February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories. Indigenous languages are the foundation of the territory's identity, pride, and community. This month, help support Indigenous language revitalization and ask everyone to "say it in our languages" to encourage them to speak Indigenous languages with pride.

Denekʼę́ arı̨dı

(deh-nek ay ah-deen-dee)

Dene t'á arı̨nı̨

(deh-net ah ah-reen-ee)

Dene kʼę́ę́ adındı

(deh-nek ay ah-deen-dee)

Dinjih zhuh kʼyuu tʼijiinuh

Two new members, representing the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions, have joined the NWT Arts Council for two-year terms.

Premier R.J. Simpson announced today that John MacDonald will assume the role of Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, effective immediately. The Secretary to Cabinet provides coordination and leadership to the executive branch of government and is the most senior official within the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) public service.

Last week, Cabinet members of the 20th Assembly of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and officials attended the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in Vancouver to promote the territory’s mineral resources sector.

Premier R.J. Simpson was joined by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald, and Member of the Legislative Assembly Daniel McNeely.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is now accepting applications for the Supporting Child Inclusion and Participation Program for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

January to March is a busy time for travel in the territory with increased traffic on our highways and winter roads. Residents and commercial drivers are reminded to drive safe, keep a close eye on weather and highway conditions and be prepared for unexpected challenges.

This year, there will be a significant increase in large truck traffic moving fuel and cargo to the Sahtu Region, so it will be more important than ever to follow safe driving practices.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2021 Flood After-Action Review (AAR) Report. An external consultant was contracted to undertake the review to hear the perspectives of those who were involved with or affected by the 2021 flood so that the GNWT can better prepare for future emergencies.

Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson announced today the judicial appointment of Mr. Gary Magee to the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment will be effective January 17, 2024.

Mr. Magee holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall, York University. 

He has practiced law for 19 years and has spent the majority of his legal career living and working in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He has a broad range of experience covering criminal, family, and civil law.

This year, January 21-27 is National Non-Smoking Week! This annual event aims to educate and inform youth and young adults against starting to use tobacco products and helps existing tobacco consumers to quit or limit their intake.  

Quitting tobacco, cannabis, and/or vaping is essential for better health. In one cigarette puff, a smoker inhales around 7,000 harmful chemicals. Whether you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, or vape, there are toxic chemicals in these products that pose significant health risks.

The following links are being redistributed on behalf of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Government of Canada.

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsroom/news-releases/2024/federal-government-supports-new-homes-northwest-territories