Arviat (Nov 29/06) - Arviat's adult recreational hockey players are upset over council's decision to deny their application for funding help through bingo revenues in the community.

Rather than give groups or organizations bingo slots, the Hamlet of Arviat now runs bingo in the community and disperses the proceeds after reviewing funding applications.

Arviat Mayor Elizabeth Copland takes notes during the Kivalliq mayors meeting in Rankin Inlet this past week. Arviat council is under fire from adult hockey players who are upset over being denied funding from local bingo revenues. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

While Arviat council did approve $24,000 for minor hockey, it passed over the senior players' request.

Rec player Paul Pemik Jr. said the snub is just the latest example of how senior hockey is treated unfairly in Arviat.

"We're told by the hamlet we're an adult team that should take care of its own fundraising, but we've been trying to do that," said Pemik.

"We hold teenage dances to raise money, but we need help from bingo revenues to cover our travel costs.

"Team Arviat is one of the most competitive adult recreational teams in Nunavut, yet we can't get support from our own council.

"I'm sure a strong-voiced councillor would have a different outlook if they had a son playing on the team."

Pemik said it's unfair when two different racing clubs in the community each receive $24,000 and the senior hockey team doesn't get a dime.

He said travel costs are higher than ever and the team needs the money to ensure Arviat continues to be represented at big tournaments.

"Nobody's supposed to say anything negative about elders, but you look at the list and there's money to an elders' Christmas party ($6,000) and an elders' group ($6,000) that doesn't give anything back to the community.

"Fishing derbies get $24,000, but we get nothing. "Brutal is the only word to describe it."

Arviat Mayor Elizabeth Copland disputes the players' claim they were denied because they're adults.

She said funding requests that benefit the whole community, not one particular group, are given priority.

"Council recognizes the players represent our entire community when they travel to tournaments, and they showed last year they could represent the community and not just go to another hamlet to have a good time," said Copland.

"But it's still just a select group that would benefit from the funding and there were more deserving requests."

Copland said the adult players could still receive future funding and should continue to submit applications to the council.

"We didn't support them this time, but that doesn't mean the answer is no forever.

"There's still a chance council will say yes to their application in the future.

"But, it's not a mayor's decision, it's a council decision,

"And council will continue to approve requests that benefit the community the most."