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Monday, August 15, 2016
Grounded barge freed near Lutsel K'e
The Northern Transportation Company Ltd. (NTCL) tugboat that ran aground near Lutsel K'e on July 26 has been freed.
The tug, which was pushing barges at the time, went aground outside Lutsel K'e.
Deliveries to Lutsel K'e, including fuel to the GNWT, were completed before the incident.
However, the NTCL was quoted last week in media reports stating the incident has resulted in delays of food shipments to Northern communities.
The tugboat will have to be inspected before it can move barges down the Mackenzie River.
The delays are causing food prices to increase in some communities, as merchants are resorting to more expensive air shipments of food.
- Paul Bickford/
James O'Connor
Dogs still loose
As of Aug. 8, director of protective services Jim Sawkins was reporting six dogs still loose on the Inuvik property from which nearly 30 dogs have been removed in the past month.
Ten dogs so far have been sent to shelters in Yellowknife and farther south, with more on their way when space frees up.
The town is taking donations for the ongoing care of the dogs.
- Sarah Ladik
Tlicho Investment Corp. pares down
The Tlicho Investment Corporation shut down 17 of its companies and plans to close seven more, according to its first ever quarterly newsletter.
All of the companies are considered "inactive, redundant or not contributing to the TIC mandate," the newsletter stated.
Other companies will be merged to avoid having two companies offering the same services.
- Kassina Ryder
NWT employment rate second highest in Canada
The employment rate in the Northwest Territories in July was the second highest in the country, data from the NWT Bureau of Statistics shows.
Yukon had the highest rate.
More than 23,000 people were employed in the territory in July, an increase of 600 people since July of last year.
The territory's unemployment rate increased from 8.0 per cent in June to 8.4 per cent in July.
- Kassina Ryder
Handgames for boys in Behchoko
Behchoko/Rae Edzo
A beginner boys handgames and drumming workshop is scheduled to take place in Behchoko from Aug. 8 to 17, according to information from the Tlicho Government.
The workshop is open to children from five to 12 years old and will take place at the home of Chief Clifford Daniels.
It is scheduled to run from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
A mini handgames tournament is expected to take place after the workshop finishes on Aug. 18 and prizes will be presented to participants.
Anyone looking for more information or to register is asked to call the Tlicho Government office.
- Kassina Ryder
Youth and elders' camp in Gameti
Gameti/Rae Lakes
A fish camp aiming to bring youth and elders together is scheduled to take place in Gameti from Aug. 8 to 12, according to the Tlicho Government's webpage.
The goal is to strengthen survival skills, as well as learn about culture and traditional knowledge. More information is available at the community's Tlicho Knowledge building.
- Kassina Ryder
All-season road meeting in Whati
Whati/Lac La Martre
A public meeting to discuss the Tlicho All Season Road project was scheduled to take place in Whati on Aug. 18, according to an information poster from the Mackenzie Valley Review Board.
The meeting is intended to inform residents about the need for an environmental assessment, to share information about that process and to get input from residents.
It is scheduled to take place at the cultural centre from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A dinner is expected to be served at 5 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Swimming classes this month
Tulita/Fort Norman
The community swimming pool in Tulita is offering a variety of classes throughout August, according to the pool schedule provided by the recreation department.
Public swimming is available every day of the week while swimming lessons are being offered on Wednesdays and Fridays. Family swimming is taking place on Saturdays from 2 until 3 p.m.
The pool closes on Sundays at 6 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Louis Cardinal ferry to stay open late for Tsiigehtchic Canoe Daze
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
The Louis Cardinal ferry will be operating late to accommodate travellers during Tsiigehtchic's annual Canoe Daze celebration, said recreation co-ordinator Ben Contenti.
The ferry will be open until about 2 a.m. on Aug. 19 and 20.
Canoe Daze events are expected to kick off with opening ceremonies and a community feast at the gym attached to Chief Paul Niditchie School.
The schedule includes canoe races, as well as children's games and other events. Contenti said he's hoping to include a triathlon and possibly a strongest man and strongest woman competition, but details haven't yet been determined.
There is also expected to be a drum dance and an old-time dance.
"It's going to be a good weekend," Contenti said.
- Kassina Ryder
Metis Cultural Days
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The third-annual Metis Cultural Days are set for Aug. 19 to 21 in Fort Smith. The featured performers will be Native Cousins, North Country Rock, Lee and George Mandeville, and Linda Duford and Pat Coleman.
The event, which will take place at Roaring Rapids Hall, is being presented by the Northwest Territories Metis Cultural Institute.
- Paul Bickford
Arbour opening celebrated
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
The community of Fort Providence will be celebrating the grand opening of its new arbour on Aug. 17.
The celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. at the new arbour, with a ribbon-cutting by a community elder.
The afternoon will include a fire-feeding ceremony, four directions ceremony, a presentation and speeches from Mayor Samuel Gargan, Deh Gah Got'ie Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge and Fort Providence Metis President Clifford McLeod.
The celebration will be followed by a community feast and evening entertainment, including a talent show and closing drum dance.
- April Hudson
Artists workshop in Norman Wells
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
A workshop educating artists on how to properly price their artwork is scheduled to take place in Norman Wells on Aug. 24, according to the territorial Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).
The workshop is being offered through the Northwest Territories Arts program and is expected to take place at the Norman Wells Historical Centre. It is intending to provide information on how to calculate material and labour costs, as well as what should be taken into consideration when putting a price tag on pieces of art.
The workshop is scheduled to run from 3 to 5 p.m.
Anyone looking for more information is asked to call the Norman Wells ITI office.
- Kassina Ryder
Iqaluit residents charged
Iqaluit
Five Iqaluit residents have been charged after a drug investigation led to arrests and seizures on Aug. 5.
Police seized approximately 15 ounces of cocaine and small quantities of marijuana, hashish, MDMA (Ecstacy) as well as a handgun and approximately $9,000 in cash.
Investigators with the V Division Federal Operations Section, along with V Division Major Crime Unit and the Iqaluit Detachment of the RCMP, executed two search warrants in Iqaluit, which resulted in the arrests.
Three people, 18 to 23 years old, were charged with possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, while a 19-year-old was charged with possession of a controlled substance of marijuana as well as possession of a restricted firearm without holding a proper licence. The four individuals have been released and are scheduled to appear in Iqaluit territorial court on Nov. 3.
A fifth individual, age 27, was charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance of cocaine and MDMA, as well as possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 and three counts of possession of a controlled substance for cocaine, hashish and MDMA. He appeared at a bail hearing in Iqaluit territorial court on Aug. 8.
"Getting these drugs off the streets creates a safer and healthier community," stated Sgt. David Lawson in a news release.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Citizens thwart sexual assault
Iqaluit
Residents stepped in to stop a crime in progress last week in Iqaluit.
On Aug. 8 around 8 p.m. the Iqaluit RCMP responded to a complaint of a sexual assault in the 100 block area of the city.
"With assistance from citizens who realized the seriousness of the matter, the assault was interrupted," Sgt. David Lawson stated in a news release.
The investigation found that a 28-year-old man forced a 12-year-old girl into a residence and sexually assaulted her. He attempted to flee the scene but was caught and held by a citizen until police arrived.
The man has been charged with sexual interference, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, uttering threats and a breach of probation.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Charges laid in break-ins
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
Rankin Inlet RCMP made an arrest Aug. 5 after investigating a series of break-ins.
Six break-ins have occurred over the last few weeks at businesses and residences, stated an RCMP news release.
An 18-year-old male was charged with two counts of break-and-enter, one count of possession of break-in tools and two counts of breaching a probation order after investigators reviewed video surveillance footage and made a positive identification in two of the break-ins.
The suspect appeared in court on Aug 8.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Jet makes emergency landing
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
A Boeing 737-200 en route to Montreal from Meadowbank Gold Mine, near Baker Lake, made an emergency landing in Rankin Inlet on July 28.
The cause was a sensor that went off mid-flight, indicating an emergency. The aircraft is being assessed on the ground in Rankin Inlet to find out what the exact problem was.
The plane was carrying both passengers and cargo. All crew members and passengers were safe.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Caribou management board supports Kiggavik decision
Kivalliq
The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board said in early August that it "is very pleased the federal government has accepted the Nunavut Impact Review Board's (NIRB) recommendation that Areva's proposed Kiggavik uranium mine project should not proceed at this time."
The inter-jurisdictional advisory board was established in 1982 specifically to help manage and protect those two herds.
Areva's proposed uranium project would have seen one underground and four open-pit mines approximately 80 kilometres west of Baker Lake in between the two caribou calving grounds of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds.
"Many people made personal sacrifices to make submissions, attend meetings and hearings, and give presentations over the past five years," said chairperson Earl Evans.
"This is certainly good news for caribou and caribou harvesters."
Evans, a hunter from Fort Smith, NWT, is one of many people who made presentations during the final technical and public hearings on the proposal in early 2015.
"The staff and board of NIRB listened carefully to the input provided by all parties, and made sure that concerns and perspectives of caribou harvesters from across the caribou ranges (including outside Nunavut) were clearly represented in their report to the ministers," Evan said.
The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds migrate across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The majority of members on the caribou management board represent aboriginal communities and all board members live in the North.
- Michele LeTourneau
Good news for rec centre
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
There was good news for Kugluktuk on Aug. 11 when the federal government announced it would contribute $225,000 for improvements to the hamlet's recreation centre.
Announced by Navdeep Bains, the minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the funds will "support upgrades and renovations to the arena and complex," according to a news
release.
The list of improvements includes replacing the boiler system and upgrading the ventilation system to improve heat recovery and air quality.
The fire sprinkler system will also receive an upgrade and repairs will be made to the exterior of the building.
The recreation centre is a hub of activity in the community. An ice rink, a community kitchen, a fitness centre, a community hall, a youth centre and a radio station all call the building home.
"The hamlet is pleased to have the support of CanNor to further enhance the quality of the structure for future generations," stated Mayor Ryan Nivingalok.
The funding comes through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
The hamlet is contributing $75,000 to the cost of the upgrades.
- Michele LeTourneau
RCMP visit fallen officer's grave site
Kugluktuk
Kugluktuk RCMP officers Const. Jeff Guenther and Cpl. Jean-Luc Bedard, along with Department of Environment conservation officer Allan Niptanatiak, travelled to Tree River, about 140 kilometres outside Kugluktuk, to maintain an historic gravesite earlier this month.
They paid their respects to Otto Binder and Cpl. William Andrew Doak, who were killed in 1922 while in the execution of their duties, stated Bedard in a news release.
"Allan Niptanatiak took the time to share his cultural knowledge of the area, which is an important part of the RCMP's mandate of learning about Inuit culture and tradition," said Bedard.
The RCMP members and conservation officers also took the opportunity to visit Plummers Lodge at Tree River where they did some Arctic char fishing and spent the night before their return to Kugluktuk
Binder and Doak were involved in what is now a controversial story.
The two were shot by Alikomiak, who was being held, along with Tatamigana, for possibly killing another Inuk, according to a biography by William R. Morrison. The two were later tried and sentenced to death in trials that lasted less than a day.
According to Morrison, the trial and deaths were to reverse the government's position of leniency toward Inuit and establish sovereignty over the region.
- Michele LeTourneau
Fire destroys community freezer
Qikiqtarjuaq/Broughton Island
A fire ripped through the community freezer in Qikiqtarjuaq on the morning of Aug. 9.
No one was hurt in the blaze, according to hamlet officials, but the facility was gutted.
The freezer, run by the hunters and trappers organization, was used primarily to butcher and store country food. Game could be stored by hunters for individual use or for sharing.
At press time there was still no official word on what caused the fire, or any plans to either repair or replace the facility.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Vancouver Aquarium conducts research
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The Vancouver Aquarium has a strong presence in and around Cambridge Bay in August.
Teamed up variously with Polar Knowledge Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and One Ocean Arctic Expedition, aquarium staff are running a few research projects, including near-shore ecosystem surveys, narwhal satellite
tagging, marine mammal sightings data collection, physical oceanography and Arctic river chemical signatures.
"We have a team of divers in the area conducting nearshore underwater ecological surveys for Polar Knowledge Canada," said director of Arctic programs Eric Solomon. "They are surveying and documenting the underwater marine life communities around Cambridge Bay."
On the evening of Aug. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m., staff held an open house at the Elders' Palace to show several live underwater animals, said Solomon.
Community members met the divers and saw the ocean animals up close.
"They may even get a chance to touch some of the animals."
Vancouver Aquarium biologist and diver Danny Kent said the event was well attended, with more than 100 people attending over two hours.
- Michele LeTourneau
Infrastructure deadline looms
Iqaluit
Iqaluit city council met this past weekend for the first time since the election last year to discuss future priorities for its strategic plan for the next five to 10 years.
Municipal directors joined city councillors to discuss major issues. Top of the list was infrastructure, including plans for closing the existing municipal dump and opening a new landfill, as well as pipes and roads in need of repair throughout the city.
But of primary concern was upgrading the city's waste-water plant in order to make it compliant with the law.
A 2013 study by the former Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development found the city could face fines of up to $100,000 a day and jail time for toxic discharge from the waste-water plant.
The report put a 2018 deadline on upgrades.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Candidates require records check
Iqaluit
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is encouraging potential candidates in its election for the position of president Dec. 12 to complete a criminal record check.
"Candidates are required to submit an original criminal records check when they submit their nomination papers. To ensure the records check is recent, candidates must apply for it 90 days prior to the election nomination period of Oct. 31 to Nov. 4," states a news release from the Inuit beneficiary organization. "Because it normally takes weeks to process a criminal records check, anyone considering running in the NTI election must start the process well in advance of the nomination period."
Chief returning officer Mary Wilman clarified for Nunavut News/North that "potential candidates with an indictable offence or imprisonment as a result of the conviction within three years of election day will not be eligible."
Eligible candidates and voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 16 years of age by Dec. 12, 2016 and enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement, according to the release.
Nomination forms are available from the chief returning officer, community liaison officers, or NTI's website when the nomination period opens.
- Michele LeTourneau
RCMP respond to gun threats
Kangigtugaapik/Clyde River
Clyde River RCMP responded to reports of a man threatening to shoot multiple people at a private residence on Aug. 6.
Upon arriving at the scene, RCMP determined the man had returned to his residence. After an hour of negotiations, a 41-year-old man surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without incident. "These situations can be extremely volatile and unpredictable. However it is V Division's main objective to ensure public safety," stated Sgt. David Lawson in a news release. "In this incident, the Clyde River RCMP demonstrated compassion and professionalism ... to help him recognize that his cooperation was for the betterment of the community. Unfortunately, there are still charges which he will have to face but in this particular case, no shots were fired and no one was injured thereby minimizing the impact the event had on the community."
The man has been charged with using a firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, four counts of uttering threats, two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a controlled substance, marijuana.
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
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