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Monday, May 2, 2016
NTCL applies for creditor protection
After failing to turn a profit for the past decade, the Northern Transportation Company Ltd., announced April 27 it has initiated a restructuring process in order to refinance its business operations.
The company, wholly-owned by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, will continue to operate until May 27 under protection from the court, after which it can apply for an extension.
Northern Transportation representatives have said no layoffs are anticipated and the 2016 shipping schedule will be posted soon.
The company is based in Hay River with regional ports in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Norman Wells.
- Meagan Leonard
Guns stolen from Hay River shops
Police in Hay River are investigating three break-ins at businesses that included the theft of weapons, according to a news release.
Cigarettes were stolen April 18 from the Ehdah Cho Store on the Hay River Reserve. Knives were taken from the Home Hardware Store. Then on April 27 at about 11:40 p.m., two .22 caliber rifles and three shotguns were stolen from a locked gun cabinet at Monster Recreation.
RCMP asked anyone with information to contact police.
- Shane Magee
Distracted driving rules strengthened
New distracted driving laws come into effect May 1 prohibiting even touching a cell phone or GPS while driving.
The changes to the NWT Motor Vehicle Act also increased the fines from $322 to $644 for distracted driving in a school zone or construction area.
The changes to the law removes a system of speeding fines based on ranges over the limit as well. Instead, it will see speeding fines increase per kilometre an hour over the limit, starting at $68 for one-kilometre over the limit.
- Shane Magee
Missing man found safe
A 39-year-old man police stated last week was missing after he left Jean Marie River on an all-terrain vehicle headed for Edmonton, Alta. has been located.
Douglas Norwegian left the Deh Cho region community April 27 and had been seen on the Jean Marie access road headed toward Highway 1, according to a news release.
RCMP stated he had been located safely the same day in Hay River after receiving information from a town resident.
- Shane Magee
Women's group starts in Behchoko
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
Women in Behchoko now have a place to gather on Wednesday nights, thanks to a new women's group being offered through the Rae-Edzo Friendship Centre, said organizer Angela Zoe.
The goal is to provide women with a place to meet, share ideas and do activities together.
Zoe said she hopes to be able to offer relaxation sessions, including pedicures and other activities, to help women re-energize. Other plans include possibly playing sports such as volleyball, using the centre's kitchen to make juices and smoothies and talking about issues anyone wants to discuss. Zoe said she hopes the group will grow and attract new members.
"The more women, the stronger the group," she said.
The group is scheduled to take place at the centre every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Alexis Arrowmaker students plan for future
Wekweeti/Snare Lakes
Career and development officers with the territorial government visited Alexis Arrowmaker School in Wekweeti on April 28, said principal Sidney Rodnunsky.
Gwen Woodward and Margaret Purdy outlined possible careers and apprenticeship opportunities to students in Grades 5 to 10, Rodnunsky said.
Students also learned about prerequisites required for certain jobs and programs, as well as information about paying for post-secondary education.
"Students were very receptive," he said.
Government representatives will return to the school in September to provide additional information.
"This is going to be a continuing process," Rodnunsky said.
- Kassina Ryder
Getting outside in Fort Good Hope
Radilih Koe'/Fort Good Hope
Fort Good Hope's recreation department is aiming to introduce more outdoor activities now that spring has begun, said recreation co-ordinator Freda Kelly.
Children and youth who spent winter evenings in the gym at Chief T'Selehye School are now spending more time outside.
"Now the weather is getting so warm, we always seem to lose kids around this time," Kelly said. While she plans to speak to the community's youngest residents for ideas, Kelly said she hopes to organize some outdoor events like snowman-making and sliding parties.
Even without a structured activity, Kelly said young people in Fort Good Hope enjoy being together.
"I find that they really like to gather," she said. "Sometimes they'll come up with their own games."
She said she hopes to have an outdoor schedule organized by the middle of May.
- Kassina Ryder
Northern Youth Camps accepting applications
NWT
Two Northern Youth Camps are expected to take place this summer, according to the Northern Youth Leadership website.
The Gana River Boys Leadership Camp is scheduled to run from June 27 to July 4 and is available to boys aged 11 to 13. The camp will take place at the Gana River Lodge in the Sahtu region and is expected to include canoeing, hiking and a variety of other activities.
A Girls Advanced Leadership Canoe Trip is also scheduled to run from July 22 to Aug. 1. Girls aged 13 to 16 will paddle from Behchoko to Yellowknife on the North Arm of Great Slave Lake. The trip is intended to teach navigation, leadership and organizational skills.
- Kassina Ryder
Toy lending in Fort Liard
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
A toy lending program was scheduled to begin at the community library as of April 27. Interested parents could come to the library and choose a toy for their child.
The program is for children up to the age of four.
Tri Recycling was also set to bring a mobile bottle depot to Fort Liard for April 30 and 31. The depot was scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30 and from 10 a.m. to noon on April 31, behind the fuel centre.
A community bazaar is scheduled for May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the community hall.
- April Hudson
Fire department recruits
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Anyone in Fort Simpson interested in joining the volunteer fire department had the chance to learn more about the ins and outs of how to sign on at a recruiting open house on April 30.
The open house was set for 10 a.m. at the fire hall. No experience is necessary. Firefighter training is free.
Members of the Union of Northern Workers were invited to a general membership meeting on April 27 where they could receive an update on GNWT bargaining.
The meeting kicked off at 8 p.m. in the Nahanni Inn boardroom.
A spaghetti lunch put on by the High-Performance Soccer team has been pushed to May 6. Money raised from the lunch will go toward student registration fees.
On April 24, parents of students who take the bus were notified the bus would not be running for two or three days due to mechanical issues.
The Open Doors Society held a dance in the Bompas Elementary School gymnasium on April 22.
Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Stanley Isaiah Wellness Centre.
- April Hudson
Yard sale date set
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Graduates of Deh Gah School will be holding their annual community yard sale at Deh Gah School from 10 a.m. to noon on May 7.
The deadline to secure a table is May 4 at 6 p.m.
Adult boot camp will be running at the gymnasium on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.
- April Hudson
Aklavik hosts Kiddie Carnival
Aklavik
The annual Aklavik Kiddie Carnival began on April 25, said youth co-ordinator Mary Gordon. The event was scheduled to run until April 28 and included a variety of activities for children and youth, such as the crowning of the prince and princess.
This year's royal pair were Elisha Morgan and Laiken Glemser.
Gordon said the four prince and princess contestants each took home a prize.
"It was good," she said. "Everybody won a prize."
The carnival kicked off with a jigging contest on April 25 and a talent show was scheduled to take place at the Stitchinli Complex on April 27.
The next day was expected to include rubber boot races and a barbecue. Gordon said while all activities are popular, outdoor games seem to be especially well attended.
"They pretty much enjoy everything but maybe the outdoor games are a favourite," she said.
- Kassina Ryder
New date for Tsiigehtchic community cookout
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
A community cookout originally scheduled to take place earlier in April was re-scheduled for April 27.
Organizer Sasha Blake said the event was intended to give residents a chance to visit and enjoy each other's company.
"It's to bring everyone together," she said.
The cookout, organized through the Community Wellness and Health Babies programs, was scheduled to be held on Water Lake Road at about 5:30 p.m.
The menu was expected to include steak, salads, hotdogs and hamburgers, Blake said.
"Everything is provided," she said. "They don't need to do anything."
- Kassina Ryder
Angik School goes fishing
Paulatuk
Angik School students were expected to travel to Salmon Lake on April 28 and 29 to take part in the school's annual spring ice fishing trip, said principal Debbie Redden-Cormier.
Students in kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 were to travel with students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 on April 28 while remaining students would travel together the following day.
Youth were split up into two groups of about 16 students, Redden-Cormier said. Elders will travel with the groups to tell stories while they're out on the land. The travellers were to bring a tent and had an opportunity to enjoy a caribou stew lunch as well.
Redden-Cormier said this time of year is ideal to take younger students out ice fishing.
"It's warming up now so it's nice and warm for the little ones," she said.
- Kassina Ryder
Mangilaluk School heads out on the land
Tuktoyaktuk
Students in Grades 1, 2 and 3 from Mangilaluk School headed out to Water Creek outside Tuktoyaktuk on April 25 for the second phase of an on-the-land trip.
In a previous interview with News/North, principal Agnes Cudmore said the first phase of the trip took place the week of April 1, when students in kindergarten and Grade 1 travelled to Water Creek for a day of fun on the land.
The second phase gave other students a chance to participate in similar activities, which included hot chocolate and treats.
The goal is to give students the opportunity to spend time together out on the land, Cudmore said.
"It's a great experience for them, so they have that connection with nature," she said. "They do different activities than in town."
- Kassina Ryder
Meeting to discuss market for Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A meeting will be held early next month to gauge interest in and discuss the idea of creating a Fort Smith market to sell locally-made food, crafts and art.
The gathering, which is being organized by the Town of Fort Smith, will take place at 7 p.m. on May 5 at the theatre of the rec centre.
The town says everyone is welcome to the meeting, and it has specifically invited bakers, gardeners, jam makers, artists, musicians and craftspeople.
- Paul Bickford
Spring fling sale set for Enterprise
Enterprise
A spring fling sale is being planned for early May in Enterprise. The sale, which will be held on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature baked goods and small business items.
Plus, it will also include a yard sale.
The Spring Fling Sale will take place at the Enterprise Community Centre.
- Paul Bickford
Talking wildlife photography at Northern Life Museum
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Fort Smith resident Pierre-Emmanuel Chaillon was to be the next guest for the Speakers Series at Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre.
Chaillon, who has filmed wildlife in various places around the world, was scheduled to speak about his experiences on April 28, beginning at 7 p.m.
His wildlife documentaries include Winged Migration and Animals in Love. Chaillon has filmed wildlife in such places as Japan, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Greenland and Africa.
For his address, he planned to share some of his behind-the-scenes stories, and discuss the work and challenges involved in getting the perfect shot for his films.
- Paul Bickford
Golf club selects executive for year
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Fort Smith's Pelican Rapids Golf and Country Club has a new executive following its annual general meeting on April 20.
The 2016 executive consists of president Blaine Walterhouse, vice-president Josh Buchanan, treasurer Blaine Walterhouse, secretary Jean Soucy and past president Dennis Rolfe.
The directors for the year are Mel Fortier, Doug Meidl, Allan Heron, Gord Delorme and Bob Rhodes.
- Paul Bickford
Child hostage held by man with knife
Kinngait/Cape Dorset
A potentially tragic outcome was averted in Cape Dorset when RCMP gained entry into a home where a man threatened a four-year-old child during five hours of failed negotiations, police said.
The ordeal began at 8 p.m. April 20 during a blizzard when RCMP responded to a complaint of potential threats by a man towards his girlfriend's four-year-old child.
"Upon arrival at the residence, RCMP members were met by the lone adult male," stated Cpl. David Lawson in a news release.
"The subject had a large knife and was threatening the life of the child if the police intervened. The male then barricaded himself in the house and refused to turn the child over to police or family who arrived on the scene."
Lawson says the 21-year-old man remained unco-operative during the five hours of negotiations.
"The RCMP officers, who had serious concerns over the safety of the child, gained entrance to the residence. After a potentially dangerous but brief altercation, RCMP were able to disarm and arrest the suspect," said Lawson.
The child was taken to the health centre as a precautionary measure and then put into the care of Social Services.
The man, whose name is not being released in order to protect the identity of the child, was charged with attempted murder, hostage taking, assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon on police officer, resisting arrest, two counts of uttering threats and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
- Michele LeTourneau
Fishing season begins
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Spring has meant fishing season in Kimmirut.
Community members have been catching a lot of cod lately, said the hamlet's senior administrative officer, Hosea Mpofu.
"People were going out spending time on the land," he said. "It's mostly fishing the last week."
Warm weather put somewhat of a snag on the fishing, though.
School children had an outing and found success with catching cod, but weren't able to go back to the same spot afterward because the ice had started to melt.
- Stewart Burnett
Greenhouse work planned
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
A student team from Ryerson University in Toronto is scheduled to return to Naujaat on May 8 to continue work with the community's greenhouse.
The students will be in Naujaat until mid-June to plant herbs and vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes and carrots, as well as hold nutrition education and business education workshops for residents.
The plan is for the vegetables to be harvested this summer by a women's collective in Naujaat and then sold for people to have access to fresh and affordable produce.
The goal is for the Naujaat greenhouse to produce 11,000 pounds of fresh produce.
The Ryerson students are also looking at building another greenhouse in Arviat this coming August.
They then plan to begin the process in two additional Northern communities in 2017.
- Darrell Greer
Literacy award nominations sought
Nunavut
Nominations are now open for the 2016 Council of Federation Literacy Award.
Premier Peter Taptuna is looking for the names of adults who support, encourage and share ways to strengthen literacy skills with others.
"Nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to support and encourage others to develop their literacy skills - a student, a teacher, a community volunteer, an elder or a co-worker. The winner will be recognized with an inscribed medallion and certificate presented by Premier Taptuna," stated a news release.
The deadline for nominations is June 30.
- Michele LeTourneau
Jet fighters overhead
Baffin Island
Nunavummiut might have spotted some Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft over the ocean off the coast of Baffin Island while the Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) practised intercept and identification procedures last week.
The flights were scheduled to take place all day April 28, dependent on the weather, stated a news release from Canadian NORAD region public affairs.
During the training, residents might have seen or heard CF-18 Hornet fighter jets flying in close proximity to military aircraft. To test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD uses a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, kidnappings, and responses to unknown aircraft.
- Stewart Burnett
Acting deputy minister appointed
Iqaluit
Nunavut's Department of Environment has a new acting deputy minister.
Premier Peter Taptuna announced April 25 the appointment of Simon Awa, who will retain his duties as chief negotiator for devolution.
The appointment comes on the heels Gabriel Nirlungayuk's resignation.
Nirlungayuk has since taken a position outside of government, according to a news release.
"I'd like to thank Mr. Nirlungayuk for his service to the department and wish him success in his new position," stated Taptuna.
- Michele LeTourneau
Prizes for completing survey
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
A health survey circulating in the community will give one participant the chance to win a $75 gift card.
Petanie Pitsiulak, community health representative for Kimmirut, is conducting a survey on health promotion programs.
She will be looking for mothers with babies aged newborn to 11 months old, mothers with children one to four years old and adults 16 and up.
"Participants will be randomly picked, meaning that every person in the community has an equal chance of being asked," said Pitsiulak.
The goal of the survey is to find out health information on mothers before and after birth, as well as for health of young children. Adults over 16 will be asked about health practices.
Pitsiulak will be conducting the survey this month with results likely being released in June.
- Stewart Burnett
Wise woman award announced
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Hannah Benoit of Rankin Inlet has been selected as the recipient of the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council's annual Wise Woman Award.
The announcement was made on April 19 in a news release from Beth Beattie, executive director of the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council.
Benoit was chosen for her support and counselling of women of all ages.
She serves as a role model to people of Rankin Inlet and is well respected as an elder.
Benoit also engages in cultural work and teaches traditional skills.
Maatali Okalik of Iqaluit and Sarah Jancke of Cambridge Bay were named as co-recipients of the Outstanding Young Woman Award. Okalik is president of the National Inuit Youth Council and Jancke works on recreation and youth issues with the hamlet and with the National Inuit Youth Council.
- Darrell Greer
Teachers honoured for dedication
Iqaluit/Clyde River
Two teaching excellence awards were presented April 9 at the Nunavut Teachers' Association annual general meeting April 9 to 10.
Rebecca Hainnu, who could not attend the president's banquet the first night due to a blizzard in Clyde River, is principal at Quluaq School in that community. Mary Piercey-Lewis, is a teacher at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit.
"Rebecca Hainnu was nominated by her colleague, Adam Bassett, who describes her as 'an exemplar for all of the criteria of teaching excellence, including professionalism, knowledge, leadership, passion, courage, and creativity.' Adam goes on to define Rebecca as a 'champion for her students, her school, community and her Teachers Association,'" stated a news release.
"Rebecca has always been an advocate for Inuktitut language and culture and this began to appear in the form of programs and curricula when she was a student at the Nunavut Teachers Education Program. Her projects were of such high quality that many of them are published and still used today in Nunavut classrooms," wrote Bassett in his nomination package.
Piercey-Lewis is described as "an exceptionally dedicated, skillful professional who works tirelessly to develop her music program in Nunavut."
"Mary established the school choir, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers, in 2008. The mandate of the choir is to represent Inuit culture from rural Nunavut within the Inuit-Anglo-Franco urban context of Iqaluit. The group's members choose to present traditional symbols of their Inuit culture with aspirations of making it visible to a wider audience," stated Barbara Young, who nominated Piercey-Lewis and is a colleague.
Piercey-Lewis also teaches Aulajaaqtut "and does so with the same enthusiasm as she teaches her music classes."
- Michele LeTourneau
Government seeking board members
Nunavut
The Government of Nunavut is looking to fill seats on three boards - the Eeyou Marine Region Impact Review Board, the Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission and the Nunavut Water Board.
Each board seat requires specific knowledge of the areas overseen. The Eeyou board screens and reviews economic projects in that region; the Nunavik board has broad responsibilities for land-use planning in the Nunavik Marine Region; and the Nunavut Water Board is responsible over the regulation, use and management of inland water in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
The deadline to apply for each of these position is May 13, by 5 p.m., to the Department of Environment.
- Michele LeTourneau
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