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Monday, April 4, 2016
Councillors resign from Pehdzah Ki First Nation Council
Three of six councillors for Pehdzeh Ki First Nation have resigned from their positions.
Kyle Clille, Elsie Hardisty and George Moses have all stepped down, leaving Albert Clille, Maurice Moses and Raymond Pellissey left on council. Reasons for their resignation were not immediately clear.
Senior administrative officer Curtis Groom declined to comment and directed questions to Moses, who could not be reached. Band manager Gaylene Moses said the band is holding a public meeting on April 4 at 7 p.m. in the community gym to discuss the situation.
- April Hudson
Hay River woman dies in car crash
A 56-year-old Hay River woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a car crash in the K'atl'odeeche First Nation Reserve on Mar. 29, according to RCMP. At about 9:20 a.m., police said they received a report that a grey Toyota 4Runner had rolled over on the road. The other occupant of the car, a 34-year-old man, was treated for injuries and has since been released from hospital.
- Kassina Ryder
Hay River man charged after fleeing police
A 46-year-old Hay River man is facing a number of charges after fleeing police on March 30.
An RCMP news release states that at about 3:20 p.m., they received a complaint of an intoxicated man attempting to break into a residence before leaving in a vehicle. When RCMP members approached his vehicle, the man accelerated and fled police. RCMP followed him with emergency lights and sirens activated but the man turned around and increased his speed. The man was found in the driver's seat of his parked car at about 6:45 p.m. later that day.
Bruce Richardson has been charged with dangerous driving, impaired driving, flight from police, resisting police, driving while prohibited and failure to comply with a probation order.
- Kassina Ryder
Anti-poverty roundtable wraps up
An NWT Anti-Poverty Roundtable took place in Yellowknife the week of March 28. The meeting brought together staff with the GNWT, indigenous governments, communities, non-governmental organizations and businesses to discuss ways to reduce poverty in the territory.
The discussions will be used to update the Territorial Anti-Poverty Action Plan and set priorities for the next year.
- Kassina Ryder
Spring carnival to celebrate Whati's 30th birthday
Whati/Lac La Martre
Whati was expected to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a weekend carnival starting April 1, said recreation co-ordinator Doreen Nitsiza.
The festivities were scheduled to include outdoor activities for kids as well as a family dance at the cultural centre. On April 2, the community planned outdoor activities for adults, including snowshoe races.
There was also expected to be a cribbage tournament and an adult dance.
Nitsiza said the weekend was scheduled to finish with a traditional feast and a drum dance on April 3.
- Kassina Ryder
Volunteers needed for Gameti carnival
Gameti/Rae Lakes
Gameti's recreation department is aiming to hold a carnival the weekend of April 8, said recreation co-ordinator Juanita Bekale.
So far, Bekale said she hopes to have three-legged races, a poker tournament and a cribbage tournament, Bingo games and handgames.
Bekale said she needs help to make the carnival a success and encourages anyone who wants to help to contact her.
- Kassina Ryder
Spring carnival needs volunteers in Tulita
Tulita/Fort Norman
Tulita's spring carnival is scheduled to run from April 4 to 10 and feature a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, says recreation director Scott Takala.
Events are expected to include a feeding of the fire ceremony on April 9, as well as traditional games such as tea boiling and snowshoe racing.
Takala said there will also be cribbage and poker tournaments, pool tournaments and a furniture Bingo game where winners will receive items purchased from local businesses.
Other outdoor activities, such as snowmobile racing and a skeet shooting competition are scheduled to take place.
Takala said he is looking for volunteers.
- Kassina Ryder
Bring in the bunnies
Radilih Koe'/Fort Good Hope
Fort Good Hope celebrated Easter with weekend events, said recreation co-ordinator Freda Kelly.
The holiday kicked off with a sliding party on March 25 followed by an egg-decorating contest at the community hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The next day featured a colouring contest and an egg-basket making activity in the afternoon.
A community breakfast was held on March 27 and a drum dance took place that evening.
On Easter Monday, there was an Easter egg hunt.
"All the kids really enjoyed it," Kelly said.
- Kassina Ryder
Polar bear meeting organized
Paulatuk
Paulatuk residents were invited to a public meeting to discuss polar bears on March 22, according to the local hunters and trappers committee.
The Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWT Wildlife Management Advisory Council facilitated the meeting along with the committee.
The agenda included discussing the Inuvialuit Settlement Region's polar bear management plan, as well as the northern and southern Beaufort sub-population estimate.
The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Visitor's Centre at 5:30 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Harvesters info requested
Aklavik
The Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Association is asking Inuvialuit harvesters to perform an interview about their experience, according to the HTC.
The Community Based Monitoring Program is gathering information on hunting, trapping and fishing that took place during the month of February.
Questions can be directed to the Aklavik HTC office.
- Kassina Ryder
Easter cake walk in Tsiigehtchic
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Tsiigehtchic's Aboriginal Community Wellness co-ordinators held an Easter cake walk and Easter egg hunt on March 24, according to a post on the community's Facebook page.
Activities began at about 6 p.m. at the Chief Paul Niditchie School gym and were open to all ages, though kids under the age of six had to be accompanied by an adult.
- Kassina Ryder
Easter egg hunt in Sachs Harbour
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Sachs Harbour youth received a special treat on March 24 when the recreation department organized an Easter Party, according to a post on the community's Facebook page.
The party took place at 4 p.m. at the Ajgaliaq Centre and included scavenger hunts, face painting, egg painting and a crazy hat day.
- Kassina Ryder
Artist talks acrylic
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Acrylic painter Marion Storm will be at the Open Sky Gallery to give an artist talk on April 7 at 7 p.m.
Bompas Elementary School students are on break until April 11.
- April Hudson
Table tennis aerobics
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Fort Providence's Deh Gah School is set to host aerobic table tennis from April 14 to 16, including an instructor course on the 16th.
No table tennis experience is needed and the sessions will focus on improving motor skills, balance and strengthening muscles.
David Elleze won the Easter colouring contest, with Dean Squirrel and Kendra Lesage taking second and third places, respectively.
The Bison Jamboree kicked off March 30 at 4 p.m. with youth events on the schedule outside Deh Gah School, followed by mini carnival games, cotton candy and family fun at the community hall beginning at 7 p.m.
On April 3, the jamboree concludes with snowmobile drag races at 11 a.m. and a community barbecue at 1 p.m.
- April Hudson
Echo Dene resumes
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Echo Dene School is back in session as of April 4.
- April Hudson
Fort Resolution youth centre and pool to get retrofit
Deninu Ku'e/Fort Resolution
Federal funding has been announced for a retrofit of the youth centre and attached outdoor pool in Fort Resolution.
The retrofit will cost $650,000 in total.
Of that amount, the federal government will provide $487,500.
The remaining $162,500 required for the retrofit will be covered by the Hamlet of Fort Resolution, which operates the youth centre and pool.
The support was announced March 16 by the federal government's Small Communities Fund, which is supporting 13 community projects around the NWT.
"Our government has made unprecedented commitments to support public infrastructure across Canada. By working in partnership with every order of government, we will target smart infrastructure investments to produce long-term prosperity and strengthen communities," said NWT Liberal MP Michael McLeod, in an interview.
"They will have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life for Northern Canadians for years to come."
- Paul Bickford
Elder to recall childhood in Fort Chip at Northern Life Museum
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Fort Smith elder Louise Fraser was expected to speak about growing up in Fort Chipewyan, Alta., at Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre on March 31 beginning at 7 p.m.
Her address - called Childhood Memories of Fort Chipewyan: An Evening with Louise Fraser - was scheduled to feature stories and photographs of the Mercredi family and Fort Chipewyan in the 1940s and 50s.
Fraser was set to share her memories of her family and recall activities such as picnicking, berry picking and fishing.
- Paul Bickford
Science challenge set for Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
AuroraNauts, a science challenge for young people, was set for March 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Smith Rec Centre.
The free challenge, which is designed for ages eight to 12, was being presented by the Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society and Aurora College.
No scientific experience was necessary to participate in the challenge.
- Paul Bickford
Man charged after drugs seized
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
RCMP in Kugluktuk seized a large amount of marijuana and hashish, with an estimated street value of $11,500, while investigating a breach of court conditions March 24.
David Kuliktana, 23, faces several charges, including four counts of breaching a probation order, 30 counts of breaching recognizance, one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking an illegal substance and one count of resisting arrest.
Kuliktana was remanded and is scheduled to appear at the Nunavut Court of Justice April 26, an RCMP news release stated.
- Michele LeTourneau
Kimmirut woman dies in Iqaluit
Iqaluit
Iqaluit RCMP and emergency medical services responded to a call about an unresponsive female at approximately 11 a.m., March 26.
A preliminary investigation determined that 29-year-old Mialia Lyta, from Kimmirut, was deceased when emergency personnel were called.
"This investigation is ongoing and the RCMP is assisting the Office of the Chief Coroner with the investigation," stated Cpl. David Lawson in a news release. "No foul play is suspected and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause and manner of death."
The RCMP is seeking the public's help to determine Lyta's activities and associates in the days leading up to her death, specifically on March 25 and March 26.
- Stewart Burnett
Nunavut low in study on high school completion
Canada
A new report released March 29 that compares Canadian education statistics with international numbers shows Canada is faring well. Nunavut? Not so much.
The proportion of adults aged 25 to 64 who had completed high school was higher in Canada than in all but four of the reporting members of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD), according to the news release.
In 2014, 90 per cent of Canadians ages 25 to 64 had completed at least high school, well above the OECD average of 76 per cent.
Countries that posted higher numbers are the Czech Republic at 93 per cent, and Estonia, the Slovak Republic and Poland, all at 91 per cent.
The report indicates the Canada and the United States are matched.
Canadian regions range from 82 per cent in the Northwest Territories to 93 per cent in British Columbia.
Nunavut sits at 51 per cent of citizens between 25 to 64 years to have completed high school.
- Michele LeTourneau
Elders' Easter event held
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
The Netsilik Ilihakvik student council put on a special Easter luncheon for elders March 24.
"The elders were treated to an Italian lunch with spaghetti and Caesar salad, and all the trimmings, followed up by a bingo with lots of prizes," said principal Gina Pizzo.
"No one went home empty handed."
Afterwards, each elder went home with a turkey, courtesy of student council fundraising.
Elders also received a bag full of side fixings thanks to the Facebook group Helping Our Northern Neighbours.
- Michele LeTourneau
Food security study launched
Nunavut
Adam Akpik, a student in Advanced Inuit Studies at Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa, is conducting a research project on food security in Nunavut.
He's circulating a survey for Nunavummiut to answer, including a series of questions.
The purpose of the study is to focus on the trend of food insecurity.
"Attention will be paid to homes with youth," he states in the preamble to the survey.
- Stewart Burnett
Youth forum postponed
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
The Baker Lake 2016 Youth Forum originally scheduled to be held on March 29 and 30 in the Baker Lake Youth Centre had to be postponed.
The forum will be rescheduled to an a yet to be determined date in April.
The forum is open to young people aged 13 and older.
- Darrell Greer
Book fair proves popular
Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven
Quqshuun Ilihakvik in Gjoa Haven held its parent-teacher day March 18.
More than 135 parents attended the school, met with teachers and discussed how students were progressing in their learning.
"(I) really appreciated that so many parents came in," said teacher Mary Ikkutisluk.
A book fair was held to coincide with parent-teacher day.
"We have not had a book fair at Quqshuun Ilihakvik for many years and have certainly had a great turnout today. It seems that buying books at the school has been missed. Nice to see so many parents and children choosing books together. We need to make this a regular event at our school," said teacher Susan Hillier.
Principal Katharine Bartlett congratulated the six families who won food baskets and thanked staff for making the event a success.
- Michele LeTourneau
Nunavut Arctic College gets a boost
Nunavut
Nunavut Arctic College was among the three Canadian territorial colleges to welcome a $3.9-million funding extension for Northern adult basic education (NABE) programs, announced in the federal budget March 22.
"NABE has changed adult basic education programs at Nunavut Arctic College," said Joe Kunuk, president of Nunavut Arctic College, in a news release.
"With this funding, our college has been able to develop innovative and Northern-specific adult basic education programs, resources, and instructor training opportunities. We are very pleased that the federal government is responding to our need for investments in adult education in the North."
He said the funding extension will support the "indigenization" of the college's curriculum and enhance adult learning.
"The result is increased skills development and self-reliance as Northern graduates enter the labour market or pursue further training," stated Kunuk.
- Stewart Burnett
Lucky winner picked
Baker Lake/Naujaat
Student Claire Tookanachiak of Baker Lake was the lucky winner in the lottery draw held during the annual Kivalliq Regional Science Fair at Tusarvik School in Naujaat earlier last month.
Tookanachiak had her name pulled in a lottery draw for a round-trip pair of system-wide Calm Air tickets held during the fair's award banquet.
- Darrell Greer
Petition seeks equal employment
Nunavut
An online petition began in Iqaluit that demands that Inuit be able to find work and affordable housing in their own land has expanded to change.org.
Qaumariaq Inuqtaqau began the petition, which asks that companies who operate in Nunavut train and employ more Inuit people, as well as making them eligible for subsidized staff housing in the same way that is done for southern counterparts.
"We want an end to discriminatory hiring practices that privilege southern workers over local people," Inuqtaqau stated.
"We want the spirit of Articles 23 and 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to be respected, ensuring that beneficiaries of the agreement are trained and hired for jobs in proportion to their percentage of the population."
From hotel room cleaners to government positions, he stated, Nunavut is seeing imported southern workers take priority over Inuit.
"This has to stop," states Inuqtaqau.
The written petition in Iqaluit received about 1,000 signatures, while the online version had received just fewer than 200 signatures by March 31.
- Stewart Burnett
Author talks book about elders
Kangiqliniq//Rankin Inlet
Arctic explorer and author David F. Pelly will be in Rankin Inlet and Naujaat this month to celebrate the publication of Ukkusiksalik: The People's Story.
The book preserves stories of the elders of the area (all of whom have died since David talked to them), as well as revealing the story of Ukkusiksalilk as a national park.
Pelly will be in Rankin from April 17 until April 19.
He will be in Naujaat from April 19 until April 21.
- Darrell Greer
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