 | Home page |  | Text size |
Newsbriefs: Monday, June 26, 2017
Small aboriginal business booming
A focus on exports and innovation is helping aboriginal businesses to thrive, according to an optimistic report from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
The special report was issued June 19, just two days before Aboriginal Day, and is a collaboration between the council and TD Economics.
The report identifies numerous challenges facing aboriginal businesses, including geographic location and infrastructure such as Internet connections. However, it also notes aboriginal businesses are more likely to export goods and distinguish themselves by putting new products or services on the market.
- April Hudson
Two liquor shipments nabbed by police
Tuktoyaktuk
RCMP in Tuktoyaktuk intercepted two alcohol shipments to the community in the same week.
The first incident happened June 9, when RCMP were given information that someone was bringing in alcohol by an ATV, and may be using the all-season road between Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik to do so.
One week later, on June 16, the police were told someone was flying in a "large quantity" of liquor, according to a June 20 press release.
No charges were laid as of press time.
- April Hudson
Year-round possibilities for Inuvik arena
The Town of Inuvik's Midnight Sun Complex will be able to hold activities and events throughout the year, instead of just in the winter, thanks to funding from the federal government.
On June 22, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced it would be providing $197,000 to the town to help cover the cost of floor covers for the ice surface in the building.
Aside from making the arena usable in the summer, the covers also mean the arena will be able to hold more winter activities than before.
- April Hudson
GNWT's opioid videos
The Department of Health and Social Services announced on June 5 that it has released the first of a five-part video series to spread awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and abuse.
"The videos are part of a larger campaign launched across the Northwest Territories after astring of opioid-related overdosesin November," stated a GNWT news release.
- Paul Bickford
Deline booze shipment intercepted
RCMP has intercepted a large amount of illegal alcohol destined for Deline from the Yellowknife Airport.
According to a news release from the Mounties, they were alerted by North-Wright Airways officials on June 17 that they had located a quantity of alcohol in two shipments bound for the alcohol-restricted community.
The airline also turned over to RCMP booze seized from previous shipments bound for Deline. police stated. RCMP seized several containers.
No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
- John McFadden
Bullmoose-Ruth remediation concerns
NWT
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada will increase oversight of the Bullmoose-Ruth Remediation Project after an inspection in May showed the project contractor failed to comply with conditions of its land-use permit.
In a May 26 report published to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board registry, Devin Penny, resource management officer with the federal department, expressed disappointment with the company's work.
The purpose of the Bullmoose-Ruth project is to remediate seven former mine sites located within 70 to 90 kilometres of Yellowknife: Bullmoose Mine, Ruth Mine, Storm Mine, Joon Mine, Beaulieu Mine, Spectrum Lake Mine and Chipp Lake Mine, according to the department.
Hay River company Rowe's Outcome JV was awarded the $14.9-million remediation contract.
- Kirsten Fenn
Dog attacks NWT SPCA worker
Somba K'e/Yellowkinife
A staff member at the NWT SPCA was attacked by a rescue dog on the morning of June 17.
NWT SPCA president Nicole Spencer stated in an e-mail an incident involving a staff member and a rescue dog occurred at 7:15 a.m. at the organization's shelter on Deh Cho Boulevard in Yellowknife.
No further information was made available.
However, it has since been reported the woman was saved by a construction worker who was on his way to work.
"I saw what looked like someone playing with a dog in the kennel," the worker told CBC North. "I heard a person screaming for help ... I will never forget that sound.
Kim Walker, manager of communications for the NWT Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission told News/North a safety officer visited the site and is inspecting and collecting data.
- Emelie Peacock
Norman Wells youth learn canoeing skills
Lli Goline/Norman Wells
Youth aged 12 and up are invited to participate in canoe lessons being offered in Norman Wells, said organizer Bobby Bourque.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs partnered with Canoe North Adventures to deliver the program for free.
The first session of lessons took place on June 16 and the second was scheduled to take place on June 23, with two more sessions scheduled to take place this week.
The program is intended to teach proper water safety skills as well as paddling techniques.
"They're learning about different paddling techniques and how to get in and out of the boat, just what you need to be safe on the water," Bourque said.
Anyone looking to participate in the program is asked to bring a water bottle with fresh drinking water.
- Kassina Ryder
Ecology camp open to Dehcho youth
Deh Cho
The Dehcho Youth Ecology Camp is looking for youth who want to learn more about aquatic ecology, said Dahti Tsetso, resource management co-oridinator with the Dehcho First Nations (DFN).
The camp is planned to take place from July 10 to 15 on the Horn River and is open to youth aged 13 and up.
Youth will travel to a fish monitoring camp where they will spend five days learning about the monitoring process, land use plans for the area and traditional knowledge.
The monitoring camp was established to address local concerns around the sport fishery in the area, Tsetso said.
The Dehcho K'ehodi Stewardship program, Dehcho Aquatic Resource Management, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee and the Community of Fort Providence is partnering to facilitate the camp.
Youth from throughout the Deh Cho region are encouraged to apply.
- Kassina Ryder
Trout Lake gets children outside
Sambaa K'e
After-school programs in this community are keeping children and youth busy this summer, said recreation co-ordinator Valerie Lamalice.
Programs are scheduled to begin this week and will take place at both the local youth centre and outdoors during afternoons and evenings.
Programs are scheduled to begin at about 1 p.m. and will include trips to the beach, nature walks and arts and crafts.
The focus is on spending as much time outside as possible while keeping children and youth entertained, said Lamalice.
"We're going to have a lot of outdoor activities," she said.
The programs will finish at about 5 p.m.
Lamalice is also starting to plan for Canada Day events and is welcoming suggestions.
"If anybody has any activities or good ideas they can contact me over at the rec centre," she said.
- Kassina Ryder
Gameti gets stitching
Gameti/Rae Lakes
A sewing group in Gameti was scheduled to begin on June 20, information from the Tlicho Government said.
The group is scheduled to meet at the Tlicho Knowledge Office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sewing projects are expected to include gloves and hunting bags.
- Kassina Ryder
Reeling in the fishing derby
Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour
The community of Sachs Harbour finished up its Father's Day fishing derby, which ran from the start of May until the day after Father's Day.
"There were quite a few people fishing," said Doreen Carpenter, recreation co-ordinator for the community.
Larry Carpenter's 14 lbs and 15 oz trout was the largest caught. Kyle Wolki had the largest char at 2 lbs and 8 oz. Chelsey Elanik had the smallest fish at 7.6 inches.
Carpenter said some of the catches earlier in the spring were more impressive.
"People have caught trout that were over 30 pounds," she said.
The water has pretty much melted around the community now, so Carpenter is thinking of moving the fishing derby deadline up earlier next year.
"It's so much sooner than before," she said about the melt. "We're rethinking everything for next year."
The community is also preparing for Canada Day events and then a summer full of day camps for youth.
- Stewart Burnett
Whale season starts soon
Tuktoyaktuk
Caroline Loreen, recreation co-ordinator in Tuktoyaktuk, said hunters in the community are preparing for the whale hunting season, which might start as early as next week.
People mostly fish during the summer, she said. Almost all of the ice is gone in the community.
Loreen is also preparing for Canada Day events.
"We'll have a barbecue and games for all ages," she said.
That will include canoe races, foot races, fish cutting, geese plucking and more.
- Stewart Burnett
Solar generator coming
Aklavik
Later this year, the NWT Power Corporation will be completing the installation of the territory's first variable speed generator in conjunction with a 55 kilowatt solar project in Aklavik.
"This system will allow for higher integration of solar into the local grid and has the potential to improve the efficiency of the power plant by up to 10 per cent," said Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Wally Schumann during his keynote address at the Arctic Energy and Emerging Technologies conference in Inuvik.
The territory ranks second in Canada for installed solar capacity on a per capita basis, with over 850 kilowatts of installed solar capacity across the NWT.
- Stewart Burnett
Council produces activities poster
Hay River
The Town of Hay River has produced a Canada 150 event poster for activities from July 1 to 9.
"We want to just put everything together on one poster, one advertisement, so that it would be easier for people to be able to follow along," said Stacey Barnes, the executive assistant for the town, at the council meeting on June 5.
Deputy mayor Donna Lee Jungkind thanked Barnes for putting together the poster.
"It's awesome to have as much information as we possibly can in one spot for residents and visitors," Jungkind said.
The activities listed on the poster begin with the Canada Day parade on July 1 and conclude with a men's and women's slo-pitch tournament on July 9.
- Paul Bickford
Behchoko gears up for Canada Day
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
Canada Day plans are well underway for residents of Behchoko, said recreation co-ordinator Jesse Bierman.
Events will take place on July 1 and are expected to include a parade at about 11 a.m., as well as adult and youth games.
National Aboriginal Day events that took place on June 21are going to be the benchmark for several Canada Day activities, Bierman said.
Games and events that were popular could be repeated, while less popular events won't be included on the schedule.
Youth activities, including Dene games such as finger lock and stick pull, are expected to take place on Canada Day. Anyone who wins a game will receive a cash prize.
- Kassina Ryder
Three new aboriginal tourism champions named
Inuvik
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment announced three recipients of this year's aboriginal tourism champions program.
The aboriginal tourism champions are Agatha Laboucan, from Lutsel K'e; Juanita Sangris, from Dettah; and Belinda Blackduck, from Gameti.
Each one will receive funds to support tourism development activities, such as hosting community meetings. The program is designed to support aboriginal tourism development across the territory.
- Stewart Burnett
ICC celebrates 40 years
Inuvik
The Inuit Circumpolar Council celebrated its 40th anniversary June 15.
Chair Okalik Eegeesiak called on the global community to work together with Inuit to ensure a viable future for the Arctic.
"As the world looks to the Arctic for shipping, resources, fisheries and sovereignty, Inuit are celebrating the advances ICC has made over the past 40 years building upon a vision of the Arctic that we want for our children and grandchildren in the next 40 years," he stated in a news release.
ICC is a permanent participant at the Arctic Council and holds Consultative Status II at the United Nations.
- Stewart Burnett
Inuit women receive GG honours
Ottawa
Alethea Arnaquq-Baril of Iqaluit and Hovak Johnston, originally from the Kugluktuk area, both received high honours in Ottawa June 19.
Gov.-Gen. David Johnston presented both women with a Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) in recognition of outstanding indigenous leadership. They were among 29 indigenous Canadians being honoured at Rideau Hall.
"You have made a difference in peoples' lives. You have strengthened your communities in countless ways. You have pushed Canada to become a better country for everyone," said the Governor General in his speech.
About Arnaquq-Baril, the governor general stated: "The founder of Unikkaat Studio Inc., (she) inspires Inuit communities to reconnect with their ancestral values and lost traditions through her many films. Considered one of Canada's top female directors, she uses her films to document the Inuit language and culture in communities throughout Nunavut."
For her part, Hovak Johnston accepted the honour for creating, along with Inupiat of Alaska Marjorie Tahbone, the Inuit Tattoo Revitalization Project. Inuit Tattoos were "on the verge of being lost."
"Traditionally, tattoos were given to women by women as a rite of passage and to represent their family's heritage. The project's first six-day event in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, reconnected more than two dozen women with their culture and inspired a new generation to carry on this tradition," stated the governor general.
- Michele LeTourneau
Qaggiavuut delivers art across the territory
Nunavut
Programs begun in the winter and spring will continue throughout the summer, as Qaggiavuut brings art to communities.
"Qaggiavuut is facilitating performing arts workshops for kids and youth across Nunavut all summer and into the fall," said executive director Ellen Hamilton.
"We started this winter and spring with Inuktitut dance, theatre , percussion, Inuit drum and choral singing."
Also, in two weeks, the cast of Kiviuq Returns, a new Inuit theatre show, will tour in Pangnirtung and Iqaluit.
"They deliver workshops in drum, pissik, throat music, songwriting, guitar, theatre , dance in the community prior to the community performance," said Hamilton.
"In August we'll pilot arts on the land camp and in the fall continue with these workshops. All 'facilitators' are Inuit artist and the goal is to surround kids with their culture and language."
- Michele LeTourneau
Southern debut for two Nunavummiut
Nunavut/Canada
Colleen Nakasuk and Jerry Laisa, both of Pangnirtung, had their debut on the southern stage June 21 with the opening of the musical The Dream Catchers.
A production of the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown in P.E.I. the musical will tour Canada in conjunction with confederation celebrations.
"I'm grateful to have the opportunity to teach a large audience about Inuit culture and history. We will be doing about six to 10 performances a week so we will be exposing Inuktitut to a lot of people," stated Nakasuk in a news release.
On Facebook, she said, "Been doing rehearsals for the past month, and boy it's a roller coaster ride sometimes. I didn't think I could dance, or act, or sing harmonies, but here I am doing all of that and more."
The arts centre describes the show this way: "Take hip hop, spoken word and folk; blend it with contemporary and Indigenous dance; choose 26 of the most diverse and exciting young performers from across the country and experience The Dream Catchers."
"I recorded a throatsinging piece for one of the songs in the show. It will be showcased all over Canada Also, one of my songs will be played in the pre-shows; that means my song will be broadcasted all over Canada," wrote Nakasuk on June 20.
"Show starts tomorrow. I'm livin' the dream."
Nakasuk and Laisa have participated in Qaggiavuut workshops, including teacher training, said Qaggiavuut executive director Ellen Hamilton.
"We hope they'll be able to teach some of what they learned this summer to youth in Nunavut."
- Michele LeTourneau
Competitive seal catching
Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven
George Konana was the victor in Gjoa Haven's seal derby, organized by the Seal Derby Committee, during the weekend of June 17 to 18.
Arsien Tungilik was awarded second prize while third place went to Dennis Qirqqut.
"By the sound of it, everybody has fun enjoying their experience being out on the ice," said James Qitsualik, who added that some rainfall didn't dampen too many people's spirits.
"It was really good to see the younger kids out there learning more about different types of seals and the seal holes and how to (recognize) the signs you need to look for to find the baby seals."
- Derek Neary
Taloyoak salutes Canada
Spence Bay/Taloyoak
The 150th anniversary of Canada's nationhood will not pass without plenty of festivities in Taloyoak.
Saturday afternoon's planned events at the ball diamond include a barbecue and healthy food feast, adult games such as duck plucking and char filleting, traditional games for children, a baseball tournament, face painting and a birthday cake.
In the evening, activities move inside the recreation complex.
There will be a seamstress contest, a carving contest, kings and queens of various age categories will be crowned and a community dance is slated to take
place.
Celebrations continue Sunday evening at Sandy Point Beach with a community feast and chances to win prizes.
- Derek Neary
Embracing life
Nunavut
Community members across the territory were invited to hold activities in conjunction with the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan launch on Monday, June 26.
A community walk, a circle of support and a moment of silence are among the ways residents can show their support for the territory's third suicide prevention action plan, known as Inuusivut Anninaqtuq, which will be in effect until 2022.
- Derek Neary
Multiple prize winners at fishing derbies
Gjoa Haven/Iglulik
The winners of the fishing derbies in Gjoa Haven and Iglulik didn't just settle for first prize.
Joanni Sallerina, Gjoa Haven's mayor, was so successful in the cod derby in early June that he scored a clean sweep.
He took home the grand prize - a brand new all-terrain vehicle - $3,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place.
Over in Iglulik, Rachel Aglak of Hall Beach captured the $10,000 top prize as well as an eight-person tent, including a table and chairs, for second prize in the late fishing May event.
- Derek Neary
| 
