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Monday, December 14, 2015
Hay River murder charge stayed
A second degree murder charge against Lori Roberta Hansen of Hay River was stayed at the request of a Crown prosecutor Dec. 8.
Staying a charge means prosecution has ended, though it is possible it could be restart within a year.
In a news release, RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko stated police carried out a "complete and thorough investigation" leading to the charge against Hansen after the April 8 death of Roberta Sabourin, whose was found April 8 in the Hay River highrise apartment building having suffered apparent stab wounds.
Police and the Crown prosecutor's office consider the case closed, RCMP stated in the release.
- Shane Magee
Power companies warn of scam
Northwest Territories Power Corporation and Northland Utilities warned customers of a telephone scam last week.
In a news release, Pam Coulter, spokesperson for Northwest Territories Power Corporation stated someone claiming the businesses had called customers in Hay River and Fort Simpson demanding immediate payment or their electricity would be cut off.
The warnings began after calls were made to people and businesses in Fort Simpson. On Dec. 10, the calls also were received in Hay River.
The power corp. stated in the news release that RCMP have been notified of the calls.
- Shane Magee
Accidental poisoning leads to charges
Willard Brooks, 20, of Tuktoyaktuk has been charged with unlawful sale of liquor under the territorial Liquor Act.
The charge, according to an RCMP news release, comes after the "unintentional poisoning" of two people in October in the community.
"A thorough police investigation has determined that the contamination of the beverage which was sold was not intentional," said the release from RCMP spokesperson Const. Elenore Sturko.
The statement warned against storing food and drinks in containers used to hold toxic substances.
- Shane Magee
Hamlet election day
Today, Dec. 14, is election day for the territory's hamlets.
Residents in Aklavik, Enterprise, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, Tulita and Ulukhaktok will head to the polls to choose new mayors and council.
- Randi Beers
Pellet mill deal inked
Enterprise
Pen has been put to paper for the sale of land in Enterprise on which to build a wood pellet plant.
John Leskiw II, the mayor of the Hamlet of Enterprise, said the signing took place on Nov. 27 at the hamlet office.
There had been some discussion about possibly having a signing ceremony. Instead, Leskiw said Brad Mapes, a Hay River businessman and majority owner of the proposed plant, simply dropped into the hamlet office.
Under the agreement, Aurora Wood Pellets Ltd. is buying 3.2 square kilometres of land on the north side of the community from the Hamlet of Enterprise.
Mapes, who recently was elected mayor of Hay River, has been working on the project for almost five years.
Aurora Wood Pellets Ltd. won't likely get title to the land until May. Afterward, there will be some clearing and preparatory work before construction starts next year.
Construction is expected to take 14 months to complete, meaning the plant could be operational by 2017. The hope is to produce at least 150,000 cubic metres of pellets each year but that could increase depending on supply.
A 150,000-cubic-metre production would mean about 45 to 50 jobs at the site, probably 55 truck drivers and spinoff jobs. Harvesting will be controlled by community groups, including in Fort Resolution and Fort Providence.
- Paul Bickford
Students get ready for careers in trades
Thebacha/Fort Smith
More than 45 students from across the South Slave have converged on Aurora College's Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith for the week-long Intensive Trades Awareness Program from Dec. 7 to 11.
The program introduces junior high and high school students to various trades - including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, cooking or mechanics - that are available at Aurora College.
"Since 2005, hundreds of students from across the South Slave have been invited to Aurora College to learn what it takes to succeed in the trades," stated Curtis Brown, superintendent of the South Slave Divisional Education Council, in a news release.
The program is presented by Aurora College, the South Slave Divisional Education Council, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
- Paul Bickford
Christmas parade in Simpson
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson was set for holiday cheer on Dec. 13, as a Christmas parade was scheduled for that evening.
Immediately following the parade, Fort Simpson's Chamber of Commerce planned to hold a Christmas gathering for the community at the community hall. Everyone was welcome to attend. Hot chocolate, hotdogs and snacks were on the menu and community members had the opportunity to meet Santa.
Class 5 students at Bompas Elementary School are fundraising for Christmas holiday food baskets by selling bags of Magic Reindeer Food for Christmas Eve.
They will also be holding a cake walk, although a date has not yet been scheduled.
- April Hudson
Jean Marie open house
Tthek'ehdeli/Jean Marie River
On Dec. 14, today, Jean Marie River First Nation is scheduled to be hold its open house from 1 to 3 p.m.
On Dec. 17, there will be a school Christmas concert at 2 p.m.
- April Hudson
Students show spirit for the season
Ulukhaktok
Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School hosted its annual Christmas concert on Dec. 9.
The community was welcome for the event, which showcased the entire school.
Beginning at 7 p.m., students performed skits and carols, entertaining the crowd before the school breaks for the Christmas holiday.
- Elaine Anselmi
Holiday light show in Fort McPherson
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
Decorations went up in the community complex on Dec. 8, with both New Year's and Christmas ornaments decking the halls. On Dec. 9 elders in the community had a Christmas dinner at the complex with the food prepared mostly by staff at the health centre, said recreation co-ordinator Stephanie Peterson.
RCMP helped serve the dinner and Peterson said a number of other groups also stepped in to assist with the event.
As well, on Dec. 10 children were scheduled to have a chance to take part in early holiday celebrations with a cookie baking and decorating session.
On. Dec. 12, Peterson said recreation was planning on hosting a ham and turkey bingo for adults at the complex.
- Elaine Anselmi
Byelection set for Netsilik
Taloyoak and Kugaaruk will vote for a new member of the Legislative Assembly on Feb. 8.
The byelection is being held after MLA Jeannie Ugyuk resigned her seat following a vote of non-confidence in her role as minister of the Department of Family Services during a leadership forum Nov. 7.
But before a vote takes place, candidates must step forward.
"The chief electoral officer will issue the writ on Jan. 4. The returning officer and assistant returning officers will be accepting declarations of candidacy starting Jan. 4 and ending at 2 p.m. local time on Jan. 8," states Elections Nunavut.
"A byelection in February will ensure there is a new member of the legislative assembly to represent the people of Taloyoak and Kugaaruk in the winter 2016 sitting," stated Premier Peter Taptuna in a news release.
Information for potential candidates is available from Elections Nunavut.
- Michele LeTourneau
Ottawa to launch inquiry
Ottawa
A national inquiry to address the high number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada will go forward, the federal government announced Dec. 8.
"The government will immediately begin engaging with survivors, family members and loved ones of victims, as well as national aboriginal, provincial and territorial representatives to seek their views on the design and scope of the inquiry," stated a press release.
The meetings will be led by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, Justice Minister and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould and Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed welcomed the announcement
"Inuit are ready to do our part to fully examine this issue," stated Obed. "We acknowledge that considerations with respect to murdered and missing Inuit women and girls are unique. We are ready to work with all organizations that represent Inuit to tackle the Inuit-specific causes and find Inuit-driven solutions to strengthen our communities."
- Michele LeTourneau
Program receives $20,000
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The after-school program administered by the Kitikmeot Heritage Society in Cambridge Bay received an early Christmas present this year - $20,000 from the Royal Bank of Canada.
"The program is a space for children from kindergarten to Grade 6 at Kullik Ilihakvik to come and enjoy time after school from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with their peers/friends," said Pam Gross, community director for the society.
"We have two students from the high school that work as after-school support as we have upwards of 60 children coming into the May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre on a daily basis to spend time reading or listening to a story, playing board games, playing on the computers, Nintendo DS, or their favourite - making crafts."
Gross says it's thanks to such contributions the society can operate the program.
- Michele LeTourneau
Christmas show prepares to hit stage
Arviat
The John Arnalukjuak High School (JAHS) Drama Club will be performing Norm Foster's Dear Santa at the school's theatre on Dec. 16 and 17.
The Christmas production follows on the heels of last year's very successful production of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, directed by Gord Billard. The club's plays involve numerous community members and do not focus only on the actors but typically place a high emphasis on behind-the-scenes volunteers, involved in makeup, creating costumes, styling hair and other duties.
- Darrell Greer
Bear sightings reported in two communities
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Both Kimmirut and Pond Inlet have reported polar bear sightings recently, a reminder to residents to be careful and on the lookout.
In Pond Inlet, a polar bear with two cubs was seen near the Qairsuarjuk area. A conservation officer was notified, who chased them away.
That sighting was just after a polar bear had been spotted between the town and the dump two days prior. A fox has also been seen lately around the high school and fuel tanks.
Residents of Kimmirut are reminded that if any polar bears are killed in or near the dump site, the remains need to go to the Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association because it would be classified as a defence kill.
- Stewart Burnett
Youth plan wolf hunt
Arviat
A group of participants in the Arviat Young Hunters program planned to head out on the land from Dec. 13 to 20 on a wolf-hunting trip.
Each of the young hunters will be trying to land their first wolf.
- Darrell Greer
Parents and tots program begins
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
A daytime program for parents and their young children, called Parents & Tots, started up Dec. 3 in Hall Beach.
The program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.
The new program provides the opportunity for moms, dads and other adult caregivers and their children aged 0 to six to come play and socialize, stated Jennifer Currie.
The program provides a healthy snack.
- Michele LeTourneau
Students prepare for concerts
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Community members have two Christmas concerts to attend this week.
On Wednesday, Dec. 16, is Attagoyuk Ilisavik's concert, which will be held in the school gym. There will be performances from each class, songs and skits.
Some of the high school students will be throatsinging and playing guitar.
The next night, Alookie Elementary will be holding its Christmas concert. Groups of students from each class will alternate performances of Christmas songs and other material.
- Stewart Burnett
Inuit art on display
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
The Winnipeg Art Gallery's Gallery Shop is currently presenting a new exhibit of more than 15 works by one of Baker Lake's mostcelebrated artists, Annie Taipana.
The exhibit is running at the gallery from Nov. 20 until Dec. 31.
The show is free and all works are available for purchase.
- Darrell Greer
Youths benefit from Ayalik Fund
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Qualities that last a lifetime are the result of a fund established by Cambridge Bay parents in memory of their son.
Laurie and David Pelly, who administer the Ayalik Fund created in honour of Eric Ayalik Okalitana Pelly, provided an update on progress in late November.
"Within a few short months of our establishing the fund, Shania Angohiatok and Ian Kavanna, both 16, were on their way from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, to an Outward Bound Canada expedition," stated the Pellys by e-mail. "They flew down south (for the first time!) to Calgary, where they joined other youths from across Canada and from London, England, for a backpacking trek in the Rocky Mountains."
Outward Bound, explains the couple, provides adventure in the classic sense.
"It's about dealing with the unknown, meeting challenges, learning about yourself, about others, about the environment and, most of all, about your potential. It compels students to dig deep.
"The rewards are the hallmarks of Outward Bound - courage, resilience, responsibility, persistence, compassion, service to community and the ability to work well with others - qualities that last a lifetime."
The Pellys lost their young son to a sudden cardiac arrhythmia almost a year ago and created the fund to help provide experiences to Inuit youth to "in order to help them find the maturity, confidence and success that Eric achieved."
Plans are being made for four more Nunavut youths to join another Outward Bound expedition next summer.
"We remain profoundly grateful to those who have shown us that they share our ongoing grief and those who have helped in so many ways."
- Michele LeTourneau
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