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Monday, April 20, 2015
Dehcho heads back to the table
The Dehcho First Nations, territorial and federal government negotiators will sit down for the first time in months in Yellowknife April 21.
The first issue on the agenda, requested by the territorial government, is a discussion about the Dehcho First Nations allegations against the GNWT regarding its conduct in the negotiations that have played out in the media as of late.
"While the GNWT firmly believes these DFN allegations are entirely without merit, these DFN allegations are very serious and need to be addressed to each party's satisfaction prior to the resumption of negotiations," cabinet spokesperson Shaun Dean stated in an e-mail to News/North.
If a resolution to these issues can be found the next item on the agenda will be the amount of land set aside for the Dehcho, which hasn't been seriously discussed in years.
- Andrew Livingstone
Fort Smith 'violent incident' prompts charges
Tony Vermillion of Fort Smith has been charged after an incident in the community April 16.
He was charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats, forceable confinement, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purposes and unsafe storage of a firearm.
The charges stem from what a police news release describes as a "violent incident" at a residence in the community April 16 shortly after 11 p.m. The 39-year-old man was arrested at the residence and remains in custody. He's expected to appear in court Tuesday.
- Shane Magee
Man charged after pointing firearm
Tyler Sage is facing charges of pointing a firearm and resisting arrest after he was arrested in Behchoko on April 11 according to RCMP. The 23-year-old was allegedly walking around the community pointing a rifle at several people before his arrest.
- Shane Magee
Assault charges after man bloodied
An unnamed man has been arrested and police say charges of aggravated assault are pending after another man was spotted walking in Hay River covered in blood April 12.
It was determined the bloody man was assaulted with a weapon, according to a news release.
The man arrested has been released from custody and is expected to appear in Hay River court July 13.
- Shane Magee
Fundraiser for Relay for Life
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A fundraiser has been planned in advance of this year's Relay for Life in Fort Smith.
The May 9 fundraiser is called 'Fort Smith Uncorked' and will feature an auction along with a wine and scotch tasting.
The Fort Smith Relay for Life - part of a national fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society - will be held June 13.
- Paul Bickford
Underground mining program at college
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A six-week course, Introduction to Underground Mining, is to be offered at Aurora College in Fort Smith.
It will teach the basics of underground mining, and is a requirement for anyone wishing to enrol in a more advanced program.
The program, which runs from June 15 to July 24, is being presented by the NWT Mine Training Society.
The application deadline is April 29.
- Paul Bickford
Fishing derby winner nets 18-pounder
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Fort Liard fishers were out in full force on April 10 to 12 to try their chances at snagging the biggest fish in the annual fishing derby.
Friday saw the biggest crowd of the weekend with 60 people, both fishers and on-lookers, out to participate, said Janna Deneron, one of the derby organizers.
"Overall, it was really good," she said.
"Friday was overcast and a bit chilly, but we had the best turnout. On Saturday, it was overcast but it got warm in the afternoon and the same on Sunday."
Frederick Nelson took top spot in the adult jackfish category by hooking an 18-pound fish. Yvonne Nande was second with a jackfish weighing in at 16 pounds even, and Dale Timbre finished third with a 15.11-pound jackfish.
Manny Vitale won the pickerel category with a 5.5-pound catch, followed by Victoria Klondike (five pounds) and John Gonat (four pounds).
There were two winners selected for both jackfish and pickerel in the youth category. Deneron said she had too many ties for third place to properly award a prize, so they went with top two instead.
Tyler Bertrand caught a eight-pound jackfish to win top honours, while Stevenson Klondike finished second with an eight-pound fish. Lynden Deneron caught a 4-pound pickerel for first place and Liam McLeod finished second with a 3.5-pound fish.
-Andrew Livingstone
Vying for prizes
Aklavik
Five pairs of princes and princesses have been busy around town fundraising for the Aklavik Kiddie's Carnival at the end of the month.
There are $6,000 in prizes to be won at the annual carnival, said recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod, as well as iPads for the winning prince and princess, and iPad minis for the runners-up.
"They're all working really hard, I think we're going to have to decide in the next week, but I think we're going to have to get something for everyone," said McLeod.
Fundraisers have been held nearly every day, he said, ranging from cake walks to luncheons and all kinds of raffles.
"Whatever they raise, they raise," he said.
"It all goes toward the carnival."
- Meagan Leonard
Good crowd for jamboree
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
Despite some snow and cold weather, many community members came out to partake in the longstanding Aklavik Jamboree this weekend.
The event included Ski-Doo races and both singles and doubles events, such as an egg and spoon race. The evenings also saw dancing and a talent show that capped off the final night of the annual event.
Running the whole weekend down by the river, the jamboree remains a popular event for community members of all ages.
- Meagan Leonard
New map shows Inuktitut place names
Nunavut
Nunavut place names in Inuktitut are included in the newest edition of the map of Canada, announced Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford April 15.
"By adding the Inuktitut names of places in Canada's North, we not only recognize the importance of Inuit culture but demonstrate our government's commitment to celebrating our Northern history," said Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq. "I am also proud that the new map will now include two additional national parks that our government has created to protect our rich natural heritage."
The newest version of the map also includes winter roads in Northern Canada to demonstrate how Canadians actively access and use the North.
- Michele LeTourneau
Yellowknife firm gets GN contract
Nunavut
The Government of Nunavut has hired a Yellowknife company to improve its communications.
"Tait Communications and Consulting was hired to develop an internal communication strategy to help to unite GN employees as 'One Government,'" according to the company's website. "Tait completed baseline research, best practices research, and environmental scan to develop an internal communication strategy."
The communications strategy includes training on how to best respond to media questions, according to a source close to the project.
"That campaign is only in the preliminary stages, and a plan for that is still under development. I'd be happy to pass along information about that when we are closer to rolling something out," said Catriona Macleod, director of communications for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
- Michele LeTourneau
Tips lead to arrests for armed robberies
Iqaluit
RCMP thanked the public last week for help potentially solving two armed robberies at Iqaluit's KFC and Pizza Hut Quikstop April 6 and 12.
Two youth were arrested shortly after the April 12 robbery. Further investigation led to charges against one of the youth in relation to the April 6 robbery.
A third youth faces charges in relation to that robbery. An adult male faces charges after he was connected to both robberies. The incidents are the latest in a rash of variety store robberies in the capital. Police announced in February that they had solved five of six incidents between October and February.
- Casey Lessard
Aglukkaq on the move
Nunavut
Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq, the minister responsible for the Arctic Council, announced April 8 that she will meet with communities in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories between April 9 and 15 to discuss the Arctic Council and Canada's achievements as council chairman.
Canada has put Northerners at the forefront of the Arctic Council's agenda, according to the news release.
The theme of Canada's Arctic Council chairmanship is Development for the People of the North, with a focus on responsible resource development, safe Arctic shipping and sustainable circumpolar communities.
The tour is in advance of the meetings in Iqaluit April 24 and 25, when Canada will hand over the Arctic Council reins to its southern neighbor, the United States.
The council is made up of eight Arctic states: Canada (current chair), Sweden (past chair), Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and the United States and six permanent participant organizations representing the indigenous peoples of the North.
- Michele LeTourneau
New commissioner to be selected
Ottawa
Former Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Charlie Evalik and former Nunavut Arctic College president Mike Shouldice have been appointed to help select the next vice-regal representative for Nunavut. Commissioner Edna Elias is to retire next month.
"Their knowledge of Nunavut and collective experience will be invaluable in assisting to find strong candidates for the position of Commissioner of Nunavut," Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated in a release.
Evalik and Shouldice join permanent advisory committee on vice-regal appointments for Nunavut members Kevin MacLeod, Robert Watt, and Dr. Jacques Monet in recommending the next commissioner.
Harper will choose the representative of the Queen after the committee creates a shortlist for his consideration.
- Casey Lessard
Kukluktuk boy names police dog
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
Giancarlo Torretti of Kugluktuk is one 13 people from across Canada who won the RCMP's Name the Puppy contest.
Torretti, a Grade 2 student at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik, suggested the name Hunter for a new German shepherd pup bred at the RCMP's Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alta., where service dogs are trained.
Each winner was to receive a certificate, an eight-inch by 10-inch laminated photo of the puppy they named, a plush German shepherd toy dog named Justice and an RCMP cap.
"Everyone at the centre was blown away by not only the number, but also the creativity of all the entries," said Insp. Andre Lemyre, the officer in charge of Police Dog Services.
"Congratulations to the 13 winners and my sincere thanks to every boy and girl who suggested a name."
There were more than 21,000 entries this year, twice the number as last year. All names had to start with the letter H.
- Michele LeTourneau
Jail and Bail raises money
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Three people went to jail, and seven others posted bail to avoid jail time, as part of a fundraiser April 11.
"There were 10, but most of them bailed," said Doreen Iqqaqsaq. "If they don't want to serve their time, they have to pay."
The price was $1 per minute, and people could pay to send someone to jail at the Hunters and Trappers Organization office, where Iqqaqsaq is the manager. Those wanting to avoid jail time could pay the same price as bail. The three people who served time spent five minutes each in the mock jail.
The fundraiser raised more than $100 for the Piruqsaivik committee, she said.
- Casey Lessard
Museum training deadline looms
Kivalliq
Residents of the Kivalliq region are reminded that the Canadian Museum of History is now accepting applications for its RBC Aboriginal Training Program in Museum
Practices.
The eightmonth program offers professional and technical training in museum practices to First Nations, Metis and Inuit from across Canada. The deadline for applications is April 30.
All training is under the supervision of museum staff in a variety of fields, including research, collections, exhibitions, public programs, corporate affairs, development and museum services.
The objective of the internship is to offer practical experience for aboriginal people who would like to broaden their skills in various aspects of museum work. Since its inception, close to 100 aboriginal trainees have successfully completed the program.
The RBC Aboriginal Training Program in Museum Practices is supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Project.
- Darrell Greer
Rangers being trained now
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The Rankin Inlet Canadian Ranger Patrol is holding a training exercise from April 7 to 17.
The Rankin Rangers are participating in annual training, as well as familiarization with the .303 Lee Enfield rifle.
The exercise is part of annual training conducted each year by patrols under the command of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Annual training consists of classroom theory plus practical application of military and traditional skills out on the land.
Patrol members receive instruction in navigation, patrol reconnaissance, weapons handling and safety, along with skills essential to being a Canadian Ranger.
- Darrell Greer
Concerns solicited in Sanikiluaq
Sanikiluaq
PJ Akeeagok, the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, will be in Sanikiluaq this week to hear community concerns and share information about QIA programs.
The trip runs from April 20 to 22. On April 20, Akeeagok will take part in a community radio show at 7 p.m. The next day, he will host an open house at the community hall from 11 a.m. to noon, then visit with elders in the afternoon.
Before he leaves April 22, he is expected to join a gathering of students at Patsaali School.
- Casey Lessard
Plans for Hamlet Day
Qausuittuq/Resolute
The hamlet of Resolute Bay is quiet at the moment as the community is focused on polar bear hunting. But Nathaniel Chouinard, with the youth committee, said plans are in the works for Hamlet Day festivities on May 15.
"We're hoping to have a feast, a day of sliding and other outdoor activities," said Chouinard.
The youth committee has been taking a break since the Christmas Games, although committee members continue to organize movie nights.
"It's pretty hard to do activities when quite a few people are out (hunting). Probably starting next month there will be more and more stuff happening."
- Michele LeTourneau
Giant raffle for derby
Igluligaarjuk/Chesterfield Inlet
The Chesterfield Inlet Fishing Derby Committee is holding a giant raffle in support of the community's upcoming fishing derby. Ten great prizes are up for grabs ranging from airline tickets to a sewing machine and work boots.The draw for the prizes will take place on May 10 at 9 p.m. at the hamlet gym, following the SkiDoo race winner's awards.
- Darrell Greer
Iqaluit considers Aeroplan for donation
Iqaluit
A cash-strapped Iqaluit city council faced a dilemma April 14 when students from Inuksuk High School requested a donation to help get the students to a leadership conference in Alberta.
Council has no money and deputy mayor Romeyn Stevenson - also the school's vice-principal - opposed the idea of giving his own students the money because he feared it would open council up to requests for donations from every community group needing help.
It's a sentiment he has expressed at many council meetings in the past. But other councillors supported giving the students the money, and asked finance director John Mabberi-Mudonyi to check the books to see how much is in council's donation fund.
"The amount is zero," he told council.
Facing that answer, councillor Joanasie Akumalik pointed to an earlier comment by Mayor Mary Wilman, who said city travel has led to an accumulation of more than one million Aeroplan airline loyalty points. He suggested donating some. The vote split down the middle, and Wilman had to cast the deciding vote, in favour of finding money for the group.
- Casey Lessard
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