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Monday, November 17, 2014
New Trout Lake airport open
After five years of construction, the new runway in Trout Lake opened Nov. 13.
"It's a huge win for Trout Lake," said Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche.
The new 3,500-foot runway replaces a 2,632-foot runway built in 1987. The increased length allows for larger, and pressurized, aircraft to land and is aligned to take advantage of prevailing southwest winds.
The old runway wasn't able to handle King Air medevac planes, an issue that raised alarms in 2013 when there was a fatal boating accident on the lake.
Work on the airport began Sept. 3, 2009. Already behind schedule in winter 2012, it was then predicted to be complete by the summer of 2013.
Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, the federal and territorial governments provided a joint contribution of $9.3 million.
Menicoche, Premier Bob McLeod and Transportation Minister Tom Beaulieu are expected to visit the airport on Dec. 9 as part of a constituency tour.
- Shane Magee
Dominion Diamonds denies Lutsel K'e funding
Dominion Diamonds has cut funding for an archiving project intended to document traditional knowledge in Lutsel K'e.
In a Nov. 10 letter to the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation, Robert Overvold, head of environment and communities for the mining company, stated that Dominion is declining the band's request for $148,000 to continue its traditional knowledge archive project.
In the letter, Overvold states that the LKDFN received a total of $326,998 for the project, which represents the "full amount that was agreed to in our funding agreement with the community."
- Cody Punter
First post-devolution environmental assessment
The Government of the Northwest Territories has completed its first post-devolution environmental assessment.
The government accepted the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board's recommendation from Sept. 3 to permit amendments to the water licence at De Beers Canada Inc.'s Snap Lake Diamond Mine.
"Our thorough review and timely decision proves that Northerners know their own priorities and should be the ones deciding how NWT resources are developed and our land and environment are protected," stated Lands Minister Robert C. McLeod in a news release announcing the approval on Nov. 3.
De Beers had asked for 17 amendments to its Type A licence for the Snap Lake mine.
- Kassina Ryder
Photographs wanted
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith is looking for "unexpected and unforgettable" photographs from in and around the community.
In a request on its website, the town states it is looking for photos to revamp promotional material for Fort Smith.
The images can include people, nature, buildings or anything else that "makes Fort Smith amazing," reads the appeal for photographs.
Anyone submitting a photo has to fill out a release form which will make it the property of the Town of Fort Smith and allow its use - without payment - in publications, on websites, for calendars or in any other form.
If the photo features a person, a model release form must also be submitted to authorize the use of his or her image. If that person is under the age of 18, the release must also contain the approval of a parent or guardian.
If a photo is used by the town, the person or organization that has submitted the image will be credited.
The deadline for submissions is Dec. 15.
- Paul Bickford
Band buying B&B in Fort Resolution
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Deninu Ku'e First Nation - through its development corporation - has agreed to buy a bed & breakfast in Fort Resolution.
Chief Louis Balsillie said the sale papers were signed on Nov. 9 and J's Bed & Breakfast will be officially taken over on Nov. 17.
"It's been for sale for some time," he noted.
Balsillie declined to say how much the band is paying for the business, which includes a large garage.
The band's development corporation borrowed money from the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation for the purchase.
The B&B features seven rooms in the basement and three rooms on the main level.
The band is purchasing the business from George and Jeela Larocque.
"It's a money-making business when they ran it," said Balsillie. "So I can't see why it can't be for the First Nation."
The chief also hopes the business can be used to increase tourism in Fort Resolution.
The band is now looking for a caretaker for the bed & breakfast.
- Paul Bickford
Annual Christmas party set for children in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A date has been announced for a popular annual Christmas celebration for kids in Fort Smith.
The event - Ann Lepine's Annual Children's Christmas Party - is scheduled to take place on Dec. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Smith Rec Centre.
The party is for children 10 years of age and younger who are not members of Salt River First Nation, Smith's Landing First Nation or the Fort Smith Metis Council.
Those aboriginal organizations each hold Christmas parties for the youngsters in their membership.
No registration is required for Ann Lepine's Annual Children's Christmas Party.
- Paul Bickford
Ice not quite ready near Trout Lake
Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake
Despite the recently cold weather, the lake still hasn't frozen yet.
People are waiting for the land to freeze up before doing much hunting or trapping.
- Shane Magee
More snow needed for hunting
Ka'a'gee Tu/Kakisa
Winter has arrived throughout the territory, but people are waiting for a bit more snow to do rabbit trap setting, hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Shane Magee
Staff and students compete after school
Tetlit'zheh/Fort McPherson
High school students and staff at Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson have been spending every Friday afternoon after class participating in friendly competitive sports, said vice-principal Cliff Gregory.
The games usually begin around 3:45 p.m. and attract the majority of staff members, he said.
Anywhere from about 12 to 20 high school students also participate or come out to watch.
"We get a fair amount of students actually watching the activities, too," Gregory said.
Teams compete in a variety of sports, such as volleyball, dodgeball and soccer.
- Kassina Ryder
Youth centre looking for sleepover volunteers
Ulukhaktok/Holman
The Ulukhaktok Youth Centre is looking for two female volunteers to help out with an upcoming sleepover at the centre, said recreation co-ordinator Joanne Ogina.
The sleepover is a popular event for girls in the community, but the centre needs two more volunteers over the age of 18 in order to make it happen. Ogina said the goal is to try and hold the event sometime this month.
There are at least 10 girls signed up so far. Anyone looking to volunteer can contact Ogina at 867-396-8016 or the youth centre at 867-396-4999.
- Kassina Ryder
Tuk takes students to work
Tuktoyaktuk
November 5 was Take a Kid To Work Day for students at Mangilaluk School said principal Marjan Lenart.
Students spent the day accompanying parents or guardians to their workplace where they learned all about jobs in the community.
So far this fall, the attendance rate at the school has been exceptional, said Lenart.
"We're happy so far with our attendance," he said.
The rate was 97.4 per cent at the end of September and the school is currently calculating numbers for October. That rate includes students who have legitimate reasons to miss school, such as health centre appointments, Lenart said.
- Kassina Ryder
Marijuana bust in Qikiqtarjuaq
Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island
Calling it a "significant seizure," RCMP used a search warrant to seize about one kilogram of marijuana at a house in Qikiqtarjuaq Nov. 5.
The drugs were destined for local distribution, stated a news release from the police. Police also seized several firearms in the raid.
The investigation continues, and police are looking for leads related to this investigation, and for tips that might lead to similar busts. People with information are
asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.
- Casey Lessard
RCMP investigate death
Arviat
RCMP are investigating the death of a 41-year-old man in Arviat. The investigation began on Nov. 8 after the body was found near the community, RCMP stated in a news release.
Nunavut's Major Crimes Unit and a forensic identification team from Yellowknife was called to assist with the investigation. Further details were not provided.
- Michele LeTourneau
Airline headlines charity ball
Iqaluit
Iqalungmiut will remember a charity ball named after one airline, but the competition is involved in resurrecting what was, and likely will be again, the event of the year. Canadian North is the supporting airline of a new charity ball organized by the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with NCC Development Ltd. and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
The group's first annual charity ball will be hosted at the Arctic Winter Games complex on Nov. 29. Proceeds will go to the REACH campaign to build a new aquatic centre in the capital.
"Attendees of this premier Iqaluit event will enjoy an evening of fine food and great entertainment, all in support of a wonderful cause," stated Hunter Tootoo, Canadian North's senior director of business and community relations, in a press release.
- Casey Lessard
Foundation seeks help
Iqaluit
The Arctic Child and Youth Foundation (ACYF) have put out a call for service providers to help complete an assessment of needs.
The foundation is planning for the development the Umingmak Child and Youth Protection Center for Nunavut, stated executive director Kylie Aglukark in a press release. Under the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund, ACYF and its expert advisory committee are beginning a needs assessment, feasibility study, and career development plan.
"Responses will help determine what services are available, how these services are used, what gaps exist, and how our children, youth and families access these services," stated Aglukark.
- Michele LeTourneau
Anti-seismic testing fight goes global with petition
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Greenpeace is taking Clyde River's fight against seismic testing global, with a new petition that calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper and National Energy Board CEO Peter Watson to prevent seismic testing in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. Such seismic testing, which determines where to access oil and gas reserves underwater, will go ahead starting in 2015 if Clyde River loses its appeal of the decision to allow it
The petition gives people the chance to show their solidarity with the hamlet in its fight "to protect their traditional lands and waters, and the Arctic wildlife they intrinsically depend on," according to a Greenpeace news release.
"Make no mistake, the decision to permit seismic testing clearly violates the constitutional rights of the people of Clyde River and Nunavut," said Clyde River's lawyer, Nader R. Hasan, noting it's a David vs. Goliath case.
At issue is the argument that the air cannons used in seismic testing can send sound waves strong enough to cause permanent hearing damage, and can cause death. The petition is on Greenpeace's website.
- Casey Lessard
Candidate list official
Nunavut
Chief returning officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced the names of candidates running for vice-president at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. earlier this month. Douglas Aggark of Chesterfield Inlet, James Eetoolook of Taloyoak and Jesse Mike of Iqaluit have submitted nomination papers. There are five ways to vote in the elections - by advance poll Dec. 1, on election day Dec. 8, and by mobile poll, proxy vote or mail-in ballot. Inuit who are Canadian citizens, 16 years of age or older, and enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are eligible to vote.
- Michele LeTourneau
Large turnout for ceremony
Iqaluit
An overflowing Cadet Hall was proof of the importance of Remembrance Day to Iqalungmiut, who were reminded that 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
"They were so young, so brave," Rev. Mike Gardner told those assembled, describing the young men and women who fought in the First and Second World Wars. "Do not forget. Remember. Pray that each one of us will be a peace maker wherever we are."
"Today, Canada is still standing up for peace and freedom," Royal Canadian Legion Branch 168 president Chris Groves told the crowd. "As we all know, freedom is not free. It comes at a great and terrible cost. Every community across the country, no matter how large or how small, has paid it."
Noting the close to 61,000 Canadians killed in the First World War and 44,000 in the Second World War, Groves reminded the crowd of the recent killings of Canadian Forces soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec as evidence of "the great debt we owe those who served Canada, and those who continue to serve our country."
- Casey Lessard
Scary times at Tusarvik School
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
Screams of delight echoed through the halls of Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay on Oct. 31 as the school hosted a number of Halloween-related activities.
Students received cupcakes and candy in the morning, followed by a costume parade for prizes, dancing and a haunted house in the afternoon.
- Darrell Greer
Grise Fiord remembers
Ausuittuq/Grise Fiord
Despite the hamlet being settled after the end of both the First World War and Second World War, residents of Grise Fiord gathered to remember fallen Canadians at a ceremony Nov. 11.
"We had our own little community Remembrance Day with four Rangers, four Junior Canadian Rangers, two RCMP, and a few community members," Jimmy Qaapik said, adding the event was held at the community hall, "remembering the fallen soldiers who went to war for our freedom."
The RCMP officers were new in town, temporarily covering for those who are taking over the detachment as part of the semi-annual rotation, he said.
- Casey Lessard
Law foundation honours youth
Nunavut
The Nunavut Law Foundation announced Nov. 13 the recipients of the 2014 Upinnaqtuq Awards.
The Inuktitut word upinnaqtuq means to celebrate a person's accomplishments or a person you are proud of, stated the foundation's press release.
The Upinnaqtuq Awards were created in honour of Madame Justice Beverly Browne. She was the first territorial court judge in the Northwest Territories from 1990 until 1999 before becoming the first senior judge of the unified Nunavut Court of Justice.
The awards commemorate Browne's active volunteerism in Nunavut's communities, her commitment to social justice, and her particular dedication to working with youth, stated administrator Nalini Vaddapalli.
The Upinnaqtuq Award is presented annually to students and youth throughout Nunavut who demonstrate qualities of leadership in conflict resolution or remarkable progress in rehabilitation.
The recipients are Etuangat Akeeagok of Grise Fiord, Kiyanna Drachenberg, Kaj Sandbacken, Aloka Wijesooriya, Margaret Gauthier and Hayden Hickey of Iqaluit, Scott Kiluksishak of Pond Inlet and Veronica Uttak of Repulse Bay.
The ceremony was held in Iqaluit Nov. 14.
- Michele LeTourneau
Still seeking bus driver
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
The hamlet of Clyde River is still going through process of getting a bus driver for the new school bus which arrived this summer.
It turns out there was no one in town with the Class 4S driver's licence endorsement required to drive a school bus, so anyone interested in getting that training can take part in a course this month.
"I've had a few applicants so far," said community economic development officer Billy Palluq, noting those with the more advanced Class 2 or 3 licenses don't automatically have this endorsement. "As long as they do the criminal records check and medical checkup, and once we get a copy of their driver's licence, they can take the course."
The original plan was to hold the class Nov. 24, but that date may be pushed back to ensure there are enough people applying.
- Casey Lessard
Baby health and prizes
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The Cambridge Bay Community Wellness Centre is hosting a Baby Health Fair from from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Parents, grandparents and parents-to-be are invited to join in an evening of fun and learning. Prizes include blankets, a high chair, breast pumps, bathtub, diaper bag, babyfood mills, toys, books and more. The event takes place at the Kiilinik High School.
- Michele LeTourneau
Meliadine agreement in works
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. and the Kivalliq Inuit Association are continuing their negotiations in trying to finalize an Inuit Impact Benefits Agreement for the proposed Meliadine gold project on the land near Rankin Inlet.
The two sides are currently attempting to schedule further meetings in the hopes of resolving some, or all, of the remaining issues concerning the benefits agreement. Agnico Eagle has asked the federal minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to postpone the request for an arbitrator made on Oct. 24 until Feb. 2.
- Darrell Greer
Inspired to drum dance
Sanikiluaq
Youth in Sanikiluaq will soon get to learn a part of their culture that has been erased by the colonial past.
Sanikiluaq's recreation co-ordinator, Kelly Fraser, is planning a drum dancing course that will start this week. The youth got a sample lesson at a recent event, leading Fraser to plan a longer course. She had funding to buy three drums, so she went to Ottawa while stuck in Montreal to buy them last month.
"They learned so fast," she said of the sample lesson. "In one day, they learned four songs."
She hopes to run the class each Monday.
- Casey Lessard
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