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Monday, September 7, 2015
Liard gym re-opens
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
The school gym has re-opened after 11 days of closure due to floor repairs going on.
Students are back at Echo Dene School for the fall term. Last week, school staff took part in a culture day and boated to Francois Landing.
To encourage students to attend class regularly, the school will be holding an assembly at the end of each month to celebrate students who attend every day.
Pizza will be included.
On Sept. 4, the school will be hosting a community barbecue in the schoolyard for anyone who wants to drop by.
Arts and crafts demonstrations and workshops will take place Sept. 5 at the Echo Dene School gym. Facilitated by the GNWT Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, workshops are scheduled to include beading, tufting, printmaking and sewing, among others.
A petting zoo is planned and workshops are to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- April Hudson
Open Sky dance on deck
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Open Sky Creative Society will be holding an adult dance on Sept. 12 starting at 10 p.m. in the recreation centre.
On Sept. 12, the Department of Transportation will be holding an emergency exercise.
A family golf tournament is scheduled to take place at the Seven Spruce Golf Course on Sept. 13 beginning at 1 p.m.
- April Hudson
School back in session
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
Children who attend the Louis Norwegian School had their first day of classes on Aug. 31. The community is wishing a happy birthday to Shaylynn Hope on Sept. 19.
- April Hudson
Dizzy Days return
Aklavik
While children and youth have returned back to school, Aklavik's annual Dizzy Days festival offered one last chance to celebrate the summer season and kick off the fall.
From Sept. 4 to 6 a number of events were scheduled to keep both young and old busy in the community, said community rec co-ordinator Dean McLeod. For all three days, a kiddie carnival was on the event roster with games such as a fishing pond, baseball and football throw and balloon popping with darts.
The organizing committee purchased hefty prizes with money raised through the adult Nevada Casino and merchandise bingo that was scheduled to follow the carnival.
The festival has been running in the community for more than 30 years, bringing out a big crowd to welcome in the fall season.
As well as the festival, community recreation planned a slo-pitch tournament over the weekend, giving sports enthusiasts even more to celebrate.
- Elaine Anselmi
Youth Centre ramps up
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Although funding remains a challenge at the Arctic Fox Youth Centre in Ulukhaktok, programming is still lined up to keep children busy at the end of the school
day.
Regular arts and craft activities begin after the bell rings and several events such as movie nights, and manicure and pedicure days, will offer activities to any youth interested in joining in, according to youth centre co-ordinator Chelsey Oliffe.
With the centre right next to the school, traffic is starting to pick up at the youth centre now that everyone is back in class.
As the warm weather comes to a close, activities are moving indoors - although the snowfall will offer a
new batch of outdoor fun such as snowman and iglu building.
Although no plans are yet set, fundraising efforts to keep programming on at the youth centre will continue.
- Elaine Anselmi
Fall recreation awaited
Tuktoyaktuk
The September schedule for recreation in Tuktoyaktuk hasn't yet been released but new programming will be starting up with the onset of fall.
Students are all back in school, taking most of the attention of the community and members are still coming in from the land.
The caribou hunt continues, likely for a few more weeks.
The hamlet is discussing hosting a feast to thank the community members who volunteered for various positions throughout the summer although no official plans have been made yet.
- Elaine Anselmi
Focus on school
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
The summer highs are coming down as fall moves in and students head back to class.
With school beginning last week, the community is quiet as everyone is focused on the first week of class.
- Elaine Anselmi
Deninu Ku'e seeks ideas for island retreats
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Deninu Ku'e First Nation of Fort Resolution is looking to get money to host healthy family retreats.
The retreats on Mission Island would feature no drugs, no alcohol and no gambling, and limited electronics.
According to an announcement from the First Nation, the idea is to have a family stay at the island for four to seven days.
There would be some basic supplies available, such as pots, pans and lanterns. Plus, there may be board games, puzzles and other family activities.
The First Nation is looking for ideas on what the program should look like.
- Paul Bickford
Voters can now register to vote online, thanks to a new interactive tool released by Elections NWT.
On the Elections NWT website, users can confirm they're registered to vote. If not registered already, users can use the online voter registration page to put their name on the list.
In order to register, users must provide their name, date of birth, gender, address and verify they are a Canadian citizen, over 18-years old and a resident of the Northwest Territories. Then, users are given a confirmation number and reminded to show up to the polls on election day with a valid form of identification. A list of approved forms of identification can also be found on the Elections NWT site.
- Randi Beers
MACA seeks fire service award nominations
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) has put out a call for nominations for the NWT Fire Service Merit Awards.
The awards recognize individuals and fire departments for their contributions to fire safety and service in their communities. Nominations can be found on the MACA website or by calling the local assistant fire marshal.
The deadline for nominations is Sept. 25.
- John McFadden
NWT drivers can sign up for licence reminders
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that drivers in the NWT can now sign up to receive texts from the department.
Those who have signed up will be reminded of expiring licences, identification cards, vehicle registrations, driver exams and medical renewals, according to a DOT news release. To access the service, log on to the DOT's online DMV services on the department's website.
- John McFadden
Mental Health Act tour continues
There will be four public meetings this week dealing with the Mental Health Act across the territory.
The legislative assembly's Standing Committee on Social Programs is in Fort Smith at the Pelican Rapids Inn at 7 p.m. Sept 8. On Sept. 9 the committee will meet at the Ptarmigan Inn in Hay River. Later that some day the committee meets at 7 p.m. at Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall in Fort Resolution and on Sept. 10 the committee meets in Fort Providence at the Snowshoe Centre at 7 p.m.
- John McFadden
Coronor's inquest into 45 suicides a go
Iqaluit
The long-awaited discretionary inquest into suicide in Nunavut, promised by the Office of the Coroner in January 2014 and originally scheduled for the fall of that same year, is set to begin in Iqaluit Sept. 14.
Chief coroner Padma Suramala called the inquest in response to the 45 suicides in the territory in 2013.
That was the highest number of suicides in one year since the territory's creation in 1999.
At the time, Suramala said "the intent of the inquest is to build on the work already done by the chief coroner and the community coroner with respect to suicide, highlight risk factors and warning signs, raise public awareness and facilitate making recommendations to avoid preventable deaths in the future."
On Sept. 11, prior to the start of the inquest, Suramala will address the challenges her office has faced to schedule the proceedings since her 2014 announcement.
Suramala had previously stated that the primary reason for the delay of the discretionary inquest was a mandatory inquest into the death of Solomon Uyarasuk held Nov. 24 to 28, 2014 in Iglulik.
Suramala also said, "There are challenges regarding participants testifying for the inquest due to the sensitivity surrounding suicide."
Many family members called by the coroner to give insight into the lives of suicide victims had declined to participate in the inquest process.
– Michele LeTourneau
Trial of former teacher adjourned
Sanikiluaq
Testimony by a long list of witnesses in the sexual assault trial of a former Sanikiluaq school teacher ended late last month with an adjournment until final arguments in December.
Johnny Meeko, a former elementary teacher, is facing historic sex charges from several victims during his time as an educator. Meeko is facing 32 charges including sexual assault, sexual interference and assault.
The crimes are alleged to have taken place at Nuiyak Elementary School between 1984 and 2006.
– Stewart Burnett
Iqaluit taxi driver robbed
Iqaluit
RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in finding out who robbed a taxi driver at around midnight on Aug. 27.
A man described as wearing a white-hooded sweatshirt had hailed a taxi near Hotel Arctic and asked to be taken to a "White Row" unit in Iqaluit.
During the ride, the suspect became violent and demanded money, the RCMP stated in a news release. A physical altercation ensued and the man fled the taxi on foot in the direction of NorthMart.
No one was injured during the event. Anyone with any information is asked to call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
– Stewart Burnett
MP backs review board
Nunavut
In a two-page written statement released Aug. 28, Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq said she supports the Nunavut Impact Review Board's decision to reject Areva Canada's proposed uranium mine near Baker Lake.
Aglukkaq was in Baker Lake on the weekend.
"There is a lot of discussion on the proposed Kiggavik uranium project and I want to assure Nunavummiut that I will continue to advocate that the NIRB's recommendations always be respected, including in this case," she stated.
Aglukkaq, who is seeking a third term in the Oct. 19 federal election, encouraged "the project proponent to work directly with the NIRB and Nunavummiut to ensure that all questions and concerns raised by local communities are properly addressed."
As an example of beneficial mining projects, Aglukkaq mentioned Agnico Eagle Mines, which has two gold projects in the Kivalliq region.
Aglukkaq asserted, "Nunavut's resource sector must only be developed in consultation with Inuit and in a responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. We must ensure that the land, water and wildlife that Nunavummiut depend on are protected for future generations."
Areva Canada requested July 3 that Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister Bernard Valcourt not accept the Nunavut Impact Review Board report and decision, which in May rejected the company's proposal in part because it did not provide a start date.
– Michele LeTourneau
Date set for Adlair lawsuit
Kitikmeot
A $31.5-million lawsuit dating back to 2012 filed by Adlair Aviation against the Government of Nunavut (GN) is scheduled for a courtroom in December.
In 2011, Adlair, which had been under contract with the GN to provide medevac service in the Kitikmeot since 2002, lost the contract to Aqsaqniq Airways, a partner of Yellowknife-based Air Tindi, owned in turn by Discovery Air based in London, Ont.
Aqsaqniq was awarded a $25-million medevac services contract and, in its statement of defence, the GN confirms it was not necessary for bidders to have an office, hangar and staff in Cambridge Bay at the time the competition closed. Possession of a Transport Canada aviation licence or operating certificate was also not mandatory, it further states, Nunavut News/North reported in February, 2013. "
Adlair is suing for general damages, loss of profit, temporarily shutting down its business and the termination of Aqsaqniq's contract.
In its statement of claim, Adlair alleged Aqsaqniq caused "critical delays in (Aqsaqniq's) air ambulance service leading to delays in medical treatment and the death of patients."
– Michele LeTourneau
Conservatives oppose carbon tax
North
Conservative candidates in the North released a joint statement last week opposing the potential implementation of a carbon tax.
"The Conservative government has a long-standing record of standing up for Northerners and making investments in the North to directly benefit people and families living in the territories," stated a news release, which was attributed to Leona Aglukkaq in Nunavut, Floyd Roland in the NWT and Ryan Leef in the Yukon.
"The cost of living in each territory is much higher than the south. From the food on our tables to the cars that we drive, almost everything is shipped up to the North. That is why we are deeply concerned by the Liberals and NDP, who have vowed to create carbon taxes across Canada."
The joint release stated any form of carbon tax would "impact ever single person living in the North" and make it even more expensive to live and work here.
They said the Conservative Party understands that Northerners do not want new taxes that will raise the cost of living.
– Stewart Burnett
Copper Inuit qayak almost home
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
The historic Copper Inuit qayak resting in an Edmonton couple's home for 40 years was expected to finally arrive in Kugluktuk during the first week of September.
"The qayak was moved about two weeks ago from its Edmonton storage and is currently underway to Kugluktuk," said Kitikmeot Heritage Society executive director Brendan Griebel. "It will stay in its crate in Kugluktuk until such time as we build a special display case for it (at the Ulu Centre)."
The qayak's trip home is thanks to the Government of Nunavut's Department of Culture and Heritage and the generosity of Yellowknife-based Buffalo Airways, said Griebel, who travelled to Edmonton in mid-August to prepare the qayak for travel.
Griebel thinks the qayak was built in the 1950s. Once the qayak arrives in Kugluktuk, people in the community will work to track its maker.
– Michele LeTourneau
Cultural display staged
for cruise ship passengers
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
A Quark Expeditions cruise ship made a surprise stop in Arctic Bay last week, and passengers were greeted by a lively cultural display from the community.
"It was a bit of an eventful weekend," said Clare Kines, economic development officer for the hamlet. "We weren't expecting any ships this year."
About 90 passengers were treated with throatsinging, drum dancing, local maktaaq and other cultural presentations at Uluksa.
"We were quite happy to see them," said Kines.
– Stewart Burnett
New health centre opens
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
The new health centre in Taloyoak was officially opened Sept. 3 with a sealskin ribbon cutting.
"It's a beautiful, beautiful building," senior administrative officer Greg Holitzki told Nunavut News/North last September. "They're hoping to be completed by December."
Health Minister Paul Okalik, assisted by Deputy Premier Monica Ell, Nattilik MLA Jeanne Ugyuk and Mayor Joe Ashevak officiated at the opening ceremony.
"The new health centre is a much-needed facility for the people of Taloyoak, as we can now better support our health care team in the delivery of high quality health services," stated Okalik in a news release. "This facility allows our clients to access full services and programs in a space that meets current building codes for a health-care facility."
The new facility replaces the aging health centre constructed in 1987. It features modern digital X-ray equipment, patient examining rooms, a spacious waiting room, emergency treatment facilities, and apartments for health-care staff and nurses on the second floor.
"The facilities for the staff are going to be a lot better, so happier staff and hopefully longer-term people. That's always important. The longer you can keep staff, the more things will happen in your community," said Holitzki.
Construction cost of the new facility is estimated at $29.6 million.
– Michele LeTourneau
$20,000 towards literacy
Nunavut
The Ilitaqsiniq-Nunavut Literacy Council received $20,000 as the top winner of the Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award this past week.
The council's Miqqut program embeds literacy and essential skills into the development of traditional sewing skills in a learning environment where participants can use either Inuktitut or English for reading, writing and speaking.
The Ilitaqsiniq Nunavut Literacy Council will share the details of its winning program in a national webinar for Canadian literacy practitioners, hosted by ABC Life Literacy Canada and designed to help build capacity in the literacy field on a date to be determined.
– Darrell Greer
Hunters look forward to caribou
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Hunters in Kimmirut are anxiously awaiting the delivery of their tags so they can harvest some caribou.
The government recently announced that 250 tags would be available for Baffin Island hunters, split between the communities.
Hosea Mpofu, senior administrative officer for the hamlet, said the summer has seen a lot of successful fishing so far and now people want to get their caribou hunt on.
"Yesterday and today the weather was very good, so most of the people were out on the land hunting," said Mpofu last week. "They are also looking forward to hunting caribou because it's now been opened. They're just waiting for their tags."
– Stewart Burnett
Activities by the lake
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
Something for all ages was offered during the community of Baker Lake's Festival By The Lake held in the community from Aug. 28 to 30.
Among the many activities featured at the festival were a hot air balloon, bouncy castle and slide, arts and craft sale, the musical entertainment of Mr. Mark, face painting, open mic talent show, an Elvis impersonator and a fireworks display among many others.
The Calm Air Junior Cup mixed slo-pitch championship was also held during the festival.
– Darrell Greer
Visitors take youth scuba diving
Qikiqtarjuak/Broughton Island
Some visitors in a sailboat came to Qikiqtarjuak from Greenland, and local youth got some impromptu scuba diving lessons.
"They came in a couple days ago, so the students are excited," said Mayor Mary Killiktee last week, adding that the group has travelled all the way from France. "They're doing a scuba dive here. It's an after-school special project for those that want to try out the suits, and the boys are so excited with that."
She was happy to see a lot of young people registered in school this year and said the scuba diving opportunity generated a lot of interest.
– Stewart Burnett
Hockey star invited to summit
Iqaluit
Jordin Tootoo has been officially called out. The NHL hockey player from Rankin Inlet is currently on the roster for the New Jersdey Devils.
The participants of the 10th National Inuit Youth Summit in Iqaluit this past month posted a video on social media thanking Tootoo for supplying a video to the 2015 event on Aug. 28.
In the video the youth officially invited Tootoo to be a participant at the 2017 National Inuit Youth Summit.
– Darrell Greer
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