Yellowknife's last gold mine Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, May 15, 2015
The city's latest gold mine doesn't need a headframe or a holes drilled into the ground.
In fact, it has nothing to do with gold at all but rather the international tourism market.
The numbers boggle the mind.
In just one year, visitors recorded at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre nearly doubled with more than 6,000 making their way to the city last winter. Tourists from China alone increased to a whopping 4,000 this winter season from only 100 in 2010, according to the same numbers.
Statistics from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) show 21,700 visitors came for aurora viewing alone in the 2013/2014 season, mostly from Japan. This marks an increase of 38 per cent from the year before.
While the tourists have essentially been dredged by private entrepreneurs, all levels of government have a role to play.
Canada became an approved tourist destination by the Chinese government in 2009, which opened the floodgates to that market.
This momentum was maintained by ITI in 2013 by increasing the budget of NWT Tourism - the government-supported association of operators - which allowed the organization to market directly to China.
While reaching out to Asia is beyond the City of Yellowknife's mandate it too has a responsibility to ensure visitors feel accommodated.
This includes putting in signage that non-English-speaking tourists can read and allowing for the developments that cater to the industry.
The city also made some important strides in the development of Government Dock in Old Town but in its revitalization efforts it must remain cognizant of maintaining the character of the area. Because Old Town in all its whacky, non-conformist glory is a tourist attraction by its very nature.
The city can rely on people such as Les Rocher who has developed the area while preserving the neighbourhood's uniqueness. Beyond developers and tourism operators we have non-profit organizations that naturally attract tourists, including the Snowking winter festival, Long John Jamboree and Folk on the Rocks.
Yellowknife is on the shores of the deepest lake in North America. It is directly underneath the aurora oval that produces some of the best Northern lights in the world under skies that are clear almost every night of the year.
Whatever tourists want we either have or have an entrepreneur willing to create it.
Everybody's a miner.
Poor mental health response not unique Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, May 15, 2015
The recent death of Timothy Henderson has sparked a review of the 19-year-old's medical file; records that show incidents of self-harm - one while at Stanton Territorial Hospital where he was admitted numerous times.
This reactionary measure by the Department of Health and Social Services seeks to identify gaps in service, to lessen the chance of another unfortunate story like Henderson's.
There are numerous examples of people falling through the cracks, whose plea for help is not answered. But this is not unique to the Northwest Territories.
While the review of Henderson's file is reactionary, the department's soon-to-come rewritten Mental Health Act is not. It is a long-standing necessity that the department has been working on for more than a year.
Health Minister Glen Abernethy has said he is hopeful to give the act - which has yet to be made publicly available - first reading during the spring session. He noted that additional resources have been devoted to the project.
Tax forgiveness raises hard questionsDeh Cho Drum - Thursday, May 14, 2015
Forgiving taxes is a sensitive subject.
Deputy mayor Stella Nadia clearly wrestled with the fairness of forgiving Dolly Tsetso's taxes to the tune of $68,000 before making her vote.
And it's simply not fair that one person might have her taxes forgiven when plenty of other people are struggling, confused by laws or otherwise in similar positions.
But fairness is a murky concept, and like in life itself, nothing is fair with the government.
Councillors were worried about the precedent this might set, whether more people would start coming forward asking for tax forgiveness now.
Coun. Leah Keats was right to call this decision treading on thin ice.
Tsetso was sure there had been a mistake all along and the taxes charged to her were inappropriate and unfair.
Tsetso, a Liidlii Kue First Nation band member, believed the land she wanted to build a house on in 1989 was band land and said the chief at the time, Jim Antoine, assured her it was.
But problems arose in 2003 when she received a notice from the villwage that she owed taxes.
It should not have taken 12 years for the issue to be handled.
If this originates from the band's error, why isn't LKFN helping monetarily?
Why is the onus falling on Fort Simpson taxpayers to fix this lengthy miscommunication?
With the complication of land claims, Tsetso's situation is unique and it is understandable how the problem manifested itself. We can all empathize, and it's not a clear case of someone disobeying the law.
But as Nadia said during the council meeting, everyone's situation is unique.
We could come up with reasons every person in the country should have tax forgiveness.
The village was worried about what precedent this might set, but we should also consider the message it sends.
Is it that the bigger someone lets their problem get, the higher likelihood they might get bailed out?
That's a snub to people who make sacrifices to keep on top of their bills and pay off debt.
Fort Simpson council has shown it's willing to selectively enforce laws depending on who you are and what circumstances you have.
The only way residents can judge the fairness of that is in the voting booth.
Existence of college remains encouragingInuvik Drum - Thursday, May 14, 2015
"The Aurora Campus will always have a future in Inuvik."
That's the word from Aurora College president Jane Arychuk on May 8.
That comes in the wake of months of questions and angst from Inuvik residents, some of whom have been openly skeptical of the future of the campus.
Most of that worry comes from the college's decision to drop its popular business-related programs at the campus for this academic year. Those courses, along with the environment and natural resources technology program, have been the mainstays at the college over the last several years.
This year, the personal support worker program has been introduced by the college, which is responding to requests from the community, who saw a need for the kind of graduates it produces.
It's a perfect example of the cyclical nature of education programs in the North, since a similar program was offered at one time. Demand for its graduates fell off and the program was mothballed until a need re-appeared.
This year, the focus was on Inuvik and area students. The program will return next year, geared towards Sahtu residents.
The business administration program is returning next fall, so that should also be reassuring to local residents that the campus will continue to operate.
Many Inuvik people recall they had a similar concern and fought the same battle over the college's fate several years ago. People in the delta have long memories, and are sensitive to any suggestion that their education system is in danger.
College officials should, in a way, be heartened by the college and campus being a common topic of talk around town.
It shows that people in Inuvik, and by extension, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk, have a deep and abiding affection and appreciation for the college and the all-important educational opportunities it offers.
The continued existence of the Aurora Campus means that delta residents don't have to travel as far to receive post-secondary opportunities, and that's also important in an area trying to staunch the "brain drain" pipeline that runs directly to the south.
Arychuk acknowledged that she and the college leaders are well aware of that sentiment and the large responsibility they carry for the NWT in general, and more remote locations such as Inuvik and the Western Arctic in particular.
She's made her declaration. Now it's up to the delta to hold the college to the promise.
Liquor board leaves hefty tabYellowknifer - Wednesday, May 13, 2015
According to the NWT Liquor Act, $7,500 is a justifiable cost to transport a four-person liquor board panel to Yellowknife to hand down a $100 fine.
Between airfares, honorariums, accommodations and other expenses, taxpayers footed a bill far higher than what establishments typically pay when the liquor board fines them. Sam's Monkey Tree received a $5,000 fine in 2011 for serving and allowing intoxicated persons on its premises but most fines are in the few hundred dollar range.
Last month, the board handed the Raven Pub a $100 fine after a two-day hearing for serving three drinks at once to a customer. The legal limit is two.
Clearly liquor oversight is necessary but it is coming at a cost that is unnecessarily excessive and mind-numbingly archaic.
NWT Wildlife Act infractions - even Fisheries Act violations, which are federal -- are heard in territorial court. It would make sense if Liquor Act charges toward licensed establishments were heard in this court as well, particularly since this court is already on the travelling circuit and can hear cases where the establishments operate.
It should be noted that individuals charged under the Liquor Act - for unlawful possession, as an example - appear in territorial court when charged.
There are three options for liquor inspectors today: give out a warning, provide a ticket depending on the violation, or bring the case before the board - as was seen with the Raven. Either way, these matters are dealt with outside of the court system.
The liquor board told Yellowknifer other business is conducted at the same time as these hearings in order to cut down on expenses and excessive travel, which takes place approximately three times a year. To this, we say why is there even a liquor board? After all, the territory doesn't need a board to give people their driver's licences.
Surely, in a territory of 43,000 people, there is enough political oversight in the legislative assembly to ensure the NWT Liquor Commission conducts its business fairly without having to resort to a board of appointees travelling the territory to hear cases and issue permits.
In fact, with its decision Monday not to grant a liquor permit to the Warrior Strong and Five Star Fight League event this Saturday - an event that was expected to draw more than 800 attendees this week before organizers cancelled it - the liquor board has shown itself to be as rigidly-minded as any paper-pushing bureaucrat in love with red tape.
Fight organizers clearly made mistakes but to throw an event attracting hundreds into chaos over a late liquor application without trying to resolve the issues seems high-handed beyond reason. After 30 years, does the liquor board not know what the seating capacity is at the Yellowknife Arena?
It's time to put this archaic dinosaur to rest and adopt a liquor licensing system that respects the citizens it supposedly represents.
Support shouldn't end at 19Yellowknifer - Wednesday, May 13, 2015
The perception of what youth is has been extended in society, so it stands to reason it would also be extended for those who care for foster children.
Health Minister Glen Abernethy is proposing changes to the NWT Child Care Act that would allow youth in permanent foster care to continue accessing support until age 23. This is up from the existing cutoff age of 19.
Tammy Roberts, executive director for the Foster Family Coalition, says this will support a "neglected" segment of the youth population, and fill in a grey area between adolescence and adulthood that leaves youth vulnerable to homelessness and more likely to take part in criminal activity to survive. The hope is to give youth counselling and financial support so they can have the means to continue their schooling and become self-reliant.
Supports are needed more now than they were decades ago. Teenagers cannot walk out of high school and into a good-paying jobs anymore.
Post-secondary education is necessary for that now.
Extended foster care is one of many changes the GNWT says it is making as part of a new homeless youth strategy that focuses on prevention. Careers and jobs are just the start. Many of these youth also have mental health issues that slow down their development, making them vulnerable to homelessness. They also need access to counselling programs they may not be able to afford on their own.
There is a lot of cynicism about the government's ability to institute affective policies and programs, some of it well-deserved.
But at the very least, extended foster care tries to answer society's concern for the welfare of vulnerable youth and put a safety net underneath them.
Tootoo Train staying at New Jersey stationEditorial Comment by Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, May 13, 2015
While it was still to be announced at the time of writing this piece, it had become known in certain circles that Rankin Inlet's own Jordin Tootoo has re-signed with the New Jersey Devils.
Length and terms of the contract were not known at the time.
While the move will have many Kivalliq hockey fans jumping for joy, it should also put smiles on the faces of Devils fans everywhere.
In the Kivalliq, especially Rankin, the dream stays alive that one memorable day Jordin Tootoo will be driven around his hometown, with lights flashing and horns blaring in salute to the Stanley Cup sitting next to him.
It would be magic!
While the Devils are not a playoff team this season, they're nowhere near full rebuild mode.
Jersey has a stud of a young goalie between the pipes, a steady defence and a solid, if not spectacular, core group of players. They were stung, more than anything, by a lack of offence this season.
New general manager Ray Shero will move quickly to address that problem.
He will probably draw upon his depth of young players on the blue-line and New Jersey's first round pick (sixth overall) to swing a pair of deals to add firepower.
In fact, one hot NHL rumour has that sixth overall pick heading to the Maple Leafs as part of a package that would make a Jersey boy out of a certain Mr. Phil Kessel.
Should Jersey address the lack of offence without moving any core players, Rankin fans may be on the edge of their seats during the Stanley Cup playoffs sooner rather than later.
It was a big day for Tootoo when then-GM, and now club president, Lou Lamoriello went behind the bench this season.
Uncle Lou increased Tootoo's ice time and, for a bit, had him on a line with Travis Zajac and Mike Cammaleri.
That meant power-play time for Tootoo.
And, while he may not have lit the league on fire, Tootoo responded well, ending the season in double digits for goals scored and showing improvement in his play.
In one month of play, from Feb. 20 to March 20, Tootoo tallied five goals and added four assists.
That type of production, over a six-month season, is not chopped liver.
There are naysayers over Tootoo's re-signing, and most of them reside in the house of analytics, which show a decline in possession for Tootoo and his linemates.
But what that doesn't show you is, playing on New Jersey's top line, Tootoo found himself continuously facing almost every team's top defensive pairing and checking line for the first time in his career.
And that, folks, requires a bit of adjustment.
Tootoo went to the Devils' camp on an invitation this past season, made the team, and had one of the most complete seasons of his career while other "bigger name" players sat in the press box.
And, of course, we all know the Tootoo Train has a few other skills readily available when needed.
All in all, a happy day for Rankin, a good day for the New Jersey Devils and a great day for the Tootoo Train, who earned this contract, big time!
The 2015-16 NHL season just started to look like a whole lot more fun!
Give a whoop about consultationNorthwest Territories/News North - Monday, May 11, 2015
Parks Canada has plans to offer a cool opportunity to whooping crane enthusiasts.
The federal organization has scheduled tours of the endangered animals' Northern habitat, either by hiking or helicopter tours. The trips are priced from $1,330 to $3,820 depending on the package and will run at different times from May 25 through Aug. 20.
At least, that was the plan. While whooping crane habitat tours look interesting on paper, several First Nation groups are crying foul over what they are calling a lack of consultation.
"We were all pissed off with having no consultation on the issue," said Ken Hudson, president of the Fort Smith Metis Council.
"Yet Parks Canada was proposing it as something that was just going to go ahead."
So now, according to Hudson, Parks Canada has agreed to consultations. Unfortunately, the federal government has not spoken to media to give an update on the status of these consultations - or the whooping crane tours.
According to the Parks Canada website, heli-hike tours scheduled for May 25 through 28 have been fully booked. It's anyone's guess as to whether those in charge of the project think they will be able to speed through the negotiation process within two weeks. It's also anybody's guess as to whether anybody has contacted the people who have invested the more than $3,000 it costs to go on these tours to let them know if they've been postponed.
Patrick Simon, a Deninu Ku'e First Nation band councillor, has concerns about the fundamental nature of the tours.
"We do have concerns in regards to the disturbance of the bird," he told News/North last week.
"We didn't feel that they were doing it in a way that would minimize or limit the effects that the activity would have."
Parks Canada is clearly in a bind for patently avoidable reasons. How often do we hear First Nation leaders reminding governments proposing to do work on traditional lands of their duty to consult? It's like a broken record.
It was only a month ago that researchers in the South Slave halted a study to accurately diagnose tuberculosis in wood bison because these same groups had concerns over lack of consultation. It would have been a valuable study. Now, it looks like it might not happen at all.
With Northwest Territories tourism on the upswing, does Parks Canada want to find itself in a position where its inconveniencing people who have invested thousands to come visit the territory because they weren't proactive about First Nation consultations? How embarrassing.
First Nations have established the need for consultation over and over again and it's about time the government respected that.
Widespread appetite for art created in NunavutNunavut/News North - Monday, May 11, 2015
It is a monumental occasion for filmmaking in Nunavut, which bodes well for the future of the arts in the territory.
Director Zacharias Kunuk's epic 2001 film Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner was named last month to the number one spot on Canada's All-Time Top 10 List by the Toronto International Film Festival.
The stunning cinematography shot on the land in Nunavut, including a memorable scene of an Inuk runner being pursued through snow, ice and water, certainly influenced the judges this year and 10 years ago to heap accolades upon the production.
The film piques the interest southerners are increasingly giving the North -- and Nunavut in particular -- and the recent award may very well result in new audiences viewing the 168-minute production now. Despite the fact the film's dialogue is entirely in Inuktitut, with English subtitles, it is at once a captivating and amazing work, dramatic, informative and inspiring, with all the roles being played by people from Iglulik with no previous acting experience.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner not only received immediate success, earning almost $4 million at the box office as the top grossing release of 2002, it was the first feature film to be written, directed and acted entirely in Inuktitut and won at least 17 awards at film festivals around the world, including the Camera D'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011.
The success of Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner and the recent popularity of other artists from Nunavut demonstrates the large appetite people across Canada and beyond have for what is being produced in the territory.
Cambridge Bay throatsinger Tanya Tagaq just received nominations for her album Animism by the Western Canadian Music Awards in the categories of independent album of the year, top aboriginal recording, top world recording and the year's top spiritual recording after winning the 2014 Polaris Music Prize and the 2015 Juno Award for aboriginal album of the year.
Her success has inspired dozens of young women in Nunavut to learn throatsinging, tapping into the knowledge of elders and joining arms with a partner to feel the vibrations as they perform.
Nunavummiut can look to other success stories for inspiration, among them aboriginal recording artist Susan Aglukark and Iqaluit band The Jerry Cans, which performs a unique mix of Inuktitut country swing, throatsinging, and reggae. Nelson Tagoona of Baker Lake is finding wide success with his unique blend of elemental hip hop beatboxing with traditional Inuit throatsinging. There is growing financial support for artists in Nunavut and established products, like prints made in Cape Dorset studios or carvings created in numerous communities, continue to fetch high prices in southern galleries. The Nunavut Film Development Corporation alone awarded $1.13 million in funding to 34 projects in 2013-14, triggering a total production volume of almost $5 million.
The future is bright for the arts community in Nunavut. It takes courage, creativity and connections to achieve success. But it is refreshing to observe there is a ready market anxious to see more of what Nunavummiut have to offer.
