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News Briefs: Monday, September 23, 2013
Arson charge in Aklavik
A 27-year-old woman has been charged with arson following a house fire in Aklavik on Aug. 31.
RCMP responded to the fire on Smith Street around 5:30 a.m., but the fire was already out. Police say the front door and door frame were damaged by the fire. Two witnesses reported seeing smoke at the front door and helped a sleeping occupant out of the house before RCMP arrived.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to appear in Aklavik territorial court on Nov. 27 to answer to the charges.
- Daniel Campbell
Jail for 'sucker punch'
A 19-year-old man from Fort Smith is going to jail for seven months for breaking another man's jaw in a surprise attack.
In Yellowknife territorial court on Sept. 19, Crown prosecutor Alison Duckett said the attack was an unprovoked "sucker punch" and the victim was caught off guard. The attacker said he was drunk at the time and has no memory of the incident.
Chief Judge Robert Gorin said the attack was a "cowardly act." He also gave the attacker one year of probation and ordered him not to consume alcohol.
- Daniel Campbell
Greenland back as chief
Incumbent Danny Greenland is once again chief of the Aklavik Indian Band after an election on Sept. 19, according to Neil Heron, Aklavik band office employee.
Greenland received 53 votes while Charles Furlong received 48.
Andrew Charlie, Edwin Greenland and Michael Greenland were elected councillors. Aklavik holds staggered elections for councillors so three council positions were vacant at the time of this election.
- Kassina Ryder
Akaitcho plays it cool in response to Metis
Chief Louis Balsillie of Deninu Ku'e First Nation in Fort Resolution says the Akaitcho Territory Government will likely not be reacting to a Sept. 13 news release from the Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN).
The news release called on the federal government to approve an agreement-in-principle on land and resources with the NWTMN by ending a consultation process with the Akaitcho.
In early 2012, the Akaitcho launched a lawsuit against the federal government to get more information on negotiations with the NWTMN, leading to the consultation process which the Metis believe has gone on long enough.
"In reality, we could be wrong or right, but I mean let the courts deal with it. They'll be the ones to say who's right or wrong," said Balsillie.
- Paul Bickford
Fort Smith gets new midwife
Community has been down to one midwife since May
A new midwife is scheduled to begin work in Fort Smith this week, says a Yellowknife-based doula.
Johanna Tiemessen said the midwife will join Lesley Paulette to continue delivering the midwifery program at the Fort Smith Health and Social Services Centre.
She replaces midwife Gisela Becker who left the position in May.
Tiemessen said having two midwives will stabilize the program.
"It's business as usual now," she said.
The Fort Smith midwifery program is currently the only one in the NWT.
- Kassina Ryder
Enterprise council votes for biweekly meetings
The council of the Hamlet of Enterprise has opted to move to two regular meetings a month to get through an ever-lengthening agenda.
Council voted for the change during a special meeting on Sept. 13.
The change to two meetings a month will begin at a date yet to be determined, and will continue until council feels the extra meeting each month is no longer necessary.
- Paul Bickford
Superboard coming soon
The federal government plans to complete changes to the NWT regulatory regime prior to devolution implementation on April 1, 2014, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has confirmed.
The changes will dissolve the four regional land and water boards and create one 11-member board to oversee
permitting for all resource projects in the territory.
"Regulatory improvement is both a timely and necessary step to support the full benefits of devolution," stated AANDC spokesperson Gen Guibert in an e-mail response to News/North.
- Laura Busch
Hazardous waste roundup in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A fall cleanup in Fort Smith will take place from Sept. 23 to 27.
The cleanup is an initiative of the Town of Fort Smith.
On Sept. 28, there will also be a household hazardous waste roundup and backyard composter sale.
Residents can drop off their hazardous waste at the parking lot of the Fort Smith Recreation Centre between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The items that will be accepted include old fuel, paints, aerosols, engine oil, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, cleaning products, electronic waste and thermostats.
Residential composters will be sold at a subsidized rate.
The household hazardous waste roundup and backyard composter sale are being presented by the Town of Fort Smith, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
- Paul Bickford
Enterprise council seeks action on firebreak
Enterprise
The hamlet council in Enterprise wants action to be taken toward possibly building a firebreak for the community.
At a meeting on Sept. 13, council voted unanimously to have senior administrative officer Terry Testart investigate moving ahead with a firebreak. That would include inviting a representative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to walk around the community to offer advice on the best location for a firebreak.
Coun. Jim Dives was particularly pushing for a firebreak, saying there was a small forest fire south of the community this summer that could have gotten out of hand.
"We got lucky this year," he said, adding summers are getting drier.
It is hoped that construction of a firebreak could start this winter.
- Paul Bickford
Circle of Friends to hold fundraiser
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Circle of Friends in Fort Smith will be holding a fundraiser this coming weekend titled Black and White - a dinner, dance and auction.
Circle of Friends is a group of women who have joined forces to support various causes in Fort Smith.
The event will be held on Sept. 28 at Roaring Rapids Hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available from any member of Circle of Friends. In addition, the group is planning to sell tickets at Kaeser's Store from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 and 26.
- Paul Bickford
Pool time extended
Aklavik
Warm weather delayed the closing of the pool by another week in Aklavik. The pool was supposed to close on Sept. 12, however high temperatures allowed for the closing to be delayed until Sept. 18.
The bubble bath that was scheduled to take place on Sept. 12 was rescheduled to take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19.
A barbecue with hot dogs, apples, oranges, and juice boxes was to be part of the event.
- Cody Punter
Snow goose debate
Aklavik
The federal government's Canadian Wildlife Service recently hosted a meeting in Aklavik to discuss the snow goose population in the area.
The snow goose population is growing and getting out of control. As a result, the Canadian Wildlife Service is proposing increasing the amount of snow geese that can be harvested.
One of the measures proposed was allowing non-resident hunters to harvest more geese.
"There was a good turnout, there was about 10 people," said Michele Gruben.
Gruben said she did not attend the meeting and was unsure whether raising the harvest limit was a good idea.
"It's still not enough to fill up the belly," she said.
- Cody Punter
New playground equipment
Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte
The new playground equipment is very popular with students at Charles Yohin School, said principal Jeff Planetta.
"We have more here, it's just a matter of getting someone to install it," said Planetta. "With the snow coming (Sept. 17), that might have to wait until spring now."
A set of swings and other playground equipment still needs to be installed, he added.
A canoe ride followed by making bannock and dream catchers were some of the activities school staff participated in during a two-day culture orientation camp on Aug. 26 and 27, Planetta said.
"We do that every school year, at the start of the year, usually," he said.
Weather permitting, the school will participate in a Terry Fox run on Sept. 20.
A fall hunt is scheduled for the week of Sept. 23 to 27.
Charles Yohin School opened its doors to parents and community members following the opening ceremonies so everyone could see the new renovations made to the school, wrote Planetta in an e-mail.
- Jeanne Gagnon
Anti-bullying campaign
Telit'Zeh/Fort McPherson
Jolene Ross, a leadership and resiliency program adviser, has started an anti-bullying campaign at Chief Julius School.
Ross says bullying is prevalent in the community, especially among girls. Ross is recruiting students to help lead the campaign.
Currently, six students have signed up from grades 7 to 12.
"We're recruiting students so that it can be their anti-bullying campaign," said Ross. "We want it to be peer to peer, not teacher to peer."
Ross plans to meet with the students on a monthly basis.
As part of the campaign the students will be planning a bullying awareness week from Nov. 17 to 23.
"The students are excited about this," said Ross. "They know it's an issue and they are ready to fight it."
- Cody Punter
Musician visits
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Chief Paul Niditchie School was visited by musician and educator Steve Slade from the Yukon on Sept. 17.
Slade was teaching the students from kindergarten to Grade 9 about music and he also put on a performance for them.
"He's a born entertainer and an educator, too," said principal Darcy Douglas. "He knows what the kids like."
Unfortunately, the school doesn't currently have a music program.
"That's one of the reasons I booked him," said Douglas.
Slade brought a guitar and more than 50 harmonicas with him. According to Douglas, he colour codes his guitar strings so he can help teach students about music.
He also let the students play his harmonicas and try his guitar. Slade will now continue to perform at other school across the Beaufort Delta as part a tour of Northern communities he is currently undertaking.
- Cody Punter
Shoreline cleanup
Paulatuk
The Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee, in collaboration with Inuvik's World Wildlife Fund office, recently held a camp and shoreline cleanup. From Sept. 6 to 12, members of the group cleaned up three camps as well as the shoreline along the bay in Paulatuk.
The project was co-ordinated by Ken Ruben and a total of seven people were paid to help clean up including Dwayne Illasiak, Brandon Green, Albert Ruben Jr., Joe Illasiak Jr., Mirven Green, Ryan Green and Cory Ruben.
The effort required two boats to haul the garbage from the camps. The boats were provided by Ian Green and Jody Illasiak.
Ian Green, Paul Green, Denise Wolki, Lee Ruben, Shawn Thrasher, Joe Ruben, Joe Ruben Jr. as well as Philippe Hercher and his family from France also volunteered their time to help with the cleanup.
"They did an excellent job," said Diane Ruben, resource manager for the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee.
Organizers are currently waiting for the weather to improve so the larger items such as scrap metal can be removed.
- Cody Punter
Public comment period extended
The National Energy Board is resuming its review of a controversial offshore marine seismic survey in Baffin Bay/Davis Strait.
Three companies - TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company, Petroleum Geo-Services and Multi Klient Invest - applied to the National Energy Board (NEB) in 2011 for authorization to conduct a five-year exploratory survey of the area.
The NEB hosted public meetings in Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq and Iqaluit at the end of April
and beginning of May to report on the project, titled the Northeastern Canada 2D Marine Seismic Survey, and
gather written comments from the public.
In a recent update to the process on Sept. 13, the secretary of the board, Sheri Young, announced the NEB had extended the public comment period. It will accept written comments from the public until Oct. 14.
- Myles Dolphin
New road safety measures
Iqaluit
The City of Iqaluit has announced it has installed speed bumps at the following six locations: Northwestel Building area; Arctic Ventures Marketplace area; Lower Base playground area; Happy Valley playground area; Anuri Street playground area; and Apex playground area.
The speed bumps come after crosswalks were painted in various parts of the city.
The safety measures were implemented after a summer in which several pedestrians were hit by
vehicles, including a four-year-old boy who died after being struck near Arctic Ventures Marketplace on July 29.
- Myles Dolphin
Hundreds march against suicide
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
Hundreds of Taloyoak residents gathered together Sept. 10 to march in support of Suicide Prevention Day.
The group started at the old hamlet office, walked past the health centre, through ghost town and back. Residents then inserted messages into balloons and let them go.
Mary Ugyuk, community wellness co-ordinator for the hamlet, said it's important to run events such as the walk because they encourage people to speak about suicide.
"We need to speak about it and for a small community like ours it's good to hear our community members talk about it," said Ugyuk.
During the week, the local radio station hosted a show focused on suicide prevention.
The wellness centre also ran movie nights on Sept. 10, 13 and 14 at Arctic College. About 170 people showed up to the three events. Residents seemed to really enjoy the programming, said Ugyuk, adding some people suggested suicide prevention activities should be held more regularly.
- Miranda Scotland
First taste of winter
Kivalliq
Old Man Winter winked at the Kivalliq region during the week of Sept. 9 to 13, sending high wind, rain and wet snow to Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet and Whale Cove, as well as a good dusting of the white stuff to Coral Harbour.
It was a reminder that the famous Kivalliq winter is not far off.
- Darrell Greer
Soccer team raising funds
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
The junior boys soccer team from Arctic Bay hosted a dance on Sept. 20 at the community hall.
The team also sold 50/50 draw tickets from the Northern store in hopes of raising enough money to travel to Iqaluit next month for a soccer tournament.
Organizer Ryan Guinness is hoping to get permission forms submitted to Sport Nunavut by the required deadline in order to qualify for travel funding.
- Myles Dolphin
Join in Dignity Day
Kivalliq
Kivalliq schools and students are reminded the sixth annual Global Dignity Day is scheduled for Oct. 16.
The event will be celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world. Hundreds of thousands of youths in 50 countries participated in the Global Dignity Day in 2012.
Role models from across the country - including parents, educators, athletes, senators, former and current Members of Parliament, as well as international business and thought leaders - join thousands of volunteers every year to make the day possible.
- Darrell Greer
Dancing for renovation dollars
Kugluktuk/Pelly Bay
Kugluktuk residents are hoping their jigging, drum dancing and hip hop moves will get them noticed by the Aviva Community Fund. For the past five years Aviva Insurance has awarded $3.5 million to groups to make a positive difference in their community.
Kugluktuk recreation will be applying for funds this year to upgrade Lapointe Park, finish renovations on the youth centre and buy new doors for the complex.
To win, the community will have to make it through the qualifying rounds, the semi-finals and judging.
During the semi-finals they will need to campaign for votes.
Hamlet recreation co-ordinator Jessica VanOverbeek said she was planning to make a flash mob video with community members to get peoples' attention.
"Hopefully it will turn out right. We'll see how my video editing skills pan out," VanOverbeek said with a laugh.
- Miranda Scotland
Supplies on the way
Salliq/Coral Harbour
The community of Coral Harbour will be receiving the necessary supplies for its new bulk fuel-storage facility this fall.
The announcement was made in the legislative assembly earlier this month by Community and Government Services Minister and Government House Leader Lorne Kusugak.
- Darrell Greer
Teeing off for Terry Fox
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Arctic Bay held its sixth annual Terry Fox golf tournament on Sept. 22.
The event was held at a location approximately 10 minutes from the community where the ground is relatively flat, said recreation co-ordinator Thomas Levi.
The nine-hole course includes holes named Montreal and Devil's Hell, after the latter's difficulty level.
Prizes included a trophy and a 130-piece tool set, both provided by the Taqqut Co-op. The golfer with the most strokes received a portable chemical toilet.
- Myles Dolphin
Reaction to vandalism
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre is going high tech in an attempt to cut down on vandalism.
The centre recently had about $1,500 in damages done to its two school buses, and its ATV was stolen for a third time.
The centre is preparing to install an infrared camera security system to help protect its property.
- Darrell Greer
Orientation travel
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet's Bernadette Dean has been one busy member of her community.
Dean recently travelled to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Gjoa Haven, Kuugaruk and Yellowknife for an orientation for the Nunavut Water Board.
Dean will be in Inukjuaq later this month to facilitate a workshop for shelter workers.
Then, in October, she'll be teaching Arctic clothing design in Repulse Bay, before heading to Banff, Alta., for the National Reading Strategy aboriginal caucus meeting.
- Darrell Greer
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