Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Joanne Stassen
N.W.T. judge sides with company in Gwich'in Tribal Council's fight against water licence in Inuvik Original
North·New KBL had its water licence amended a few years ago so it could treat and store contaminated water at its facility in Inuvik. The Gwich'in Tribal Council tried to block it from having that licence renewed. The licence is for KBL Environmental's facility at the Inuvik landfill Joanne Stassen · CBC News · Posted: Jul 22, 2024 4:24 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 minutes ago The courthouse in Yellowknife.
Ozempic shortage has disproportionate impact on N.W.T.'s Indigenous population
North·New A global shortage of a drug used for Type 2 diabetes is being felt in the N.W.T. and could disproportionately affect Indigenous people. Territory has higher rates of Ozempic use than other jurisdictions, says N.W.T. medical director A global shortage of a drug used for Type 2 diabetes is being felt in the N.W.T. and could disproportionately affect Indigenous people.
N.W.T. gov't calls for emergency dredging of Hay River harbour Original
The N.W.T. government has put out a call for tenders for an emergency dredging program in the Hay River harbour. It's been over a decade since the harbour was last dredged and last year residents of Hay River said the sediment buildup in the harbour was the worst they'd seen. Barges belonging to the government's marine transportation service (MTS) and even a Coast Guard vessel were held up on sand bars.
Society (Denmark/Greenland)
WARNING: This story contains distressing details. Helene Thiesen says she froze when it came time to wave goodbye to her
Denmark/Greenland
The melting of a Greenland glacier is, in turn, generating its own heat, and accelerating the rate of thaw of Read more
Art and Culture
When Anthony Foliot, also known as the Snowking, found out about an international snow carving competition in Sweden last spring,
Culture
The Christmas season is all about holiday traditions, from decorating the tree to prepping the big meal and waiting for
Culture (Canada)
The Liard First Nation’s language department is being recognized by Canada’s premiers for decades of work done to promote and
Inuit TV, a new channel focused on Inuit culture, launches in Canada
‘It’s a collection of our stories, our lives, and we’re telling our stories for Inuit, for us’ Inuit in the three territories have another cable channel focused on their culture and language. Inuit TV launched on May 2, on Shaw Channel 268. It will also air on Arctic Co-op’s cable in the communities and be available on a computer, phone or tablet via the taku.tv app.
A good job brought this Northerner home. Yellowknife's rental market could drive her back south
North·New Melanie Dene went back to school as mature student, got her master's degree, and then a job in her field back home in Yellowknife, but even with a good salary she’s been unable to find housing, and she’s considered moving back south. ‘I did all the right things,’ says Melanie Dene.
Inuit TV, a new channel focused on Inuit culture and language, launches Monday
Inuit in the three territories will soon have another cable channel focused on their culture and language. Inuit TV launches on May 2, on Shaw Channel 268. It will also air on Arctic Co-op's cable in the communities and be available on a computer, phone or tablet via the taku.tv app. The idea for the all-Inuit channel was first sparked 16 years ago, said Lucy Qavavauq, Inuit TV's co-CEO and a former broadcaster with CBC North.
Reducing seats in N.W.T. legislature would be mistake: Jane Groenewegen
During the next session of the legislature the Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission is expected to table its final report. The commission is reviewing the number, size and boundaries of existing electoral districts and it could recommend some changes. Trailbreaker host Loren McGinnis is speaking with Northern politicians leaders to find out what they think could or should be done to improve the electoral system, and revisiting whether consensus government itself is working.
Indigenous entrepreneur defends right to harvest salt after warning from Parks Canada
Melissa Daniels says she won't stop using salt from Wood Buffalo National Park in her skin care line. "The implication that my land based, hand-harvested practice is a threat to the natural environment is insulting to me, our nation, our ancestors and the land itself." Melissa Daniels is an Indigenous entrepreneur who harvests salt from Wood Buffalo National Park to create bath soak for her line of hand-crafted skin care products.
'A big presence': Remembering Charlie Barnaby, founding member of the Dene Nation
Charlie Barnaby is being remembered as a strong and outspoken Dene chief who fought for Indigenous land rights in the N.W.T. at a time when some doubted they would ever be recognized. He died in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., on Saturday at age 90. Chief Charlie Barnaby of Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., as he appeared in a photo in the Native Press newspaper in March of 1972. The Dene leader died last Saturday at age 90.
Immersing adults in Indigenous language builds family connections, cultural identity
Across the N.W.T. elders and other mentors are helping adult language learners revive their Indigenous language through one-on-one immersion. It's proving to be a healing for some residential school survivors, building fluency, family connection, well-being and cultural pride. Catherine Boucher playing Scrabble in Dënedédlı̨́né Yëtı. She's teaching her younger sister Laura Boucher the language with support from the Master Apprenticeship Program.
Transplant patient from N.W.T. 'looking forward to the future'
A Yellowknife man who received a kidney donation last month after a seven and a half year wait is feeling grateful, blessed and looking forward to the future. Roy Dahl, right, and his wife Katheleen. Roy waited seven years for a kidney transplant which he received in late March. (Submitted by Roy Dahl) Roy Dahl said he's still a bit sore but "looking forward to the future" after getting a long-awaited kidney transplant in Edmonton last month.
N.W.T. nursing students concerned nursing shortage will affect critical mentorships
Two nursing students from the N.W.T. say they have no intention of changing their plans to do frontline nursing in the North, despite their concerns that the national nursing shortage will leave them without adequate mentorship when they graduate. Yellowknifer Shiri McPherson, a third-year nursing student at York University in Toronto, is concerned the nursing shortage across Canada may affect her opportunities for mentorship when she enters the work force.
Feds invest $3.1M to bring people in N.W.T. back to community spaces
The federal government will spend $3.1 million over the next two years in nine different N.W.T. communities to fix or add infrastructure and make public spaces accessible, as the territory opens up after the pandemic. Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal makes his way to the West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. He announced $3.1 million in federal funding for N.W.T. community projects Monday.
Roy Dahl needs a kidney donor, before it's too late
Roy Dahl has been waiting seven years and three months for a kidney donor and is now in the late stages of kidney disease. He's hoping someone will come forward as a living donor soon. Roy Dahl spends four-and-a-half hours, three days a week in dialysis. He can't travel far from Yellowknife or Hay River because those are the only places in the N.W.T with dialysis centres.
Army investigating Arctic military exercise that led to search and rescue, medevac
The Canadian Army is investigating a military exercise between Igloolik and Sanirajak, Nunavut, in mid-March that led RCMP to call local search and rescue, and another person to get flown to Iqaluit for medical treatment. Participants in the the Arctic Operations Course in Grise Fiord, Nunavut, on March 12. On March 14 a similar patrol set out from Igloolik to Sanirajak.
Dene love song contest honours long-time Sahtu educator Vivian Pellissey
Friends, colleagues and students are being asked to record Dene love songs on Facebook, to honour the late Vivian Pellissey who brought her love of language and laughter into Sahtu schools for over 35 years. Vivian Pellissey, left, with Cecile McCauley, centre, and Jessie Campbell. Campbell, a friend and fellow language instructor, says Pellissey could always find a reason to laugh.
Invualuit artist connects Toronto's Gardiner Expressway with Arctic landscape
Inuvialuit artist Maureen Gruben melds one of the busiest roadways in Toronto with the expansive landscape around Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., in her first major piece of public art. Skaters on Toronto's Bentway Skate Trail encounter stylized Inuvialuit sleds that display scenes from artist Maureen Gruben's life in the Western Arctic. The project is called Moving with Joy.
N.W.T. will reopen to tourism in March
N.W.T. will reopen to tourism in March | CBC News Loaded North Starting March 1, anyone with an approved self-isolation plan will be allowed to travel into the N.W.T., regardless of their vaccination status. Approved self-isolation plan still required, regardless of vaccine status Joanne Stassen · CBC News · Posted: Feb 11, 2022 3:33 PM CT | Last Updated: 34 minutes ago A plane that landed in Yellowknife, N.W.T. on Feb 6, 2022.
Biathlete from Greenland proud to represent Inuit at her first Olympics
Ukaleq Slettemark, who will represent Greenland in biathlon at the Olympics in Beijing, is also proud to represent Inuit. Inuk athlete Ukaleq Slettemark is competing for Denmark at the Beijing Olympics, but says she feels like she's representing Inuit from around the circumpolar region.
Greenland biathlete proud to represent Inuit at her first Olympics Original
Ukaleq Slettemark, who will represent Greenland in biatholon at the Olympics in Beijing, is also proud to represent Inuit. Inuk athlete Ukaleq Slettemark is competing for Denmark at the Beijing Olympics, but says she feels like she's representing Inuit from around the circumpolar region.
Having issues accessing the internet? This N.W.T. group wants to know through text survey
An N.W.T. digital literacy group is asking residents to share their digital experiences through a survey done by text, after it realized many people couldn't do its online version. "Not even the low bandwidth version," said Kyle Napier. "It's just that bad." Kyle Napier, with DigitalNWT, said the organization decided to offer N.W.T. residents the opportunity to access the survey through text because it realized most people couldn't take the organization's internet speed test online.
'Read that report': How to keep being an ally from the perspective of 2 Indigenous N.W.T.'ers
Lawrence Norbert, an outspoken residential school survivor, says non-Indigenous people can be allies by researching and understanding the impact of residential schools. 'If people want to be our allies, please, get informed, be aware.' Lawrence Norbert was among the first Grollier Hall students to come forward with the truth about abuse at residential schools. In 1998, Norbert and others who attended the residential school formed the Grollier Hall Residential School Healing Society.
'Need is urgent': N.W.T. asks Red Cross, feds for help dealing with COVID-19 outbreak
The Northwest Territories is "rapidly" running through its resources, the health minister said Wednesday, as a COVID-19 outbreak spills into six communities. Now, the territory has asked the federal government and the Red Cross for additional staff and supplies. N.W.T. Health Minister Julie Green asked people to avoid going to the two large funerals planned this week if they live in an area where a containment order is in place.
N.W.T. remote tourism operators can host out-of-territory visitors this summer. Here's how it works Original
Operators can apply to host the visitors by creating a remote tourism COVID-19 operations plan and if approved and in place, clients will be allowed to self-isolate on-site at the remote tourism location, instead of in one of the N.W.T.'s isolation hubs. A patch of boreal forest northeast of Fort Smith, N.W.T. as seen from a helicopter. Lodges that operate in remote regions of the territory can apply to receive tourists from out of territory under new pandemic guidelines introduced this week.
MPs set to vote on motion to recognize Emancipation Day across Canada
© Submitted: Irene Moore Davis Big names like the Supremes, Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder played the bandstand at Jackson Park in Windsor, Ont. during Emancipation Day celebrations. It was called "the greatest freedom show on earth." From the Depression era until 1967, annual Emancipation Day celebrations on Aug. 1 drew big acts, such as the Supremes, Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder, across the U.S.-Canada border to Windsor, Ont..
Why this woman initially declined participating in National Geographic doc — then changed her mind | CBC News
The Last Ice tells the story of Inuit communities fighting for their way of life as the Arctic Ocean melts more and more. Mataali Okalik appears in the National Geographic film documentary The Last Ice, which looks at how climate change is affecting Inuit communities. The film will premiere on Nat Geo TV on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Yellowknife teacher's final lesson: How to live a good death
Maureen Tonge’s death from cancer at age 52 offers friends and family a window on how to live and die well. Maureen Tonge at a Kundalini Yoga Retreat in October 2019 on the Greek island of Karpathos. (Submitted by Maureen Tonge) Maureen Tonge's living room looks out over the houseboats on Yellowknife Bay. She's sitting in a comfy chair by the window, wrapped in a cozy blanket. "I'm in the end stages of my life," she says matter-of-factly. "Yep. I'm dying." It's Sept. 16.
Giant artichoke beats the odds, thrives in Yellowknife garden Original
Leslie Creed grew a massive artichoke in Yellowknife this summer. The plant generally thrives in southern Mediterranean climates. Leslie Creed stands next to her thriving garden in Yellowknife. The horticulturist likes trying to grow new plants each summer. (Mark Hadlari/CBC) The top artichoke producing regions in the world are Italy, Spain and Egypt — the hearty thistle thrives in southern Mediterranean regions. Enter Yellowknife. Leslie Creed wasn't deterred by those mere facts.
Second-hand sauna inspires creative musical sales pitch Original
When Bogdan Stanciu was in university, he dreamed of having a sauna at home. Now that he’s got one, he just wants to get rid of it. Bogdan Stanciu got musical in an attempt to sell his second-hand sauna. (Submitted by Bogdan Stanciu) When Bogdan Stanciu was in university, he dreamed of having a sauna at home. Now that he's got one, he just wants to get rid of it.
'Like mothers to us': Behchoko woman thanks community's health-care workers
The staff at the Mary Adele Bishop Health Centre in Behchoko, N.W.T., recently received an unexpected gift from a grateful resident who wanted to show her appreciation for all of their work during the pandemic. Rosa Mantla heart project 9:37 Rosa Mantla wanted to thank her community's health-care workers. The woman from Behchoko, N.W.T., had seen stories from across the country of people showing their gratitude in different ways and wanted to do something similar.
Yellowknifer out of Ecuador, but still not quite home
Stephen Petersen feared he'd be stranded while on vacation in early March, but made it home to Canada nearly two weeks ago. His initial mandatory self-isolation ends Saturday. Yellowknifer Stephen Petersen in the Quito, Ecuador, airport with a mask he got for himself, as well as gloves and hand sanitizer available at the airport.
This Yellowknife couple is using 3D printing to make masks more comfortable
With health-care workers required to wear protective masks for hours every day, a Yellowknife doctor and her husband took to 3D printing to offer some relief. Eric McNair-Landry and Kate Breen, pictured here during a trip across Baffin Island. The couple have started 3D printing mask tension relievers at their home for health-care workers in Yellowknife.
'Relax and take it easy': Homeschooling mom offers advice amid school closures
Sarah Swan, who homeschools her two daughters in Yellowknife, says she's been getting lots of calls from friends asking for advice amid school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Swan's daughter Lucy works on a history timeline with help from the family cat. As schools in the Northwest Territories are closed until at least April 14, many parents and guardians are wondering how to help their kids study from home.
Yellowknifer fears being stranded in Ecuador after Air Canada suspends flights | CBC News
When Stephen Peterson heard the Ecuadorian government was closing the airport to incoming flights, he cut his planned trip short and hightailed it to the country's capital. But he was too late. Stephen Petersen caught the last bus from the beach town of Montañita and then managed to find a van heading to Quito. But when he got there, the airport was already closed. (Submitted by Stephen Peterson) Stephen Petersen says it took him two days to get back to Quito from the coast of Ecuador.
Dene singer Leela Gilday wins SOCAN Her Music Award
The singer-songwriter says she was blown away when she won the award, which hundreds of musicians vied for. Juno-winning singer-songwriter Leela Gilday now has another award to add to her collection: a SOCAN Her Music Award. (Shawna McLeod photo) Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Leela Gilday remembers when she got started in the music industry, festival lineups would be almost entirely comprised of white men.
Yellowknife woman wins gold at ice cross world championship
Maxie Plante, who's a pilot with Summit Air in Yellowknife, placed first in the race in Japan Saturday, ahead of two former world champions. Maxie Plante celebrates after winning the finals at the ATSX 1000, the sixth stop of the Red Bull Ice Cross World Championship in Yokohama, Japan, on Feb. 15. (Joerg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool) Maxie Plante knew she was up against the best in the world, so her race needed to be flawless.
Yellowknife man wins dream trip to Italy for his home-cooked meal
Trevor Sinclair from Yellowknife is one of 100 home cooks selected by Airbnb Experiences to spend a week at the Slow Food Institute’s University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. Andrew Sinclair says he entered the Airbnb Experiences contest on a whim after seeing a post on Facebook.
Meet the Yellowknifer starring in new Netflix sci-fi series | CBC News
Gabriel Darku, who grew up in Yellowknife, plays one of the lead roles in the new Netflix series October Faction. It follows the Allen family, which includes Darku’s character Geoff, his TV twin sister Viv, and their mom and dad — who have secretly spent their careers hunting monsters. Gabriel Darku, 24, was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, but grew up in Yellowknife. (Megan Vincent) Another Thursday, another brand new TV show to binge watch.
'Is this real life?': Yellowknife family wins nearly $21K in Family Feud Canada | CBC News
The Hernandez family took home $20,915 after competing in three episodes of the TV game show hosted by comedian Gerry Dee. Yellowknife's Hernandez family won nearly $21,000 on CBC's Family Feud Canada. (Submitted by Aaron Hernandez) Aaron Hernandez introduced his family to a national TV audience by spitting some hot fire on Family Feud Canada.
This Yellowknife woman wasn't supposed to live to see the end of 2019 | CBC News
Maureen Tonge had a terminal brain tumour. Now, she could beat the odds — and she’s spreading a message of gratitude for the holidays. Maureen Tonge was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer earlier this year. Now, it looks like she could beat the odds. (Submitted by Maureen Tonge) Maureen Tonge wasn't supposed to see the end of 2019. Diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in January, doctors guessed she could have as little as only four months to live.
Despite murky future, N.W.T. mushers prepare for 2020 Arctic Winter Games | CBC News
The future of the North's most iconic sports is at stake at the Arctic Winter Games. Mushers say the games need mushing as much as mushing needs the games. The 2018 Arctic Winter Games mascot, Ketchi, rode along with Alaska's Johanna Badalich for a few pictures at the games in the N.W.T. As Team Alaska mulls whether to send any dog mushers to the 2020 games, the N.W.T. is preparing for its trials in December.
What Indigenous wellness will look like at Yellowknife's new Stanton hospital
Stanton Territorial Hospital's Indigenous wellness program will expand at the new hospital with a full-time resident elder on staff and four new full-time Indigenous patient liaisons. A view of the sloped exterior wall and ceiling space inside the new Stanton hospital's 'sacred space.' It is ventilated to allow for smudging ceremonies.
'Mr Awesome' now even more awesome: Johnny Issaluk named explorer-in-residence
Inuk motivational speaker Johnny Issaluk will get more opportunities to inspire youth to overcome their fears, as the Royal Canadian Geographic Society's 6th explorer-in-residence. Johnny Issaluk is welcomed as the Royal Canadian Geographic Society's 6th explorer-in-residence by Jill Heinerth, who is the first person named to the honour. (Ben Powless/Canadian Geographic) From acting, to mountain-climbing, arctic sports, and cold water diving, it seems like there's nothing Johnny Issaluk can't do.
Facing tinder dry conditions, N.W.T. preps for busy fire season
A dry fall, and little snowfall sets the N.W.T. up for a potentially busy fire season, with 5 person-caused fires already on the books as early as January. Scorched earth marks where forest fires had burned near Kakisa, N.W.T. in 2014. That year was one of the worst fire seasons on record. (Jacob Barker/CBC) Fire officials in the N.W.T. are preparing for a busy forest fire season, despite last summer's cool, wet conditions.
Memories flood back for Yellowknife woman reconnected with her first snowmobile
Mary Tapsell's first snowmobile was a long-track Bravo that took her to work and to the floe edge, serving her growing family well for nearly 30 years. She thought it was a goner, but a handyman with a soft spot for the old machines brought it back to life, and to her, 4 years later. Mary Tapsell was reunited with her original snowmobile, a 1985 Bravo. She started it up for CBC North's cameraman Randall Mackenzie and Trailbreaker host Loren McGinnis this winter.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Joanne
Contact Joanne, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack