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Monday, February 13, 2017
RCMP investigates break and enters
Hay River
Hay River RCMP is reporting that an unknown person or persons entered six garages, a basement and a van - all unlocked - after 4 a.m. on Feb. 4.
All the incidents occurred in the area of John Mapes Crescent and Miron Drive.
The RCMP is investigating the incidents and whether they are related.
Halstead said a wallet was stolen from the vehicle, and the other break-ins involved the loss of a small amount of alcohol and loose change.
- Paul Bickford
Bill introduced to reduce class time
NWT
A new bill that will reduce class hours across the NWT had its second reading on Feb. 9 in the legislative assembly and will now be studied by a standing committee.
Education, Culture and Employment Minister Alfred Moses introduced Bill 16 on Wednesday.
If passed, it will change the age of eligibility for kindergarten from five-years old to four, and reduce instruction time for NWT students in Grades 1 to 12.
The change needs to be implemented before the next school year in order to uphold a collective agreement ratified between the GNWT and NWTTA last September, which includes a pilot program to reduce class time by up to 100 hours a year.
- Kirsten Fenn
Town, union to negotiate
Hay River
Negotiations between the Town of Hay River and the Public Service Alliance of Canada North - presenting town employees in the Union of Northern Workers - are set for Feb. 20 to 22.
Mayor Brad Mapes expects more productive talks than the failed negotiations which led to a strike in 2015.
The three-year contract that ended the strike expired on Dec. 31, 2016.
- Paul Bickford
Condolences expressed
Inuvik
Mayor Jim McDonald and the Town of Inuvik issued a press release to extend condolences to the victims and their families of the Quebec City mosque shooting Jan. 29.
"To all the Muslim residents of our community and Canada, we stand with you in denouncing this senseless act of violence" stated the release. "We appreciate your contribution to the community and people - regardless of race or religion - will always be welcome in our
community."
- Stewart Burnett
Collision hospitalizes travelling preachers
Redknife River
Four people were hospitalized after a collision at Redknife River near the Sambaa K'e turnoff.
On the morning of Feb. 4, travelling evangelists John Okemow and Jane Okemow, as well as Albert Okemow and David Fehr, had been visiting Fort Good Hope and Tulita holding gospel services, said to John and Jane's son-in-law, Chris Hicks.
They were on their way home to High Prairie, Alta., when their minivan struck a semi tractor trailer from behind.
The driver of the semi was not injured. Hicks said it would likely be several months before John and Jane are "back on their feet."
John and Jane are full-time pastors who make a living by travelling to preach the gospel.
According to a Feb. 6 news release from Fort Providence RCMP, poor visibility was a "major factor" in the collision due to heavy blowing snow.
- April Hudson
Dog cull in Fort Resolution
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
The Hamlet of Resolution issued a warning to dog owners that any dogs found running loose in the community between Feb. 3 and 9 would be killed, information from the hamlet office said. Dogs running loose pose a safety concern for all Fort Resolution residents, particularly children, the notice said.
- Kassina Ryder
Free flight promo falls flat in Inuvik
Inuvik
Inuvik town council seemed less than thrilled about a new tourism campaign that offers 150 free flights to Yellowknife. A NWT Tourism marketing campaign, Revealing NWT Secrets, will give 150 free flights to Yellowknife through Air Canada.
Mayor Jim McDonald wondered why none of those flights were going to the rest of the territory.
"We certainly have a lot to offer and I was disappointed when I heard that," said McDonald.
Said Coun. Vince Sharpe: "That's a slap in the face to our region."
- Stewart Burnett
Class raises money to dig well in Africa
Hay River
A group of youngsters in Hay River - a Grade 5 class at Princess Alexandra School - has taken it upon themselves to raise money for a community development project in Africa.
The class has started to raise what it hopes will be $2,000 to dig a community well in the country of Burkino Faso, including through a talent show on Feb. 10 called PA's Got Talent.
The children want to help a community far away, especially other children.
"Because I feel bad for the kids that have to walk five kilometres to get water, and that water is not even clean," said 10-year-old Payton Walters.
"It would be nice for everyone to be equal and have the same amount of water and have good clean water like everyone else in the world," said Nora Lecouter, who is also 10-years old.
They and their classmates are raising money for the Ryan's Well Foundation, which they found out about when their teacher read them a story.
Jennifer Tweedie recalled she wanted to teach her class about leadership, and she got the students to consider who is a leader and what makes a leader.
"And you constantly saw them talking about prime ministers or larger-than-life adults," she said. "So I wanted to read them a story that brought them the idea that they too as kids could be leaders. So that's where the Ryan Hreljac story came from."
That is the Ryan in Ryan's Well Foundation.
As a child growing up in Ontario, he also heard about the lack of clean water in parts of Africa and he set out to raise some money, which eventually turned into thousands of dollars and led to the creation of Ryan's Well Foundation.
"It's a fantastic story," said Tweedie. "I found it inspirational. I just thought it would be a nice story just to show the kids that children can be leaders, as well."
They have been working on the project since October. The fundraising is focused on the Feb. 10 talent show, which will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Princess Alexandra School gym.
Tweedie said it is hoped that members of the community will support the fundraising initiative, even if they don't have children at Princess Alexandra School.
- Paul Bickford
New art exhibit at Fort Smith museum
Thebacha/Fort Smith
An art exhibition - featuring more than 20 new paintings by Vance Sanderson - was set to be launched Feb. 10 at Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre in Fort Smith.
The exhibition is called Wikowin, which means home.
The paintings explore life on the land and the scenery and wildlife of the North.
Sanderson is a self-taught Metis artist from Fort Smith who grew up on his grandmother's trap line.
- Paul Bickford
Guitar and fiddle workshop
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
A guitar and fiddle workshop will be held on Feb. 18 and 19 in Fort Resolution.
Linda Duford and two other musicians from Hay River will be in the community for the workshop at Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall.
The workshop participants will be performing a few tunes during the day for anyone interested in dropping by to hear some music or do some jigging.
Musicians in Fort Resolution are also invited to jam with the workshop participants.
- Paul Bickford
Snowshoe-making workshop
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT is hosting a snowshoe-making workshop in Fort Smith from March 5 to 10.
This will be a train-the-trainer type workshop.Participants will learn how to make traditional snowshoes from start to finish,and be able to teach others the techniques upon completion of the workshop.
The Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT is seeking individuals who are interested in attending the seven-day workshop.
Participants must be 19 years of age or older, committed to helping the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT deliver snowshoe-making workshops in NWT communities, and comfortable teaching in a group setting.
For more information, including on the registration fee and support for travel and accommodations, interested persons can contact the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the
NWT.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.
- Paul Bickford
GNWT holds information session
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The GNWT will be holding an information session at the Fort Simpson recreation centre in regard to its development of an NWT Energy Strategy and a Climate Change Strategic Framework.
The two topics include a look at renewable energy, energy conservation and efficiency, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The session will be held Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.
- April Hudson
Trauma program announced
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
A four-week-long trauma recovery program will be running at T'elemia Camp just outside of Fort Providence from March 3 to 31.
An information session on the camp is being held at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
The camp is facilitated by Frank Hope and Bev Hope and will help participants learn how to deal with loss, trauma and the negative impacts of residential schools.
Families are encouraged to attend with their children, and arrangements will be made so youth can continue to attend school daily.
- April Hudson
Learn to make a parka
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Open Sky Creative Society has announced it will be holding a six-day parka making workshop with instructor Deb Stipdonk. The Fort Simpson workshop will be held over two evenings on Feb. 15 and 22, and two weekends on March 4 to 5 and March 18 to
19. Spaces are limited.
- April Hudson
History of negotiations explored
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
As part of an ongoing Deh Cho Negotiations information campaign, Liidlii Kue First Nation and the Fort Simpson Metis Nation will hold a community meeting on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the recreation centre.
Presentations will be made on the history of Deh Cho negotiations, and refreshments will be provided.
- April Hudson
Staff away at meetings
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Senior administrative officer Donkrison Moore, Erma and Medina Norwegian were scheduled to attend the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association conference in Calgary, Alta., from Feb. 7 to 9.
Jean Marie River Development Corporation president Stan Sanguez, member-at-large Isadore Simon and program co-ordinator Marilyn Hardisty will be attending the first annual Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference in Whitehorse, from Feb. 12 to 17.
- April Hudson
Helen Kalvak School gets cultural
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Indoor cultural programs at Helen Kalvak School are keeping students busy this winter, said principal Richard McKinnon.
A drum dance workshop in late January involved drum dancers from the community who came into the school to teach students proper dance moves.
"We get some of the local dancers come in and work with the kids," McKinnon said.
On Feb. 7, the school's youngest students were scheduled to begin a print-making workshop. The workshop was expected to run for three afternoons and would be available to students from kindergarten to Grade
3.
The school is also planning on-the-land activities, such as muskox hunting trips, but those events have so far been delayed by weather, McKinnon said.
- Kassina Ryder
New programs at youth centre
Paulatuk
Staff with Paulatuk's youth centre are working on developing some new programs for the community's youngest residents, said recreation co-ordinator Lily Ann
Green.
The goal is to establish both a Moms and Tots program and a pre-school program, which would include snacks and age-appropriate activities.
Currently, the centre is hosting board game and movie nights for older children and youth who are looking for a place to hang out in the evenings.
"We have the older youth come in for either a movie and popcorn or just play board games or just mingle around with each other," Green said.
The community has also been busy raising funds to send youth to the Gwich'in Cup hockey tournament in Inuvik, which was scheduled to run from Feb. 9 to 12.
Green said she wanted to thank all of the community organizations, the Hamlet of Paulatuk and parents who have been working on fundraisers. She said plans for next year's tournament have already
begun.
- Kassina Ryder
Tsiigehtchic hosts Healthy Living Fair
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Tsiigehtchic's annual Healthy Living Fair was scheduled to begin on Feb. 10, said Charlene Blake, community health representative. The fair is expected to take place in the Chief Paul Niditchie School gym during the afternoon and will feature booths by local organizations and businesses, as well as representatives from outside the community.
Participants were expected to arrive in Tsiigehtchic on Feb. 9 before the fair begins Feb. 10.
Blake encouraged Tsiigehtchic residents and members of other communities to visit the event.
"I think it's going to be a good, exciting two days," she said.
Blake also helped organize the community's World Cancer Day event, which was held at the community wellness centre Feb. 3. During the event, Blake taught residents about the fecal immunochemical test, which is used to screen for colon cancer.
The goal was to reduce anxiety about the test and hopefully improve the community's testing rates, Blake said.
- Kassina Ryder
Board highlights infrastructure gaps
Current practices for infrastructure development in Northern and aboriginal communities would benefit from an overhaul, according to a recent report released by The Conference Board of Canada.
Recommendations within the report (titled Re-Thinking Infrastructure Financing for Canada's Northern and Aboriginal Communities) state that geography should not be used as a limiting factor, and that consistent conversation is needed to make sure the problem is actually addressed. Recommendations also cover a need to find alternative infrastructure procurement models and to develop infrastructure that meets identified needs of remote communities.
- Beth Brown
Iqaluit resident to appear on Masterchef
Iqaluit
Masterchef Canada announced Feb. 6 that Sheila Lumsden of Iqaluit has made the cut, and will appear on the popular cooking show's fourth season with 23 other contestants.
On Lumsden's Masterchef page, she is listed as a homemaker who one day wants "to own a catering company, and build a commercial kitchen and four-bedroom bed and breakfast."
"The biggest thing that I've overcome to get to this point has to do with me battling me," said Lumsden in a preview of the show.
"Me saying that I'm not good enough, who do you think you are but, then, the other Sheila tells her, 'Enough is enough. You're your worst critic, and it's time to shine.'"
Lumsden goes on to say that as she get older, she becomes more confident and more self-assured.
"I don't think I'm afraid of any food source I'm not familiar with. I had that going to Iqaluit, moving and making Iqaluit my home."
The Iqaluit woman made Arctic char ceviche with avocado salad garnished with daikon and chives.
"If there was anyone I could cook for it would be my late mum. She was my biggest fan and my cooking ability has grown since she's passed away."
Lumsden tears up.
"If I could offer her a plate of my cooking today, I think she would be over the moon ... Supportive."
To watch, tune in to CTV Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, starting March 2.
That first episode will see the 24 finalists from across Canada as they are surprised with their first challenge at their homes and offices in their hometowns.
- Michele LeTourneau
$3 million for training
Nunavut
A variety of Inuit training endeavours will share $3 million in training funds from the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation.
The 12 organizations and groups receiving funds are Qaggiavuut, Ilisaqsivik Society, Arviat Wellness Centre, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, Ilinniapaa Campus, Arctic Children & Youth Foundation, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Pirurvik Preschool, Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium, Hamlet of Taloyoak and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
Makigiaqta was set up in early 2016 with settlement money negotiated between Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the federal government, after NTI took the feds to court for failing to meet its obligations as outlined in the Nunavut Agreement. NTI and the Government of Nunavut are partners in the training corp.
NTI president Aluki Kotierk and Education Minister Paul Quassa made the announcement Feb. 6.
Makigiaqta's priority areas include holistic adult learning programs, advanced adult learning programs, wrap-around supports for Inuit students in K-12 and post-secondary, early childhood development, and Inuktut and Inuit culture in the workplace, according to a news release.
- Michele LeTourneau
Drum building draws men together
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Members of the community group Men in Motion and three students from the high school gathered to learn drum building from a visiting Gjoa Haven elder at Kiilinik High School last week.
The program was developed as a train-the-trainer workshop in the hopes that participants will go on to share their new skill with others in the community.
The drum building workshop is supported by Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the GN Department of Culture and Heritage.
"It's men encouraging men," said KIA's Julia Ogina. "Men have just recently started in our region to come together and talk about their needs and programming ideas."
The drum frames were built using strips of spruce wood, which were steamed and bent into shape.
"The young ones are finding (the strips) are breaking as they are bending. So they are developing patience as they are building," said Ogina.
Windbreaker material was stretched over the frames to make the inia, or skin of the drum.
"It gives a little stretch but not too much," she said.
- Beth Brown
QIA approves annual budget
Qikiqtaaluk
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) last week held its first meeting since December elections.
Amid talk of six North Baffin communities wanting to create their own regional Inuit organization, the QIA board approved their draft budget.
The organization is signalling its support for education, according to a news release announcing the creation of new scholarships.
"Education is a key priority for the empowerment of Inuit," stated president P.J. Akeeagok.
"Each organization should do what it can to support students pursuing post-secondary education."
This fiscal year QIA has also earmarked $3,798,401 in program dollars, according to the release.
Programs to be funded include: helping Inuit with bereavement travel ($600,000); implementation of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission ($175,000), assisting Inuit business capacity ($500,000), running various cultural, youth and community-driven initiatives though the Ilagiiktunut fund ($750,000), and assisting economic development for communities through the Kakivak community economic development program ($774,400).
- Michele LeTourneau
Actua seeks summer leaders
Nunavut
The educational outreach program Actua is recruiting post-secondary students from schools such as Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Research Institute to act as instructors for spring and summer science camps.
Last year, the team ran 22 summer camps in Nunavut communities, using interactive approaches to engage youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The camps will also incorporate traditional knowledge and engage elders and community members.
The week-long camps are developed to be hands-on, and help youth realize their potential.
Applications for the instructor role are due by Feb. 15.
- Beth Brown
Move your body
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Elementary students in Cambridge Bay were dancing their way to fitness during January hip-hop workshops in the hamlet.
Instructor Jenni Linkson of Niagara Falls spent two weeks working with physical education classes and also offered an evening series that was attended by both young children and teens.
She said she uses fun names to help the children remember the steps, such as heels in the mud and the licorice twist. Each year, students are eager to show Linkson how they have practiced since her last visit.
Recreation director Fred Muise said Linkson has been working with youth in the hamlet since 2011.
"She's like a rockstar when she walks in," Muise said. "A past principal at the school said that while hip-hop is happening, school attendance goes up."
The kids shared their new moves at a community night on Jan. 27.
- Beth Brown
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