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Monday, February 17, 2014
GNWT paid $7,100 for premier's trip
There was a recent controversy in Alberta about Premier Alison Redford's $45,000 expense to attend, along with an aide, the funeral of former South African president Nelson Mandela in December.
NWT Premier Bob McLeod was also part of the Canadian delegation led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that travelled to South Africa.
McLeod's trip cost the GNWT a comparatively low $7,100 to represent the NWT at a commemorative service in Johannesburg Dec. 10 and a lying in state in Pretoria Dec. 11.
- Paul Bickford
GNWT, First Nation sign agreement-in-principle
The Acho Dene Koe First Nation and Fort Liard Metis Agreement-in-Principle was signed Feb. 12 by Premier Bob McLeod and Chief Harry Deneron, bringing a land claim and self-government agreement one step closer.
The signing represents the start of negotiations on a land and resources final agreement that will deal with land, financial payments, harvesting, public community government and other issues related to Fort Liard settlement lands.
Once a final deal is complete, it will be the first community-based land and resources agreement in the NWT.
- Paul Bickford
Inuvik vet jailed again
A veterinarian from Inuvik is in jail again, shortly after being released from his last sentence.
Peter Krizan, 45, was arrested on Feb. 11 for allegedly assaulting a woman and breaching his probation.
In January, Krizan was sentenced to five months in jail for assaulting an RCMP officer and resisting arrest, but his sentence was reduced by nearly four months because of time he'd served awaiting his trial.
At a bail hearing on Feb. 13, Krizan agreed to be held in custody while he awaits his next court appearance.
- Daniel Campbell
Name that puppy
RCMP G division is giving children of the NWT the opportunity to name one of the national police force's newest police dogs in the Name the RCMP Puppy Contest.
The Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alta, is asking young Canadians to suggest names for 10 German Shepherd puppies.
When thinking of names, it is important to keep in mind that these are working police dogs, the release stated. The 10 children whose names are selected will each receive a laminated 8×10-inch photo of the pup they name, a plush dog named Justice and an RCMP cap.
- NNSL staff
Films from festival heading to Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Selected entries from the Yellowknife International Film Festival will be shown in Fort Smith next month.
The films will be screened at the Rec Centre on March 14.
The Yellowknife International Film Festival, which was most recently held in October, showcases films and new media creations from all over the Canadian North and the rest of the circumpolar world.
Admission to the Fort Smith screenings will be free.
Films from the festival will also be shown in Hay River, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and Inuvik.
- Paul Bickford
Nutrition North feast
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Nutrition North was scheduled to hold a feast Feb. 12 in Sachs Harbour to promote healthy eating with Jullian MacLean, regional dietician with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, as the host.
Manny Kudluk, corporate manager with Sachs Harbour Community Corp., expected the feast to be well-attended.
"Jullian's been trying to push a lot more healthy diet and less KD and stuff like that. More from-scratch meals," said Kudluk.
- Erin Steele
Rangers practice on land
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
About 15 Rangers from Fort McPherson had a patrol this week and practised shooting two different guns in a two-day on-the-land exercise.
Rangers Sgt. Mary-Ann Roberts said the group often practises activities related to living off the land.
"We just did some shooting with a 303 and also shot bigger guns, C7s," said Roberts of the activities that took place over Feb. 10 and 11.
The average age of the rangers is 30 years old and they often do survival exercises and activities that teach them about living off the land. According to Roberts, the group has no official name.
- Erin Steele
Skills Canada opportunities
Paulatuk
About six students plus chaperones from Paulatuk School were flown to Inuvik by Skills Canada to watch the organization's annual competition.
"It was to observe the event and see how it works," said Lee Sacrey, the photography tech chair with Skills Canada, Northwest Territories.
The organization is considering getting the program up and running in the hamlet, which would mean next year the students would actually be able to compete, said Sacrey.
Winners from the regional competitions in each category travel to Yellowknife for the territorial competition, and then, if successful, on to the national championship.
The organization is centred around trades and technology but also includes baking, cooking and photography. Although not recognized on a national level, Skills Canada Northwest Territories allows for the practice of more traditional trades.
- Erin Steele
Another step to revive Fort Smith community radio
Thebacha/Fort Smith
An annual general meeting of the Kaskiw Radio Society 2012 will be held soon as the next step to re-establishing community radio in Fort Smith.
Brad Brake, president of the society and also the mayor of Fort Smith, said the AGM will be held either this month or in March.
Afterwards, the society will apply for funding from the GNWT, he said.
"In order to get our funding, we have to be operational for a year."
Brake noted the society will be seeking $4,000-$5,000 a year from the GNWT.
"It's not a huge amount of money," he said, adding the society also received a $1,000 donation from Local 2 of the Union of Northern Workers.
Brake noted the society has still to conclude a rental agreement with the Town of Fort Smith for space to operate a radio station in the Rec Centre.
As mayor, he cannot be involved in those negotiations with the town.
Brake is not sure if he will stay on as society president, explaining that is both because of being busy and his role as mayor.
"I think my being mayor and being involved in the radio society is a hindrance, actually," he said. "It's just in the fact that I can't really come in and negotiate with the administration on rental agreements and stuff like that. So it makes it very difficult."
Brake declined to predict when the community radio station might be in operation, although he hopes it will be before the summer.
It will begin by rebroadcasting K-Rock, a classic rock station in Edmonton.
The previous community radio organization in Fort Smith - the original Kaskiw Radio Society - became dormant in about 2007. This new society was created in late 2012.
- Paul Bickford
Elders' program begins
Tuktoyaktuk
A new program to engage elders has started up at Kitti Hall in Tuktoyaktuk.
The elders' program takes place every Tuesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to Caroline Loreen with the hamlet.
The first one took place Feb. 11 with seven participants.
"That's good for the start," said Loreen .
The weekly event is organized by Sarah Kregnektuk with the government, Loreen said, with the purpose being to get elders together.
"The elders are going to be doing it (the cooking). They'll have breakfast and lunch and they'll chip in on the cooking," said Loreen.
The program will continue on indefinitely.
- Erin Steele
Resolution Metis to visit forest operations
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
A delegation from the Fort Resolution Metis Council will be touring the forest operations in Meadow Lake, Sask., this week.
The visit is set for Feb. 17 to 21.
- Paul Bickford
Missing hunter found dead
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
In a tragic end to a three-day search, a young hunter's body was found near Pond Inlet on Feb. 12.
The boy, believed to be 13 years old, had been missing since Feb. 9. A search and rescue team was sent out to find him the following day when he failed to return to the community.
The young man had become separated from his hunting partner and lost his way, according to am RCMP news release on Feb. 12.
"Poor weather conditions hampered initial search efforts," the brief news release stated.
Search and rescue officials in Pond Inlet referred all questions to the RCMP.
- Myles Dolphin
New CT scanner at hospital
Iqaluit
A new scanner and communication server are now operational at Iqaluit's Qikiqtani General Hospital.
The Department of Health purchased a computed tomography (CT) scanner and patient archive communication server (PACS) for $2.1 million, which arrived in December.
The first official scans were being carried out last week, while the server has begun receiving images from the CT scanner.
The scanner will begin sending scans and x-ray images to radiologists in Ottawa next month.
"The CT scanner and the PACS are an important part of improving health services in Nunavut, and it allows us to offer much needed diagnostic services to our patients," stated Health Minister Monica Ell in a news release Feb. 13.
According to the release, the scanner will give medical staff the ability to make more accurate diagnoses and better referral decisions.
- Myles Dolphin
Residents urged to get tested
Nunavut
Feb. 12 was Sexual and Reproductive Health Day in Canada, and the Nunavut Department of Health used the opportunity to raise awareness about ongoing issues and urge residents to take steps to protect themselves from infections or unwanted pregnancies.
Nunavut has the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the country, and syphilis rates have been on the rise for the last two years, according to a release from the department.
The best way to protect your own sexual health is by being open about these issues, and by taking steps such as using protection and being regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections.
More information on these issues are available on the GN's website I Respect Myself and at your local health centre.
- Laura Busch
Cabinet uses retreat to discuss priorities
Kugaaruk/Pelly Bay
Premier Peter Taptuna and his cabinet wrapped up a three-day retreat in Kugaaruk on Feb. 7, where ministers discussed the priorities for the Nunavut's fourth government.
"We are taking a targeted approach that focuses on vital areas to improve the lives of Nunavummiut," Taptuna stated in a media release.
Key topics included improvements to the education system that could ready Nunavummiut for jobs that are currently available in the territory, increasing supports for health and mental wellness, and helping residents and communities to be more self-reliant.
The final mandate for the fourth assembly will be set during a full-caucus retreat for all 22 MLAs, which is to be held later this month.
Details on the full-caucus retreat were not available by press time.
- Laura Busch
Counting homeless
Nunavut
To better understand homelessness in Nunavut and direct future policy, the Department of Family Services is conducting a point-in-time homelessness count in three communities this month.
"We know that homelessness is a serious issue, and we need to document the true extent of homelessness in a way that includes the voice of those directly affected," Family Services Minister Jeannie Ugyuk stated in a media release.
"Better policy and programming depend on both accurate data, and on understanding the problem from the point of view of communities."
The department was counting what is called "absolute homelessness" - where individuals and families have no housing alternatives.
The count began in Rankin Inlet on Feb. 10 to 12, and was scheduled to continue in Iqaluit from Feb. 17 to 19 and in Cambridge Bay from Feb. 24 to 26.
The count is being conducted through anonymous surveys circulated to Nunavummiut using soup kitchens
and food banks, as well as "those staying in shelters, shacks, tents and other places not designed for long-term human habitation."
- Laura Busch
Meetings on polar bears
Nunavut
The Government of Nunavut has been working to gather residents' thoughts on a draft polar bear management plan by hosting community discussions on the future of polar bear management and conservation in the territory.
To that end, the first round of community consultation were held earlier this month, with meetings in Kugluktuk on Feb. 7, Cambridge Bay on Feb. 8, Gjoa Haven on Feb. 11, Taloyoak on Feb. 13 and Kugaaruk on Feb 15.
Community meetings will be held in the Kivalliq from Feb. 20 to March 7, in the South Baffin from March 10 to 24, and in the North Baffin from March 26 to April 10.
These meeting coincided with a public hearing held in the Nunavik community of Inukjuak on Feb. 12, where representatives from Nunavut, Ontario and Quebec mulled over whether or not a quota should be set for the Hudson Bay polar bear population.
For specific meeting times and locations in a community, contact the local conservation officer or HTO office.
- Laura Busch
Troops arrive this week
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Soldiers from the 31 Canadian Brigade Group will be in Rankin Inlet from Feb. 17 to 21 to conduct a major Northern exercise.
Exercise Trillium Response 4 will involve more than 300 members of the 4th Canadian Division, primarily the Arctic Company Response Group and Domestic Response Company.
The soldiers will be honing their skills in winter warfare, cold weather survival and the use of Arctic equipment including military snowmobiles.
The exercise will be focused on proving the soldiers' ability to fight, move and communicate in the harsh conditions of Northern winter.
- Darrell Greer
Cool gesture on courts
Iqaluit
In keeping with its annual tradition, Nakasuk School partnered with the city of Iqaluit to provide a slippery space for students to enjoy skating and hockey after school.
The school's basketball courts were flooded and an ice surface prepared, providing a safe facility for students to enjoy.
"This year, in addition to the regular rink, the city of Iqaluit has added an oval ice rink located in the vicinity of our softball/soccer field," stated principal Tracey MacMillan in a news release.
"It is a great way to participate in physical activity, develop sportsmanship and have fun with family and friends in the crisp outdoor air!"
- Myles Dolphin
Busy times ahead
Arviat
It will be busy times for a number of people in Arviat during the next few months, as the community has plans in the works to host a number of projects connected to the Nanisiniq Project, as well as workshops for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
A total of 16 communities across Nunavut have either confirmed or are planning to host ASIST workshops during the months of February, March and April. Dates and times are yet to be determined.
- Darrell Greer
Coding camp attracts 16 youth
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
This week marks the first time a genuine computer science course has been taught in Nunavut, according to the organizers of a week-long camp to introduce youth to making games and coding.
Pangnirtung technology company Pinnquaq teamed up with EA Sports in Vancouver to offer the Code Club, in which youth were able to learn from software engineer Michael Despault over the five-day event.
"The hope for Code Club is that when the event ends, every kid who participates is able to make a game," states a news release from Pinnguaq on Feb. 14. "Beyond that, the long-term vision is to ignite an interest in computer programming which will compel a movement towards quality computer science as part of the regular curriculum in Nunavut schools."
The event attracted 16 youth despite only having spots for 12, but Pinnguaq's Ryan Oliver said they would find a way to accommodate everyone.
- Myles Dolphin
Tourney time in Rankin
Rankin Inlet/Kivalliq
Kivalliq hockey fans are reminded that organizers will be trying to host the annual Powerful Peewees hockey tournament again in Rankin Inlet this coming week, from Feb. 21 to 23.
The event had to be postponed twice earlier this month due to bad weather conditions across the region.
It promises to be a super busy weekend of hockey in Rankin, as the community will also host the Challenge Cup Junior C championship the same weekend.
Teams from the Kivalliq, Kitikmeot and Baffin will compete for the cup and the right to represent Nunavut at the Maritime-Hockey North Junior C championship at Liverpool, Nova Scotia, from March 26 to 30.
- Darrell Greer
Caribou consultations wrap up
Nunavut
More than 380 residents attended public meetings on the future of Baffin Island caribou.
According to a summary report published after an aerial survey in 2012, it is estimated that between 1,065 and 2,067 caribou aged more than one year old called the South Baffin region home between March and May 2012. A total of 518 individual animals were counted during the survey.
The Government of Nunavut's Department of Environment held consultation meetings in 10 communities in January, where topics discussed included the possibility of conservation measures to help the population rebound.
- Laura Busch
Couple congratulated
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Longtime partners Veronica Tattuinee and Robert Connelly were thrown a best wishes gathering in Rankin Inlet earlier this month, as the couple prepared to head to the Caribbean to be married on Feb. 19.
A cancer survivor, Veronica is well known in the Kivalliq for her fundraising efforts in aid of cancer research, while Robert is well known for his involvement in a number of professional and community projects, most notably the annual Kivalliq Trade Show and the Rankin Inlet Co-Ed Softball League.
- Darrell Greer
Raising funds for trip
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet midget hockey players planned a penny sale on Feb. 15 at the community hall to raise funds to help them attend an indigenous minor hockey tournament in Winnipeg this coming April.
Rankin hopes to send 15 to 17 players to the event.
Organizers were accepting item donations to be sold at the event and inviting community members who drop by and check out the sale.
- Darrell Greer
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