Northerners support one another in difficult times
News of a fatal plane crash has touched people across the NWT and Canada
This is Emily, Cabin Radio’s assistant editor. Wherever you’re reading this from, I hope you’re taking time to take care of yourself and check in with your loved ones.
Last week, people across the Northwest Territories were devastated by news of a fatal plane crash outside of Fort Smith. Two crew members from Northwestern Air Lease and four passengers, workers headed to the Diavik diamond mine, lost their lives. One person survived with serious injuries.
The names of the people involved in the crash have not been officially released but some family members have publicly confirmed and spoken about their loved ones.
Crystal Benwell says her younger brother Howie Benwell loved music and skateboarding, was a proud uncle and was “always able to light up the crowd.”
NWT communities may be located hundreds of kilometres away from one another, but people have strong connections across the North. Many have been touched by this tragedy.
Condolences have poured in from across the NWT and Canada. And people in Fort Smith have rallied around one another to offer support from gathering for a candlelit vigil to offering free cups of coffee.
If you need support please reach out, there are resources available.
Here at Cabin Radio, our hearts go out to everyone affected. We have had many discussions about how best we can report on this tragedy while not causing added stress or harm and honouring those whose lives were lost.
News organizations have a big responsibility when reporting on events like these to not only provide accurate, timely information to the public but to also be respectful to those who are grieving or impacted in other ways.
We have reached out to family members that we are aware of to ask if they would like to share tributes to their loved ones. Anyone we have not reached that would like to share a tribute is welcome to get in touch at any time.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about our coverage, please don’t hesitate to contact us at news@cabinradio.ca or 867-688-9309.
In the rest of this newsletter you can find some of our best reporting that you may have missed in recent weeks and what we’ve been reading from other publications.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
Our most important stories
What we’re reading
Stories to catch up on
Years later, Elder waits again for help fixing Behchokǫ̀ home
In 2021, Behchokǫ̀ Elder Celine Whane described waiting weeks for help with frozen pipes. Three years later, the same thing is happening again.
KFN plans housing society for residents as new homes arrive
New homes are arriving for Kátł’odeeche First Nation residents who lost theirs to floods or fires. The First Nation is also planning a broader housing society.
Counting Canada’s hidden tundra fires
Going through decades of satellite images pixel by pixel, scientists found dozens of tundra fires that came and went unnoticed. This is why that matters.
Will the GNWT launch an independent wildfire inquiry?
The signs suggest the GNWT doesn't really want an independent inquiry into last year's wildfires. Critics say existing government reviews won't be enough.
Edzo students building insulated dog houses
Students at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School have been working to construct insulated houses to help dogs in Behchokǫ̀ during the frigid winter months.
What happens when your employer decides to tear down your cabin?
A GNWT worker whose division removes illegal cabins is accused of having an illegal cabin. Did the GNWT mishandle his conflict of interest?
Review of NWT’s 2021 flood season finds gaps in emergency response
The NWT government has released its review of the 2021 flood season. Here's what you need to know.
Looking to rebuild, Enterprise residents still struggling to get land title
Some Enterprise residents say while they paid off equity leases years ago, they still don't own land. That makes rebuilding from a wildfire complicated.
Aurora College temporarily moves student services amid heating complaints
Aurora College temporarily closed its Yellowknife campus amid complaints about heating issues at the building.
Nunavut man designated as dangerous offender wins appeal of sentence
In 2017, Noel Avadluk was sentenced to a term of imprisonment with no end date. Now he will have a new sentencing hearing.
Northern Store’s low stock worries customers in Fort Simpson
The North West Company says a delay in the opening of the Liard River ice crossing contributed to shortages.
Dominion Diamond doesn’t have to pay former employees: adjudicator
Several Ekati employees were abruptly let go without cause in 2020. An adjudicator recently decided the mine's former owner doesn't owe them termination pay.
Avens calls for greater GNWT collaboration in evacuation review
The seniors community has released recommendations for itself, the territory and the city following Yellowknife’s wildfire evacuation.
Youth from Délı̨nę, Ndilǫ and Behchokǫ̀ ‘heal through songs’
Youth from Délı̨nę, Ndilǫ and Behchokǫ̀ star in three new music videos featuring original songs they wrote and performed.
What we’re reading
I’m raising my baby in an off-grid cabin in the Northwest Territories
From Emily: My dear friend and stellar reporter Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs wrote this beautiful piece for Maclean’s about raising her son in an off-grid cabin outside of Yellowknife. “Raising a baby without permanent road access is a whole different ball game. Our lives are governed by the northern lakes, and our access to and from the outside world dictated by the state of the water, open, frozen or somewhere inbetween. Out here, weather is boss, but also a teacher, and if you pay attention, you will become intimately acquainted with the pace of the seasons.”
Police raids rock Edmonton, as Indigenous encampment dismantled
From Emily: Journalist Brandi Morin wrote this detailed piece for Ricochet Media about an encampment in Edmonton. She was arrested while reporting on a raid of the site and charged with obstructing the police. Several journalism and human rights groups have since called for the Edmonton Police Service to drop charges.
N.W.T. premier wants territorial government to have less power
From Emily: NWT Premier RJ Simpson spoke with Davis Legree at iPolitics about his first few weeks in the role, consensus government, devolution and his vision for the territory. “In 50 years, the way I see the territory is we’ll have a number of Indigenous governments who are self-governing who have drawn down authority for a number of different services. And for the Government of the NWT, our role will actually diminish as time goes on and the Indigenous governments take over authority.”
Wishful Drinking
From Simona: Carrie Fisher's memoir is surprisingly hilarious and witty, considering she addresses her struggles with addiction and mental health. "If my life wasn't funny it would just be true, and that is unacceptable."