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Monday, December 15, 2014
Norman Wells standoff ends peacefully
A man is charged with uttering threats and possession of a dangerous weapon following an armed standoff in Norman Wells.
RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko said no shots were fired and no one was hurt in the incident.
Police were called to a residence in Norman Wells in the early morning hours of Dec. 7 by a complaint of an armed and barricaded man, Sturko said.
The suspect was arrested without incident after about two and a half hours, according to Sturko.
Police have not released his name.
– John McFadden
Woman arrested following stabbing in Ndilo
A woman has been arrested after a man was allegedly stabbed in Ndilo on Dec. 11.
The woman, whose name and age have not been released, faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, according to an RCMP news release.
She was to be held in custody until she could be brought before a judge.
– Evan Kiyoshi French
Tulita death not suspicious: RCMP
RCMP are investigating the sudden death of a 52-year-old male on Dec. 6 in Tulita.
"There is no evidence to suspect foul play at this time," according to an RCMP news release.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. It could take three to six months before the results are ready, according to the NWT coroner's office.
Police have not released the man's name.
– Miranda Scotland
Simpson SAO replaced
Dean Pickering is no longer the Fort Simpson senior administrative officer, according to the village mayor.
"He isn't in the position of SAO at the moment," Mayor Sean Whelly said Dec. 12.
When asked why, Whelly said he couldn't get into it because it "maybe has some legal implications."
Pickering's removal from the position, which was described by Whelly as "a job-related action that the village took in regards to his employment," happened Dec. 11.
The mayor said Pickering did not resign and the issue would likely be discussed further at the regular council meeting Dec. 15.
Pickering has been in the SAO position since September 2013. He previously worked for several communities in Alberta.
Village finance manager Forrest McWade is the acting senior administrative officer.
– Shane Magee
New national chief elected for AFN
Winnipeg
Perry Bellegarde of Saskatchewan is the new national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Bellegarde, the chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, was elected on Dec. 10 at a special assembly of chiefs in Winnipeg.
The new leader was elected for a three-and-a-half-year term because of the early resignation of Shawn Atleo as national chief this past May.
– Paul Bickford
Food for the young
Aklavik
A new cooking program for young families is up and running in Aklavik.
The NWT Literacy Cooking Circle meets Wednesday's from 4 to 6 p.m. to bake and Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. to cook.
The program, which is run out of the home ec. room at Moose Kerr School, is open to parents under 30 years old and children under the age of 15.
Doris Rogers and Myrna Sittichinli are running the cooking circle. They plan to teach literacy by having families read and write recipes, and share stories with the children. The kids will get a book to take home with them.
At the final session in mid-December, Sittichinli and Rogers will divide up the treats everyone baked and send them home with the families for the holidays.
"We're looking forward to seeing people come and out and participate!" said Sittichinli.
– Miranda Scotland
Mayor says Enterprise should set directions
Enterprise
The mayor of Enterprise believes the hamlet should be more forceful when dealing with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA).
John Leskiw II said now that the hamlet is no longer under a co-management agreement with MACA, the council should be pushing for what the hamlet wants.
"We should be setting the direction," he said at a Dec. 1 meeting of council.
The mayor's comments came during a discussion about the long-running effort to get land transferred to the hamlet from MACA.
Because of some previous difficulties experienced by hamlet council, such as persistent disagreements among members and motions that were not acted on by administration, the hamlet entered into a co-management agreement with MACA in February. It was formally ended in early October.
– Paul Bickford
Singing for the holidays
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Bompas Elementary School Christmas Concert will be held Dec. 17.
The event will feature a performance by the recently formed Fort Simpson choir group.
The concert, at the Fort Simpson school, will begin at 7 p.m.
– Shane Magee
Deck the halls
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
Behchoko residents have until Dec. 25 to get their holiday decorations up if they hope to win this year's Christmas light contest.
Behchoko RCMP will judge the houses on Christmas Day and the winners will be announced Dec. 29. First place will receive $400, second place gets $300 and third place will be awarded $200.
The community government of Behchoko is running the event.
– Miranda Scotland
Taste test at parents' night
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Teachers' cooking skills were put to the test earlier this month in Tsiigehtchic when they went head to head in the second annual chili iron chef competition.
Community members who came for parents' night at Chief Paul Niditchie School Dec. 10 were asked to judge the entries.
Alma Cardinal won the contest last year, much to principal and competitor Darcy Douglas' disappointment.
"It was pretty good I have to admit," he said reluctantly.
A winner had not been announced by press time.
– Miranda Scotland
'Lutsel K'e Chipewyan
Dictionary' to be launched
Lutsel K'e/Snowdrift
A newly-published Lutsel K'e Chipewyan Dictionary will be officially launched with a celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Lutsel K'e Dene School on Dec. 16.
The new resource contains thousands of words, phrases, sentences and full conversations written in the unique Chipewyan dialect of the Lutsel K'e Dene.
The dictionary is a project of the South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) and the elders of Lutsel K'e.
The task of documenting the language of the elders started three years ago with a group of community members requesting the services of the SSDEC to initiate the project.
After many meetings with elders and more with translators, the 485-page dictionary is now complete.
It is hoped it will support the language revitalization efforts of Lutsel K'e Dene School and Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation.
The book launch will be held in conjunction with the Lutsel K'e Dene School community Christmas feast.
– Paul Bickford
A delicious meal for elders
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
A special Christmas meal was held for elders in Tsiigehtchic Dec. 4.
About 10 residents were treated to turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, salad and a vegetable medley at Chief Paul Niditchie School.
The community health centre sponsored the event.
– Miranda Scotland
Handgames for the holidays
Wekweeti/Snare Lake
Wekweeti residents challenged each other at a Christmas traditional handgame tournament Dec. 12.
The event was set to be held at the youth centre from 5:30 p.m. onward.
"Everyone (was) looking forward to it," said Robin Laboline, event coordinator, Dec. 8.
"It's just a little something to do for the community before the holidays come"
Eight people had signed up to participate as of Dec. 8.
Players paid $20 to participate and stood to win $4,000, donated by the Tlicho government and the community government of Wekweeti.
Before the games started, names were drawn to determine who would be on Team A and who would be on Team B.
The team to win three rounds took first.
– Miranda Scotland
Graduation ceremony set in Fort Resolution
Deninu K'ue/Fort Resolution
Deninu School in Fort Resolution will hold its 2014 graduation on Dec. 17.
The ceremony will honour three graduates from Grade 12 and a student receiving a leaver certificate upon completion of an individual education plan.
The graduation will take place at 4 p.m. at Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall.
It will be combined with a community feast provided by Tu Nedhe MLA Tom Beaulieu.
– Paul Bickford
New leadership at Inuit association
Kitikmeot
After all the votes had been counted, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) announced the winners of its elections Dec. 8.
Peter Akkikungnaq was voted in as the new KIA president, replacing retiring-president Charlie Evalik.
He beat out Stanley Anablak, Joe Ohokannoak and Jeannie Ehaloak to take the position. He is expected to serve a term that expires in December 2018.
David Nivingalok was elected vice-president over Tars Angutingunirk and John Charles Lyall.
Voter turnout was about 32.22 per cent. Inuit who are Canadian citizens, 16 years of age and older, and enrolled or eligible to enroll under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement were permitted to vote in the election.
– Michele LeTourneau
Health department to review policy
Iglulik
After a mandatory inquest held in Iglulik into the 2012 jail-cell death of Solomon Uyarasuk, the six-person jury made nine recommendations. One was destined for the Government of Nunavut's Department of Health.
The recommendation was "that GN medical staff adhere to the policy of seeing injured patients only in designated health centres or hospitals in Nunavut."
"The Department of Health is reviewing the recommendation and the current policy with directors, managers and practitioners," said Ron Wassink, communications specialist with the department, on Dec. 11.
The current policy reads: "When a client is in police custody and requires medical attention, the police shall transport the client to the health centre for further assessment. The practitioner will not assess and treat the client in the police station. If extenuating circumstances arise, the practitioner shall discuss the case with the supervisor of health programs to determine an appropriate plan of care."
In Uyarasuk's case the health practitioner was called to the RCMP detachment, according to published reports.
– Michele LeTourneau
Man dead in sled mishap
Tikirajuaq/Whale Cove
A 30-year-old Whale Cove was found dead Dec. 11 following an apparent mishap on a snowmobile.
RCMP in the Kivalliq community were called about 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11 with a report of a crashed snow machine on the sea ice outside of the community.
Police are not releasing the man's name and said an investigation into the incident is continuing. People with information about the incident are asked to call police.
– NNSL staff
Pond Inlet youth cast ballots
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
Youth in Pond Inlet made their voices heard when the Grade 12 class from Nasivvik High School went to the community hall to vote in the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and hamlet elections Dec. 8.
Cody Pitseolak wanted to vote to show his concern for Baffinland's Mary River project and its effects on Mittimatalikmiut.
"(I'm) concerned about ships going through Pond Inlet area all year," Pitseolak said.
Rachel Smale encouraged her classmates, saying each vote counts, and wants to see increased youth involvement in making "the voting percentage go higher."
Before heading to the polls, the students discussed the candidates and the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.
The land claim agreement gives "us rights," said student Joyce Arreak, "and we should use them."
By voting, Jacintha Ootook sees herself as a "role model for the next generation because there (is a large population) of youth in Nunavut and elders tell us that we are important."
– Casey Lessard with files from Jay McKechnie
Sam Tutanuak re-elected in Rankin
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Voters across the Kivalliq region chose new hamlet representatives Dec. 8, with Rankin Inlet residents most notably returning deputy mayor Sam Tutanuak to a council position.
Tutanuak made national news earlier this month after telling the media that people in his hamlet scavenge the dump for food, a remark he says spurred Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq to call the hamlet office demanding an apology. Aglukkaq has since denied Tutanuak's claims and has threatened legal action in response. The comments were made about Nutrition North, an embattled federal program.
Rankin Inlet candidates Selma Eccles, Hamish Tatty, Sam Tutanuak and Evan Morrison were also elected to councillor positions.
In Baker Lake, mayoral candidate Joedee Joedee beat David Aksawnee and David Simailak for the top position while residents chose four out of eight candidates – Thomas Anirniq, Thomas Elytook, Thomas Iksiraq and Becky Tootoo – to join four other incumbents on council.
The new mayor in Coral Harbour is Jackie Netser, who beat Willie Nakoolak with 142 votes.
Nine people ran for four available seats on council and voters chose Ronnie Ningeongan, Rhoda Angootealuk, Noah Kadlak and Mary Matoo to fill them.
In Repulse Bay, the only mayoral candidate – Solomon Malliki – was acclaimed mayor, but 11 people ran for council with four out of that group voted in. They are Louise Tungilik, David Tuktudjuk, Dino Mablik and Monty Yank.
Arviat Mayor Bob Leonard will keep his seat for another term while voters chose five out of eight candidates for available council seats, those being Eric Anoee Jr., Elizabeth U. Issakiark, Peter Shamee, Nathan Caskey and Chris Mikkeeuneak.
Over in Whale Cove, incumbent mayor Stanley Adjuk Sr. was re-acclaimed while Samuel Arualak, Sean Nipisar, Percy Kabloona and Sharon Okalkik were elected to hamlet council.
Chesterfield Inlet voters chose Barney Aggark as their new mayor and Peter Kattegatsiak, Angeline Simik, Mark Amarok, Tony Amauyak, Jimmy Krako and Maryann Issaluk as councillors.
– Randi Beers
New hamlet building occupied
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Clyde River's hamlet offices have moved to a new building next to the former office.
"It's a lot different, a lot nicer," said Mayor Jerry Natanine. "It's beautiful. Lots of light."
The building houses the hamlet offices, the government liaison worker, and the search and rescue organization.
"It's solid and hopefully will last us a long time," Natanine said.
He said the hamlet is sending out invitations to dignitaries to attend the official opening, which will be scheduled for some time in the new year.
– Casey Lessard
Shocked by death
Arviat
The community of Arviat was shocked to learn the news of Artcirq performer and Kikkukia band member Joey Ammaq's death in Iglulik earlier this month.
The 25-year-old performer and musician was found showing no vital signs inside a residence on Dec. 1. He was later pronounced dead at the nursing station.
The RCMP were treating Ammaq's death as suspicious last week.
Ammaq was part of the Iglulik contingent of performers who put on a dance and Artcirq performance in Arviat this past September.
– Darrell Greer
FOXY coming to Nunavut
Nunavut
FOXY, or Fostering Open eXpression among Youth, a community-based participatory action research project with its roots in the Northwest Territories, will soon be spreading to Nunavut with the help of $1 million from the Arctic Inspiration Prize awarded Dec. 10.
"FOXY has been offering sexual health education workshops and peer leadership retreats for young women in the Northwest Territories for several years," said Nancy MacNeill from Ottawa, where she and fellow team members received the prize.
"With the recognition of the Arctic Inspiration Prize, and the million-dollar award, we're looking forward to developing a parallel education program for young men, expansions for LGBTQ youth, and programming in all three territories."
Launched in 2012, with a selection committee which includes former Nunavut premier Eva Aariak, the prize normally is divided among several teams working on important issues in the Canadian Arctic in the fields of education, human health, social-cultural issues, environment and the economy. This is the first year the entire award has been bestowed upon one team.
"The sexual health of Northern youth is a serious public health concern, with extremely high rates of sexually transmitted infections, adolescent pregnancy, and sexual violence across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon," stated fellow FOXY team leader Candice Lys in a news release.
"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious prize that will support our team of youth, elders, educators, community-based researchers and artists to deliver a sexual health education program that is relevant and accessible to Northern youth of all genders in all three territories."
The award ceremony also featured Northern performances by Polaris Music Prize recipient Tanya Tagaq, Celina Kalluk and David Serkoak of Nunavut, Sylvia Cloutier of Nunavik, and Digawolf of the NWT.
– Michele LeTourneau
Piqqusilirivvik taking 2015 applications
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Nunavut's Inuit cultural learning centre, Piqqusilirivvik, is accepting applications for 2015 enrolment.
"They need to go to a community learning centre in their community and check out our ad," said director Jonathan Palluq.
"We have more traditional courses to offer (this year)," he said. "New this year are Inuit traditional relationship to land, animals and material culture; Inuit traditional upbringing, family gathering and food sharing; and Inuit traditional moral law."
These intellectual courses are in addition to the physical skills classes that have been the school's hallmark.
The next session starts Feb. 11 and ends May 22. Applications are due Jan. 11.
At 17, enrolment for the program was short of its goal of 26. Nine people completed the program. There is no housing for families at the school, so this is a reason some students choose not to enrol or complete the program.
– Casey Lessard
Christmas games start early
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Kimmirut will start Christmas games a few days early this year, with games scheduled to begin on Dec. 23 at the community hall.
"We have a new crew for the youth committee, so we will be meeting this coming week to plan the games," said economic development officer Petanie Pitsiulak.
The games run until early in the new year. Exact details will be worked out this week.
The committee will help decorate the gym, and is working on a contest to recognize those who put up Christmas lights at their homes.
– Casey Lessard
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