YELLOWKNIFER WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 edition

Judge upholds sentence for fare-punching cabbie Matar Mahamed Mahamud to serve eight months house arrest Online first at NNSL.com

Volume 49 Issue 87

WEDNESDAY, January 27, 2021

75 CENTS ($1 outside city)

Knitter featured in sci-fi pattern book

Freeze!

News YK dental team resumes visits Sports Skills and drills for Future's BB players

Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo

Snowbuddy Winter Garden volunteer Mr. Freeze clears the path around the soonto-be constructed slide as production of the snow garden on Great Slave Lake ramps up. $1.00 outside Yellowknife

Publication mail Contract #40012157

7

71605 00100

5

"We want people to be lifelong learners." – NWT Literacy Council's Katie Johnson is preparing for National Family Literacy Day today, page 6.

2 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

news

Clarification

A story published in the Jan. 22 issue of Yellowknifer, GNWT Business advisory council has lost faith in Cochrane, cabinet, indicated that the premier had not responded to a request for comment before our press deadline, which was misleading. Though Yellowknifer received the information that formed the basis of the story late in the afternoon, a request for comment was sent to the premier's office after the end of the business day and less than an hour before the issue went to print. Yellowknifer strives to give parties identified in stories a fair opportunity to respond and in this instance failed to meet that standard. Yellowknifer apologizes for any misunderstanding this may have created.

Correction

A story published in the Jan. 22 issue of Yellowknifer, Coun. Steve Payne named YK's next deputy mayor, Shauna Morgan's name was misspelled.

Yellowknifer apologizes for any confusion or embarrassment this may have caused.

News Briefs

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 3

fact file nwt covid-19 situation as of Jan. 26 Active cases: 6 Confirmed cases: 31 Recovered cases: 25 Completed tests: 11,804 Negative tests: 11,761 Pending tests: 51

Scan for the latest GNWT Covid-19 statistics

Days since first confirmed case: 312 Days since last confirmed case: 7 Common symptoms: Fever, (60 per cent), muscle aches or pain (53 per cent), cough (53 per cent), sore throat (33 per cent), diharrhea (13 per cent), difficulty breathing (seven per cent) Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer

Judge upholds sentence for cabbie who assaulted fare

Residents with 'high risk health conditions' now qualify for vaccine Covid-19 vaccination criteria has been broadened to include residents of any age with high risk health conditions.

People of all ages who are at high risk of exposure to Covid-19 and who have a high risk of severe disease from the virus can book vaccine appointments between Tuesday and Thursday in Yellowknife, said NWT Health and Social Services Authority spokesperson David Maguire in a news release.

Those deemed at high risk of severe illness from Covid-19 include people with chronic conditions like lung, heart, kidney or liver diseases; high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia or stroke; residents who are immunocompromised and residents who are living with obesity.

Individuals at high risk of exposure include those leaving the NWT before March 31, 2021 for medical travel or mental health or addictions treatment; health-care workers, emergency responders, enforcement, rotational workers, congregate setting staff, taxi drivers and flight crews.

– Blair McBride

Man charged with making threat against Dr. Kami Kandola Police have charged an Alberta man with uttering threats against Dr. Kami Kandola.

Clinton Leussink, 28 of Alberta, has been charged with intimidation, and uttering threats, according to a news release issued on Jan. 25.

Police allege a call was received at the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer that included statements of a threatening nature.

He is scheduled to appear in territorial court in Yellowknife on Feb. 16.

Supt. Jeffrey Christie, officer in charge of criminal operations for G Division, called the situation "very concerning." The charges against Leussink have yet to be proven in court.

– Simon Whitehouse

RCMP, GNWT warn of noxious substances found in street drugs The NT RCMP and department of Health and Social Services (HSS) is advising NWT residents that noxious substances have been identified in illicit drugs seized in November.

RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon stated Jan. 26 that while police always warn against illicit drug use, the presence of two new substances further increases their danger.

The substances have been identified as Adinazolam, a kind of tranquilizer listed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and 5-MeO-DBT, a type of psychedelic not controlled under the Act. Following a confiscation of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and tablets on Nov. 27, 2020, RCMP sent samples of the substances to the Health Canada Drug Analysis Service for inspection. The RCMP is working with the HSS to learn more about the potential impacts of the discovered drugs.

– Natalie Pressman

Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo

An appeal from a Yellowknife taxi driver to have his assault conviction overturned was dismissed Monday in the NWT Supreme court.

There was no reason to attack passenger, appeal judge says

by Natalie Pressman

Northern News Services

The NWT Supreme Court has dismissed a former Yellowknife taxi driver's appeal on assault charges.

In 2018, Matar Mahamed Mahamud was convicted of assault causing bodily harm after one of his taxi passengers was left with two black eyes and a bloody nose.

Mahamud pleaded not guilty to the initial charge and has maintained his innocence throughout the court proceedings. In November he appeared before Justice Shannon Smallwood to appeal the conviction.

Following trial, Judge Garth Malakoe sentenced him to eight months of house arrest followed by 12 months of probation.

Mahamud claimed that Malakoe's sentence was unreasonable and that the verdict is not supported by evidence.

The incident took place in 2017 when Mahamud picked up a passenger from the Kilt and Castle pub to drop him off at Ciara Manor.

When the cab arrived at the apartment building, a dispute over payment erupted between the driver and passenger. The man's only form of payment was debit, which Mahamud was not able to accept.

The victim told the court that he sug-

gested they go to an ATM or that Mahamud return to collect payment the next day but that Mahamud refused, repeating "you have to pay me now."

Finally the passenger told Mahamud, "you can see me tomorrow or not, but I am getting out of the cab now." When he exited the taxi, Mahamud got out as well and a physical altercation ensued.

The victim, and another Ciara Manor resident who witnessed the attack, testified that Mahamud threw the passenger to the ground, punched him three times, and then drove away in his taxi.

The witness said she was not able to open her phone camera in time to take a photo of the cab but that she could hear the man on the ground, crying, call the RCMP. In his November appeal, Mahamud, representing himself, told the court that the passenger and the witness has "talked together," and were lying about the events of the night in question. With the help of a Sudanese interpreter, he told the court that "his life has been shattered" by the conviction as he can no longer drive a taxi in Yellowknife.

In rendering her decision Monday, Smallwood said "there is no basis on which to question the trial judge's conclusions."

Mahamud asserted that other residents of the building should be questioned for their accounts of the night. Smallwood however, told the court that there is no evidence that other witnesses would have observed something that would change the decision. "The suggestion is strictly speculative," she said.

Smallwood noted that in rendering his decision after trial, Malakoe said Mahamud's version of events did not explain the victim's injuries.

He said at the time that the victim was vulnerable because he was intoxicated and unable to defend himself. He also said that Mahamud had a duty to provide a safe ride to his taxi passenger and had no reason to attack the victim.

She said her function in assessing Mahamud's appeal is not to reweigh evidence, but to review the trial judge's decision.

"In my view there is sufficient evidence to support the trial judge's conclusions," she said.

Mahamud was not in attendance for Monday's decision on his appeal. It was noted that he was out of the country and that he was unresponsive to attempts to contact him to re-schedule based on his travel itinerary. A written copy of the decision will be provided to him.

news

4 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Council approves new pool design Large water slide added for close to $1.5 million

by Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services

Ensuring Yellowknife's next pool is able to appeal to children and families for decades to come was the focus of discussion at Monday's regular meeting as council approved a 25-metre, eight-lane pool design for the proposed aquatic centre.

Council also unanimously supported the addition of a large amusement park waterslide to be included.

With that major hurdle now cleared, documents need to be drafted and a designbuild request for proposals is expected to be issued in May. A design builder is scheduled to be selected in August before residents are asked in a public referendum to borrow approximately $7 million for the estimated $57-million project.

Councillors felt strongly that residents want a large water slide to attract families and children, even though city staff recommended against it.

Coun. Robin Williams said that not including a significant-sized slide may lead to residents voting against the project. He also said it could have benefits in the future that may include attracting tourism dollars into city facilities and enhancing family leisure opportunities.

"For some of us, a pool is

a place to have fun and spend time with our families and to get away for a little bit," he said. "We have heard a lot from the athleticism side of things and we heard lots about the user groups. I think that this one piece (the slide) is really what the families want and what regular, off-the-street users of the pool are looking for. This project needs to be right for everyone."

Other councillors shared Williams' sentiment.

"I wasn't sure about the capital and (operations and maintenance) costs because they were a little bit scary when we talked about this a few weeks ago," Coun. Steve Payne said. "But in the last couple of weeks, I've talked to a lot of people and it's clear that the public really wants a waterslide."

A larger amusement parkstyle slide is estimated to add $1.5 million to the project is cost.

Additional costs for having a slide are up to two people staffing it, the cost of replacing water pumps roughly every five to 10 years and other minor ongoing operations and maintenance costs, council heard.

Coun. Niels Konge failed to get his fellow councillors to agree to opt for the larger 52-metre, eight-lane pool

NNSL file photo

City Coun. Robin Williams says a large water slide is "what the families want and what regular, off-thestreet users of the pool are looking for." option, instead of the 25-metre.

He said he was not satisfied with the amount of consultation with user groups, particularly the Polar Bear Swim Club, and feared that within a few years of its operation, the 25-metre pool will not meet

the city's full demand.

"I really think that a 25-metre pool is going to go to capacity within the first five years, and we are building a facility that's supposed to last for 30, or more," he said. "The only reason we're

considering a 25-metre pool is because we don't think the public will accept the cost and we just spent a million-and-ahalf dollars more for a slide.

So we talk about disservice to the community, but building a pool that is not big enough

right now would be a disservice to the community."

Other councillors remained opposed, raising concerns about the larger option's $67-million price tag, as well as uncertainty around additional staff and energy costs.

Pop-up vaccine clinic

Natalie Pressman/NNSL photo

An additional Covid-19 vaccine clinic popped up late last week in the Yellowknife Centre Square Mall. The downtown location is an overflow site for the administration of the Moderna vaccine, said David Maguire, a spokesperson with the GNWT Health and Social Services Authority. It is being offered in addition to the ongoing clinic at the MultiPlex DND Gymnasium. Maguire told Yellowknifer that the MultiPlex gym is "a high-capacity location" and that the new site administers vaccines to priority groups by referral from Yellowknife public health or the chief public health officer.

news

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 5

Neighbours say laneway too small for proposed AVENS expansion New Aven Pavilion would add 102 new units to seniors housing complex

by Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services

Yellowknife council discussed a proposed seniors housing facility on Monday that city officials believe will address increasing demand among an aging demographic over the next decade.

However, Matonabee Street neighbours stress that the proposed access road is currently unworkable.

AVENS: A Community For Seniors submitted a development application to the city in December to expand its complex to include a 102unit long-term supportive and independent housing section called the Aven Pavilion.

Of those residences, 92 will be one-bedroom units and 10 will be two-bedroom.

The development requires council's approval for a conditionally permitted special care facility and is recommended for go-ahead by city administration.

The goal is to start accommodating residents in late 2022.

The subject of contention, council heard on Monday, is a proposed narrow access road – Matonabee Laneway – that runs from Franklin Avenue to Matonabee Street behind the Granite Condos and past the proposed AVENS site.

Hermina Joldersma, a Granite Condos resident, is one neighbour in opposition to the use of the laneway. She said in a presentation that the amount of traffic that will be needed on the road will be unsuitable and unsafe for users and could likely lead to the added back up of traffic along Franklin Avenue.

She also noted the narrow-

ness of the road makes getting in and out difficult, especially for elderly drivers. She argued that the laneway is in overall poor condition with weak road beds that don't drain water well and icy conditions in the winter.

"I'm asking council to please get this development right," Joldersma said. "It's true that neighbours are not against the principle but there are many problems which show that this development is not quite being done right. We only have one chance to get it right, which is now."

Daryl Dolynny, president and CEO of AVENS, was on hand for Monday's meeting with members of his project team, including Kelly Hayden, board member and chair of development committee; Thomas Milan, project management lead and Kenny Ruptash, of Nahanni Construction.

Milan gave a presentation that acknowledged the difficulty with the access road, including its lack of paving, narrowness at certain points and the need to deal with vegetation and overgrowth in the area. He said that the development team is working with the city to find the best possible solution, including alternative routes, if needed.

When asked why the laneway was being used instead of using the main entrance already available, Dolynny said it would have been too costly and difficult to redesign.

The Matonabee laneway being proposed for use for the Aven Pavilion is a narrow strip that runs from Franklin Avenue in behind the Granite

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

Hermina Joldersma, a Granite Condos resident, left, stands with Matonabee Street neighbour Judy Murdock to show the narrow width of the Matonabee alley laneway that is being proposed as the access point for the planned Aven Pavilion.

Condos to Matonabee Street.

"A lot of it had to do with capacity of the topography of the program," he said. "There is quite a substantial drop in elevation in that whole area so much so that when you arrive at the building, you are coming at the second level.

"We looked at designs that would accommodate but it was very cost prohibitive. It was about $10 million more to redesign a building to accommodate the parking requirements for density while also dealing with the elevation."

Milan said the need for

independent and supportive seniors housing is acute.

"What we started to see was a very large gap for adequate accessible and affordable housing for seniors, and specifically in a target range of independent and supportive living units," he said.

"Those we found were the highest need and that's where the pavilion has tried to target in terms of its design."

Council is scheduled to discuss the issue again on Feb. 1 and is expected to hold a final vote on the matter at the Feb. 8 regular meeting.

Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

Above: the prepared site on the AVENS property where it is expected the AVEN Pavilion will be located.

Left: A concept design of the main entrance for the AVENS Pavilion. images courtesy of the City of Yellowknife

6 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

news

Games, activities planned for National Family Literacy Day

photos courtesy of Katie Johnson

Seham Mohamed and Yazan Al Hajjy at a Speak English Café session the literary council hosted last year prior to the pandemic.

Amal Al Harazi and Ibrahim Abdu at a Family Literacy session hosted by NWT Literacy Council's Community Connections early last year.

NWT Literacy Council offers family-themed activities Johnson said.

"We want people to be lifelong learnThe NWT Literacy Council is invit- ers," she said. "If we only focused on ing residents to take part in online reading and writing, it doesn't provide games and activities on Jan. 27 to cele- as many holistic tools for lifelong learnbrate the 22nd annual National Family ing."

That's why the NWTLC broadens its Literacy Day. But the learning and fun extend definition of literacy to include cookbeyond a single day. From Jan. 25 ing, sewing, beading, crafting, language skills, reading the land, and to Jan. 31, the council is more, to encourage a range encouraging NWT families of skills and competencies to choose from a list of important for NWT resiactivities and share a photo dents. of their participation for a The council is also supchance to win a literacyporting community organthemed prize pack. izations across the territory In accordance with this who are organizing events year's theme – travel the of their own. Among them, world together – the literary l'école Allain St. Cyr, which council has set out 10 pos– Katie Johnson is holding a parent-andsible literacy-themed prochild writing project for grams including researchfamilies to represent their ing a new country, trying a dream vacation by poem, recipe for an international song or photo. dish, drawing the flags of Zakaria Traore, the school's cultural the world or having a dance party to a facilitator, said the activity promotes song in another language.

While some of the suggested activ- creativity and imagination, skills that ities may not fit directly with the read- have become increasingly critical living ing and writing skills that literacy is in what he calls the Covid context.

At a time when residents are being often associated with, literacy is actually about much more than that, NWT asked to stay home, "this idea permits Literacy Council (NWTLC) family and them to travel by their creation," Traore community literacy coordinator Katie said.

by Natalie Pressman

Northern News Services

"We want people to be lifelong learners."

ABC Life Literacy, a non-profit based in Toronto, spearheads the nationwide National Family Literacy Day festivities and sets the annual theme while the NWTLC takes the reins for the territory.

Johnson said the NWTLC doesn't always comply with ABC Life Literacy's annual theme, but "the team thought (travel the world together) was a great idea because literacy and imagination are great ways to explore without having to leave the community," she said. "By using literacy skills, digital literacy skills and looking at maps and charts, we can learn so much about the world from our own homes."

Johnson also emphasized the family portion of the event.

"It helps to lay building blocks for children but provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to increase their own literacy and skills as well," she said.

NWTLC promotes literacy in all 11 official NWT languages and encourages residents to seek resources in any of them.

In general, while the council offers resources for anyone interested, NWTLC aims to build capacity and work with residents who can facilitate programming tailored to their home communities.

news

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 7

YK Knitter's Millennium Falcon in new book of Star Wars woollen creations Knitwear design selected for book after author, artist connected on Instagram

by Blair McBride

Northern News Services

A Yellowknife knitter's Star Warsinspired creation is featured in a new book about woollen items fuelled by the Force.

Rhiana Bams' knitted cowl – a type of tube scarf – emblazoned with a Millennium Falcon is among the 28 knits included in Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy: The Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book.

"I knitted that just over a year ago," said Bams, who has been working her needles and yarn for about three years. "I selected (the Millennium Falcon) because it has been a constant in all of the Star Wars films."

Her knitting work was spotted on Instagram by Tanis Gray, the author of the new hardcover book from Insight Editions, a publishing house based in San Rafael, California. "(She) has a son who is obsessed with Yellowknife. She started following me on Instagram and that's how we got in touch and she asked me to contribute."

Bams drew up a pattern for the cowl, along with written instructions, charts and the sample knit itself and sent it all off to Gray, who is based in Fairfax, Virginia.

Images of Bams' falcon, the chart and specifications on how to knit it will be spread across a few pages of the book.

"I'm really excited. It's my first ever published pattern. I'm a very newbie designer," she said.

Even though the book is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Bams' own copy is still in the mail. Perhaps she'll use telekinesis, or just a tracking number to monitor its delivery progress.

Blair McBride/NNSL photo

Yellowknife knitter Rhiana Bams is excited that her first published pattern is included in the new book Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy.

Yellowknifer archives

photo courtesy of Insight Editions

Rhiana Bams knitted this Millennium Falcon cowl about one year ago. Her design is featured in the new book Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy, published by Insight Editions and scheduled for release Tuesday.

2008

NNSL file photo

Alan Woytuik was the first homeowner to have a wood pellet system installed in Yellowknife. He was one of four homeowners with the system, while Arctic Green Energy had a list of 15 waiting to be installed at the time.

8 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Published Wednesdays and Fridays

Editorial & Opinions Comments and views from Yellowknifer and letters to the editor

P.O. Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R1 Office: 5108 50th Street, Yellowknife Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 E-mail: nnsl@nnsl.com Website: www.nnsl.com

FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy – valpy@nnsl.com Chief Financial Officer: Judy Triffo – judytriffo@nnsl.com COORDINATING EDITOR: Craig Gilbert – craig@nnsl.com

Former Yellowknife RCMP detachment commander Insp. Alex Laporte addresses council in 2019.

ACCOUNTING: nnsladmin@nnsl.com Florie Mariano • Salleah Wagas

NNSL file photo

Assignment editor Brett McGarry – brett@nnsl.com Editorial board: Bruce Valpy • Craig Gilbert Brett McGarry • Emily McInnis Reporters: editorial@nnsl.com Simon Whitehouse • Blair McBride Natalie Pressman Sports: James McCarthy – sports@nnsl.com Photo: Thomas Jono - photo@nnsl.com ADVERTISING: advertising@nnsl.com Representatives: Petra Memedi • Laura Whittle James Boylan • Brock Grills Advertising manager: Zerline Rodriguez Administrative assistant: Miko Wu Social media manager: Wesley Cook Digital advertising representative: Echo Xin ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Production co-ordinator: Jennifer Reyes Randy Hiebert • Joshua Uson Customer service: Holly Yestrau classifieds@nnsl.com CIRCULATION: circulation@nnsl.com Circulation Director: Amy Yang

Subscriptions: Print: (mail) $95/year Online: (entire content) $50/year

NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated

Publishers of: Inuvik Drum •Kivalliq News Yellowknifer • Hay River Hub NWT News/North Nunavut News/North Member of: Canadian Community Newspapers Association Ontario Community Newspapers Association Manitoba Community Newspapers Association Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta Press Councils Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Contents copyright – printed in the North

by Canarctic Graphics Limited

Send us your comments You can e-mail us at editorial@nnsl.com; mail to Box 2820, Yellowknife X1A 2R1; or drop your letter off at our office at 5108-50th Street.

All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so that we can confirm it came from you.

Not all letters will necessarily be published. Preference is given to short letters of broad interest or concern.

We particularly encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion.

Letters of more than 300 words, open letters and those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements.

We may also choose to use a letter as the basis for a story.

Invite RCMP back to city meetings In an effort to save time city council is no longer hearing monthly reports from the RCMP, which reduces public visibility and accessibility to police Northern News Services

Currently there is no clear mechanism for the public or the media to obtain monthly statistics or reports from the RCMP in Yellowknife.

As it was revealed last week, Yellowknife city council has followed the recommendations of Alberta-based consultant George Cuff to make council meetings more focused on municipal issues. This resulted in halting monthly crime reports as a way of shortening what Mayor Rebecca Alty is calling "marathon sessions."

She went on to say that since RCMP is funded 70 per cent by the federal government and 30 per cent by the territorial government, it is up to those parties to deliver the crime reports.

These monthly reports would contain statistics on home many calls the detachment received and numbers on particular crimes such as sexual assaults, thefts, missing persons, etc. These numbers were compared to trends in previous years and major ongoing crimes were typically discussed as well.

While the city says it is up to RCMP or the territorial government to deliver the stats, the RCMP themselves are saying they are still delivering monthly reports to the city and it is up to them to distribute them to the public.

Passing around the responsibility of who is supposed to deliver these stats to the public like a hot potato does the public no favours.

So YK politicians might be able to

The issue:

Public police reports

We say:

Worth the time

speak their mind or sign agreements with the RCMP, but they have no real say in how policing is carried out in their jurisdiction.

It is a situation that can be appreciated but policing has a profound impact on the lives of residents, especially in the capital city where there is an intersection of so many social issues. The public deserves to know what the RCMP's goals are, what are their major successes or failures and what operations are happening in their own backyards.

It was with a good deal of respect that the RCMP was sending high ranking members like outgoing detachment commander Insp. Alex LaPorte to take time out of his day come to Yellowknife City Hall for these reports and engage directly with our elected officials.

Now, after several years, the city isn't inviting the RCMP to present at council meetings at all. Are councillors and Mayor Alty just not interested in policing in their community anymore?

Although some of these meetings did extend for some time, especially if there was a landmark policing case such as the death of Mark Poodlat in front of the downtown day

shelter/sobering centre, but generally speaking police reports lasted about 30 minutes per month.

Even with Covid-19 presenting an unprecedented set of circumstances, it's a stretch to imagine city council not being able to find 30 minutes once a month to engage with police in our community.

Much like the courts, it is important that justice is both done and seen to be done. The public is demanding more accountability from our police, as evidenced by last year's Black Lives Matter movement and related events. Likewise, the law enforcement bodies that serve the city's population deserve the opportunity to highlight the good work they do and to be able to answer questions and respond to criticism when levelled.

Putting a face to the uniform and humanizing those entrusted with the public's safety is another significant effect of hearing from police in a public forum on a regular basis. In communities across the country, that forum is the municipal council meeting.

On only the most basic level can a statistical report faithfully convey what the police have done and dealt with in the last 30 days. Yellowknifers deserve to know what is going on in their community and they deserve elected officials who feel the same way.

For these reasons, the city has taken a regrettable step in the wrong direction and is hereby urged to reconsider.

commentary

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 9

Should I file a grievance?

NNSL file photo

A front-end loader prepares to load a barge. There are many kinds of work places in the NWT, and a toxic work environment could mean any of them. Filing a grievance may feel like a scary undertaking, but it does not have to be a big deal, writes UNW president Todd Parsons. not a grievance is the best way to address an issue.

The term "toxic work environment" has A grievance can also be filed by a union come up recently in both local and national on behalf of a group of members who work news.

At a national level, a workplace assessment together. These usually address issues that multiple workers are experiencing within a of the office of Canada's Governor General uncovered a workplace culture of bullying and particular workplace, such as a group of workintimidation and resulted in the unprecedented ers who are treated differently because of union activism, or a number of employees who resignation of the Governor General herself, have been compensated incorrectly. who was accused of creating and fostering a A third type of grievance is a toxic work environment. policy grievance, which can relate Here in the NWT, recent media to the broad interpretation or coverage on the working environapplication of a collective agreement at the North Slave Correcment that affects all workers under tional Complex has made public the same agreement, such as an many ongoing issues that the UNW employer's hiring or termination has brought to the attention of the processes. A policy grievance can employer. also address an employer policy In a workplace with no union or practice that may violate a colpresence, the employer can do lective agreement, like a new leave things arbitrarily and there is not policy. much recourse for an employee.

All types of grievances are When a grievance is filed in Labour dealt with according to a standard a unionized environment, both Views procedure which seeks to resolve the employer and the employee the issue in the early stages of the can provide information to defend Todd Parsons is president complaint. Issues that cannot be or explain their actions. It also of the Union of Northern resolved are referred to higher levensures there is official documenta- Workers. els of authority within the employtion of what has been taking place. er's hierarchy (for example: from a In healthier workplaces, issues supervisor, to a manager, to a director). If the that workers are experiencing can often be resolved through discussion with the employer, issue still cannot be resolved, it is submitted to arbitration. the worker, and the union without needing to Arbitration involves the union and the go through a formal complaint process. If a employer making their case before an arbitraresolution cannot be reached informally, the tor, which ultimately results in a legal decision next step is to file the grievance. – a contract interpretation – that is binding on Filing a grievance may feel like a scary both parties. undertaking, but it does not have to be a big Ideally, grievances are resolved before they deal; it is simply a written complaint that a get to this point, though in some cases it is collective bargaining agreement has been useful to pursue a legally binding interpretainterpreted or applied incorrectly. tion to avoid future misinterpretation of any Filing a grievance puts the issue on the parts of a collective agreement. record and means it can be discussed and Harassment and bullying have no place in resolved, or pushed to an outside party to look the workplace, and while the process of filing at objectively and make a decision that both a grievance may seem intimidating, or may parties must abide by. not appear to solve a problem instantly, it is an A grievance can be withdrawn at any time, important process. but they are often useful for drawing attention Remember, as a signed union member, you to issues and beginning the conversations that are not alone; your union is there to assist you, can lead to resolutions. represent you, and fight alongside you for your Grievances are filed by a union on behalf collective agreement rights and benefits. of a member who is experiencing an issue in Should you feel you have grounds for a their workplace. An individual grievance usugrievance, contact your Shop Steward. They ally deals with a specific issue a worker is can help you interpret your contract, seek experiencing. Union Shop Stewards and Service Officers are available to assist individuals, advice from Service Officers, and begin the grievance process if necessary. and work with them to determine whether or Northern News Services

We asked you! with Natalie Pressman editorial@nnsl.com

For family literacy day, what's your favourite book or type of book?

Glenn Tait "Mystery or spy-mystery because it's fast paced and pure escapism."

Rob Sexton "Sci-fi. It explores the impact of technology and society."

Charles Poon "I read mostly fiction.

My favourite book is probably the Great Gatsby."

Nancy MacNeill "Sci-fi, fantasy, preferably dystopian."

Tamra Tsetta "Mystery. It's interesting, you don't know what's going to happen."

J.D. Hollingshead "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. It's basically a tear down of western philosophies."

Express yourself: Write a letter to the editor

Letters should be short and to the point. No longer than 500 words, please. Your letter should be relevant to our readers. Emailed letters are preferred. Include your full name and a phone number, as we verify authenticity of all letters prior to publication. We may edit your letter for grammar, length (for our print version) or any potential legal issues.

Email your letter to: editorial@nnsl.com with the subject line: Letter to The Editor Or by regular mail: Yellowknifer 5108 50 St., Yellowknife, NT., X1A 1S2 Attn: Editor

10 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 11

news

12 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

The beat goes on for Taiko drummers

photo courtesy of Nancy Mullick

From left to right Richard Bergen, Miriam Wideman, Margo Nightingale and Myra Berrub are among the students of this session's Intro to Taiko Drumming at Collective Soul Space.

Mind, body, spirit and a lot of physicality involved in performances

by Natalie Pressman

Northern News Services

It's a groovy way to spend a Thursday.

Nancy Mullick is spearheading the scene for Yellowknife Taiko drumming, described as a combination of

music and martial arts.

The art form, which has roots in Japan, is an ensemble of two or more drummers performing together for an audience. She describes the drumming as a combination of "mind, body and spirit."

There's a lot of physicality in the performance," she said.

"You kind of come at it with your whole self."

Looking to share her love of Taiko, Mullick began instructing Taiko classes in town last fall.

"There's a lot of energy and enthusiasm to having eight students in the room and it's really satisfying to watch them evolve over the eight weeks in the class," Mullick said of the sessions she's taught so far.

Mullick's Taiko lessons run each Thursday at Collective Soul Space at 5021 Franklin Ave. The latest session, which started earlier this month, is her third go at the course.

In the eight-week sessions, Mullick said students go from the basics of how to stand and hold the sticks, to playing short compositions.

This Thursday's class with be the fourth of the term. The students, ranging from their early 20s to early 80s, last

Blair McBride/NNSL photo

Nancy Mullick has been Taiko drumming for 12 years. In September she began teaching beginner Taiko classes to share her passion with interested Yellowknifers. learned the Doro Oroshi exercise – a choreographed movement involving two strong individual strikes followed by a sustained drum roll. The transition between the extensive arm movements and the roll is one that takes control, Mullick said.

On bringing her love of Taiko to the classroom, Mul-

lick said "it's exciting that there's so much interest in Yellowknife in this art form."

Mullick was first introduced to Taiko at the 2008 Folk on the Rocks festival.

Watching the performance "was a really significant experience for me," she said.

Mullick then spent a month taking a Taiko intensive

course in Vancouver the following year.

SkyFire, Mullick's Taiko performance group, has played shows internationally, including at Yellowknife's own Ramble and Ride.

She said she looks forward to having audiences gather for Taiko once again as soon as public health measures allow.

photo story

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 13

Preparations for winter fest underway Snowbuddy

Feature

by Natalie Pressman Northern News Services

Nearly a month into construction for the 2021 festival, this year's Snowkingdom is already taking shape. After last year's last-minute cancellations due to Covid, the Snowking team said they were committed to delivering a proper Snowking, or now Snowbuddy, celebration this March, though it won't be quite like the fanfare of years past. With pandemic public health measures still in full effect, it's prohibited for Yellowknifers to gather in song and dance, drinks in hand in tightly-packed venues. Still, the team is hard at work to carry out a festival of carvings and open-air art installations – and yes, there will be a slide.

In lieu of live music and film nights – two typical Snowking activities that won't be possible in 2021 – visitors can anticipate open-air art installations and, of course, the famous slide.

Under normal circumstances, residents could tour the snowcastle construction site. This year, however, the team is asking visitors to remain patient until the castle doors swing open in March.

Shauna Morgan, A.K.A. Captain Morgan Snow, is hard at work to help the Snowkingdom take shape.

Snow Queen Cynthia Brown carves out detailing in the snowcastle.

Claire Marchildon, or Snow Cadet Claire, clears snow for paths throughout the castle. For public health reasons, this year's festival will encourage visitors to flow through in one direction only.

The -30 C temperature can't keep Martin Rehak, A.K.A. Martin One-Boot from doing his part to shape harvested ice blocks.

Volunteer Stephen Folkers, known as Mr. Freeze clears the path around the soon-to-be constructed slide.

news

New YK 1 super named

14 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Alberta School Boards Association photo

Dr. Cindi Vaselenak was appointed the new superintendent of Yellowknife Education District No. 1 in a special meeting of the board of trustees on Thursday. Her position becomes effective on Aug. 1, 2021, replacing current superintendent Ed Lippert.

Brings 34 years of education experience from Alberta

by Blair McBride

Northern News Services

Dr. Cindi Vaselenak was appointed the next super-

intendent/CEO of Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) by its board of trustees at a special meeting

on Jan. 21.

She will take on the role starting Aug. 1, 2021, replacing current super-

intendent Ed Lippert, whose tenure as CEO began on Sept. 1, 2020.

"Our Canada-wide adver-

tising resulted in a signifiVaselenak holds a Bachcant number of applications. elor of Education degree in Dr. Vaselenak was selected secondary sciences, a Masfrom a field of truly out- ter of Science degree with a standing candidates because specialization in administraof her demonstrated leader- tion and instruction and a ship capabilities and for her Doctor of Education degree commitment to excellence in educational leadership. in serving our students and "I am honored to be their families," board chair selected by the Board of Tina Drew wrote in a let- Trustees as the next Superter circulated intendent of Yk after the spe1," Vaselenak cial meeting. said. "A desire Vaselenak, for lifelong an Alberta learning and resident, has an adventuresome spirit worked for 34 are calling me years in that North. I am province as impressed with an educator the diversity in the roles of educational of teacher, opportunities, cur r iculum especially coordinator, assistant prin- Dr. Cindi Vaselenak the authentic cipal, princiresponse to the pal, deputy Truth and Recsuperintendent and super- onciliation Commission's intendent.

Calls to Action, provided for In March of 2019 she was students in the district. The named the Alberta Super- Yk 1 mission 'Education For intendent of the Year, receiv- Life' will challenge me to ing the provincial EXL inspire and be inspired by Award for excellence in the exceptional educators, School System Leadership. students and members of the She recently worked as community." an education consultant for Lippert filled the superthe Alberta School Boards intendent role on a contracAssociation and serves as tual basis and took over from a sessional instructor at the long-serving YK1 superintendent Metro Huculak.

University of Alberta.

news

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 15

YK dental team faces overwhelming demand returning to Norman Wells It has been nearly one year since dental visits have taken place in communities

by Blair McBride

Northern News Services

A dental team from Yellowknife are resuming their visits to the Sahtu region and are facing overwhelming demand for their services in Norman Wells.

"Every day we're seeing 18 to 20 patients. We work from 9 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. minimum. We were fully booked before we arrived," said Dr. Pirjo Friedman, a dentist from Adam Dental Clinic who visited the region on Jan. 18.

The visit comes more than six weeks after Health Minister Julie Green announced that dental trips could resume to six rural and remote communities including Fort Providence, Sambaa K'e, Fort Simpson, Aklavik, Fort Resolution and Norman Wells.

Friedman's team is scheduled to spend 10 days from Jan. 18 seeing patients at a temporary clinic in the Sahtú Got'iné Regional Health and Social Services Centre in Norman Wells.

Patients are coming in from all of the Sahtu communities including Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope, Deline, Tulita and Norman Wells.

"They're very welcoming and appreciative," Friedman said.

It has been almost one year since Friedman last travelled to the Sahtu to provide dental services, after dental travel was suspended by the chief public health officer when the

photo courtesy of Pirjo Friedman

Receptionist Clara Kelly, left, takes a break between dental appointments in Norman Wells on Jan. 21. She is pictured with Dr. Pirjo Friedman and dental assistants Carol Edgar and Kaushik Varadha.

Covid-19 pandemic began last March.

The long delay in dental travel is partly due to the fact that many remote communities lack health infrastructure that can satisfy Covid-19 regulations on dental procedures.

One issue is that health

facilities with only one or a few rooms can't circulate air fast enough to meet rules on air changes per hour, a measurement of the time it takes to remove airborne bacteria or infectious aerosols from the air.

That problem has been

photo courtesy of Pirjo Friedman

Dr. Pirjo Friedman, left, tests a dental light on receptionist Clara Kelly as assistant Kaushik Varadha holds a suction unit.

mitigated at the Norman Wells dental clinic because its HVAC air system isn't shared with the Sahtú Déné Néchá Ko Long Term Care facility, which is in the same building, according to the Covid-19 mitigation plan for the Norman Wells dental room.

"For the other health centres we bring our own portable units that have suction to suck up saliva or water or blood. I bring portable bottles for that but they're not very safe."

While Friedman said she's excited to be seeing patients again in the Sahtu, she feels the 10 days of appointments won't be enough and she continues to advocate that Norman Wells become a dental hub for the region.

"Maybe 10 days every month would be enough. If we're going to serve the other communities in Sahtu I'm really concerned that it's not enough time," she said.

"After this, the next trip is in March but I recommend we come in February too to keep up with the patients. We have too many people calling every day for appointments but we have nothing (more) to offer this trip."

Norman Wells mayor Frank Pope said the community is very pleased to welcome the dental team.

"We have, and have had, many people requiring dental care over the past eleven months," Pope said. "Some were able to get help by flying to Yellowknife, however the majority suffered and waited for service to resume."

Pope remarked that even those who have been able to fly to Yellowknife for oral care pay about $2,500 for air and hotel costs, not including the fees for dental services.

Not all residents have their costs covered.

In September of 2020, he spoke in favour of a full-time, permanent dental service in the Sahtu to meet the needs of residents and offset the high costs of travel to Yellowknife.

"I would think the 10-day clinic will be well attended.

Next step will be for the dental provider to prepare a schedule of visits for the next year," he said.

Friedman's next visit outside of Yellowknife will be to Fort Resolution for Feb. 7 to 12. Before Covid, she made regular trips to seven communities that included Fort Good Hope, Whati and Lutsel K'e.

In many other NWT communities where dental services have not yet restarted, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program continues to pay the medical transportation costs of NIHB clients, said Indigenous Services Canada spokesperson Leslie Michelson.

"This interim measure will continue, on an as-needed basis, until dental services are able to fully resume operations in all established community facilities," she said.

The remaining communities where dentists visited before the Covid-19 pandemic can resume operations when contracts are ready; facility upgrades are complete and inspected and meet Covid-19 safety protocols, Green said.

Those efforts are expected to continue throughout 2021 and 2022.

16 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Sports & Recreation Sports hotline • James McCarthy Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: sports@nnsl.com • Fax: (867) 873-8507

Fundamentals for the Futures Top: The U15 DT Electric Futures squad for 2020-2021 consists of, front row from left, coach Kyle Kent, Kabbamoy Paul, Jack Bragg, Landon Cooper, Aldon Gavina, Justin Quito, Francesco Stefanos and coach Nick Jones; back row from left, coach Cole Marshall, Edrian Badua, Rex Turner, Liam Bursey, Quinn Gillard, Alex Ramsay, Charles Yatco, Jericho Jimenez, Colby Caines and Jozuard Mercado.

Bottom: The U13 DT Electric Futures squad for this season consists of, front row from left, coach Jose Esteban, Joshua Castada, Dave Bajada, Ethan Bursey, Justin Gayo, Sean Komuhanji and coach Patrick Yatco; back row from left, Emmett Allan, Abraham Fontanilla, Jordy DaCorte, Wandile Betswana, Ahmed Gassime Sead and Zach Mathisen. photos courtesy of Cole Marshall

With no games or travel in sight, DT Electric Futures carry on with practice and perfecting

by James McCarthy

Northern News Services

No one has been able to travel for anything sporty since Covid-19 broke out and that's been a downer for anyone who's used to flying out for tournaments.

For the DT Electric Futures youth basketball program, it's no big deal. They're getting some extra time to make sure they have everything down when the chance to travel comes back around.

There are 32 young players in Grades 6 through 9 playing this season, according to Cole Marshall, the program's head coach, and he said they've taken this year's changes to heart.

"It's tough for the kids that they can't travel," he said. "We explained

to them what would be happening were a bit humbled after that game this season and try to give them but it was a chance to work on skill the best experience development, which is we could. We'd love our goal for this season."

Skills and drills will be to be able to travel but the name of the game it wouldn't be right or this season with the goal safe." of being ready to hit the As it stands, the court running as soon players are getting at as tournament games least two gym times per can be had again, said week at St. Pat's gymnasium and they have seen Marshall.

– Cole Marshall some game action here "We do struggle in town against some against kids in the of the other youth prosouth," he said. "One grams. of the big things is the size – we "I spoke with Aaron Wells about can't get the kids to grow on demand getting some games against the but we can work on this and that (Deton Cho) Eagles and they played and harp on the fundamentals. Our the high-performance boys team job as a coaching staff is to throw (Spartans)," said Marshall. "They something different at them each

"This team would have been fun to watch."

time, bring some new drills and the staff has done a good job in that."

Even though Marshall eluded to the struggles of taking on southern competition, the program has had a couple of deep runs in tournament play over the past few years.

But if there is to be a disappointment about not being able to play in tournaments, Marshall said it's with the Grade 8 to 9 crew.

"That's a gifted group and most of them will be moving up to the Spartans next season," he said. "This team would have been fun to watch."

On the girls side of basketball, there was a coming together of the programs under the Eagles banner with the goal of moving the players through the system from development to high performance.

Marshall said when it comes to the boys, there is a possibility of the same thing happening in the next little while.

"Matt (Craig, Spartans head coach) and I have chatted about it," he said. "There's some uncertainty about who's going to be around in the next couple of years but both of us are interested in the idea of what kids should know when they move up. At some point, we'll do it."

The plan is to play through to the end of May, if time permits and if there's gymnasium availability, with the final decision coming down to how the players are progressing.

"We don't want to overdo things," said Marshall. "We want to keep the kids sharp and just keep showing them new things."

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 17

18 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021

sports & recreation

Yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021 19

By the numbers Even in times of Covid-19, sports stat packs have returned to Yellowknifer. Standings and top scorers will appear weekly. If you'd like your league featured, call the sports line at 766-8257 or email sports@nnsl.com.

Hockey

iNDOOR sOCCER

Yk Rec Hockey League Standings as of Jan. 27

yk SOCCER League standings as of Jan. 27

A division

Team

W

L

T

1. Yk Galaxy Pepsi

25

0

0

2. Anytime Fitness Purple Cobras

23

2

0

3. Woodyard Growlers

19

5

1

4. @ourfriendcraig FC

17

8

0

5. Overlander Sundogs

13

9

3

6. JTFN 1

11

13

1

7. Pickaxe United

9

11

5

8. Ragged Ass 62 Degrees

9

13

3

9. Midnight Sun Mayhem

8

12

5

10. JTFN 2

8

14

3

11. Breakaway

8

15

2

12. Summit FC

4

17

4

13. Dirty Birds

3

20

2

14. Maley and the Pussycats

2

20

3

Team

W

L

OTL

Pts.

1. Ace

11

0

0

22

2. Fuel Flo

11

1

0

22

3. Weaver and Devore

7

4

0

14

4. Diamond Glass

4

5

2

10

5. Slayers

5

7

0

10

6. Carl's

4

6

1

9

7. J-Tech

3

7

2

8

8. KaSteelHeads

3

7

1

7

9. Aurora Ford

3

8

1

7

10. Eagles

2

7

2

6

Note: Overtime losses are worth one point

source: Yk Rec Hockey League

source: NWT Soccer

Volleyball Yk Volleyball Association round two standings as of Jan. 27 A division Team

W

L

1. Safe Sets

9

2

2. Avery Cooper Crushers

5

3

3. DCL Detonators

4

6

4. All Blacks

2

9

B division

2. The Young and the Rest of Us

8

2

3. Team North

2

8

4. Blue Balls

1

8

D Division Team

W

L

1. YKDFN Spikers

12

2

2. 2 Legit 2 Hit

6

6

3. Harley's Ball Busters

3

6

4. No Chalkers

2

8

Team

W

L

1. Can't Block This

8

1

2. Setters of Catan

4

4

3. 6-Pack

3

4

Team

W

L

4. Blue Balls

0

6

1. Coyote's Muktuk Snappers

6

5

2. BFTA

6

6

3. Crowe MacKay Number Crunchers

5

4

4. JTFN Defenders

4

6

C Division Team

W

L

1. Can't Get It Up

8

1

E division

source: Yk Volleyball Association

20 yellowknifer, Wednesday, January 27, 2021