Candidates campaign throughout the NWT

There are now five federal party candidates running in the Western Arctic riding for the May 2 election.

Conservative candidate Sandy Lee was in Yellowknife this weekend. She is heading to Inuvik and Sachs Habour on Monday, returning to Yellowknife on Wednesday and travelling to Fort Smith and Hay River on Thursday.

Green party candidate Eli Purchase spent the weekend knocking on doors in Yellowknife after a visit to Hay River. Purchase is off to Behchoko on Monday to continue campaigning.

Earlier this week, Liberal candidate Joe Handley said he was planning to head to the Inuvik area on Friday, return to Yellowknife on Sunday and continue his campaign in the Sahtu region this week.

Western Arctic incumbent, NDP candidate Dennis Bevington, was in Fort Good Hope on Saturday and returned to Yellowknife on Sunday where he will be for the next few days knocking on doors.

Bonnie Dawson has become the fifth candidate in the Western Arctic race, representing the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada. Dawson, who lives in Hay River, spent her time getting out in the community this past weekend and will continue doing so throughout the week.

- Katherine Hudson

Bluefish dam construction starts

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board approved the Northwest Territories Power Corporation's land use permit to start construction on the replacement Bluefish Dam on April 1.

Construction in 2011 will include the spillway, bottom outlet and work on the dam that is not in stream. In 2012, NTPC will start in-stream work, construct diversion and close the dam across the Yellowknife River. The new dam, expected to cost $35 million to $37 million, and located 20 km north of Yellowknife, should be operational by the fall of 2012.

- Samantha Stokell

New minister for women

Premier Floyd Roland has taken over as the minister for the Status of Women after Sandy Lee resigned two weeks ago to run in the federal election.

Roland is also the minister responsible for Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Affairs and for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Lee's cabinet seat will remain empty until the legislative assembly holds an election this fall.

Deputy Premier Michael Miltenberger has taken over Lee's other portfolios, Health and Social Services, Seniors, Homeless persons and people with Disabilities.

- Samantha Stokell

First Aid course in Lutsel K'e

Lutsel K'e/Snowdrift

Some residents of Lutsel K'e now hold Standard First Aid certificates as a result of training by De Beers Canada.

The course was held in Lutsel K'e from March 14 to 16 and led by a training co-ordinator from De Beers' Snap Lake Mine.

"First Aid is often required for work in our industry or for field work. While we provide this training at our mine site, this is the first time we are delivering First Aid training in aboriginal communities close to the mine," said Cathie Bolstad, director of external and corporate affairs with De Beers Canada. "This offers people in the communities one more tool in their skills toolbox that not only positions them for working safely, but also prepares them to offer help in their community in the event of an emergency."

All eight people who attended the course passed. Their certification is good for three years.

De Beers is developing plans to offer First Aid training for Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Tlicho communities in the coming months.

- Paul Bickford

National volunteer appreciation week

Lli Goline/Norman Wells

The town of Norman Wells will offer its volunteers a delicious lunch on April 15 at the Royal Canadian Legion.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week runs across Canada from April 10 to 16, which celebrates the millions of people who give their time to their communities.

Norman Wells expects to honour more than 200 volunteers who keep the community running through their participation on committees, boards, sports groups and churches.

The event usually ran as a dinner, but due to dwindling numbers, the town decided to change it up and host a Friday lunch.

- Samantha Stokell

Doll-making workshop

Thebacha/Fort Smith

A doll-making workshop will be held in Fort Smith on April 16 and 17.

Participants will learn to sew a complete traditional Inuvialuit doll.

The workshop, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is being presented by Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.

The registration fee is $175, which includes all materials.

Participants are being asked to bring their own sewing machines.

- Paul Bickford

Owling in Hay River

Hay River

The Hay River Nature Club will be hosting an evening of owling on April 15.

It will begin at 7 p.m. at the Hay River Ski Club.

Naturalist Bruce Green will attempt to draw owls out of the woods by hooting and with food.

The family event will also feature trivia and games with forest and owl themes.

The activity is in celebration of 2011's Earth Day and the Year of the Forest. The Hay River Nature Club is an initiative of NWT Centennial Library.

- Paul Bickford

Jamboree this weekend

Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River

The final preparations for the annual Arctic Red River Mackenzie Jamboree are underway and organizers have their work cut out for them.

Jamie Cardinal says the ice surface on the river is being plowed in anticipation for the community event.

Aside from snowmobile races on the river, a site was being set up as well for the rifle shooting events.

Cardinal said she hasn't heard the final verdict on prizes and categories for the snowmobile races but confirmed the snow drag races.

The opening feast was scheduled for Friday night at 6 p.m. at the community gym.

Because there were no contestants for the King and Queen competition, the focus will be on the younger generations competing for prince and princess.

- Dez Loreen

Always a good idea to plan ahead

Tuktoyaktuk

The Beluga Jamboree is less than a week away, scheduled for April 16-18 festival.

Last week Organizer Glenna Emaghok said the snowmobile race tracks still needed to be plowed on the harbour ice surface.

"We usually have the tracks plowed out the week before the races," said Emaghok.

A drum dancing exhibition is planned for the opening ceremonies. Emaghok said a competition is also being planned for the weekend, with teams going head-to-head for best drum dance group.

Aside from the drum dancing, the annual jigging contest is expected to bring in competitors from all across the region.

Emaghok said a traditional dog sled race is also part of the festivities.

- Dez Loreen

Soccer players prepare for Yukon tournament

Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson

A group of nine youth are wrapping up their final practice sessions before an upcoming trip south for a soccer tournament.

A senior boys' team from Fort McPherson will be attending the event held by the Yukon Soccer Association.

Chief Julius School Phys. Ed. teacher Dan Surette said the team is prepared and hopes the best for them during the playdown.

The group leaves on Wednesday, April 13 and returns Friday.

An RCMP officer who is also their coach will be accompanying the team, along with Surette and another chaperone.

To help the team prepare, Surette has them working twice a week to hone their skills before getting on the plane south.

"Our next practice is on Monday, April 11," said Surette.

- Dez Loreen

Waiting for the right time

Paulatuk

Tony Green is one of the hunters in Paulatuk who is patiently waiting for his next chance to head out on the land.

Green said he hasn't been out hunting yet this season but knows other hunters who have braved the early hunting season.

"The weather has been nice recently," said Green.

He said the community gets doused in ice fog almost daily but it clears before late afternoon.

Right now, there are people who have come back from trips with caribou, but Green says they're traveling out 40 km south of Paulatuk.

Hunting may wait a few weeks, fishing is already a popular pastime for the coastal community.

While he is waiting for his chance to strike, Green said he is busy in town with his own dog team.

The weatherman might call for a certain forecast, but Green said experience will prove the science wrong most of the time.

"You can't trust the forecast anymore," he said. "The weather changes without warning."

- Dez Loreen

Talent wanted

Iqaluit

Like the television hit Canadian Idol, talent is being sought to compete in an Arctic spinoff of the popular show.

As part of Toonik Tyme, performers of all abilities and talents - from juggling to singing to comedians to traditional forms of art like drum dancing and throat singing - are wanted to be a part of the week-long festival scheduled from April 14 to 20. A venue is expected to be announced upon the festival schedule being released.

North of 60 Idol will kick off on April 13 at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m., with performers showing off their talents for a panel of judges and the audience. Top prize among many others will be a return ticket on Canadian North from Iqaluit to Ottawa.

For more information, visit the Toonik Tyme website.

- Andrew Livingstone

Hockey season wrapping up

Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven

With the ice softening at the hockey arena in Gjoa Haven, the recreation department is trying to get as much of Canada's favourite sport in before the ice surface becomes a big puddle.

Steve Krug, recreation director for the hamlet, said professional goalie coach Andy Nowicki will be in the community giving instruction from April 18 to 22 with all age groups.

"He's going to be running clinics," Krug said, adding groups will be on the ice from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. each day and the older players will be prepping for the First Air Cup in Yellowknife later this month.

Nowicki is a former L.A. Kings goaltending consultant and current Red Deer Rebels goaltending coach. Krug pointed to goalie phenom James Reimer, the Toronto Maple Leafs up-and-coming keeper, who was mentored by Nowicki.

Players will be broken into four groups: Ages 7 to 11, 12 to 17, 18 and over and 30 and over.

Also, Krug said the community held a four-day in-house hockey tournament made up of players of all ages.

Krug said they had four teams and everyone enjoyed the laid-back but semi-competitive event.

"It was just a fun tourney," he said. "Hockey is a pretty major focus right now. With the ice softening up we're trying to get as much time on the ice as possible."

- Andrew Livingstone

Big bird lands

Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet

A large crowd of people came out during the earlyevening hours of March 31 to see First Air's mammoth 767 cargo plane land in Rankin Inlet.

The plane, which dwarfs a 737 jet and has a payload of an astonishing 100,000 pounds, was the largest commercial aircraft to ever land in Rankin.

The 767 freighter is being used mainly for runs between Ottawa and Iqaluit at the present time, but could become a regular sight in Rankin if First Air gets the contract for deliveries to the Kivalliq for the new Nutrition North Canada program.

- Darrell Greer

Soccer showdown

Iglulik

It's going to be feisty competition between students at Ataguttaaluk School and students from Arnaqjuaq School in Hall Beach when the two face off in a day of soccer on April 21.

Ataguttaaluk School principal Jeela Allurut said the Hall Beach students coming to the hamlet for a day of soccer isn't new - they've done it in years past.

Dean Morrow, a teacher and soccer coach at the school, said the Hall Beach students, some 15 or so, will arrive by snowmobile just before noon on the 21st and will be served a lunch before hitting the gym floor for some soccer action.

Morrow said he expects some eight or nine games will be played before the Hall Beach group head back to their community. Morrow said approximately 20 Iglulik students will be going to Hall Beach in early May for a similar event.

- Andrew Livingstone

Support for Sakku

Salliq/Coral Harbour

Sakku School in Coral Harbour received a $10,000 grant from the sport and recreation division (Sport Nunavut) of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, which will be used to hold a daily activity program for students in kindergarten to Grade 12.

Sakku received additional help from Kivalliq Air, which donated the freight to get 85 per cent of the items to Coral.

- Darrell Greer

Hip-hop extravaganza

Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay

Hip hop will be the flavour of spring break for youth in Cambridge Bay when two Toronto-based dance instructors land in the community to teach kids about the dance style.

Recreation director Fred Muise said Jenny Winkson and Kryss Thorn - both dancers and certified fitness instructors - will be in the community from April 15 to 20.

He said youth will have an opportunity to develop their own dance routines with a chance to showcase their final product to the community on April 20 in a show for friends, family and residents.

He also said one of the instructors will also be putting on a three-day weight training session for youth 16 and older, adding talks on a wide-range of topics will also be scheduled.

"They will talk about drug and alcohol abuse and pursuing your hopes and dreams," Muise said.

On April 19, he added, youth will have a chance to spend the evening with Winkson and Thorn from 4 to 8 p.m. when the duo hosts a dinner at the community centre.

- Andrew Livingstone

Surprise visit for Hamlet Day

Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung

It was a day of celebration in Pangnirtung on April 4 when residents of the Baffin Island community celebrated Hamlet Day.

Peter Evic, recreation co-ordinator for the community, said the day kicked off with a speech by Mayor Sakiasie Sowdlooapik.

Evic said a surprise visitor to the community pushed the community feast to noon from the evening.

Leona Aglukkaq, the incumbent Conservative candidate in the current federal election, was in the community and attended the feast.

"It was pretty good," he said of Aglukkaq's visit and time spent at the community hall with residents.

Evic said they held some traditional games in the afternoon, along with food for the youth.

"We had a few games and hotdogs for the kids," he said. "The weather was co-operative and it wasn't very cold and the sun was shining."

- Andrew Livingstone

Dogsand airports

Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island

It's going to be a contest of endurance and determination as 10 dog mushers race to the finish line from Qikiqtarjuaq to Clyde River, approximately 300 km, for some very large cash prizes.

Rick Van Horne, senior administrative officer in Qikiqtarjuaq, said he heard some cash prizes might be in the area of $10,000, but he wasn't completely sure as he isn't one of the organizers.

The race was expected to start this past Friday.

Van Horne also said construction on the new airport terminal is expected to start again in May when the contractor arrives in the community.

He said the pilings were laid before winter set in last year and construction will continue this summer.

"The materials are here and the contractor is on his way," he said. "It's very exciting, definitely."

- Andrew Livingstone