Buy a copy of the ConstitutionNorthwest Territories/News North - Monday, March 9, 2015
At some point during the drafting of the Devolution Act, Ottawa lawmakers added a dishonest clause.
The amendment to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act would dissolve the Tlicho, Sahtu and Gwich’in regional land and water boards in favour of one pan-territorial super board.
In the case of Tlicho’s Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board, the super board would replace a 50/50 split between Tlicho and GNWT appointees (and a federally appointed chairperson) with one Tlicho member on an 11-member territorial board. Worse, there would be no guarantee of Tlicho representation on proposed development in the Tlicho Agreement area.
When it became clear this made-in-Ottawa super board idea was tied to devolution, it became a lightning rod for criticism.
Tlicho, Sahtu and Gwich’in leaders all vigorously defended their boards, saying there’s no need to fix something that isn’t broken. NWT MP Dennis Bevington stood up in Parliament more than once to urge AANDC Minister Bernard Valcourt to listen to their concerns.
The Tlicho government warned the federal government it had a constitutional duty to consult with the First Nation, threatening a lawsuit.
Since then, the Tlicho and Sahtu have made good on their threats to challenge the feds in court. One month before the super board would have become a foregone conclusion, NWT Supreme Court Justice Karan Shaner did something she acknowledges should only be done in the "rarest of circumstances"–she granted an order to stop the federal government's legislation until the Tlicho case is tested in court.
In her written judgment, Shaner acknowledged the courts usually don't have jurisdiction to interfere with the responsibilities of Parliament. But because the Tlicho suit brought forward a "serious constitutional question" about whether the federal government can unilaterally change the terms of the Tlicho Agreement, she granted the injunction to the Tlicho.
This is the third time in a year the federal government has lost in court against indigenous people on constitutional grounds.
In April 2014, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld a court challenge which guaranteed Metis and non-status Indians constitutional rights and access to First Nations programs and services provided by the federal government.
A few months later the Supreme Court of Canada sided with the Tsilhqot’in First Nation of British Columbia that Canada has a duty to consult with First Nations before developing on their traditional lands –even if they haven't signed a treaty.
AANDC continues to insist it will "vigorously defend" its super board despite the objections of the people it will affect the most.
According to its own reporting, AANDC spent $106 million on litigation in 2013–the most of any federal department.
Given the its recent track record on defending itself against indigenous constitutional challenges, maybe Minister Valcourt should consider reallocating some of that money to much-needed programs and services, and maybe even set aside a couple bucks to buy a copy of the Constitution.
Most important is why Cape Dorset infant diedNunavut/News North - Monday, March 9, 2015
This is no time to be timid.
There is a woeful lack of specific instructions to a lawyer appointed to reveal why three-month-old Makibi Akesuk Timilak died in Cape Dorset on April 5, 2012.
The terms and conditions of the review call for Yellowknife-based lawyer Katherine Peterson “to determine what steps were taken in the wake of Makibi’s death and whether the steps taken were appropriate in the circumstances,” Health Minister Paul Okalik informed the Nunavut legislature Feb. 24.
“The review will also focus more generally on what procedures are currently in place within Government of Nunavut departments for receiving and responding to complaints regarding nursing care in Nunavut, and whether they were followed in this case.”
That’s not good enough for three MLAs -- Cape Dorset’s David Joanasie, Quttiktuq’s Isaac Shooyook and Baker Lake’s Simeon Mikkungwak -- who are calling for Okalik to do more.
We agree. What is required is an accounting of the circumstances that led to Makibi’s death, including the actions of nursing staff at the Cape Dorset Health Centre at the time and, most importantly, the attitudes held by the nursing staff.
Nunavut News/North has received anecdotal reports that nurses in Cape Dorset at the time complained that “these mothers want us to babysit their kids.” Inuit mothers calling with complaints about sick children were told to give the child a bath, some Tylenol, and call back if the situation does not improve. Suggestions that the workplace culture was seen to be so blatantly unprofessional and unwelcoming are disturbing.
MLAs have brought up numerous complaints by Inuit patients about the response of health-care workers to requests for diagnosis and treatment.
Okalik has answered repeated calls to expand the scope of the review by suggesting, on one hand, that “we don’t have much wiggle room” and, on the other hand, by suggesting lawyer Peterson is free to “look at any particular aspect surrounding the failure of our health system that led to this death,” if she wishes.
At the end of the day, who can people trust? Can they trust the words of the minister in the legislative assembly or will greater authority be given to the terms of reference prepared by the Department of Health, the same department which is the subject of the review?
Okalik has the power to change the terms of reference so they direct Peterson to uncover the circumstances which led to Makibi’s death, including the workplace culture and attitude at the Cape Dorset Health Centre at the time. He cannot worry about ruffling feathers in the Department of Health.
Strong leadership is required now if the government wishes to restore the credibility of its health centres among the people they are obligated to serve.
Let's stop exporting talent Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, March 6, 2015
Leaving home to pursue higher education is a rite of passage for many students but in the case of the NWT it is often not a choice.
Aurora College is trying to stem the tide with plans to offer a post-secondary Bachelor of Education in the North Slave region.
This would allow Northerners who already have a bachelor degree in arts and science to take a two-year Bachelor of Education course at Aurora College and qualify for a teaching position. Right now, they would have to go south to take such a program or enter a full four-year program in Yellowknife.
The idea is already generating interest. Two dozen people attended an information session earlier this month. Dave Porter, chair of the college's school of education, said staff is researching the viability of the two-year post-secondary program in the North.
Many students, especially those seeking post-degree studies, are older with families and jobs in the North. They face either missing out on their education goals or having to quit their jobs and move south.
Chelsea Mason, 30, born and raised in Yellowknife, is getting her diploma in social work from the college but if she wants to go further she will have to complete her degree online or go the University of Regina, where Aurora College has academic connections. Others simply want to stay near their home, like Kristine Kraft, 19, a nursing student. She is seeking a specialist degree but with few options she may have to leave.
Having more specialist degrees available in Northern schools can be considered part of the GNWT's plan to stop out-migration. Even if students stay for only a few years, they will still be contributing to the local economy and help boost the population, not to mention transfer payments.
We applaud Aurora College for listening to their students and taking steps to expand programming as solution to filling the education gap.
We hope this is the beginning of more post-degree programming, allowing the college to not only retain Northern students, but to attract more from other parts of the nation.
Abernethy comes through at Stanton Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, March 6, 2015
During the past few months, we expect Health Minister Glen Abernethy has taken heat for a painfully inadequate Stanton hospital policy defining the role of security staff at the hospital.
Last week, he announced in the legislature that hospital security staff can now respond immediately to violent situations.
We have been told that at least one guard with appropriate training has been stationed in the emergency ward, with the intention that all security staff receive the appropriate training in short order. Abernethy has also agreed to MLA Bob Bromley's request that a territory-wide security review be done and reported back on within 120 days.
Bromley has been a leader in the crusade to improve security at the hospital and he should be considered a co-author of any improvements.
As health minister, Abernethy inherited this situation from the previous government which chose not to implement the full range of recommendations contained in the 2011 security review after a patient near-fatally stabbed himself in the hospital cafeteria. At first, despite an outcry from hospital staff and the public, Abernethy was slow to react and may not have acted as quickly as he did without a few stern warnings from Bromley. He should now be commended for moving forward with immediate and concrete action to improve security at the hospital.
Abernethy's recent actions show he meant it when he said: "We want safe, secure (hospital) facilities where a patient can receive the best care and our staff are safe."
We are now on the right track to achieving that safety and security for hospital staff and patients.
Thanks to those who enrich our communitiesDeh Cho Drum - Thursday, March 5, 2015
When reflecting on the news of the week in the region, it can be easy to find fault and point to issues that need to be addressed.
Instead this week I'm going to point out a few examples of what's going well.
As I've written in the past, Fort Simpson has a fairly strong and welcoming sense of community.
Part of that comes from the variety of events and activities available to village residents.
One big annual community organized event is nearly upon us. The Beavertail Jamboree will kick off this weekend in Fort Simpson.
The jamboree is a highly anticipated event based on conversations I've had with community members in the village.
There's an eight-person committee that ensures the event takes place, though many of the numerous activities planned for the week have been held in previous years so there isn't too much new to organize.
But there is fundraising as well as securing venues and performers.
Without people contributing time, the event wouldn't be as highly regarded as it is among residents.
Another example this week comes from those who are in the early stages of restarting a gun club in Fort Simpson. The group plans to formally organize and aims to raise money to improve the rifle range.
Ian Coates also has said he'd like the club to provide a venue for people to learn safe firearms practices.
While not in the village, another example to be applauded comes from Fort Liard.
After funding ran out, the youth centre was expected to close its doors until April.
However, another notice was later posted in the community that said it will stay open on Fridays. Sharon McLeod has volunteered to keep it open.
That deserves praise.
These are the kind of people who strengthen our communities.
So here's to the volunteers that give up some of their time so others can have activities that make this a good community to live in.
For those who coach sports, sit on festival committees, organize club or host community events, thank you.
Great man lostInuvik Drum - Thursday, March 5, 2015
One moment someone is here. The next they are gone.
I sat in town council chambers with councillor Terry Halifax last Wednesday night. The meeting was going to be cancelled because not enough councillors were available to meet quorum. However, they had to wait 15 minutes after the scheduled start time before they could officially cancel it. Halifax, Alana Mero, Jim McDonald and Grant Hood sat around with myself and a few others talking to pass the time. We joked, and laughed and talked about council issues.
I left before the councillors did, as they waited to briefly discuss an in-camera issue. Terry shot me a smile and nodded as I left. I said goodbye and headed to my car.
It was the last time I'd see him alive.
The following day I spent hours on the phone talking to the people who knew the four-term councillor. He had collapsed unexpectedly outside town hall, a building where he spent many days and nights fighting to make Inuvik a better place. He died at the hospital after being rushed for medical attention. He was 54.
A photographer, fearless muckraking journalist, selfless friend, admirable colleague, and firm believer in making Inuvik a great place to life. This was Terry, a man devoted to the people of this town - the ones he knew and the ones he didn't. Regardless of whether you knew him or not, he cared for each person and their well-being.
His partner Elizabeth Fraser told me Terry would give his heart and soul to whatever cause he believed in. He was fiery and outspoken. People didn't always see eye to eye with him. However, his friends and colleagues said he had the utmost respect for their point of view, even if it wasn't the same as his. He respected the people he worked with, a symbol of the type of person Terry was.
He genuinely cared about the future of this town, and dedicated his time to helping make it a better place. He was involved in countless youth workshops on photography, worked with Children's First Society to get the new daycare building finished. He dedicated his time to finding better ways to bring affordable energy to residents being strangled by high rates. He wanted to make a difference because he believed in this town.
Fraser said he wanted to bring the town to the glory it deserved. He worked hard during his four terms on council to achieve that. Sadly, he won't get to see the work he's done in recent years come to fruition.
As a teacher, he saw the struggles youth experienced and wanted to help them find success in their lives. He dedicated his time to making Inuvik a place where youth were happy to live and felt they had options to have a bright future. As former mayor Peter Clarkson said, he fought for the vulnerable, the little guy who didn't have a voice.
Terry embodied what it meant to be a member of a community -- bold, dedicated, and forward-thinking.
You will truly be missed.
Tough call a good moveYellowknifer - Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Asking children to go to to high school a year early has the potential to alarm students, faculty and parents alike -- which makes it all the more admirable that the Yellowknife Catholic School board decided to do it.
Yellowknife Catholic Schools student numbers show that St. Joseph School is at 90 per cent capacity.
"If we didn't move St. Joe's (students) we would have to take the kitchen area, close it off and make it a classroom," said Janet Toner, assistant superintendent for Yellowknife Catholic School board. "We would have to take the computer lab, close it off and make it a classroom, and we would probably have to use the stage of the gym and make it a classroom and that's what we've done before,"
So, next year, four classes and their teachers from St. Joe's will be transferred to four vacant classrooms in Weledeh. They will be joining other Grade 8s moved from overcrowded classrooms already in Weledeh. All the Grade 8s will then become part of the St. Patrick High School student body.
Previously, Catholic school board chair Simon Taylor suggested enrolment will keep growing as devolution draws more people to Yellowknife.
"Are we overloaded? We are. Are we able to accommodate it? We are, but we are starting to get squeezed," said Taylor in January 2014.
Shifting students from St. Joe's in Frame Lake to downtown may not have been the most popular decision. Back in November, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 consulted parents on the possibility of closing one of three district schools, mainly J.H. Sissons or William McDonald, due to declining enrolment. Parents turned out in force to fight for maintaining the status quo and won - no schools would close.
The public board decided to absorb any cash costs associated with maintaining schools at low capacity rather than pay the political price for doing something similar to what the Catholic board is now doing.
Should Yellowknife's population remain stagnant along with enrolment, public school parents may have to follow the practical example of Catholic school parents.
Adapting to change is healthy. Hanging onto a decaying status quo is not.
Modern magic takes back seat to traditional art
Editorial Comment by Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Kudos this week to those placing the spotlight back on visual art in the Kivalliq.
Visual art has been under fire for decades in this country.
More and more programs focused on art are being cut in our nation's schools and funding dollars have been slashed for artistic programs at an alarming rate.
As with so many things in this modern era, a part of the reason for the shift is technology's invasion into our everyday lives.
We listen to the music of so-called artists whose main musical instrument is computer software.
Even the voice coming from your stereo speakers or headphones is, more likely than not, as smooth as it is thanks to a sound engineer or producer's skill with the Auto-Tune program.
The program corrects the pitch of a vocal performance and allows so-so singers to become hitmakers, taking for granted you don't notice, or mind, a sprinkling of that Mr. Roboto sound in an increasing number of hit songs.
Others gifted on the mouse and keyboard can produce an array of modern magic in video, photography, graphic design and a host of other mediums, but, despite being known as electronic or digital art, is it truly art?
Inuit art, indeed Northern art in general, is beautiful to behold.
From the personal touch brought to an amauti, parka or pair of kamiik, to wall hangings, jewelry, carvings, ceramics and prints done by professional artisans, the vast majority are done in the most traditional of manners — by hand.
And their beauty is often stunning.
Another form of artistic beauty has been finding its way into our communities during the past few years and it's exciting because it's been primarily produced by youth.
A growing number of communities are adding colour and style to their daily backdrop with the creation of murals on both the inside and outside of various buildings.
Repulse Bay joined the growing list this past week with the help of a southern artist, joining Arviat, Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake in featuring youthful expression through artistic creation.
I've been fortunate enough to have seen three of the works in person and the others in high-resolution photos and all are quite impressive to behold.
The murals differ in design and presentation, but the majority share one thing in common.
The works nicely combine elements of traditional Inuit design and display with modern abstraction and flare, some of which would not look out of place in the environment of inner city street art.
A significant accomplishment, really, even taking into consideration the influence of the southern artists involved with many of the works in an instructional capacity.
The youths behind the art are deeply, if not entirely, rooted in Northern culture, yet, their instincts and artistic vision reach out to bridge the creative gap with their city-dwelling counterparts in the south.
Hopefully, this trend continues and more youth-inspired murals continue to be displayed in our communities.
It's a form of expression that lends itself to allowing our youthful artists to take the best of both worlds and apply it to their work.
And it truly is art!
