territories is about making it easier for people, goods and ideas to move across the country,' said Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. 'It's an important step in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for workers, businesses and communities in the North — building on progress we've already made. 'By working together, we're helping ensure that the territories, including the Yukon, can fully participate in and contribute to Canada's economy,' Pemberton added. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Inuit leader Natan Obed ready to 'meet in the middle' to 'build a better Canada'
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, is co-chairing a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Inuvik, N.W.T., on Thursday with a focus on the Liberal government's major projects law.
CBC
7 days ago
- General
- CBC
$200M legacy fund for day school survivors now open for applications
The $200-million legacy fund for federal day school survivors and their families is now open for applications. The McLean Legacy Fund is for survivor-led initiatives for collective healing, wellness, language, culture, commemoration, and truth telling. "We've been waiting for this day," said Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation elder Claudette Commanda, who is CEO of the McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation. "It's very promising. There's finally something there for us. Let's take advantage of what is there for us to build what our communities, what our survivors [need]," she said. The corporation's board will consider funding submissions received between now and the end of September, with funds expected to flow by January 2026, according to the settlement fund website. Only survivor applicant groups or communities can request funding. They are outlined in Schedule K of the settlement, which lists recognized federal day schools. Canada ran 29 day schools in the N.W.T., 30 in Nunavut, and 13 in Yukon, according to that list. Individual survivors and groups of individuals are not eligible for funding alone, the fund's website states. The legacy fund is part of the larger $1.47-billion class action settlement, and is distinct from the individual compensation money, said Commanda. The first round of submissions are open for survivor committees and for community programs and projects, the settlement states. Communities can apply to support existing programs they already run, such as men's healing lodges and language preservation. There is money to hire healers and mental support workers, especially for commemoration programming, she said. "Survivor communities, they know what's needed and they're in the best position to develop whatever program and services are needed to meet those needs of wellness, language, truth telling [and] commemoration," she said. 'Justice for day school survivors' The legacy fund is named in honour of the late Garry McLean, from Lake Manitoba First Nation, the lead plaintiff representing hundreds of thousands of survivors in the Federal Indian Day Schools Class Action case. McLean advocated for justice and healing for survivors of day school institutions where abuse was "rampant," said Commanda. She said he "spearheaded the justice for day school survivors" who were excluded from the residential school negotiations. "Regardless of the fact that the Indian Day Schools were on reserve and we went home each night to our families, it was still the same objective — assimilation, the loss of language and culture," said Commanda. Students at these institutions were not allowed to speak their language and not allowed to know anything about their culture and identity, she said. Communities can apply for up to $25,000 to establish a survivor committee. Establishing one is not mandatory, but encouraged to ensure programming is survivor-led, she said. The fund is split among four areas: Collective healing is important, said Commanda, noting that survivors of day schools may also be survivors of multiple "devastating federal policies," including residential school, the child welfare system, boarding schools, and segregated hospitals. "Regardless of what policy that we fell under or that we've experienced, there's still that trauma and our communities have to heal, period. Survivors, you're not alone," she said.
