Latest news with #NormanWells


CBC
13 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Fuel prices surged last winter. Months later, Norman Wells is recovering
Last winter, people in Norman Wells, N.W.T., were outraged when their fuel costs soared. Heating homes suddenly became unaffordable. Last week, Meghan Roberts sat down with Mayor Frank Pope to check in on how the community is doing.


CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Store owner in Norman Wells, N.W.T., weighs in on the 2025 barge season
The N.W.T. government says it's carrying 529 tonnes of dry cargo and over 2.5 million litres of fuel for Tulita and Norman Wells. We spoke with Joshua Earls, the president of Rampart Rentals in Norman Wells, about this year's barge season.
Yahoo
5 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.


CBC
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Inside the Norman Wells Historical Centre
Northbeat is celebrating 30 years on the air. In honour of that, this week we're on the ground broadcasting live from Norman Wells. Today, Meghan Roberts took to the town's historical centre to find out more about the history of the community for a special episode of Northbeat.


Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ground broken on $16.5-million cultural centre near Tulita
A new office and cultural centre at Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve near Tulita is a shovel closer to reality after Parks Canada announced $16.5 million to construct the building. Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty made the announcement on behalf of the agency during Tulita's annual 'Fire Day' — a community gathering remembering the 1995 wildfires but also how the community came together in response to the crisis. Representatives from both Tulita and Norman Wells were on hand for the event. 'The government is committed to supporting Northern communities across Canada, including the Sahtu region,' said Alty. 'Today's groundbreaking is an important next step for the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve. The project will serve as a permanent space for community members to gather and provide a landmark destination to welcome visitors exploring this incredible region. 'This space will also enhance Parks Canada's operational capacity to protect and present the natural and cultural heritage of this special place with the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve Management Committee.' Once completed, the new facility will serve as both Parks Canada's base of operations for the park and as a living museum showcasing Metis and Dene culture. It will serve as a welcoming station for paddlers coming down the Mackenzie River. Ground has been broken and the tender to build the new facility has been awarded to Northern Industrial Construction out of Yellowknife. The building will be constructed to energy efficient standards and is predicted to reduce Parks Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by 89 per cent compared to the status quo. Parks Canada hopes to begin working out of the building by fall of 2026, and the full building is expected to be ready for a spring 2027 grand opening. It is hoped the structure will help expand tourism and help drive job creation in the Sahtu region. Situated around Mount Naats'ihch'oh, the park was established in 2014 and protects 86 per cent of the Tehjeh Dee (South Nahanni River) watershed in conjunction with the Nahanni National Park Reserve. It is a vital habitat for grizzly bear, Dall sheep, mountain goats, woodland caribou and trumpeter swans. It is also an important hunting ground for harvesters in the region. 'This is good for the people,' said Tulita Mayor Douglas Yallee. 'Parks Canada has listened to the Elders and the community about what is important. It took time, but this new building shows how we can work together. This is a good day for our community.' 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 .