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Intent to offend Yellowknifer - Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Somebody saw fit to do that earlier this month. Doing so isn't a crime, but it is unacceptable in our society. Muslims consider depicting the prophet blasphemous, and their views should be respected, providing they don't infringe on anyone else. Many residents of our city do not practise religion, but they do practise tolerance of other people's beliefs, which is not only a basic courtesy, it is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Section two of the charter states citizens are granted the right to practise their religion without prejudice. The charter also gives people freedom of expression, but the act of putting up this poster, downloaded from the Internet, was done with a malicious motive - it is not a great approach to expressing one's opinion. Muslims have the right to worship in peace and not be persecuted for their belief system, just like Christians, Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses or anybody else. The incident has sparked a flurry of comments on media websites and blogs. While some public statements have endorsed tolerance of religion and disdain for the aforementioned provocative act, there are many disturbing and anonymous posts screaming of outright bigotry toward Muslims and their faith. Yellowknife, rich in diversity and culture, prides itself on being a tolerant and accepting community, regardless of race, religion or creed. We encourage residents to continue down this positive path and work to prevent a recurrence of an incident like the one at the Yellowknife mosque earlier this month. Tolerance and education are the route to eliminating fear and ignorance, and make for a more healthy community.
Welcome to Yellow-nice Yellowknifer - Wednesday, October 20, 2010 One person's video, recently posted on YouTube, in which a supposedly helpful individual takes potshots at the city's restaurants and residents while talking to a tourist, caused a flurry of people to rush to the city's defence. The computer animated video is critical of service and costs at local establishments, pokes fun at houseboaters and transplanted Newfoundlanders, and refers disparagingly to those suffering from addictions. While we should never take ourselves too seriously - laughter is, after all, the best medicine - it does cost a lot of money to run a business in our remote city, entry-level staff are hard to find and keep, and there are many complicated reasons for people with dysfunctions. People having difficulty coping, of course, exist in every city and town. On the other hand, Yellowknifers are generous, known for donating time and money to charitable causes. The environment is, in many ways, beautiful and there is plenty to do outdoors and indoors. These things become more evident the longer you live here. The person who created the cynical YouTube video might want to take time for a little self-reflection as he or she chose to devote time to poking fun at the city when he or she could have been out volunteering to make Yellowknife an even better place to live.
Communication a key to season's success Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, October 20, 2010 If you play them all, you'll lose it all. That's a phrase (some would say warning) coaches of many team sports are aware of, especially those involved with the game of hockey. With a new season ready to go in Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit - and waiting on Mother Nature in the rest of Nunavut - it's also a dilemma a number of territorial coaches will face this year. In fact, the past few years have seen coaches reprimanded for shortening their benches in the heat of a playoff or tournament game. Parents, you see, don't like it when their kids don't get to play as much as the others. A complaint to their local minor hockey association soon follows and, except in the rarest of cases, the coach who made the decision to shorten their bench takes a fall. The reason behind shortening one's bench is, of course, winning. During playoff and tournament games, it's a common practice across Canada for coaches to only use their top six forwards and four defencemen in the late going. Just as common is the argument all kids should play equally, even if that means losing the big game. The key to avoiding confrontation is the same as it is in many facets of life - proper communication. In house leagues, just-for-fun setups and lower levels of hockey, every kid should receive an equal amount of ice time in every game. After all, it's all about having fun at that level and every parent pays the same amount in annual fees for their child to play. The same can be said for special tournaments held to promote participation, not championship glory. But when the kids enter higher levels of hockey, or play in prestigious events, the puck begins to flip. You would have a hard time convincing a coach at a territorial championship or the Polar Bear Plate event, to cite two examples, that their 17th and 18th best players should play as much as their stars in the big game. It's just not going to happen the vast majority of the time. That's why the onus is on our minor hockey associations to get the message out to parents and coaches alike before an event happens. It's far better in these situations for hockey reps to be proactive and save everyone a ton of grief, including themselves. For lower levels and participation events, coaches should teach the skills of the game and let the kids have fun. Winning and losing in those situations should never become their main focus. Let the kids play and have fun, and most hockey moms and dads will be just as happy as their children. At higher levels of Nunavut hockey, winning is as important as it is anywhere else in Canada. Players often practise all year for one or two events they want to win, and that's the simple truth of the matter. In those situations, coaches should make the decisions they believe will result in victory. From coaches and players to minor hockey reps and parents, communication is a key to ensuring everyone has a fun-filled and productive hockey season.
Kitchen table factor NWT News/North - Monday, October 18, 2010 For at least the next three years, Tlicho and Yellowknives Dene communities will have to find a way to adjust to a caribou harvesting limit significantly lower than historical hunts. The Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board's recommendations on managing the NWT's declining caribou herds have identified key areas aiming to restore the NWT caribou population. At the heart of the recommendations is a hunting limit of 300 caribou from the Bathurst herd. Other recommendations outline consequences should the harvest exceed 300 animals or the cow to bull ratio by 10 per cent. The consequences include banning hunting or implementing a total allowable harvest. Traditionally, the aboriginal harvest of the Bathurst herd is between 7,000 and 10,000 animals, according to Minister Michael Miltenberger. At first glance it may seem like a large kill, but when considering the population numbers, the food supply starts to get scarce. Between the Tlicho and Yellowknives Dene communities, there are around 886 households, according to the NWT bureau of statistics. At the high end, that would equal just over 11 caribou per household. According to the NWT Bureau of Statistics, 50 per cent of households in Yellowknives and Tlicho communities have four or more people. If those people eat caribou meat on a weekly basis, even 11 caribou might not last the entire year. We all agree conservation is essential but is it enforceable? In this case we're talking about limiting a community's primary food source. Some may dispute that fact, but consider the average income in the Tlicho communities of Behchoko, Gameti and Whati -- $30,000 for a single person and $66,000 for a family. Factor in the cost of living and food prices in those communities and it's not unreasonable that people would be relying on caribou as a primary food source. The Wek'eezhii report calls for mandatory monitoring and reporting of the harvest and suggests the GNWT and Tlicho boost enforcement staff and encourage hunt reporting by hunters. But the Wek'eezhii region is massive. Tracking all hunters and all kills will be difficult without complete co-operation from hunters. We are not suggesting the Tlicho and Yellowknives Dene people won't co-operate, but when faced with the choice between feeding a family and killing a few extra caribou, most people would not hesitate to pull the trigger. Punishing people for gathering food is inhumane and the government needs to understand the restrictions might be taking food out of some family's mouths. The recommendations do make provisions to support alternative game hunts and fish camps, but making up the losses from other sources such as bison and moose herds will put considerable pressure on those populations. Protecting our caribou herds is vital, but we must practise conservation with the health and well being of NWT families in mind.
Nunavut riches Nunavut News/North - Monday, October 18, 2010 "There is hope for the future." Those were Jose Kusugak's words upon visiting Baker Lake in June. The Kivalliq Inuit Association's president may well have been speaking of Hall Beach, which is pondering the consequences of a $1 billion investment in a huge iron ore deposit southwest of the community. Kusugak was in Baker Lake earlier this year as part of a large delegation visiting the Meadowbank gold mine, 70 km north of the community. Kusugak said he remembered when there was a sense of frustration and despair in Baker Lake many years earlier, largely due to a high unemployment rate. The mine, which entailed $710 million in spending to get it into production, has brought prosperity to the community. Close to 550 jobs were created, with Nunavummiut filling more than 150 of those positions. Of course all that wealth and opportunity does not come without some drawbacks. Police say crime has been on the rise in Baker Lake. Surely the influx of money has led to more spending on drugs and alcohol by some, and that means more episodes of violence and domestic disputes. As well, there was a recent reminder of the environmental risk associated with having industry as a neighbour. Just a couple of weeks ago, approximately 40,000 litres of diesel spilled on the 110 km road connecting the mine site and the community. There is a fuel tank farm at the mine designed to supply up to 40 million litres, so the potential for spills is substantial. Over in Hall Beach, there are questions about what effect massive cargo ships navigating in and out of Roche Bay to transport iron ore in the future may have on seals, a staple in residents' diets. That situation is going to have to be monitored closely. As has been suggested by some, compensation for any disruption to wildlife habitat will be a requirement. Hall Beach is also in the midst of investing $5.1 million in renovating its community hall and constructing an addition to the building. There is the opportunity for "legacy projects" that the companies proposing to extract the iron ore - Advanced Explorations Inc. and Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co. Ltd. - could help to fund, whether it's a swimming pool, a new school or a better health centre. While the two companies do not represent a bank that will provide money for any cause, they are proposing to sink up to $1 billion in the Roche Bay project, a staggering amount of money. By comparison, the GN has proposed a $1.3 billion budget for all of its spending in Nunavut in 2010-2011. There are many other glimmering opportunities on Nunavut's horizon. Baffinland's enormous iron ore project south of Pond Inlet recently attracted a buyout offer from an Australian company. Other prospects hold tremendous promise in the Kitikmeot, like Newmont's gold projects and the Sabina Gold and Silver sites. Nunavummiut are going to have to sharpen their negotiating skills and focus more on training opportunities as these prospective mines advance.
Bogging down adoptions Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, October 15, 2010
It's understandable the hospital and its NWT SPCA partners would want to be as thorough as possible in their attempt to match abandoned dogs and cats with responsible pet owners. But after reviewing the five-page application form the hospital requires potential adopters to fill out before taking a pet home, we find ourselves sharing Dr. Tom Pisz's concerns. The longtime Yellowknife veterinarian acknowledges the form is time-consuming for both applicants and staff, and no matter how many questions it contains, it can't weed out the people who would write deceptive answers. In fact, we'd be surprised if anyone would truthfully answer questions about future job plans or whether they're having children. It's frankly none of the animal shelter's business anyway. The reality is that the shelter is in competition with, if not local breeders and giveaways, then those down south as well. Adopting a pet from the animal shelter can cost up to $500. The cost alone must be discouraging for those who aren't seriously committed to having a pet. And in all likelihood, it makes the idea of going down to Edmonton and purchasing a dog or cat no questions asked all the more attractive. No doubt it is frustrating for SPCA volunteers and animal hospital staff to deal with abandoned pets. That the SPCA is calling for a shelter of its own shows this is a real problem. But if the idea is to encourage more people to adopt from them and not from somewhere else it would seem a shorter, less intrusive application form would be better.
Enough with the non-answers, Your Worship Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, October 15, 2010 It's not unheard of for Mayor Gord Van Tighem to provide a rhetorical answer to a serious question but he ought to be less facetious when addressing the ongoing problems in Northland Trailer Park. City councillor Cory Vanthuyne asked the mayor last week what will happen if there is another sewer line failure in the trailer park during the upcoming winter, similar to what occurred last February when a sewer line collapsed and had to be re-routed above ground. Van Tighem's response was to suggest that residents would band together and come to their own aid. He offered no commitment from city hall. A warm comfort for Northland residents, we're sure. Northland trailer owners will ultimately be responsible for covering the costs of replacing the much needed water and sewer infrastructure, estimated at $18 million. That's because previous condominium boards that ran the park didn't put any money aside to pay for infrastructure replacements. Van Tighem suggests the focus should remain on findings ways to fund the repairs, but as long as Northland remains without a payment plan, it is at the mercy of time and the elements. Is Van Tighem suggesting the city will do nothing should Northland suffer a catastrophic failure between now and then? Since the city will undoubtedly have to cover the cost of any major repair in the meantime, it's not unreasonable to demand to know where the city is going to find the money. There are 1,100 residents in Northland; Van Tighem's choice to sidestep Vanthuyne's question assures Northland homeowners and renters that only uncertainty awaits them this winter.
A strong finish Editorial Comment Kassina Ryder Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, October 14, 2010
A lack of physical competence combined with a certain degree of laziness means I would much rather sit down somewhere comfy than chase a ball around. But there's no denying the places playing a sport can take a person, especially in small Northern communities. While the community I grew up in wasn't in the North, it certainly qualified as small. My elementary school had about 100 people including students and staff, which meant if some overly optimistic gym teacher decided we should have a girl's basketball team that year, everyone from Grade 6 and upwards had to play. This, unfortunately, included me. Maybe it was because I was afraid of the ball. Or maybe it was because I didn't bother to actually learn the rules. Either way, the mere thought of playing basketball in elementary school was enough to throw me into about 60 different kinds of panic. When some unsuspecting teammate passed me the ball, despite my wearing a facial expression that clearly read: "For the love of Pete, do not pass that ball to me," I never seemed to know what to do with it. Sports such as basketball and soccer can provide opportunities many young people wouldn't otherwise get to have. Not only do athletes get to compete against different and possibly more challenging opponents than can be found in their home communities, they also get the opportunity to travel to places they might not otherwise get to see. For example, a group of athletes from Fort Simpson will be travelling to Kugluktuk (formerly known as Coppermine), Nunavut to play soccer at the end of the month. In addition to being able to play against teams they've never played before, these athletes will get a chance to play soccer in a part of the world rarely seen. The most westerly community in Nunavut, Kugluktuk is known for its beautiful scenery and culture. During their visit, they will see things they've never seen before and hear a language they've never heard before. On a smaller scale, athletes from Kakisa Lake School recently visited Fort Providence to participate in the NWT School Cross Country Championship. It was still a great opportunity for the kids to leave their home community and experience a different place. Young athletes should take advantage of the experiences awarded to them. And if there is a member of the team looking absolutely terrified when the ball comes anywhere near them, remember a word of encouragement can go a long way. Kassina Ryder is the acting editor for Deh Cho Drum. Roxanna Thompson will return later this month.
Keep the momentum going Editorial Comment Andrew Rankin Inuvik Drum - Thursday, October 14, 2010
One of the older students I spoke to afterwards said she was encouraged by the event because when she was in her 20s the issue of violence, especially in group settings, was a taboo subject. A similar discussion should take place at Samuel Hearne Secondary School. So it's a step in the right direction. There are many women in abusive relationships in Inuvik. Discussing the definition of harassment and abuse and providing ways for women to protect themselves against it are useful. But there should be more talk and emphasis on ways abused women can find professional help and start the process of getting out of abusive relationships. There's not much in the way of safe havens for abused woman in this town. But there's a small women's shelter here, which is vastly underfunded, and there are counselling professionals at Aurora College and the Beaufort Delta Health and Social Services Authority ready to help. Perhaps it's time a coalition involving working professionals and concerned citizens team up to help these women at risk, even if it's just a weekly supper gathering or support group assembly. These women might not come regularly but at least they have the option to visit a safe, supportive place. The law is limited in the extent it can help abused women. If the victim doesn't press charges then nothing can be done. The cycle continues. I learned this point last year after adding the police assault a domestic assault which I witnessed outside my apartment. I offered to even identify the offender but was told my effort would be futile without a complainant. There's very little we in Inuvik can do to change the criminal code. But it would be useful for a support group to be established and seen year around and not just during Family Violence Awareness Week.
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