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Monday, July 11, 2016
Behchoko business blaze 'suspicious'
A fire that destroyed a Behchoko business in the early hours of July 7 has been deemed suspicious, says the territory's fire marshal.
"We have not determined cause and origin of the fire, however we have ruled the fire suspicious in nature," Chucker Dewar said.
Dewar said the fire marshal's office was notified of the fire at Our Video at about 3 a.m.
A determination of the cause of the blaze could be issued as early as this week, Dewar said.
- Kassina Ryder
High water on Peel River closes ferry
Unusually high water levels on the Peel River forced the Abraham Francis ferry at Fort McPherson to shut down twice last week, said Jayleen Robertson, acting deputy minister for the Department of Transportation.
The ferry was shut down at about 9 a.m. on July 4 and opened again the following day just before 11 a.m.
But rainfall in the Peel watershed created even higher levels later in the week. The ferry shut down again at about 8 p.m. on July 7.
Robertson said it was difficult to predict when the ferry would be operational as it depends on water levels.
- Kassina Ryder
Dene Nation to help ex-chief
The Dene Nation has thrown its support behind former Yellowknives Dene First Nation chief Ted Tsetta as he fights a charge of illegal possession of wildlife in court.
Tsetta appeared in territorial court on July 5 where his case was put over until September. Tsetta, also a former chief of Ndilo, was charged with hunting caribou without a wildlife tag in February 2014. Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus was at the courthouse late last month to support Tsetta.
- John McFadden
Territorial budget bill passes
NWT deputy commissioner Gerald Kisoun gave ascent to the territorial government's budget bill after it passed third and final reading on Wednesday.
That was the last order of business before MLAs ended a marathon session which began on May 31. This session was dominated by debate and discussion of the budget.
MLAs are now heading home to their ridings for summer break. The budget called for $1.66 billion to be spent over the next fiscal year, while running a $54 million deficit.
- John McFadden
Paulatuk teen at North American Leaders' Summit
Junior Canadian Ranger Julian Green, from Paulatuk met the Bob McLeod, Northwest Territories' premier, during the North American Leaders' Summit on June 29 in Ottawa.
Green was attending his first annual training session in Whitehorse when he learned he was selected as his community's representative at this important event in Ottawa.
He had the chance to shake hands with U.S. President Barack Obama and be present in the House of Commons during the president's address to Parliament.
The Junior Canadian Rangers Program offers unique opportunities for youth in isolated communities.
The Junior Canadian Rangers develop increased self-esteem and learn how to handle responsibility. In addition, have a better understanding of, and connection to, their communities through their participation in fun, challenging and engaging activities throughout Canada's northern communities.
- submitted by Capt. Steve Watton
Whooping cough alert expanded
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
The Nunavut Department of Health advised July 7 that there was a confirmed case of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in Hall Beach.
Whooping cough is a disease of the throat and lungs that spreads from person to person. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it can be very serious for children under the age of one, the department stated in a news release.
The best way to protect yourself from whooping cough is to ensure everyone in your household is vaccinated. It is very important that pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine to protect their babies, stated the department. Further, the department advises that parents of children under the age of three visit the health centre if these symptoms are seen: a cough followed by an unusual sound that sounds like "whoop," vomiting after coughing and a high fever.
- Michele LeTourneau
Kugluktuk breaks weather record
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
Kugluktuk reached an all-time recorded high of 29.2 C on July 5, smashing its previous record of 28.1 C, set in 1994, according to the Weather Network.
"The seasonal average for this time of year in Kugluktuk is only 15 C," stated Kelly Sonnenburg, a meteorologist for the network. Temperatures were not expected to remain as hot but are expected to stay above the average for this time of year.
- Michele LeTourneau
Big plans for Nunavut Day
Kugaaruk
The community of Kugaaruk was preparing to celebrate Nunavut Day in fine style last week.
Celebrations were to begin with a community barbecue at 1 p.m. July 9.
Throughout the day contests were planned, such as judging of traditional clothing in various age categories, cake decorating, fish cutting, tea boiling and bannock making.
Prizes ranged from $20 to $75.
Games were also planned.
The fishing derby was planned to take place between 5 and 7 p.m. July 9 and, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., community members could attend a square dance and teen dance.
Similar events were planned in all communities across Nunavut.
- Michele LeTourneau
More help for food bank
Iqaluit
Businesses and organizations have been lining up to help Iqaluit's Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank meet its demands since its recent appeal for help after placing its sealift order.
Most recently, Arctic Co-op in a partnership with Sarvaq Logistics donated $20,000 worth of food to help those in need in the community.
"This donation comes following our plea for support to help us with our annual food order," stated food bank chairperson Stephen Wallick in a news release.
"The timing is perfect - the food we received will help with our ongoing distributions through the summer and fall."
Sarvaq's Adamee Itorcheak added his organization is happy to assist the food bank and work with Arctic Co-op on the donation.
The first delivery took place June 25 with more deliveries planned.
- Stewart Burnett
Celebrate parks in Nunavut
Nunavut
After Canada Day and Nunavut Day comes time to celebrate Parks Day.
Parks Day is a national event but Nunavut, by a far cry, has some of the most outstanding parks in the country.
Residents can take the time July 16 to head to one of several parks across the territory where events and activities will be planned.
"This is the perfect time for people to spend a day exploring and enjoying all that Nunavut's outstanding parks have to offer," stated a Department of Environment news release.
Leesee Papatsie is the person to contact for information about what's going on across the territory.
- Michele LeTourneau
Start-up businesses show off
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
Organizers with Inspire Nunavut held an "Ideas Showcase" in Pond Inlet on July 8 to show off some of the new ideas from the community's entrepreneurs.
Sam Thumm with Inspire Nunavut said six businesses presented details about their start-ups.
That includes High Arctic Apparel, a clothing line using Inuit designs; Annuraaqtarvik, a new and used clothing store; Fix it Ruby, an electronics repair service; Borealis Inc., a graphic design company; Chris's Kitchen, a catering service; and Inugak Boutique, a means to connect Northern seamstresses with customers in the south selling parkas and amautis.
- Stewart Burnett
Youth sought for hunters program
Arviat
The Young Hunters Program in Arviat is currently looking for youth to participate in its summer program.
During the summer program, participants will spend three days a week on the land with instructor Louis Angalik. The program plans to focus on identifying and documenting plants. Participants will spend two days loading pictures and information into a database so that future participants can use them as a reference.
There will also be hunting opportunities throughout the summer, depending on when the caribou show up.
The program is open to youth between the ages of 16 and 20.
Registration forms are available at the wellness centre.
- Cody Punter
Sealskin course offered
Kitikmeot
The Kitikmeot campus of Nunavut Arctic College is offering a traditional sealskin fur production and design program this coming September.
The program is intended to offer students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and confidence to be successful in the fur garment industry, according to a news release.
Between Sept. 6 and Dec. 16, participants will be focused on traditional Inuit methods to prepare sealskins, design and sew garments, as well as discover the details of commercial and contemporary design and production.
- Michele LeTourneau
Fisheries research boosted
Nunavut
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced $1.2 million in funding July 5 to study fisheries data gathered from the Eastern and High Arctic.
The results from the analysis will identify the potential for establishing commercial fisheries activities around Resolute Bay, Qikiqtarjuaq and Arctic Bay.
"Arctic Fisheries Alliance has always been committed to investing in Nunavut's future," stated Jaypetee Akeeagok, chairman of the alliance in a news release.
"The support of CanNor is appreciated and assists us to make the discoveries needed to develop inshore fisheries in our owner-communities."
In 2015, researchers onboard the Kiviuq fishing vessel studied waters in the above three communities and examined the commercial viability of turbot, shrimp and whelk, as well as gathering environmental, oceanographic and ecological data.
Preliminary results of the research show potential for the development of local fisheries, which could provide increased job opportunities for Inuit and an expansion in Inuit-owned businesses in the fisheries sector.
- Stewart Burnett
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