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Monday, May 23, 2016
Meat wastage under investigation
Parts of a caribou and several skins were found dumped out on Navy Road in Inuvik late last week, according to Environment and Natural Resources officials.
"It was reported last Friday and two officers went out to investigate," said regional superintendent Stephen Charlie. "We're developing posters and asking people in the community for assistance."
The remains of the carcass and what Charlie called "a lot" of hides were taken to the Inuvik landfill for disposal. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward and share it with ENR officers.
- Sarah Ladik
Premier appoints new deputy ministers
Premier Bob McLeod announced the appointment of new deputy ministers on May 20.
According to a GNWT news release, Mike Aumond is the new Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Executive while David Stewart will become Secretary to the Financial Management Board and Deputy Minister of Finance. Sylvia Haener is now Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Martin Goldney is Deputy Minister of Justice.
Willard Hagen is Deputy Minister of Lands, Tom Jensen is Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Shaleen Woodward is acting Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.
- Kassina Ryder
Ekati jay pipe expansion moves forward
The GNWT has accepted the environmental assessment for Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation's jay pipe expansion on May 20.
This means the company can move forward with the project's regulatory permitting phase.
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board's Report of Environmental Assessment for the expansion made 23 recommendations, according to a news release issued by the GNWT.
- Kassina Ryder
Inuvik-Tuk highway construction season ends
The third construction season for the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway has officially finished.
This year was especially significant due to the joining of the north and south sections of the highway on April 7.
Construction is scheduled to resume this fall and the highway is expected to be completed and open in the fall of 2017.
The project is expected to cost about $299 million.
- Kassina Ryder
Coffee for elders, activity for toddlers
Whati/Lac La Martre
Whati's Elder's Coffee Time is being re-introduced after busy schedules forced the recreation department to put it on hold for a few months, said recreation programmer Dan Acosta.
"We're starting it back up for June," he said.
Coffee Time will now be held on Wednesdays at the Culture Centre from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will include snacks, coffee and tea.
The Active Toddlers Play 60 program is also being held on June 1 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Mezi Community School gym. The program is available for children from two- to five-years old. The goal is to promote physical activity by encouraging toddlers to play together for 60 minutes.
"If you start it at a young age like the age group we've targeted, it has benefits for long-term recreation," Acosta said.
- Kassina Ryder
Tulita cleans up
Tulita/Fort Norman
Businesses and individuals in Tulita are encouraged to participate in the annual spring clean-up from May 24 to 27, said acting recreation director Archie Erigaktuk.
"We give out maps with specified areas that the organizations volunteer and chip in to clean up throughout the community," he said.
A community cook-out is scheduled to take place on May 27 after the clean up is finished. Erigaktuk said the local Northern Store is expected to collaborate on the cook-out, which will take place at the Tulita Band Office Arbour at about 2 p.m.
"It's to get community members out and chipping in and volunteering to make sure our community stays clean," Erigaktuk said.
- Kassina Ryder
Learning to drive
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
The Aurora College learning centre is offering Class 7 driver's licence training beginning on May 24, said Bob Mumford, adult educator.
The course will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 7 and 8 with an exam scheduled to take place in the afternoon of June 9.
The course is available to anyone but students must be 15-years old on or before June 9 to be eligible to write the exam, Mumford said. The cost is being covered by the Gwichya Gwich'in Band.
Mumford said students can bring a pen and paper to classes to take notes, but all other materials will be supplied.
"I have a number of driver's manuals they can study or borrow if they need to," he said.
- Kassina Ryder
Education celebration
Aklavik
Aklavik's annual education week is scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 3, said administrative clerk Bobbie Jo Greenland Morgan.
The week is expected to begin with the Aklavik District Education Authority's annual general meeting on May 30, which will include a supper at 5 p.m.
"It's a chance for the public to come in and share ideas and voice concerns," said Greenland Morgan. "Parents are encouraged to come out for those important discussions."
In addition to annual reports, the meeting is also scheduled to include an overview of the year's school activities.
Door prizes, including airline tickets, will be available.
- Kassina Ryder
Students become teachers in Fort McPherson
Tetlit'zheh/Fort McPherson
Chief Julius School students Tony Alexie and Damian Elias-Francis supplied their classmates with ducks after a successful hunting trip the weekend of May 7, said teacher Paige McDonald.
McDonald said she helped fund the hunting trip and the boys brought back 19 ducks, which the class then plucked and singed together with the help of elder Rosalie Ross.
"We have a tent at the back of our school, so we set up in the tent and Rosalie did a demonstration of how to pluck ducks, as it was the first time some of our students had done it," said McDonald.
Students also learned how to properly gut the birds and cut the meat. When they returned to the school, students visited other grades to share what they had learned before making duck soup.
"It's nice to see the students be the teachers and the teachers to become the students," she said. "It's always such an honour to watch the students teach what they know and have their culture shine through."
- Kassina Ryder
Getting some Grizzlies
Paulatuk
The Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee (PHTC) is partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to deliver a grizzly bear harvest program for youth this week, said Lila Voudrach, a renewable resource officer with ENR.
Local hunters left Paulatuk on May 17 to set up camp near the Hornaday River. A group of youth was scheduled to travel to the campsite on May 18.
The goal is threefold, Voudrach said. The hunt will be conducted as part of the Take A Kid Harvesting program and will focus on teaching youth traditional hunting techniques.
"It would be a great way to teach youth how to harvest bears safely and traditionally," Voudrach said.
The other goal is to help reduce the amount of grizzly bears in the Paulatuk area. Voudrach said grizzlies are entering communities more frequently and encouraging a traditional hunt is an ideal way to keep population numbers under control.
The Paulatuk HTC has donated one of its grizzly tags for the program.
Voudrach said the last goal is to teach youth about grizzly bear safety.
"Of all the times I've had to deal with problem bears, you see things like wastage left out or garbage left out. That brings bears into campsites," she said.
"Keeping a clean campsite and safety in bear country, that's a really important part of this."
In addition to hunting, youth will also learn how to recognize weather patterns and traditional navigating skills as well as how to properly prepare grizzly bear hide.
- Kassina Ryder
Culture camp dates set
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Echo Dene School will be holding its culture camp between May 30 and June 3 at Muskeg River.
Also, Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson held a community meeting on May 16.
- April Hudson
New dance fitness class in Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Nia - a one-hour dance fitness class - is being offered at the Rec Centre in Fort Smith.
The low-impact exercise that is suitable for all fitness and skill levels began with classes in May with more coming in June. Nia, which is traditionally done barefoot, combines martial arts, dance and healing arts into a routine that in challenging, fun and creative.
The classes are being presented by Michaelis Hurst.
- Paul Bickford
Spring clean-up
Thebacha/Fort Smith
An annual residential spring cleanup will take place from May 24 to June 4 in Fort Smith.
It is an initiative of the Town of Fort Smith.
- Paul Bickford
Food recall on green tea and granola bars
Nunavut
The Department of Health is warning Nunavummiut of two food recalls: Organic Matters brand Organic Hojicha Green Tea due to salmonella contamination and Quaker Harvest brand quinoa granola bars due to contamination with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes.
Salmonella symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, while Listeria symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, muscle aches, severe headaches and neck stiffness.
Those who contract these illnesses usually recover without treatment, according to the news release. However, high-risk groups such as pregnant women, elders and those with weak immune systems should consult a health provider if they experience symptoms.
All recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the place of purchase.
-Michele LeTourneau
Pangnirtung flu subsides
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
An influenza-A outbreak that hit Pangnirtung earlier this month has mostly subsided, says the Department of Health.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Kim Barker confirmed to Nunavut News/North May 18 there had been no new cases.
The department is investigating whether an elder's death was connected to the flu outbreak.
- Stewart Burnett
Iqaluit hits the red carpet
Iqaluit
A film shot mostly in Nunavut's capital premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, last week.
Two Lovers and a Bear, an Arctic romance directed by Canadian director and screenwriter Kim Nguyen, was reportedly given a warm reception at the international film festival.
Nguyen is best known for his Academy Award-nominated and Canadian Screen Award-winning 2012 film Rebelle (War Witch).
Iqaluit-based Ellen Hamilton was one of the producers on the film.
Many Iqalummiut took part in the shoot, both as cast and crew, including Johnny Issaluk, Kakki Peter and Joshua Qaumariaq. Issaluk, with a few other Nunavummiut, travelled to Cannes for the premiere.
- Michele LeTourneau
Two charged in shack fire
Iqaluit
A shack fire on Iqaluit's beach the evening of May 13 ended with two people charged by the RCMP.
At the scene, a 49-year-old man was located outside suffering from severe burns. He was transported to Qikiqtani General Hospital and later medevaced to Montreal for further treatment.
Iqaluit RCMP later charged 23-year-old Qilluya Lucassie with attempt to commit murder and arson with disregard for human life. Peter Sharky has also been charged with assault, mischief and escape from lawful custody.
Both were scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice on May 18.
- Stewart Burnett
Whooping cough cases confirmed
Northern News Services
Nunavut
The Department of Health has confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Pond Inlet and has issued a health warning, particularly to parents of babies and
young children.
Whooping cough is a disease of the throat and lungs spread easily from person to person.
"If you or your child are mildly ill, stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms are gone," stated Ron Wassink, spokesperson for the Department of Health, in a news release.
"Early diagnosis and treatment are important."
The department urges people to go to their local health-care provider if they notice any of these symptoms: a cough followed by a "whoop" sound, trouble breathing, vomiting after coughing, coughing worse at night or a high fever lasting more than three days. People can also seek vaccinations to prevent the disease.
-Stewart Burnett
GN commits to inquest recmmendations
Nunavut
All of the 13 jury recommendations from the mandatory inquest into the death of Tommy Anguilianuk held in Hall Beach May 2 to 4 will be implemented according to partners from the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The partnership consists of the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., RCMP and Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council.
The recommendations are intended to help prevent similar deaths from occurring again and were directed at the RCMP, GN and partnership.
"We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all individuals in RCMP custody. The Nunavut Suicide Prevention partners are all committed to continuing to work on education, health and safety initiatives that contribute to Nunavut communities," stated RCMP Chief Supt. Michael Jeffrey, on behalf of NSPS partners. The jury members and inquest participants were also acknowledged.
- Michele LeTourneau
Youth exercise for mental health
Kimmirut/Lake Harbour
Youth in Kimmirut learned the value of exercise in maintaining mental health during Mental Health Week May 2 to 8.
Petanie Pitsiulak, community health representative, took Grade 7s and 8s for a walk while Grade 5s and 6s played a game of outdoor baseball.
She said exercise is one of the best ways to improve mental health.
"During the walk, I had a chance to talk to the older kids about what they'd like to do after they graduate from high school," said Pitsiulak.
"I was pretty overwhelmed with what their goals and dreams are."
The younger ones do not fully understand the meaning of mental health yet she said, but she was thrilled to see them engaged in active and positive behaviour.
- Stewart Burnett
Ilisaqsivik program gets accredited
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
A hub for students and trainees from all over the territory, Ilisaqsivik Society announced its Inuit Counsellor's Training and Mentorship Program has received official accreditation from the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada.
Counsellors who complete Ilisaqsivik's program will now be eligible to receive certification from the ICBOC, which is recognized by many organizations, including Health Canada.
The accreditation process took two years and was finalized earlier this month with a site visit from ICBOC officials.
This is the first training program ICBOC has accredited in Nunavut.
- Stewart Burnett
Graduates celebrated
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
Taloyoak celebrated the accomplishments of four high-school grads the evening of May 18.
Education Minister Paul Quassa attended along with around 250 residents.
"The theme of the grad was perseverance because all of the students struggled with completing school," said Netsilik Ilihakvik principal Gina Pizzo.
"They were young parents trying to juggle all the facets of their lives. They persevered, however, through all the struggles and finally made it to the podium."
"We were also very fortunate that Paul Quassa, the Minister of Education, was able to join us for the grad as the special guest speaker," Pizzo added.
- Michele LeTourneau
Gymnasts featured on the news
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
A group of young gymnasts from Rankin Inlet made the local news in Northern British Columbia last week.
The Prince George Gymnastics Club held a meet May 13 to 15 and the Aqsarniit Ujauttaq club travelled to the community for the competition.
Lisa Kresky, the Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik teacher who runs the club, and her team were on CKPG TV News and the Nunavut club was given special mention.
"The Prince George Gymnastics Club held a big meet this weekend, and welcomed clubs from all over British Columbia. But one club came a lot further than that. The Aqsarniit Ujauttaq Club, or Northern Lights Gymnastics from Nunavut was there to compete, and had a great showing on and off the mats," the reporter said.
- Michele LeTourneau
Rankin wins memorial soccer tournament
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
The Rankin FC captured its fourth-straight title at the Rick Ningeocheak Memorial adult soccer tournament earlier this month in Rankin Inlet. This marked the first year the tournament was officially named as the Rick Ningeocheak Memorial.
FC defeated #Rankin 3-1 in the final. It was the third straight time the two teams met in the championship game.
Team Rankin defeated the KickArs 5-0 in the female's championship game.
Team Rankin went through the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.
James Merritt of the Rankin FC was named the tournament's Most Sportsmanlike Player in the Men's Division, while Keesha Jones of the WAR Islanders was named the female Most Sportsmanlike Player.
- Darrell Greer
Man charged in axe assault
Qamanittuaq/Baker Lake
A Baker Lake man was flown to Winnipeg with non life-threatening injuries after being assaulted in that community earlier this month.
Officers from the Baker Lake detachment of the RCMP responded to a call of an assault in progress outside of a local business at about 4:30 p.m. on May 4.
The suspect was identified as a 26-year-old male from Baker and reported to be carrying an axe.
The RCMP stated the suspect was located near where the reported incident took place with the axe still in hand.
He was taken into custody without incident and a weapon was seized.
The man has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, and one count each of possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence and breach of probation.
- Darrell Greer
Rankin Inlet Artist's work graces Nunavut phone directory
Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet artist Dyan White has been selected as the winner of the 2016-2017 Northwestel Directory Cover Art Competition for Nunavut.
Her painting, Inukshuk at Sunset, will be featured on the cover of Northwestel's phone directory and distributed throughout
the territory.
Her painting was inspired by a beautiful summer night, and White's personal connection to a Rankin Inlet landmark.
Northwestel has invited Northern artists to submit their work for a chance to appear on the directories since 1995.
This year's winning Nunavut artist was selected by a committee of Northwestel employees in consultation with Rowena House, executive director of the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association,
- Darrell Greer
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