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Monday, August 1, 2016
Senator demands answers about murder
Senator Nick Sibbeston said he wants answers about the murder of Billy Cholo, whose remains were discovered two years ago in Fort Simpson.
"Please, please do you job," the senator said to the representative from the RCMP at the July 26 meetings for the Dene National Assembly.
Sibbeston said he brought a man to the RCMP who said Cholo had come to him concerned before the murder.
"(Cholo) said, 'I'm scared, this man is going to kill me,'" Sibbeston said. "That seems like pretty relevant information."
Sibbeston said the RCMP told the man that the information would be passed along to the officers in charge of the investigation. The senator said the man has not been contacted.
RCMP Chief Supt. Ron Smith said he would get Sibbeston in contact with an officer who could provide more information.
- Joseph Tunney
Inuvik's first mayor passes away
Inuvik's first mayor, Dick Hill, died in his sleep in Collingwood, Ont., July 21.
The Collingwood Connection ran an obituary in which he was referred to as a "Northerner, scientist, adventurer, entrepreneur, sportsman and inveterate community builder."
Hill was born in Lamont, Alta., in 1930 and was raised in London, Ont. He spent 33 years living in Inuvik after having moved in 1963 with his family.
He was the founding director of the Inuvik Research Laboratory and also active in the Territorial Experimental Ski Program, and the Western Arctic Tourism Association.
- Sarah Ladik
Two territorial parks reopen to public
The Government of the NWT has reopened Cameron River Crossing and Reid Lake Territorial parks after they were closed due to a nearby forest fire more than two weeks ago.
Neither park had been reachable by road after the Ingraham Trail (Hwy 4) was also closed. A fire ban is still in effect at both parks. Campers who booked at Reid Lake will be reimbursed for the days the park was closed.
- John McFadden
Boaters found safe
Three missing boaters travelling on Great Slave Lake were found safe on July 26, says an RCMP news release.
The search began at about midnight near Fort Resolution.
It was believed the three people were travelling near Simpson Island with a second boat when they became separated from the rest of the group they were travelling with.
- Kassina Ryder
Behchoko youth get camera happy
Behchoko/Rae Edzo
A photography workshop in Behchoko is teaching youth to view their community in a new way, said co-ordinator Jamie Stevenson.
The workshop began on July 25 and will continue until Aug. 19. Youth aged eight to 16 are encouraged to go to the Tlicho Government office to learn camera basics before heading out into the community to take photos, Stevenson said.
"Through photography, you could see a whole different world," she said.
So far, students have been taking photos of everything from their friends doing activities to the local landscape. At the end of the workshop, their best photos will be compiled into scrapbooks or a poster to take home.
The goal is to focus on positive images in the community, Stevenson said. The Tlicho Government is sponsoring the workshop.
- Kassina Ryder
Off to the Dene National Assembly
Pehdzeh Ki/Wrigley
Wellness co-ordinator Rose Moses was expected to take six of the community's summer students to the Dene National Assembly in Fort Simpson on July 26.
"I think it's important," Moses said. "They're going to be the next leaders."
The goal is to give youth a chance to listen to their current leaders talk about important topics, Moses said.
"With land claims, there's so much going on, it's a good idea to see what the discussion are," she said. "I think it's good for the youth."
Moses and the students planned to camp in Fort Simpson during their stay.
"They're that age where they're graduating," she said. "You never know, maybe some of them are going to be politicians."
- Kassina Ryder
On the land with Ecology North
Tetlit'zheh/Fort McPherson
Children headed out on the land with Ecology North last week in Fort McPherson, embarking on four full days packed with science and fun.
"It went better than we were expecting," said summer student intern Katharine Thomas, noting only one of their team had ever been to the community before and that only during the winter.
In the end, 23 children from six years old to 14 took part in the four-day camp July 19 through 22.
Activities spanned waste reduction the first day, through to a water-theme and swimming the last day.
The camp also focused on climate change for a day, taking the children out to close to the Yukon border to work with scientists studying changes in permafrost and traditional food gathering and preparation with elders another day.
Thomas said the wide range of ages can make it difficult to impart more sophisticated environmental concepts but that she hoped the camp had instilled a love for science and the environment in the participants.
"We got a lot of good feedback from the kids and the parents," she said. "They were asking us if we could come back next year and come back for longer."
- Sarah Ladik
Swimming lessons offered in Fort Liard
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
The community pool in Fort Liard is open for the summer from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., said recreation co-ordinator Roslyn Firth.
In addition to regular swimming times, the pool is also offering swimming lessons. There will also be parent and tot classes.
The pool is located in the community hall and is usually open from the end of June through to August each summer.
- Kassina Ryder
Slave River Paddlefest
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The annual Slave River Paddlefest was to have taken place July 29 to Aug. 1.
The event - to have featured kayaking, canoeing and more fun on the water - was centred on Mountain Portage Rapids, in northern Alberta just south of Fort Smith.
The Slave River Paddlefest attracts kayakers from elsewhere in Canada and even from the United States. It is presented by the Fort Smith Paddling Club.
- Paul Bickford
Fort Smith presents its annual awards
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith announced the recipients of its annual Canada Day Awards on July 1.
Lindsay Wasylyshyn was honoured as the citizen of the year.
Barb McArthur was named the elder of the year.
And the Mabbitt Bunch - a team in the Relay for Life fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society - was recognized as the Paul Currie Volunteer of the Year.
- Paul Bickford
Fort Smith on list of most beautiful Canadian destinations
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Fort Smith is ranked number 29 on Expedia.ca's list of the 35 most beautiful destinations in Canada, says a release from the company. The town was chosen because of its Northern lights viewing opportunities and Wood Buffalo National Park.
"We searched for places that pack a major visual punch with unique charm, postcard-worthy scenery, and breathtaking landscapes," the company's website stated.
Squamish, B.C and Peggy's Cove, N.S join Fort Smith on the list.
- Kassina Ryder
Enterprise fire department on Twitter
Enterprise
The Enterprise Fire Department is now on Twitter.
Fire Chief Blair Porter recently announced residents can follow @EnterpriseFire to receive updates on training, drills, community events and more.
- Paul Bickford
Nahanni Butte to host gardening workshop
Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte
A representative from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is expected to visit Nahanni Butte on Aug. 5 to deliver a gardening workshop, said Stephanie Betsaka, receptionist at the Nahanni Butte Dene Band Office.
The workshop is expected to focus on skills such as re-planting, weeding and harvesting, as well as proper mulching techniques. Gardeners are asked to meet at the community garden at about 1 p.m. The workshop is scheduled to run from about 1 until 4 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Tulita youth showcase artistic talents
Tulita/Fort Norman
Youth Art Workshop participants in Tulita were expected to showcase their best work during a gallery on July 29, said recreation co-ordinator Archie Erigaktuk.
The gallery was scheduled to take place at the Tulita band office arbour from 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop ran from July 25 to July 29 and was free to participants aged 12 to 18. Activities included painting and drawing and all supplies were provided.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment hosted the workshop.
- Kassina Ryder
Fort Good Hope readies for Ramparts Rendezvous
Radilih Koe/Fort Good Hope
This year's Ramparts Rendezvous is scheduled to begin in Fort Good Hope on Aug. 12.
Activities will kick off at 10 a.m. with a tent setting competition, followed by both men's and women's bannock-making contests.
Other events throughout the weekend are expected to include canoe races, duck plucking competitions and jigging contests, as well as beaver fleshing and stretching competitions and a traditional dress contest.
The final day, Aug. 14, is scheduled to feature tea boiling, nail driving and a talent show. The talent show will be open to youth under the age of 15 and adults over the age of 16.
A dance will cap off this year's event.
- Kassina Ryder
Handgames tournament attracts regional teams
K'atlodeeche/Hay River Reserve
A $50,000 hand games tournament was scheduled to take place on the Hay River Reserve the weekend of July 30, said Rose Buggins, summer culture program co-ordinator.
The tournament, expected to attract teams from throughout the region and the community, was to offer free camping near the arbour, including the use of portable washrooms and drinking water.
The event was expected to bring in vendors as well, selling locally-made arts and crafts, as well as food and other items.
The weekend was also expected to include drum dance performances.
- Kassina Ryder
Farmers market opens in Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The first Desnede Farmers Market took place on July 23 in Fort Smith. The market, which was held in the parking lot of St. John's Anglican Church, featured the produce and creations of gardeners, farmers, bakers, craftspeople, artists and more.
The plan is to hold the market every Saturday.
- Paul Bickford
Kimmirut gets new soccer equipment
Kimmirut
First Air, Adventure Canada and Project North teamed up to bring 50 sets of new soccer equipment to Kimmirut July 15 and 16. The bags included everything from shoes to jerseys, balls and nets.
"Our team at Project North could not be more excited to bring this unique soccer experience to Kimmirut," stated Michelle Valberg, president and co-founder of Project North, in a news release. "We are thrilled to be able to offer youth an unforgettable recreational experience, no matter the season."
The team travelling to Kimmirut played a friendly game of soccer with Kimmirut youth, who ended up winning 6-5.
"As the airline of the North, we're proud to give back to the communities we serve," stated Bert van der Stege, First Air's vice-president of commercial operations, in the release. "Every child deserves the chance to experience all kinds of sports and activities; an opportunity we strive to bring to children all across Northern Canada with Project North. Today was just a great example, so many happy faces."
- Stewart Burnett
Busy summer at Ilisaqsivik
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River wrapped up two big camps before the end of July.
The elders committee held a spring youth camp, taking six elders, six youth and one counsellor out on the land for a week. They hunted seal and geese and fished for char. The youth practised preparing seal meat and sealskins, drying fish, preparing geese and sewing skins. Mimie Natanine was project co-ordinator.
Ilisaqsivik also assisted the Actua Science Camp for the third year, whose facilitators kept more than 30 youth busy with learning activities. Camp elder Ilkoo Angutikjuak and Jerry Natanine helped facilitate and translate during the camp.
- Stewart Burnett
Date set for workshop
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
After wrapping up a performing arts training workshop in Apex mid-July, the Qaggiavuut Society is looking ahead to a busy rest of the year.
Following an annual general meeting Sept. 21, the group will collaborate with Piqqusilirivvik in hosting a performing arts workshop in Clyde River from Sept. 26 to 30. The recent one in Apex brought together storytellers, drumdancers and other performers from around the territory, and even the Northwest Territories, to learn from each other.
"It is through our songs and stories that we keep our language and culture," project manager Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory told Nunavut News/North in Apex.
The society is working to build economic opportunities for performing artists as cultural ambassadors and teachers. One of these projects includes the Tununiq Theatre in Pond Inlet, which will help develop a specialized theatre performance for cruise ships.
- Stewart Burnett
Cruise ship team makes final preparations with communities
Nunavut
The Crystal Cruises team, working on the luxury cruise carrying approximately 1,625 souls from Alaska to New York via the Northwest Passage, has not been idle as it awaits all the necessary permissions.
"Last month, a team from Crystal Cruises visited Northern communities in the NWT and Nunavut in preparation for the Aug. 16 to Sept. 16 sailing of Crystal Serenity through the Northwest Passage," said director of global public relations Paul Garcia.
Garcia said Master Captain Birger J. Vorland, vice-president of land operations John Stoll and shore excursion manager Jim O'Connor, along with expedition leader Tim Soper of Expedition Voyage Consultants, met with key members of the communities of Ulukhaktok, Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, each of which will be visited during the voyage.
"During these meetings in the communities, which followed up on earlier visits in 2014, plans were fine-tuned for the landing day programs. The objectives are to provide meaningful benefits to each of the communities that the ship visits, with local artists, performers, hunters and citizens being involved in the planning and participating in the execution of each of these days," Garcia said.
In addiition, he said passengers will receive accurate and informative representation of Inuit life and culture during the visits.
A planning team for each hamlet, including mayors, council members, community development officers, visitor centre managers, local guides and artists discussed ideas, activity options and the logistics of the visit.
The deadline for comments from the public and stakeholders to the Nunavut Impact Review Board was July 26. The board has given Crystal Cruises until Aug. 12 to respond to comments.
- Michele LeTourneau
Whooping cough alert continues
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
The Department of Health issued a reminder July 26 for pregnant women in Hall Beach in their final trimester to make an appointment with the health centre to be vaccinated for whooping cough, also called pertussis.
This applies to everyone living in the same house.
"Parents of children under the age of two and Nunavummiut planning to travel outside their community are also encouraged to make sure their vaccines are up to date," states the news release.
For young infants, whooping cough can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of whooping cough to watch for are a cough followed by an unusual "whoop" sound or a funny sounding cough and vomiting after coughing or not breathing after coughing.
- Michele LeTourneau
NTI awards Jose Amaujaq Kusugak scholarships
Nunavut
April Ollie of Arviat and Rosemary Akulujuk of Pangnirtung each received $5, 000 toward their studies thanks to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.'s 2016 Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship.
Ollie is in her fourth year and Akulujuk is in her second year pursuing their degrees in the Nunavut Teachers Education Program. Both submitted their essays to Nunavut Tunngavik in Inuktitut.
"Congratulations to April and Rosemary on receiving the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship. I believe we've chosen two exceptional students that will make great strides in continuing Jose's legacy," stated president Cathy Towtongie when she announced the good news July 21.
The jury reviewed 14 applications in total. Pujjuut Kusugak, the late Jose's son, participated in the jury this year. The Kusugak family has played a guiding role in the scholarship since its inception in 2011, states the news release.
"The Kusugak family would like to wish both students the best in their pursuit as educators.
There were some great applications and we would like to thank all for putting in their time to apply. We hope to continue to see many apply for the scholarship. Please continue to pursue your dreams and help make Nunavut and its people contributors to their family, community and territory," stated Kusugak.
The next deadline for applications for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship is July 9, 2017.
- Michele LeTourneau
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