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Monday, October 31, 2016
Crime down up North
Inuvik
A monthly update from Inuvik RCMP to town council showed calls for service down in September 2016 compared to the same time last year.
There were 304 calls for service during the month, including 54 for the Liquor Act, 33 assaults, three break and enters, three thefts of a motor vehicle, one for drug trafficking and nine for impaired driving.
The Inuvik RCMP were busy in the community last month, getting involved in the Terry Fox Run, PARTY program, a community cleanup and attending a bake night at the youth centre.
Twice in September the RCMP responded to incidents of missing persons on the under-construction Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway.
- Stewart Burnett
Fewer wildfires in 2016
NWT
Fewer wildfires burned less than half the hectares of land in 2016 than in 2015, deputy premier Robert C. McLeod stated Tuesday in a speech at the legislative assembly.
There were 188 known fires in 2016 compared to 241 in 2015. Some 2,290 square kilometres burned in 2016 compared to 6,220 in 2016.
The territory has spent $29,990,575 in training and firefighting costs so far this year, McLeod said. An additional 229 extra firefighters were hired.
- Kirsten Fenn
Dene condemn dam
NWT
Dene leaders are demanding the immediate stop of the Site C dam project in British Columbia.
The dam falls within Treaty 8 territory and is upstream from the Dene homeland, Bill Erasmus, Dene National Chief stated in a news release.
Site C construction began in 2015 and is estimated to be completed by 2024, according to B.C. Hydro. It is expected to produce enough energy to power 450,000 British Columbia homes per year,
- Kassina Ryder
Expeditions funded
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
Dechinta Bush University Centre for Research and Learning has received $500,000 in funding from the federal government for a project aimed at reconciliation.
Rivers of Reconciliation will bring indigenous and non-indigenous people together on three eight-week river expeditions through the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut during the summer of 2017. The funding was announced by NWT MP Michael McLeod as part of the Canada 150 Fund.
- Kirsten Fenn
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Archie Larocque is this year's winner of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
The award recognizes adult students who have overcome challenges in an effort to improve their literacy skills. It is presented to one individual from each of the provinces and territories and this is the second year the award has been presented to an Aurora College student.
Larocque left school when he was very young and had been out of school for more than 30 years when he decided to return, stated an Aurora College news release.
He is now pursuing an Environmental and Natural Resources Technology diploma.
While the award is usually presented during NWT Literacy Week in September, Aurora College board of governors chair Kathy Tsetso presented Larocque with his award and medal October 26 because he didn't want to miss any classes, the release stated.
"It is that type of dedication and determination to succeed that shows most clearly why Archie Larocque was chosen for this honour," Tsetso said. "He displays a commitment to learning of which we can all be proud."
- Kassina Ryder
Museum to host pumpkin walk
Hay River
The Hay River Heritage Society will host its first trail pumpkin walk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The museum is asking residents of the community to think about donating their pumpkins for the event.
People can drop their carved creations Nov. 1 at the museum or at Carter Industries. Please make sure to include candles.
Participants can then join the leisure walk along the museum's trail to enjoy the lit-up pumpkins. Afterward, the pumpkins will be donated to the Northern Farm Training Institute for its animals.
- Paul Bickford
Halloween party Saturday
Inuvik
There was to have been a Halloween party for youth at the Midnight Sun Complex from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.
Youth were invited to come in their best costumes for a haunted house, games, crafts and a costume contest. The event was free and open to children 12 years old or younger.
- Kassina Ryder
CWL fall fair in Fort Smith
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Catholic Women's League in Fort Smith was scheduled to hold a fall fair Oct. 29 in the basement of St. Joseph's Cathedral from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Attendees would be treated to feature raffles, baking, a white elephant sale, religious articles, and children's items.
- Paul Bickford
Fishers to hold fall meeting
Hay River
The NWT Fishermen's Federation and the Hay River Harbour Authority are holding their fall meeting on Nov. 7.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre.
The agenda will include abandoned vessels and discussion about the upcoming meeting of the Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee.
- Paul Bickford
Tourism programs welcome applicants
NWT
Two tourism mentorship programs hosted by the GNWT are accepting applications from residents interested in gaining insight and experience in the industry.
The youth mentorship for tourism program and the tourism business mentorship program offer training opportunities for students, young professionals and those new to the industry.
The application deadline for the business mentorship program is Dec. 16 and for the youth mentorship program is Jan. 31.
- Kassina Ryder
Youth ambassadors sought
NWT
The GNWT is now accepting applications for its 2016-2017 Northwest Territories Youth Ambassador Program.
The program provides NWT youth with opportunities to build leadership skills through participation in special events and volunteer assignments.
In the past, youth ambassadors have attended the Arctic Winter Games, Canada Winter Games and North American Indigenous Games.
Applicants are selected based on community involvement, commitment to a healthy lifestyle and personal reflection on how the program will help them.
Youth between 16 and 24 can apply by Dec. 9 for the program.
- Kassina Ryder
Health challenge to begin
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A health challenge is about to begin in Fort Smith with a kick-off event at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the main foyer of Aurora College.
The challenge will continue for six months and will feature things such as educational sessions, various nutritional and physical activity challenges, a walking club at Aurora College, group motivation, and recipes and tips for healthy eating.
- Paul Bickford
Scary flicks for Halloween film night
Inuvik
If regular Halloween activities have become too tame, people had a chance to view a selection of scary short films at the Midnight Sun Complex Oct. 29.
The show was to feature films from Yellowknife's Dead North Film Festival, plus a locally made film by Dez Loreen called The Mad Trapper. The event was a partnership between Loreen, the Town of Inuvik and Artless Collective, the Yellowknife based film and multimedia production studio.
"We're showing seven Dead North films that haven't been shown in Inuvik yet," said Loreen, who operates under the Neverlow Studios brand which he started in 2010.
"These are all new. These are scary Dead North films. Some of them are kind of weird, some of them are funny, eclectic, but these are just scary."
His short film, shot in Inuvik, was to highlight the package, set to run for just over an hour.
Loreen hopes to raise the profile of filmmaking in town.
- Stewart Burnett
Endangered bats may live in area
Inuvik
If you've seen any bats around Inuvik or the larger Gwich'in Settlement Area, species at risk biologist Kaytlin Cooper wants to hear from you.
There haven't been any authenticated sightings, but Cooper has heard of one bat-sighting in Aklavik, and then a few weeks ago at a board meeting in Tsiigetchic there was mention of seeing a few bats. Cooper has also heard of bats in a Fort McPherson cabin. As far as the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board knows, this is a new phenomenon.
"It's really interesting," said Cooper. "We don't know for sure if they actually are here."
She's hoping to have community members report any sightings with as much information as possible about where the bats were seen, when and what they were doing.
There are five different species of bat being assessed under the Northwest Territories Species at Risk Act.
The most likely one to be this far north is the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), which is assessed as endangered under the Federal Species at Risk Act.
Most bat surveys in the NWT have been done in the southern part of the territory.
"It could be that they've been here for a long time and we weren't aware of it, or they could have flown up here recently and don't plan on sticking around," said Cooper.
"We really don't know right now."
People who think they have seen bats are encouraged to contact Cooper at: kcooper@grrb.nt.ca
- Stewart Burnett
Aklavik set for Halloween
Aklavik
Residents were expected to celebrate Halloween all weekend long beginning on Oct. 28, said recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod.
Festivities were scheduled to kick off with a costume contest and dance at the Sittichinli Recreational Complex from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. for youth between the ages of five and 15.
At 4 p.m. on Oct. 29, a costume contest for elders and preschoolers was scheduled to begin, with prizes for everyone who participated.
Later that evening a costume contest was scheduled to take place for adults over the age of 16.
The first prize winner would take home $300 while prizes of $200 and $100 were presented to the second and third place winners, McLeod said.
An additional 12 prizes of $50 would be presented to the runners up.
And as well, $25 consolation prizes to eight more costume-wearers.
Trick or Treating was scheduled to take place in the afternoon and evening of Oct. 31
- Kassina Ryder
Chief Julius School fundraises for grad
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
Students and staff at Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson have already begun fundraising for this year's graduation ceremonies, said teacher Paige McDonald.
A Halloween-themed Cake Walk that took place at the school on Oct. 21 has already raised about $400.
While graduation details haven't yet been decided, the goal is to raise about $10,000.
"In order for students to have a fantastic night at grad, we have to fundraise about $10,000," McDonald said. "This was our first fundraiser of the year."
A recess bake sale was also scheduled to take place on Oct. 26.
- Kassina Ryder
Movie fundraiser at Mangilaluk School
Tuktoyaktuk
A movie fundraiser was scheduled to take place at Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk on Oct. 29, said teacher Audrey Walker.
The movie Finding Dory was scheduled to begin at about 2:30 p.m., with the canteen selling snacks scheduled to open at about 1:30 p.m. Money raised during the afternoon would be put toward school excursions, such as the annual swimming trip to Inuvik's Midnight Sun Complex, Walker said.
More movie fundraisers are expected to take place throughout the school year.
- Kassina Ryder
Paulatuk HTC holds nominations
Paulatuk
Nominations for positions on the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee are scheduled to be open from now until Nov. 21, according to information from the committee.
There are three seats available for two year terms. Anyone interested in nominating a resident can pick up forms at the committee office.
Kassina Ryder
Youth leadership talks approach in Fort Liard
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Passion to Lead, an international youth leadership development organization, will be in Fort Liard from Nov. 11 to 14.
During their stay, 20 youth between the ages of 11 and 13 will have the chance to develop leadership skills, build confidence and work together on a project that will be showcased globally.
Two of the organization's leaders will be filming a documentary titled Global Sorority, which has so far been filmed in eight countries.
Also in Fort Liard, the fourth annual haunted house will wrap up today at the community hall from 7 to 11 p.m. Children under the age of seven must be accompanied by an adult.
- April Hudson
Halloween dance in Gameti
Gameti/Rae Lakes
Gameti's recreation department was scheduled to host a Halloween dance and costume contest on Oct. 29, according to recreation co-ordinator Juanita Bekale.
The dance was expected to run from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Admission was $5, but was free for anyone wearing a costume. The adult costume contest was open to participants over the age of 16 and first prize for the scariest costume was a plane ticket from Air Tindi.
The prize for funniest costume was $300, most original was $150 and prettiest was $100.
The contest for children aged two to 15 included prizes for the same categories.
A baking contest featuring Halloween-themed cakes, desserts and pies was also scheduled to take place with $150 awarded to the first place winner, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.
- Kassina Ryder
Eight new beds
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
An eight-bed shelter is opening soon for homeless men in Cambridge Bay.
"It's not just sleeping, with it there's different counseling and the people in it can go to the centre during the day," said hamlet SAO Marla Limousin.
She said funding is provided by the GN.
Furnishing for the municipally run shelter, to be operated by the wellness centre, arrived on the sea lift.
- Beth Brown
Iqaluit city council hosts town hall
Iqaluit
Residents of Iqaluit will have the opportunity to chat with their mayor and city councillors Nov. 3, as city council stages a town hall meeting in the Koojesse south room at the Frobisher Hotel.
"City council wanted an opportunity to not only share updates on key files for Iqaluit, but more importantly, they wanted to provide constituents with a chance to ask questions and obtain information directly from council, to better understand city programs, services, policies and operations," Mayor Madeleine Redfern told Nunavut News/North.
"This town hall provides a forum for citizens to share their ideas and concerns, as well as provide valuable feedback, especially on city priorities. Citizens have told us that they want better communications with the city, and councillors are committed to more engagement with residents. A town hall provides one such venue for the exchange of ideas."
The gathering runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
A question-and-answer period will follow city council presentations.
- Michele LeTourneau
Scary tales for Halloween
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Halloween took a traditional spin at Attagoyuk Ilisavik last week.
Elders Geela Sowdluapik and Anna Etuangat told traditional scary stories to the classes Oct. 26, in advance of Halloween.
"It was great to see the students so enthralled by the Inuit legends and tales and totally engrossed in the storytelling in their first language, Inuktitut," said observer Alison Boyce.
The elders took up their post in the library and each class came in turn to hear the tales.
"The elders told three tales: about the Inugagullikkat (Little People), the Qalupalik (monster in the ocean) and the Aggajaat (three-fingered hand). These were cautionary tales for children to teach them how to behave," said principal Allan Boyce.
- Michele LeTourneau
The Jerry Cans to launch CD
Iqaluit
Two family-friendly shows are scheduled to celebrate the release of The Jerry Cans' third album, Inuusiq/Life.
CBC Music touted The Jerry Cans latest single 'Northern Lights' as one of "eight songs you need to hear this week." Exclaim! Magazine published a special feature on the new album and Nunavut's first record label Aakuluk Music, founded by three of the band members.
The two shows are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12 at Inuksuk High School, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Songstress Riit Mike will open for the band.
- Michele LeTourneau
Municipal elections approach
Taloyoak/Spence Bay
Municipal elections are on the horizon in Taloyoak. Positions are open for a hamlet mayor and four hamlet councillors.
Nomination packages for the positions are available at the hamlet office, and the nomination deadline is Nov. 7 by 3 p.m.
The last day to withdraw from the election is Nov. 12.
Nomination papers must be signed by returning officer Michael Aleekee or a designated witness. The election is to be held on Dec. 12 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the old hamlet office. For residents who can't make it, an advance vote is being held on Dec. 5 between noon and 7 p.m. at the same location.
- Beth Brown
From meat shack
to studio and cafe
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The hamlet of Cambridge Bay has been given the keys to an old meat plant to include in its heritage park.
The building will be relocated to the waterfront park area and renovated into a cafe and artist studio, creating a park hub for visiting tourists and local performers.
The building belonged to the co-op and more recently Kitikmeot Foods. It was used as a space to sort initial meat harvests, hamlet SAO Marla Limousin said.
"They used to do a muskox harvest here, but they haven't had muskox in the area for many years. The building has just been sitting unused."
The heritage park will have an industrial theme, using historical and recycled pieces from the hamlet, including Hudson's Bay buildings, an RCMP shack and sculpture crafted from materials found in the metal dump by local youth.
- Beth Brown
Petition calls for beer and wine store
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
A petition asking the GN to consider opening a beer and wine store in Cambridge Bay was presented at an Oct. 24 council meeting.
"Alcohol has been an issue in the community. Bootlegging is an issue in the community and consumption of hard liquor," said Marla Limousin, senior administrative officer for the hamlet of Cambridge Bay.
The concept is that a less expensive alcohol option with a lower alcohol content, like beer or wine, would help people drink responsibly and encourage youth to respect alcohol, she said.
The petition, bearing 42 signatures, states, "I hereby sign this petition as a request of the hamlet of Cambridge Bay, to proceed to work with the Government of Nunavut on the possibility of opening a beer and wine store."
"The people have asked for the study to be done on it," said Limousin.
"What will happen is it goes to the GN and then there will be a community-wide vote."
The hamlet will also arrange an opportunity for open discussion and provide information so residents can be educated voters, she said.
"We'll have to have some discussion as a community and then give the community information, so people are educated voters."
- Beth Brown
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