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Monday, December 19, 2016
Canada announces new drug strategy
NWT
The federal government is updating its drug strategy and will prohibit the unregistered import of pill presses.
In addition, border officers will be able to open mail weighing less than 30 grams. It would be illegal equipment for producing illegal drugs.
Five people in the NWT have died with fentanyl in their systems since 2009, says the coroner's office.
On Nov. 25, the office of the chief public health officer issued a public advisory warning NWT residents of the dangers of opioids after a string of overdoses.
A task force headed by the territory's top doctor has been created to develop a plan to deal with illicit opioid use and over-prescriptions.
- James O'Connor
Satellite post connected
Inuvik
An agreement between the GNWT and the Northern Lights General Partnership earlier this month will bring high-speed fibre backhaul services for communities in the Mackenzie Valley connected to the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link.
As well, a temporary high speed connection has been agreed to with Northwestel for the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility and Canada Satellite Ground Station Inuvik
- Stewart Burnett
Boreal Caribou recovery strategy approved
NWT
The territorial Conference of Management Authorities (CMA) is approving the NWT Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy, a news release said.
They also approved the NWT Amphibian Management Plan.
In 2014, boreal caribou was listed as threatened under the NWT Species at Risk Act. The strategy identifies ways to help the herd recover, as well as ways to conserve the present herd.
There are only 6,000 to 7,000 boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories, according to ENR.
- Kassina Ryder
Highway rescue talks
Hay River
The Town of Hay River has begun a dialogue with the GNWT on the issue of funding highway rescue services.
The town has long claimed it is not getting enough funding - none for operation and maintenance - to provide the service on 800 kilometres outside of Hay River's boundaries. The highway it covers outside municipal limits includes south to the NWT/Alberta border, all the way to Fort Resolution, halfway to Fort Smith and halfway to Fort Simpson.
- Paul Bickford
Aurora College admission scholarships
NWT
A total of 17 first-year Aurora College students were presented with an early Christmas gift - they are the recipients of Aurora College Admission Scholarships, funded by proceeds from the Aurora Open Golf Tournament held in June 2016.
The following Access students received the $250 awards:
Aurora Campus - Lindsey Bodnar-McLeod, Teacher Education Access; Glenda Carpenter, ENRTP Access.
Thebacha Campus - Archie Larocque, ENRTP Access; Stefanie Pandke, Business Administration Access; Veronica Antoine, Teacher Education Access.
Yellowknife North Slave Campus - Erica Abel, Nursing Access; Dixie Thompson, Social Work Access; Natasha Black, Business Administration Access.
Students attending Aurora College straight from high school who received $250 scholarships are:
Rana Jalil Aga, Emma Tutton, Fatima Ullah, Danna Webster, Nadia Wood, Maurissa Antle, Dylan Nitsiza, Kenna Gosselin, and Jordan Norman-Goose.
- James O'Connor
Hire young talent, get a wage subsidy
NWT
The Government of Canada is now accepting applications from employers. From Dec. 7, to Jan. 20, 2017, employers across the country can apply for funding to hire young Canadians for next summer, with students starting their jobs as early as April 2017.
Canada Summer Jobs 2017 will focus on applications which complement five national priorities, including support for:
In the past, funding has gone to projects that vary in diversity from camp counselling for youth with medical, physical and cognitive conditions, to library-sponsored reading programs. In the NWT, employers involved with annual events and summer festivals - including Canada's 150th anniversary - are in particular eligible for funding.
- James O'Connor
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
Elders in Sachs Harbour were treated to a Christmas Social on Dec. 7 that included watching home movies from past Christmases in the community, said Doreen Carpenter, recreation co-ordinator.
The social was held at the Ajgaliak Centre at 5 p.m. and an elder brought along home movies of the community's Christmas celebrations dating back to 1996.
"It was really interesting," Carpenter said. "A lot of the kids in those movies now have their own kids."
The event also included pizza, games and everyone received a gift.
Afterward, a bus came and picked up the elders for a ride around the community to look at Christmas lights before bringing them home.
"There are some houses that are really decorated," Carpenter said. "It was a good evening for them."
- Kassina Ryder
Holiday activities keeps community busy
Aklavik
A preschooler and elder Christmas party is scheduled to take place at the Sittichinli Complex in Aklavik on Dec. 18 as part of the community's holiday events, said Dean McLeod, recreation co-ordinator.
Santa is expected to drop in at the party to give out gifts to the community's eldest and youngest residents.
Other activities include a drum dance on Dec. 17 featuring local drummers, as well as a homemade Christmas ornament contest.
Judging for the best decorated houses in Aklavik will take place on Dec. 19 and on Dec. 20, Santa is expected to make an appearance at Moose Kerr School.
- Kassina Ryder
Christmas concert and feast by school
K'atlodeeche/Hay River Reserve
The Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the Hay River Reserve was preparing for its annual Christmas concert and feast on Dec. 14 at the Chief Lamalice Complex.
The concert was to be followed by a community feast.
- Paul Bickford
Annual sled races postponed
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
The Deh Gah Dog Mushers Club is postponing its annual Christmas sled races until the new year.
The races were originally set for Dec. 17 and 18 in Fort Providence. New dates have not yet been selected but will likely be in mid-to late-January, according to organizer Susan Fleck.
The total purse for the races was expected to be $13,000, with 12-dog and six-dog class competitions.
- April Hudson
Museum to close for season Dec. 18
Hay River
The Hay River Heritage Centre was set to close for the season on Dec. 18.
According to information from the museum, it experienced an increase of 85 per cent in the number of visitors in 2016 compared to 2015.
That means it went to almost 2,600 visitors this year from about 1,400 visitors last year.
There were also changes at the museum, such as the continuing addition of exhibits, two new exit steps and porches with decks, and a 10-by-20-foot storage shed.
In addition, the documentation of museum items continues, and a museum website is being created.
- Paul Bickford
Christmas celebrations start early
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
For Bompas Elementary School, the end of classes were just the start.
Students were in for a week filled with Christmas celebrations, starting Dec. 14 with the school's annual Christmas concert.
The following day, students could take part in a school-wide Christmas party, with each student receiving a gift from Santa.
On Dec. 16, Bompas was to hold a stew, soup and bannock lunch for students at 12 p.m., before they were dismissed for the holidays.
Classes resume Jan. 3.
- April Hudson
Christmas fun in Tuktoyaktuk
Tuktoyaktuk
Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk was getting geared up for Christmas the week of Dec. 12 with a variety of themed activities.
Christmas Hay Day was Dec. 12 and was followed by Whoville Hair Day on Dec. 13. On Dec. 14 students were encouraged to wear red and green clothing and a pyjama day was scheduled for Dec. 15, according to the school's Christmas calendar.
The school's Christmas concert was also scheduled to take place on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.
Dec. 16 featured a Christmas sweater activity, as well as a special visit from Santa for junior kindergarten to Grade 6 students.
Students in Grades 7 to 12 were scheduled to watch a movie and share treats before the school was dismissed at 2:30 p.m. for the Christmas holidays.
Classes are scheduled to resume on Jan. 3.
- Kassina Ryder
Library planning Christmas concert
Hay River
NWT Centennial Library's Christmas concert was scheduled for Dec. 17, beginning at 7 p.m.
The concert, intended for adults, was to feature an evening of music, songs and readings.
- Paul Bickford
Fort Smith holds Christmas lights contest
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith has launched its annual Christmas lights contest.
The deadline for residents to enter their properties into the contest was Dec. 16. Judging will take place Dec. 22, and the winners will be announced the next day.
The winners will receive cash prizes - $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third.
- Paul Bickford
Christmas party and feast
Enterprise
A Christmas party and feast in Enterprise was set for Dec. 17.
The annual event was to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Enterprise Community Centre. The Christmas party and feast afterward were to be presented by the Hamlet of Enterprise.
- Paul Bickford
Skate with Santa
Thebacha/Fort Smith
A series of seasonal events are being held in Fort Smith. On Dec. 17, Skate with Santa was scheduled from 1 to 1:50 p.m. at the Fort Smith Centennial Arena. On Dec. 20, an evening story time with Santa Claus will take place at Mary Kaeser Library, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
- Paul Bickford
'Those Kugs' donate to Tuk
Tuktoyaktuk
A group of Inuvialuit men who have formed "Those Kugs" gave a Christmas hamper donation of three turkeys and three hams to the community feast in Tuktoyaktuk. They organized the donation with the Tuktoyaktuk recreation department and RCMP to make the delivery.
The group has started a podcast and website to promote positivity for youth and healthy living. Community and school visits are planned on the horizon to get in touch with other young people.
Their podcast can be found at: soundcloud.com/thosekugs.
- Stewart Burnett
On the trapline
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Young people between the ages of 12 and 26 had the chance this month to experience trapping near Fort Simpson as the Deh Cho Friendship Centre collaborated with Gilbert and Mary Jane Cazon to run a 10-day snare-setting program.
The program ran from Dec. 6 to 16 and brought participants out along the Wrigley highway to practise setting snares.
- April Hudson
Rink opens in Liard
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Skaters in Fort Liard will finally be able to hit the ice as the community ice rink's opening
date has been announced.
The rink will open Dec. 16. Hockey nights will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, while open rink time is scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- April Hudson
Ready to play
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Fort Providence will be holding a community co-ed volleyball tournament on Dec. 17 and 18.
The tournament, organized by recreation co-ordinator Andre Bolduc, will be held at the Deh Gah School gymnasium.
Participants need to be 16 years of age or older.
No registration is necessary for the tournament. Instead, players are being asked to show up on Dec. 17 for warm-up and draft, which begins at 1 p.m.
Teams are expected to be formed through the draft.
- April Hudson
Aurora College student hailed as an inspiration to others
Thebacha/Fort Smith
Robyn Brown, who graduated from Aurora College's Environment and Natural Resources Technology program, is this year's winner of the Governor General's Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal.
Brown graduated at the top of her class during the 2015-16 academic year with an 88.6 per cent average. She was presented with the medal during a ceremony on Dec. 8.
"It is always rewarding when we can celebrate student success," Jane Arychuk, the college's president said in a news release. "It is especially so to be able to acknowledge a student such as Robyn Brown, whose distinguished academic achievements and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to all of us."
Brown worked for Parks Canada after she graduated and also trained as a Level 1 firefighter. She helped fight the Fort McMurray, Alta. fire last summer.
She is now tutoring college students and plans to earn an environmental science degree at Yukon College.
- Kassina Ryder
Indigenous tourism recognized by feds
Indigenous and Northern Affairs is looking to support new and existing indigenous tourism businesses, through an investment of $3.15 million for the implementation of a five-year national strategy, the Path Forward 2016-2021. The funding initiative was announced on Dec. 13.
"In addition to local and regional economic benefits, tourism can also serve as a vehicle to promote and share cultural identities, stories, and traditions and help to advance reconciliation with non-indigenous visitors," stated Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett in a news release.
The strategy will look to enhance products, build branding and marketing for greater visibility of the indigenous tourism industry and gather and share best practices between regions.
In 2014 there were over 1,500 indigenous tourism businesses in Canada, compared to 892 in 2002.
"Aboriginal tourism is poised to grow, creating new jobs and economic development for aboriginal people throughout Canada," stated Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada.
Direct employment has also increased within the industry from 12,566 people employed in 2002 to an estimated 32,100 people in 2014.
"The five-year national strategy will help grow Canada's tourism industry and indigenous-owned businesses, as well as improve our competitiveness as a world-class international tourism destination," stated Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism.
- Beth Brown
Disney princesses drop in
Kugluktuk
Frozen princesses Elsa and Anna were set to make an appearance at the Kugluktuk Northern store on Dec. 17.
Elsa visited last year, and it went so well that she decided to bring her sister along this time, said store manager David Ho.
"Last year it would make you cry to watch some of the little girls sitting down next to Elsa, just sitting down on the floor admiring her," he said.
The characters were around for photo opportunities and for a sing-along with the elementary school choir.
"It's not a little event," Ho said.
He said parents were paying for photos in advance.
While in town, Anna also planned a visit to the Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik Christmas concert to sing with the choir.
- Beth Brown
Pang gets ready for Christmas holidays
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Thanks to Jenna Kilabuk's organizational skills, Pangnirtung's outdoor ice rink has been completed.
All she asks is that everyone help keep the area clean by using the garbage cans installed in the area.
"We also put up lights on the basketball board," she said. "They are plugged to the school so there will be light."
Meanwhile the community is ready for the Christmas season. Festivities began with the Christmas parade Dec. 10, with hot chocolate served afterwards at the community centre. Santa was there for photos and to offer presents.
The winners for the best decorated vehicle were, in first place, Sheena Machmer and, in second place, Lorna Attagoyuk. Best decorated SkiDoo/Honda went to Jessica Akpalialuk in first place and Joseph Kilabuk in second. The winner for the best decorated vehicle for businesses/organization went to Mike's Taxi.
The schedule of activities continues with a community Christmas concert Dec. 25. Outdoor and indoor games continue throughout the week.
- Michele LeTourneau
Christmas games
Taloyoak/Kugaaruk
Hamlets are gearing up for some holiday cheer.
The Kugaaruk Christmas games were scheduled to run from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3, with most activities at the hamlet gym.
There will be a community feast, Arctic sports and maybe even a fireworks display.
"This Christmas we will be giving out something to our volunteers who have been volunteering for the community for four to five years," said hamlet recreation coordinator Adam Krejunark.
In Taloyoak, the games start on Dec. 22 and run until Jan. 1.
The all-ages games will include relay races, a muskox fight, basketball games, dice games, and a balloon fight. The hamlet will host two community feasts, including a potluck and one feast of frozen caribou and fish.
- Beth Brown
Perfomance teacher training for Kitikmeot
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Qaggiavuut has organized a performing arts teacher-training workshop in Cambridge Bay.
The organization hopes to attract musicians, drummers, dancers, singers and Inuit games performers from all over the Kitikmeot region.
"The workshop brings together Arctic performing artists to share their talents with each other and learn ways of teaching performance to youth in their community," Qaggiq facilitator Tiffany Ayalik stated in a news release.
Ayalik is an actor, musician and Qaggiq team member.
"There is no better way of giving kids a sense of belonging than through the performing arts," she said.
The workshop is geared for Arctic performers interested in working with children and youth.
A similar workshop was held in Iqaluit in July.
The Cambridge Bay event is scheduled for Jan. 5 to 8.
"We want to offer more training to Western Arctic performers this year," said Qaggiavuut executive director Ellen Hamilton.
Qaggiavuut took home $600,000 of the $1.5 million Arctic Inspiration Prize in January with a view to supporting the performing arts across Nunavut.
- Michele LeTourneau
Student's sit in author's chair
Kugluktuk
Students at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik participated in a school-wide writing contest last month.
The students chose to write a short story, poem, letter or non-fiction piece. The school has been doing the contests for a few years.
"This time, their writings had to have a holiday theme," said teacher Naomi Tremblay.
The nine winners read their stories for the school and members of the community.
The winners were:
- Mikail Bolt, Grade 1a, for his poem Winter Senses
- Jake Pedersen, Grade 1b, for his poem Winter Senses
- Hannah Anderson, Grade 2a, for her story Christmas Day
- Jada Keadjuk, Grade 2/3, for the story How to Catch a Monster
- Josh Olson, Grade 3, for his story Pumpkin and Eye
- Dora Kelly Bolt, Grade 3/4, for Christmas Wishes
- Amanda Ipakohak, Grade 4, for the story Dear Santa
- Caleb Bolt, Grade 5a, for Hallowe'en
- Keiarah Westwood-Algiak, Grade 5b, for A Christmas Carol
The school will have another contest in the spring.
- Beth Brown
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