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Newsbriefs: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Yk loses Internet
Damage to fibre infrastructure along Highway 3 west of Yellowknife is being blamed for a major telecommunications outage yesterday. According to a statement from Northwestel, customers in the Yellowknife region experienced a significant disruption to services including cellular, long-distance phone, Internet and TV.
"Local calling, including to local emergency services, should be in operation," stated Northwestel spokesperson Matt Wallace in an e-mail to Yellowknifer yesterday afternoon.
- John McFadden
Woman reported missing left Yk
Yellowknife RCMP have confirmed a 48-year-old woman described as missing last week has travelled outside of the NWT. In a news release on Friday the Mounties stated they were working with cross jurisdictional partners to ensure Josefina Aburto, of Yellowknife, had arrived at her destination safely.
RCMP had not confirmed as of press time whether Aburto is safe.
- John McFadden
City asks residents about Old Town parking lot
The city wants to hear what residents think about a planned parking lot and "gateway" to Old Town. Public consultations are happening at the School Draw Avenue and Franklin Avenue site today and at city hall and Ndilo tomorrow.
Residents will get the chance to tell the city what they want to see at the currently empty lot.
Residents who cannot attend in person can provide feedback on the City of Yellowknife website.
- Emelie Peacock
City announces new department head
The City of Yellowknife has hired from within in appointing a new director of planning and development.
Nalini Naidoo, currently the city's communications and economic development director, will take over the role, which has sat vacant since Jeff Humble left late last year. Naidoo, a lifelong Yellowknifer, is a graduate of Sir John Franklin and has a Masters degree in urban and regional planning from Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.
According to a news release from the city, Naidoo will continue to provide oversight in her previous department until her old position is filled.
- John McFadden
New youth pres
Arviat
The National Inuit Youth Council has elected Ruth Kaviok of Arviat as its new president for the 2017-19 term.
Kaviok, 19, advocates for suicide prevention, climate change prevention and the importance of education.
She was John Arnalukjuak High School's Inuktitut valedictorian in 2016.
Kaviok is also known for winning Samara's Everyday Political Citizen award for drawing on Inuit knowledge and Western science to spread awareness of how climate change is affecting Inuit Nunangat.
She is currently developing her entrepreneurial skills through the Inspire Nunavut program, and is creating a business plan for a hydroponics greenhouse business with a goal of offering affordable options to her community by selling fresh produce grown in Arviat.
Kaviok is scheduled to attend Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa this coming fall.
She stated through a news release that she is eager to learn more about the history of Inuit and Nunavut through the program.
"As president, I look forward to representing the national voice of Inuit youth," said Kaviok. "We have important knowledge to share and I will bring my passion for Inuit culture in advocating for the values and priorities of our youth. The (council) is an enthusiastic and committed team, and I am excited to share this work with them.
"Together, we will work to create a positive future for Inuit youth across Inuit Nunangat."
Photo winners
Rankin Inlet
Listed below are the winners and photo title description from the 2017 Rankin Inlet Fishing Derby photo Contest this past month. The photographer of each selected photo was awarded $200.
- Riley Lachance - Midnight
- Ezra Anton Greene - Returning
- Noel Kaludjak - Flight
- Reanna Johnston - Ice Hole
- Veronica Connelly - Big Fish
- Geela Saviukjuk - Kids on Qamutiik
- Samantha Nakoolak - Happy Child
- Debbie Baker - Little Fisher
- Noel Kaludjak - The Catch
- Pataa Nukapiak - Granny
- David Kakuqtinniq Jr. - Blue Ice
- Connor Faulkner - Tupiq
Art camp
Naujaat
The final deadline to apply for the 2017 Kivalliq Art Camp is today, June 14. The art camp, sponsored by the Kivalliq Inuit Assocation, will be held in Naujaat from June 25 until July 7. The camp is open to Inuit of all ages who are interested in learning basic art skills in water paint, acrylics, photography, oils, marketing and stenciling, among others.
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