Editorial

In the days following a decision by the NWT Court of Appeal throwing out rape convictions against three Lutsel K'e men, the lawyer for one of the three raised that issue, saying the men considered themselves "political prisoners of the white establishment."

They were tried twice, charged with rape dating back to 1975. The first trial ended with a hung jury. Convicted after a second trial, they're now free after appeal court judges ruled recently that the trial judge failed to adequately instruct the jury on how to consider evidence.

While we're not passing judgment on the men's guilt or innocence, this is a case where three aboriginal men from a tiny community had their lives ripped apart. Now they have to start over again after being dragged through the justice system.

Of particular concern was a decision made in 2004 that saw the Crown exploit a loophole to have the youngest suspect tried as an adult, even though he was just 15 at the time of the alleged offence.

Lutsel K'e wasn't covered by the Juvenile Delinquent's Act of the day because of a bureaucratic oversight. It was one of the reasons the man was tried as an adult, rather than a juvenile. The judge who ruled this didn't infringe on the man's rights followed the letter of the law, but it's easy to see how aboriginal people can see injustice and discrimination.

Make wind work

As fuel prices hover at historical highs and the public stomach for continued use of fossil fuels wanes, the search for alternative energy sources has been pushed into overdrive.

A pilot project being investigated in the NWT to use wind power could be an important step toward decreasing the territory's reliance on diesel, and maybe even save residents money.

Wind power has proven to be the best source of alternative energy in the northern reaches of the territory where hydro, solar and geothermal projects are limited due to geographic and weather conditions. The NWT Energy plan cites wind power costs at 32 per cent less than diesel-generated electricity. A 100 kilowatt wind turbine can cost as much as $3 million and often more than one turbine is required but those costs can be offset through government cost sharing and grant programs.

However, the last time a wind project was attempted in Sachs Harbour was a failure because of poor planning. Exploring the wind power option is both economically and environmentally responsible, but it must be done with proper planning and support. If the government does not commit to training people to maintain the expensive equipment required, they should scrap the project before wasting time and money.

If done right, we could be on the way to a greener, cheaper method of supplying energy to NWT communities. Combined with future hydro projects, the territory may one day drastically reduce or even eliminate its need for diesel altogether.

Nunavut needs graduates

Nunavut Arctic College graduates have a lot to be proud of. Finishing any academic program requires hard work, perseverance, and focus.

But many of Nunavut Arctic College grads face additional challenges in being far from home, far from family, and in juggling competing commitments such as children and work.

For these reasons, pursuing higher education can be a lonely and stressful experience for Nunavummiut. To stick it out until graduation, students need a strong motivation for learning.

Katauga Saila, this year's winner of the $5,000 Nunavut News/North scholarship for translators, is typical in that she went back to school in order to build a better life for her four children. Helping family is always a strong motivator.

In a way, every Nunavut Arctic College graduate is helping to build a better life for all. The territory needs teachers, nurses, tradespeople and administrative professionals.

If you need proof, mining companies gathered in Iqaluit last week for the annual symposium said they are desperate for workers to staff their proposed Nunavut operations. Students who are just beginning, or are midway through, their programs and are hesitant about continuing should take this to heart.

The loneliness and the fatigue will pass; education remains with you for life.

Congratulations, graduates.

Hometown heroes

During recent weeks, a winter of work and effort at the cold community rink has been put to the test by hundreds of hockey-mad young men and women.

It's playoff season in Nunavut. We're far from the fancy NHL arenas where the likes of Niedermayer, Selanne, Brodeur, Linden and Jagr battle the boards in pursuit of Canada's Holy Grail, the Stanley Cup. But the battles for icy supremacy here at home are no less intense.

In Gjoa Haven recently, the hometown team hoisted the Nattiliq Cup for the third straight year. You could hear the cheers clear across Baffin Island after the Iqaluit bantams won the territorial championship. Rankin's midgets won their Nunavut title in a thrilling decision over Repulse Bay.

In contrast, across southern Canada arena bleachers are generally empty when recreational, old-timers or minor hockey teams battle it out. Not so here. In almost every tournament and many games, the arenas are jammed to the rafters with cheering fans.

It's a testament to the pride we have in our towns and the thrill we get cheering on our own hometown heroes.

Power play of the vote

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News
Wednesday, April 25, 2007

One can never really know for sure why a voter casts their ballot for a particular candidate.

But, one thing we do know for certain, the one true bit of power everyone shares is contained in that small window of time when an X is marked next to the candidate of choice during elections.

We've written numerous times in this space that elections are when people truly get to voice their satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, with those in elected office.

The wheels of change are put in motion when the people of a community, territory, province or nation are unhappy with the decisions being made that affect their quality of life.

And, the decisions being made in a small Kivalliq community are every bit as important to its residents as those being made by the big city dwellers in the south.

There have been numerous times during my years in the Kivalliq that I've heard the power of the vote questioned by certain people, almost as if the democratic system works differently here than in the rest of the country.

It does not.

Unless our extra-sensory perception increases dramatically in the next little while, we'll never know for sure what turned the tide of voters in Arviat's 2006 municipal election.

But, the time leading up to the election and the actions of the current mayor and council in that community show the spirit of democracy is very much alive in the region.

Former mayor Elizabeth Copland was known as being fairly progressive and had a solid track record during her time in office.

In fact, a number of projects just now coming to fruition in Arviat were spearheaded by her.

Copland would have been viewed by many as a solid bet to be re-elected in the final few months leading up to December of 2006.

But then bingo, an important topic to Kivalliq residents, raised its head.

The council changed its way of administering bingo funds and a significant portion of Arviat's population, namely those involved with adult hockey, found themselves shut out from the proceeds of the then twice-a-week games.

While we admire Copland's decision to take a stand for what she perceived as the right direction for the hamlet to go with bingo revenues, as a politician seeking re-election, she should have seen trouble brewing.

Hockey players are like everyone else in that they have one vote per person.

But they're also like everyone else in that they have friends and family members who support them and they will naturally gravitate towards a leader who appears sympathetic to their plight.

Enter the new mayor and his promise to do all he could to get the adult players a slice of the bingo pie and bring artificial ice to his community.

Now, we're not suggesting everyone who voted for Johnny Mamgark did so because of this one issue.

But to think that issue didn't carry the voting day in Arviat is naive at best.

And, judging by the current council's decisions in the new year, they read the score sheet the same way.

Something to ponder the next time you think your vote can't make a difference.

Healthy living

Editorial Comment
Dez Loreen
Inuvik Drum
Friday, April 27, 2007

Somewhere in between enjoying some beers on Friday night to eating some greasy take-out on Monday evening I found myself wondering if this life of excess will one day catch up with me.

Just as my brain was beginning to ponder that question, my hand had already pulled the fork closer to my mouth. By that point I had to give in.

I'm one of those people who chooses to live the fat life. Most of my entertainment can be found in close proximity to my couch.

I rarely cook for myself anymore. It seems like every time I open the drawer for a pot or pan, a take-out menu falls from heaven into my hand.

Now that we've established that I don't really care much for putting effort into a lot of extra-curricular things, I want to move onto the subject of healthy living.

I know, practise what you preach. I'm still planning on using that gym card I bought. Some day I'll brave my way into that fitness centre and won't look back, once I beat the final level of this video game I'm into right now. I swear.

After spending my Sunday watching some intense soccer at Samuel Hearne, I was motivated to do something physical.

Seeing those people running and being passionate about their sport made me feel like I'm missing something in my great existence.

Maybe I should go join a local club, like the boxing group or the running club. I'm sure there are other people out there who want to leave the couch, too.

Inuvik is great place for healthy living. With the many active organizations around, the full service fitness centre with swimming lanes and the Boot Lake trail, there really is no reason to keep on this path of destruction I call comfortable living.

Even thinking of dusting off my Nike cross trainers had me sweating bullets.

I know that some activity is inevitable. The snow is clearing out and it's nearly time to start riding a bicycle. The Boot Lake trails are melting now, too. Always fun times watching your friends fall off the walkway into deep snow.

As most of you health-wise people know, being active is not the only key to a fit lifestyle. Eating right and maintaining a sense of moderation is also needed.

As I previously stated, I am not a poster boy for anything but a relaxed lifestyle. These are only ideas of mine and should not be taken as promises.

Finding the right foods is easy in Inuvik. The fruit man has produce, the NorthMart has meats and there are plenty of grocery choices in town.

I don't know of any health food places in town because, like I said, the only vegetables I encounter end up on the side of my plate.

I take motivation from others in the community who have healthy lifestyles; people who are at the pool multiple times a week and are seen running during their lunch hour.

Kudos to you, my active friends. You're showing me a life I can only dream of for now.

The main point of all this is that there are many options for people of Inuvik to choose from.

The warm weather brings in more activities for us to indulge in. I want the new concrete skate park to pop up so the youth will have even more options. Who do I have to talk to about that?

Until the next time I get the urge for physical activity, I'll just be looking out from my window, wondering what awaits me on the outside.

Exercise connects cultures

Editorial Comment
Roxanna Thompson
Deh Cho Drum
Friday, April 27, 2007

Interesting and unexpected things often arise in the most unusual places.

On April 22 I was invited to visit the Fort Simpson airport to meet some of the soldiers involved in Operation Narwhal.

Driving out to the airport I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. Having written a few articles about the operation I knew all about troop numbers, the scenario, the types of aircraft that were in use and the history of the exercise. It was all information that I thought would serve me well.

Even with all my prep work, after being escorted to the maintenance garage at the airport where the soldiers are sleeping and eating, I was still amazed. This was still the Fort Simpson airport but it was filled with a different sense of purpose.

By treating the scenario as something that is happening in real life all the young soldiers were moving around with a sense of purpose. All the soldiers were in their uniforms and carrying a variety of interesting things like unloaded guns and radio equipment.

The surreal nature of the scene was added to by the Griffon helicopters, which definitely don't look like the helicopters normally seen in the area. They flew overhead continuously, slinging fuel from across the river.

And in the midst of the sea of green colored uniforms a few red sweaters stuck out like bright flags.

Although the soldiers and the helicopters were exciting, the most interesting part of the whole exercise was the interaction between the 10 local Canadian Rangers and the soldiers.

The Rangers were completely integrated into the scenario with three Rangers assigned to each of the three sections at the airport.

Although their primary duty was to provide protection from wildlife like bears, the Rangers have really been acting as ambassadors for the Deh Cho and the territory.

For many of the reservist soldiers from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia this is their first trip to the Northwest Territories. The Rangers have been showing them what life in the North is about.

The Rangers have shared a variety of local traditions with the soldiers including hunting with snares, bannock, some medicines, and how to collect dry wood. Some have even taught a few words of Slavey to the soldiers.

The soldiers I talked to all commented on how much they've been able to learn from the Rangers and how great they've been. Interestingly, the compliment also worked in reverse with many of the Rangers noting how great the soldiers have been and all the new things they've learned from them.

Cultural exchanges and increased levels of understanding can happen in the most unusual places, even during a Canadian Forces exercises.

Corrections

In the April 23 Nunavut News/North, Leon Komangat was listed as being 18-years-old. He is actually 21.

Also in the April 23 Nunavut News North, Louis-Philip Pothier appears in the photo on page B2. The wrong name appeared in the paper.

We apologize for any confusion caused by these errors.