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Newsbriefs: Monday, July 17, 2017
NWT firefighters to B.C.
Sixteen NWT firefighters have travelled to B.C. to help that province deal with hundreds of wildfires, mostly in the central interior.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the crews left July 12 for Prince George as part of the Canadian Interagency Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement.
The agreement allows firefighting equipment, personnel and aircraft to be shared between territories and provinces.
- John McFadden
Pot thoughts sought
The GNWT is asking residents for their views on how the territory should safely regulate cannabis, which is due to be legalized July 2018, stated a news release.
The territorial government will be holding community meetings to hear from residents and is currently finalizing plans for meetings to take place in September.
The Government of Canada's plan to legalize cannabis requires the GNWT to take immediate action to develop and implement measures to control the sale and distribution of the substance, including issues such as minimum age for purchase and consumption, drug-impaired driving, workplace safety, public consumption and more.
Residents can also give feedback on the justice department's website.
- Stewart Burnett
Immigration strategy released by GNWT
Inuvik
A five-year immigration strategy from the GNWT aims to grow the territory's population and improve its economy.
The goals include attracting skilled foreign nationals, attracting new entrepreneurs, consolidating administrative processes, and supporting foreign nationals in their integration and settlement in the Northwest Territories
- Stewart Burnett
National inquiry headed to Yk in fall
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls plans to hold a hearing in Yellowknife the week of Nov. 13, according to information from the inquiry.
A preliminary visit is scheduled Aug. 28.
Families and advocates across Canada have expressed concern in various media reports over what they said is a lack of communication around the inquiry's process.
There have been a number of high-profile resignations from inquiry staff and some indigenous groups are now calling for a hard reset of the entire process.
- Kirsten Fenn, James O'Connor
Enterprise, Aurora Wood Pellets ink mill agreement
The construction of a wood pellet mill in Enterprise is now closer to becoming a reality.
The mayor of the Hamlet of Enterprise and the majority owner of Aurora Wood Pellets Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 28.
Enterprise Mayor Craig McMaster said the community and the company have agreed to meet on a regular basis, especially up front during the construction process because there are a lot of decisions to be made at that time.
The next major step is finalizing harvesting agreements with Fort Resolution and Fort Providence.
Clearing of the site for the wood pellet mill is well underway on 3,200,000 square metres of land that Aurora Wood Pellets Ltd. bought from the Hamlet of Enterprise.
By the time the mill is ready to start operation, it is expected that about $34 million - all raised privately - will have been invested in the project.
- Paul Bickford
Behchoko election results challenged
Behchoko/Rae-Edzo
The result from the June 12 election for chief in Behchoko is being judicially challenged by runner-up Leon Lafferty.
The results showed that Lafferty received 380 votes, 26 votes behind winner and incumbent chief Clifford Daniels.
Daniels stated in a news release that he respects the right for Lafferty to challenge the results.
"This process can be lengthy and costly for both the Community Government of Behchoko and (Lafferty)," Daniels said.
"At the same time though, chief and council must continue to run things while this legal process is being completed."
Larry Baran, senior administrative officer (SAO) for Behchoko stated that he has met with senior staff and the returning officer and instructed them to fully cooperate with any investigation. He noted that a similar challenge in Gameti in 2013 to about a year to resolve.
- John McFadden
Chase the Ace bylaw
Hay River
A new bylaw to regulate Chase the Ace in Hay River is expected to be voted on by council later this month.
Judy Goucher, the town's senior administrative officer, said the proposed bylaw has gone through the policy committee.
The community's first Chase the Ace was held last year by the Hay River Curling Club. The club made about $600,000 in profit over the 43 weeks of the game.
It sparked a regional phenomenon as the prize money grew each week. The main prize ended up being $511,034. It was won by a Hay River resident.
Afterwards, councillors discussed the need for a bylaw, especially to establish a way to determine which organization would receive the next Chase the Ace.
- Paul Bickford
Wood bison population at risk
Somba K'e/Yellowknife
Wood bison have been named a threatened species on the NWT List of Species at Risk, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced July 13.
There are just 2,500 wood bison in the NWT, a small population which has shown evidence of decline, according to a news release from the department.
The species is the largest land mammal in North America, with NWT herds including the Mackenzie, Nahanni and Slave River Lowlands populations, the news release said.
The species' listing is for a term of 10 years, but there are no immediate prohibitions to protect the animals.
A wood bison recovery strategy is required to be completed in the next two years, according to the department.
- Kirsten Fenn
On the hunt for monster pike
North Slave
Alberta's Lyle Froehlich has become the first fisher to win the Trout Rock Lodge Northern pike fly fishing tournament three years in a row.
More than a dozen anglers and their guides took to the waters of the North Arm of Great Slave Lake July 8 and 9 for the 24th annual derby. The event is in-part sponsored by Northern News Services Ltd., publishers of News/North.
Froehlich was actually tied with fellow Albertan Bettyjo Leddy for first place but won on the basis of catching the largest fish - 46 inches.
Participants enjoyed two hot beautiful days out on the water for the catch and release tourney. They also pulled up on an island both days for pike shore lunches.
Froehlich, who has actually won the derby four times in total, said he will be back to defend his title next year in the lodge's 25th tournament.
- John McFadden
Tulita trains for tourism
Tulita/Fort Norman
Parks Canada is hosting a three-day tourism training workshop in Tulita from July 17 to 19, said Laani Uunila, supervisor for the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve.
Dorothy Stearns from Nahanni National Park Reserve will deliver the workshop, which will focus on developing programming for tourists.
"The overall goal is to train our staff so they can develop interpretive programming," Uunila said. "It's also to allow members of the community to learn the same skills."
Topics are expected to include how to best develop walking tours, guided hikes, campfire programs and heritage demonstrations.
"It's a great training opportunity for anyone who is interested either working for Parks Canada in the future or starting up or enhancing their tourism business," Uunila said.
The workshop is available to anyone over the age of 16 and a certificate of completion will be presented to those who finish the program.
The workshop is also available to residents of Norman Wells.
- Kassina Ryder
Hay River Reserve hosts Dene National Assembly
K'atlodeeche/Hay River Reserve
The 47th Dene National Assembly is being held in Hay River Reserve this week, said Sharon Pekok, recreation co-ordinator.
The assembly is scheduled to begin on July 17 with a fire feeding ceremony and an informal meet and greet session. The next day meetings are expected to begin and run until July 21, but Pekok said there will also be many activities taking place each evening.
Activities are expected to include a $10,000 Bingo game on July 18, followed by a drum dance at the arbour.
The next day is scheduled to feature a youth and adult talent show at about 7 p.m. and then a country and western dance. Music is scheduled to be performed by the Twanging Country band from Alberta.
July 20 will include a traditional feast followed by a drum dance.
Pekok said all events are open to the public.
"Everybody is welcome," she said.
A multi-sport camp is also scheduled to take place throughout the week.
- Kassina Ryder
Swimming trip in Fort Providence
Deh Gah Got'ie/Fort Providence
Fort Providence youth travelled to Hay River on July 6 for a special swimming trip, said Andre Bolduc,
recreation co-ordinator.
The trip was a partnership between the recreation department and the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre and brought 12 participants to the Hay River Aquatic Centre.
"It was a good group," Bolduc said.
Participants spent the day shopping in Hay River before going swimming at the pool. They then spent the rest of the day at the local beach.
"It was just for fun," he said. "It was just to go and enjoy the pool for a bit."
Another trip is scheduled to take place on July 20.
- Kassina Ryder
Trails of our Ancestors canoe trip kicks off
Tlicho
Tlicho residents are encouraged to sign up for this summer's Trails of our Ancestors trip, information from the Tlicho Government said.
Participants will depart from Wekweeti on July 20, from Whati on July 25 and are expected to arrive in Behchoko by July 30.
The annual journey retraces Tlicho ancient paddling routes. Traditionally, people would travel to the barren lands to harvest caribou in the fall and then to fishing grounds in the springtime and today's paddlers still stop at ancient camping spots along the way.
- Kassina Ryder
Pay to name costs revealed
Hay River
Residents now have a better idea how much it will cost to name a part of the new sports and recreation centre, along with the existing swimming pool.
At the end of June, the Town of Hay River released a brochure - now also on the town's website - with a list of the prices to sponsor elements of the facility, as part of its ongoing fundraising plans.
The price tags range from $100,000 to name the ice rink and $100,000 to name the existing pool, down to $100 for personalized bricks.
In between, there is a range of naming opportunities, including arena seats ($500 each), dressing rooms (from $4,000 to $7,500), washrooms ($2,500 or $5,000), a walking track ($25,000), the pool sauna ($5,000), the pool slide ($10,000), a community hall ($20,000) and much more.
Based on a request for proposals, the town is also looking for interested parties willing to buy the overall name of the new sports and recreation centre, which is still under construction,
No price guideline has been suggested for that naming opportunity.
For the past 10 years, the facility has been known as the Don Stewart Recreation Centre.
The deadline for submissions is July 19.
- Paul Bickford
Ulukhaktok represent NWT
Ulukhaktok
The Aboriginal Sports Circle selected the Ulukhaktok Western Drummers and Dancers as the cultural contingent representing the Northwest Territories at the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, starting this weekend.
The team was only able to select 10 members and age restrictions meant three youth are not able to join.
The 10 members attending NAIG are Dana Illasiak, Susie Memogana, David Roy Ekpakohak, Kendra Kudlak, Justin Memogana, Shane Alikamik, Chad Memogana, Dorian Kuptana, Troy Kataoyak and Karen Kitekudlak.
- Stewart Burnett
Smith names Citizen of the Year
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Town of Fort Smith has named the community's Citizen of the Year.
The honour went to Mike Couvrette for his role as chairperson of the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society. The Citizen of the Year was named during Fort Smith's Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Couvrette was among the founders of the astronomical society in 2012.
The organization was involved in the establishment of a Dark Sky Preserve in Wood Buffalo National Park.
It also created a Dark Sky Festival and most recently built a roll-top observatory in Fort Smith.
This year's Dark Sky Festival is set for Aug. 17 to 20.
The festival celebrates astronomy, space and science through fun and interactive programs.
- Paul Bickford
Water talks planned
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Slave River Coalition, the Keepers of the Water and Smith's Landing First Nation will host a conference on water from Aug. 2 to 4 in Fort Smith.
The Water is Life Gathering will bring people together to discuss the Mackenzie River Basin, to seek a better understanding of threats to the water, and to provide solutions to protect, secure and restore the watershed.
- Paul Bickford
Swim meet in Fort Simpson
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson was looking to host a swim meet on July 14, said pool supervisor Michael Gast. The goal was to invite swimmers from other commentates to share a lunch and swimming time at the pool. Swimmers of all skill levels were invited to participate.
"Swimming is an awesome way to stay active," he said. "It doesn't matter what your swim level is, just come out and swim."
Swimming lessons are also running five days a week at the pool, Gast said. Lessons run from noon until 2 p.m. and are available for young children learning to swim, as well as for older swimmers looking to improving their swimming skills.
- Kassina Ryder
Deline youth centre gets crafty
Deline/Fort Franklin
Children and youth in Deline are invited to the Brian Kenny Youth Centre for crafts and games this summer, said Faith Gaudet, recreation department staff member.
Activities are available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and include painting, drawing and scrapbooking, as well as playing foosball and board games.
Between five and eight participants usually come out and spend time honing their artistic skills, Gaudet said.
The structure is informal and participants are welcome to drop in.
"They can come in and do their own thing, they can choose to paint or do scrapbooking or draw," she said. "We supply the supplies for that."
- Kassina Ryder
Farmers' market opening date set
Thebacha/Fort Smith
The Desnede Farmers Market in Fort Smith will start for the year on July 22.
The market will be held every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centennial Arena Park.
Among other things, it features produce grown in gardens, crafts, wild plants and baked goods.
Desnede Farmers' Market was established last year.
- Paul Bickford
Yards in Bloom
Hay River
The annual Yards in Bloom competition will hold its initial round of judging from July 14 to July 30.
There will be judging in the categories of amateur gardener/yard, master gardener/yard and creative community container.
There will also be a People's Choice Award, and a prize for blooming with no yard space, basically for people who grow on balconies.
There will be a final round of judging from July 31 to Aug. 4.
Yards in Bloom is presented by the Hay River Beautification Committee and the Hay River Chamber of Commerce with financial support from the municipal government.
- Paul Bickford
Police shoot Iglulik man in standoff
Iglulik
RCMP shot a 25-year-old Iglulik man reportedly armed with a knife who had barricaded himself inside a home
on June 11.
The wounded man was taken to the Iglulik health centre and then was medevaced to Ottawa in stable condition.
The police had attempted to use de-escalation techniques and negotiated with the man for more than three hours, beginning around 5 p.m., according to a press release.
"Unfortunately the situation culminated with the individual being shot by police," the press release states.
Nunavut RCMP referred any further inquiries to the Ottawa Police Service, which will be investigating the incident, a standard procedure when Nunavut officers open fire.
- Derek Neary
Boat explosion kills two
Iqaluit
Two men succumbed to their injuries after a boat exploded near a residence in Iqaluit July 6.
RCMP received a call about an explosion in the 700 block that afternoon.
"Investigation revealed that an explosion had occurred inside a boat while three people were working on it outside a residence," stated Sgt. David Lawson July 7.
"As a result of the explosion, the three injured males were rushed to the hospital to be treated for their injuries."
50-year-old Noel Priddle, of Newfoundland died of his injuries, while the two other men, John Manning aged 57 and an unidentified 26-year-old, were medevaced south for treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.
While at the Ottawa General Hospital, Manning also succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased July 9, according to Nunavut's chief coroner Padma Suramala.
"The Eastern Regional Coroner's Office for Ontario is investigating his death along with Nunavut Coroners Service.
The Nunavut Coroner's Office does not know the current condition of the 26-year-old male," said Suramala on July 13.
Foul play is not suspected, but the office of the Chief Coroner, RCMP and the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission continue to investigate the incident.
- Michele LeTourneau
Two new jobs through the hamlet
Iglulik
The Hamlet of Igloolik recently hired two residents in their 20s to train in asset management and tracking inventory through a 40-week program sponsored by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
"That creates two new jobs," said Greg Morash, the community's senior administrative officer.
"Hopefully we will continue that program next year and then onto a computerized system ... We have to have asset management people here (at the hamlet) so it could lead to a full-time job over the next year or two."
- Derek Neary
Nunavut Day comes together
Kugluktuk/Coppermine
Activities got off to a slow start on Nunavut Day but things picked up speed as the afternoon wore on, according to Vince Browning, the hamlet's facilities maintainer. He and Bill Williams, the economic development officer, combined efforts to organize activities with the recreation director away.
"There were a lot of hungry people there and there was pretty much food for everyone right until the very end," Browning said.
The tea boiling, bannock making and animal impersonations - caribou, duck and hikhik calls - proved to be a hit, he said.
"It's nice to see the community come out and come together," said Browning.
He added that the weather cooperated and a strong breeze helped to keep the flying parasites at bay.
"The bugs and mosquitoes lately have just been unbearable," he said. "Whenever you don't have to fight off the bugs it's not too bad of a day."
- Derek Neary
Summer tourists popping up
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
The seasonal upswing in tourists is afoot. More than 40 people from out of town stopped by the Arctic Coast Visitor Centre in June, according to employee Jessica Otokiak, She expects a higher number in July.
"Mostly the scenery and all the other stuff Cambridge Bay has to offer like Mount Pelly, the animals and mostly bird watchers," Otokiak said of the attractions that bring tourists to the community.
She informs them of other areas of interest, community history, amenities, local shops and where they can find visitor information centres in other Kitikmeot communities, if they are heading to other destinations in the region.
The return of the 1,080-passenger Crystal Serenity cruise ship, which paid a call last year, is expected to bring a crush of visitors in late August.
- Derek Neary
Baffin artist Pitsiulak celebrated
Toronto
A celebration of Tim Pitsiulak's life and art took place at Feheley Fine Arts July 13, with family and friends in attendance.
Pitsiulak, who had just had one of several solo exhibits at the Toronto art gallery, died while being treated for pneumonia at the age of 49 this past December. The hunter and artist, born in Kimmirut and living in Cape Dorset, was cherished by many, including gallery-owner Pat Feheley.
Feheley first saw Pitsiulak's work in 2007 and immediately gave him a solo exhibit. He is known mainly for his drawings, but also excelled as a sculptor, jewelry-maker and photographer.
"He was such an amazing personality that even people who met him for five minutes ... immediately he touched them. It's really a celebration primarily for people in the south who knew and loved him, people who have travelled North and loved him there," said Feheley.
"His wife and young daughters are coming down, plus one of his older daughters and a couple of his sisters."
- Michele LeTourneau
Opera singer offers workshops
Iqaluit
August is for singing and drama in the capital, as opera singers and singing teachers Gwenna Fairchild-Taylor and Betty Allison will be in Iqaluit for two weeks.
The two will offer free workshops in singing and drama for children, teens and adults.
"Participants will be working together to write their own stories that will then be presented for family and friends towards the end of the program in an informal performance and celebration of their achievements," Fairchild-Taylor told Nunavut News/North.
"Each class will decide how they want to tell their stories and what stories to tell.
As with her previous stint in Cambridge Bay earlier in the year, the singer intends the workshops to help build self-esteem, "by providing opportunities for participants to express themselves creatively through singing, acting and story-telling."
Participants will have the opportunity to "try new things in a safe and supportive environment, make new friends, and leave with more confidence in their voice and ideas."
Workshops run from Aug. 1 to Aug. 19, with a final option presentation at Inuksuk High School on the 19th.
"I'm thrilled that this free program for all ages is going into its third year in Iqaluit," said Fairchild-Taylor.
- Michele LeTourneau
Igloo art tag to be managed by Inuit
Nunavut
The Inuit Art Foundation announced July 7 that the iconic Igloo Tag Trademark has officially been transferred from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to the foundation.
"The internationally recognized trademark was created by the INAC in 1958 and helps protect Inuit visual art from counterfeits. The trademark has been remarkably successful: the Government of Canada's recently announced Impact of the Inuit Arts Economy Study estimates the trademark contributes about $3.5 million annually to the Inuit arts economy, with consumers averaging an additional value of $117.23 for works with the mark," stated the news release.
The tag, which stated "eskimo art esquimau," will now show the igloo with the words "inuit art inuit."
The new program is now managed by the IAF's Igloo Tag Program Coordinator, Bryan Winters.
The news released stated Winters will be leading extensive consultations with stakeholders throughout Canada and Inuit Nunangat to determine how the trademark can work to support Inuit artists.
- Michele LeTourneau
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