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News Briefs: Monday, December 10, 2012
Hearing postponed
A hearing of the NWT Human Rights Ajudication Panel, which was set for all of last week in Fort Smith, has been postponed to Jan. 21.
The hearing involves a complaint by transgendered woman Gabrielle Landrie against Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger.
Landrie has claimed Miltenberger asked her to leave Aurora College in Fort Smith during a visit by Gov. Gen. David Johnston in December of 2011. In an earlier written response to the NWT Human Rights Commission, Miltenberger denied discriminating against Landrie.
The hearing was postponed because of a family emergency concerning a lawyer involved in the proceedings.
- Paul Bickford
College president named
Jane Arychuk has been named president of Aurora College, effective Dec. 1.
Since July, she has been interim president of the college following the resignation of previous president Sarah Wright Cardinal.
Arychuk worked for 23 years as a community educator and principal in Fort Providence. For the past seven years, she worked as campus director of the college's North Slave campus and as vice-president of community and extensions.
- Paul Bickford
Change to incomeassistance
A new exemption is available for income assistance clients effective Dec. 1. The change will allow individuals receiving payments under impact benefits agreements, treaties or land claim settlements to claim an exemption of up to $500 per year for each household member when determining eligibility for income assistance.
In the past, the payments were treated as unearned income when determining a person's eligibility for income assistance.
- Katherine Hudson
Help for emergency plans
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has released a new video aiming to help municipal governments create or improve community emergency plans.
The Community Emergency Management one-hour video advises how to create an emergency strategy and gives tips on emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
"Community emergency preparedness is essential to the safety and health of NWT residents," stated Minister Robert C. McLeod in a news release.
- Laura Busch
Science fair winners going to nationals
Sahtu
The top three winners from the Sahtu Regional Science Fair are going to a national competition in Alberta next May.
Sarah Rose from Norman Wells won first place, Victoria Layton from Norman Wells came in second place, Chantal Orlias from Colville Lake was third, and John Roche, from Deline received an honourable mention during the science fair, which took place on Dec. 1 at Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells.
A total of 22 students from Colville Lake, Deline, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells and Tulita participated in the event. The regional science fair has been taking place for more than 10 years.
The three students will head to Lethbridge, Alta., to attend the National Science Fair, May 11 to 18.
SAHTU SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS
Grade 3
1. Derek Caidler
2. McKenzy Mullen
3. Aidan Watson
Grades 4-6
1. Maggie Hodgson
2. Grace Spencer
3. Danielle Pike
Grades 7-9
1. Chantel Orlias
2. Hannah Spencer
3. Emily Hodgson
Grades 10-12
1. Sarah Rose
2. Victoria Layton
3. Hannah Tanneton
Top 3 from 7-12 (eligible to attend the nationals)
1. Sarah Rose
2. Victoria Layton
3. Chantel Orlias
- Leslie Valpy
Learning to deal with bullying
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
The Deninu school held an Anti-Bullying and Substance Abuse Awareness Week late last month.
There were a number of activities held to raise awareness, which included Dene Law events, Pink Day awareness, an Active Living Program, classroom lessons, and poster and slogan competitions.
Zak Klugie-Mulder, a Grade 8 student at Deninu school in Fort Resolution, had the winning entry - Be an Anti-Bully - in the slogan competition, while Myles King-Villebrun, Grade 5, had the winning poster for elementary students. Grade 8 student Tanis Lafferty, meanwhile, had the winning poster for secondary students.
Students learned about different types of bullying and prevention techniques. The week ended with an assembly and community feast.
Upcoming events at the school include a Christmas concert, culture extravaganza, and fish net programs, which are partnerships between Deninu School, the University of Ottawa and the University of Saskatchewan.
- Leslie Valpy
Skating galore
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
The outdoor skating rink has been surfaced and the Tsiigeht-chic's students have had no shortage of skates this year.
Every student at Chief Paul Niditchie School has been assigned a pair of skates, said principal Darcy Douglas, and can keep the skates until the end of the season.
"There's no sense keeping the skates in the closet when the students could be out doing a healthy, outdoor activity," he said.
The whole community is invited to take part in the school's community skate on the afternoon of Dec. 19, the day after the school's Christmas concert.
- Thandiwe Vela
Fishing project at Deninu School
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Through a grant from the University of Ottawa, Fort Resolution's Deninu School has embarked on a two-year winter project to catch, process (smoke) and distribute fish using the knowledge of elders.
The project will also involve a recently-built smokehouse next to the school.
The initiative is in support of maintaining traditional values and sustainable living.
Students will help collect and process the fish, while recording fish numbers, species and size data for the university.
Along with younger students helping to collect and prepare the fish for smoking, the high school special projects and cooking classes will be responsible for maintaining the nets, the smokehouse and processing procedures. They can obtain credits for their participation.
After collection and processing in the smokehouse, the fish will be distributed to various members of the community and it will also be used as needed in the school's breakfast program.
- Paul Bickford
Yuletide underway
Aklavik
A jam-packed schedule of activities has been set for the community as the 2012-2013 Aklavik Christmas and New Years Activities are now underway.
Good turnout last year has prompted organizers to add more events this year and return especially popular events such as the fishing derby, which is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15.
"We always get good participation at our Christmas activities from the community and from surrounding communities," said Dean McLeod, recreation co-ordinator, listing Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk among the communities from which some will travel to take part. "We just want everyone to come out, enjoy the activities and have fun.
Activities were scheduled to start Dec. 8 with the Christmas craft sale, and wrap up Jan. 1 with the Old Time Dance at the Sittichinli Complex.
- Thandiwe Vela
Festive lights lit
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith is sponsoring a Christmas lights contest to encourage residents to decorate their properties for the holiday season.
The contest winners will be announced at the council meeting on Dec. 18.
The prizes are $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third.
- Paul Bickford
Christmas in Tuk
Tuktoyaktuk
The community will be abuzz this month with a number of Christmas season activities taking place, open for all.
Festivities include a Christmas craft and rummage sale to take place Dec. 9 at Kitti Hall, a Christmas feast Dec. 14, and hopefully a Christmas drum dance workshop from Dec. 15 to 18, said Loni Noksana-Ruben, recreation co-ordinator.
"It's gonna be really busy, busy, busy," Noksana-Ruben said.
The monthly Women's Night Out event is also scheduled to take place Dec. 13, in which women will play games and hang out for the evening at Kitti Hall.
- Thandiwe Vela
Community choir to perform
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Fort Smith Community Choir will be presenting its annual Christmas concerts this coming weekend.
As in previous years, the concerts will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral.
The choir will be performing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 16.
- Paul Bickford
Celebrating children
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Inualthuyak School was scheduled to celebrate Children's Day today with a community feast.
"There's going to be a huge community feast to honour the children," said principal Terry Davidson.
Preparations are also underway for the school's Christmas Concert, which is scheduled to take place Dec. 18.
In addition to Christmas carols on recorder, and songs in Inuvialuktun, a special production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears will also be performed at the concert, in the traditional language.
"They are very exciting events and we're really looking forward to sharing with the community," Davidson said.
- Thandiwe Vela
Iglulik homicide victim identified
Iglulik
Police have identified the victim of last month's homicide in Iglulik.
Tracy Uttak, 26, was found dead in an Iglulik residence in the evening of Nov. 29, by RCMP while responding to a disturbance.
A 16-year-old Iglulik youth has been charged with murder, break-and-enter with the intent to commit murder and breach of an undertaking. The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits releasing the name of the youth.
The youth is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Iqaluit on Dec. 5.
"The RCMP would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Uttak," stated police. "The RCMP would also like to thank the community of Iglulik for their overwhelming support and assistance during this investigation."
Police are still investigating in Iglulik.
- Jeanne Gagnon
Schell's assault charge stayed
Iqaluit
An assault charge has been stayed against South Baffin MLA Fred Schell.
The matter was dealt with in court Dec. 3 by Crown prosecutor Barry McLaren, who read a statement concerning the case, which he said "has attracted considerable media attention."
RCMP attended Schell's Iqaluit residence where he and spouse, Ezevallu Qatsiya, 29, had been in a physical altercation on April 10. The couple subsequently filed an assault charge against each other. Qatsiya appeared in court Nov. 19 and pleaded guilty.
McLaren said testimony was no longer consistent with the police statement of April 10, so the Crown reassessed its case and found there was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction. Schell, 60, was not in the courtroom.
- Peter Worden
Realities of developing natural resources in the North
Nunavut
A House of Commons report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of developing natural resources in the North.
A report from the standing committee on natural resources, titled Resource Development in Northern Canada, dated last month, examined the feasibility of developing mineral and energy resources in the North. The North was defined as the three territories and the northern portions of provinces.
Geological information need to be improved, an essential element, states the report, to lower the investment risk and remove some of the guessing as to the location and scope of the resources. But the lack of skilled workers is a "significant challenge" to energy resource and mineral development, states the report. As is the lack of infrastructure, which increases transportation cost, and the regulatory regime, states the report.
The report made 10 recommendations specific to Nunavut, including the federal government complete the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, including legislating the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act. It also recommends Ottawa continue supporting infrastructure projects and reduce "inefficiency and delays" in the current regulatory process.
- Jeanne Gagnon
Investigation finds no basis for charges
Nunavut
An RCMP investigation into alleged inappropriate use of Qulliq Energy resources finds no basis for charges.
Police had launched an investigation into allegations of theft, fraud and inappropriate use of resources against two Qulliq Energy employees last year. It had stated they were looking into allegations two employees used telephone poles from Qulliq Energy and company staff to build a retaining wall on their personal property in Iqaluit. The issue had come up at the legislative assembly last year, when two photos were tabled depicting work being done at a residential home alleged to belong to Qulliq Energy president Peter Mackey.
"In response to your query regarding Qulliq Energy, it is confirmed the finding of our investigation lead to a lack of basis for charges," stated the RCMP.
- Jeanne Gagnon
No pool until 2016
Iqaluit
No more money will be sunk into a leaky pool at the Astro Hill Complex after Iqaluit city council decided to not to repair the cracked foundation, and not to extend the pool lease past March 2013.
"It's an agonizing decision, really," said Mayor John Graham. "We're all very much aware of the number of users and user groups who made use of the pool."
The pool has been leased by the city for more than 40 years. During annual maintenance in October, while refilling the pool, major cracks formed in the pool basin rendering it unusable. Engineering consultants estimate it would cost approximately $161,000 to repair, and fixing the cracks would not guarantee there were wouldn't be more problems down the line. Further to that, landlord Nunastar Properties was willing to extend the lease another three years but insisted on a termination clause to allow them the option of closing the pool at the end of June 2014.
Had Nunastar given council at least a two-year guarantee, council in all likelihood would have voted to repair the pool, Graham said.
"To invest in expensive repairs with no guarantee that pool would be open past July 2014 could not be justified."While not an essential service, the pool and recreation are important to city council, he said.
"It honestly is a tremendous loss. I'm very cognizant of the fact that folks, especially young folks, that are involved in organized, recreational activities are less apt to get themselves into trouble, if I could put it that way."
After a referendum last October, ratepayers approved up to $40 million on constructing a new aquatic centre. The city has sent out a request for proposals for the large project, which is expected to be constructed and opened by the summer of 2016.
- Peter Worden
Iqaluit woman named to Nutrition North board
Nunavut
Iqaluit resident Elisabeth Cayen is the newest member of the Nutrition North Advisory Board.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan announced Cayen's appointment to the board on Nov. 28 for a three-year term. Cayen is the executive director of the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium in Iqaluit and a former director of the Aboriginal Futures Society.
"I am very excited about it, actually. Part of me says 'Oh, my goodness, what am I getting myself into?' but on the other hand, it's a good thing for Northerners to sit on this advisory board," she said. "My goal is just to make the program work for Northerners as best as possible but in a very realistic way."
The board advises the minister on the management of the Nutrition North Canada program, which subsidizes healthy, perishable foods to make them more affordable for Northerners.
"Cayen has a wide range of community experience and a passion for the North that will help guide her in this role," stated Duncan.
- Jeanne Gagnon
Fun at bazaar
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
Carnival-style games, numerous raffles and draws drew a crowd as Netsilik School hosted its annual Christmas bazaar on Nov. 28.
Everyone had fun during the event, which featured 15 carnival-style games, numerous raffles and draws, arts and crafts, rummage, book sales, a canteen and more, stated principal Gina Pizzo. More than $5,000 was raised for school extra-curricular activities and programs.
"Most of the town turns out for the annual NS (Netsilik School) Christmas bazaar and this year was no exception," stated Pizzo.
- Jeanne Gagnon
Pang break-ins
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Trouble and mischief in the hamlet continued this week with a break-in at Attagoyuk high school. Two disguised vandals broke into the building Dec. 3 and stole cases of soft drinks and canteen supplies. The hamlet put out an alert to inform the school or RCMP if anyone was seen selling pop in hopes of nabbing the culprits.
Three weeks ago the Pang Youth Centre was broken into with vandals cutting the wire to the security camera. On Nov. 13 the Co-op closed for 24 hours after their power, phone and internet lines were severed with a kitchen knife, later found on the roof. The hamlet office was broken into later that same week.
- Peter Worden
Hunters found
Arviat
Two Arviat hunters returned to the community safe and in good health after getting caught in bad weather out on the land.
Elder Martha Otuk, 68, and Robert Hakuluk, 23, headed out caribou hunting on the morning of Nov. 22. The following evening, Nov. 23, the Arviat detachment of the RCMP were advised by search and rescue (SAR) that the pair were overdue to return.
Members of the SAR team launched a search for Otuk and Hakuluk after receiving a request for assistance.
The SAR members braved stormy conditions and 30 C temperatures in a search that lasted for about 24 hours.
The two hunters were found at about 2 a.m. on Nov. 24, a few miles south of Arviat, and were returned home safely.
High winds and low visibility caused the hunters to lose their track while trying to make their way home.
Both Otuk and Hakuluk are experienced hunters and were properly prepared for their trip with enough equipment and clothing to survive the harsh conditions.
- Darrell Greer
Christmas concert
Qausuittuq/Resolute
Music, sketches and singing will likely be the highlights of the Qarmartalik School concert.
The school's kindergarten to Grade 12 students will have performed for parents and the community at the hamlet gym on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., said principal Vince Pickett.
- Jeanne Gagnon
New top cop in Rankin Inlet
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet has a new head of its RCMP detachment.
Sgt. Kim Melenchuk took over the position this past month. Melenchuk spent five years in Iqaluit and has also done service in Baker Lake. He's scheduled to be in Rankin for the next two years.
- Darrell Greer
Christmas hampers and games
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
Christmas hampers filled with full turkey meals are sure to bring smiles to many Kugluktuk residents this month, as are Christmas festivities planned in the community.
The community was set to host a bingo and Christmas gala - including dinner, auction and entertainment - the weekend of Dec. 8 to raise money for the food hampers, said Jessica vanOverbeek, the hamlet's recreation co-ordinator. She said the hamlet hopes to fill 125 to 135 hampers, depending on how much was raised, so everyone can have a Christmas dinner whether they can afford it or not.
The hampers, filled with a turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and vegetables, will be delivered on Dec. 23, said vanOverbeek.
"It's always great to give back, especially during the Christmas season," she said. "It is so hard for some people financially and emotionally. So if we can make their Christmas that much better with a Christmas meal and have them able to have family over and celebrate ... then everybody will be happy - the people giving and the people receiving."
The community games will be held from Dec. 21 to Jan. 4. Some nights will feature games and others will showcase special events, such as a youth formal, a community feast, remote-control car racing, square dancing, hockey and a visit from Santa Claus, said vanOverbeek, adding the events are usually very popular with residents.
"It's usually jam-packed every day, every night. Lots of people calling about it. Lots of people volunteering," she said. "It's just a great couple of weeks, to see everybody coming out and help out and have fun, to see everybody smiling."
- Jeanne Gagnon
Name that area
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
The call is out for local residents to give new names to areas in Pond Inlet. The community planning and lands committee along with two elders and four committee members are asking what people what they think the hamlet should name the areas around the GN building and Arctic College.
"For example, Ulaajuk school area is called 'Qaiksuarjuk,' and RCMP area is 'Mittimatalik,'" said Enookie Inuarak, who is leading the initiative. "It would be great for those two (other) areas to be named in Inuktitut."
Once the committee has a list of names and definitive boundaries it will consult the community and get into street names in the near future. So far, many suggestions have been made by residents anxious to share their stories and connection to the area.
"My late ektuu use to call it aqqiliavik," read one suggestion; another suggested "nasivvik"; Another, "uumingmaktalik," an homage to one's father who saw a huge rock by the lake in the GN area before realizing the rock was actually a muskox. Another suggestion was "aqigilliavik" from a resident who used to hunt ptarmigan when there were only a half-dozen houses and huts back the mid-1960s. And "tuktulik" since there used to be many caribou in the area.
- Peter Worden
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News desk 
