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Monday, February 15, 2016
Rare earths development to remain dormant
Avalon Rare Metals Inc., says its rare earths development 100 km outside Yellowknife will likely remain inactive for the duration of this year.
Permitting for the project, initiated in 2012, could potentially be completed in nine months, but the company is negotiating costs with the GNWT to see if the process can be streamlined. The company is examining the feasibility of producing zirconium - used in paper coating, anti-antiperspirants and paint dryers - as a primary product when funding becomes available.
The rare earths market remains in recession with some prices falling 30 to 50 per cent in 2015.
- Meagan Leonard
Novelist looks back on 20 years
Well-known Fort Smith writer Richard Van Camp is celebrating a big anniversary this month, as his literary claim to fame The Lesser Blessed turns 20 years old.
The story was turned into a film in 2012, starring Fort Smith's Joel Evans and has since gone on to screen at the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival and was nominated for best adapted screenplay at the Canadian Screen Awards.
To celebrate the book's anniversary, Van Camp is releasing a new edition that includes two new stories and an introduction by the author.
- Dana Bowen
NWT accessibility award nominations now open
The NWT Human Rights Commission is looking for nominations for its fifth annual accessibility award.
The prize recognizes new and existing accommodations that businesses have made to increase accessibility to their services.
Any business or organization that provides service to the public, including aboriginal, municipal and government agencies, may be nominated. The nomination deadline is March 31 and nomination forms are available on the commission's website. The award will be presented in June.
- John McFadden
Fort McPherson gets new municipal garage
A new four-bay parking garage for storing municipal vehicles and equipment has opened in the hamlet of Fort McPherson.
The garage is 4,500 square feet in size and will house the community's grader, bulldozer, bobcat and pickup trucks, according to a news release from the territorial government. The project was partially funded through the federal government's building Canada infrastructure plan.
- John McFadden
Bishop visits Trout Lake
Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake
Mark Hagemoen, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, was planning to take a trip to Trout Lake on Feb. 13 in order to bless the community's church building.
The dentist was in the community from Feb. 8 to 10.
- April Hudson
Valentine's fundraiser
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
On Valentine's day, couples, families and friends were invited to a spaghetti supper fundraiser, with children's activities scheduled for after dinner.
A youth Valentine's dance and dance competition was set for Feb. 13 at the community hall.
The event kicked off at 7:30 p.m. and included snacks and prizes.
- April Hudson
Kickin' it in Liidlii Kue
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament was scheduled bring youth in from across the Deh Cho to take part in soccer teams from Feb. 12 to 14.
A tactical planning workshop for Dehcho First Nations began Feb. 9 at the recreation centre and ran until Feb. 11.
The Open Sky Creative Society will be holding its annual general meeting on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Open Sky gallery. Everyone is welcome. The society is seeking people who are interested in joining the board or volunteering at events throughout the year.
Phoebe Punch's birchbark basket workshop resumes for the last of three sessions at the Open Sky gallery on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
- April Hudson
Hockey tourney in Prov
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Feb. 12, 13 and 14 have been set aside for Fort Providence's upcoming Men's Hockey Tournament.
Students at Deh Gah School have been invited to participate in a February poetry contest, the theme being the Arctic Winter Games, teamwork and sportsmanship - to name a few examples. The poem must be submitted by Feb. 29.
- April Hudson
Small business workshops held
Aklavik
Small business workshops were scheduled to take place at the Sittichinli Complex in Aklavik on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.
The Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization hosted the Essential Business Skills Workshops and Training program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshops included tourism and small business opportunities, invoicing and bookkeeping and entrepreneurship.
The workshops are being conducted in partnership with Capilano University and are part of a series of workshops scheduled to take place this year.
- Kassina Ryder
HTC holds board meeting
Tuktoyaktuk
The Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee is holding its next regular board meeting on Feb. 16. at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, but anyone wanting to speak as a delegate must notify staff a week prior to the meeting.
The Tuktoyaktuk Community Library is now open on Fridays. The February library schedule includes a new Lego time for Friday evenings, which will run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m..
All ages are welcome to attend. The rest of the week includes homework helper every Tuesday afternoon from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Wee Wednesday, where residents are encouraged to go to the library to play Wii games. Wee Wednesday is held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Ulu awards a hit at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik
Ulukhaktok
Students at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik were recognized for their achievements during a ceremony at the school on Feb. 5, said principal Richard McKinnon.
About 60 students received attendance awards, recognizing those who achieved an 85 per cent or higher attendance record for the months of December and January.
While the awards ceremony usually takes place each month, December and January were combined due to the holidays. An additional 35 students received an Ulu Award, which recognizes students for academic achievement in addition to attendance.
- Kassina Ryder
Family Night at the Fort McPherson library
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
A family night was scheduled to take place at the community library at Chief Julius School on Feb.
10.
Three elders planned to tell traditional stories, followed by craft activities and a supper.
- Kassina Ryder
Coffee House in Tsiigehtchic
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
The Tsiigehtchic boys who attended the hand games tournament in Tulita may not have won the competition but they had fun, said recreation co-ordinator Benjamin Contenti.
"They did well," he said. "They didn't win any prizes, but everyone had a good time."
Six boys from Tsiigehtchic attended the tournament, which took place from Feb. 5 to 7. Contenti also said there was a Coffee House scheduled to take place at the Old Learning Centre on Feb. 13. It is expected to run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include performances by the Tsiigehtchic Singers and the Inuvik/Delta Ukuladies.
- Kassina Ryder
Deline to host handgames tournament
Deline/Fort Franklin
The Deline First Nation is gearing up for a handgames tournament the weekend of Feb. 19.
The arena will be used for billeting and registration on Feb. 18. In addition to the tournament, the weekend will include different events, such as a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament at Ehtseo Ahya School on Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.
A traditional dress competition and a drum dance are scheduled to take place on Feb. 19 at the arena and a Bingo game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the school. The tournament weekend will finish on Feb. 21 with participants expected to travel home on Feb. 22.
- Kassina Ryder
Dance for the ages
Radilih Koe'/Fort Good Hope
A youth dance is scheduled to take place at the community hall in Fort Good Hope on Feb. 20, said recreation co-ordinator Freda Kelly.
The dance for youth age 12 and under will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until midnight for youth 13 and older.
"Just come out and have fun and dance," Kelly said.
A casino night including Bingo and Texas Hold 'Em poker is also scheduled to take place at the community hall on Feb. 19.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Both events are fundraisers for the upcoming volleyball tournament, scheduled to take place March 11 to 13.
- Kassina Ryder
Logo contest for territorial park
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
The deadline to submit ideas for the Doi T'oh Territorial Park Corporation logo was Feb. 12.
The corporation will be responsible for the proposed Doi T'oh Territorial Park along the Canol Trail and was seeking artists to submit ideas for the corporation's logo. The winner is expected to receive a prize of $500.
- Kassina Ryder
Behchoko celebrates Valentine's Day
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
A special Valentine's Day evening was scheduled to take place at the Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School Public Library on Feb. 10.
The Valentine's Day Family Fun Night began at 4 p.m. and ran until about 6 p.m. and included a variety of activities, such as stories, crafts and prizes.
- Kassina Ryder
One stitch at a time
Gameti/Rae Lakes
The Gameti sewing group was expected to begin again on Feb. 11.
Workshops are scheduled to take place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants will learn how to make various items, including slippers for children and adults, gloves and hunting bags.
The program is scheduled to run until March 31.
- Kassina Ryder
Monster pillows a hit
Enterprise
Thirty-four people - almost one-third of the population of Enterprise - turned out to make monster pillows and enjoy a spaghetti supper on the afternoon of Jan. 30.
In all, 21 monster pillows were created. The special event was presented by the Hamlet of Enterprise to help celebrate National Family Literacy Day, which was on Jan. 27.
- Paul Bickford
Mental health course in Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A Mental Health First Aid for Northern People Course will be offered in Fort Smith later this month.
The course discusses a number of mental health issues, including substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders and deliberate self-injury.
There is also instruction on crisis first aid skills, such as substance overdose, suicidal behaviour, panic attack, acute stress reaction and psychotic episodes.
The course will take place from Feb. 24 to 26 at Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.
It is being presented by Mental Health First Aid Canada, and the Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority.
- Paul Bickford
Fiddle workshop set for Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Kole Crook Fiddle Association will hold a fiddle workshop in Fort Smith this month.
The workshop is set for Feb. 19 to 21 at Joseph Burr Tyrrell Elementary School.
The workshop will conclude with an old-time fiddle dance and concert on the afternoon of Feb. 21.
- Paul Bickford
Marijuana seized in RCMP bust
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Members of the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP responded to a disturbance at a residence on Jan. 25, which resulted in the arrest of a 45-year-old man for mischief and possession of marijuana.
Further investigation by the RCMP resulted in the seizure of 64 grams of marijuana with a street value of approximately $3,500, as well as $274 in cash.
The man, from Whale Cove, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
The man was subsequently released from custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Rankin Inlet on April 18.
- Darrell Greer
Be aware of muskox
Ausuittuq/Grise Fiord
Three muskox have been spotted near Grise Fiord recently.
Though muskox attacks on humans are rare, people are advised to steer clear of the potentially defensive animals.
"Nobody seems to have hunted them yet," said community member Jimmy Qappik, adding they had been in the area for about three days when he spoke to Nunavut News/North Feb. 10.
"They are just staying up behind the community under the mountain foraging the ground for grass or moss, some plants maybe. These ones are right behind the community."
- Stewart Burnett
Hazard alert follows fall injuries
Iqaluit
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) issued a hazard alert Jan. 29 advising Northerners to exercise caution and use safe work practices to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Within a one-week period, two workers at different locations in Iqaluit slipped and fell on icy surfaces. Both suffered serious bone fractures and required surgery.
In 2015, one in five WSCC claims were due to a slip, trip or fall.
The organization paid out approximately $4,866,870 in claims for slips, trips and falls last year.
"The WSCC cautions Northerners to always pay attention to their surroundings, wear proper footwear, conduct hazard assessments to ensure their work spaces are free of hazards and implement controls to prevent incidents," stated WSCC communications manager Kim Walker in a news release.
- Stewart Burnett
Postcards from around world
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
The students of Netsilik Ilihakvik in Taloyoak have a geography project on the go with members of the Facebook group Helping Our Northern Neighbours.
"Members send postcards to our school so that the students can see landmarks and beautiful places from around the world," said principal Gina Pizzo.
"The wall grows daily and we have indeed received postcards from every corner of the globe including a ton from Canada and the United States."
The "first avalanche of postcards" began arriving about a month ago, said Pizzo.
- Michele LeTourneau
Spirit in the school
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
Last week was Spirit Week at Arnaqjuaq School in Hall Beach.
The Grade 5 class won Twins Tuesday for having the most students dressed alike.
Wednesday was Crazy Hair Day, while Thursday
was Pajama Day, with students coming to school in the sleepwear.
On Friday the tone was bit more serious, with pink shirts worn for Pink Shirt Day, an anti-bullying effort.
All week tickets were sold by the student council for three people to pie a teacher in the face on Friday.
The week culminated with a Valentine's Snow Ball. The semi-formal evening dance was organized for students in Grade 7 and up.
- Michele LeTourneau
Upinnaqtuq Awards up for nominations
Nunavut
Community members are encouraged to nominate students and youth enrolled in Grade 6 to 12 or ages 10 to 20 for this year's Upinnaqtuq Awards.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Nunavut Law Foundation will be awarding scholarships to students and youth in each region across Nunavut. The awards are in honour of Justice Beverly Browne, who was the first senior judge in the Nunavut Court of Justice.
"She demonstrated great leadership in the community and had a strong commitment and passion for working with youth," states the foundation's news release.
Nominations are open until June 3.
- Stewart Burnett
Student album released
Iqaluit
Students from Nakasuk School in Iqaluit were some of the 28,725 people across Canada who joined in recording O Canada last year.
Hometown Music Council sought to make a world record for the number of people involved in the song, and the group is now releasing an e-book that features the song sung by primary school children in every province and territory in the nation.
Canadian Heritage funded the program, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the flag of Canada.
"We're thrilled to release this commemorative recording of O Canada," Hometown Music Council board president Steve Mills stated in a news release. "What a great way to get kids and communities involved in a project that connects music, history and national pride."
More information can be found at www.flagofcanada.ca.
- Stewart Burnett
Sealskin clothing courses full
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Interest in sealskin parka- and amauti-making programs in Arctic Bay has been extremely high to start the new year.
"We had over 70 applicants, so we had to select names," said Alison Drummond, finance officer for the hamlet. "The programs will probably be redone in the spring."
The sealskin parka-making program is currently running for 24 nights with a class of 12, while the amauti program has two classes with 12 participants each and is running for 10 weeks.
Those programs are fully booked, but community members interested in some extra curricular activities can still join the hamlet's cooking classes for both men and women.
Interested people should contact the hamlet for more information.
- Stewart Burnett
Coffee in the far North
Ausuittuq/Grise Fiord
A Toronto-based coffee company is boasting about the far reach of its products and name-dropped Grise Fiord's Jimmy Qappik in a recent news release.
"Coast to Coast Coffee is shipping to local community member Jimmy, whose coffee travels a great distance - 3,644 km to be exact - before it reaches his mailbox from Toronto," stated the company's news release. "It arrives just about two weeks after it's been roasted, making his coffee fresher than almost any coffee you will find on any grocery shelf in Canada."
The piece goes on to call it a small world.
"Yes, that's me," said Qappik when Nunavut News/North inquired if he was the Jimmy to whom the release referred.
"They send different types of roasted coffee and I seem to like Costa Rica coffee the most."
- Stewart Burnett
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