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Monday, December 22, 2014
Hay River rejects Northland
The Town of Hay River announced Dec. 19 that it will not be renewing its franchise agreement with Northland Utilities, the company from which residents have prchased power for the better part of a century.
“Regardless of who’s name is on the next franchise agreement, we’re looking for lower power rates,” said Mayor Andrew Cassidy.
According to a news release from the mayor's office, the committee put together last summer to examine the issue recommended council not renew the agreement and that the cost of power be the primary factor in evaluating any new proposals.
Cassidy said the proponent should be chosen by the fall, which will allow a year to build and make changes before the current agreement expires in November 2016.
–Sarah Ladik
Stand-off suspect named
Yellowknife RCMP have identified the man charged after a nine-hour standoff last Thursday at the Northern Lites Motel.
David Norman Brownlee, 37, of Yellowknife is charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering threats, two counts of forcible confinement and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon.
A half-dozen police officers, some dressed in camouflage and armed with high-powered rifles, stormed the motel room Thursday afternoon and arrested the man without incident.
– John McFadden
Yellowknife deathbeing treated as homicide
Police now say they are treating the death of a man in Sunridge Place apartments in Yellowknife as a homicide.
RCMP have never named the deceased but News/North has confirmed it is John Wifladt, 39, of Yellowknife. News/North has also confirmed through a family member that Colin Digness was the other badly hurt man found in the apartment at about 5 a.m. Dec. 14. He continues to recover in an Edmonton hospital. According to Wifladt's brother, Tommy Wifladt, he was told by two different people, including a nurse, that the wounds were consistent with those one might receive in a sword fight.
Police have not named a suspect.
– John McFadden
Liquor Act enforcement Deline beefed up in
RCMP says it is partnering with Deline First Nation to step up Liquor Act enforcement over the holidays.
Deline is a restricted community under the act. The initiative comes at the request of Chief Leonard Kenny, according to an RCMP news release on Dec. 19.
– Randi Beers
Plenty of holiday fun
Ulukhaktok/Holman
A full schedule of events is planned for the holidays in Ulukhaktok.
The fun kicks off Dec. 24 with a Christmas Eve service beginning at 11 p.m. in the gym. A feast will follow at 1 a.m. and prizes will be awarded for the outdoor decorating contest.
The elders' committee and youth council will hold games Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. Later in the evening, teens are invited to a dance put on by community volunteers.
The excitement continues Dec. 26 at 3 p.m. with public skating and drop-in curling. The Western drummers and dancers and Kangikyoakmiut Numiktiit will hold a drum dance at 8 p.m. Later, the hamlet council will hold games and the evening will end with a dance starting at midnight.
On Dec. 29, Kuptana's Translations will hold a community traditional foods feast at 5 p.m. There will be games and a teen dance held Dec. 28, 29, 30 and Jan. 1 and 2.
There will be a feast at midnight Dec. 31 in the gym, followed by games to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Holiday schedules may change.
– Miranda Scotland
Christmas lights contest in Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The winners are about to be chosen in the Town of Fort Smith's annual Christmas lights contest.
The judging will take place on Dec. 23. Residents of the community had to register their properties by Dec. 19.
The prizes are $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third place.
– Paul Bickford
Big prizes in Aklavik
Aklavik
The holiday fun in Aklavik began Dec. 6 and will continue into the new year.
Some of the highlights from the events schedule include an old time dance featuring the Good Time band will be held Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. in the Sittichinli complex. There will be a jigging contest the same night and entrants could win between $40 and $100.
There's also an adult talent show scheduled for Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. Adults 16 and over have a chance to win up to $400.
The youth will get a chance to show their talents Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. There will be four age categories. The top prize is $50, except in the five and under category where it's $25.
Residents are invited to ring in the New Year Dec. 31 with fireworks, a bonfire and a truck parade at Shorty's pond at midnight and then head over to the Sittichinli complex for a rocking New Year's party at 1 a.m.
– Miranda Scotland
Winter road open for business
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The winter road between Fort Smith and Fort Chipewyan, Alta., has opened for the season.
The route opened on Dec. 12 to traffic with an initial weight limit of 4,500 kg.
The winter road is created and maintained by staff at Wood Buffalo National Park, who are advising drivers to proceed with caution and watch for heavy equipment.
In addition, drivers are advised to carry adequate emergency supplies and to let someone know their estimated time of arrival.
Another winter road from Fort Chipewyan south towards Fort McMurray opened on Dec. 5, also with an initial weight limit of 4,500 kg.
That route is an annual project of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
The municipality is recommending high-clearance 4x4 vehicles be used on the winter road.
It is also cautioning drivers that there are no regular services like road patrol, gas stations or cell phone service, so they must always be prepared for emergencies.
– Paul Bickford
Paying respects over the holidays
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Holiday plans in Tsiigehtchic, including a dance on Dec. 19 and other events over the Christmas break have been cancelled or put on hold due to the passing of two elders in the community: Cecil and Rosa Andre.
– Elaine Anselmi
Kitti Hall fire won't keep Christmas spirit down
Tuktoyaktuk
Tuktoyaktuk residents are determined to have a happy holiday despite a fire damaging the community's main event hall.
On Dec. 23, residents are invited to skate with Santa at 3 p.m. on the newly made outdoor rink on Cubby Lake. The same day, judges will determine the winner of the snow and ice sculpture contest, the best decorated house and the best decorated truck or Ski-Doo.
On Dec. 27 residents are invited to a feast and games at Mangilaluk school at 6 p.m.
The school will also play host to a feast and drum dance, square dance on Dec. 30. On News Year's Eve there will be a bonfire and fireworks down at the harbour.
Holiday schedules may change.
– Miranda Scotland
Resolution arena gets ice for season
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
The ice is back for the season at Lakeview Arena in Fort Resolution.
The project to install the ice started on Nov. 28 and finished on Dec. 9, and was followed by public skating that very evening.
This year's ice maker trainees were Evan Sayine, Ira Simon-Morin, Randy Mandeville and Karisa Balsillie. They were instructed by Deninu K'ue Chief Louis Balsillie.
Balsillie noted this is early in the season for rink to be ready.
– Paul Bickford
Iglulik children sick, bacteria detected
Iglulik
There is one lab-confirmed case of E. coli in Iglulik and several children have come to the health centre in Iglulik complaining of diarrhea, stated the GN's Department of Health in a health advisory released Dec. 15.
The department is investigating to find the source after several people experienced bouts of vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
"Several children have been quite ill," stated the advisory.
To prevent the spread of the illness, the department suggests cooking meat thoroughly, washing all fruits and vegetables, washing hands often and keeping surfaces, such as counter tops and doorknobs, clean by washing with hot water and soap.
The department also requested that people who become ill should stay away from work or school, drink plenty of fluids and not cook family meals.
If symptoms continue, people are advised to call their health centre.
– Michele LeTourneau
Royal assent for research centre
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The Canadian Polar Commission and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay have been officially united into one organization by royal assent, according to a Dec. 17 news release from the commission's executive director, David J. Scott.
The Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act was part of Bill C-43 and merges the mandates and functions of both entities.
"I am pleased that the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act has received royal assent," stated Nellie Cournoyea, acting chairperson of the Canadian Polar Commission.
"The new organization will draw strength and vision from the broad national and international polar knowledge experience of the Canadian Polar Commission as it implements a national Arctic science and technology program and establishes a new world-class polar research facility in Cambridge Bay.
"The new CHARS organization will enable the creation of new knowledge that will benefit all Canadians while addressing the pressing needs of Northerners, especially in terms of economic development, stewardship of environment and wildlife, and health and well-being."
CHARS will work closely with aboriginal and Inuit peoples of Canada's North and recognizes the importance of the broad range of traditional knowledge as part of the new organization's mandate, according to the release.
– Michele LeTourneau
Up all night, sleep all day
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
If you try to reach someone in Clyde River this holiday season, try during the afternoon. Adults will be celebrating the holidays with games and dancing every night from midnight to 3 a.m.
"Every night we're going to be busy," said acting recreation director Aimo Paniloo, adding that on Dec. 24, the celebrations including square dancing until 6 a.m.
Games will be chosen on the fly, and may include matching mittens, duck-duck-goose or similar activities.
Each day, adults will compete for a pot of $750 set aside for games. Kids games will happen during the day, and kids can go to the school building from 7 to 11 p.m. to have fun.
"It's a tradition here to stay up all night and sleep all day," during the holiday, Paniloo said.
– Casey Lessard
Inuinnaqtun workshop requested
KITIKMEOT - A language workshop for youth will be held in each Kitikmeot community.
The workshop, entitled Inuit Youth Basic Language Skill Learning- Revitalizing Our Language Through Youth Engagement, is a joint effort between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Pirurvik Centre and the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay.
The workshop came to be because young people requested youth-specific language training to enhance their use of language in the community, school and in their homes.
More information is available from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
– Michele LeTourneau
Youth can apply for travel help
NUNAVUT - Travel awards are being offered for youth to attend the Evidence-Base for Promoting Mental Wellness and Resilience to Address Suicide in Circumpolar Communities Symposium scheduled to take place in Iqaluit from March 25 to 27.
The website for the funding states, "in the Arctic, indigenous peoples have experienced numerous challenges associated with rapid changes to their language, culture, support networks and to their traditional diet and communal food practices. These challenges, often coupled with a sustained lack of economic opportunity, have contributed to poor social and health outcomes.
"Perhaps most poignantly, the Finnish and Swedish Saami, Alaskan indigenous peoples and Canadian Inuit have all experienced increases to the youth suicide rates over the last four decades."
It is with this in mind that symposium organizers hope youth will attend because "it is young people of the circumpolar region that are bearing the brunt of the continued effects of change.
"Yet, it is also the creativity, strength and resilience of Northern youth that is lighting the path of renewal in circumpolar mental health."
Travel awards of up to $5,000 are available. The application deadline is Jan. 19 and funding is available to Nunavummiut aged 18 to 30 who are Canadian citizens from a circumpolar community.
Information is available through the Government of Canada's Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
– Michele LeTourneau
Talent show for New Year's Sanikiluaq
Sanikiluaq will host a New Year's Day talent show at the community hall, recreation director Kelly Fraser said.
"The prizes are $50, $100, and $150," Fraser said, adding she expects about 30 people will participate. "As a musician, I see a lot of talent in this town. I see a lot of dancers, a lot of humour, and peple who can sing and throatsing, so I think this is a good way to encourage a display of talent.
I think it's a good way to get young people motivated."
The Christmas committee will judge the event, she said.
– Casey Lessard
Snowmobile parade marks New Year
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Festivities are underway in Arctic Bay, where a snowmobile parade will be one of the highlights, acting senior administrative officer Clare Kines said.
"It's usually highly anticipated, well attended, and I think that's the same in most communities," he said of the events, which include church services, fireworks at midnight and a snowmobile parade on the ice.
"It's quite something to see 80 or 90 Ski-Doos in a row."
There's also a secret Santa gift exchange for those who want to participate. Christmas Day there will be a community feast, and on New Year's Day, there will be a country food feast sponsored by the elders.
"There's usually an evening of games where the community gets together and plays, and that's usually followed by square dancing," Kines said. "That goes on until the wee hours of the morning and then everyone drags themselves into work the next day."
– Casey Lessard
Early presents for students
Naujaat/Repulse Bay
It was a special day for students at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay (Naujaat) on Dec. 12.
School staff members helped Santa distribute a large delivery of Christmas presents sent to Repulse youth from the City of Champions Lion's Club in Edmonton.
The Edmonton Lion's Club has been making the annual shipment of Christmas presents to Repulse Bay for more than a decade.
– Darrell Greer
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