 |
|
|
|
|
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. |
Appearances are important NWT News/North - Monday, Sept 03, 2012
When the flag was still flying upside down a month later, Catling contacted the newspaper, angered that a place maintained by the band and frequented by tourists from around the country would feature what they considered an offensive icon. News of the flag caused a stir in Lutsel K'e, where the band said it had no previous knowledge of its existence. In response, the flag was removed and disciplinary action was taken against the staff involved. Ni hat'ni Dene, a program designed to have elders and youth act in unison to watch over the land and provide interpretive services to travellers, is an important and worthy undertaking by the LKDFN. Not only is it a means to reconnect elders, youth and the land, but it also shows the people of Lutsel K'e's commitment to protecting their land and showcasing it to people choosing to visit. With that in mind, the public face of the program is vital. The flag began as joke by a youth member of the staff at the site and exploded into an all-out controversy. Canadians are not known as the most nationalistic of people, but the flag is a symbol of our nation and a majority of people regard it with respect and even reverence. It is likely no offence was meant when the flag was put up and LKDFN made a point to say it was not meant as a political statement by the band. This situation goes to show why it is important to consider public image. Heartfelt testimonials written by youth workers of the Ni hat'ni Dene program are featured on its website. Those words express how important the program is to those involved and emphasize how vital it is for these youth to maintain a connection with the land and their culture. Hopefully this incident will remind people to consider how one action may affect not only themselves but the people around them and the world they cherish. Ni hat'ni Dene is program that should be viewed with respect and acknowledged for the good it does. Every member of the community should support its efforts and its staff should ensure its image exemplifies everything the program stands for.
Northern artists continue to shine NWT News/North - Monday, Sept 03, 2012 Ten years ago Kelvin Redvers was a precocious Hay River student with his eyes on the silver screen. Not only did he dream of making movies, he confidently proclaimed that people would one day be watching his movies. At 25 his dream is about to come true. His latest film, The Dancing Cop, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and will also screen at an international film festival in Germany. Support for the arts is steadily improving in the NWT as the GNWT makes efforts to improve funding. Over the past few years television and film have demonstrated the massive benefits they can bring to the NWT. Not only have shows such as Ice Pilots, Ice Road Truckers and Arctic Air brought money to NWT communities, they have also attracted tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the locations seen on TV. Redvers hopes that the future of the movie industry in the NWT will be bright but in order for that to happen, more incentives have to be offered to attract producers North of 60. There is a lot of talent in the North and it is up to people such as Redvers and 16-year-old Joel Evans of Fort Smith, who will be starring in Lesser Blessed, the adaptation of Richard Van Camp's new novel, to pressure the GNWT to attract the film industry here. With so much untouched wilderness, frontier communities and a multitude of interesting stories to tell, the NWT has lots of potential to appear on the big screen.
Harper's roadshow spreads the word Nunavut News/North - Monday, Sept 03, 2012 When Prime Minister Stephen Harper lands in Canada's North, you know any proclamations put forward will not magically fix much of the social ailments plaguing the territory: crippling food costs, scarce housing, overwhelming mental health issues. However, the attention the federal government has paid to Nunavut year after year is a benefit in itself, along with program funding and leaders appointed to new positions. During Harper's most recent visit, for the seventh year in a row, he offered a fixed dollar figure attached to the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, a whopping $142 million over six years to develop it, and $46.2 million over the next six years for its science and technology research program. This translates into employment opportunities, as well as a future resource to delve into the worlds of Arctic science and technology. And although some might think the expedition to reveal the whereabouts of the nation's only undiscovered national historic site, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, is a waste of money, the marketing value for tourism is enormous. The appointment of Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq as chair of the Arctic Council from 2013-15 puts a strong leader from Nunavut to bring the issues we face to an international stage. It is true that Nunavummiut require more assistance from the federal government. That's why this year's focus on resource expansion and job creation was a breath of fresh air from the stale platitudes of Arctic sovereignty. The attention of the country was focused on the North, not because of high mortality rates, low attendance in schools or stand-offs between community members and the police, but because exciting things are happening here.
Sharing the Land Nunavut News/North - Monday, Sept 03, 2012 It is easy to be torn when it comes to mining. On the one hand, it is a source of income for those who choose to get involved. On the other, people must adapt to drastic changes on their land, changes that sometimes leave environmental scars. In a research project being carried out in Rankin Inlet, residents say they realize the industry creates jobs and income for their families. There are more and more of these opportunities being made available to Nunavummiut. The Arviat Diamond Driller's Training Program finished its second class of the program in April and 19 of the 21 graduates had work shortly after. Although there is the benefit of financial security through these training programs, residents also acknowledge the negative effects on the land and animals associated with mining. While mining companies invest millions into their projects that provide many spinoffs, they must still prove to residents that they are serious about taking care of the land. Everyone has something to gain from these developments, and something to lose.
The waterfront challenge Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Aug 31, 2012
"Her Majesty demands that they be removed within 10 days," the letter - affixed to the windshield wipers of derelict and operational vehicles alike - demanded. Needless to say, like other attempts over the years to clear the government dock of squatters and junk, the order was largely ignored. Vehicles were removed but quietly began accumulating again once the uproar subsided. Hopefully, now that the city has obtained a 50-year lease for the dock from Fisheries and Oceans, it will have better luck imposing its authority than the Queen did. Because it is quite apparent from those who have commented on the issue over the years that people, including those who have been guilty of overstaying their welcome themselves, want some semblance of order there. "My tax dollars administer this bloody dock and I don't feel like it just being a public parking lot," said John Alexander, who four years ago used to own the building surrounded by the dock. "If we don't apply the rules, what's going to happen in 10 years?" asks Elias Saravanja, who operates a garage across the street and acknowledges that he has parked vehicles at the government dock himself. The city has given people storing vehicles, boats and equipment there until Sept. 20 to remove them or the city will do it for them at the owner's expense. The ultimate goal, according to Mayor Gord Van Tighem, is to provide short-term parking, picnic space, and waterfront access for visitors - all worthwhile uses. This will be an important test for the city because the government dock is the primary beachhead in the city's quest to open up Great Slave Lake waterfront to the public. After all, if government can't exercise some level of control over the "government dock," what chance does it have opening up other encroached upon lands along the waterfront? The problem with the Old Town waterfront, other than that there isn't enough of it, is that even while the government maintains titles over it, people have been putting their stuff on it and claiming it as their own. After a while it almost seems like the waterfront does belong to them, until they move along and someone else deposits their boats, docks and other possessions on it. Some of these arrangements do have their charm - the Woodyard and its associated boardwalks and boathouses, for example - but too much of it is to the exclusion of everyone else in this city. That the city plans to bring some order to the government dock is welcome news. It's long overdue.
In support of students Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 September is on the horizon and students are returning to school across the Deh Cho. Education is a topic of considerable importance in the region. The topic is often raised at leadership meetings and comes up in conversations between residents. Stemming out of education are a number of sub-topics including concerns about ensuring students get the best education possible and making sure that the education they receive is also culturally relevant. The fact that needs to be grasped, however, is that the responsibility of educating the region's youths does not rest with one group alone. Rather, it must be a joint effort if it is to succeed. Teachers are almost always the first group that people turn to when speaking about education. They are the ones in the classrooms with the students day in and day out. Educators in the region must be open to learn about the culture of the children they are teaching so they can be more effective in the classroom. Luckily, almost all of the teachers and other staff with the Dehcho Divisional Education Council have been in the Deh Cho for at least one year. This means they have had time to start that learning process. This is where parents and communities start to come into play. If communities want their culture and values reflected in the classroom, they have to take responsibility to help teachers learn about the place where they are living and working. A step towards this is already taking place this year as schools collaborate with their local district education authorities to offer localized cultural orientations for teachers for the first time across the region. Having the orientations take place within the communities the teachers are working will only serve to strengthen the ties between the schools and the communities. Communities, and parents in particular, have to take things a step further and ensure youth attend school regularly. Attendance is an ongoing issue in the region. Teachers could be offering the best possible curriculum and classroom environment possible but none if it matters if students are not present to learn. People widely recognize the importance of education and they need to translate that understanding into action and make sure students are in school. Teachers, parents and community members alike need to consider what changes they can make or support they can offer to ensure students have a successful year. School's back Editorial Comment Danielle Sachs Inuvik Drum - Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 The days of cycling around Inuvik and idling away on the playground are coming to an end. School starts Tuesday and soon students from around Inuvik and other communities will be settling down at their desks and tables ready — maybe not quite willing — to buckle down and get to work. It's also a brand new school. East Three will be opening the doors to a new generation of students. Walking around Jim Koe Park on Aug. 26, some kids were excited about the prospect of a new school year. Others were complaining about giving up freedom and being forced to sit and listen while the sun still shines. But the start of the school year is a chance for new beginnings. The students now have an opportunity to shape the school – and their experiences – by making the most of it. It's about more than academic learning. You don't have to give up hanging out with your friends. They'll be at the same school. There are a lot of new beginnings for Inuvik. East Three is just the start. Yes, the building initially looked like a prison. But now colour is starting to pop up. Just as the greenery around town is changing, vibrancy is showing up at East Three. The awnings have been installed and the landscaping is almost complete. Construction and delivery vehicles are still moving in and out of the parking lot but they've been joined by other cars. Teachers and administrators are back. They are ready to start fresh like their students, who are soon to pour through the hallways and fill the building with laughter and soul. Some said the exterior was too drab and grey. It's a school, it should be colourful and represent the youthfulness of the occupants. Colour will come from the students. Each individual passing through the halls will leave his or her own mark. To the first generation of East Three students, make the most of your school year. It won't always be easy or fun, nothing can be fun all the time. But you can use what you learn, both good and bad, to help you in the future. Inspirational effort on Great Slave Lake Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2012 Taylor attempted a to make history with a 25-km swim across the North Arm of Great Slave Lake, stepping into the 11 C water at Red Rock Cliff on the west side of the North Arm late on Aug. 17. About 20 hours and 37 km later, she called the swim off after being blown off course by 20-knot winds. Weather conditions had deteriorated overnight. Taylor and her team made the wise decision to abort the ambitious swim, though she was within 1.6 km of the eastern shore. By choosing to quit this ambitious attempt, Taylor set a valuable example for the rest of us. Within site of trees on shore, the siren call of pride and glory failed to lure Taylor into recklessly pushing her cold and exhausted body into certain danger. "I promised a few people that I wouldn't put myself in a bad position, and it was time to call it," she said later. "It was a little heartbreaking for a bit, I'm not going to lie, but you can only do what you can do. At that point it was time to leave." When Taylor was pulled into the support boat at around 8 p.m. on Aug. 18, her legs were numb and she couldn't walk, but she said the next morning she believed she was in fine physical health. By keeping her promise, Taylor avoided causing worry and stress for her teammates in the support boat and for her loved ones back on land. She also reminded other endurance athletes that health and safety are always more important than any finish line.
Rent subsidy program falls short Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2012 The working poor of Yellowknife were probably feeling hopeful for some relief from the huge burden of high rental costs last week when the NWT Housing Corporation announced a new funding program. Successful applicants - estimated to be between 175 and 200 families across the NWT - will receive up to $500 per month toward the cost of accommodation for two years. Considering that a substantial number of families pay 60 to 70 per cent of their income on monthly rent, there is no question there is a genuine need for assistance. This is not to benefit people who live in public housing but is directed specifically at those who are trying to make it on their own. We applaud the Housing Corp. for its initiative -- which is expected to give out about $1 million over two years -- but wonder how the majority of the working poor are going to cope. Of 6,841 dwellings in Yellowknife, about 3,000 are being rented, according to the city's 2009 Creating Housing Affordability report. The number of low-income households, earning less than $40,000 per year, represents about 16 per cent of the 6,841 total. An average of 63 per cent spend more than 30 per cent on housing costs, the report states. "Many households in this category require deep subsidy," the report states. In its core house data, the report indicates 20 per cent of Yellowknife households, or 1,257 households, have a housing problem and nine per cent, or 570 households, have a core housing need. Do the math and it becomes evident that the new funding program, while welcome, is a drop in the bucket in comparison to the demonstrated need. We won't be surprised to see a long line of applicants at the Housing Corp.'s door when it begins accepting subsidy applications on Sept. 1.
Expect growing pains Tim Edwards Kivalliq News - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2012 I visited the Kivalliq region as it was bracing itself for a big boost in industry. Baker Lake's Meadowbank mine is already producing gold, and in Rankin Inlet, there was a definite buzz surrounding the Meliadine gold site. Agnico-Eagle's two gold projects will pump money into the region, and will bring people here for work and perhaps to live -- especially with the Meliadine site, where driving to the area from Rankin in the morning and returning at night will be short commutes. No one discounts that more jobs and more money will be good for the region, but there is an understandable trepidation with regard to the mines' environmental impact -- one concern that should be paramount if Meliadine goes ahead is to do with the people of the region themselves. Baker Lake Mounties are already seeing more alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems in the community due to more people having greater disposable income. The same can be expected in Rankin Inlet, which already plays host to a robust drinking culture. Drinking and mischief become more and more inevitable as a community's population grows; it's the default social activity for those new to town wanting to meet people, and it's an undeniably popular recreational activity throughout the North already. Another risk with more money and people is the arrival of hard drugs. If there's a market, the drugs will find their way to it. In the NWT, when the diamond mines kicked into full gear during the last decade, crack suddenly swept into Yellowknife and destroyed countless lives. And once an addictive drug has taken root in a community, it's nearly impossible to get rid of it. The community must also keep in mind the boom and bust nature of mining. These mines are here today, gone tomorrow, and though there are many other potential projects in the region, it's an industry that can't be relied on permanently. What's most important is to concentrate on building upon other, more dependable, industries while the mines are active -- fishing, arts and crafts, etc. If Meliadine gets off the ground, it will be hard to cushion the hit the community will take when the mine eventually shuts down. The resource industry is, of course, tied to the constantly-changing values of those resources. Meliadine itself is not even a sure bet yet -- it still has to pass regulatory approval and become a mine. Anyways, I'm off to Iqaluit after spending a month and a half in Rankin Inlet. I've had a great time in what I've found to be a beautiful community, and I want to thank the people of Rankin Inlet for being very welcoming and showing me a good time while I'm here. Thank you for reading over the past six weeks. Your more-than-capable regular editor, Darrell Greer, will be back in the next edition. - Tim Edwards is the acting editor of Kivalliq News. Editor Darrell Greer will return next week.
|
