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Monday, February 1, 2016
Heavier trucks allowed to use mine roads
Heavier trucks will be allowed to use the roads between Hay River and the mine sites north of Yellowknife according to the Department of Transportation (DOT).
A pilot project for permits on eight- and nine-axle commercial vehicles has been extended.
Transportation Minister Wally Schumann stated that there are economic benefits associated with the project including improved fuel efficiency, reduced commercial traffic, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more effective mine resupply period.
- John McFadden
Rangers to patrol near Inuvik
The 1st Canadian Rangers Patrol Group will be carrying out annual training in Inuvik and the surrounding area over the coming weeks.
Rangers will undergo classroom and practical skills training on topics including navigation, reconnaissance, weapons handling and safety. The training was expected to begin Jan. 28 and will continue until March 3. Rangers are a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces reserves and described as the military's eyes and ears in the North.
- Shane Magee
New emergency phones on Deh Cho Bridge
The territorial government has installed two telephones on the Deh Cho Bridge at Fort Providence.
According to a news release from the Department of Transportation (DOT), the phones were set up in partnership with Northwestel to ensure the safety of all travelers crossing the bridge.
The phones have been installed in clearly marked emergency call points and with the press of a button, callers will be put in touch with the RCMP detachment in Fort Providence.
- John McFadden
Compensate aging day scholars: Dene chief
Dene National chief Bill Erasmus news release has called on the federal government to compensate Indian Residential School day scholars. Those students didn't stay at mission schools or hostels overnight but travelled home. They were not part of the 2006 Residential School Settlement Agreement.
A B.C. court ruling last year means day scholars are eligible for compensation but students from the territory were not considered in that case, according to Erasmus in a Jan. 25 news release. He has called on the government to address the issue quickly as the scholars are aging.
- Shane Magee
Army winter training
Gameti/Rae Lakes
The Canadian Armed Forces was scheduled to perform a training exercise near Gameti from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1.
A 20-member snowmobile patrol was expected to leave Yellowknife and travel to Bober Bay on Lake Hardisty, which is about 60 km north of Gameti.
The goal is to teach skills needed for long winter journeys as well as to commemorate the life of Warrant Officer Second Class Walter Bober. A plaque recognizing him for his service in WWII was to be placed on a small cairn at the site. Bober Bay was named after Walter Bober.
- Kassina Ryder
One stitch at a time
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
A sewing class is being held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Tlicho Hotel in Behchoko. The classes run from 5 to 8 p.m. The community is also hosting an arts and training workshop at the Charlie Charlo building from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18.
The workshop will include lessons on spiritual connection through art, graphic illustration and publishing.
Participants must register by Feb. 10.
- Kassina Ryder
Off to handgames
Wekweeti/Snare Lakes
Wekweeti is sending a team to the handgames tournament in Behchoko in February, said recreation co-ordinator Daniel Wedawin. The tournament is scheduled to take place from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14. Participants must be under the age of 15.
Each team must consist of eight players with one alternate player, for a total of nine players.
- Kassina Ryder
Sharpen those skates
Tulita/Fort Norman
Public skating is now available at the community arena from 5 to 6 p.m. said acting recreation co-ordinator Erica MacCauley.
Recreational hockey games take place after public skating, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The gym at Chief Albert Wright School is also open from Monday to Sunday for anyone who wants to play basketball or other sports.
- Kassina Ryder
Open gym in Deline
Deline/Fort Franklin
It's been a busy January in the Sahtu region and youth from Deline have been participating in many out of town events, said recreation co-ordinator Carla Kenny.
For anyone staying in town, the gym at Ehtseo Ahya School is open for sports from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weeknights.
Public skating is also available at the arena from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
- Kassina Ryder
The doctor is in the house
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
Norman Wells will be holding a vet clinic on Feb. 6, 7 and 13 at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wildlife Management Laboratory.
Appointments on Feb. 6 will run from 9:15 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., with a break from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Appointments the next day will begin at 9:15 and end at 3 p.m. with a break taking place from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
Appointments on Feb. 13 will take place from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. with no further appointments.
There are also scheduled times for surgeries.
House calls will be made from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 7 for individuals who can't leave their homes.
- Kassina Ryder
Fixin' the engines
Aklavik
Aklavik residents are encouraged to sign up for a small engine repair course being offered through Aurora College. The small engines maintenance, repair and troubleshooting course will take place in Aklavik on March 7 to March 31 and will focus on snowmobiles, outboard motors and outdoor equipment, such as chainsaws. The course is available to anyone over the age of 17 with a minimum Grade 9 education.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
A little help with the homework
Tuktoyaktuk
Homework help is available to students after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Tuktoyaktuk Community Library, said Audrey Walker.
The program takes place from 3:45 to 4:20 and is available to all ages. A librarian assistant will be on hand to provide help to anyone who requires it. The library also has a variety of other activities throughout the week, including iPad Play times, LEGO play times and board games.
- Kassina Ryder
Activity time
Paulatuk
Children five and under have a special activity program in Paulatuk every Tuesday, said recreation co-ordinator Aaron Ruben.
From 1:30 to 3:30, children are invited to the youth centre to participate in different physical activities, such as an exercise circuit. Ruben said one circuit included having children jump over a line before bouncing a ball, but the activities change every week.
"We don't want to do the same thing every week," Ruben said.
- Kassina Ryder
Making dry meat
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Youth in Sachs Harbour have been busy making dry muskox meat in January as part of a youth skills program in the community.
The program is being held at the Ajgaliaq Centre and is being taught by elders.
Sachs Harbour recreation hosted a number of activities throughout January, including an elders' luncheon and after school programs.
- Kassina Ryder
Classes and workshops
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
On Feb. 2, the Open Sky Creative Society will host the first of three birchbark basket workshops, courtesy of Phoebe Punch. The workshop will resume Feb. 9 and again on Feb. 16, and starts at 7 p.m. and will be provided at no cost and participants are asked to register in advance.
On Feb. 4, villagers are set to head to the polls to elect a new councillor during Fort Simpson's byelection.
On Feb. 6, soapstone carver John Sabourin will return to the village to host a carving workshop. It will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the recreation centre.
- April Hudson
Health fair hits Wrigley
Pehdzeh Ki/Wrigley
On Jan. 27, Dehcho Health and Social Services brought its health fair to Wrigley.
The fair took place at the community office and will included chances to win prizes.
- April Hudson
Vendors show off wares
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The 11th edition of the Thebacha Trade Show in Fort Smith will be held April 30.
This year, the show will return to Fort Smith Centennial Arena, which underwent repairs and renovations because of a fire in 2013.
For the past two years, the show - featuring booths from businesses, community organizations, government agencies, craftspeople, societies and more - had been held at the Fort Smith Rec Centre.
The Thebacha Trade Show is organized by Thebacha Business Development Services with financial support from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
- Paul Bickford
Winter vendor sale planned in Enterprise
Enterprise
A winter vendor sale will take place in Enterprise on Feb. 6.
The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Enterprise Community Centre.
A minimum $5 donation is requested for a table with proceeds going to youth programs offered by the Hamlet of Enterprise.
- Paul Bickford
Night of theatre at Smith high school
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The performing arts group at Paul William Kaeser (PWK) High School in Fort Smith is presenting Tasty Night of Theatre.
The event, which is a fundraiser for the PWK band, will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the school's gym.
It will feature Check Please, a one-act comedic play. There will also be a silent auction and dessert.
- Paul Bickford
PM meets Inuit leaders
Ottawa
High-priority issues topped the agenda for a meeting between Inuit leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal ministers.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed hosted the event at the national Inuit organization's Ottawa office Jan. 26
Discussions included a renewed Inuit-to-Crown relationship comprising Inuit engagement in governance and Arctic affairs, social development such as suicide prevention, education and food security, and economic development including skills advancement and training, housing, infrastructure needs and Arctic resources, as well as the full implementation of the land claims.
"Food and shelter are basic necessities of life, and are foundational to the development of our communities," stated Obed in a news release. "We agree with the government that there needs to be a cognitive shift."
In attendance were Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Cathy Towtongie, Makivik Corporation president Jobie Tukkiapik, Nunatsiavut president Sarah Leo, outgoing Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chairperson Nellie Cournoyea, newly-elected Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chairperson Duane Smith, Pauktuutit president Rebecca Kudloo and National Inuit Youth Council president Maatalii Okalik.
The federal government was represented by Trudeau, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, Fisheries and Oceans Minister and Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Parliamentary Secretary Yvonne Jones, NWT MP Michael McLeod and Yukon MP Larry Bagnell.
It was the first time a sitting prime minister had visited Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
- Michele LeTourneau
Training corporation launched
Nunavut
A new training corporation, a joint effort between Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Government of Nunavut (GN), held its first meeting in Iqaluit last week, the Inuit beneficiary organization announced Jan. 21.
"This is an important accomplishment for Inuit. By getting this corporation up and running, NTI believes we will make substantial progress toward increasing Inuit employment in Nunavut by helping Inuit obtain work and advance in all areas of the workforce, from administrative to professional designations," said NTI president Cathy Towtongie. "NTI believes that education, training and gainful employment are key to creating stronger and healthier families and communities."
At this first meeting, bylaws were approved and a board of directors elected. The board is composed of Inuit leaders including Towtongie, NTI vice-president James Eetoolook, Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Stanley Anablak, Kivalliq Inuit Association president David Ningeongan, Qikiqtani Inuit Association president PJ Akeeagok, Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna and Nunavut Education Minister Paul Quassa.
The new entity, Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation, was formed with $175 million from a settlement agreement of a $1-billion land claim implementation lawsuit launched by NTI in 2006. The settlement totaled $255.5 million.
"Education and training are intrinsic to the ongoing and future success of Nunavut and its public service. The establishment of the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation is a significant step towards realizing our self-reliance," Taptuna said.
The board will develop a strategic plan in the coming months.
- Michele LeTourneau
Capital sees barrage of break-ins
Iqaluit
Between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20, Iqaluit RCMP responded to six different break, enter and thefts.
The break-ins happened at Freedom Hair Salon, Baffin Optical, Baffin Canteen, the soup kitchen, the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit museum and the Parish Church.
"Various items have been stolen ranging from carvings, eyewear frames, food and small amounts of cash," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in a news release.
She recommended preventative measures such as making sure the area surrounding a building is well lit, daily checks on interior and exterior cameras and possibly installing audio alarms.
"Iqaluit RCMP is actively investigating these complaints," stated Dillon, encouraging the public to report suspicious activity to the police.
Between Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, Qikiqtani Outfitters was also broken into, and NunaVet was broken into on Jan. 24.
- Stewart Burnett
Lethal animal drugs stolen
Iqaluit
Iqaluit RCMP are warning the public that a thief stole veterinary medications that could be lethal to humans.
On Jan. 24, the NunaVet veterinarian clinic was broken into and entered, and a safe containing veterinary medications was ransacked.
"Police would like to inform the public of this danger and to urge public to report any information concerning these drugs," stated Const. Lurene Dillion in a news release.
Anyone with information related to this or any other crime is asked to contact the Iqaluit Detachment of the RCMP or Crimestoppers.
- Stewart Burnett
No foul play in woman's death
Iqaluit
Foul play in the death of Sapaillaq Oola Sagiatook, who was found frozen under a parked vehicle on the morning of Jan. 20, has been ruled out.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of Sapaillaq Oola Sagiatook and community members who have been affected by this sudden loss," stated Const. Lurene Dillon in a news release.
"We are reminding the public that the weather conditions at this time of the year can be very hazardous and to be cautious while outdoors."
- Stewart Burnett
p>Student wins Skills Canada contest
Ikpiarjuk/Arctic Bay
Grade 11 student Kelsey Amaaq won her age bracket's top prize for a picture she drew in Skills Canada's colouring book contest.
Amaaq, who attends Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay, was tasked to draw a trade illustration for an upcoming colouring book. Her picture was the outline of an active hair salon.
"She's a very artistic student," said teacher and Skills Canada co-ordinator Jean-Francois Latour.
"When she saw the opportunity for that contest, she submitted a drawing and it was the winning entry."
Amaaq won a Dell Surface tablet and accessories for winning the Grade 7-12 age group.
In the K-Grade 6 bracket, Grade 5 student Karena Watson of Apex won an iPad Mini for her illustration of a photographer.
Below is a full breakdown of winners in Nunavut:
Category K-2
First Place: Mary Ellen Pootoogook (Chef), Grade1 Sam Pudlat School, Cape Dorset
Second Place: Grace Tunnillie (Computer Technician), Grade1 Sam Pudlat School, Cape Dorset
Third Place: Joshua Olson (Cook), Grade 2 Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik, Kugluktuk
Category Grade 3-5
First Place: Karena Watson (Photographer), Grade5 Nanook School, Apex
Second Place: Marey Pameolik (Baker), Grade 5 Simon Alaittuq School, Rankin Inlet
Third Place: Manon Roos Remillard (Chef) Grade 5 Ecole des Trois Soleils, Iqaluit
Category Grade 6-8
First Place: Madison MacLeod (Producteur de Films), Grade 8 Ecole des Trois Soleils. Iqaluit
Second Place: Shawn-Paul Martel (Un Charpentier,) Grade 7 Ecole des Trois Soleils, Iqaluit
Third Place: Ted Thompson (Miner) Grade 8 Qitiqliq School, Arviat
Category Grade 9-12
First Place: Kelsey Amaaq (Hair Salon), Grade 11, Inuujaq School, Arctic Bay
Second Place: Tooma Laisa (Dreamer) Grade 11, Inuksuk High School, Iqaluit
Third Place (tied): Tsoi Yung (Elaine) Lau (Carpenter) Grade 11, Inuksuk High School, Iqaluit
Third Place (tied): Andre (Mickey Chef) Grade 10, Paatsaali School, Sanikiluaq
- Stewart Burnett
College seeks a residence for students from Nunavut
Ottawa
A college in Ottawa attended by many Inuit students from Nunavut keeps on growing, with a plan now to create a residence for students from out of town.
Since Nunavut Sivuniksavut began 31 years ago, it has rented and furnished private apartments throughout Ottawa for its first-year students. In 2011, the program grew thanks to an injection of financial support from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., regional Inuit association and the federal government. The larger school saw the first-year student population grow to 40 students from 22.
"A residence makes a lot of economic sense," said Jesse Unaapiq Mike, chairperson of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut board of directors. "Overall, Nunavut Sivuniksavut students are now spending upwards of $200,000 on housing during their eight months in Ottawa. Nunavut Sivuniksavut itself subsidizes its apartments to the tune of approximately $100,000 each year. All of that money is going into the pockets of private landlords throughout the city. None of it is building any equity for the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program."
Christy Sinclair, secretary-treasurer and lead board member for the fundraising project that hopes to raise $2 million, said a residence will also "enhance student life" and allow the college "to provide more effective support for students who are living on their own for the first time."
The board hopes to attract investors from the private sector for this project, "because all sectors of Nunavut's economy are benefiting from the successes of Nunavut Sivuniksavut grads," said Mike.
- Michele LeTourneau
Pond Inlet makes voice heard
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
Pond Inlet Mayor Charlie Inuarak made sure his community's voice was heard at the Northern Lights conference and trade show in Ottawa last week.
In a message relayed to Facebook by Rikki Maya, Inuarak stated he was at the conference with the deputy mayor and senior administrative officer to hand deliver a message to Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo regarding the status of the port in Pond Inlet
"On June 26 an announcement was made that Pond Inlet would be the second Northern community to receive funding for a small craft harbour," stated Inuarak through Maya.
"To date, the only announcements that have been made and committed to is for a port in Iqaluit."
On Jan. 28, the trio from Pond Inlet were scheduled to have a meeting with Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna and Senator Charlie Watt about the issue.
- Stewart Burnett
Fruit and vegetables recalled
Nunavut
Watch out for pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.
The Government of Nunavut put out a public health advisory for Dole and President's Choice products on Jan. 27.
"Dole-branded pre-packaged salads, salad blends and kits, and leafy green products, along with PC Organics brand leafy greens are recalled," stated Irma Arkus, manager of communications for the Department of Health.
The recall is because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
"All recalled products should be thrown out or returned to where they were purchased," said Arkus.
Listeria monocytogenes causes bacterial infection and symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, muscle aches, severe headaches and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, elders and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk, according to the release.
- Michele LeTourneau
Big year for Ilisaqsivik
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Clyde River's Ilisaqsivik Society, engaged in a number of community-development efforts, ran through a list of just how busy it was in 2015 at its recent annual general meeting.
Here's what Ilisaqsivik was up to by the numbers:
27 - Number of full-time staff employed in the last year
186 - Number of part-time staff employed in the last year
70 - Number of separate wellness, cultural, educational, economic development, media, land-based and research programs and projects Ilisaqsivik ran in the last year
32 - Number of people who participated in the annual Ataata-Irniq Nunami (Father-Son on the Land) program last year
6 - Number of days a week Ilisaqsivik runs community programming
5 - Number of Inuit Counsellor Training Programs held in the last year, with dozens of participants from more than 10 Nunavut communities
3 - Number of weeks the society hosted an Inuktitut dance/Hukki workshop
2 - Number of weeks of training the society hosted for community wellness co-ordinators from all over Nunavut
1 - New hotel opened in the community, a new social enterprise project where 100 per cent of hotel profits go to Ilisaqsivik to support community-based programming
300+ - Number of residents who came out to celebrate the grand opening of the new hotel
- Stewart Burnett
Nunavut has most smokers
Iqaluit
Almost seven out of 10 people in the age groups of 20- to 34-year olds and 35- to 44-year olds in Nunavut smoked daily or occasionally in 2014, according to a recently released report from the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics.
More than two thirds of the population aged 12 years and older were daily or occasional smokers, the highest smoking rate in Canada.
"This is the highest proportion of smokers in all provinces and territories and three times the national average of 19 per cent," states the report.
The territory has seen a steady increase in smokers, with 62 per cent in 2014 as compared to 54 per cent in 2008.
This is despite a Government of Nunavut campaign called Tobacco Has No Place Here launched during National Non-Smoking Week in 2012.
"We're hoping the campaign challenges the norm of smoking, gets the conversation started about the impacts of smoking here in Nunavut, not just on the individual but on the family and on the community," said a GN official at the time.
"We really want people to think seriously about not just the effects on themselves but on the future of Nunavut, on our young people and to see this as the really serious health issue that it is."
After spiking, with 60 per cent of the population smoking in 2011, the year of the campaign saw a return to 54 per cent. But that percentage rose again the following year to 59 and to the highest levels yet recorded in 2014 at 62.
The report does caution, however, that "in Nunavut, starting in 2013, the coverage was expanded to represent 92 per cent of the targeted population. Before 2013, the coverage was 71 per cent since the survey covered only the 10 largest communities.
"As such, comparisons over time should be made with some caution."
- Michele LeTourneau
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