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Monday, February 8, 2016
Dehcho First Nations hires chief negotiator
A new chief negotiator has been hired for the Dehcho Process.
Metis lawyer and business executive Garth Wallbridge will take over the position bringing the negotiating team back to full capacity. Wallbridge gained experience in the areas of land claims and economic development while working for the Metis policy team and Tlicho Investment Corporation.
He was also the first director of aboriginal relations at Northwestel.
- Meagan Leonard
Duane Smith steps down from ICC
The Inuit Circumpolar Council announced last week that vice chair for Canada, Duane Smith, would be stepping down after serving for more than 17 years.
Smith was elected the new chair and CEO for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation last week, taking over from Nellie Cournoyea.
"I am leaving with some regret, but I believe my contribution to ICC has left the organization with the tools to continue to do great work," Smith stated in the release.
- Sarah Ladik
Fort Res man charged for marijuana
A Fort Resolution man has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a prohibited rifle magazine.
According to an RCMP news release, police executed a search warrant in the 47-year-old man's home on Jan. 29, where they seized approximatetly 200 grams of marijuana, a rifle and rifle magazine.
The man will appear in territorial court April 7 in Fort Resolution.
- Randi Beers
Wise Women announced
Five women were honoured last week for being role models in their communities.
Those receiving Wise Women awards this year include: Emily Saunders of Lutsel K'e, Denise McDonald of Inuvik, Dora Grandejambe of Norman Wells, Edna Dow of Hay River and Martina Norwegian of Fort Simpson. Each year the Status of Women Council recognizes outstanding women from across the territory for their wisdom, perseverance and dedication in standing up for women children and families.
The awards will be presented during a ceremony at the Explorer Hotel March 8 at 6 p.m.
- Meagan Leonard
Trapper's Week at Moose Kerr School
Aklavik
Traditional Trapper's Week took place at Moose Kerr School in Aklavik from Feb. 1 to 5.
Each day featured a different activity, including a poem-writing activity and dress-up-as-an-old -time-trapper day. Traditional games were scheduled to take place the afternoon of Feb. 5, including flour sack races, stick pull, arm pull and knee jump games.
Mangilaluk School gets ready for Learning Fair
Tuktoyaktuk
Students at Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk have been busy preparing for the upcoming Learning Fair, said principal Agnes Cudmore. While science fairs and heritage fairs are usually stricter in terms of project themes, the Learning Fair allows students to do a project on any subject in the curriculum.
Students who choose to do a science or heritage fair project will still be eligible to take part in the regional science and heritage fairs.
"It just gives kids an opportunity to do some research in other areas," Cudmore said.
The Learning Fair is scheduled to take place at the school on Feb. 11.
- Kassina Ryder
Hamlet says keep driveways clear
Ulukhaktok
The Hamlet of Ulukhaktok is reminding residents to make sure water delivery and sewage pump-out areas are free of vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles. Residents are also reminded to shovel areas where delivery takes place and keep the areas free of snow.
The hamlet warns that water won't be delivered and sewage won't be pumped if areas are not kept clear.
- Kassina Ryder
Carving soapstone at Angik School
Paulatuk
Angik School students in Paulatuk have been spending their afternoons learning how to carve soapstone, said principal Debbie Redden-Cormier.
Local artist Robert Kuptana visited the school to share his skills with students in Grades 6 to 12. Lessons took place for about an hour and a half each afternoon from Feb. 1 to 5.
The school hosted a similar program last year, Redden-Cormier said.
- Kassina Ryder
Tsiigehtchic welcomes new recreation co-ordinator
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Benjamin Contenti is the newest face in Tsiigehtchic after arriving to the community on Jan. 8.
Contenti is originally from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. and is now the community's recreation
co-ordinator.
Since his arrival, Contenti said he's been busy helping to organize after school activities for youth and was going to help chaperone a group of boys travelling to the handgames tournament in Tulita the weekend of Feb. 5.
- Kassina Ryder
Health fair focuses on fitness
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
On Feb. 17, there will be a community healthy living fair at the community hall. The fair will promote fitness, nutrition and healthy living. A free lunch of stew and bannock will be offered, as well as door prizes.
Arctic Energy Alliance was in the community Feb. 2 to hold an information session on ways to save money on energy at home.
Acho Dene Koe First Nation will hold its annual general meeting on Feb. 10 at the Fort Liard community hall.
- April Hudson
Photography sessions continue
Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte
Until March, a photography and video session will be held each Saturday in the community's gymnasium.
A community bazaar is scheduled for Feb. 20 from 12 to 5 p.m.
- April Hudson
Counselling workshop planned
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
From Feb. 3 to 5, the Community Counselling Program hosted a grief workshop for adults. The workshop was to take place at Deh Gah School's community room from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. It was to focus on the stages of grief and healthy grieving.
- April Hudson
Soapstone carver returns
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
On Feb. 6, John Sabourin was scheduled to return to the Open Sky Gallery to hold a soapstone carving workshop.
The second session of the gallery's birchbark basket workshop will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9.
The Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament is set to run from Feb. 12 to 14.
The next dentist visit to Fort Simpson will take place from Feb. 11 to 17.
Mary Caroline was scheduled to be at Thomas Simpson Secondary School on Feb. 5 for a workshop with students about reality TV. She was also scheduled to be at the Open Sky Gallery Feb. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.
- April Hudson
Annual general meeting set
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Jean Marie River First Nation plans to hold its annual general meeting from March 18 to 20. Anyone looking for the meeting package should contact senior administrative officer Mike Rudkin.
- April Hudson
Annual winter festival approaching in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Fort Smith's Wood Buffalo Frolics annual winter festival will take place March 11 to 13.
The festival is presented by the Town of Fort Smith.
The town has begun planning for the event, and is inviting participation from individuals and community groups.
- Paul Bickford
Intro to showshoe making in Hay River
Hay River
NWT Centennial Library in Hay River is hosting a workshop on how to make snowshoes.
The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10.
Tom Makepeace will present examples and discuss the techniques needed to create a pair of snowshoes.
- Paul Bickford
Workshop on caring for cancer survivors
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A free workshop in Fort Smith this week will discuss how people can contribute to improving cancer care.
The Survivor Care Plan Training Workshop is set for Feb. 11 and 12 at Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.
A survivor care plan helps a person with such things as keeping track of information, planning for medical appointments, and setting goals.
The workshop is being presented by the NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group.
- Paul Bickford
Time for toddlers in Whati
Whati/Lac La Martre
A program just for toddlers is being held at the Mezi Community School gym every Wednesday night.
Activities are geared toward kids aged two to five-years old and are designed to keep kids active. The program takes place every Wednesday night from 6 to 7 p.m.
It is scheduled to run through to the end of April.
- Kassina Ryder
Behchoko hosts trapping training program
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
A Trapping Education Program is scheduled to take place in Behchoko from Feb. 8 to 26, said cultural practices manager Tony Rebesca.
The program will take 15 participants to an area outside Whati to learn trapping and survival skills. Five experienced trappers will teach while an additional two leaders from Whati will help guide the group.
The program will incorporate traditional rituals and ceremonies as well as teach every step of trapping, from setting traps to fur processing.
- Kassina Ryder
Heritage Fair at Jean Wetrade Gameti School
Gameti/Rae Lakes
Jean Wetrade Gameti School held its annual Heritage Fair on Feb. 5, said teacher Jessica Appleton.
Judging was scheduled to take place at about 10 a.m. and members of the public were invited to come into the school too see the projects. Winners were scheduled to be announced in the afternoon.
Twenty-two students were expected to submit projects in this year's fair, Appleton said.
- Kassina Ryder
Learning to loom
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
The Norman Wells Historical Society is organizing a loom-beading class, which was scheduled to be held on Feb. 4.
The class was expected to take place at the Norman Wells Community Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free class included all materials.
- Kassina Ryder
Deline prepares for handgames
Deline/Fort Norman
Ehtseo Ahya School students in Deline have been getting ready for the upcoming hand games tournament, scheduled to take place in the community Feb. 19 to 22., said teacher Brian Ortiz.
The weekend is scheduled to begin with a fire feeding ceremony at the arena after team's finish registering, according to the schedule of events. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 19 to 21.
A variety of activities are also scheduled for the weekend, including a drum dance, a traditional dress competition and Bingo games.
- Kassina Ryder
Whati focuses on economic development
Whati/Lac La Martre
Whati councillors and administrators reviewed the community's strategic plan on Jan. 30, according to a news release from the Community Government of Whati.
The five-year plan highlights the need for more economic development in the community.
"We recognize that Whatì will be under pressure to address growth issues in the near future and Council wants to be proactive in addressing those needs for our residents," Chief Alfonz Nitsiza said in the release.
Staff with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Yvonne Doolittle, regional superintendent for MACA's North Slave region and Jacynthia Rabesca, assistant regional superintendent for the North Slave region both attended the meeting.
In the release, Doolittle said she would work with Whati's administrative staff to present a draft strategic plan to Whati's regular council meeting on Feb. 8.
- Kassina Ryder
Missing Iqaluit hunter's body found
Iqaluit
The body of an Iqaluit hunter was found and retrieved from the frozen sea Feb. 4, chief coroner Padma Suramala stated in a news release Feb. 5.
Mosesee Kowirk went hunting alone on Frobisher Bay, 30 km away from Iqaluit, on Jan. 30, police said. A search took place, but when Search and Rescue volunteers found the man's belongings at around 1 p.m. Jan. 31 the search was called off and the man was presumed dead.
RCMP believed at the time Kowirk had fallen through the sea ice. "Evidence at the scene has led investigators to believe the male fell through the ice," Const. Lurene Dillon stated in an RCMP news release.
Suramala determined the cause of death was drowning and exposure to natural elements of cold water, and that the manner of death was accidental. No foul play is suspected.
The office of the chief coroner conveyed its deepest sympathy to the family and friends for their loss.
- Michele LeTourneau
Comments open on Doris North
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
There is still time for comments to be submitted before a public hearing on the Doris North Gold Mine in Cambridge Bay, scheduled for April 12 to 14.
The Nunavut Impact Review Board scheduled the hearing to reconsider the terms and conditions of the Doris Gold Mine
project certificate.
The hearing will assess the potential ecosystemic and socio-economic impacts of the Doris North amendment proposal associated with the TMAC Resources project.
Anyone wishing to submit written comments to be considered at the public hearing must send them to the impact review board by March 14.
- Stewart Burnett
Taloyoak man charged
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
RCMP in Taloyoak executed a search warrant at a residence Jan. 30, which led to the arrest of a 43-year-old man.
"Further investigation resulted in the seizure of 25 grams of hashish, a quantity of cash and drug paraphernalia.
"Also seized during the search were 12 insecure firearms and ammunition," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in an RCMP news release.
"The male from Taloyoak has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Careless Storage of a Firearm."
The community of Taloyoak has identified illegal drugs as a priority for the Taloyoak RCMP, the release stated.
"The RCMP wish to encourage the community to continue to report drug trafficking in Nunavut. The RCMP would also like to remind the public that free trigger locks can be obtained at all detachments within Nunavut," stated Dillon.
The man was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice April 27.
- Michele LeTourneau
A diversity of study
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
The students of Netsilik Ilihakvik in Taloyoak took part in a second week of Career and Technology Studies courses Jan. 25 to 29.
"During the second term they are doing intermediate level courses," said principal Gina Pizzo.
Students could choose from seven courses of study: fashion studies - creating accessories 2; wildlife studies - diversity of wildlife values; food studies - vegetarian cuisine; Inuit studies - introduction to iglu building; construction studies - furniture-box construction; health services foundations - nurturing children; and electrical technologies - robotics.
"CTS courses always provide high-interest, hands-on activities for students and they really enjoy what they are doing," said Pizzo. "Ideally, they will choose a strand of courses which will increase their skill level in a career path which they are working toward in the future."
- Michele LeTourneau
Parenting program teaches Inuit values
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Thirteen people completed the Inunnguiniq Parenting Program held at the Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River in late January.
The five-day course is an evidence-based program in conjunction with the elders advisory committee to promote Inunnquiniq, the Inuit philosophy and practices related to child rearing and family.
Participants discussed Inuit stories and songs, language and child development, attachment, family communication, nutrition, Pilimmaqsarniq and the Inunnguiniq process.
The Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre helped facilitate the group, who also cooked a meal together and played games.
- Stewart Burnett
Example of co-operation
Iglulik
Kiss the Earth, an event to raise awareness about global warming, will take place in Iglulik Feb. 18 to 23.
The event, a partnership between the Igloolik Co-op and Friends of the North, will feature a showing of Chloe & Theo, a Hollywood feature film starring Theo Ikummaq of Iglulik, Dakota Johnson and Mira Sorvino.
The Co-op is calling the event "a retreat of epic proportions," which will include education, adventure and fun.
"Values and principles of the Co-op model, such as concern for community, guide the Co-op in building and strengthening relationships with important partners like Friends of the North," said Duane Wilson, vice-president of merchandising and logistics.
"This is a shining example of co-operation, which elevated the profile of Co-ops as leaders in the community and brings social advancement, improving the well-being of people in Arctic communities."
Friends of the North, created in September 2015, is an Ontario off-shoot of the Facebook-based group Helping Our Northern Neighbours, with a vision to help Canadian fly-in only communities have food security and sustainable community-based programs.
Kiss the Earth is intended to be part of a global movement of concern for the environment and food security. Proceeds from the event will help Arctic families in need.
- Michele LeTourneau
Language and culture celebrated
Nunavut
The territory is celebrating Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, which recognizes Inuktut and Inuit culture, this month.
"We worked with language stakeholders across Nunavut to select this year's theme, Inuit Annuraqausingit, or Inuit clothing," stated Minister of Languages George Kuksuk in a news release.
"This theme celebrates our rich and artistic heritage. I invite all Nunavummiut to take time to celebrate and learn more about the innovation of Inuit clothing and design, and its related terminology, throughout February."
The Department of Culture and Heritage will be releasing recordings of the 2015 winners of Qilaut, Nunavut's annual Inuktut music contest. The winning songs will be available online and as a CD.
Boxes of Inuktut resources with flash cards, books and posters will be delivered to every school, daycare and library in
Nunavut.
The Government of Nunavut encourages residents to participate in this year's celebration by organizing cultural activities as well as speaking, teaching and learning Inuktut, the family of Inuit languages.
- Stewart Burnett
Census collection begins
Nunavut
With the return of the long-form census, Statistics Canada announced Feb. 1 that the collection of data would begin in February for Nunavut and other remote and Northern residents.
This is in advance of southern data collection, when the census will take place in May.
This process will be conducted by personal interview, in people's homes, by census representatives.
The long-form census is mandatory, not voluntary.
The data collected provides valuable information that communities need to plan for education, health care and other initiatives, according to the Statistics Canada website.
Early enumeration ensures that residents of winter communities are included in the census before they relocate to smaller, more dispersed fishing and hunting camps for the summer.
The census questions have been translated into 22 languages other than English and French, including Inuktitut.
- Michele LeTourneau
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