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Monday, March 10, 2014
Colville Lake man found dead in cabin
A Colville Lake man reported missing on March 4 was found dead in a cabin near the community later that day, according to RCMP.
Mark Kochon, also known as Mike, left the community earlier in the week. When he didn't return by March 4, Fort Good Hope RCMP were notified and a search began, including an aerial helicopter search.
Community members assisted police and found Kochon in a cabin about 20 kilometres from Colville Lake.
RCMP said the death is not considered suspicious and they are now providing information to the Chief Coroner's office.
- Kassina Ryder
Hamlet of Enterprise names deputy mayor
Craig McMaster has agreed to once again serve as deputy mayor of the Hamlet of Enterprise.
McMaster, who was re-elected during hamlet elections in December, accepted the position at the March 3 meeting of council.
- Paul Bickford
Wood Buffalo Frolics this weekend in Smith
Wood Buffalo Frolics - the annual winter carnival in Fort Smith - is set for this coming weekend.
The carnival, which is presented by the Fort Smith Recreation and Community Centre, will take place from March 13 to 16.
- Paul Bickford
Cancer awareness
The Department of Health and Social Services screened a colorectal cancer awareness video Friday that features Aklavik resident Charlie Furlong.
The approximate 10-minute film features Furlong talking about the importance of family and loved-one support, the trials of travelling outside the small community for treatment and the importance of eating healthy and taking care of your body. In the video, Furlong also stressed the importance of getting screened regularly.
"Twenty minutes of your time could be 20 years on your life," he said.
When Furlong was diagnosed with colon cancer, he says it didn't come as a surprise. Both his parents died of cancer as well as numerous relatives. Both his sister and daughter fought breast cancer.
Health and Social Services Minster Glen Abernethy and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Andre Corriveau were at the screening.
Corriveau commended Furlong as "someone willing to make his story public."
- Erin Steele
Fort Res delegation tours forestry operations
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Last month, a delegation from Fort Resolution toured the forestry operations in the area of Meadow Lake, Sask.
The visit, which took place from Feb. 17 to 21, included 11 residents of Fort Resolution, and Rafe Smith, co-ordinator of silviculture operations with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) in Hay River.
The Fort Resolution delegates included directors from the forest management agreement company Timberworks Inc., along with members of the Fort Resolution Metis Council and Deninu Kue First Nation, which jointly own Timberworks. The company is planning on supplying the proposed wood pellet mill in Enterprise.
Smith said the delegation visited a number of mills and woodland operations, including the NorthSask mill in Meadow Lake.
When the area's forest industry took a downturn over two decades ago, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council bought into that mill and joined a forest management agreement, Smith noted.
"This is 25 years down the road and they've had amazing success," he said, adding the tribal council now owns 100 per cent of the mill and has shares in other mills.
"As a business model, they're very interesting to study," he said, noting it has some parallels with Fort Resolution.
The delegation also visited L&M Wood Products, a family-owned Metis business.
ENR sponsored the trip with funding from CanNor.
- Paul Bickford
Dance workshop planned in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
'Let's Dance' - an introductory workshop to dance and physical theatre - will be held in Fort Smith on April 5 and 6.
Participants will be instructed in a series of dance exercises and games as they explore rhythm, dynamics and spatial awareness.
The workshop will be led by Darha Phillpot, a dance instructor and performer with the Bella Dance Academy in Yellowknife.
Phillpot has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
More information about the workshop, including the fee, is available from Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.
- Paul Bickford
Learning through fun
Aklavik
Moose Kerr School students were busy March 7 participating in the monthly Aklak Awards and a trivia competition.
First, all students assembled in the morning to celebrate student awards for good attendance, academic merit, sportsmanship, upholding school values and beliefs, and most improved student.
Bobbie-Jo Greenland-Morgan, administrative clerk at the school, said students from grades 9 to 12 have been hard at work preparing for the trivia competition that was to place in the afternoon.
The trivia contest was organized through the restitution committee, and students were quizzed on course material. Posters prompting students to memorize trivia could be seen around the school through the week and covered topics from scientific PH levels to "who was the first person to say the word atom," said Greenland-Morgan.
"It's a learning activity but it's also a fun thing," she said.
In related news, students are hard at work creating their science projects in preparation for the March 12 science fair at Moose Kerr. Students will compete for the chance to go on to the regional science fair in Inuvik on March 29.
- Laura Busch
Science fair season underway
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
Curious minds are invited to attend Chief Julius School's science fair on March 12.
The fair will take place at the school beginning at 1 p.m. Students in Grades 4 to 12 will present individual projects to the judges, while kindergarten to Grade 2 students will enter class projects in the fair.
The answers to questions like can a lemon power a light bulb (yes it can) and which dish-washing detergent cuts the most grease will be explored.
The top three or four projects will go on to the regional competition in Inuvik on March 29.
Also at Chief Julius School, the winter on-the-land camps are set to begin this week.
Beginning on March 10, the great outdoors will be the classroom for Grade 6 students for five days. Grade 5 students will head out on the land the following week, and the Grade 4s will have their turn beginning on March 24.
- Laura Busch
Play on Hockey Day
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
All atom of peewee-aged hockey players in the Beaufort Delta who would like to put some more ice time in before the end of the season are encouraged to participate in Hockey Day in Fort McPherson on March 22.
To encourage participants from around the region to attend, funding has been secured to reimburse travellers for transportation costs, said organizer and Chief Julius School assistant principal Cliff Gregory.
"We're hoping for about 40 or 50 kids," he said. "But it's a fair drive from Aklavik and Inuvik to get here."
This is the first youth hockey event to be organized in Gregory's six years in the hamlet, he said, adding he aims to build on the buzz created by the Gwich'in Cup in Inuvik.
Hockey action will take place throughout the day and will follow the Tim Bits style, where scores are not recorded.
"This will give them an opportunity to play some more hockey before the end of the season," said Gregory.
- Laura Busch
Learning from the land
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Nunamin Illihakvia, learning from the land, continues in Ulukhaktok as residents are heading out on the ice in small groups with experienced hunters to catch seal.
"We have more participants wanting to go than we have room for them," said Mayor Susan Kaodloak of the trips that began on Feb 27.
Weather dependent, groups of three participants - usually aged from 18 to 40 years old - one hunter and at least one organizer head out on the first day to set hooks, and return the following day to land their seals, she said.
Climate change is having a big impact on traditional ways of life near the community as more Arctic Sea ice melts each year.
"One of the things that is being lost in our community is young people going out on the ice to hunt seal in the winter time," said Kaodloak of the changes she is seeing. "We're trying to make sure the effects of global warming is not going to make us lose our traditional way of life."
Not only are the hunting trips teaching those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the traditional way of hunting seals, it also explores how to read the ice and know what is and is not safe in the changing climate.
The Nunamin Illihakvia program, made possible thanks to funding from Health Canada, is ongoing until March 31.
- Laura Busch
Celebrating the sun
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Although the sun has been making regular appearances in the skies above the hamlet since mid-January, Ulukhaktok residents gave it a warm welcome on Feb. 4.
The return of the sun celebration took place from noon to 3 p.m. in the middle bay of the three that surround the community. Activities included a traditional meal with muktuk, muskox soup and dry fish on offer, as well as traditional games.
- Laura Busch
The spirit of competition
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Following the Northern Games in Inuvik and the excitement of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Chief Paul Niditchie School students got into the competitive spirit with their own Northern Games competition.
The first half of the games were held on Feb. 28, and the finals are scheduled for March 7, said principal Darcy Douglas.
"We're kind of riding on the high of the Northern Games that were in Inuvik," he said.
Tsiigehtchic students who had success at the games in Inuvik have been teaching younger students, he said.
Student athletes are competing in the one-foot high kick, the two-foot high kick, leg wrestling and the stick pull.
An awards assembly is set to take place after competition wraps up March 7 where students "will just bathe in the glory of the medalling," said Douglas.
- Laura Busch
Astronomical society sets annual meeting
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society will hold its annual general meeting on March 21.
Three directors are to be elected for two-year terms. Nominations will be accepted from the floor, but anyone seeking to run will need to be a member in good standing.
The AGM will begin at 7 p.m. on March 21 in the theatre of Wood Buffalo National Park headquarters in Fort Smith.
- Paul Bickford
Sledders out of 3,300-km race
Iqaluit
Team Nunavut has fallen short in its quest to complete the world's longest snowmobile race.
The two-man team, made up of Iqalummiut Jimmy Noble Jr. and Jason Aliqatuqtuq, was forced to scratch at the first checkpoint of the Cain's Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race because of irreparable mechanical issues.
"We were going along one of the lakes pretty good when I hit a bad bump," Aliqatuqtuq told Nunavut News/North a few hours after returning to Iqaluit. "The toboggan behind me was quite heavy and it ripped through my chassis. I didn't know the extent of the damage until we made a stop at the first checkpoint and had a look at the machine."
Team Nunavut, the only representatives from Canada's three territories among the 30 teams in the race, was forced to make a tough decision.
"If we'd continued, my chassis would have been damaged even more," Aliqatuqtuq added, noting that the only support they could get during the race was on the highway.
"We just made a judgment call after being told the terrain to Checkpoint 2 was a lot rougher. We're very grateful for all the support we've been given from Nunavut and Labrador City. Unfortunately we had to scratch out. That's the name of the game, you never know if it's going to happen."
The race takes place over 3,300 km in some of the most remote parts of Labrador.
- Myles Dolphin
NTI president clarifies comments
Nunavut
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Cathy Towtongie sent out a news release on March 6 to reiterate company polices following controversial remarks made during the Iqaluit meeting of Baffin mayors the day before.
Towtongie commended Iqaluit councillor Simon Nattaq for criticizing the city's decision to raise the rainbow flag in front of its corporate offices to support gay rights during the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
"As president of NTI, I commend you for speaking up," she reportedly said on March 6.
"The Inuit culture have had no time to discuss same sex. In fact it was an agenda that was hijacked and there was the excuse of (homophobia) which Inuit should have had time to digest."
In the news release, Towtongie stated NTI members and the board of directors are to abide by the code of conduct policy for board of directors and a code of conduct and conflict of interest policy for members.
"NTI as an organization and I myself as an individual have always supported the rights and struggles of all disadvantaged groups in our society," stated Towtongie in the release. "At NTI, we always promote an atmosphere of inclusivity, acceptance and tolerance."
Her earlier comments, she added, were taken out of context as she was commending Nattaq for bringing the sensitive issue to light.
- Myles Dolphin
MLA suspended until spring session
Iqaluit
Members of the Legislative Assembly overwhelmingly voted to suspend Uqqummiut MLA Samuel Nuqingaq until the spring session, following a review of his conduct.
The decision was made on March 6, the first day of the start of the new legislative session.
Nuqingaq was elected on Nov. 5 following a judicial recount in which he beat runner-up Niore Iqalukjuak by two votes.
Shortly after, Nuqingaq got in hot water with his colleagues by failing to attend most of a week-long orientation session in Iqaluit. On the last day, he showed up late, claiming he had been sleeping.
As a result, the Nunavut Legislative Assembly's internal management committee imposed a pay cut on him.
- Myles Dolphin
Park just got bigger
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
A land exchange between the Government of Canada and the Kivalliq Inuit Association means visitors to Ukkusiksalik National Park will have more land area to enjoy.
The KIA recently transferred a 327-square-kilometre piece of land located within the park to the federal government.
The territorial park, which is located near Repulse Bay, is 20,500 square kilometres in size.
In return, KIA received two parcels of land - one is located northeast of Repulse Bay while the other is west of Baker Lake.
"The KIA will benefit from the economic development potential contained in both parcels of land," the federal government stated in a press release.
The exchange was completed under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
- Miranda Scotland
Sciences promoted
Arviat
Two representatives from the Let's Talk Science outreach program were in Arviat to meet with students in all three of the community's school late last month.
The duo spent the majority of their time promoting science technology, engineering and math to the students.
The visit from Let's Talk Science was scheduled to run at the same time Arviat was hosting the annual Kivalliq Regional Science Fair.
The top finishers in the regional fair earn the right to represent the Kivalliq at the CanadaWide Science Fair later in the school year.
- Darrell Greer
Students inch closer to goal
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
A slew of recent media attention has helped boost fundraising efforts by Arnaqjuaq School students to travel to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
To make the trip happen the group of 12 Grade 5 students will need to raise about $3,000 per person.
They had hoped to bring in $10,000 using the power of the Internet and they've already surpassed that target.
As of March 7 the group had raised $11,505 online.
"The media attention really has put us over the top," said teacher Janice Beardsley.
The group has also had people offering free meals, music lessons with performers, a free 1-800 number for the students to keep in touch with their family, visits to schools and even a possible breakfast with an Olympic athlete.
"The offers of assistance have been overwhelming," said Beardsley. "It's amazing how this has taken off."
For many of the students this will be their first trip out of Hall Beach. The group is planning to leave May 2 if they can raise enough funds in time.
For more information on the student trip or to donate, search for Hall Beach 5 online.
- Miranda Scotland
Hunter found safe
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
A 24-year-old hunter who spent about six days on the land in nasty weather near Rankin Inlet was found safe and sound at about 10 p.m. Feb. 27.
Gilbert Pissuk was reported missing after he failed to return home from a one-day hunting trip on Feb. 21.
Pissuk was found by his father, Paul Pissuk, about 70 km northeast of the hamlet, walking towards Rankin.
Numerous search-and-rescue members from Rankin and other communities had their efforts to locate Gilbert hampered by off-and-on weather conditions during the week.
A GPS locator beacon carried by Gilbert was rendered useless by a dead battery.
A Hercules C130 and a small plane from Baker Lake were also involved in the search for Gilbert.
A square dance was planned by the community to celebrate the young hunter's safe return, and to thank the search-and-rescue members who had braved bad weather conditions to look for him.
Gilbert has been hunting and learning traditional survival skills since age 10.
- Darrell Greer
Booze woes in Coral
Salliq/Coral Harbour
The Coral Harbour detachment of the RCMP have been tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding alcohol being found in a home in the community.
Reports out of Coral indicate a group of youth got drunk on liquor they found after breaking into a number of homes in the community.
The alcohol was allegedly stored in the home or homes of one or more teachers, and a school operations team was sent into the community to investigate the incident this past month.
The only fact confirmed by the RCMP, to date, is that a number of charges have been laid under the Nunavut Liquor Act in connection to the incident.
The RCMP have not confirmed if any of the individuals charged are teachers, nor if any charges are impending in connection to the home break and enters.
- Darrell Greer
Standing up for women
Iqaluit
Family Services Minister Jeannie Ugyuk, the minister responsible for the status of women, stood in the legislative assembly March 7 to recognize the strength of Nunavut's women.
Her comments came just one day before International Women's Day.
"We celebrate women and their lives, their contributions to society, and their achievements in every field of activity," said Ugyuk. "Nunavut has many notable women in the traditional arts, in the health professions, in law, in politics, and in sport. Many of our most respected elders are women. "
It's important, she said, for everyone to promote equality between men and women.
Women should be treated with respect in the workplace and on the street, Ugyuk added.
"I invite Nunavummiut to mark this important day in their community with a personal reflection on the importance of enhancing the quality of women's lives."
- Miranda Scotland
Firefighters visit students
Iqaluit
Young students at Nakasuk School in Iqaluit received a special visit last week.
More than 20 firefighters from 18 Nunavut communities visited the school to deliver special presentations and to talk about fire safety at home.
"Naturally, we were more than willing to provide them the opportunity to encourage health and safety issues at our school," said principal Tracey MacMillan.
"Students viewed a newly-produced safety video and spoke with the firefighters. We thank the Iqaluit Fire Department for their interest in educational initiatives at Nakasuk School."
- Myles Dolphin
Job shadowing at Nakasuk
Iqaluit and Sanirajak/Hall Beach
Two teachers from Hall Beach travelled to Iqaluit last week to job shadow Nakasuk School teachers.
Rob Connors worked with physical education teacher Cassandra Young.
Meanwhile, Danielle Scarlett observed Grades 1 to 5 in the classroom. Her main focus was learning about the school's guided reading program.
Principal Tracey MacMillan said she was happy to have Connors and Scarlett visit.
"We were pleased that they were able to see, first hand, our curriculum initiatives in action," MacMillan stated in an e-mail.
- Miranda Scotland
Youth picked for international program
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Arctic Bay youth Andrew Iyerak and Jacqueline Arnauyumayuq have been chosen to participate in the Northern Youth Abroad International program, according to Inuujaq School teacher Paulette Campbell.
Arnauyumayuq took part in the Canada program of Northern Youth Abroad in 2012, working as a volunteer at a summer camp, while Iyerak participated in the same program last summer at a science centre in Ontario.
"They both have to fundraise now to contribute to their trips this year," Campbell said.
"There will be four weeks spent in Ottawa, where they will be trained at Algonquin College in some areas of building construction. Then, they will travel to another country (to be determined) for 14 days where they will apply these skills."
- Myles Dolphin
Learn to curl
Iqaluit
The Iqaluit Curling Club is holding three free clinics next weekend for anyone who is interested.
The clinics are expected to run during the evening of March 14 and in the morning and afternoon on March 15.
The event is for all ages and abilities.
A coach from Ottawa, Anna Keller, will be working with participants to help them learn the game or hone their skills. Equipment is provided. However, residents must register before attending.
- Miranda Scotland
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