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Monday, November 28, 2016
Two safe after crash landing
Fort Simpson
Two pilots are safe after a crash landing in the Deh Cho region about 17 kilometres outside Fort Simpson on Wednesday morning.
The eight-seat Wolverine Air Piper PA-31 was returning to the village from Nahanni Butte after dropping off its passengers in Nahanni Butte, including Dehcho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian and Dehcho Process ministerial special representative Anne Marie Doyle.
A preliminary report on Transport Canada's website indicates the pilots declared a fuel emergency at 11:37 a.m. and both engines failed shortly after. During the landing, part of the right wing broke off and both propellers were damaged.
- April Hudson and Shane Magee
Highest homicide rate in Canada
NWT
The Northwest Territories had the highest homicide rate of any Canadian province or territory in 2015, data from Statistics Canada indicates. The territory had five homicides last year, meaning it had a rate of 11.34 victims per 100,000 people. That's up from three victims and a rate of 6.82 in 2014.
Among provinces, Saskatchewan recorded the highest 2015 homicide rate at 3.79 per 100,000, the statistics agency stated. Homicides were reported last year in Yellowknife, Ndilo, Aklavik, Hay River and Lutsel K'e.
- Shane Magee
Preparing for legal pot
NWT
The GNWT has formed an inter-departmental working group to prepare for the eventual legalization of marijuana across Canada. The group is also in discussions with the federal government, according to a GNWT Justice Department official.
The working group has had initial discussions on the implications of legalization for the NWT. More advanced planning will be contingent on the results of the report of the (federal) Task Force on Marijuana Legalization and Regulation.
- John McFadden
Curfew bylaw goes ahead
Fort Simpson
A bylaw that would restrict children under the age of 16 from being in public unsupervised between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. has passed two readings by village council. The bylaw narrowly passed with three councillors voting against and three in favour. Mayor Darlene Sibbeston voted in favour.
If the bylaw passes third reading as is, a first offence will come with a warning, a second offence a $100 fine, and higher fines would follow.
Failure of a parent or legal guardian to pay the fine could land them in jail for 30 days.
- April Hudson
Big cocaine, weed bust
Norman Wells
Norman Wells RCMP seized what it calls a large quantity of illegal drugs.
Mounties intercepted a package from an airliner Nov. 22 containing approximately 165 grams of suspected cocaine and 6.3 kilograms of what appears to be marijuana, said a news release.
Police say the seizure came after a targeted investigation into illegal drugs being brought into the community.
RCMP said the drugs were all seized at the same time and were destined for the same recipient
No charges have been laid as of press time. Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
- John McFadden
Arts funding to get second look
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
After a presentation from Northern Arts and Cultural Centre board member Lynn Canney and Open Sky Creative Society board member Alison Brown on Nov. 21, councillors agreed to revisit a decision to deny $5,000 in funding to the centre.
The village has supported the NACC since 2012. The centre brings in top-level touring shows of varied genres for children and adults.
Most of the shows also held sessions at the elementary and high schools on top of thee community performances.
Although Canney pointed out the centre was hoping for an answer quickly, Mayor Darlene Sibbeston said the item would come back to council on Dec. 5.
- April Hudson
Deadline approaches for tourism funding
NWT
Organizations could receive up to $200,000 in community tourism infrastructure funding, but the deadline to apply is fast approaching.
The program provides funding to community governments and non-government organizations to support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects in and around their communities, according to a GNWT news release.
Its purpose is to increase the attractiveness of NWT communities to visitors, enhance community tourism, increase the use of communications technology in tourism products and more. Costs can include capital costs, communication infrastructure, planning studies, site development and more.
To apply, contact your regional Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment or Tourism and Parks office. Applications must be submitted before Dec. 5.
- Stewart Burnett
Project Red Ribbon wraps up sober message
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Halfway through National Addiction Awareness Week, volunteers in Fort Simpson took to the streets to raise awareness about the impacts of impaired driving.
Accompanied by four members of Fort Simpson's RCMP detachment, Mothers Against Drunk Driving community leader Sharon Allen spent the evening of Nov. 16 handing out brochures and tying ribbons onto vehicles as a reminder not to drink and drive.
The group included Const. Henry Smith, Const. Patrick Faye, Const. Akira Currier and Cpl. Mark Phillips, as well as Carl Lafferty, Michelle Leger, Beatrice Antoine, Kevin Allen and Tannis Reid.
Other community members who came out to help included Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson and other volunteers.
This marked the third time Project Red Ribbon took place in the community. Allen said the turnout this year was far greater than in past years, when icy and freezing conditions kept many people off the street.
Project Red Ribbon is one of the many initiatives Allen has been promoting in the Deh Cho since she first became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Other initiatives she undertakes include acting as designated driver for parties and events in order to promote responsible drinking behaviour.
Driven by the memory of her daughter Keisha Trudel, who died on Nov. 23, 2008 in Fort Smith in a car accident where the driver of the vehicle she was in had been drinking, Allen hopes to reach out to other victims of impaired driving.
The message she hopes to spread is not only "Don't drink and drive" but also that those who have been impacted by impaired driving are not alone.
"(Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is there for awareness but it's also there to support victims," she said.
"That's really important because you feel like you're alone in this."
- April Hudson
Cold and creative in Sachs Harbour
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
The Sachs Harbour recreation department is hosting an ice and snow sculpturing contest throughout November, information from the department said.
The sculptures will be judged on Nov. 30 prior to National Child Day events on Dec. 1.
First prize is $300, second prize is $200 and third prize is $100.
There are no entry fees for the contests.
- Kassina Ryder
Band to hear results of mercury research
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Jean Marie River First Nation is expecting to hold a meeting with George Low and Heidi Swanson, researchers who have been looking into mercury levels in fish in the region.
The meeting is scheduled for Nov. 29 and is expected to include information on multiple lakes near Jean Marie River.
On the afternoon of Dec. 2, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will be meeting with Chief Gladys Norwegian. The meeting will be followed by an open house.
- April Hudson
Open House scheduled
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Dehcho First Nations will be holding its Christmas open house on Dec. 2 from 12 to 3 p.m. at their boardroom.
Liidlii Kue First Nation's open house will be held Dec. 2 at the recreation centre from 1 to 4 p.m.
Bompas Elementary School will host its Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. Setup is from noon to 1 p.m.
- April Hudson
Vet comes to town
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
There will be a vet clinic in town on Dec. 7 and 8 in the arena parking lot. Vaccinations, spaying and neutering of pets will be sponsored by the Hamlet of Fort Providence.
The Snowshoe Cafe will be holding a Dinner with Santa party on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.
- April Hudson
Learning fair at Mangilaluk School
Tuktoyaktuk
Mangilaluk School hosted a school-wide learning fair on Nov. 18, said principal Krista Cudmore.
Students in junior kindergarten to Grade 3 did presentations in their classrooms while students from grades 4 to high school did displays in the school gym. Students were allowed to choose any topics they liked, which ranged from science to social studies.
A skills competition was also held where students competed in construction, sewing, beading, cake decorating and cooking.
Throughout the day, the Mangilaluk Munchies cafe was selling hamburgers, pulled pork and chili dogs, as well as baked goods.
The money raised from the cafe will be used for student excursions and events.
- Kassina Ryder
Volunteers work to give elders Merry Christmas
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
Four Fort McPherson residents won prizes during a fundraiser for local elders, said organizer Karen Blake.
Connie Francis, Lucy Wilson, Meagan Robert and Alfred Charlie all received prizes during a draw on Nov. 18, said organizer Karen Blake.
Blake helps organize fundraisers throughout the year for elders events and activities, including the annual elders Christmas dinner.
The dinner is scheduled to take place on Dec. 7 at the community complex. As part of the celebrations, elders always receive a gift.
- Kassina Ryder
Community potluck
Aklavik
The Aklavik Community Corporation is scheduled to host an Elders Potluck on Nov. 25, information from the ACC said.
The event is expected to take place at the hamlet council chambers from 1 to 5 p.m.
Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and bring a favourite meal.
- Kassina Ryder
Paulatuk HTC nominations close
Paulatuk
Nominations for the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee are now closed with 12 residents nominated, information from the HTC said.
Lily Ann Green, Micheal Green, David Ruben, Lawrence Ruben, Nelson Ruben, Donna Ruben, Jonah Nakimayak, Candice Thrasher, Fred Thrasher, Joe Illasiak Jr., Jody Illasiak Sr. and Annie Wolki are all vying for three seats on the board. Each board member serves a two-year term.
The election is scheduled to take place at the Paulatuk Visitors Centre Complex on Dec. 5. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Santa Claus Parade set
Hay River
The annual Santa Claus Parade will be held on Dec. 2.
Businesses and organizations wishing to enter a float can obtain a registration form at the Recreation Centre.
The deadline to enter is Nov. 30. There is no registration fee.
- Paul Bickford
Skier Sarah Daitch now in Hall of Fame
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Skier Sarah Daitch, who is originally from Fort Smith, was inducted into the NWT Sports Hall of Fame in the athlete category on Nov. 18 in Yellowknife.
Daitch began her racing career in her hometown and, at the peak of her career, she was among the top female ski sprinters in the country.
She represented Canada at numerous events, including the World Cross-Country Ski Championships, the Junior World Championships, the World University Games and a number of World Cups.
- Paul Bickford
Fundraiser Friday
Inuvik
The East Three Secondary School senior volleyball teams raised money to help cover the costs of their trips to the Spike It! volleyball tournament in Yellowknife last month.
The teams were set to hold a BBQ fundraiser at the Royal Canadian Legion from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.
- Stewart Burnett
Society blames village for $17,000 in damages
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson's Historical Society has spent a total of $17,000 so far on repairing water damage to its new heritage centre due to the flooding.
The society believes the village is responsible for the flooding, according to a Nov. 14 letter Martina Norwegian, president of the society, wrote to the village.
The flooding occurred after the society requested an account cancellation for water service to an adjacent lot. Acting senior administrative officer Ann O'Hare said water wasn't shut off because there is a difference between cancelling and discontinuing an account.
- April Hudson
GNWT assumes responsibility for monitoring sites
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will be monitoring ground water at the existing and historic landfill sites near Fort Simpson, says a letter from the department's regional superintendent Mike Drake.
In his letter, dated Oct. 30, Drake states the GNWT has been tasked with identifying and accounting for all Commissioner's Land parcels that are potentially contaminated.
Both the existing and past landfills used by Fort Simpson are on Commissioner's land.
Drake stated remediation work will be the responsibility of the GNWT.
- April Hudson
No Aviva community funding for reserve
K'atlodeeche/Hay River Reserve
K'atlodeeche First Nation has been unsuccessful in its first attempt to obtain support from the Aviva Community Fund.
The First Nation had hoped to obtain $50,000 to support construction of an arena on the Hay River Reserve.
The first part of the competition was online voting that ended Nov. 7.
The First Nation's project collected more than 4,000 votes in the competition that involved hundreds of projects from across Canada.
- Paul Bickford
Bed bugs being exterminated
Iglulik
Bedbugs have been confirmed in Iglulik.
Cleaners and environmental health officers visited the hamlet on Nov. 19, followed by an exterminator on Nov. 24.
"Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty house or building, but they can be spread easily through luggage, furniture and clothing," government communications director Cate Macleod stated in a Nov. 21 news release. "Iglulimmiut should be very careful when visiting friends and family members who have confirmed cases."
Housing units and office buildings are being inspected and treated this week. The hamlet, community housing association and the GN are working on the problem.
"Bed bug traps will be placed in all housing units and community buildings to identify which facilities are affected. Every building with bed bugs will be treated."
Supplies will be available from environmental health officers to help residents prepare for exterminators, including garbage bags, double-sided carpet tape, multi-purpose cleaner, reusable cloths and rubber gloves.
"We want to remind residents that while bed bugs can cause skin irritation and anxiety, they do not spread disease, and there is no need to go to the health centre. We understand your concern, but there is no need to panic."
- Beth Brown
GN targets tobacco
Nunavut
Tobacco use continues to rise in Nunavut.
"While most Canadian jurisdictions have seen steady declines in smoking and tobacco use prevalence rates, Nunavut's consistently high rates have resulted in a critical public health issue," according to Nunavut chief medical officer of health Kim Barker's 2015-2016 Tobacco Control Act report, which Health Minister George Hickes released during this month's sitting of the legislative assembly.
Tobacco use, which includes smoking as well as chewing tobacco, is at 62 per cent across the territory and as high as 84 per cent in some communities, according to the report.
"Furthermore, each year, Nunavummiut continue to purchase more cigarettes, with over 56.2 million cigarettes bought in 2015, up from 54.5 million in 2014."
The GN has been working on a three-phase approach to its Nunavut Tobacco Education and Compliance Program, from 2014 to 2017.
"Evidence from other jurisdictions supports that the enforcement of tobacco control legislation is an effective strategy," the report states.
Efforts are aimed at retailers, as well as educating citizens who use tobacco, about the health risks. Nunavut has a lung cancer rate three times the national average.
- Michele LeTourneau
More awards for Angry Inuk
Iqaluit
Iqaluit documentarian Alethea Arnaquq-Baril's film Angry Inuk saw its Nunavut premiere Nov. 24 at Iqaluit's Astro Theatre, but appreciation for the film outside of the territory continues.
The Montreal International Documentary Festival announced its winners Nov. 19, and the made-in-Nunavut film exposing the impact of anti-sealing activism took home two awards - the Magnus Isacsson Award and the Women Inmates' Award.
The first award honours "the beloved Montreal documentary filmmaker Magnus Isacsson and is presented to a socially conscious work by an emerging Canadian director."
A jury of five inmates at the Joliette Institution chose Angry Inuk from eight films for the second award.
"Its wonderful, meticulous direction highlighted the beauty of Northern landscapes. Its powerful portrayal of a united people moved us. It took us outside our comfort zone, showed us every facet of a reality, and even changed our minds. Lastly, we want to salute the director's commitment to her cause," the jury stated in a news release.
In May, Arnaquq-Baril took home the $25,000 Vimeo On Demand Audience Award at the Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto.
Also last week, Arnaquq-Baril joined Ruth Kaviok of Arviat on the shortlist for Samara Canada's Everyday Political Citizen award. The award seeks to celebrate and encourage political activism and engagement.
- Michele LeTourneau
Nice to meet you
Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven
Students from Quqshuun Ilihakvik took a day to say "Hey" to all their fellow classmates as part of World Hello Day on Nov. 21.
"World Hello Day encourages us to take the opportunity to simply greet people and to recognize how important communication is in our daily lives," wrote principal Katharine Bartlett.
The elementary school classes talked about being friendly to other people and welcoming visitors to the school. The young students also invited students from the high school to join in a large greeting circle at the school gym. Youth formed an inner and outer circle and all took some time to say hello to each other.
- Beth Brown
Art on the Internet
Arviat
Students in Arviat are preparing for a virtual art tour of the Winnipeg Art Gallery's Our Land exhibit of Nunavut's Inuit art collection.
The school is collaborating with the gallery and two other schools in Vancouver and Brampton, Ont. through the organization TakingITGlobal's Connected North program.
"We offer a virtual field trip," said WAG head of education Rachel Baerg. "We'll bring them virtually into our galleries, give a gallery tour, talk about stories and then we can also give virtual art making workshops. Students learn remotely from their classrooms by connecting with us."
She said the art making part is a bit like a cooking show.
"They'll have all the materials in front of them and we'll lead them through the workshop and celebrate Inuit art making with those schools."
The project will see students creating their own wall hangings of Inuit art, similar to the many beautiful hangings in the Nunavut collection.
"They can be conversing and asking questions."
A practice run for the project was planned for Nov. 28 and the field trip will take place in mid December.
- Beth Brown
Hockey bag draw for youth
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Thanks to Hockey North and First Air, 25 lucky young hockey players will receive some hockey equipment and a stick.
The equipment ranges in size for players five to 17 years old, according to Mary Ann Mike. Draws will take place this week for five novice, three atom, four peewee, five bantam, five midget and three goalie bags.
"We now hope the arena will open soon as it is getting cold again," said Mike.
- Michele LeTourneau
NTI changes words in agreement
Nunavut
From now on, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) will be using the word "Inuit" for "beneficiaries" and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement will be known as
the "Nunavut Agreement."
The change in language was agreed on by NTI's board, as well as members at the annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet last month, according to a news release.
"Inuit are not passive recipients of benefits," said acting president James Eetoolook about the removal of the designation "beneficiary."
"The Nunavut Agreement is the result of two equal parties putting aside unresolved legal issues concerning rights in Nunavut in exchange for a constitutionally protected treaty. We are very much active participants and decision-makers in the negotiation, design and implementation of the Nunavut Agreement. We hold a vast variety of rights in the Nunavut Agreement and we use these rights to govern many aspects of the territory."
- Michele LeTourneau
Firing up community
Resolute Bay
Residents of Resolute Bay gathered for a community barbecue and bonfire on Nov. 23.
The gathering was part of a two-day mental health, addictions awareness and culture building program.
The days were developed after these issues were recognized as top priorities by community members at a Canadian Red Cross gathering early in the fall.
The day included hot dogs, hamburgers and hot chocolate, along with iglu making. Students at the school created poster presentations and discussed the impact addictions have on their lives.
Community members participated in Arctic games and came together for a closing feast.
- Beth Brown
French entrepreneurs to be recognized
Nunavut
Carrefour Nunavut, a Francophone economic development organization, is asking for nominations to recognize business excellence in Nunavut.
The organization will hold its second gala in February.
"Carrefour Nunavut is extremely proud to celebrate the contribution, vitality and excellence of Francophone entrepreneurs and business people in Nunavut," stated executive director Valerie Gagnon.
"Francophones have a positive impact on the development of the territory and it is important to take the time to recognize it. This second edition of the gala will once again be a great opportunity to shine in the community."
Nomination forms are available on the organization's website.
The three categories are: Business of the Year 2017, Francophone Business Personality 2017 and Best Service in French 2017.
- Michele LeTourneau
Homicide and criminal cases lower in 2015
Nunavut
Homicide and completed adult criminal court cases are down in the territory, according to Statistics Canada.
In 2015, police services reported two homicides in Nunavut, two less than the previous year. The Northwest Territories had five homicides, while Yukon police services reported one homicide in 2015, according to the report.
That's a rate of 5.4 per 100,000 people for 2015 in Nunavut.
In Canada, homicides increased overall, up to 604 from 521, for a rate of 1.7 per 100,000 for 2015. The Northwest Territories had the highest rate at 11.1 homicides per every 100,000 people. However, as the report notes, the small population in the territories has a big effect on the homicide rate.
The three provinces with the highest homicide rates in 2015 are Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Adult criminal court cases completed saw a similar decrease in the territory, down to 1,513 from 1,880 - a 19.5 per cent change. In Canada overall there was a decrease of completed cases of 13.5 per cent, down to 328,028 from 379,058.
- Michele LeTourneau
Woman arrested in stabbing
Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven
A 45-year-old woman has been arrested in relation to a stabbing that took place in Gjoa Haven the afternoon of Nov. 20.
"Upon arrival, the RCMP members noted non-life threatening wounds to the victim," Const. Lurene Dillon stated in a Nov. 22 media release.
"The victim was immediately transported to a local medical care centre and later discharged to recover at home."
The suspect faces one count of aggravated assault, one count of uttering threats, and one count of damage to property.
The woman is set to appear in court Jan. 18.
- Beth Brown
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