 | Home page |  | Text size |  | E-mail this page |
Monday, July 13, 2015
Youth shot after bear scare
Police say an attempt to scare off a black bear in Little Buffalo Territorial Campground near Fort Resolution with a handgun left a youth hospitalized with a gunshot wound and a 31-year-old Alberta man charged with careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and obstruction of a peace officer.
The gun misfired when an adult tried to scare away the bear after it approached a camp during the family trip, according to an RCMP news release. The youth was taken to the Hay River Hospital and was listed in stable condition July 9.
- Shane Magee
Meetings upcoming for proposed Thaidene Nene park
The GNWT will hold a series of public meetings this month on the proposed Thaidene Nene Territorial Conservation Area around the East Arm of Great Slave Lake.
A proposed 12,000 square kilometre zone could become a territorial park and wildlife conservation area. Meetings are set for the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre in Yellowknife on July 15, Roaring Rapids Hall in Fort Smith on July 27, Ptarmigan Inn in Hay River on July 28 and the Fort Resolution community hall July 29.
Meetings start at 7 p.m.
- Shane Magee
Fire bans lifted in two parks
Fire bans were lifted July 10 in Sambaa Deh Falls and Blackstone territorial parks according to a GNWT news release. A fire ban in Fort Providence Territorial Park remains in place.
As of July 10, 3,865.8 square kilometres have been affected by 198 wildfires, according Environment and Natural Resources. More than half of the area impacted has been in the South Slave region.
- Shane Magee
Enterprise extends power contract
The Hamlet of Enterprise passed a motion on July 6 to extend its franchise agreement with Northland Utilities (NWT) Ltd. by 18 months to November of 2016.
Hermann Minderlein, the hamlet's senior administrative officer, said Northland Utilities is agreeable to the idea.
Council previously told the company it did not wish to renew a 10-year franchise agreement until the Town of Hay River decides on its franchise agreement.
Minderlein said the 18-month extension will mean Enterprise's agreement with Northland Utilities will now end at the same time as the Hay River's current agreement.
- Paul Bickford
Town of Fort Smith hands out awards
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith presented its annual awards during Canada Day celebrations on July 1.
Shari Olsen was honoured as citizen of the year.
Olsen was chair of last month's Relay for Life fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. She has also been appointed to the host society committee for the 2018 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) in the South Slave and is involved in a number of sports, including women's hockey.
Jessica Cox, who is involved in several sports and is a member of the host society committee for the AWG, was named volunteer of the year.
Cathy Lepine was recognized as elder of the year.
In addition, a special lifetime achievement award was presented to Richard and Barb Mercredi for their many years organizing the Fort Smith Fishing Derby.
- Paul Bickford
Workshops to discuss matriarchal knowledge
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Workshops and a discussion forum on reclaiming traditional matriarchal indigenous cultural knowledge will be held in Fort Smith from July 13 to 16.
Through the workshops at Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre, the indigenous women of Fort Smith will discuss the place of women as matriarchs and leaders of their families and communities. The participants will also create visual and written pieces of art to be displayed publicly.
The workshops - on grieving, self-care/anti-anxiety, women's drum circle and full moon ceremony teachings - will focus on cultural and life skills development.
- Paul Bickford
Gateway Jamboree nearing in Enterprise
Enterprise
The Gateway Jamboree, an annual music and cultural festival in Enterprise, will take place this year on Aug. 8.
The festival features a variety of music, including country, traditional, folk and rock 'n' roll.
Performers travel to the Gateway Jamboree from a number of communities in the NWT. The festival also features traditional crafts, along with games for children.
- Paul Bickford
Air quality clears, but smoke set to return
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
An air quality alert has been lifted for Fort Providence and the surrounding area but smoky conditions are expected to return after July 12.
Swimming lesson registrations are open until July 14. Forms can be picked up at the hamlet's reception desk.
On Saturday, July 11, the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre held a movies and popcorn night beginning at 6 p.m. and was open to all ages.
The community is congratulating eight students who completed the six-week Forestry Operators Program in Fort Smith. The students, who graduated June 26, include Nolan Bonnetrouge, Tyler Bonnetrouge, Nathan Canadien, Dominic Elleze, Audrey Landry, Brendon Matto, Linden Minoza and Charles Tale.
- April Hudson
Summer games set to take off
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Mackenzie Youth Summer Games will take place in Fort Simpson beginning on July 13. Youths between 10 and 16 years of age can take part and information packages can be picked up at the village recreation centre.
Elephant Thoughts Science Camp will be starting July 20 and will run until July 24. Kids will learn scientific concepts in a fun way. Last year, about 17 youths attended each session.
The swimming pool is open in earnest now, with lessons running from 9 a.m. to noon each day of the week.
The Open Sky Society was looking for volunteers from July 10 to 12 for its festival.
- April Hudson
Moneybags for garbage bags
Aklavik
Aklavik is looking much nicer after youth picked up 1,518 bags of garbage during a recent community cleanup.
Youth were prodded into to helping with a promise of prizes.
J.J. Stewart collected the most bags and received $1 for each, totaling $304. He also got an iPad mini.
The second place winner among the boys was Coby Elanik with 118 bags, followed by Peter Elanik with 66 bags.
Monica Arey placed first in the girl's category. She brought in 248 bags. Blaise Mitchell collected 174 bags of garbage and Madison McLeod collected 163.
Most of the youth chose a bike as their prize, but Mitchell picked an iPod Touch.
- Miranda Scotland
Winners picked for Father's Day fishing derby
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Three winners have been announced in the Sachs Harbour Father's Day fishing derby.
Ryan Lucas won a tent for having the heaviest trout. His fish weighed in at 18.34 pounds.
Richard Carpenter received a portable camp kitchen for his 5.5 pound char, which was the heaviest char entered.
The title of smallest fish went to Charlie Haogak Jr.'s catch. He was awarded a fishing rod for his four-inch fish.
The derby wrapped up June 21 after about two months of fishing and weigh-ins. Residents were allowed to enter more than one catch. Kyle Donovan, community recreation co-ordinator, said the event went well.
"A lot of people caught fish. As soon as Ryan caught the 18-pound one everyone wanted to go out and try to catch a bigger one. There were a few that were 16 pounds but they weren't close to 18 pounds."
- Miranda Scotland
Police officer moves to government role
Iqaluit
Premier Peter Taptuna has voiced his desire to have talented Inuit working in government, and his government has successfully brought a bright light into the fold, hiring RCMP community policing Sgt. Yvonne Niego to be assistant deputy minister in the Department of Justice.
"Her experience within our community and Nunavut's justice system will make an impressive contribution to the senior management team," Taptuna stated in a release. "She brings knowledge, skills and abilities that complement the vision of justice within our territory."
Originally from Baker Lake, Niego was the first Inuk woman to graduate the RCMP depot training academy and was the recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Community Service Award from the International Association of Women Police.
- Casey Lessard
Sledder goes through ice
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
A 49-year-old Arctic Bay man died early this month after his snow machine fell through the ice, about 25 meters from the shore, at about 1:30 a.m. July 5.
Community members in boats tried to find the man as they waited for police to arrive, according to an RCMP release.
Within half an hour of the man's disappearance, a resident had donned a wet suit and pulled the man out of the water.
CPR was attempted, but the man could not be revived, and nothing could be done upon his arrival at the community health centre.
Police are working with the coroner, and the investigation continues.
- Casey Lessard
Trial date for former MLA
Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island
More than a year will have passed before former Uqqummiut MLA Samuel Nuqingaq is scheduled to face trial on two charges that helped lead to his expulsion from the Nunavut legislature.
Nuqingaq's two-hour trial is set for Oct. 28 in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Nuqingaq was expelled last October after showing contempt for the body to which he was elected, failing to show up for orientation in 2013 and for sittings of the legislature.
He was suspended last March before it was revealed that he faced criminal charges of assault and entering a dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Under suspension, he received substance abuse counselling, and returned to the legislature Oct. 21. But his failure to attend sessions of the legislature over the next few days led to his expulsion by the end of the week.
- Casey Lessard
Woman charged after furor on flight
Winnipeg
A Pangnirtung woman faces assault charges after a flight attendant was attacked on a flight to Vancouver from Ottawa on Canada Day.
The incident happened on an Air Canada flight July 1 when an intoxicated and violent passenger was reported and the plane was diverted to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
Flight attendants were able to restrain the woman, an RCMP news release stated, until the plane landed safely. RCMP met the plane and were told the woman, during attempts to control her, had assaulted a male flight attendant who suffered minor injuries that required medical attention. No one else was hurt in the incident.
Paulette Metuq, 24, faces one count of assault causing bodily harm and a mischief charge.
The investigation continues.
- Casey Lessard
Retailer to cover extra costs
Baffin Island
NorthMart and Northern store customers will not see prices increase due to complications arising from construction of the Iqaluit Airport runway this month.
Officials at the North West Company state it plans to bear $200,000 in additional freight costs. Those costs come as the construction restricts Boeing 767s - the most economical cargo jet - from landing in July.
"Additional freight costs resulting from the Iqaluit airport runway construction go against" the company's goals of lowering freight costs and food prices, president and CEO Edward Kennedy stated in a news release, "and we will not increase prices to pay for it."
Customers in Arctic Bay, Qikiqtarjuaq, Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Hall Beach, Iglulik, Iqaluit, Kangiqsualujjuaq, Kuujjuaq. Kimmirut, Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet will benefit from the move, the release stated.
- Casey Lessard
Fundraiser helps youth and homeless
Iqaluit
Two Iqaluit charities are benefiting from the RCMP Regimental Ball, with the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation and the Uquutaq men's shelter receiving $6,750 each in proceeds from the event.
"Through community support, ACYF is able to continue its focus on programs and services that give Arctic children and youth opportunities equal to those of other Canadians," executive director Kylie Aglukark said.
"The money raised will have a direct impact on the clients we serve," said Uquutaq board chair Janet Brewster. "We are going to look at where we are able to address the highest need with this donation. These kinds of events can really help with basic needs from providing meals and shelter to starting programs that seek to enable our clients as they are in transition."
Cheques were presented to the charities July 3.
- Casey Lessard
Snow Block Carving rededicated
Iqaluit
The iconic Snow Block Carving was rededicated to the territory on Nunavut Day in Iqaluit July 9.
"The rededication of the Snow Block Carving on Nunavut Day is fitting," stated deputy premier Monica Ell in a news release. "After more than 25 years out of the territory, it comes back with a renewed sense of purpose, as we work to strengthen our territory's infrastructure, economy and language."
The carving, representing the building of Nunavut block by block and done by J. Kadluk, was a gift to the federal government from the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut upon the signing of the Nunavut Land Claims agreement-in-principle on April 30, 1990.
The carving will be on display at Nunavut's legislative assembly until the territory has its own heritage centre.
- Stewart Burnett
Historian receives prestigious medal
Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven
Awards keep piling up for Louie Kamookak, a Gjoa Haven resident and Inuit historian who was instrumental in the success of the 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition.
Kamookak was one of 10 recipients presented with a Polar Medal by Gov. Gen. David Johnston July 6 in Whitehorse.
Kamookak is credited with helping strengthen understanding of Canada's North and cultivating a keen nationwide interest in discoveries yet to come.
He received an Erebus Medal earlier in the year from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
In March, he told Nunavut News/North that his great-grandmother's stories were his introduction to Inuit oral history, which ended up proving fundamental in the discovery of the HMS Erebus.
-Stewart Burnett
Community hopes for cruise ships
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Arctic Bay isn't expecting any cruise ships to arrive this summer, but that isn't stopping the hamlet from preparing in case they come.
That's because the hamlet is an alternate location for two late-season itineraries, and a visit could have positive effects in the community.
"I've always maintained that even if nobody buys a carving, the chance is that you might attract one of those visitors who wants to spend more time," said economic development officer Clare Kines.
"It doesn't cost you to do it, so why would you not want the visitors?"
Kines said last year's two visits generated income through art sales, cultural performance fees, and more.
-Casey Lessard
Cambridge Bay hosts activities
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
A busy Nunavut Day holiday in Cambridge Bay saw both a golf tournament and cake decorating contest.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association sponsored the golf tournament, which took place at the Many Pebbles Golf Course.
KIA also hosted a cake decorating contest at the baseball field, challenging all "cake bosses" of any age to present their work for a chance to win prizes.
The submitted cakes were used for Nunavut Day celebrations.
-Stewart Burnett
Themed clothing contest marks Nunavut Day
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Nunavut Day festivities in Clyde River had at least one contest of note this year.
Contestants were invited to participate in a Nunavut Day themed clothing contest.
"The contestants are going to have to hand-make their Nunavut Day themed clothes," recreation director Clark Kalluk said ahead of the event.
"And whichever one has the most interesting one wins."
Winners received a cash prize.
A feast featuring food cooked on a fire using heather as the fuel was another planned feature of the day.
"It tastes amazing," he said. "It sort of has this natural smoky flavour that comes from the heather."
-Casey Lessard
Culture camp on the land
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
The Pijunnaqsiniq Culture Camp is taking place July 27 to Aug. 7 at Niaquungut-North Pole River near Naujaat this summer.
The opportunity is open to Inuit youth between the ages of 15 to 29 who are interested in learning traditional and cultural skills out on the land with elders.
Some of the activities include traditional sewing, preparation and use of skins, traditional food preparation, survival skill, fishing and pipsi-making, harvesting and hunting skills, traditional weather observation and a grief and loss workshop for healing.
All travel, meals and accommodations are provided for successful applicants.
Interested youth can contact either the local or main Kivalliq Inuit Association offices.
-Michele LeTourneau
Science camp kicks off in Resolute
Quasuittuq/Resolute
The Actua science camp starts today, July 13, and runs through the week in Resolute Bay.
The camp is free to enter for youth age seven to 12.
Each year, Actua delivers hundreds of school workshops and more than 20 weeks of summer camps reaching youth in more than 20 communities through Nunavut and other parts of Northern Canada.
The camp's purpose is to provide sustained programming in the communities and strengthen it each year.
Actua seeks to connect aboriginal youth to science and technology through a community-based approach.
-Stewart Burnett
Fresh market returns
Iqaluit
IqaluEAT, the capital's group in support of a food co-operative, will host its fourth public market July 25 at Nakasuk School.
The first three markets have offered fresh and affordable food in a farmers' market style table presentation, with minimal packaging to reduce the environmental impact.
Patrons can pre-order a bag of pre-selected products to be picked up in the half-hour before the market opens.
In an e-mail promoting the event, the group said it is seeking volunteers, especially those with vehicles.
One perk is that volunteers get early access to the products before the doors open, the e-mail stated.
The project is a citizens' initiative, with professional and logistical support from Carrefour Nunavut.
-Casey Lessard
Youth have opportunity
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) is reminding beneficiaries between the ages of 15 and 30 that they can apply to attend the National Inuit Youth Summit this summer.
Inuit youth from across Canada will gather in Iqaluit from Aug. 20 to 25.
The summit provides an opportunity for youth to come together to discuss issues of mutual importance, learn leadership skills, build cultural connections and determine the priorities of the National Inuit Youth Council.
Applications are available through community liaison offices or through Daisy Panika, program coordinator with KIA.
The deadline to apply is July 24.
-Michele LeTourneau
Arviat students win gold
Arviat
The Arviat Cinema Group won gold in late May in the National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition.
The competition, put on by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), pitted a trio of John Arnalukjuak High School students against other teams of aboriginal students from across Canada.
Justin Kuksuk, Justin Suluk and Kyle Schaubroeck proposed to help out with food security in their community by hosting movie screenings at their school.
"As potentially the first and only movie operators in the community, they propose raising much-needed funds through screening movies," stated a news release.
"These funds would help local organizations and programs addressing food scarcity, all while delivering a high-quality, affordable movie experience. Screenings would be held at John Arnalukjuak High School with the support of a number of local businesses. As it stands, Nunavut's only movie theatre is in Iqaluit."
The three students won both a $4,000 cash prize to help them get started and the Best Environmental or Community Impact Achievement Award for their proposal.
- Michele LeTourneau
| 
