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Monday, January 25, 2016
Hay River man arrested for alleged child luring
Police in Hay River arrested a 21-year-old man Jan. 21 after an investigation into alleged luring of minors and extortion via social media according to an RCMP news release.
Joel Gordon was arrested as police carried out a search warrant at his home related to the investigation in the town. He faces charges of possessing and distributing child porn, luring minors, extortion and other related offences.
He has been held in custody and will next appear in court in Yellowknife Jan. 26.
- Shane Magee
NTPC advises of privacy breach
Northwest Territories Power Corporation is sending letters to customers after a file was mistakenly e-mailed to a person with names, addresses and account balances Jan. 13, according to a news release.
The file did not have bank or credit card information or phone numbers. President and CEO Emanuel DaRosa apologized for what the company called a "data security incident."
The error was immediately realized and the person who received the e-mail contacted. According to the power corp., the person said they didn't open it and has signed a confidentiality agreement.
- Shane Magee
Hay River teen charged after drug seizure
A 19-year-old from Hay River faces charges of drug trafficking, drug possession, possession of a weapon and possession of proceeds of crime after police carried out a search of a home in the town, according to an RCMP news release. Approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, 30 grams of marijuana and a "significant quantity" of cash and drug paraphernalia were seized from the West Channel area home.
Calvin James King appeared in court and was released. He is expected to appear again on April 18 in Hay River.
- Shane Magee
Wise Women Award nominations deadline
The deadline to nominate someone for a Wise Woman Award from the Status of Women Council of the NWT is noon on Jan. 29.
The awards, which have been held since 1992, recognize women who are role models in their communities. Nominees must be NWT residents and should not be currently employed in a leadership role.
Winners will be recognized during an award's ceremony on International Women's Day on Mar. 8.
- Kassina Ryder
Time to Fun Run
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
The sixth annual Fun Run will take place in Fort Providence from Feb. 19 to 21.
The event includes snowmobile competitions and a fishing derby.
On Wednesday afternoons, the community hall will be open for a new social event for adults.
The event is free and will occur at 1 p.m. Coffee, tea, light snacks and music will be available.
- April Hudson
Dehcho Health and Social Services to host health fair
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
On Jan. 22, Dehcho Health and Social Services was scheduled to bring their health fair to the community hall beginning at 1 p.m. On Jan. 28 and 29, there will be a bio monitoring project with Mylene Ratelle.
- April Hudson
Community choir picks up
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Fort Simpson Men's Rec hockey tournament was scheduled to go ahead Jan. 22 to 24. As well, the Mooosehide Mamas will be holding their hockey tournament from Jan. 29 to 31.
The village will have its byelection on Feb. 4.
On Jan. 25, today, the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating an information session with the GNWT departments of Finance and Public Works regarding the GNWT's new online tendering system. The event will take place in the Dehcho Regional Education Building's board room at 3 p.m.
The next meeting of the district education authority is set for Jan. 29.
The Deh Cho Friendship Centre is holding sewing nights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 29.
The Open Sky Creative Society is hosting the last of a series of workshops on Jan. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. for crafters wanting to create beaded card holders.
- April Hudson
Keeping busy in January
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
The recreation department in Sachs Harbour has activities for all ages throughout the month of January.
Nearly each night of the week features different things to do, including an Elders in Motion class on Wednesday evenings. Other events include the Kingullivuit after-school program, which runs Monday to Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., as well as a Saturday night sewing classes.
- Kassina Ryder
Poker face
Ulukhaktok/Holman
A Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament is scheduled to take place in Ulukhaktok on Feb. 13. Games will begin at the community hall at 6 p.m. and run until 1 a.m.
There will be a $5 entry fee and the buy-in is $50. Cash prizes range from $200 to $400 and snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and smoke breaks will be scheduled every hour. All money made during the tournament will go toward programming at Ulukhaktok's Youth Centre.
- Kassina Ryder
Member needed for char working group
Paulatuk
The Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee (PHTC), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Fisheries Joint Management Committee are looking for a representative for the Paulatuk Char Working Group.
The group is responsible for helping to develop and implement the management plan for char in the Paulatuk area.
Because the working group meets once annually, the member must be knowledgeable about char, according to a notice from the PHTC.
The application deadline is Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. The member will be selected on Feb. 3.
- Kassina Ryder
Noted violinist to play in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Noted Canadian violinist Yolanda Bruno will be performing in Fort Smith tonight, Jan. 25.
A chamber musician and first violinist of the UK-based Hieronymus Quartet, Bruno has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships.
Her concerts in North America and Europe include solo performances with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, London Mozart Players and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas.
Her appearance in Fort Smith is part of the community concert series by the Northern Arts and Culture Centre. She will be accompanied by pianist Isabelle David from Quebec.
- Paul Bickford
Sewing time
Wekweeti/Snare Lakes
A new sewing workshop began in Wekweeti last week.
Classes will take place from Monday to Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wekweeti Arbour. Lessons will include learning how to measure and cut material, as well as how to sew traditional vests, jackets and slippers. Other crafts will be included.
The final goal is to teach sewers skills that could enable them to earn a living from sewing.
- Kassina Ryder
Rae Edzo Friendship Centre hosts AGM
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
Behchoko's Rae Edzo Friendship Centre will host its annual general meeting on Jan. 31, said executive director Joe Pintarics.
The meeting is open to the public from all Tlicho communities.
It was scheduled to include an overview of the community needs assessment, which was also scheduled to take place that week.
Volunteers were expected to go door-to-door asking residents about ways the centre could improve its services.
- Kassina Ryder
Time to talk roads
Whati/Lake La Martre
A public meeting about the Tlicho all-season road took place on Jan. 19 at the Johnny Nitsiza Cultural Centre in Whati.
The meeting began at 5:30 and included a supper. The Government of the Northwest Territories' Department of Transportation and the Tlicho Government provided presentations and information.
Whati's meeting was part of a series of information sessions that took place throughout the Tlicho region the week of Jan. 18.
- Kassina Ryder
Chief Albert Wright fiddlers attend jamboree
Tulita/Fort Norman
Twenty-five fiddlers from Chief Albert Wright School in Tulita travelled to Fort Simpson the weekend of Jan. 16 to attend the Fort Simpson Fiddle Jamboree, said principal Lorraine Kuer.
About 10 truckloads of students, chaperones and parents drove to the jamboree where they had a fantastic time, Kuer said.
- Kassina Ryder
Norman Wells promotes local careers
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
For the first time, the Norman Wells recreation department will have its own booth at the upcoming career fair, said recreation programmer Myles Erb.
Recreation is just one of the local employment opportunities being promoted at this year's fairs throughout the Sahtu region, said Lise Dolen, career development officer.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is working with municipalities, businesses, bands and government agencies to highlight local careers, Dolen said.
"This year we're really focusing on employment opportunities in the communities," she said.
Norman Wells' career fair will be held at Mackenzie Mountain School on Feb. 23.
- Kassina Ryder
Chief T'Selehye School needs drivers
Radilih Koe'/Fort Good Hope
Staff at Chief T'Selehye School is looking for responsible drivers to transport students to the GNWT Career Choices Symposium in Norman Wells, according to the school's Facebook page. The event is scheduled to take place the weekend of Jan. 29. Drivers would leave Fort Good Hope on Jan. 28 and return from Norman Wells on Jan. 31. and compensation would be provided for gas. The event is open to all students in Grades 9 to 12 and will take place at Mackenzie Mountain School.
- Kassina Ryder
Bluenose east registration deadline is here
Deline/Fort Franklin
The deadline to register for the bluenose east caribou herd meeting in Deline is Jan. 25. Individuals or groups looking to participate and speak at the meeting - which is scheduled to take place in Deline from March 1 to 3 - needs to register with the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board.
Registration can be done online or over the phone.
- Kassina Ryder
Woman found dead beneath vehicle
Iqaluit
Iqaluit RCMP found a deceased woman underneath a vehicle parked in front of a residence on the morning of Jan. 20.
Subsequent investigation by the police and the office of the chief coroner determined the deceased person was a 30-year-old woman. She has not been identified.
Overnight weather conditions the night before were reported to be -25 C with moderate winds.
"The family of the deceased has been advised and our thoughts are with them during this unfortunate time," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in a news release.
The Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Services are assisting with the investigation. At press time, the RCMP stated there were no known safety concerns for the public.
Chief coroner Padma Suramala has ordered a postmortem examination to assist in determining the cause of death.
The RCMP are reminding the public that weather conditions at this time of year can be very hazardous and to be cautious while outdoors.
- Stewart Burnett
Two charged after drugs found
Iqaluit
The RCMP arrested two men and charged them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on Jan. 15 after approximately 950 grams of marijuana and miscellaneous trafficking supplies were seized from an Iqaluit residence.
One adult male from Iqaluit was charged with trafficking a controlled substance and the other adult male was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and failing to comply with conditions of an undertaking.
Both are due in Iqaluit territorial court in mid-February. Neither have been named.
- Stewart Burnett
ATV hits seven-year-old boy
Iqaluit
A seven-year-old boy received minor injuries and a man faces multiple charges after an all-terrain vehicle struck the youngster in the capital city on Jan. 17.
The ATV also hit a parked vehicle during the incident.
The child was taken to Qikiqtani General Hospital, treated for minor injuries and released the same day.
Iqaluit RCMP located a man suspected to be the ATV driver at a residence, arrested him and charged him for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, failure to stop or remain at the scene of an accident, driving while prohibited, obstructing a peace officer and impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
The man, who was not identified, was set to appear in Iqaluit court last week.
- Stewart Burnett
Man stabbed by black-clad assailant
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
RCMP responded to a report of stabbing on a 22-year-old male outside his residence in Pangnirtung on Jan. 16.
The victim was transported to the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The assailant was reported to be wearing a black ski mask and all-black clothing during the assault. RCMP were investigating and no suspects had been arrested before press time.
"This is believed to be an isolated incident and there does not appear to be a public safety concern," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in a news release. - Stewart Burnett
Five candidates run for Netsilik seat
Netsilik
Five candidates put their names forward for the Netsilik constituency seat vacated by MLA Jeannie Ugyuk in November.
Former MLA John Ningark of Kugaaruk is running against Tars Angutingunirk and Emilino Qirngnuq, also of Kugaaruk, and Wesley Totalik Sr. and Joseph Quqqiaq, both of Taloyoak.
The deadline to declare as a candidate was Jan. 8.
Eligible voters from Kugaaruk and Taloyoak will have the opportunity to elect their new MLA in a byelection scheduled for Feb. 8.
- Michele LeTourneau
Missing man found dead
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
A Rankin Inlet man reported missing Jan. 16 was found dead a few days later.
"Over the course of the next days Rankin Inlet RCMP and concerned citizens conducted a search of known frequented areas but were unable to locate him," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in a news release.
"On Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. a deceased male was located by local search and rescue members approximately six kilometres outside of town."
Conditions at the time included temperatures of between -30 C and -40 C, not factoring
in wind chill.
"The cause of death has yet to be determined and the investigation by the office of the chief coroner and the RCMP continues," stated Dillon.
The man was identified as Tommy Tattuinee.
- Michele LeTourneau
Arctic Ram set for Resolute
Qausuittuq/Resolute Bay
The Canadian military exercise Arctic Ram will descend near Resolute Bay Feb. 10 to 19.
The Nunavut Impact Review Board released its screening decision Jan. 8.
The 2016 mock exercise will involve securing a downed satellite.
"Exercise Arctic Ram 2016 will involve up to 285 Canadian Army personnel from the regular and reserve forces and 20 Canadian Rangers conducting emergency response training, surveillance patrols and survival training in the vicinity of Resolute Bay," stated the application to the board.
"In addition to practising for an emergency response scenario, platoons will conduct snowmobile training, survival training and other platoon and company level exercises, all within the 10-day training window."
Temporary camps will be set up at various locations.
Arctic Ram is one of several military training operations that take place in the
North. These include Operation Nunalivut, Operation Nunakput and Operation Nanook, among others.
- Michele LeTourneau
Anti-smoking booth a draw
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
A range of activities and presentations in Kimmirut during Tobacco Reduction Month and National Non-Smoking Week have aimed to reduce smoking in the community.
Community health representative Petanie Pitsiulak helped host a booth at the Kimik Co-op Jan. 16, where she presented tips and information about how to quit smoking.
"All age groups attended, from I'd say eight years old to 80 years old," said Pitsiulak, who saw about 20 visitors to the booth.
"I wasn't expecting teenagers to show up but the teenagers who did show up asked some important questions."
It's important to get the message out to the youth about the harmful effects of smoking, she said.
"I think a lot of the young ones here need to know more about what smoking can do to you," said Pitsiulak.
She and the hamlet's community wellness co-ordinator were also set to hold a community event on Jan. 24, with tea, bannock, games and information about the dangers of smoking.
In addition, students have been able to take part in a colouring and drawing contest on smoking, with the drawings to be posted in the health centre.
- Stewart Burnett
Cake to melt in your mouth
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Culinary arts students at the Kitikmeot campus of Nunavut Arctic College in Cambridge Bay worked very hard on cakes last week.
The cakes are iced in a method called "fondant," which in French means "melting." Fondant is a thick paste made of sugar and water and often flavoured or coloured.
"There are many steps to making fondant, which makes it a little difficult at times," said chef and instructor Andy Poisson.
The culinary arts program provides students with the practical skills and knowledge they require to enter the culinary profession as trained cooks.
"The program is well received in the community," said campus dean Fiona Buchan-Corey.
"They did a lunch service in the fall and toward Christmas, offered several weeks of lunch Meals on Wheels to local elders. It was great practice to prepare food in bulk and perfect preparation for the winter semester. The culinary program is catering the annual Kitikmeot Trade Show and preparing suppers the following week for the regional teachers conference."
- Michele LeTourneau
Rankin on bucket list
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The community of Rankin Inlet has made it to a list of top 13 "Canadian towns you must visit" at escapehere.ca
Author Bruce Yaccato compiled the list, stating, "Visiting small towns isn't normally at the top of our bucket list, but we've come up with a list of great towns that are perfect just the way they are, which is often quiet and out of the way, typically passed by on highways and main roads, tucked neatly away on the outskirts of a city."
Yaccato chose one town in each province and territory.
About Rankin, he states, "In Inuktitut, it's called Kangiqliniq - , meaning 'deep inlet.' It has become the gateway to the territory for civil servants, mining executives, scientists and adventure travel aficionados, hence the cellphone service and golf courses not common to the rest of the region."
He goes on to mention "a thriving Inuit art scene, especially in ceramics and carving."
He also makes reference to Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga (the land around the river of little fishes) Territorial Historic Park, with its hiking, fishing, fauna and habitations and graveyards from the 13th century.
Other mentions are towns such as Legal, Alta.; Flin Flon, Man.; and Forget, Sask.
- Michele LeTourneau
Fish processing plant much needed in coastal community
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
The Hunters and Trappers Organization in Clyde River has been eying its counterparts to the south in Pangnirtung and think a similar fish processing plant would serve the community well.
"That's one of the things that the community has been after for a number of years now, and we're just going to try and work toward how we can achieve getting such a place," said Jerry Natanine, former mayor of the community and now a member of the HTO.
"Our community has seen success in Panniqtuuq with their fish processing place.
"We know now there's lots of halibut, turbot and shrimp along our coast, and Clyde River being a central location among Baffin Bay coastal areas, we thought it would be an ideal location for such a thing."
Currently, hunters and fishers in the community just freeze their catch, sell it and ship it off as necessary.
Natanine thinks a fish processing plant would be good for building the community's economy, as well.
The HTO will soon start working on a business plan, speaking with consultants and mapping out operations to explore the feasibility of a fish processing plant.
- Stewart Burnett
Female leader sought
Kivalliq
The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) is looking for women willing to take a series of workshops during the next two years to assist them and other women in their community to develop skills and tools to create a positive change in their hometown.
KIA is looking for women who are proactive, willing to make a difference in their hometown, ready to take action on violence experienced in the home, willing to make a difference for the children of their community and who are team players and team builders who want to start a team in their community.
An introductory workshop will be held from March 18 to 24 in Rankin Inlet. The deadline for applying to the KIA office is Feb. 5.
- Darrell Greer
Love party planned
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The Ovayok Boadcasting Society, home of the Cambridge Bay community radio station, will be holding its first ever Valentine's Day dinner and dance.
The featured entertainer for the evening is Mark Crocker, an internationally renowned ventriloquist who last performed in Cambridge Bay at the Omingmak Frolics in 2011. Tickets to that event sold out.
The dance takes place Saturday, Feb. 13, at Luke Novoligak Community Hall. Doors open at 5:20 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m.
- Michele LeTourneau
Parks Canada hosting meeting
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
The Ukkusiksalik National Park Inuit knowledge working group will be meeting with Parks Canada and local knowledge holders in Naujaat from Jan. 25 to 27.
The focus of the meetings will be to discuss projects related to the park and Inuit knowledge.
- Darrell Greer
Literacy a family affair
The Government of Nunavut is encouraging Nunavummiut to join in on Family Literacy Day Jan. 27.
The annual national day seeks to "raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-related activities as a family."
"Daily activities can help your children develop and dramatically improve their literacy and learning skills," according to the GN news release.
Organizers list several literacy activities:
When packing for a land trip, have your child write out the items you plan to take.
Share your language and culture through storytelling
Choose something you want to count with your children outside of the house; it can be dogs, snowmobiles, ravens, anything you want.
Use empty dish soap bottles filled with water and food colouring to write messages and draw in the snow.
- Michele LeTourneau
Students miss exam-writing deadline
Kivalliq region
Grade 12 students in the Kivalliq communities of Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove will have to wait about six months to write their final exam in English Language Arts after a blizzard closed their schools on Jan. 13.
Students can only write the Alberta standardized departmental exam on specific dates to prevent cheating on the exam.
In all, more than 100 students in the Kivalliq and Baffin regions were prevented from writing the exam due to inclement weather in their communities.
- Darrell Greer
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