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Monday, April 7, 2014
Enterprise gets interest in job
The Hamlet of Enterprise received about 10 job applications for its senior administrative officer (SAO) position by the advertised deadline of April 3.
The applications will be screened and a shortlist will be prepared for potential interviews.
The hamlet of about 110 people currently has an interim SAO, after its previous permanent SAO left the position in February.
- Paul Bickford
Society gets new executive
The board of directors of the Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society in Fort Smith named a new executive on April 3.
Mike Couvrette returns as chairperson, Bruce Buckley is vice-chairperson, Larry Nixon is secretary, and Janie Hobart returns as treasurer.
A five-member board of directors was chosen at the society's annual general meeting on March 21.
- Paul Bickford
Civil cases decline in NWT
The number of civil cases in court in the Northwest Territories is declining, according to Statistics Canada.
Last year, 796 civil cases were started in the NWT, compared with 807 the previous year. There was a total of 1,780 active civil cases before the courts last year, compared with 1,790 the previous year.
Between 2008 and 2013, there has been a 13 per cent drop in civil cases before the courts in the territory.
- Daniel Campbell
More working in NWT than national average
A higher percentage of people were employed in the territory last month than in the rest of the country, according to new data from the NWT Bureau of Statistics.
According to a Friday news release, the NWT had an employment rate of 67.5 per cent - higher than the national rate, which stands at 60.6 per cent.
This employment rate puts the territory among the top in the country, according to data released on Friday by Statistics Canada. Alberta was the lone province with a higher employment rate, registering with 69.9 per cent. The lowest was Newfoundland and Labrador, which has an employment rate of 54.2 per cent.
- Graeme McNaughton
Camp for culture
Telit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
The Grade 4, 5 and 6 students at Chief Julius School wrapped up a series of on-the-land culture camps earlier. Each grade spent a total of five days in cabins at Midway Lake, about 50 km away from Fort McPherson.
Throughout the weeks, each grade was taught traditional knowledge such as tent-setting, carving, and snare-setting by local elders and hunters.
During their time on the land, the students would usually spend the morning focusing on academics before turning to more traditional activities.
Vice-principal and Grade 6 teacher Cliff Gregory said one of the highlights was seeing the students help the hunters carve up six caribou they had caught earlier that day.
"It was pretty amazing when the hunters came back on Tuesday evening and they had a half ton of caribou," said Gregory.
The Grade 6 students also spent a day snowshoeing across the lake where they built a traditional fire pit in the snow.
"We had tea and hot dogs and it was quite an experience for the kids," said Gregory.
- Cody Punter
Metis Council leader acclaimed
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Ken Hudson, the president of the Fort Smith Metis Council, will continue leading the organization at its annual general assembly March 29.
"This is my last term, I told everybody," said Hudson, who noted he will be 66 at the end of his new two-year term.
Hudson has been president since 1999. Plus, he also served in the role in the mid-1990s.
The presidency of the council is a full-time paid position.
Others elected or acclaimed at the annual general assembly were Darrell Loutit as vice-president, Betty Villebrun as secretary-treasurer, Earl Evans as the elder representative, Jeremy Beamish as youth representative, and directors Allan Heron, Gordon Pischinger, Vance Sanderson, Josh Tordiff, Lynn Napier-Buckley and Mary Ellen Piche.
- Paul Bickford
Couples compete for crowns
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Four couples have signed to run for the king and queen Arctic Red River McKenzie Jamboree, which will take place April 25 to 27.
Couples Sasha Blake and Robert Koe, Shelly Andre and Shawn Van Loon, Mariah Blake and Joel Lennie, as well as Jolene McCarthy and Darby Blake have all entered the contest.
Over the next few weeks, they will be holding luncheons, merchandise bingos and daily prize draws to raise money for the event.
They will be selling raffle tickets for the carnival
with the couple that sells
the most tickets being
crowned king and queen.
The draw for the prizes will be held on the last day of the jamboree
First prize is a 2014 Polaris Indie 550 snowmobile, second prize is a return trip for two to Edmonton, third prize is a wood stove, a Brute Skimmer Boggan and 45 gallons of gas, and fifth prize is $500.
McCarthy, who is also currently the acting recreation co-ordinator, said it doesn't matter who wins the title of king and queen.
"We're all doing it to help out our community and make the event happen," she said.
- Cody Punter
Paintings at Northern Life Museum
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Paintings by Yellowknife artist Jennifer Walden are
currently on display at the Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith.
The exhibit - entitled The Land at the End of the Sticks - began March 27 and will run to April 18.
The collection features a series of paintings depicting Walden's experiences at a wilderness lodge, climbing mountains and
observing caribou.
- Paul Bickford
National honours for South Slave
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Leadership for Literacy initiative of the South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) has been honoured with a national award.
The initiative won gold
in the Public Sector
Leadership Awards for
2013 presented by the
Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and Deloitte, which is one of Canada's leading professional services firms.
According to IPAC, a panel of judges was ultimately swayed by data that confirmed the initiative is having a positive impact.
The awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence in the public sector, were presented at a gala in Toronto Feb. 13.
The SSDEC is the first school board, and the first organization from the NWT, to win a Public Sector Leadership Award.
SSDEC superintendent Dr. Curtis Brown and assistant superintendent Brent Kaulback were on hand to receive the award in Toronto.
"We are immensely proud of the work that has been done in the South Slave," said Brown in a news release.
"It is clear that the
Leadership for Literacy initiative has built a culture of collaboration and
learning that has had a transformational impact on our schools."
- Paul Bickford
Sewing circle starts
Tuktoyaktuk
A group of 20 women has got together to start a sewing circle in Tuktoyaktuk.
They met for the first time on March 26 and plan to meet at Kitti Hall from 7 to 11 p.m every Monday and Wednesday until the end of the month.
The group is being led by instructor Jean Gruben.
"She's been sewing for years," said Caroline Loreen, recreation co-ordinator.
The group is currently focussing on sewing gowaks, which are like mukluks but with more decoration.
So far the women have cut out the moosehide and begun drawing the patterns for decorations.
In a matter of weeks, they will start embroidery work before putting the footwear together.
"It's a way to get women together and gives us something to do," said Loreen.
A youth sewing group will start at the end of April once the current workshop is over.
- Cody Punter
Review board hosts meetings
Aklavik
The Environmental Impact Review Board held a meeting to discuss the terms of reference for the Beaufort Sea Exploration Joint Venture Drilling Program at Aklavik's council chambers March 31.
"Sometimes it's hard to get people out to these meetings but there was a good turnout," said Michelle Gruben, adding that about 20 people showed up for the presentation.
During the meeting, it was explained that anyone who wants to be a part of formal discussions about the future of the project needs to become a registered participant with the EIRB.
"If anything were to happen, it's going to affect my way of life but everyone uses that area," said Gruben, who fishes off Shingle Point.
Gruben said she wanted to know whether there would be compensation provided in the event that a disaster affects her livelihood.
The joint venture, which is comprised of companies Imperial Oil Ltd., ExxonMobil Corp. and BP, have already begun exploring the potential for natural gas and oil projects 120 km off the coast of Aklavik.
Residents have until the end of April to become registered participants.
Anyone interested in registering should contact the EIRB.
- Cody Punter
Easter bunny hops in
Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte
A community event will be held to celebrate Easter on April 20, possibly an Easter egg hunt.
The Easter bunny visit will be preceded by Rik Leaf touring the community with Department of Municipal and Community Affairs next week.
Leaf will leading film-making sessions in five communities starting in Trout Lake April 7 and the moving onto Fort Liard on Tuesday, Nahanni Butte on Wednesday, Wrigley on Thursday and Fort Simpson on Friday.
- Roxanna Thompson
Coffee, crafts and creativity
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Open Sky Creative Society is holding a coffeehouse April 4 in the OSC Gallery.
There will be live music, crafts and refreshments.
Local musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments for a jam.
The Fort Simpson Community Garden Society will be having its annual general meeting April 15 at 6 p.m. at the recreation centre.
MLA Kevin Menicoche will be holding a public meeting at the recreation centre
April 8 at 7 p.m He will also hold meetings in Trout Lake on April 9 and Nahanni Butte on April 10.
Menicoche said he will be discussing the issue of territorial and federal election overlap, as well as addressing concerns about devolution.
- Roxanna Thompson
Impact charted by women's group
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
Relationship strain, increased alcohol consumption and a growing number of police calls are some of the negative impacts tied to the opening of the Meadowbank gold mine in Baker Lake, according to a study by Pauktuutit.
The national Inuit women's organization conducted research on the topic in 2013.
Researchers discovered the number of alcohol permits increased to 6,105 in 2011 from 3,000 in 2009.
The number of incidents requiring police intervention increased to more than 800 in 2011 from about 540 in 2008.
The mine opened in 2010.
Residents shared anecdotes on how the two-week in, two-week out work schedule encourages jealousy and suspicion.
"I guess jealousy and the insecurity of, like, their spouse being away for so long. The mine is new to the community, and I think it's a big adjustment.
Right now ... people are not really sure, they're not used to being away from their partner for so long," one community member told researchers.
Residents spoke of the need for better women's shelters and men's shelters in the community.
They also stressed the importance of adding another daycare facility in Baker Lake so more women can join the workforce.
Moreover, it's important mine owner Agnico-Eagle do more to orient employees to gender issues, Inuit culture and social history to reduce harassment and racism at the mine, according to the study.
The full report is on the Pauktuutit website.
- Miranda Scotland
Applicants for scholarship accepted
Nunavut
Students who need funds for post-secondary education may want to consider applying for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is now accepting applications for two $5,000 scholarships.
Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay detailing how they plan to use their education to promote Inuit rights, identity, language and culture.
Extra points will go to students who write in Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun.
The deadline for applications is July 9.
- Miranda Scotland
Harvesters support program suspended
Iqaluit
With $13 million left in the bank, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has suspended the Nunavut Harvesters Support Program for 2014.
The fund, which aims to help harvesters procure equipment for traditional harvesting activities, was established in 1993 by the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut, which each contributed $15 million to the Nunavut Hunters Income Support Trust.
The freeze for 2014 will allow NTI to complete a five-year strategy for how to continue to deliver the support program into the future, stated NTI vice-president James Eetoolook in a statement announcing the suspension on April 3.
"It is very important to NTI that we do everything we can to keep the NHSP functioning. The decision was made to ensure the funds in the trust would not be exhausted within five years," he stated.
- Laura Busch
Happy birthday Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut turned 15 years old on April 1 and, to celebrate, the Government of Nunavut is giving away an iPod, an iPad and box of country food. To enter the contest, submit a description of how you celebrated the milestone. Applications are being accepted in writing, via e-mail, on social media or at a local government liaison office. The contest will close May 31. The winners will be announced at the Nunavut Day celebrations in Iqaluit on July 9.
- Laura Busch
Call for action on food insecurity
Nunavut
Food insecurity among Canada's Inuit is a "serious and urgent challenge," according to a recent report titled An Assessment of the State of Knowledge on Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada by the Council of Canadian Academies.
In response to the latest report that outlines how many Inuit are struggling to afford store-bought food, or to hunt for country foods, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Terry Audla and Inuit Circumpolar Council of Canada president Duane Smith issued a joint statement highlighting Canada's obligation to provide proper support for all Canadians.
"Inuit leaders support the conclusion of the council report that states: 'Canada is in a position of strength to address the challenge of food insecurity. We have the tools and knowledge to build food security in the North, which is our collective responsibility.'" the pair stated in a news release.
- Laura Busch
Education audit hearings
Nunavut
Michael Ferguson, the auditor general of Canada, was in Iqaluit from April 1 to 3 for hearings on his recent audit of the territorial government's implementation of the Education Act, as well as an Auditor General's Report on Safety of Schools and Childcare Facilities in Nunavut. In a damning report on education, Ferguson found that the Department of Education was not properly implementing the act, and that the stated goal for territory-wide bilingual English-Inuktitut education by 2019-20 is now unlikely because of a lack of Inuktitut-speaking teachers and staff shortages.
- Laura Busch
Bears within hamlet limits
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
Two polar bears were seen near residences in Hall Beach late last month.
For residents, it was all par for the course, said the hamlet's senior administrative officer, Halie MacNeil-Smith.
"We're always busy with bears in November and December," she said.
"This time of year, with the floe edge being closer, they come in quite a bit (but) they normally stay out on the outskirts of town."
Local RCMP, bylaw and ENR officers were involved in keeping an eye out for the bears once they were seen in town, but neither animal was destroyed.
It is believed they moved on, said MacNeil-Smith.
- Laura Busch
Toonik Tyme starts this weekend
Iqaluit
Toonik Tyme kicks off April 11 with opening celebrations at the curling rink.
Events continue until April 19 with a closing feast that night.
Some of the events of the festival are big band night on April 12, outdoor traditional games on April 13, family and adult scavenger hunts on April 18 and a seal hunting contest on April 19.
More information on Toonik Tyme is in the center of this edition of Nunavut News/North.
- Miranda Scotland
Most awesome display
Arviat
Arviat's Leo Mukyuknik, David Nibgoarsi and Thomas Nibgoarsi were among the carvers from across Nunavut who completed a series of carvings in Arviat this past month that will be on display at Italy's Venice Biennale in Architecture this coming summer.
The collection, known as Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15, consists of the scaleddown versions of 15 well-known Nunavut buildings.
This summer will mark the first time Canada's display at the event will highlight the North.
- Darrell Greer
Search for man suspended
Iqaluit
The search for Ben Palluq has been suspended until more information comes to light.
In the interim RCMP are continuing to collect and follow up on tips about Palluq's whereabouts.
"If there were anymore significant tips then a search could be re-commenced," said RCMP Cpl. Yvonne Niego.
A relative of Palluq reported him missing March 21. The 44-year-old is described as slender, about five-foot-seven, with black hair, dark eyes and a missing tooth. He was last seen wearing a black coat and black pants.
- Miranda Scotland
First school bus coming
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
Students in Hall Beach will ride to school in style once their new school bus is delivered on the sea lift next fall.
Arnaqjuaq School principal Kim Hagarty was thrilled with the news that her application to the Department of Education had been approved.
"One of the major reasons is we have so many polar bears," she said, adding the 24-seater will be the community's first school bus. The Department of Community and Government Services is supplying the funds for the bus, which will be handicapped accessible.
- Laura Busch
Man with a plan
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
Grade 9 student Kyler Kabvitok of Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay is looking to become a housing maintainer apprentice with the local housing authority under the tutelage of maintenance journeyman Chris Kringayork. Tusarvik's guidance counsellor George Thompson has submitted an application to Kivalliq Partners under its wage subsidy program for assistance to support Kabvitok. He would be expected to work 10 weeks for each of the next three summers in order to earn the required hours for his first year apprenticeship.
- Darrell Greer
Celebrating hamlet days
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Pangnirtung residents are enjoying a day of fun activities today, starting with radio games at 9 a.m. as hamlet days begins.
Kids will then head to the hills at 10:30 a.m. for sledding and hot chocolate. Next up is the candy toss followed by an afternoon of outdoor ice games starting at 1:30 p.m.
At supper time residents can fill their tummies at the community feast. The hamlet is serving seal meat, fish, caribou, snacks, fruits, vegetables and beverages. But the fun doesn't stop there. A concert and Inuktitut dance will be held at Alookie School beginning at 6:30 p.m. Acting recreation co-ordinator Andrew Ishulutaq said by April 3 10 musicians had already expressed interest in performing at the concert.
"We're going to be busy all day," said Ishulutaq.
- Miranda Scotland
Nunavut lawyer awarded
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
Sarah Arnga'naaq, originally from Baker Lake, received a prestigious Youth Award at the Indspire Awards (formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards) held in Winnipeg this past month. Arnga'naaq is based in Yellowknife as a Crown prosecutor with the Nunavut office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
She earned her law degree from the University of Victoria in 2012, articled with the Northwest Territories' Department of Justice, and completed two internships abroad in Ghana, West Africa, and Wellington, New Zealand
- Darrell Greer
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