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Monday, August 30, 2004
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Doomed to fail?

What could be the most important committee in the territories' history could be doomed to failure even before the work begins.

The makeup of the seven-member Mackenzie Valley Gas Project Joint Review Panel was announced Aug. 18. Almost before the ink was dry on the press release, Dehcho First Nations (DFN) leaders were critical.

For years, the Deh Cho has been trying to get two members on the panel. The panel will travel the territories and recommend conditions under which the proposed gas pipeline will be built.

It has even threatened to go to court. Talks designed to settle the concerns over the summer failed.

The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board even asked the DFN to nominate a member for the panel, but Deh Cho leaders wanted a direct appointment. That wasn't allowed because of a technicality.

Now the panel is named, and former Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Chief Percy Hardisty is the lone resident from the Deh Cho.

All this could set the process up for failure. Without its direct voice, the Dehcho First Nations could easily dismiss the board's findings 16 months from now.

All this wrangling failed to recognize that Deh Cho land, even without a treaty, belongs to the Dehcho First Nations.

Ownership to the land has already been recognized through the federal and territorial governments' land claim talks with the DFN.

A simple ministerial order recognizing DFN's right to appoint a member could have solved many problems. There seems to be a lack of political will to come to terms.

Instead, we have a panel that will have to work doubly hard to make sure the Deh Cho's voice is not only heard but reflected in the final report.

Deh Cho leaders, too, can play a part. They could choose to boycott the process but that would accomplish little. They must do all they can to protect their land and make sure any pipeline meets their needs.

With a project of such magnitude and importance to the NWT's future, it's unfortunate more couldn't have been done to make the process run smoothly.


Lesson to learn

Mining companies looking to do business in Nunavut should pay attention to what's happening in the Kitikmeot.

Hope Bay holds tremendous potential for Miramar Mining Corporation and residents of the region.

The people and the government want the jobs and the income. Miramar wants the resource.

To get there, the mining company has to meet terms set by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.

In asking for more information from Miramar, the board has sent a message to all would-be investors in the territory: it's Inuit land and development must be on Inuit terms.

The delay is frustrating to Miramar, but the gold isn't going anywhere. The resource is so valuable the company has already said it will complete the documentation.

We support mining and development in Nunavut. Every effort should be made to minimize negative impact while maximizing economic benefit.

In doing so, the board has to walk a careful balance between protecting the land and not being so heavy-handed that it scares companies from investing in Nunavut's fledgling economy.


Drum traditions link past and present

The pounding of Inuit drums is as important to culture as the beating heart is to every Inuk.

Unfortunately, due to increasing southern influences, fewer Nunavummiut are preserving this element of their heritage.

Joamie Ilinniarvik school principal David Serkoak said he is seeing fewer of the traditional dances being performed.

This is a shame.

If drum dances -- and the culture and wisdom surrounding them -- eventually stop being performed then an important part of aboriginal culture will be lost.

Schools are playing a part. A music camp for kids held in Iqaluit recently featured a drum dance workshop.

Gjoa Haven hosted a festival this spring.

Nunavut drum dancers will never compete with the latest single from Beyonce Knowles, but by giving them their share of the spotlight, the traditions will survive.


A job worthy of praise

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News


A thumbs up, way up, goes out this week to all those across our region who worked so hard this past summer to deliver successful youth programs in their communities.

From the library club in Baker Lake, to the camp and softball programs in Arviat and the hugely successful outreach program in Rankin Inlet -- this past summer ranks as one of the best in recent memory for Kivalliq youth.

Add in the regional swim meet in Baker, the under-16 softball tourney in Whale Cove and a number of land-and-boat trips across the Kivalliq, and you had a summer full of activities for youth in our region to enjoy.

There are a few pessimists among us who are quick to point out the majority of activity organizers and youth counsellors were paid for their efforts.

That, indeed, is true. And, from what we've seen, they earned every red penny.

In fact, it would be hard to put a price tag on the leadership, enthusiasm and sincere dedication we witnessed from the volunteers and youth counsellors across our region this summer.

This collection of youth and young adults reached out to the kids coming up behind them and went the extra mile time and time again to provide them with a full slate of fun-filled activities.

It would also be hard to place a price tag on the hundreds of smiling young faces we saw all-summer long, many of which adorned the pages of this very newspaper.

Equally important is the bond of friendship and understanding that was forged between the youth counsellors and the kids they spent their summer with.

Many of the counsellors became role models for the kids in their groups, while others became confidants -- someone the kids felt comfortable in opening up to and being honest with.

In short, they became someone to talk to and, more importantly, someone who would listen.

Saluting their efforts

A special tip of the hat goes out to Kukik Baker and her counsellors and team leaders with the Arviat Youth Piliriqatigiit for a job well done in their community.

Likewise to Daniel Guay and the job he and his youth counsellors did with the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre's Summer Youth Outreach program in Rankin Inlet.

The Rankin program, we might add, received tremendous support from staff at the youth centre and the hamlet, itself.

We would be remiss if we did not include the region's seven recreation directors and our swimming instructors for their efforts, as well.

Yes, the vast majority of these people were paid for their efforts this summer, but, in looking back, had they been paid what those efforts were worth, someone would be footing the bill for the rest of the year.

On behalf of the kids across the Kivalliq: We salute you!


Politics and justice: never good bedfellows

Editorial Comment
Jason Unrau
Inuvik Drum


With the issue of Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen's residency reaching a boiling point in Yellowknife, the embattled politician received another blow last week when he was charged with sexual assault and arrested in the territorial capital.

Released after being ordered to appear in the Inuvik courthouse Sept. 13 to answer to the charge against him, one hopes -- especially his constituents -- that it was back to business as usual for the MLA.

But more importantly, we must presume Allen is innocent until proven guilty.

This is the right afforded to everyone under the law and it should be no different in Allen's case.

Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, fuelled by the media and the rumour mill, Allen has probably been tried and convicted in coffee shops, pubs, living rooms and restaurants across the territory.

Not to mention the fact that being an MLA has elevated what would normally be buried in the back pages to front page news and, of course, the "politicians must be held to a higher standard" argument is being flogged as rationale for his immediate resignation.

If Allen were to resign before his day in court, then this would be viewed as a tacit admission of guilt.

No legal counsel in his/her right mind would advise this course of action.

Interesting timing?

Conspiracy theorists who have kept up with recent news about the Twin Lakes MLA's troubles must be having a ball with these new developments.

Just days before the Board of Management was expecting Allen to appear Aug. 23 to explain his residency claim that the board found fault with, he is arrested.

As reported prior to Allen's arrest, he said he hadn't decided whether or not he was going to appear "based on the fact they have all the information before them."

On Monday, Allen did not appear before the board, but he sent a lawyer.

Following the meeting, the board decided to file a complaint with the conflict of interest commissioner regarding his eligibility as a member of the legislative assembly.

Nothing like kicking a man when he's down.

Barring the possibility of forces conspiring to ruin him, the coincidence of events is nevertheless intriguing.

What is also interesting has been the full spectrum of reaction from people in the community regarding Allen's predicament: everything from mild elation to sadness and disbelief.

And at the end of the day, the question of whether or not Allen is a good man is really not for any of us to decide.

Not being one to troll the "Good Book" for my doses of wisdom, in this instance I feel that the following has never been more appropriate.

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."


Where to draw the alcohol line

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum


The curtain lifts on a new era of liquor rationing in Fort Simpson next week.

It's not a drastic change. Instead of being restricted to 12 cans of beer each day, residents can purchase 12 cans and a 1,140 ml of spirits -- better known as a "40 ouncer."

Rather than being rationed to just one large bottle of rum, whisky or vodka each day, people can buy one of those and two litres of wine, and so on.

As some observers have noted, that seems like an awful lot of alcohol to drink in a single day.

There is, of course, no logical reason to consume such quantities of liquor daily. That doesn't mean some alcoholics won't give it a shot.

Chiefs in Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River and Wrigley have expressed concerns about the impacts a greater flow of booze will have in their respective communities. The mayor in Fort Simpson has taken a different stance, arguing that each person has to learn to be responsible with booze. It's a sentiment that Wrigley Chief Tim Lennie echoed by saying, "we have to learn to use instead of abuse."

That's true, particularly if individuals are not going to live sheltered lives in Fort Simpson or in surrounding communities -- although it seems there's always a way to obtain alcohol, by hook or by crook. Alcoholics who travel to Hay River, Yellowknife, Grande Prairie, Edmonton or countless other places can blow their cash on all the liquor they want. There are no restrictions in those locales to stop them.

Rationing has been in place in Fort Simpson for more than 20 years. Within that time the rationing system has changed. What were once weekly limits are now daily limits. What are now daily limits are about to expand. By next year, there may be no limits remaining whatsoever.

This step-by-step process is a wise approach.

Chief Keyna Norwegian has a valid point, there is a distinct possibility that effects from the more open sale of booze may never be fully understood. Some incidents will go unreported under the new regime, some go unreported now. Keeping close tabs on police files is just one measure that can be used to gauge the consequences.

Ultimately, a community meeting and a plebiscite will likely be needed to decide this issue next year. It should be open for all Fort Simpson residents to have a say. Even better, allow delegations from Wrigley, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake to make presentations as well.

In a year from now we'll know better if it's time to throw the door wide open on alcohol sales.


Corrections

It was reported in News/North on Aug. 18 that the NWT Volleyball Association Territorial Beach Volleyball Tournament was won by Laura Widdis and Sandra Neilson.

It was actually Toota Tatty and Holly Mercer from Rankin Inlet who beat Widdis and Neilson in the final.

In the News/North story Back to the Books (Aug. 23) Effie MacLeod, supervisor of schools for the Beaufort Delta Education Council, was incorrectly identified as the superintendent of schools.

MacLeod also said traditional academic studies will remain equally as important as the skills programs.

Also, Lorne Guy previously taught at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school. He shares vice-principal duties with Kyle Aucoin this year at Samuel Hearne secondary school.

In the Aug. 23 News/North photo of Jordan Tootoo visiting Tuktoyaktuk, it is Travis, not James Anderson, who received the hockey player's autograph.