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Monday, March 28, 2016
Ice roads set to close
The winter road up the Mackenzie Valley could close anytime this week.
The tweet from the Department of Transportation on March 24 stated the closure of the Mackenzie Valley winter road could happen within seven days. It could close sooner depending on weather, the tweet states. The winter road connects Wrigley north through to Fort Good Hope.
As well, the Tibbit to Contwoyto winter road closed on March 24 to northbound traffic.
- Shane Magee
Pot and guns found in Fort Good Hope bust
Two men have been charged with trafficking marijuana after a drug bust in Fort Good Hope on March 17, according to an RCMP news release. RCMP searched a house in the community and found 174 marijuana joints, 22 grams of loose marijuana, two firearms and paraphernalia associated to trafficking illegal drugs. The search was part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, the release stated.
The men, aged 59 and 29, are scheduled to appear in court in Fort Good Hope on June 15.
- Kassina Ryder
Alcohol and drugs seized in Sahtu
Marijuana and alcohol were seized during incidents in Deline, Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells the weekend of March 18, according to RCMP.
On March 19, RCMP in Deline found 170 grams of marijuana in a vehicle during a traffic stop. The driver was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. On March 20, a vehicle on Fort Good Hope drove off the road and became stuck in snow. When RCMP responded, they discovered that two of the vehicle's four occupants had been driving under the influence of alcohol. They were charged with impaired driving. Police also found 41 375-millilitre bottles of vodka and 19 cans of beer in the vehicle, which were also destined for Colville Lake.
- Kassina Ryder
NWT tourism growing
Tourists spent more than $146 million in the NWT in 2014-15, according to the latest numbers from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
That's an increase from the $94 million spent in 2010-2011. Money spent by people visiting to see the aurora increased by about 28 per cent and the number of people visiting the territory to go fishing grew by 24 per cent. People who came to the territory to visit friends and relatives spent $12 million last year.
- Kassina Ryder
Winter road weight increased
Whati/Lac La Martre
The winter road to Whati opened to vehicles up to 25,000 kilograms last week, according to the Department of Transportation.
That means resupply to Tlicho communities could soon begin. Drivers are warned to be aware of road maintenance crews and flooding in lake areas. Travellers should check the department's website before heading out, because roads in the Tlicho could be restricted to night traffic only if the weather warms.
- Kassina Ryder
Behchoko book fair
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
A book fair is scheduled to take place at the Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School public library in Behchoko from March 29 to 31, said librarian Kirsten Franki.
This month's fair will feature junior fiction novels, as well as diaries and activity booklets and is scheduled to take place each day after school from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
GNWT seeks Sahtu firefighters
Sahtu
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will begin training new firefighters next month.
WFX Fit Training is scheduled to take place in Norman Wells at the end of April.
The training is free and is mandatory for potential firefighters. Information about how to prepare for the training is available at the ENR office in Norman Wells. A date has not yet been confirmed for when the training will take place.
- Kassina Ryder
Self-employment tax workshop in Norman Wells
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
A tax clinic for those who are self employed is scheduled to take place in Norman Wells on March 30 and 31, according to a poster from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
People who operate a business or work for themselves are encouraged to take part in the workshop, which will be held in the boardroom at the Sahtu Business Development Centre.
It is scheduled to run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on March 30 and again from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on March 31.
- Kassina Ryder
Meeting to discuss Porcupine caribou
Aklavik
A public meeting about community monitoring projects is scheduled to take place at the Chief Andrew Stewart Building in Aklavik on March 31, according to an Internet post put up by the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Society.
The meeting will report on community monitoring done in the Porcupine caribou herd's range during the 2015 season.
It's scheduled to take place in the Mary Kendi boardroom from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Snacks will be provided.
- Kassina Ryder
Community cookout in Tsiigehtchic
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Tsiigehtchic's Community Wellness Program co-ordinators are scheduling a cookout on March 31, according to a program poster.
The event is open to the community and will take place at the tent on Water Lake Road at about 1:30 p.m.
Individuals and families who require transportation can contact Alison Cardinal or Stephanie Clark.
- Kassina Ryder
Good attendance means trip to the pool
Tuktoyaktuk
Mangilaluk School students who achieved an attendance rate of 90 per cent or higher will get to attend a special event, said principal Agnes Cudmore.
More than 40 students received invitations for a trip to Inuvik to go swimming on March 30.
"They all got an invitation yesterday," Cudmore said. "They had smiles on their faces."
Students will board a bus in the morning and travel on the ice road to the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik where they'll spend the day at the pool. They'll return to Tuktoyaktuk later that day.
"We wanted to give them something they all enjoy. It's a day of fun," Cudmore said. "Most kids enjoy the water and they don't get to do it very often."
- Kassina Ryder
Darnley Bay meeting in Paulatuk
Paulatuk
Oceans North Canada and the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee are scheduled to host a meeting on March 31, according to a poster on the Paulatuk HTC Facebook page.
The meeting will provide updates on the Passive Acoustic Monitoring project and the Darnley Bay Community Video Review.
The meeting is scheduled to begin with a dinner at 5 p.m. at the Paulatuk Hotel boardroom. Door prizes will be available.
- Kassina Ryder
Ndu Tah Carnival under way
Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake
Trout Lake's Ndu Tah Spring Carnival kicked off March 23 and is expected to run until March 28. Following a free lunch at noon on March 24, participants had the option of taking part in the Youth Angry Bushman Contest. There was also all-day registration at the band office for handgames, followed by a coffee house that evening.
A free pancake breakfast was on the schedule bright and early the morning of March 25, with door prizes included. In the afternoon, a sliding hill party was scheduled to be held prior to a feast and drum dance.
On March 26, handgames were to begin at 10 a.m. at the recreation centre. There was to be a flea market open in the afternoon and a talent show in the evening, capping off with a drum dance.
On March 27, a church service was expected to proceed at 9 a.m., followed by outdoor events for youth and adults.
- April Hudson
Students break for spring
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
March break for students at Bompas Elementary School began March 25 and runs until April 8.
The school is still looking for donations of old telephone books for the 2016 Northwestel Directory Recycling Program.
The arena at the recreation centre was back in business earlier in the week for public skating and minor hockey, as temperatures cooled somewhat.
- April Hudson
Bison Jamboree schedule released
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
The 2016 Dehcho Bison Jamboree is all set to run from March 30 to April 3.
According to a schedule of events released by the jamboree organizers, the weekend includes mini carnival games, community bingo, a bake sale, talent shows and handgames, as well as youth activities and adult traditional games.
There will also be snowmobile drag races and a community barbecue on April 3.
The recreation centre is looking for volunteers to help with the jamboree.
- April Hudson
Smith's Landing history on tap
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A photo exhibition in Fort Smith is focusing on the history of Smith's Landing First Nation.
The exhibition, which began in early March and will run to April 29, is taking place at Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre. It features 200 photographs of elders, landmarks and more from the 1860 to 1970 time period.
- Paul Bickford
Fort Res readies for fire season
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
A meeting was scheduled to be held in Fort Resolution on March 23 by the forest management office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The meeting will review the 2015 fire season, look forward to the upcoming fire season and discuss the community's fire action plan. It will also be a forum to educate members of the community on the department's fire programs. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on March 23 at Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall.
- Paul Bickford
Tip leads police to booze at airport
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
Thanks to information from the public, RCMP in Kugluktuk seized what they call "a large amount of alcohol" from residents illegally bringing it into the community on a flight March 20.
A news release from the Kugluktuk RCMP detachment states the hamlet is currently under a plebiscite where an elected alcohol education committee approves alcohol permits for community residents.
Kugluktuk RCMP seized nine 60-ounce bottles, two 40-ounce bottles, six beer cans and a bottle of mixed alcohol from two residents at the airport.
"Substance abuse has been a priority for our detachment and will remain a top priority for the future of this community. Our goal is to partner with our local stakeholders to educate the community regarding alcohol consumption and the negative impact that substance abuse has on domestic violence, mental health and employment," said detachment commander Cpl. Jean-Luc Bedard.
"This detachment wants to make a difference and contribute to a safer and healthier Kugluktuk. But in the end, we cannot resolve the community's issues without the help of the community and that's the message we want to communicate. We want the community to get involved and understand the important role everyone has to play and that, together, we can win the fight against bootleggers."
The RCMP encourages residents "to contact (their) local RCMP detachment to provide any information pertaining to alcohol bootlegging and any criminal activities."
- Michele LeTourneau
Northwestel beefs up Internet packages
Nunavut
Northwestel substantially increased its usage limits for Internet customers in four Nunavut communities at the start of this month.
Usage limits for top Nunavut Internet packages increased by an average of 41 per cent with no additional cost to customers. The company's residential package went to 50 GB from a 30 GB per month limit, or a 67 per cent increase.
Northwestel also dropped the additional usage charge for customers subscribed to residential and business Internet 5 packages by $5 per GB.
"These changes will give customers the freedom to do more with their Internet each month, without spending more," stated spokesperson Curtis Shaw in a news release.
Northwestel offers Internet services in Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
Other Nunavut communities receive Internet service from Qiniq or Xplornet.
- Stewart Burnett
City sending mayor to meeting of municipalities
Iqaluit
Only two representatives from the City of Iqaluit will be attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting in June.
At city council March 22, Coun. Terry Dobbin suggested not attending the event at all this year, saying the city has asked residents to cut back and the city should too.
"Considering the dire strait the city is in right now, I just can't support it," he said.
Mayor Madeleine Redfern said that with a new federal government in place, it would be important for the federation to hear Iqaluit's perspective.
"I agree that we're probably not in a good financial situation to send a large delegation from the city," she said, but added that sending no one would leave Iqaluit out of the loop.
Coun. Simon Nattaq suggested he go to the conference.
"I really am interested in the climate change part of the conference," he said through interpretation.
Coun. Megan Pizzo-Lyall made a motion to send only the mayor and the city's chief administrative officer, which was approved.
- Stewart Burnett
Hockey equipment lifts spirits
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
A group from New Brunswick put on a hockey training camp and donated equipment to students in Kimmirut last week.
"This has been very exciting for the community," said Hosea Mpofu, senior administrative officer in Kimmirut.
The group, consisting of S. Neville Grosman, Stephen Moffett, Greg Keith, Bob Parlee, Stephen Gillies and Ed Murray, hosted a week of hockey training for students in Grade 2 through 9.
"The purpose of the hockey camp is to give students of Kimmirut an opportunity to develop their hockey skills in a fun and familiar but safe environment," stated Grosman in a letter to the hamlet.
First Air sponsored the cost of getting the equipment from New Brunswick to the Nunavut community.
"All of our kids have been playing and now we have a lot of equipment that has been donated to us," said Mpofu.
- Stewart Burnett
Board members needed
Qikiqtaaluk/Baffin
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has vacancies on several boards it hopes to fill, it announced in a call for nominations March 21.
To be considered, candidates must be active and personally committed to represent the interest of beneficiaries of the Baffin region as well as a sound understanding of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement as pertaining to the roles and mandates of the board, according to the news release.
The positions are for three-year terms on the following boards: one position each on the Nunavut Trust, Nunavut Planning Commission, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Social And Cultural Committee - Women's Representation, Social And Cultural Committee - Men's Representation and two positions on Kakivak Association - members at large.
The Baffin Inuit organization is accepting applications at its Iqaluit office. The deadline is April 15.
- Michele LeTourneau
Group develops Inuktitut glossary
Nunavut
In an effort to combat cancer among Inuit, the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada helped create the Kaggutiq Inuit Cancer Glossary, which includes 250 terms translated into five major Inuktitut dialects.
The Canadian Cancer Society collaborated with the group, and the glossary was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada with the aim of increasing health literacy and understanding of the disease, diagnosis and treatment.
"It is also intended to increase accurate communication between patients and their Inuit and non-Inuit health care providers, and in this way help to dispel the fear of cancer and improve overall wellbeing and quality of life for the Inuit community," states a news release from the Pauktuutit group.
Phase two of the project aims to reduce cancer incidence and increase prevention and early detection in the Inuit population. A $1-million donation from Jaguar Land Rover Canada is fuelling the next stage of the program.
- Stewart Burnett
Youth present at Norway conference
Kivalliq
Three Nunavut projects with deep roots in the Kivalliq region were presented at the Arctic Indigenous Education Conference in Norway earlier this month.
Connected North (Virtual Learning through a Connected North) is a $1.6-million videoconferencing program with Nunavut schools in Arviat and Iqaluit.
Three youths from Naujaat and three from Gjoa Haven presented on Nanivara Nunavut.
The youths spent time working at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History examining artifacts from the Amundsen expeditions earlier this month.
Sivuniksamut Ilinniarniq saw Shirley Tagalik of Arviat do a presentation on indigenous education.
- Darrell Greer
Students dropped the pop
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
The Grade 5 class at Arnaqjuaq School in Hall Beach won a $100 gift certificate during Drop the Pop week this month.
To celebrate the win and spend the cash, the class held a movie lunch on March 24. Students feasted on pizza and hot dogs, as well as their own lunches if they chose.
Of course, no pop was being offered.
Drop the Pop is a territorial campaign to discourage the consumption of sugary drinks, which leads to high rates of dental diseases, such as cavities, and has been linked to childhood obesity.
- Michele LeTourneau
Youth raises money for program
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Nadia Metuq, selected for the Northern Youth Abroad program, has been raising money for transportation and food to take part in the experience.
The goal of the program is to give youth experiences in the working world, and the student from Pangnirtung has set her own goal to gain skills and knowledge and experience different cultures.
In the program, participants travel to Ottawa in late June for orientation and then go on to travel in pairs to live with host families around the country for a six-week volunteer work placement.
Twenty-seven youth from Nunavut have been chosen to participate in this year's program.
- Stewart Burnett
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