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Get it in writing this time Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, October 1, 2010
Preliminary details from a pending feasibility study show De Beers' Gahcho Kue site - about 300 km northeast of Yellowknife - will have an expected lifespan of at least 11 years with a remarkable production rate of 4.5 million carats a year - more than three times the production capacity of Snap Lake, also owned by De Beers. A new diamond mine would be just the ticket needed to boost the territory's flagging exploration sector, not to mention more jobs and growth in Yellowknife, where a number of industries struggle to stay on their feet. The latest Statistics Canada report shows once again the NWT remains a no-go zone for many Canadians looking for work. The NWT population grew by just 0.2 per cent in July, to 43,759 from 43,673 last year. The Canadian average was 1.2 per cent, while neighbouring Nunavut grew by 3.2 per cent. A new mine would do much to encourage more workers to come live in the NWT as the previous ones did. The news presents the territorial government with an opportunity as well, to this time ensure the cutting and polishing industry has ready access to an allotted 10 per cent of rough diamonds - no auction premiums or bags fulls of tiny or poor quality stones. Now that the GNWT is reworking its diamond policy, getting such an agreement in writing is a must.
Aurora to the max Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, October 1, 2010 The AuroraMax Online Observatory, the brainchild of Yellowknife astronomy buff James Pugsley, has garnered worldwide attention since launching into cyberspace last week. The website allows visitors to watch the aurora borealis above Yellowknife as it's seen in real time. It also allows viewers to see aurora replays, reports on sunspot activity, and even receives Twitter messages notifying participants of when auroras are in view. Pugsley counts among his partners the Canadian Space Agency, the University of Calgary and the City of Yellowknife. The NWT is fortunate to count a savvy individual like Pugsley among its residents to trumpet one of the territory's greatest tourism resources. No doubt, the winter aurora tourism industry, which has fallen on hard times in recent years and is now down to only one full-time operator, Aurora World, has been given a much needed boost.
Embellishing the welcome mat Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's always interesting to see how many people are in the park at any given time and to scan their licence plates to note where they have come from. While many plates are from relatively nearby locations including British Columbia and Alberta there's always the odd one that's a long way from home, usually from an American state. Both casual observations and statistics from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) show the three territorial parks remain well used by visitors. Even with an economic downturn, visitor numbers remained steady compared to last year. As Michael Mageean, regional superintendent of ITI, said, the Deh Cho has world-class attractions people want to see. While the Deh Cho seems to be doing all right in terms of visitor numbers, and attractions such as Virginia Falls aren't about to disappear, it's not good enough to sit on one's laurels. While the region is unlikely to ever become a tourist hotspot, it's important we do as much as possible to maximize tourism potential. Some positive developments are already underway. ITI is constructing a viewing platform overlooking the Trout River gorge along with a hiking trail at Sambaa Deh Territorial Park. The Nahanni National Park Reserve is developing additional products and experiences to offer outdoor enthusiasts on top of the well-known trip down the South Nahanni River. Both projects will help to draw tourists into the region and keep them here longer. There are, however, some areas that need work. The highway system, particularly Highway 7, needs to be maintained to a higher standard. You can do as much promotion as you like, but unless people have easy access to a location they aren't going to come. There's also the matter of souvenirs. While communities including Fort Liard and Fort Providence have stores dedicated to selling local crafts and tourist items, even something simple, such as nice postcards, are notoriously hard to find in Fort Simpson. People on vacation like to purchase things to remind themselves of where they've been. Deh Cho communities would also benefit from having small businesses specializing in offering a taste of traditional Deh Cho life. Many tourists like to learn about the culture of the area they are visiting. So while a steady flow of tourists still visit the Deh Cho in the summer, there is more that could be done to increase tourist numbers and improve the experience they have while visiting.
What about the other kids? Editorial Comment Andrew Rankin Inuvik Drum - Thursday, September 30, 2010
This time, the problem lies with the seemingly enormous expense of constructing the building's interior. Estimates have been sent to the town amounting to $500,000. Mayor Denny Rodgers quoted that figure at town council's committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 20. That seems a tad unreasonable. The project has been on the table for a few years now. The new building has been vacant for almost a year and only now are residents hearing about construction quotes. The town is only prepared to spend half that amount, about $250,000, from the sale of the current youth centre. But it seems contracting outfits are currently working flat out and can charge what they want, and they're entitled to do that. Aside from the cost, there doesn't seem to be a focus on the town's part to get this badly-needed project done. There have been several delays over the last year. The end of summer was the last move-in deadline, which has since come and gone. It's unclear when the move will happen now. It seems to me the town should have been able to negotiate some deal with a local or outside contracting company in the past year. Maybe the work could have been completed by independent trades people, bit by bit. Youth continue to frequent the current run-down Mackenzie Road location just a few doors from the Trapper, instead of an ideal place in a recreational area. Youth centre staff have planned numerous programs designed for the new location, but had to put them on hold constantly because of the delays. Of particular concern is the fact many of the youth centre's clientele are there out of necessity. Many of them are just trying to avoid tough home situations and arrive often looking for a safe place to hang out. Many of the youth centres around the NWT are looking to offer overnight shelters for clients. These kids deserve a clean, safe place they can call their own. Bottom line is the move needs to happen soon. Maybe we shouldn't be relying just on the town to make this happen. Perhaps a few concerned residents could come together with the town and current youth centre to try to move the project forward. The group might bring more focus to the project, or at the very least figure out a proper, practical design, with youth input, that everyone can live with and then get to work. Hats off to all the adults signing up to coach minor hockey and the like, but there are other kids out there needing a hand up too. The kids who are relying on this project shouldn't have to wait any longer for a decent place to call their own. Divisive politics doesn't belong in schools Yellowknifer - Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The anti-abortion organization approached YCS for funding at the board's Sept. 15 meeting. Although the board has not yet made a decision, it should consider that giving money to a pro-life group, which takes an extreme stance on the issue of abortion, would only pit the school board against much of the community. Recent history shows us the school board's hardline positions have turned off some residents -- for instance its attempt to remove former board trustee and non-Catholic Amy Hacala and the related court case on that issue. The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the case last year, allowing Hacala and non-Catholics to prevail. The point was that, despite the fact YCS is mandated to deliver Catholic education, there are students from a variety of backgrounds attending Catholic schools, some with other beliefs in a supreme being, some who don't believe in a god at all. By extension, non-Catholics have a right to some representation on the YCS board. In 2007 then-Catholic board chair Shannon Gullberg claimed Education Minister Charles Dent wanted to "eradicate" Catholic education when YCS was pushing for another school. That was not a credible statement in the eyes of many. All the while, public support for Catholic Schools has be ebbing. Enrollment is dropping and taxpayers are choosing to put more money towards the Yk 1 public board. If YCS chooses to give money to the pro-lifers it will once again be viewed as staking out an extreme position, and will take it a step closer to "eradication" by its own actions.
Voting with his heart Yellowknifer - Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington deserves applause for voting according to the will of his constituents and not his party during last week's parliamentary vote on the long-gun registry. The NDP allowed its members a free vote, and Bevington took that route, departing from party leader Jack Layton's stance on this issue. The NWT's MP supported the registry's abolishment. His position is that there is merit in regulating firearms but that the current registry with its one-size-fits-all approach across the country is flawed. It's an opinion shared strongly by many Northerners. The unequal enforcement of the registry across Canada sends the message that flouting the rules is OK - perhaps even a badge of honour -- and encourages overall disregard of the law of the land. Canada needs to work towards more flexible solutions that recognize the differences in regions. For Bevington to disagree publicly with his party in defence of our interests showed both integrity and courage, characteristics laudable in an elected official. We hope parliamentarians as a group can demonstrate the same qualities by finding a way to regulate weapons that kill and maim people without turning hunters and marksmen into criminals.
Star maker Editorial Comment Erika Sherk Kivalliq News - Wednesday, September 29, 2010 A young woman in Rankin Inlet has a goal and she's making it happen. Pallulaaq Friesen fell in love with acting when she was 24, after an audition in the Siniktarviq Hotel in her home community. Her audition partner? None other than Ralph Fiennes, who starred in The English Patient and plays the role of arch-villain Voldemort in the Harry Potter movies. Though the project didn't happen in the end, her heart and mind were captured. Clearly not one to let passions sit around unkindled, she headed to the Academy of Acting in Winnipeg to study. Now, with her diploma in hand, she is back in Rankin Inlet and determined to raise up a troupe of adult actors. She has started the Arctic Acting Company in order to achieve that. Friesen has no funding for her project at the moment - students are paying a fee, but it's not a money-maker by any stretch. Her brand new company is not a small undertaking, either. It held its first class last week but already has eight people committed to the craft. Friesen will be putting in two evenings and an afternoon every week teaching her students confidence, theatrics, movement, elocution and acting theory. It's a lot for a 27-year-old single mother of two to take on but it's exactly the kind of thing that Northern communities need. It's not always easy to keep a vibrant arts and music scene thriving in a small hamlet but it's an essential part of the fabric of a happy, healthy community. The Missoula Children's Theatre was just in town and brought 58 kids to life in a full-blown singing, dancing production in just six days. Every town needs the occasional injection of theatrics but it can't be restricted to the children. There are children, teens and adults in every town in the Kivalliq who have a flair for the dramatic and they just need a stage. Friesen is creating just that. She went out into the world and gathered the skills and tools she needed and brought it all back to her hometown. That takes a lot of guts and gumption, particularly for a person so young, and she's exactly what the Kivalliq needs. Famous Nunavummiut in the production industry have, through their work, transmitted their culture and unique personalities to the rest of the world. Names like actor Natar Ungalaaq or filmmaker Zach Kunuk, both from Iglulik, come to mind. Friesen was close to being one of these herself when she auditioned opposite Fiennes for a role in Snow Country, the veteran actor's directorial debut that is still on hold for financial reasons. Another movie, Julie of the Wolves, was also auditioned in Nunavut. However, the director, Andrew Young, though on the record pledging to find an Inuk or Inupiaq actress to play the lead role, could not find an actress in the territory who he felt could handle the role. Friesen's acting company is the kind of ongoing training needed so that the next time a director makes his way North, he will find experienced, trained actors ready to take on whatever roles need filling. Interest in the Arctic is not going to go away; if anything it's going to grow. Directors will be back and if more individuals like Friesen have anything to do with it, Nunavummiut will be ready.
Silence is deadly NWT News/North - Monday, September 27, 2010
In recent years that viewpoint has changed and reports on suicides are beginning to surface, education programs are being offered at schools and awareness marches are becoming more prevalent. Suicide Prevention Day activities in Inuvik highlighted the need for more communication on the subject, especially in the North. Travis Smith and Dang-Dang Gruben lost a mutual cousin to suicide and their story is not unique in the North where from 2004 to 2009 rates of suicide were two times higher than southern Canada. Forty-six suicide deaths were reported by the Department of Health and Social Services in the territory. The small population sizes of our communities make the odds good many have had a direct relationship with a person who has taken their own life -- friends, family, co-workers. Creating an atmosphere of open and direct communication is important; resources such as counselling services, support groups and educating people how to talk with family and friends are vital. But prevention programs alone won't stop suicide and it is essential programs that will ensure our youth grow into strong confident adults are strengthened. To achieve that end we need cultural resources and connections with elders, job training, family, recreation and arts programs to help people develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth. Only with strong communities can we end the epidemic of suicide.
Youth education requires support NWT News/North - Monday, September 27, 2010 Once again the call for a student boarding home in Inuvik has been issued by parents, students and Beaufort Delta MLA Jackie Jacobson. For students in the Beaufort Delta who do not have access to Grade 12 courses at the schools in their communities and must travel to Inuvik to graduate, a residence is a needed resource to ensure success. Students need stability and support if they are going to do well in school. If the GNWT is unable to provide high school programs in all of the NWT's communities - a solution that would be ideal - it should be striving to provide support resources. The Beaufort Delta Education Authority used to operate a boarding home in Inuvik at a cost of a little less than $400,000 annually. Although the residence was shut down because of high operating costs, we submit the cost is not only money well spent but a significant savings when compared to the cost of ensuring every Beaufort Delta school has a secondary school curriculum. According to the GNWT collective agreement, teachers outside Yellowknife earn between $55,000 and $111,000 a year -- not including the cost of living allowance. Tack on the cost of resource materials, support staff and possibly extra teaching space and the cost will quickly exceed the $400,000 price-tag of the boarding home. According to the Department of Education Culture and Employment's Building on Success Strategic Plan 2005 - 2015, ECE believes "it will be important to expand support services for students with both short and long term needs ... If all students are to achieve their potential, this collaboration must be based on the specific needs of the children." Indeed, if the department is serious about increasing graduation and success rates and supporting students, it must commit to either implementing high school courses territory-wide or providing residential support to students who must leave home for school.
Finding hope Nunavut News/North - Monday, September 27, 2010 Hundreds of Nunavummiut are no longer with us because they chose to end their own lives over the past decade. There's no denying that grim fact. However, we must keep working towards uncovering what would possess a person to resort to such an act of desperation. Every year the Embrace Life campaign comes to the forefront on Sept. 10, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. Students and adults gather in each community for an awareness walk, some speeches and maybe a lunch. The important thing is they communicate the idea that suicide isn't an answer. It's only a sure way to leave a scar on those left behind. Many other programs have been launched in hopes of stemming the number of lives lost to one's own hand. Traditional on-the-land trips, hip-hop dancing mixed with life skills and a $823,000 government initiative called Uqaqatigiiluk (which translates into "talk about it") are among the efforts to keep despair from becoming all-consuming. Launched by the Government of Nunavut last year, the Uqaqatigiiluk program gives additional suicide-prevention skills to social workers, health professionals, RCMP officers, educators and youth leaders in several Nunavut communities. "Today we're helping those people who are depressed, overwhelmed or feel helpless. Across the territory, I want people to choose happiness and hope. I want people to choose life," Premier Eva Aariak said when introducing the program. It comes down to knowing the signs of distress and reaching out for help. That's what we must reinforce. No matter what the program, that can literally be the difference between life and death.
Floating our economic boat Nunavut News/North - Monday, September 27, 2010 The growing number of cruise ships visiting Nunavut is boosting the territory's economy. Not only do cruise ship tourists spend millions of dollars annually here - a boon to artists selling their handiwork and boosting demand at various stores and businesses - their growing presence is providing seasonal job opportunities. Close to a dozen people in Gjoa Haven recently completed four days of training through the hamlet and Parks Canada so they are better able to provide walking tours and enhance the brief stays of visitors from the United States, Europe and elsewhere around the globe. Other Nunavut hamlets have jumped on board with similar training -- and why not? Sixteen cruise ships were expected to drop anchor in Nunavut this year. That's still a long way from a remarkable 28 cruise ship visits to 12 Nunavut communities in 2008 but the recession took a bite out of many world travellers' pocketbooks and it's going to take some time to recover. But it will. Tourism brings in $25 million to $30 million for our territory each year. The vast majority of ships come and go without causing significant disruption. A cruise ship that ran aground less than 100 kilometres from Kugluktuk in late August was a rare exception, but the 200 passengers were safely rescued and no pollutants were left behind. Outside of that one unfortunate but not disastrous incident, there have been scores of other cruise ship visits that have only left behind additional wealth in the communities and created informed passengers who can better appreciate Inuit history and traditional lifestyle.
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