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Monday, February 6, 2017
Aklavik murder suspect denied bail
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
An Aklavik man, charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, has been denied bail. Frank Elanik Jr. appeared in Supreme Court in Yellowknife on Jan 30. He has been in custody since the charge was laid last May. Elanik is charged in the death of his wife, May Elanik, who was found unconscious on a trail in Aklavik on Nov. 11, 2015.
She was medevaced to an Edmonton hospital but died on Nov. 19.
Court heard that Elanik and his mother were both prepared to put up $5,000 each for bail. However Justice Shannon Smallwood denied the bail application.
Elanik is to return to court on May 1 for a preliminary hearing.
- John McFadden
New top admin takes reins
Hay River
The Town of Hay River has a new top administrator.
Judy Goucher - the retired chief financial officer of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) - began working on Jan. 23 as the town's new senior administrative officer (SAO).
She fills the vacancy created when town council parted ways with former senior administrative officer Gloria Murdock-Smith on Jan. 11.
- Paul Bickford
Registrations open for energy conference
Inuvik
Registrations are open for the 2nd annual Arctic Energy and Emerging Technologies (AEET) Conference and Tradeshow June 12 to 14. The conference, hosted by the Town of Inuvik, was previously known as the Inuvik Petroleum Show.
One of the guest speakers announced for the show is Dr. Roberta Bondar, globally recognized for her pioneering contribution to space medicine research. She is the world's first neurologist in space, with degrees in agriculture, medicine and research.
More information can be found at: inuvikarcticenergy.com.
- Stewart Burnett
Information campaign gets underway
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
As part of a Dehcho negotiations information campaign, Liidlii Kue First Nation and the Fort Simpson Metis Nation will be hosting screenings of the film Fighting For Our Land on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.
The times for Jan. 31, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., while the time for Feb. 8 is 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The screenings will be held in the Liidlii Kue First Nation boardroom.
- April Hudson
SMASH debuts in Deh Cho
Three days of workshops in Fort Simpson and Fort Liard aimed to educate young people on relationships, sexual health and making healthy life decisions.
Facilitators for Fostering Open Expression Among Youth (FOXY) and Strength, Masculinities and Sexual Health (SMASH) presented school-based workshops at Echo Dene School in Fort Liard on Jan. 24 and at Thomas Simpson Secondary School in Fort Simpson on Jan. 25 and 26.
Nancy MacNeill, FOXY's project co-ordinator, said this was the first time the group has been able to bring SMASH to the Deh Cho region. SMASH was launched in the summer of 2016 as the male counterpart to FOXY.
"The SMASH sessions are kind of based off the FOXY sessions. They do include conversations around sexual health, healthy relationships, that kind of thing, but they also have conversations and activities surrounding breaking down masculinity and maybe unfair expectations of men," MacNeill said.
"(It's) about ways guys can relate to each other and take care of themselves and their partners better."
It also gave young men the opportunity to have a frank discussion on topics they may not otherwise be comfortable having in class or among their peers, she added.
The FOXY workshop, MacNeill said, focused mostly on sexual health, including issues such as sexually transmitted infections, birth control, establishing boundaries and communicating needs to a partner.
- April Hudson
Chief Paul Niditchie School promotes non-violence
Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River
Students at Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic participated in the International School Day of Non-Violence and Peace on Jan. 31, said teacher Jesse Duggan.
Students wore white to school and were encouraged to think about what it means to be non-violent, such as using words to resolve arguments instead of physical altercations.
"I think it's just important," Duggan said. "We want to make sure people are peaceful with one another."
Students also participated in a video and photography session, which will be sent to the School Day of Non-Violence and Peace organization to help create a video collage in combination with schools around the world.
- Kassina Ryder
Beavertail planning gets underway
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
The hype for Beavertail Jamboree in Fort Simpson is starting to grow as the Beavertail Jamboree planning committee held its first meeting on Jan. 26.
The committee plans to meet next on Feb. 2 at lunchtime at the Metis office. Committee members are looking for new ideas from the community as they nail down the specifics of this year's carnival.
The committee has already announced this year's jamboree will feature Anishinaabe comedian and writer Ryan McMahon, thanks to the Deh Cho Friendship Centre.
- April Hudson
Gardeners see plot fees rise
Hay River
Hay River Community Garden has decided to raise its fees for the coming season.
"Normally we charge $20 for a plot if you get it before the end of March, and then $25," said co-president Pat Burnstad. "This year, we've raised the price to $25 a plot, and $30 if you get it after March."
Burnstad explained it is extremely difficult to get anybody to work in the garden.
"So what we decided to do was spend the extra money that we hopefully will get and pay maybe students or casual employees to just help us weed, cut the grass and that sort of thing," she said.
Still, Burnstad expressed some hesitancy about the increases.
"I am always a little bit worried about raising fees," she said.
The fee increase was decided upon at an annual meeting on Jan. 24, attended by a half-dozen people.
There are also 60 smaller plots in the garden's greenhouse. Hay River Community Garden was founded in 2012.
- Paul Bickford
Council meetings back on TV
Hay River
Starting on Jan. 30, town council meetings have returned to television on the community channel, which is available on both the community television service and Channel 649 on the Bell satellite service.
Council meetings have been absent from television for years.
The community channel was first added to the satellite service in early 2013 when Bell added seven community channels from across Canada to its basic satellite line-up.
- Paul Bickford
NWT help line expands
NWT
The NWT Help Line now includes telephone group sessions and a Facebook page.
The telephone group sessions will offer NWT residents group counselling support on a variety of topics, including suicide, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, recovery and substance abuse.
Open and closed sessions will be offered, with the closed sessions being part of a two- or three-part series. Open sessions can hold up to 23 individuals while closed sessions hold between three to 10.
The first telephone group session was held earlier this week. The sessions are free, anonymous and confidential.
You can register for upcoming sessions by calling the NWT Help Line at:1-800-661-0844.
- Stewart Burnett
Candidates named in Fort McPherson election
Tetlit'Zheh/Fort McPherson
There are 10 residents competing for eight seats on council during the Hamlet of Fort McPherson election on Feb. 20, said returning officer Lillian Snowshoe.
The nominees are: Shaylene Allen, James Andre, John Itsi, Marion Koe, William R. Koe, Robert Greenland, Ruby McDonald, Ashtyn McLeod, Dwayne Noseworthy and Dennis Wright.
Advanced polls are scheduled to take place on Feb. 13.
Anyone who believes a candidate is ineligible to run in the election is asked to state their reasons in a letter to Snowshoe no later than 3 p.m. on Feb. 2.
- Kassina Ryder
Aklavik reviews Herschel Island plan
Aklavik
Aklavik residents were invited to a community dinner and meeting to discuss the Herschel Island Territorial Park management plan on Jan. 31, said Michelle Gruben, resource person with the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee.
The Qikiqtaruk-Herschel Island Review Committee aimed to give participants an opportunity to provide input on the 10-year review of the park's management plan.
The meeting was scheduled to begin with a community dinner at the David Buck Storr building at 5 p.m., followed by presentations and discussions. The meeting was expected to run until about 8 p.m.
The review committee is made up of representatives from the Aklavik HTC, the Aklavik Community Corporation, the North Slope Wildlife Management Advisory Council, Yukon Tourism and Culture, Yukon Environment and Yukon Parks.
- Kassina Ryder
Paulatuk talks char
Paulatuk
Residents are welcome to attend the Paulatuk Char Working Group public meeting on Feb. 7, according to information from the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Paulatuk Visitors Centre boardroom at 6 p.m. A supper will be served at about 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will allow residents to voice any concerns or ideas they have regrading the monitoring and management of Arctic char.
Youth and elders are especially encouraged to attend the meeting.
- Kassina Ryder
Youth raise money for talks
Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence
Youth in Fort Providence aiming to attend the Spirit Seekers conference in Alberta in March will be collecting recyclables this week to fundraise for the trip.
The seventh annual snowmobile fun run will kick off Feb. 24 in Fort Providence and run until Feb. 26.
- April Hudson
Snowy sports start up
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
The cross-country ski team is starting after school on Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Skiing starts at the school field for everyone over the age of 7. Children six and under must come with an adult.
The Hamlet of Fort Liard has snowshoes available to borrow free of cost.
- April Hudson
Date set for Thebacha Trade Show
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The date for the annual Thebacha Trade Show in Fort Smith has been announced.
It will be held on April 29.
The trade show is presented each year by Thebacha Business Development Services.
- Paul Bickford
Union switches airlines
Nunavut
The Nunavut Employees Union (NEU) has a new travel deal for its members with Canadian North, president Bill Fennell announced Feb. 1.
The previous deal with First Air expired in 2016.
"The NEU works for those that make Nunavut work and that is why we have chosen Canadian North Airlines as our air travel partner," stated Fennell in a news release. The agreement benefits 4,200 unionized employees.
"This partnership makes it easier and less expensive for NEU members and their immediate family to travel. We choose our partners very carefully and are proud to team with Canadian North to offer any member with a signed NEU membership card the chance to enjoy a way to fly worry-free at a negotiated, special NEU discount."
Members can earn Aurora Rewards points and Aeroplan miles with each ticket purchased.
Canadian North president Steve Hankirk stated the airline is pleased with the new agreement.
- Michele LeTourneau
Celebrating Inuktut language through legends
Nunavut
February is Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, or Inuktut language month. This year, the month will be all about traditional stories.
"This year's theme, Unikkaaqtuat, reflects the importance of cultural expression and art in Nunavut," stated Minister of Languages George Kuksuk in a Feb. 1 release. "Traditional and modern-day Inuit legends offer insight into Inuit spirituality and relationships, while keeping the tradition of storytelling alive. I invite all Nunavummiut to take time to celebrate and learn more about these legends and their related terminology throughout the month of February."
Schools, daycares and libraries in the territory will be given promotional kits with posters, books and flashcards to help hamlets celebrate Inuktut language month.
Nunavummiut can participate by speaking, teaching, and learning Inuktut, and by organizing cultural activities at home and in our communities, workplaces and schools, the release stated.
The Department of Culture and Heritage will also be releasing recordings of last year's annual Inuktut music contest, Qilaut.
- Beth Brown
Northern premiers search for pan-Arctic policy
Nunavut/Northwest Territories/Yukon
The premiers of Canada's three territories took the opportunity to come together while attending a Vancouver conference to discuss the joint pursuit of pan-Arctic policy.
"It's critical that any new policy framework that specifically addresses the Arctic must involve and have input from Northerners and the three territorial governments. Our meeting reaffirmed and reiterated that point," Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna stated in a Jan. 27 release. The Northern leaders reaffirmed their collective support for mining projects, and their commitment to further a "robust, sustainable economy in the North," stated the release. This included discussion of plans for cooperating on a sustainable development strategy led by the GNWT.
"The strategy will help ensure that Northerners have a strong, collective voice in ongoing discussions about the future of the North and have a role in shaping any decisions affecting the North and its people," stated the release. The territories will work to develop a set of values and principles shared among indigenous groups across the North, to inform and guide development of a new pan-territorial Northern policy.
- Beth Brown
Capital shows love and solidarity
Iqaluit
Both president of the Islamic Society of Nunavut Syed Asif Ali and vice-president Muhammad Wani were deeply moved when the Qanak Collective of Iqaluit asked if they could hold an event outside the mosque Jan. 30, to show love and solidarity in the aftermath of a shooting at a Quebec mosque which saw six die and many more wounded.
"Just within hours of the incident in Quebec City, your group has proved that love can win over hearts so quickly," said Ali, who spearheaded the construction of the mosque and now lives in Saskatchewan.
"I have no words to express my feelings, it is warmly touching and I truly believe that this world could be a wonderful place to live if we play our roles justly as your group showed."
Wani also told Nunavut News/North he was at a loss to find the words to thank Iqalungmiut.
"We were really happy to have them there. We are very sad and shocked because of this incident," said Wani, adding such an event should not happen to anyone of any religion.
Both men have travelled to all 25 Nunavut communities through their work for the Government of Nunavut.
After the gathering, which Wani estimates drew at least 70 people outside the mosque, everyone was invited for coffee inside.
"I'm sure if God forbid, something happens and we need you, I'm sure you will be there," said Wani. "As well, if you need anything from us, we will be there to help you out, to support you."
Finally, Ali said, "I have no hesitation to say that residents of Nunavut are the most beautiful-hearted people. Thank you so much for what you did on Monday. This made me cry with feeling of love and care you have for us."
- Michele LeTourneau
Hats off to 100 days
Kugluktuk
Hats were all the rage at the Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik's 100th day of school event on Feb. 27, which by coincidence was also hat day.
Teachers use the 100th day of class mark to help students count down the school year and recognize how far they have come in their studies, and how close they are to spring.
Students and teachers celebrated their 100-day journey in their classrooms.
- Beth Brown
Open mic on the radio
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Ovayok Broadcasting in Cambridge Bay has started open mic each Monday on the radio.
Musicians in the hamlet are encouraged to drop by the station from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays to perform a tune for the listening audience.
"I thought it'd be nice to hear live music once in a while," stated DJ Donna in her call-out. "So don't be shy to drop by and play live."
- Beth Brown
QIA celebrates literacy
Qikiqtaaluk
In honour of Inuktitut Literacy Month, QIA has planned a month-long campaign.
"Keeping Inuktitut alive is key in preserving our culture and identity," president P.J. Akeeagok stated in a news release. "QIA wants to do our part to encourage young people to be proud of Inuktitut. We want to show that learning and using Inuktitut is fun."
Each day in February, QIA will introduce a different Inuktitut book published with the help of QIA funds on its social media sites, with free digital download links for each book.
An Inuktitut song and poem contest runs from Feb. 1 to 24, with cash prizes. QIA will also introduce a word of the day via its new Instagram account.
"This daily feature will help teach young people new words and phrases and help them in their efforts to learn Inuktitut and expand their language skills," stated QIA.
- Michele LeTourneau
Indspire awards ceremony to be held in Ottawa
Ottawa
Buffy Sainte-Marie is confirmed as the special guest at the 2017 Indspire Awards ceremony March 24 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Elisapie, an Inuk singer from Salluit, Nunavik, will join Sainte-Marie and other musical guests.
Each year, the awards honour 13 First Nation, Inuit, and Metis individuals from across the country.
Iqaluit's Maatalii Okalik, president of the National Inuit Youth Council, is to be honoured in the youth category.
"In 2017 Canadians will mark 150 years of Confederation. It is fitting that we honour the contributions and role of Indigenous peoples and look forward to the future we will build together by recognizing the life journey and accomplishments of thirteen First Nations, Inuit, and Metis visionaries, activists, and role models, who have - with passion, courage and tenacity - converted their gifts, energies and determination into achievement," stated president, chief executive officer of Indspire and executive producer of the awards Roberta Jamieson.
- Michele LeTourneau
Women's Council seeks nominations
Nunavut
The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council is seeking nominations for women to be appointed to the council.
Any female resident of the territory 18 years or older is eligible to be nominated.
Nominations are sent to the office of the minister responsible for the status of women, Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Forms can be requested via phone or email at the minister's office, or through the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council. The nomination deadline is Feb. 24.
- Beth Brown
Northern photography contest
National
Canadian Geographic magazine is taking photo submissions for a contest focused on Northern research.
"Whether it's research in action, showing off scientific tools, illustrating life in the field, or scenic landscapes of scientific importance, we want to see your photos and learn the story behind them," states the contest application.
Chosen submissions will be featured on the magazine website as well as incorporated into an exhibition of the Government of Canada's Polar Continental Shelf program.
Entries will also be eligible to win prizes like a new camera bag or a magazine subscription. Photos must be submitted online.
- Beth Brown
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