 |
|
|
|
|
Subscriber pages
 News Desk
Columnists
Editorial
Readers comment
Tenders
Demo pages Here's a sample of what only subscribers see Subscribe now Subscribe to both hardcopy or internet editions of NNSL publications Advertising Our print and online advertising information, including contact detail. |
Gwich'in on the open road NWT News/North - Monday, Aug 20, 2012
Recent updates to the GTC's website, a frequently updated Facebook page and an open-door policy with media demonstrates his efforts to keep his people informed. Last week, during the Gwich'in Assembly in Fort McPherson, Alexie Jr. decided to revisit the GTC's position on devolution. Although prior to the meeting he wouldn't say if he supported the organization's lawsuit against the GNWT over devolution, he expressed concern that the Gwich'in people might not have understood what they were voting on when they supported a motion to sue the territory. To ensure his people are aware and can make decisions based on accurate information, he said it was his mission to explain devolution in layman's terms. Whether the GTC decide to suspend its lawsuit against the GNWT and support devolution is important, but it's equally important that the organization made that critical choice while fully informed. With that assurance behind him, Alexie Jr. can move forward with confidence he is fulfilling the will of his people. So far Alexie Jr. has demonstrated a desire to support the wishes of his constituents without pushing his own agenda. He is clear in his meaning and is not afraid to admit if he doesn't know the answer to a question. A willingness to learn, communicate and support those who put him into power are the characteristics of a true leader.
Focus on local food NWT News/North - Monday, Aug 20, 2012 Gardeners and berry pickers in the South Slave now have a way to get the most out of their harvests thanks to a mobile commercial kitchen deployed in the region. The new pilot project - supported by the Territorial Farmers' Association and Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment - will give people the ability to preserve food for longer periods and possibly sell it commercially. Although creating a business base for food sales is a secondary objective, the commercial kitchen could demonstrate the viability of NWT agriculture, an area the GNWT should be exploring in greater depth. There are too many factors affecting Northern food prices. Not only are we at the mercy of the regular supply and demand issues - drought, loss of farmland and grains being converted to bio fuel - we also bear the cost of increases to fuel prices and shipping fees. Cutting out the middle man and creating a territory-wide food grower's consortium could save Northerners money and improve health. Even if the consumer side of the idea doesn't pan out, individual green thumbs in the South Slave will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour longer, saving them money on groceries. Hopefully the commercial kitchen concept expands to the northern parts of the territory. Not only will it give people more options to store and possibly sell food, it might also spark more community gardens and greenhouses if people know what they grow will last longer.
Residents know when trouble stirs Nunavut News/North - Monday, Aug 20, 2012 After three standoffs involving Nunavut residents and RCMP members in less than two weeks, officials are looking to form a safety committee in Kimmirut. The territory has endured a recent rash of gun-related violence. One alarming incident occurred in Kimmirut, where 21 bullets pierced the RCMP detachment and a police vehicle after a resident opened fire on July 28. Another incident took place in Iglulik when a man was arrested after pointing a rifle at RCMP, while the third reckless act involved a man in Hall Beach who, after shots were fired in a residence, had to be talked out of his house before finally surrendering to police. There are communities in neighbouring NWT that do not have police and are crying out for them. We don't want to lose this important service. We don't want police to feel unwelcome or afraid for their lives. Officials and residents are brainstorming how to end the attacks involving police, curbing the gun-related violence that seems to saturate the territory. Creating a safety committee in Kimmirut, and establishing similar committees in other Nunavut communities, could hone in on the most critical resource available: the people. A safety committee -- presumably made up of the RCMP members who serve in the hamlet and select residents -- could open the airwaves on the issues brewing in the area. RCMP members routinely spend a stint of only a couple of years if that in one small detachment before moving on. New officers come in as strangers to the community. A safety committee, one dedicated to the well-being of the residents and the police, will allow RCMP a smoother transition into the community. It is the residents in small hamlets such as Kimmirut who know who is agitated, who is having trouble at home, who might be a danger to the community or police. It is the people who have built their lives together who can feel the tension build, who can read the signs and hear the whispers of the community before tragedy strikes. Minister of Justice Daniel Shewchuk encourages "Nunavummiut to get to know RCMP members and support them in keeping our communities safe," as he stated in a recent press release. It's this connection that needs to develop through a safety committee, something built from those living in the communities and those protecting the people there.
Long live Old Town Ramble and Ride Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Aug 17, 2012
More than 1,000 people, many of them toting umbrellas, took in this year's festival, according to organizers' estimates. The healthy participation speaks to the affection people have for Ramble and Ride. The reason this unique family-friendly event maintains its charm year after year is its simplicity. Homegrown ingredients contributing to its enduring success include Old Town's heritage buildings, including those in the storied Woodyard, and innovative architecture, such as the houseboat community, all of it surrounded by rock, forest and lake in every direction. The natural vistas are mystical but the magic is conjured by Old Town's creative artists and businesses. Early each August, the neighbourhood's artists and business owners prepare new work and design entertaining spectacles to entice visitors from downtown, uptown and beyond. Invited to walk or ride down the hill, residents and tourists are welcomed with free food, free performances, free art demonstrations, walking tours, and free or inexpensive art workshops. The festival also embraces an eco-friendly attitude, encouraging everyone to experience the neighbourhood on foot, by bike, in a canoe or through other non-motorized means. The pace is gentle and much of the entertainment is educational, such as the do-it-yourself home design course hosted by Nadji Architects and the origami workshops presented by the Gallery of the Midnight Sun. Growing business sponsorship and support from the City of Yellowknife, the GNWT and Canadian Heritage is money well spent. Old Town is where Yellowknife as we know it first began, and the people who live and do business there take pride in celebrating it. The rest of us should not wait until next August long weekend to join them. On any given weekend throughout the year, Old Town offers workshops, art demonstrations, fun food and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy it.
City welcomes fresh Arctic Air Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Aug 17, 2012 There was more than Adam Beach's charisma and the excitement of the film crew for the hit TV show Arctic Air on display on the streets of Yellowknife earlier this month. Many Yellowknifers also experienced the thrill of being part of the action. Up to 120 residents were cast as extras, members of the crew, production assistants, makeup artists, wardrobe assistants and even bit-part actors. They got to say a few lines and may appear in an episode of the show's second season. Our hat is off to the Vancouver-based production company for using local talent rather than bringing up actors and extras from Vancouver. It is also gratifying that the company, shooting the first of three planned segments, is contracting many Yellowknife companies to supply goods and services during its production schedule. Between $150,000 and $200,000 is injected into the local economy each time the crew films in the city, according to figures from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. More eight to 10-day shoots are planned for the fall and will hopefully be included in the 13 episodes being produced. The casting calls and shooting segments have drawn throngs of onlookers and star-struck residents, many keen to see what a television show set looks like and capture a glimpse of the actors they've seen on TV. And it doesn't hurt that, according to many female admirers, Beach is hot.
GNWT failed flood victims Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 The territorial government seems to have some explaining to do. Last week, Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche took Premier Bob McLeod and cabinet ministers David Ramsay and Glen Abernethy on a tour of the six communities in the riding. These tours are relatively common and normally follow the same pattern. Menicoche, either alone or with a variety of ministers, arrives at a pre-arranged community meeting and listens to the concerns of community members. There are generally few surprises. Variations on the same issues arise again and again -- the most common being housing, transportation, economic development and education. The recent tour between Aug. 7 and 9 followed the pattern perfectly in all but one community -- Nahanni Butte. Nahanni Butte, as most Deh Cho residents are aware, suffered a significant flood in early June. Rising water levels forced the evacuation of the majority of residents who were not able to return home until almost the end of the month. The list of damage is well known. Casualties of the flood water included the band office, local store, new gymnasium and the crawlspaces and ground floors of many houses. With such significant damages happening to such a small community, it would be reasonable to think the territorial government would be keeping close tabs on the recovery efforts. This doesn't appear to have been the case. Menicoche said at the meeting in Nahanni Butte the community representatives greeted them and then immediately explained how no one had been taking care of them for the last two months since the flood. Outstanding issues include the community access road and road to the landfill, which are both still partially under water, and houses that haven't been repaired, among other things. Speaking later, Menicoche, McLeod and Ramsay all expressed their surprise about the situation and the level of frustration among Nahanni Butte residents. None of this should have been a surprise, especially not to the MLA for the region or the premier of the territory. The territorial government should have had someone monitoring the rebuilding efforts and liaising with the appropriate departments and officials. In light of what elected government leaders now know, the territorial government clearly needs to reassess how it has addressed the aftermath of the flood in Nahanni Butte. Changes need to be made so the community receives the assistance it needs quickly and to prevent future frustration in other communities hit by natural disasters. Raise your voice Editorial Comment Danielle Sachs Inuvik Drum - Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 Subjects included the high cost of living, the imminent depletion of natural gas and impacts of the new omnibus budget Bill C-38. Too bad there were only seven people in the room, or five if you don't count Bevington and this one humble reporter. Actually, it was only four participants if you don't count one person who had to leave a few minutes into the meeting to make it to Fort McPherson. Coming for part of the meeting is better than not showing up at all. The event was advertised on Facebook, in the newspaper and on the community channel. "Focus discussions on economical and energy issues as well as the Conservative budget cuts," read the ad. These are issues that affect all Inuvik residents and everyone in the North. It was a good opportunity to make your voice heard and share ideas. Instead, everyone stayed away. Inuvik has a population of 3,500. Four people at the constituency meeting represents 0.1 per cent of Inuvik. Do you really want less than one per cent of the population representing what matters to the community? That's not to say good ideas weren't exchanged between the few who did clear a couple of hours off their schedule to come. Yes, it's summer and a lot of people are on vacation. It can also be hard to find a babysitter. But it was sad sitting there with empty chairs outnumbering the taken ones. Without speaking up, people give up their right to complain. Sure, it could be argued that one meeting doesn't make a difference. Bevington is here to bring the voices of Northerners to Ottawa – a place that barely recognizes the existence of the region until new resources are discovered. Bevington admits that when speaking in Parliament he only has one voice. But the more people that go to him, the more weight and power that voice has. If it's impossible to make it out, there are other options. Start a discussion online, throw ideas around when talking to friends, family and loved ones. When talking about things that matter to everyone there aren't any bad ideas. The only bad idea is staying silent. Promising prognosis Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Aug 15, 2012 Addictions and dysfunction, trauma and neglect - these are issues that even physicians will struggle to mend. Yet these troubling conditions, laid bare on the streets of Yellowknife, are not something Dr. Anna Reid planned to hide from her colleagues. The Canadian Medical Association has brought close to 300 delegates to our city for its annual general meeting this week. As the physicians circulate around the city, they are sure to encounter some of Yellowknife's social problems, particularly downtown. "Some people are saying it'll be an eyesore and, I think, 'You know what? It's really good.' It opens people's eyes," Reid told Yellowknifer last week. "These are the problems that are going on in our country and we've got to do something about it." She's right. These problems are not unique to Yellowknife, they are nationwide. Just the same, it would have been easier to dodge the issue, but Reid chose not to. Doctors, like everyone else that strives to assist in this overwhelming problem, cannot provide a simple solution, a magic elixir to cure the ills. However, steps have been taken to offer dignity and humanity to the downtrodden through various programs like the Salvation Army's foot bath and a Tuesday clinic through the Centre of Northern Families. Dr. Ewan Affleck has been tending to the needs of afflicted people from low-income backgrounds for years at this clinic. Many of these patients are the very people Reid was referring to when she said those lacking in good health are often deprived of healthy food, safe and adequate housing and a solid education. The clinic at the Centre for Northern Families, among others, represents an opportunity to educate those who have had to make do in the face of arduous circumstances with their exposure to life on the streets increasing their incidence of disease and psychological trauma. Affleck addressed the latter issue during a presentation at this week's medical conference, putting the focus on the Mental Health Program, which would use telecommunications to provide access to mental health professionals elsewhere in the country. Yellowknife lacks an adequate long-term psychiatric facility and services are further complicated by a lack of continuity in psychiatric professionals. It wouldn't hurt to have medical professionals advocating for such a facility for Yellowknife. Many troubled people from outlying communities are brought to town by the Justice and Health Departments, and sometimes they can't or don't leave. There should be something here for them and other residents in need. Prior to opening this week's medical conference, Reid also mentioned how physicians can be hit by gag orders on touchy subjects by their employer. That's unfortunate, and often unnecessary. What many of us want in a family doctor is an individual who is going to be frank. It looks like that's what we have in Anna Reid, who will be speaking on behalf of doctors across the country through the Canadian Medical Association. Her approach will open some eyes to the issues, and let's hope it is successful in persuading the federal government to make some informed improvements for all Canadians.
Success a balancing act Tim Edwards Kivalliq News - Wednesday, Aug 15, 2012 Things are looking good for people's pocketbooks across the Kivalliq, with projects such as Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.'s Meadowbank mine near Baker Lake, the proposed Meliadine mine near Rankin Inlet and Kivalliq Energy's uranium exploration. Living in the North, where industry is sparse, it's important to look into projects such as these - perhaps integral for communities' success and the well-being of residents. However, these projects, while lucrative, do not operate invisibly. A mine can be a large project and no matter how effective the remediation that comes afterward, while in place they change the landscape of the tundra. It's vital, of course, to monitor how the flora and fauna of the tundra interact with new activity and new structures. Meliadine has already had caribou visit its exploration site, and much of its activity lies on a constantly-shifting migration route. Very much to the credit of Agnico-Eagle, the company has stated in no uncertain terms it wants to work with Inuit organizations, the territorial government and the Kangiqliniq Hunters and Trappers Organization to develop a plan to minimize disturbance in its interactions with wildlife, and not somewhere down the line but now, while the interactions are beginning. In addition to that, however, the herds passing by should be monitored with a heightened urgency to see just what the effects of mining activity on animals may be. Look to the west at the NWT - something caused a massive decline in caribou, to the point where the government has introduced legislation to slow hunting to a trickle, and no one seems to know exactly why it happened. It wasn't a gradual realization either. Caribou surveys were happening every few years and in 2009, the government saw the number of Ahiak caribou in the NWT drop to less than 32,000 from 128,000 in 2006. Controversies over the science behind the count aside, the data just simply wasn't there to explain the loss away. Monitoring needs to be constant and thorough, especially in Nunavut where hunting is so ingrained in culture, economics and community health. Kivalliq News has been looking at the Arctic Raptors study, which has been monitoring peregrine falcons in the Rankin Inlet area for more than three decades, and this research has produced invaluable data and a thorough picture of the health of the species in the area. It's a great example of effective monitoring. Concerns over mining activity interrupting wildlife activity are completely justifiable, but natural resource extraction is by far the most promising industry in the North and the North needs money badly. While that money starts flowing in, however, it would be a good idea for the GN and the Inuit organizations to set a chunk aside to keep watch on how the animals that have travelled the tundra since time immemorial adapt to the changing land. - Tim Edwards is the acting editor of Kivalliq News. Editor Darrell Greer will return in September.
|
