Movies, money and mayors
Plus check out our new merch
Hello readers, this is Emily, Cabin Radio’s assistant editor.
Happy November!
The 18th annual Yellowknife International Film Festival has begun this week featuring more than a dozen films from across the world, including several from northern filmmakers. Check out our guide on what to watch, and read our interviews with some of the filmmakers whose work will appear on the big screen at the Capitol Theatre.
If you’re not in the city, you can still watch some films online.
In political news, the NWT Legislative Assembly ended its recent sitting by passing the 2025-26 capital budget, despite concerns and nay votes from some regular MLAs. In a rare instance, a private member’s bill become law and resulted in change to student financial assistance, while regular MLAs called for an audit of the NWT’s healthy authority.
Meanwhile, the Union of Northern Workers has criticized the territorial government’s plan to close the men’s unit of the Fort Smith jail and doctors have expressed concern about changes to primary care in Yellowknife.
In municipal news, Hay River is hoping to have taxi service again while Yellowknife wants residents’ input on proposed changes to a bylaw that regulates cabs in the city.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
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What we’re reading
Stories to catch up on
1. How should the NWT save money?
The NWT government says it faces a "dire" financial outlook and is trying to save $150 million annually. How might the territory actually do that?
2. How much carbon tax the NWT is paying and where the money goes
The NWT's carbon tax report is out. From April 2023 to March 2024, here's what was paid, where the revenue went, and what the GNWT thinks happened to emissions.
3. Inuvik band manager and Behchokǫ̀ SAO recognized for leadership
The company hoping to restart the Pine Point mine in the South Slave signed an agreement with the Town of Hay River to "work together" in support of the project.
4. Norman Wells launches petition as town writes Imperial letter
The Town of Norman Wells launched a petition for more support over extreme fuel costs, while adding its voice to a regulatory dispute involving Imperial Oil.
5. Blake, Kyikavichik and GTC make arguments in election court case
An NWT Supreme Court justice is weighing whether to intervene in the Gwich'in Tribal Council's handling of its grand chief election, which ended in acrimony.
6. Inuvik’s new approach to emergency housing for women and children
A tiny home village is set to open in Inuvik next fall, designed to provide housing and supports to women and children fleeing family violence.
7. Hay River ordered to pay former finance director $74K
An NWT Supreme Court justice ordered the Town of Hay River to pay a former senior manager eight months' salary and benefits over his mishandled 2015 dismissal.
8. Mayor wants to explore new version of Inuvik Works
Inuvik's new mayor says he wants to examine bringing back a program that employs people "just getting back on their feet" as he begins the job.
9. Fort Simpson’s new and outgoing mayors look ahead
Les Wright has been sworn in as Fort Simpson's new mayor, succeeding Sean Whelly. We asked them both about the community's future.
10. Are these Yellowknife’s coolest jack-o-lanterns?
Halloween may be over for another year but the memory of these jack-o-lanterns lives on. Check out Dean Robertson's impressive pumpkin sculptures.
New merch alert!
New Cabin Radio merch has arrived including crew necks, hoodies, t-shirts and hats.
You can find and purchase merch at our office or in our online store.
What we’re reading
Northern Lights Hunting with This Indigenous Tracker Was the Most Moving Adventure of My Life
Joe Buffalo Child, an aurora hunting guide based in Yellowknife, stars in this feature in Outside magazine by Stephanie Vermillion.
Canada’s Richest People
MacLean’s partnered with Canadian Business to publish this list of the wealthiest people in Canada, from a crypto king and grocery giants to real estate moguls.
Canada Post, union still at odds as strike looms. What are the sticking points?
For Global News, Saba Aziz breaks down labour negotiations between Canada Post and its workers’ union, with files from the Canadian Press.