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Monday, May 18, 2015
Fire damages trailer home
A fire on May 13 damaged a trailer home in Towering Pines Trailer Park in Fort Smith.
No information on the incident was immediately available from the Fort Smith Fire Department, such as the extent of the damage to the building.
However one community resident, who saw the aftermath of the fire, said it appeared the trailer home may have been damaged to the point where it is not liveable.
RCMP were not available to provide any more information on the fire.
- Paul Bickford
Crash sends four to hospital
A single vehicle with six occupants crashed into a ditch outside Behchoko after rolling several times in the early morning hours of May 10.
According to an RCMP news release, police say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
The vehicle rolled several times before coming to a stop in a ditch according to an RCMP news release.
The occupants were taken to the Behchoko Health Centre. Two were released and four were transferred to the Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife for further assessment.
The names of the individuals involved with the crash have no been released.
Police are seeking any witnesses to the crash.
- Shane Magee
Campgrounds open
Most campgrounds across the territory are now open with a few exceptions.
Parks in the Beaufort-Delta Region near Inuvik will open June 1.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment said in a news release the GNWT plans to spend $2.5 million in upgrading and maintaining park infrastructure this year.
The plans include new hiking trails in Gwich'in Territorial Park and improvements to Prelude Lake's marina and shoreline.
Camping sites are available for pre-booking on the territorial government's NWT Parks website.
- Shane Magee
DEA election set in Fort Resolution
The Fort Resolution District Education Council has an election set for May 25.
All seven seats are open on the council, and 11 candidates have put their names forward.
The successful candidates will be elected for three-year terms.
- Paul Bickford
Paddling club to host courses
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Fort Smith Paddling Club will host two courses beginning in late June.
A Paddle Canada canoe trip instructor course will be held from June 26 to 29. It will involve a four-day canoe trip on the Slave River.
A Paddle Canada moving water instructor canoe course will be held on the Slave River from June 30 through July 2.
Interested individuals must register before June 1.
More information on the courses, including on the fee, is available by contacting the Fort Smith Paddling Club.
- Paul Bickford
Enterprise grows by more than 500 hectares
Enterprise
The council of the Hamlet of Enterprise approved third reading of eight bylaws which will see 533 hectares of Commissioner's land transferred to the community government from the GNWT.
The final reading took place at the council meeting on May 4.
Now, the hamlet has to have the land surveyed and registered.
The pieces of land are in various locations within the hamlet's corporate limits.
The largest is 326 hectare.
While the smallest is 13 hectares.
- Paul Bickford
Hands-on history
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Elders and other adult residents in Sachs Harbour will have the opportunity to delve into Inuvialuit history from June 7 to 12 during a community visit to Yellowknife's Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
The Sachs Harbour Community Corporation said on its Facebook page that the Ikaahuk Archaeology Project is organizing the trip and will be covering the cost of travel, accommodation and meals, as well as providing a $750 honorarium for the trip.
While at the heritage centre, participants will spend their time documenting artifacts from Banks Island.
- April Hudson
Goose hunt in full swing
Aklavik
Residents around Aklavik are taking full advantage of the special spring goose hunt that runs until May 28.
The hunt began on May 1 after Environment Canada declared snow geese and Ross's geese as "overabundant."
A special spring conservation harvest was announced throughout the Northwest Territories, except Banks Island, Victoria Island and Queen Elizabeth Islands.
There is a daily bag limit of 50 snow and Ross's geese, with no possession limit. Hunters are allowed to use recorded bird calls during their hunt.
Recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod said springtime usually pulls most of the community out to hunt geese, with this year being no exception.
Environment Canada is also encouraging hunters who are interested in participating in next year's conservation harvest to keep their 2014-15 federal permits.
- April Hudson
Kicks for kids
Tuktoyaktuk
Baby Beluga is back this June in Tuktoyaktuk and is expected to be as well attended as ever, according to the hamlet office.
Running from June 5 to 7, the jamboree features activities similar to those at the Beluga Jamboree, including an egg toss, raffles and the crowning of princes and princesses.
The event is for children ages 15 and under.
- April Hudson
Beaver hunting in full swing
Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake
People have been hunting in the bush for duck and beaver recently. Fishing has yet to start as the rivers are still flowing strongly and muddy right now.
Primarily geese, duck, beaver and muskrat are being hunted.
There have been a few bear sightings and people
are cautioned about
bear safety in the bush.
The fire crew has been training with the recent hot weather. Temperatures hit 30 C last week.
Almost the whole community came out for a Mother's Day feast of beaver, ribs and more.
- Stewart Burnett
Community cleanup on the way
Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte
Nahanni Butte invited the community out to clean up the town on May 16 starting at 1 p.m.
There was scheduled to be a volunteer sign-up sheet posted at the band office.
Gloves, bags and water bottles are being provided by NWT Power Corp.
The band office will be closed on May 18 for Victoria Day.
The community wishes a happy birthday to Sara Gordon on May 15.
- Stewart Burnett
River breaks on Mother's Day
Pehdzeh Ki/Wrigley
Students at Chief Julian Yendo School were treated to two days of sessions in a Take a Kid Gardening program last
week.
Students learned how to assemble planter boxes, prepare soil, plant seeds, identify plants and much more.
In June, six to eight youth will be heading to the Northwest Territories track and field championships.
Ice broke on the river on Mother's Day, signalling the start of spring.
People are getting ready for duck hunting and boating on the water. Ferry service should start soon.
It's been hot in Wrigley this past week, even hitting 30 C at one point.
- Stewart Burnett
Students attend soccer goalie clinic
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Echo Dene School hosted a goalies soccer clinic for youth May 15 through May 18.
A coach was scheduled to come from Yellowknife and registration was open to any interested youth.
Like the whole region, it's been hot in Fort Liard, with temperatures hitting 27 and 28 C last week.
- Stewart Burnett
Time for celebration
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Fort Providence celebrated a wedding between Violet Landry and Kevin Wilson on May 16.
- Stewart Burnett
Child dies in Iglulik apartment fire
Iglulik
A fire at an apartment unit in Iglulik claimed the life of one young boy and left another child and adult seriously injured May 15. According to RCMP, officers in the community "responded to a structure fire at a local multi-unit dwelling." The fire department and municipal enforcement were also on the scene.
"Three persons had been removed by fire personnel. Unfortunately, one child rescued from the dwelling has succumbed to their injuries," RCMP stated in the news release. "Another child and one adult rescued remain in serious condition and have been medically evacuated from the community. There are no reported injuries to the residents of the adjoining units."
Fire investigators and V Division support services were present in the community to assist with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
- Michele LeTourneau
HMS Erebus artifacts on display
Ottawa
New artifacts recovered from the HMS Erebus found during the recent expedition by Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Navy divers were unveiled May 13, stated Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq last week.
The artifacts are said to provide "a glimpse into the daily lives of the crew," stated a news release.
Parks Canada together with the Canadian Museum of History, in the Hull area of Gatineau, Que., directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, created a small exhibit of HMS Erebus artifacts to be on display over the Victoria Day Weekend from May 14 to 18. Parks Canada staff were scheduled to be on hand to answer questions. For those not able to attend in person, the exhibit is available for viewing online at the Parks Canada website.
"The stunning artifacts from HMS Erebus are bringing this famed piece of history to life and will allow Canadians to connect with Canada's Arctic past like never
before," stated Aglukkaq. "The continued research to uncover the mysteries of the Franklin Expedition will ensure this incredible story, the integral role that Inuit oral history played in locating the wreck, and the endless possibilities this find can bring to Canada's North, continue to be celebrated and passed on to future generations."
Artifacts included the ship's two six-pound bronze cannons, buttons from jackets of the Royal Marines, unique pieces of the ship's construction and personal effects such as a medicinal bottle, plates and glassware.
- Michele LeTourneau
Health advisory issued
Iglulik
The Department of Health issued an advisory May 14, in effect to the end of the month, stating a stomach illness is going around the community of Iglulik.
Recommended precautions to help stop the spread of the illness include washing hands often, after changing a baby's diaper, before preparing, cooking or eating food and after touching animals and pets.
People with symptoms are advised to stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. For those with symptoms lasting more than 48 hours, it is recommended to call the health centre.
- Michele LeTourneau
Elders' lunch and bingo
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
The Netsilik Ilihakvik Student Council every year hosts a luncheon and bingo for the elders of the community. The event was held May 7 in Taloyoak.
"We have more than 40 official elders in the community," said school principal Gina Pizzo. "They had a big lunch of caribou soup, bannock, tea biscuits and cheese, punch and trifle and tea for dessert."
The luncheon was followed by a bingo.
"Prizes included gas, naptha, a family pass to the fishing derby, fishing gear and much more," said Pizzo. "A good time was had by all and everyone went home with full stomachs, doggie bags and prizes."
Pizzo added that each year the student council also brings the elders turkeys and food hampers for special days like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
- Michele LeTourneau
Floe-edge advice offered
Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island
As spring arrives in the hamlets, one hunters' and trappers' organization is reminding hunters to take care at the floe edge.
"Don't forget to let your friend know where you might be off to and when you may return," Qikiqtarjuaq's Harry Alookie wrote on a community Facebook page. "Should your snow machine fail, be prepared and bring a camp stove to keep you warm and a tarp or a small tent to protect you from the elements and most importantly a communication device."
Alookie added that hunters should bring food, as well as a camera to share land trip photos with the community.
- Casey Lessard
QIA launches newsletter
Iqaluit
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association is working to improve its communications with beneficiaries by launching a newsletter in print and online May 12.
Tusarassat will be released quarterly, according to a statement, and will highlight the Inuit organization's work.
"This is just the beginning of QIA's efforts to increase its communication with our beneficiaries," president PJ Akeeagok stated.
The newsletter's content is informed by an online survey of beneficiaries that wrapped up in March.
Copies are available at the QIA community liaison offices across the region, and can be viewed on the QIA's website.
- Casey Lessard
Meeting about char
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Fisheries management and science research related to Arctic char will be discussed at a May 20 meeting in Cambridge Bay.
The public event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is scheduled to take place between 7 and 9 p.m at the town hall.
A management plan for the Arctic char commercial fishery was approved by Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in 2014. A community-based monitoring program was developed and science projects are taking place in the community.
Les Harris and Tyler Jivan are scheduled to update the community about these activities and talk about 2015 activities.
Community members are encouraged to attend to share their knowledge and participate in discussions.
- Michele LeTourneau
Food bank fundraises for food
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
The recently formed Inuit Ilagiit Society food bank in Pangnirtung is fundraising to buy food to stock its shelves, and will hold a fundraiser May 23 at the local radio station.
The food bank serves about 200 people each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, assuming there is food available to distribute.
The food bank and a soup kitchen opened in February, with plans to offer healing programs, as well as activities promoting Inuit language and cultural skills.
- Casey Lessard
Fishing derby time
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet has announced its annual fishing derby will be held from May 15 to 18.
This year's event has a 50-mile boundary.
Top prizes ranging from $4,000 for first place to $300 for 10th place will be awarded to the top catch for both cod and trout.
There is no entrance fee.
Measuring will take place on May 19, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in front of the recreation hall.
- Darrell Greer
Dog race in Baker Lake
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
The community of Baker Lake was scheduled to host the annual Qamanittuaq Development Corp.'s annual dogsled race from May 11 to 13.
Each team may only run four dogs in the race, which covers about 10 to 12 miles per day.
Each musher must sponsor an elder in the race, with the final leg set to go on May 13.
- Darrell Greer
Student scholarship approaching fast
Nunavut
The deadline to apply for the Nunavut Tunngavik's scholarship named for the late Jose Amaujaq Kusugak is May 31.
Two Inuit students will each win a $5,000 scholarship to pursue studies at accredited post-secondary institutions in the areas of education and Inuit language, or in other areas if there is a link between their studies and the promotion of Inuit rights, according to a news release.
Eligible post-secondary institutions include Nunavut Arctic College or academic institutions in southern Canada. An NTI jury reviews the applications and selects students based on their fields of study, written essay and references.
The scholarship is named for Kusugak, who dedicated his life to Nunavut and the advancement of Inuit rights.
"His passion and dedication to education and the promotion and preservation of Inuit language enabled Inuit to make many strides. NTI developed the scholarship in cooperation with Jose Kusugak's family after he passed away to ensure his legacy continues to inspire Inuit. A member of his family continues to hold a seat on the jury each year," the release states.
Information and forms can be found at the NTI website. Successful applicants will be announced on Nunavut Day, July 9, in Iqaluit.
- Michele LeTourneau
Uqqummiut candidates spent nothing
Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island
As United States politicians generate millions of dollars in their bids to win the U.S. presidency, candidates took the opposite approach in their efforts to win the Uqqummiut byelection.
Not one of the candidates spent a dime on their campaigns, Elections Nunavut said last week.
Just as none spent any money, none raised any money toward their campaigns. The limit for each category is $30,000.
Qikiqtarjuaq's Pauloosie Keyootak won the election, besting three candidates from Clyde River, James Arreak, Niore Iqalukjuak, and Sandy Kautuq.
- Casey Lessard
Recreation co-ordinator leaving league
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet rec coordinator David Clark has announced he is stepping down as a member of the executive for the Rankin Inlet Senior Men's Hockey League.
Clark has served on the league's executive board for past 12 years. He intends to focus more time on his role as a coach with the Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association.
- Darrell Greer
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