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News Briefs: Monday, July 1, 2013
Two years in jail for former councillor
A former Inuvik town councillor will spend two years less a day in jail for stealing nearly half-a-million dollars from three Sahtu businesses.
Grace Elizabeth Loreen, 50, will also have a probation period of two years following her sentence which will bar her from holding any employment that involves banking or the handling of funds.
Judge Christine Gagnon said Loreen's mitigating circumstances, which include an addiction to online gambling, were outweighed by the aggravating factors, saying the former councillor was "motivated by greed."
Loreen carried out the scheme while working for E. Gruben's Transport Ltd. where she was in charge of handling day-to-day banking for the company. She also had access to the accounts of Deline Construction Ltd. and Storm Communications Ltd.
- Graeme McNaughton
Slow down on old NWT bridges
Starting July 4, motorists will have to reduce their speed to 40 km/h on the Buffalo River Bridge and the Hay River to Pine Point Bridge on the Fort Smith Highway. The Buffalo River Bridge is also reduced to one lane.
The Department of Transportation made the restrictions after deeming the bridges needed major truss strengthening and deck repairs.
- Daniel Campbell
Rio Tinto keeping diamonds
Rio Tinto has decided to keep its diamond businesses after completing a 15-month strategic review, according to a news release issued June 24.
The company had announced the possibility of selling its diamond interests, including Diavik Diamond Mine, last spring.
"After considering a number of alternative strategic ownership options, it is clear the best path to generate maximum value for our shareholders is to retain these businesses," stated Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals chief executive Alan Davies in a press release.
- Lyndsay Herman
Fire ban returns to Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith reinstituted a fire ban on June 24.
The fire ban is to remain in effect until further notice.
This is the second time this year that open fires have been banned in the community because of high temperatures and the potential for extreme fire behaviour.
The ban covers campfires, warming fires, fireworks, and the burning of trash and debris, but does not include gas barbecues.
The first ban was initiated on May 24 and lifted on June 7 after there was rain in the Fort Smith area.
- Paul Bickford
Good crowd for Aboriginal Day
Aklavik
Aklavik wrapped up its Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21. Opening prayers were said by Gwich'in elder Annie B. Gordon, Inuvialuit elder Margaret Elanik, and Pastor Larry Nolan.
The event featured a community cookout with steaks, fish, potatoes, pork chops, doughnuts and bannock, cinnamon rolls, apples, oranges and cake for dessert.
Entertainment for the day was provided by the Shorty Lake Boys, which is made up of members of the Gordon family including father Andrew, twin brothers Tommy and Ally, and cousin Alex. They serenaded the crowds with country and rock-and-roll music.
"It was a really good turnout," said recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod, who estimated there were about 250 people in attendance.
One of the highlights of the day was elder John Carmichael's half-smoked whitefish. Carmichael is an avid fisherman and hunter who spends the majority of his time out on the land and provided more than 30 fish for the feast.
"His half-smoked whitefish was the most popular dish of the day," said McLeod. "There wasn't any left by the end."
- Cody Punter
Citizens' forum on water held in Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
On June 18, about 40 Northerners participated in a Citizens' Forum on Water Rights and Water Protection in Fort Smith.
It was the first public event of the new NWT Chapter of the Council of Canadians.
NWT chapter co-chair Peter Redvers moderated a five-person panel on the value of water, threats to water, the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy, community-based water stewardship, and the NWT's water legacy.
The panelists were Francois Paulette, a Dene elder and environmental activist; Lois Little, co-chair of the NWT Chapter of the Council of Canadians; Dr. Erin Kelly of the GNWT; Christine Wenman of Ecology North; and Lawrence Nayally of Idle No More.
The forum participants discussed the factors threatening water rights and protection, including industrial activity, climate change, trade agreements, lack of protective legislation and attitudes.
They also discussed some of the efforts underway to protect water. Those include the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy, the transboundary agreement with Alberta, and Ecology North's work with communities and other non-government organizations to monitor and advocate for water.
"But more action is needed to protect water and the right to water in the NWT," states a summary of the forum from the NWT Chapter of the Council of Canadians. "Panelists and participants agreed that more citizens need to decolonize, take back power, and speak up for our water and our right to safe water. We need to engage leaders and better support those who are working to protect our water. Each of us can encourage and support other people in our communities to speak out."
- Paul Bickford
Spring cleanup starting
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Sachs Harbour will be beginning its spring cleanup now that the snow is melting. The cleanup usually begins in the last week of June and ends in the second week of July.
"There's still a lot of snow in some places, so it might take a little longer," said recreation co-ordinator Doreen Carpenter.
"We have 10 zones within the community," said Carpenter. "Whoever comes forward, they go clean up the zone."
Each zone is then inspected by the recreation committee and if it's up to the committee's standards, the groups are given $100 each.
Carpenter said most of the groups involved are youth groups.
"I'm working with some groups that will be raising money for swimming lessons," she said.
- Cody Punter
Stranger than fishin'
Ulukhaktok/Holman
With the ice starting to melt on the coast around Ulukhaktok, people in the community are starting to fish in the ocean.
"There's a lot fishing going on," said fisher David Kuptana. "It's a really good spring."
Kuptana said with the ice melting, fishers have started using nets to catch char on the edges of the ocean. He said some people have even been catching cod in the ocean, as well as lake trout on some of the smaller lakes in the area.
It is still early in the season, but so far it has been successful.
"People are enjoying it," said Kuptana."I've been catching fish every second day or so."
- Cody Punter
Green thumbs up
Tuktoyaktuk
Kids at the youth centre in Tuktoyaktuk have been busy gardening for the past few weeks. The youth centre has helped the kids set up some small seedlings in egg cartons and cups. Once the seedlings get big enough, participants get to bring them home and continue to cultivate them.
The youth have been growing flowers, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce and carrots.
Youth centre co-ordinator Sophie Stefure said about 30 children under the age of 12 show up each day, with another 20 youths under the age of 18.
"Everyone that comes here plants a little bit."
The centre is also working on building a garden outside the centre.
"Once the flowers are big enough to go outside, we will move them out there," said Stefure.
- Cody Punter
Canada Day preparations
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Tsiigehtchic's recreation committee was busy making preparations for its Canada Day celebrations last week. On July 1, a community parade is scheduled, followed by a barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs and salad.
Games are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. and are to include foot races, bike races, tug of war and egg races with small prizes to be won in all categories.
Afterward, there is to be a baseball tournament between the two baseball teams in the community.
A bike-decorating contest was also scheduled for all the youth in town where cash prizes were to be handed out to the winners with $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
- Cody Punter
Teen killed in ATV crash
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
A 15 year old Pond Inlet teenager is dead following an ATV accident near Pond Inlet, according to an RCMP news release.
Just after midnight on June 28, Pond Inlet RCMP responded to the call involving a single ATV, where both the driver and passengers were thrown from the vehicle.
A 15-year-old female passenger was critically injured and later died as a result of her injuries. The police investigation into the accident is ongoing.
-Danielle Sachs
Mishap claims man's life
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
A strong current and rough water claimed the life of a Kimmirut man in the early morning of June 26.
Two men were aboard a small aluminum boat at Reverse Falls, a common camping area, when it capsized around 1:30 a.m. Witnesses helped one man to shore but the other was quickly taken downstream by a strong current, stated an RCMP news release.
"We're really feeling the loss," said senior administrative officer Saqiqtaq Temela.
"He was a part of the community. It's been a tough week, a tough year," referring to another death in the community a few days prior and a triple-homicide that took place over the Easter weekend.
The Kimmirut RCMP news release stated the group was out hunting. Minutes after their boat capsized and the man began drifting downstream, several search and rescue boats were in the water looking for him. His body was finally recovered around 5:30 a.m. June 26.
Police are still investigating whether alcohol was a contributing factor and whether the individuals were wearing life jackets. The name of the man has not been released at the request of the family.
- Myles Dolphin
No services on Canada Day
Iqaluit
There will be no water or sewer truck services on July 1 in Iqaluit, according to a news release. The city of Iqaluit's offices will be closed that day.
"You can conserve water by doing less or no laundry. Do not use dishwashers unless absolutely necessary. You can also conserve water by taking a quick shower, rather than taking a bath," the release said.
Call out for water truck services will be available for a fee of $250. Fire and ambulance services will not be affected.
- Myles Dolphin
Scholarship deadline approaches
Nunavut
The deadline to apply for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship is July 9, Nunavut Day.
Two Inuit students will each receive $5,000 to pursue studies at accredited post-secondary institutions.
Applicants must submit a 500-word essay about how they would use their education to promote Inuit rights, identity, language and culture.
A jury from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will review the applications and select the winners.
- Myles Dolphin
Vice president resigns
Iqaluit
The vice president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, George Eckalook, announced his resignation on June 14.
Eckalook, whose departure is effective June 30, cited personal reasons for his resignation.
"I have served QIA for a long time and the decision to leave QIA is personal, I would like to spend more time with family at this point," he said in a press release.
"I thank the people who have elected me over the years and wish the best for QIA in the years ahead."
- Myles Dolphin
Population declines
Nunavut
The population of Nunavut fell by about 100 people from January to March , according to the quarterly estimates from Statistics Canada.
There were an estimated 216 births, from Jan. 1 until March 31, up from 210 during the same period in 2012.
According to the report, Yukon was the only territory that recorded a growth.
The total population of Nunavut was estimated to be around 34,000 on April 1.
- Danielle Sachs
Human trafficking research underway
Iqaluit
Representatives from various organizations and agencies held meetings in Iqaluit on June 24 and 25 to discuss the issue of human trafficking in Nunavut.
Helen Roos, president of Roos-Remillard Consulting Services, is spearheading a research project that will involve front-line responders, members of the justice system and intelligence from victims of crime.
The goal is to better understand how youth are vulnerable to human trafficking and analyze research that has already been done on the issue.
The project will also build on work done on a victim-services training toolkit for front line workers by the Ottawa Coalition to End Human Trafficking.
- Myles Dolphin
Resolute man found
Qausuittuq/Resolute Bay
A Resolute man missing since June 15 was found safe and walking back to the community late last week.
Oolateetah Iqaluk set out on snowmobiles with a group of people to go fishing on June 15.
Local Search and Rescue and Nunavut Protection Services were involved in the search which was hampered by blizzard conditions through the weekend. He was found June 20.
- Danielle Sachs
Canada Day fun
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
There is a full day of activities planned for Cambridge Bay to help celebrate Canada Day, starting at 10 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony outside the hamlet office. The day is to include free swimming, a golf and softball tournament, finishing with a community barbecue. The events are open to the entire community, said recreation director Fred Muise.
"The elder's bus will be available to pick up elders for the softball tournament and barbecue," he said.
There is also a basketball tournament scheduled for all ages, where gift cards are going to be given out for first, second and third place teams in three different categories.
- Danielle Sachs
MP to visit Whale Cove
Tikirarjuaq/Whale Cove
Nunavut Member of Parliament Leona Aglukkaq is expected in Whale Cove on July 6.
In celebration of her visit, there will be a barbecue and a day of games held on the open land near the Co-op, said the hamlet's recreation director, Chris Jones.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
- Miranda Scotland
Learn on the land
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
For the second year in a row, Pangnirtung youth will have the opportunity to learn on the land this summer with local elder Levi Evic.
Evic is looking to bring 10 youth out on the land to learn about egg picking, seal hunting, camping, fauna and the names of local islands. The students will take turns because he has only one boat.
The wildlife that is caught can be brought home and the first group of kids will be leaving soon since it is egg-picking season. For more information, contact Evic.
- Myles Dolphin
Bus service to celebrations
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Canada Day celebrations in Arctic Bay, to be held in nearby Victor Bay, will include a public barbecue, a catfish derby, a costume contest, bicycle decorations and other games for all ages.
Thomas Levi, the hamlet's recreation co-ordinator, said residents will be bused to the area, which is approximately 15 minutes away.
The community cleanup will take place on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with free T-shirts given to the participants.
- Myles Dolphin
Beat the heat
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
A parade will to kick off Canada Day festivities in Kugluktuk today. Plans were underway for everything to decorated, from trucks, to ATVs and bicycles.
There is even a polar bear swim planned for below the gas bar, said Christine Kuliktana.
The celebrations will last through the midnight hours, with soccer under the midnight sun.
Another full day of events is on the go for Nunavut Day, July 9, which also starts with a parade but then takes on a more traditional feel, with a best man and woman contest featuring duck plucking, fish filleting, bannock making and tea boiling.
- Danielle Sachs
Celebrating Canada's birthday
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
Residents are encouraged to go to the community recreation centre today to celebrate the birth of Canada.
The hamlet's recreation director Richard Aksawnee said there are plans to hold various outdoor games for adults and children alike.
"There are some dice games, some balloon games to be played," said Aksawnee. "Just bring yourself to the event."
Hot dogs and juice are being donated by the Northern store for participants to enjoy. The event will kick off at 1 p.m.
- Miranda Scotland
Summer day camp a hit with kids
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Children aged five to nine years old are enjoying summer camp in Kimmirut, said recreation co-ordinator Martha Ikkidluak.
The camp, which began on June 20 and ends Aug. 27, will feature walks, indoor and outdoor sports, picnics and other fun activities.
Kids can register for the camp at any time throughout the summer.
- Myles Dolphin
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