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Newsbriefs: Monday, July 31, 2017
Communities not at risk of fire in NWT
With two months until the official end of fire season, no communities are currently at risk in the NWT.
There have been 133 fires in the territory affecting 1,783 square kilometres.
Richard Olsen, manager of fire operations for the NWT, said in a briefing July 24 the number of fires is higher than last year yet lower than the 20-year average.
– Emelie Peacock
Survey on NWT carbon tax opens
The GNWT wants residents to give their thoughts on an impending carbon tax.
The tax is estimated to generate $12 million in the first year and $60 million by full implementation in 2020. A survey on the Department of Finance website asks residents where they think these revenues should go: households and businesses, emissions reductions programs or general government programs and services. There were 69 responses to the survey as of press time.
It also asks how best to assist industry and businesses in dealing with the tax.
The survey will remain open until Sept. 15.
– Emelie Peacock
Patrick Gruben in as IDC chair
Inuvik
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation board of directors appointed Patrick Gruben as chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, effective earlier this month.
Gruben has 10 years of experience serving as a director on the board, including the last five as its vice-chair.
Gruben will now lead the board and its subsidiaries to ensure good governance practices are in place and observed. He will be engaged in the day-to-day oversight and governance of Canadian North, Weldco-Beales Mfg., IDC Properties, Stantons and Aklak Air Ltd.
– Stewart Burnett
Town and reserve evacuation destinations
Hay River
Hay River and the Hay River Reserve are ready, if necessary, to act as an evacuation centre in case of a wildfire threatening people elsewhere in the South Slave.
That's the general result of an assessment of the communities' joint capabilities as part of Operation Nunakput, an annual exercise by the Canadian Armed Forces.
A group of five military personnel were in Hay River and on the Hay River Reserve to do such an assessment.
– Paul Bickford
Convicted Hay River murderer dies in Edmonton penitentiary
Edmonton
A Hay River man serving sentences for second-degree murder and manslaughter has died in a southern penitentiary in what is being described as "non-suspicious" circumstances.
Benedict Ralph Corrigal, an inmate at the Edmonton Institution, died on July 14, stated a news release from Correctional Service Canada.
Corrigal was 58-years old at the time of his death, had been serving sentences at the Edmonton Institution since May 13, 2015 for the killings of two people in Hay River in 2012.
Cpl. Laurel Scott, a spokesperson for the RCMP's K Division in Alberta, said it was "not deemed a suspicious death."
In 2015, Corrigal was sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 14 years. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for stabbing his ex-girlfriend Carol Buggins to death in the Hay River highrise almost three years previously. Corrigal also pleaded guilty to manslaughter for stabbing and killing her boyfriend Garfield McPherson as he tried to stop the attack on Buggins.
Corrigal was sentenced to eight years in prison for McPherson's death. That sentence was concurrent with the life sentence with no parole for at least 17 years for killing Buggins.
Corrigal had been kicked out of a party in McPherson's unit in the highrise after a dispute with Buggins and McPherson. He then went to a different unit in the same building and had a nap.
Corrigal awoke about midnight, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and headed back to McPherson's apartment.
He attacked Buggins, stabbing her 25 times after she answered the door. McPherson was stabbed several times when he tried to intervene.
– Paul Bickford/John McFadden
No bids to name Hay Ricer rec centre
Hay River
The Town of Hay River's request for proposals (RFP) on naming rights at the under-construction rec centre has come up dry.
Judy Goucher, Hay River SAO speculated the RFP, which closed on July 19, wasn't straightforward enough for people
"It could be a matter of the approach that we took," she said. "People weren't really familiar with it. It could be our timing. "It could be a number of things, which is why we'll probably take the outreach approach and reach out to people that we think might have an interest in some of these things."
Goucher believes the direct outreach approach, which she expects will begin in mid-August, will have better results.
Naming costs range from $100,000 to name the ice rink and $100,000 to name the existing pool, down to $100 for personalized bricks.
In between, there is a range of naming opportunities, including arena seats ($500 each), dressing rooms (from $4,000 to $7,500), washrooms ($2,500 or $5,000), a walking track ($25,000), the pool sauna ($5,000), the pool slide ($10,000), a community hall ($20,000) and much more.
The town was also looking for interested parties willing to buy the overall name of the new sports and recreation centre.
No price guideline was suggested for that naming opportunity, although the town hoped it would be somewhere above $100,000.
For the past 10 years, the facility has been known as the Don Stewart Recreation Centre.
– Paul Bickford
Deline honours prophet Ayah
Deline/Fort Franklin
Deline residents are expected to travel to Whiskey Jack Point on the weekend of Aug. 4 to gather food for the upcoming annual Spiritual Gathering, said Andrea Modeste, community wellness co-ordinator.
The gathering celebrates prophet Ehtseo Ayah's birthday and will be held the weekend of Aug. 11.
Whiskey Jack Point is about 20 minutes from Deline and Modeste said there will be assistance available for families who need transportation to and from the site.
"We rent boats and we hire workers to bring families that don't have boats or equipment," she said.
Families will work together to harvest caribou and moose, as well as fish, but families are also welcome to travel to their own campsites or fishing areas.
This year's spiritual gathering will take place at what's known as Grandfather Ayah's House in Deline and will run until Aug. 16.
– Kassina Ryder
Science camp aims to get wacky in Fort Simpson
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Children between six and 12-years old are invited to register for the upcoming Wacky Summer Science Camp, said Roslyn Firth, wellness co-ordinator for the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson.
The camp is scheduled to run from Aug. 7 to 11 and will feature science experiments and other activities.
It is expected to take place outdoors and in the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre.
"It's a fun educational opportunity for younger kids with a focus on science," Firth said.
Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach, a teacher-run charitable organization specializing in educational programming, is travelling to Fort Simpson to deliver the camp.
Registration forms are required and are available at the Liidlii Kue First Nation band office.
– Kassina Ryder
Swim meet makes a splash in Norman Wells
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
The Sahtu Swim Meet in Norman Wells was a hit among the region's youth, said pool supervisor Steph Calberry.
The meet ran from July 21 to 23 and attracted between 30 and 40 swimmers from Colville Lake, Deline and Tulita who joined swimmers from Norman Wells.
The goal was to teach basic swimming skills while having fun, Calberry said.
"It was really to teach the children how to swim and get them feeling comfortable in the water," she said.
The meet began with swim clinics were participants learned how to tread water and float.
The next day focused on learning the front and back crawl, as well as other techniques to move in the water. Races were held on the final day and everyone received a medal or a prize for competing.
In addition to teaching important water safety skills, the meet was a great way to bring youth from throughout the region together.
"It creates kind of a camaraderie," said Calberry. "Everyone gets to see their friends and cousins."
– Kassina Ryder
11th annual Tlicho Day coming up
Tlicho
Wekweeti, Whati, Gameti and Behchoko are gearing up for this year's Tlicho Day celebrations, information from the Tlicho Government said.
Tlicho Day is held on Aug. 4 and celebrates the Tlicho Agreement and the Tlicho Government coming into effect.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of the agreement, which is the first of its kind in the territory as it is both a land claim and a self government agreement.
– Kassina Ryder
Drummers and dancers riding NAIG high
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Members of the Ulukhaktok Western Drummers and Dancers are riding high after a whirlwind trip to the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto last week.
The group performed at York University on opening night and again at McMaster University the next night as part of the territory's cultural contingent sent to the games.
They were also invited for a performance at the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario's event to honour Team 88, as well as performing during the closing ceremonies.
"We were honoured to represent Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit and the Northwest Territories," said Karen Kitekudlak, one of the 10 members of the group who attended.
Four youth, from 10-to 13-years old, came along as well.
Kitekudlak said they enjoyed their experience and it was great to see all the different Indigenous drumming at the games.
– Stewart Burnett
Community looks to enhance adult literacy
Paulatuk
Amberley Buray, a certified teacher, is working with community members to help improve adult literacy in Paulatuk.
The community has not had an adult literacy and numeracy program since Aurora College left about eight years ago.
Buray has received a grant from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to help build capacity in the workplace, which includes tutoring or skill-building with employees during their working day.
"It is a nice way to work with many community members and provide a service that is wanted and needed by community members," said Buray.
Local organizations have picked up a number of high school students for work placement programs during the summer.
Otherwise, people in Paulatuk have been spending a lot of their summer on the land and netting fish, at least when the weather hasn't been too windy or rainy.
– Stewart Burnett
Still time to sign up for Kakisa camp
Ka'a'gee Tu/Kakisa
There's still time for youth in the Deh Cho region to register for the Ka'a'gee Tu Youth Camp, said Melaine Simba, environmental co-ordinator with the Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation Band.
The camp is scheduled to run from Aug. 7 to 13 and Simba said she'd like to see more youth sign up.
The camp is a mix of traditional knowledge and science and was a highlight of the summer last year, added Simba.
Researchers and research students with the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre have been out on the land working with elders to identify significant sites.
"They showed them certain areas that they used long time ago for old camping sites," Simba said.
Camp participants will get a chance to learn about archaeology and the area's history while also learning traditional skills from elders.
Anyone looking to sign up can contact Simba at the Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation Band office.
– Kassina Ryder
Canada Day Carnival re-scheduled in Tulita
Tulita/Fort Norman
Tulita postponed its Canada Day Carnival and is now expecting it to run on Aug. 2 or 3, said Archie Erigaktuk, recreation co-ordinator.
Events are scheduled to take place at the Tulita Community Arena, but some could run outside depending on weather.
Carnival games will include golf putting, a balloon pop game with darts and a football toss where participants have to throw a football through a hole target.
Tickets will be given to winners who can exchange them for prizes.
"People try to gather as much tickets as they can," said Erigaktuk.
– Kassina Ryder
Region represented in Northern Youth Abroad
Beaufort Delta
Jessica Andre VanLoon will be representing Tsiigehtchic during the Northern Youth Abroad expedition this summer.
In a bio she wrote on the project's website, VanLoon, 16, said her work placement is at a daycare in Ottawa, which is relevant to her desire to pursue a career in early childhood education.
She's been enjoying the work placement program, which precedes the group's cruise.
"The culture is different, especially the food," wrote VanLoon in comparing it to Tsiigehtchic.
"It's hard to get used to. I love the prices though."
VanLoon, the first participant ever from Tsiigehtchic, is also a member of the Gwich'in Regional Youth Council.
Other youth taking part in the project this year are Destiney Beaulieu, from Inuvik; Chloe Kanayok from Ulukhaktok; John Noksana from Tuktoyaktuk; and Hayven Elanik from Aklavik.
Jayme Nerysoo will be representing Fort McPherson in a similar program called Northern Youth Abroad Next.
Courtney Kikoak, from Tuktoyaktuk, is taking part in the international program.
– Stewart Burnett
Evening kayak tours on river
Hay River
An evening kayak tour on the Hay River began July 18 and will be held every Tuesday.
The tours – from 7 to 9 p.m. – start at the Bob McMeekin Chamber Park and end at the public beach.
The activity, which is for those 13 years of age and older, is sponsored by the Town of Hay River's Recreation and Community Services.
Kayaks are provided.
Registration is required by each Monday before the activity.
– Paul Bickford
FOXY founder wins fellowship
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Candice Lys of Fort Smith has been awarded an Ashoka Fellowship. Lys was honoured for founding FOXY, which stands for Fostering Open eXpression among Youth.
It identifies ways to address the sexual health education and leadership gap for young girls in Canada's North. Ashoka is an international organization, founded in 1980, that promotes social entrepreneurship. It is based on the idea that the most powerful force for good in the world is a social entrepreneur, described as a person driven by an innovative idea that can help correct an entrenched global problem.
Beginning in India in 1981, Ashoka started identifying and supporting the world's leading social entrepreneurs who have ideas for far-reaching social change.
– Paul Bickford
GNWT seeks public input
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The GNWT will hold an open house in Fort Smith on Aug. 1 at Roaring Rapids Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. to seek public input on proposed changes to two pieces of territorial legislation. It is reviewing the Northwest Territories Lands Act and the Commissioner's Land Act.
– Paul Bickford
Grizzly bear encounter
Kugluktuk
Violet Etoktok and her common-law partner Philip Toasi were out on a four-wheeler during the evening of July 20 when they spotted a grizzly bear at Four Mile Bay.
"He (Philip) saw it coming towards us," Etoktok said. "He turned around... we started back towards town really quickly."
The bear gave chase.
"Maybe two or three minutes later we looked up and said, 'It's still coming!'" Etoktok said.
They were able to outrun the predator, however.
Etoktok estimates that the closest the bear got to them was 12 to 15 metres away.
"I was scared," she said, adding that she may have seen a grizzly when she was a little girl, but not since.
"Somebody else went back later to check and they said they saw the bear tracks," Etoktok said.
An official with the Department of Environment said grizzly bears are "fairly common" around Kugluktuk but that there had been no reports about the animals filed with the department over the past few months.
– Derek Neary
Skulls and bones on the ocean floor
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The dive club in Cambridge Bay was set to send a barrel full of animal skulls, bones and antlers to the floor of the Arctic Ocean over the weekend.
The bones and antlers were contributed by local residents who want them cleaned by ocean water and crustaceans and worms on the ocean floor. The fauna get into "all the little nooks and crannies" to strip down exterior tissue, explained Christopher Arko, a member of the dive team known as the High Arctic Recreational Divers, Kitikmeot Operational Region (HARD-KOR).
The 208-litre blue plastic barrel has about 40 five-centimetre holes to allow the crustaceans and oxygenated water to access its contents, said Arko, who has 11 years of diving experience. The barrel will also be weighed down by rocks, about 10 metres below the surface. It will be retrieved next summer.
To identify which bones, skulls and antlers belong their rightful owners next year, various coloured zip ties will be coded and attached to the objects inside, Arko said.
The Cambridge Bay dive crew consists of four active members but there are numerous "legacy divers" dating back to the 1970s, said Arko. He added that another eight people form the support crew.
"We're very, very heavily dependent upon and appreciative of the people who come along," he said.
– Derek Neary
Grand opening ceremony
Gjoa Haven
More than 250 people attended the official opening of the George W. Porter Centre, the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven's renovated office building, on July 18.
The $7.4-million in updates to the 5,705-square-foot building, built in 1984, had been underway since 2015. The facility also houses staff with Parks Canada and Justice, and has an office for the King William Society radio station.
Jonathon Hiqiniq, the community's oldest elder, was on hand to cut the ribbon while elder Mary Aqiriaq helped to light the qulliq.
The building is named after George Washington Porter, one of Gjoa Haven's original businessmen. Originally from Alaska, Porter was a manager with the Hudson's Bay Company and helped establish the trading post in the community, Mayor Joanni Sallerina said. Porter died in Gjoa Haven and was buried there but has many descendants in the area, Sallerina added.
Long-serving hamlet councillor Ralph Porter Sr., son of George W. Porter, addressed the crowd during the ceremony.
"I am very happy to see the changes from what this building use to be, to a beautiful building that we can all share and be proud of," Coun. Porter said. "I have been part of council activities for many years and am happy with the growth we have seen and the way our staff are now running the administration of our community."
– Derek Neary
Gjoa Haven has highest food prices
Nunavut
A report from the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics shows that residents in Gjoa Haven are paying the highest prices for groceries in the territory. A food price survey was taken in March of this year in all 25 Nunavut communities. Prices of 141 items, including 19 non-food items, were collected by government liaison officers. Prices were compared to 10 communities surveyed in the territory in 2013.
According to a news release, the survey shows that of those 10 communities surveyed in 2013, Gjoa Haven residents could expect to pay the highest prices at $174.64 for 24 select grocery items. The lowest cost was in Rankin Inlet where the same 24 items cost $144.13.
The price for selected grocery items since 2013 rose 9.9 per cent overall across the territory.
"Unlike what was observed in the past, there were several price decreases from 2016 to 2017," the release states. "The most notable was a decrease in Kugluktuk of 8.8 per cent and an average drop in all of Nunavut of 1.2 per cent."
The 24 select food items included baby food, milk, apples, and macaroni and cheese dinner.
– John McFadden
Dust control chemical spilled in Cambridge Bay
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Close to 13,000 litres of a chemical used for dust control, valued at $260,000, was spilled onto the ground at the airport in Cambridge Bay recently.
Cambridge Bay RCMP were notified of the spill, involving dust suppressant EK35, on July 23. The police determined that 13 containers of the chemical were opened and dumped. The product, which is considered non-hazardous, is used to minimize dust on airport runways.
The RCMP stated that measures have been taken to prevent the chemical from getting into the waters of the nearby bay.
"The material is relatively easy to clean up and the owner of the containers hopes to have cleanup completed fairly soon," stated Hayward Harris, manager of communications with the Department of Environment, which is also monitoring the situation.
Police were still investigating the incident as of the press deadline.
– Derek Neary
Positive outlook from Agnico Eagle
Kivalliq
Work at the Meliadine gold project remains on budget and on schedule, according to Agnico Eagle, which released its second quarter results on July 26.
Engineering work at Meliadine, 25 km north of Rankin Inlet, was 80 per cent complete as of the end of June and underground development was ahead of projections. The shipping of construction materials has been progressing smoothly, with four additional deliveries expected over the next two months.
At the Amaruq gold deposit, 50 km north of the Meadowbank gold mine, further drilling has turned up additional findings of gold in the Whale Tail and V Zone deposits. Other target areas are still being explored.
Agnico Eagle aims to begin mining the Amaruq and Meliadine gold deposits by the third quarter of 2019.
– Derek Neary
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