Latest news with #NWT
CBC
2 hours 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.
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
Federal contribution to $375M conservation deal formalized in Yellowknife
Canada's environment minister signed an agreement Monday for the federal government's financial contribution to a "transformative" Indigenous-led conservation deal in the N.W.T. More than 20 Indigenous governments in the territory, along with the federal and territorial governments, signed a $375 million deal last fall called Our Land For the Future, which uses a project finance for permanence model that combines government and private dollars for long-term conservation on a large scale. The deal took another step forward Monday when Julie Dabrusin, the federal minister of environment and climate change, put her signature on an agreement that will transfer $300 million to the trust that's managing the money. Another $75 million is expected to come from private donors. "This isn't just a conservation announcement, it's really a global milestone," said Dabrusin. "This is about putting Indigenous leaders at the centre of decision making when we're talking about this land conservation." The agreement's primary purpose is to support Indigenous-led initiatives to conserve and steward land and water in the N.W.T. That is – to identify and establish more protected and conserved areas. It says Indigenous partners intend to protect nearly 233,000 square kilometres of land and water in the N.W.T. through new protected and conserved areas. That's a little more than 17 per cent of the territory, and a little more than two per cent of Canada. The secondary focus of the agreement is conservation-related activities that aren't tied to protected and conserved areas. Rather than being measured in hectares, the agreement says, they can be measured by things like increases to food security, cultural revitalization, knowledge and community wellness. Danny Yakeleya has been appointed chair of the Our Land for the Future Trust, which will manage the money. He said the agreement is "transformative" and will mean a lot for N.W.T. communities, like his own home of Tulita. "We're looking at two protected areas. One is the Willow Lake area, it's a biosphere, very sensitive for ducks," he said. "The other is in the mountains." Danny Gaudet, the Ɂek'wahtı̨dǝ́ (chief) of Deline, said for 21 Indigenous governments to work together is "unprecedented." He also said the deal will give communities the resources to document on paper what they've been saying is out on the land. "So that we could prove to the people that, guess what? The world is drying up, the plant is changing, we need to adjust to what's happening," he said. "There's a disconnect between Indigenous people that actually know everything about the land and water resources … and the legislators that are actually making decisions. There's a huge disconnect. This is an opportunity to actually start connecting it." Yakeleya said there's still a lot of work to do before funding starts flowing to communities, such as finding an office space, hiring staff, and nailing down a distribution policy for the money. He hopes the funding can start being dispersed in the fall. Yakeleya said he was one of the negotiators who brought the Sahtu Land Claim Agreement to fruition in the '90s. Back then, he said, he would not have been able to wrap his head around an agreement like Our Land for the Future.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
New fentanyl-related drugs discovered in Yellowknife wastewater
Health officials are advising that two fentanyl-related drugs have been discovered in Yellowknife wastewater for the first time. A notice from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer details the two new drugs which are often found cut with fentanyl. 'This is the first time these substances have been detected anywhere in the NWT. Both substances can cause harmful effects in humans based on potency,' said NWT Health and Social Services Authority communications manager Andrew Wind on July 21. 'Neither can be detected with a fentanyl test strip. One of the substances discovered is isotonitazene, an experimental opioid which was synthesized in the 1950s but never put into medical use as it was considered too unstable compared to other opioids. While they cannot be detected with a fentanyl test strip, an overdose can be countered with Naloxone. In April 2025, Fort Smith RCMP reported three deaths related to isotonitazene. The other substance, Xylazine, is a veterinary tranquilizer which is often cut with opioids. It is not an opioid itself, and an overdose cannot be countered with Naloxone, nor will it show up on a fentanyl test strip. Deaths by overdose due to fentanyl cut with Xylazine have been popping up since 2024. The drug is typically found to make fentanyl overdoses worse and limit the ability of Naloxone to counter the effects. Skin lesions have also been seen on parts of the body where the drug is injected. There are no visual cues fentanyl could be mixed with either substance, nor do they have any smell or taste. 'While Naloxone, an opioid-reversing agent, will not stop effects of Xylazine, it should still be used as it will reverse the effects when opioids are also consumed,' said Wind. 'It is important to know that Xylazine may cause sedation that will last even after Naloxone has restored normal breathing. Additional doses may not be required but emergency responders (9-1-1) should still be called to help. 'We cannot tell how these drugs are appearing on the street just from information gathered from wastewater. They are most commonly used as additives to alter illegal opioids, but users of all drugs are urged to take extra precaution,' Wind added. In light of this development, residents should be on the lookout for the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 or their local health centre if they suspect they are witnessing one. Signs include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; dizziness and confusion; very small pupils; unresponsiveness (unable to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at); signs of hypoxia (bluish skin); slow, weak or no breathing; blue, purple or grey lips or nails; cold and clammy skin and choking, gurgling or snoring sounds. Officials are also reminding residents that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged with possession of a controlled substance — this is to encourage users to come forward in an emergency to get the medical help needed to stay alive. Wastewater samples in Yellowknife have been monitored for illegal substances since July 2024. 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 .
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada signs $300 million grant to launch one of the world's largest Indigenous-led land conservation projects Français
YELLOWKNIFE, NT, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Danny Yakeleya, Chair of the Our Land for the Future Trust, signed a historic grant agreement to launch NWT: Our Land for the Future, one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Backed by $375 million in new investments, including $300 million from Canada and $75 million from philanthropic partners, NWT: Our Land for the Future will support Indigenous-led stewardship and conservation across some of the world's most intact boreal and tundra ecosystems while creating hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs across the territory. Indigenous partners to NWT: Our Land for the Future aim to conserve and steward up to 380,000 square kilometres of land and inland water, which is nearly 30% of the territory, including the protection and conservation of over 2% of Canada in new terrestrial and freshwater areas. This represents a space almost seven times the size of Nova Scotia. Key activities and initiatives that could receive funding include: Indigenous Guardians, with support for operations, training, recruitment, and career development of Guardians who monitor ecological health, protect cultural sites, and safeguard sensitive areas and species. Establishing and stewarding Protected Areas, Conserved Areas, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), both new and existing. Climate action, including research, impact assessments, adaptation strategies, and mitigation activities related to climate change. Local and regional conservation-based economic developments, such as Indigenous harvesting economies, ecotourism, cultural tourism, traditional arts, and artisanal enterprises will not only contribute to environmental preservation but also provide sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and the region at large. This groundbreaking partnership involves 21 Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors working together to advance Indigenous-led stewardship in the North for the benefit of all Canadians. Today marks a pivotal moment in our efforts toward climate action and conservation. NWT: Our Land for the Future stands out as one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation efforts globally, aiming to foster sustainable practices and economic growth throughout the Northwest Territories. This initiative, led and governed by Indigenous peoples, will advance large-scale, long-term conservation, stewardship, and economic development throughout the Northwest Territories. It will generate hundreds of good, culturally meaningful jobs, sustaining Indigenous ways of life for generations to come and drive climate action and resilience. This initiative shows the progress possible through a tailored regional approach, engaging communities to identify important ecological and cultural areas. This not only provides clarity for industries but also streamlines conservation planning and project approvals. Initiatives like this will make it possible to protect these natural spaces for future generations. Quotes "Indigenous peoples are recognized globally as leaders in environmental stewardship and NWT: Our Land for the Future is another powerful example of this leadership. This agreement represents unprecedented collaboration and moves NWT: Our Land for the Future from planning to action, allowing for meaningful progress toward our 30 by 30 goal. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to reconnection by protecting natural spaces and building a better future for generations to come." – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "This historic initiative is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together toward our common goals. By supporting Indigenous leadership, we are not just supporting stewardship of the land, we're strengthening cultural identity, creating good jobs, conserving our ecosystems, and driving long-term prosperity in the North." – The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Signing this grant agreement marks a major shift. Our historic partnership is moving from the planning phase into action and implementation. Funds will soon flow to Indigenous partners to care for lands and waters and generate sustainable opportunities for the North. The vision we have created together is becoming a reality on the ground." – Danny Yakeleya, Chair of the Our Land for the Future Trust Quick facts Project Finance for Permanence is an innovative way of funding conservation by bringing together diverse partners, like governments and private donors, to support long-term, large-scale protection of land and inland water. NWT: Our Land for the Future is one of four Project Finance for Permanence initiatives announced in December 2022. Together, these four initiatives could protect up to one million square kilometres, a significant contribution to Canada's conservation goals. The Our Land for the Future Trust Governance Committee, which is made up of Indigenous members, will be responsible for deciding how investments are distributed to Indigenous recipients each year for eligible activities that support the vision and objective of the Our Land for the Future agreement. Canada helped achieve the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes a global target to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030, as well as recognizes and supports the critical role of Indigenous communities in halting biodiversity loss. The Project Finance for Permanence model is an innovative tool that fundamentally encompasses both priorities. Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada Contacts: Keean Nembhard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 343-552-2387, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism businesses in Hay River, N.W.T., question gov't priorities with new building project
A longtime business owner in Hay River, N.W.T., is raising concerns about a new government-funded building going up at the town's main beach, a place she says has become mostly unusable after floods and fires in recent years. The territory's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment says that the new facility will replace a beach attendant building destroyed in the 2022 flood. The new structure will be a lifeguard station and picnic shelter, with a stronger foundation to handle future flooding. But Jane Groenewegen, who owns Harbour House, a guesthouse just across from the beach, says she was shocked to see construction begin last week without any public notice or signs explaining what was going on. "We didn't see anything posted. And we're down here quite often," she said. "Whenever there's a development, there's usually a 90-day appeal period where people can comment on what's proposed." Groenewegen said she's frustrated that there was no opportunity for public input, especially since many other tourism-related sites in the community still need to be repaired after flooding and fire damage. She said that while the new building may replace something that was lost, it's the wrong time and the wrong place for it. She also doesn't understand why the territory chose a location that has already seen serious flood damage. "Who asked for this? Yes, it's replacing something, but the timing is off. The beach is a disaster," she said. "The beach is just kind of a swamp now that goes from one end to the other." Groenewegen said the flooding dramatically changed the landscape. The shoreline has receded, and the sand is now overgrown with poisonous vegetation, such as water hemlock. Dead trees still line the campground. She said the beach isn't the only area that still needs attention. At Twin Falls Territorial Park, a major tourist attraction located just outside Hay River, the trails and stairs to the falls remain uncleared since the 2023 wildfires, leaving the site in a rough state and unsafe for visitors. "Our government always says they're so hard up … they got no money for capital projects," she said. "But they got [money] for something that nobody asked for." 'We've had our difficulties' Darrell Dean, who owns Castaways Cottages and Campground on the other side of town, says the new building going up at the beach isn't a top concern for him, but he agrees that there are more urgent priorities in the community that the territory should address first. "I'd rather see them spend their money cleaning the beach up, because nobody's going to go there to stay in a swamp," he said. "It just doesn't make any sense." Dean says he's still trying to recover from the wildfires that burned through his site in 2023, destroying trees, campers, and four cabins. "We've been hit with a couple years of COVID, and then ... a couple years of flood and then a forest fire. So we've had our difficulties," he said. Dean said his campground wasn't insured when the fire hit, because there are no fire hydrants in the area, and coverage has become increasingly complex and expensive to get. Without insurance, he had to cover the cost of replacing everything himself. On top of that, he says one of the biggest challenges he faces is competing with the territorial-run campground, which offers amenities like wi-fi in certain areas, power hookups, and lower rates. He says private operators like himself can't match those prices. "We can't afford to put that kind of money on infrastructure and then charge that little amount of money," Dean said. "The going rate down south … is anywhere from $60 to $125 a night to stay in a campground. We're well below par on the rates." For Dean, offering basic services like power is not financially feasible. He estimates it would cost around $150,000 to install electricity at his campground. Dean said that the territory's infrastructure department has supported him with funding in the past, but large-scale upgrades, such as power installations, remain out of reach for private operators, and he's not aware of any funding program that could cover such high costs. "[The territory] should be investing money in local tour operators, I think, because it's a plus for everybody," he said. Ongoing municipal issues don't help either, he said. His road often isn't plowed or graded, and a flood-damaged culvert still hasn't been properly fixed, making it hard for large campers to reach the site. He says it took over a decade of complaints to get consistent road maintenance.
