 | Home page |  | Text size |  | E-mail this page |
Monday, March 31, 2014
Accused murderer in Yk court
A 17-year-old male charged with first degree murder appeared in Youth Justice Court in Yellowknife for the first time March 24.
The youth is alleged to have killed 17-year-old Charlotte Ann Lafferty in Fort Good Hope early Saturday morning.
Police say they responded to a report of an assault near the community's senior complex shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, they located the victim who had died.
Wearing a red sweater with short black hair, the youth sat in a protected enclosure in the Yellowknife courtroom on Monday, while Crown and defence lawyers discussed whether or not the bail hearing would be upgraded to Supreme Court.
The accused, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, appeared in court again on Wednesday morning. After consenting to continued custody, lawyers set his next court appearance for May 5.
No date for a bail hearing has been set.
RCMP are asking anyone with information on the incident to call police in Fort Good Hope or Inuvik, or if they wish to remain anonymous, then contact Crime Stoppers.
- Daniel Campbell
Arctic Council meetings wrap up
An annual meeting of senior bureaucrats representing eight countries from the Arctic Council wrapped up in Yellowknife last Thursday.
After two days of meetings - which took place behind closed doors, not open to the public or media - the council announced the creation of an Arctic Economic Council, which will "aim to foster sustainable development, including economic growth, environmental protection and social development in the Arctic Region," according to a news release announcing its creation.
They also planned to move ahead on a project to promote traditional ways of life, as well as the creation of safety guidelines for Arctic offshore oil and gas exploration.
- Cody Punter
Slight drop in RCMP in NWT
RCMP dropped a few members across the NWT over the last year, according to data recently released from Statistics Canada.
There were a total of 192 police officers working in the NWT in 2013, down from 199 in 2012. In addition to the officers, there were 62 civilian or other personnel working for the RCMP in 2013. Of the 192 RCMP in the NWT, 26 are female.
- Daniel Campbell
Baton-twirling classes extended
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Baton-twirling classes at the Fort Smith Rec Centre have been extended.
The extra classes will take place on Thursdays, beginning on April 3 and running to June 12.
The instructor is Const. Sheryl Raymond of the Fort Smith RCMP Detachment.
Raymond is a world champion in the sport, having won gold for Canada in team competition in 1991. She also won a silver medal with her sister in the pair's event, and placed as high as fourth in individual competition.
The constable, who arrived in Fort Smith in September, participated in nine world championships between 1987 and 1995.
Raymond began offering baton-twirling lessons at the Rec Centre on Jan. 16. The first 10 introductory classes, which attracted 20 students, ran until March 20.
- Paul Bickford
Health centre relied on back-up generator
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Fort Smith Health Centre recently had to rely on a back-up generator for two days after experiencing problems with the quality of the electricity supply from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC).
According to an NTPC news release, the problem began at approximately noon on March 19.
The NTPC line crew in Fort Smith responded to troubleshoot the problem and determined it was caused by a failed power transformer.
NTPC replaced the transformer and restored electrical service to the Fort Smith Health Centre at 4:40 p.m. on March 21.
A 500-kilowatt generator at the facility met the demand of its essential power load until the problem was fixed.
Hospitals typically have back-up generators on site in case of a power outage.
- Paul Bickford
Astronomical society holds annual meeting
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A new director was elected for the Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society during its annual general meeting on March 21 in Fort Smith.
The new director is Linda Martin.
Three of the five seats for directors with the society were up for election for two-year terms. Bruce Buckley and Larry Nixon were returned as directors, while Tim Gauthier did not seek re-election.
The five directors will now choose a new executive, consisting of a chair, vice-chair and secretary-treasurer.
The two other directors of the society are current chairperson Mike Couvrette and Janie Hobart.
- Paul Bickford
Easter preparations kick off
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Easter is coming and Ulukhaktok is prepared to host a jam-packed weekend of activities.
The hamlet is partnering with the special events committee, the elder's committee and youth council for the weekend to host a variety of games and contests.
"There will be anywhere from 150 to 200 people," said Joanne Ogina, recreation co-ordinator with the hamlet.
There will be outdoor games at Queen's Bay during the afternoon April 18 and 19 including soccer, relay games, street hockey, barrel hauling, jerry can pull and scavenger hunts.
The evenings of April 18 and April 19 will consist of drum dancing, square dancing and games at the gym.
Easter Sunday is the community outing where there will be contests for making the first fishing holes, for whoever catches the first, second and third fish, the biggest fish and smallest fish.
"Thanks to everybody who volunteers over the weekend," said Ogina, adding there are about 10 to 15 volunteers each day of the weekend.
- Erin Steele
Students drop the pop
Beaufort Delta
Moose Kerr School in Aklavik is joining other schools around the Beaufort Delta for the annual Drop the Pop NWT this week.
The campaign, sponsored by GNWT, aims to empower youth to choose healthy drinks over sugary ones.
"The idea is to demonstrate to the students and staff alike, what are healthy drinks versus not-so-healthy drinks," said Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, administrative clerk with Moose Kerr.
The campaign began March 24 and ended March 28.
"We have a display set up in the main foyer (of the school) showing how much sugar is in pop and how much sugar is in fruit juices and the encouragement is for everyone to not drink pop or high sugar juices for the week," said Greenland-Morgan.
There are various events scheduled for the week and a reception set for March 28 with healthy snacks and prizes.
Moose Kerr already follows a no junk food policy, with only water and an assortment of vitamin water available in its vending machines.
- Erin Steele
Teachers put cooking skills to the test
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Parents of students who go to Chief Paul Niditchie School had a sweet incentive to attend parent's night on March 25.
While at the school to discuss their children with teachers, parents were set to double as judges in a cooking competition.
"We have a tradition since 2013 where the teachers cook or bake something - sort of an Iron Chef competition and we get judged by the parents who come in," said principal Darcy Douglas.
On March 25, the teachers baked cake. Last semester it was spaghetti, and the semester before that it was chili.
"It's just fun and it's a treat for the parents," said Douglas.
The food must be baked from scratch. Otherwise contestants face disqualification.
Douglas himself admitted to a possible infraction.
"I'm on the borderline of being disqualified because it might come from a Duncan Hines (cake mix) box, so I may have to disqualify myself," he said prior to the competition.
- Erin Steele
Elders teach travelling
Aklavik
Students from Moose Kerr School in Aklavik are learning about travelling on the land from elders this week.
Cultural Connection, as the program is called, began earlier this month in Aklavik and ends before April.
"Groups of students are making day trips to scout's cabin in the foothills as part of a program the district education authority is running," said Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, administrative clerk with the school.
She adds this involves spending days on snowmobiles with elders to learn the basics of travelling including dressing properly, learning the trails and how to drive properly.
"When they're out there, they're engaging in traditional knowledge and stories. Just sharing in cultural connection," said Greenland-Morgan.
- Erin Steele
Fishers cross poles over ice
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
The dates for the annual Fort Liard Fishing Derby have been moved forward because of warming weather. The derby will be held on April 5 to 6 and 12 to 13 at Fisherman Lake.
Staff with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment scheduled a community visit in Fort Liard on March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Students return to classes at Echo Dene School after March break today.
- Roxanna Thompson
Drilled into shape
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
A fitness boot camp for women only is being run every Monday and Wednesday from 5:15 to 6 p.m. at Deh Gah School.
Fort Providence minor hockey is looking for volunteers for the next hockey season.
- Roxanna Thompson
An annual spring celebration
Pehdzeh Ki/Wrigley
Preparations are underway for the Moccasin Spring Carnival that will be held from April 3 to 6.
The four days of events are expected to include an opening ceremony, a youth fun night with prizes, youth handgames and bingo. The expectation is for the weekend to include traditional and fun games for adults and youth, a talent show, men's handgames, a feast and a drum dance.
Gaylene Moses and Katy Antoine will be attending an administrative workshop in Yellowknife from April 1 to 3.
- Roxanna Thompson
The first step toward a carnival
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Jean Marie River First Nation is looking for volunteers for an organizing committee for the Mudball Carnival.
The carnival is set to take place from April 11 to 13.
Louie Norwegian School is holding a nutrition fair on March 28 starting at 12 p.m.
March 27 will be the last day of the Cooking with Young Mothers program.
Kathryn Barry Paddock and David Buchannan with NWT Literacy, the organization that created the pilot project behind the program, visited the program on March 28.
MLA Kevin Menicoche will be visiting Jean Marie River in early April along with Ministers Jackson Lafferty and David Ramsey.
- Roxanna Thompson
Ready to celebrate
Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake
Planning is underway for the Ndu Tah Carnival that will be held from April 3 to 6.
As of March 25 the winter road to Trout Lake was still open, but also still restricted to nighttime travel only from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- Roxanna Thompson
Youth Abroad participants chosen
Nunavut
Twenty-one Nunavummiut have been chosen to participate in this year's Northern Youth Abroad Canadian program.
The youth will spend six weeks living with a host family and volunteering. They are also expected to maintain a journal, budget and a log of their work placement duties, take photos throughout the experience, and make a presentation on their home community. The work continues when they return home. They are tasked with completing a reflection essay, making a presentation and participating in career planning. Students earn high school credits for finishing the work.
Participants must raise at least $800 each to be able to go on the trip. Pond Inlet residents Delilah Amarualik and Cody Pitseolak are working together to earn funds online. They have created a webpage on Canadahelps.org for people to donate.
The pair have raised $85 online to date.
- Miranda Scotland
Focus on Arctic economics
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
Senior officials from the Arctic Council recently agreed to establish an Arctic Economic Council during meetings which concluded March 26 in Yellowknife.
"The aim of the Arctic Economic Council is to foster sustainable development, including economic growth, environmental protection and social development in the Arctic region," stated Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut MP and the chairperson of the Arctic Council. "It will involve strong participation from indigenous businesses."
Once established, the Arctic Economic Council will put forward proposals and reports to the Arctic Council that will help inform its work, she stated. During the closed-door meetings in Yellowknife, delegates discussed several Arctic issues including how to promote traditional ways of life in the Arctic, enhancing scientific co-operation in the Arctic, climate change adaptation and shipping through Arctic waters.
- Laura Busch
Fire at Iqaluit dump
Iqaluit
The City of Iqaluit Fire Department responded to a dump fire at the city's landfill on the afternoon of March 27.
A call came in at about 1:05 p.m. by Public Works staff at the landfill. Upon arrival, crews found a smoldering 150-square-metre pile of debris located close to the main entrance. The fire's location made it easily accessible to firefighters, a city spokesperson stated in a news release. The road to the landfill was closed by municipal enforcement for the afternoon while Iqaluit firefighters brought the blaze under control. The fire was declared under control at about 2 p.m., yet crews continued to put out hotspots throughout the afternoon. As of press time, the cause of the fire was unknown. The landfill was scheduled to be closed until March 31.
- Laura Busch
Summer sea ice charted
Nunavut
As the extent of Arctic sea ice continues to decline, eyes are turning to the fabled Northwest Passage as a potential summertime shipping route.
Before such a plan can become a reality, year-to-year ice forecasts must become more reliable, a new study published by the National Snow and Ice Data Centre states.
The report looked at summer ice forecasts between 2008 and 2013 and found predictions to be "quite accurate" except in anomaly years such as 2012 and 2013, the study found.
This February, the centre measured the maximum sea ice extent at an average of 14.44 million square kilometers - the fourth lowest February sea ice coverage on record. As measurements on ice thickness and other factors continue to improve, short-term sea ice predictions will become more accurate, increasing the feasibility of an Arctic shipping route, the study concludes.
Current predictions using global climate models predict an ice-free Arctic summer by the middle of this century.
- Laura Busch
Pediatric care team wins award
Ottawa
A pediatric care team responsible for providing care to Nunavut children who have complex health needs was recognized at an award ceremony last week.
The team was honoured at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's annual Healthy Kids Awards in Ottawa for "working together to accomplish more than any one group can do alone to help kids and families be their healthiest."
Julie Massicotte, nurse practitioner and primary health care clinician on the team, and Dr. Amber Miners were on hand to accept the award.
The pediatric complex care team was formed in 2009 for the purpose of improving co-ordination of care, facilitating information sharing and optimizing resources at the local level.
"I'm thrilled our Nunavut health professionals have been recognized for their outstanding work," stated Health Minister Monica Ell in a news release. "Congratulations to all who made this possible and especially to the wonderful team who deserve this award."
Deputy minister resigns
Iqaluit
The government recently appointed a new deputy minister to the Department of Family Services.
Simon Awa, formerly deputy minister for Culture and Heritage, will replace Aluki Rojas.
Rojas resigned from her position after serving more than six years as deputy minister.
"It is with reluctance that I accept her resignation for personal reasons," stated Premier Taptuna in a news release.
"The Department of Family Services is critical within this government, and I feel that Mr. Awa, who has a tremendous amount of experience, is well suited to take on his new role."
Joe Adla Kunuk, associate deputy minister, Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, will take over for Awa in the department of Culture and Heritage.
Bringing in Northern leadership
Iqaluit
The Nunavut Housing Corporation board of directors has a new chairperson.
Arviat Mayor Bob Leonard, who has more than 30 years experience in the construction industry, will replace Eugene Lysy of Thunder Bay, Ont., whose term was set to expire in October.
"Where possible, we feel that Northern leadership is preferred on our public agencies," said George Kuksuk, the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
"Mr. Leonard possesses the skills and experience necessary to lead the board of directors and is a long-term Nunavut resident and respected community leader."
Delicious and nutritious
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
With February designated as Dental Health Month and March designated Nutrition Month, students at Netsilik School in Taloyoak participated in Drop the Pop activities that aimed at promoting healthy eating choices.
Throughout the health campaign, students were exposed to different healthy food choices.
Northern Store manager Cathy Williams made presentations at the school where she taught students about healthy eating and played games, including a taste test to show how delicious healthy foods can be.
As part of the Drop the Pop Health Promotion, each student received a water bottle and had a turn creating a smoothie combination of their choice.
- Laura Busch
Making healthy choices
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
The sound of "ha, ha, ha" could be heard from the Attagoyuk School auditorium March 21 as students and adults participated in a little laughter yoga at the Healthy Choices fair.
"Most of the younger people were kind of shy and didn't want to do it but it was kind of fun just the same. Just get laughing anyway, even if you're embarrassed you laugh," said mental health nurse Pauline Steinberg.
The fair was organized by Pitsiula Kilabuk, a community health resource worker. She invited a number of partners to host their owns booths on topics ranging from smoking to nutrition to sexual health. Residents of all ages attended and were treated to snacks, free giveaways and a delicious lunch of caribou stew and bannock.
Visitors also had a chance to win a prize every 30 minutes.
- Miranda Scotland
Faster service celebrated
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Cambridge Bay residents were buzzing about the new 4G cellphone service introduced in the community on March 25, said senior administrative officer Stephen King.
"Community members seem to be very excited to have this service," he told Nunavut News/North via e-mail.
Cambridge Bay is now the first Nunavut community to have 4G coverage. As part of its modernization plan, Northwestel has promised Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit the service by year's end. A soft launch of 4G service in Rankin Inlet is expected on March 31 and April 1.
In Cambridge Bay, customers can now use iPhones and other new phones for the first time. Previously, the hamlet's Northwestel network used much older CDMA technology that was compatible with the old Blackberry network. Not only does 4G allow Cambridge Bay residents to use the newest smart phones to their fullest potential, users should notice a dramatic improvement on data speeds in the community.
- Laura Busch
Igniting curiosity
Iglulik and Sanirajak/Hall Beach
The Government of Nunavut is working to get students excited about technology and engineering by bringing an interactive camp to schools in Nunavut.
Most recently, the camp, called Igniting Interest in Technology and Engineering (IGN.I.T.E.), was offered to 10 students in Iglulik and 11 students in Hall Beach.
"The facilitator assisted students to explore science, technology and engineering activities while they worked together in groups to build their technical skills. The youth also learned about the importance of staying in school and working hard to expand career opportunities for the future," said Education Minster Paul Quassa.
- Miranda Scotland
Kitikmeot hosts women's gathering
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Women from across the Kitikmeot region came together last month to discuss ideas and empower each other.
"It was an amazing experience for the women," said Sarah Jancke. "There was a lot of care and supports that the women shared with each other ... I hope we opened the doors for more opportunities like this in the future."
Five women from each of the communities in the region were picked to attend the gathering in Cambridge Bay. Representatives from Greenland also attended to listen in and provide insight.
This is the second time a gathering such as this has been held in the region. In 2013, a group of women met in Gjoa Haven. Jancke said she hopes it will be possible to hold a similar gathering in the future but it depends on whether funding is available. The event was late starting this year because bad weather interrupted flights. To make up for lost time the delegates attended intensive sessions from Feb. 26 to March 1.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the Department of Culture and Heritage funded the event.
- Miranda Scotland
| 
