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Newsbriefs: Monday, August 7, 2017
IRC praises Supreme Court decision
Clyde River
The Supreme Court of Canada's quashed the permit of the National Energy Board authorizing seismic testing in Baffin Bay and Davis Straight last week, something the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is calling a win for treaty rights.
"This is a crucial ruling that makes clear the requirement to assess the specific impacts of a project on the hard-won treaty rights of Indigenous peoples," stated Duane Smith, CEO of IRC, in a news release.
The Hamlet of Clyde River, hunters and trappers organization and Greenpeace had joined forces to oppose seismic testing in the waters near the community.
- Stewart Burnett
GNWT liberalizes gender, name choices
NWT
The Government of the Northwest Territories has updated its Vital Statistics Act to allow the use of single names based on traditional culture and changed the sex designation on a birth certificate to better reflect gender identity.
The amendment allows Indigenous people to reclaim their traditional names. Anyone born in the NWT may now apply to change their gender on their birth registration without first having to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
The NWT is the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer a third gender option, which will be X for individuals who do not identify as male or female.
- Stewart Burnett
Camera found in Ekati bathroom
Ekati
Yellowknife RCMP are investigating after a camera was discovered in a women's washroom at the Ekati Diamond Mine. An employee discovered the camera on the morning of July 27 and reported it to security at the mine, according to a news release from RCMP. The Mounties are working with site security and an investigation is ongoing, the news release said.
- Kirsten Fenn
Smoke alert issued
South Slave
The GNWT issued a warning on Friday, warning residents of Fort Smith and Fort Resolution about smoke drifting into their communities. The smoke came from wildfires between Fort Smith and Lutsel K'e and was expected to continue to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility over the weekend, with a shift in weather pattern bringing smoke back into the area on Sunday and pushing air quality to "extreme values."
- Jessica Davey-Quantick
Bear surprises day campers
Radilih Koe'/Fort Good Hope
Day camp participants in Fort Good Hope got a surprise visitor on their way to Rabbitskin River on Aug. 2, said recreation co-ordinator Freda Kelly.
"We went down to Rabbitskin and we encountered a bear," she said.
Since then, Kelly said the group has been taking extra precautions, such as providing light snacks to participants on Aug. 3 instead of grilling food over a fire.
The day camp has been running throughout the summer. The goal is to get children outside as much as possible, Kelly said.
"We want to take advantage of the sunny days," she said.
The camp is available to children between the age of five and 12 years old.
- Kassina Ryder
Award winners announced
Behchoko/Rae Edzo
This year's Tlicho Government Award recipients were scheduled to receive their awards on Aug. 3,
Elizabeth Rabesca from Behchoko won the Lifetime Achievement Award, Bryan Lang from Behchoko received the award for Public Service, Politics, Law and Justice, Charlie Zoe Nitsiza from Whati received the Active Living and Cultural Skills award, Gameti's Therese Zoe received the Education and Health award and Mary Adele Football from Wekweeti received the Culture, Heritage and Spirituality award.
- Kassina Ryder
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Tlicho camps focus on tradition and wellness
Whati/Lac La Martre
The Ts'e Whii Ts'e Daa Puberty Camp is scheduled to begin in Whati on Aug. 9, said Anita Daniels-Black, director of community programs with the Tlicho Government.
The camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of nine to 15 and will take place on an island outside of Whati. In addition to learning about anatomy and the puberty process, the camp will include learning about the skills traditionally performed by men and women.
On Aug. 8, Behchoko will host the San Deh camp, which will run until Aug. 23, Daniels-Black said. Participants will travel to a cabin owned by the Tlicho's Behchoko office where they will participate in cultural activities. The focus of the camp is on health and wellness, Daniels-Black said.
"We have various elders that will be facilitating cultural activities with the participants," she said. "We also have facilitators to come in just to talk to youth about making good decisions and living a healthy lifestyle."
- Kassina Ryder
Tulita gets ready for Windy Island trip
Tulita/Fort Norman
Tulita's annual trip to Windy Island is scheduled to take place on Aug. 8, said recreation co-ordinator Archie Erigaktuk. The trip is expected to begin at 10 a.m. when the first families will be transported to the island. Erigaktuk said he expects to make about two trips to the island throughout the day and said he estimates about 20 children and four adults will participate.
The day is expected to include a barbecue lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs and fruit. Other activities are scheduled to include swimming, a scavenger hunt and games.
Erigaktuk encouraged participants to bring along drinking water, towels and sunscreen.
Families will return to Tulita between 4 and 5 p.m.
- Kassina Ryder
Swimming the summer away in Fort Providence
Deh Gah Got'ie/Fort Providence
Swimming day trips to Hay River have been one of this summer's highlights in Fort Providence, said recreation co-ordinator Andre Bolduc.
"Its definitely one of the more popular events with the kids," he said. "They love it."
Trips were scheduled for Aug. 4 and again on Aug. 12. The trip usually begins at about 9 a.m. when the group begins the two-hour drive to Hay River, Bolduc said.
Participants are able to swim at the pool for a few hours before heading to the beach or the park. They usually arrive back in Fort Providence by about 5 or 6 p.m. If the group wants to see a movie, they leave Fort Providence around 2 p.m. and arrive back in the community around midnight.
- Kassina Ryder
BioBlitz heading to Fort Simpson
Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson is the next stop on the BioBlitz tour, which is scheduled to take place on Aug. 9, information from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.
Fort Simpson's blitz will focus on fungi and is scheduled to begin at the Fort Simpson Territorial Park kitchen shelter.
The next BioBlitz is scheduled to take place at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife from Aug. 10 to 12.
For more on BioBlitz, see page 15.
- Kassina Ryder
Five from Beaufort Delta in Students on Ice
Beaufort Delta
Five youth from the region are taking part in the 2017 Arctic Expedition through the annual Students on Ice program.
The trip begins Aug. 8 with orientation in Ottawa, before the 120-plus youth and staff fly to Resolute Bay to set sail through the Canadian High Arctic. The ship will cross the Davis Strait to discover the western coast of Greenland, ending its expedition in Kangerlussuaq.
Joining the trip this year are Topsy Banksland from Ulukhaktok, Jessi Pascal from Aklavik, Jasmine Keogak from Sachs Harbour, Allysa Felix from Tuktoyaktuk and Carmen Kuptana from Tuktoyaktuk.
- Stewart Burnett
Most northern golf course turns 30
Ulukhaktok/Holman
Men and women in Ulukhaktok competed in the 30th anniversary of the Billy Joss Open golf tournament on the July 21 weekend.
Curtis Banksland won the men's division, narrowly prevailing over Andrew Joss. Louise Nigiyok won the women's division, while Peter Okheena won the master's and Kolten Inuktalik finished with a 162-stroke total after three rounds to win the youth division.
- Stewart Burnett
Community invited to research workshop
Aklavik
Community members are invited to attend an open two-day workshop hosted by the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board Sept. 20 to 21.
The workshop will be discussing research priorities and strategic planning, with the board looking to update its strategic plan and research priorities for the next five years.
"We're inviting our partners and our renewable resource councils, which we work really closely with in the communities," said executive director Amy Amos.
"We're hoping there are going to be quite a few people there to help provide advice to the board when they're making decisions on their strategic vision for the next five years."
The meeting will be open to everyone.
- Stewart Burnett
No walk-in clinics for three days
Hay River
The Hay River Health and Social Services Authority is temporarily experiencing a limited number of physicians and nurse practitioners.
As a result, there was no walk-in clinic held on Aug. 1, Aug. 3 or Aug. 10.
In the time period of the shortages, there will be one nurse practitioner in the community, plus two physicians from Aug. 4 to 8. No further shortages are expected this summer.
- Paul Bickford
Form chief passes away
Lutsel K'e/Snowdrift
Antoine Michel, a former chief of the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation, passed away on July 24 at the age of 64. Michel was chief in the 1990s and again from 2010 to 2014.
"He was a good and effective leader with proactive approaches to lead his people," stated National Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation in a news release. "His main focus was to finalize the Akaitcho Territory Government negotiations. It was very important to him to see a final settlement agreement. He also wanted the band to gain more control over the Taltson hydroelectric project."
Erasmus said Antoine was also renowned as an accomplished trapper and very knowledgeable of the land. According to the Dene Nation, Michel died from a type of lung disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The Akaitcho Assembly, scheduled for July 25 to 27 in Fort Resolution, was postponed out of respect for Michel.
- Paul Bickford
Workshop on trauma planned in Enterprise
Enterprise
A workshop entitled Becoming a Trauma-Informed Parent will be offered in Enterprise on Aug. 14 by the South Slave Divisional Education Council. The free workshop will introduce parents to understanding trauma and how it affects them and their children.
There will be an introduction to trauma and a brief overview of how trauma can affect the brain and behaviour in children, youth and adults.
The facilitator for the workshop will be Hiedi Yardley of True North Counselling Services.
- Paul Bickford
Woman aims loaded gun at police
Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet
RCMP in Pond Inlet responded to a call of domestic violence at a residence Aug. 1, which resulted in a woman being arrested for a firearm offence.
Police were greeted by the female resident pointing a firearm at their vehicle, according to a news release. They took the woman into custody without injury, and after the firearm was secured, it was found to be loaded.
"This could have ended much differently had it not been for the vigilant efforts of our members," stated Inspector Jeff Asmundson.
The 36-year-old woman was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Pond Inlet Sept. 18. She faces charges for pointing a firearm.
"We want to remind the public to properly store their firearms and ammunition, complete with trigger and/or cable locks and secured in a locked gun cabinet," said Asmundson.
- Michele LeTourneau
Dust control chemical on order
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
In light of $260,000 worth of dust suppressant being spilled at the new tank farm in Cambridge Bay during the latter half of July, more of the dust control chemical will be brought in by sealift.
The dust suppressant, known as EK35, is used to minimize dust on the community's runway and to provide stability to the runway surface, according to John Hawkins, director of airports for the Government of Nunavut. The entire 13,000-litre supply was spilled from 13 containers last month. The RCMP are investigating. The chemical is used when a new gravel overlay is put down on the runway and then applied again on the runway surface, as required.
"There is no hazard without use of dust control product. The purpose of applying the EK35 is to stabilize the surface and preserve it from deterioration - (giving) more time between the need to redo the gravel runway," Hawkins stated.
- Derek Neary
Chief firearms officer talks safety
Nunavut
With respect to Justice Paul Bychok's recent suggestion that central gun storage lockers in each Nunavut community should be given consideration, Karen Mowatt, Nunavut's chief firearms officer, replied that she "continues to promote safe use, storage and responsible ownership of firearms through the education of firearms owners," and she "is always willing to work with officials to enhance firearms storage." Regarding gun safety in general, Mowatt pointed out that the number of firearms safety course instructors in the territory has risen to 70 and they are located in all but two Nunavut communities.
"We have numerous Inuktitut-speaking instructors and also apply the provisions of the Aboriginal Adaptations Regulations of the Firearms Act to elders, exempting them from the training through alternative certification criteria," Mowatt stated. She added that as part of the new Youth Strategy, two high school teachers trained as Canadian Firearms Safety Course instructors will deliver the course to youth. Mowatt supplies firearm training kits and student handbooks to designated instructors.
- Derek Neary
Arviat death under investigation by Ottawa Police Service
A death that happened at an Arviat residence while police were on scene is being investigated by the Ottawa Police Service.
According to a July 22 RCMP news release, Arviat police were conducting a criminal investigation on July 21 at a residence when they heard a gunshot. They located a deceased male at the scene.
The Ottawa Police Service were called in as independent investigators because the incident could be ruled an in-custody death.
RCMP said the Nunavut Coroner's Office is working in conjunction with the Ottawa Police Service.
Justice committees seek members
Kivalliq
Justice committees in Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Arviat, Coral Harbour and Rankin Inlet have put out calls for members.
Notices for each community, posted to the Government of Nunavut's Department of Justice website,
ask people to apply by Aug. 11.
The committees use community-based approaches to assist victims of crime as well as offenders.
Homicide victim identified
Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet
RCMP have identified the body of an 11-year-old boy as Ray Taparti Jr.
Taparti had been missing for up to five days before his body was found in an industrial area in Rankin Inlet.
His death is considered suspicious.
Innuksuk lands a new boat
Sanirajak/Hall Beach
Nagleena Innuksuk reeled in an 84.5-centimetre Arctic char to capture first place and the top prize - a 19-foot boat - in the fishing derby held in Hall Beach in July.
Aaron Nattuk won a $500 gift certificate from the Co-op, the event sponsor, by earning second place in the derby.
Cain Pikuyak finished in third place and took home an iPod.
There were plenty of participants in the event, which was held July 14 to 22.
"Lots of people fishing, tons of people. We had about 120 people entered for the adults," said Nick Snider, assistant manager of the Co-op.
The children who participated weren't lucky enough to catch any fish but Marla Alorut was able to ride away on a new bicycle as the winner of a draw for the kids' prize.
- Derek Neary
School of Rock on hiatus
Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay
Expect the School of Rock to come roaring back in the fall.
That's the word from Randy "B-Dawg" Briand, who was the lead instructor of the music camp that taught a dozen youth to play guitar, drumming and vocals over three weeks. Some of the students had no previous exposure to instruments or musical performance, he noted.
"It started off slowly but, holy smokes, Cambridge Bay has talent," Briand said, singing the praises of guitarist Kevin Taylor in particular. "He's just phenomenal."
Hosted by the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, the camp reached its crescendo in July when the students, who are in Grades 9 to 12, collaborated with Briand to perform Let it Go, a pop hit by James Bay.
"To see those kids singing it and being part of a production... if it doesn't give a person goosebumps, they don't have a pulse," Briand said.
With plans to return to Cambridge Bay in late September or early October, Briand said he's contemplating expanding the School of Rock to become a territory-wide initiative.
"We're on a great roll. These kids are just rocking it," he said. "We'll do public performances when I get back."
- Derek Neary
Deadline for project funding approaches
Qikiqtaaluk
An August 23 deadline looms for applications to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for fall/winter projects under the Nunalingni Aulajjagiaqtiit/Community Initiatives Program.
Funding is available for projects that focus on community capacity building, promotion of Inuit culture, economic development, social development, health and wellbeing, and the protection of the environment.
"Our Community Initiatives Program has been able to pave the road for Qikiqtani communities to deliver many innovative youth, cultural and recreational programs that strengthen our communities," stated president PJ Akeeagok in a news release.
The budget comes from dividends received from QIA's subsidiary organizations, the Qikiqtaaluk Corp. and Nunasi Corp.
"Through the support of the QIA's CIP fund, the Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN) has been able to provide recreational camps, training and leadership building, as well as summer employment to many children and youth in Qikiqtani for the last three years," stated the association's executive director Dawn Currie.
Applications can be picked up from QIA community liaison offices and the QIA main office.
- Michele LeTourneau
Page turned on literacy camp
Kinngait/Cape Dorset
More than 100 children took part in a three-week literacy camp that wrapped up July 21. In the morning, five-to-eight-year-olds went to Sam Pudlat School to participate while nine-to-12-year-olds took part in the afternoon. Each session ran 2.5 hours.
The most popular books pertained to zombies, superheroes and the National Hockey League, said Piita Jaw, who helped supervise the camp.
"We would help them read and (there was) group reading," Jaw said, adding that other activities included writing entries in journals and arts and crafts.
Frontier College, based in Montreal, sent books to Cape Dorset for the camp.
Jaw, who graduated from high school this year, worked with the literacy initiative last summer as well.
She said the experience taught her greater patience.
"Kids love to do things their way," she said.
- Derek Neary
Mars mission continues on Devon Island
Devon Island
A two-part mission, called Mars 160, saw a six-person crew arrived at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island in the final days of July.
The first part of the mission took place at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah last year.
"Mars 160 is a unique mission that combines and compares both desert and Arctic Mars analogs as field test environments for Mars mission operations research," stated Mars Society president Robert Zubrin in a news release.
"The Mars Society has opened up this vital field of research, which is now expanding worldwide. With this mission by an outstanding crew drawn from four continents, we will advance it substantially. On to Mars!"
The research station on Devon Island is located on the rim of an approximately 40-million-year-old impact crater in a Mars-like arctic environment.
The six researchers are crew commander and engineer Alexandre Mangeot of France, executive officer Yusuke Murakami of Japan, crew geologist Jonathan Clarke of Australia, crew journalist and health and safety officer Anastasiya Stepanova of Russia, crew biologist Anushree Srivastava of India and crew geologist and field operations manager Paul Knightly of the United States.
During its Mars simulation on Devon Island, the researchers will carry out a wide variety of Mars-relevant research, focusing on areas such as geology, microbial and lichen ecology, science field protocols and small group function in isolated environment research, according to the release.
Photos and daily blog entries of the researchers' experiences can be found at the Mars Society's website.
- Michele LeTourneau
Movie nights at the museum
Iqaluit
August is jam-packed with movies at Iqaluit's Unikkaarvik Visitor's Centre.
Aug. 10 features two Isuma documentaries. Kiviaq versus Canada tells the story of the Inuk lawyer Kiviaq and his legal battle with the federal government. Urban Inuk is the story of late singer Charlie Adams and his days of living on the streets of Montreal.
The Aug. 17 film of choice is the climate change documentary An Inconvenient Truth by former US vice president Al Gore.
Before Tomorrow, a fictional drama about a group of Inuit at the time they first came into contact with European men, is the final film of an Isuma trilogy, and it shows Aug. 24.
Finally, on Aug 31, Arctic Defenders tells the story of the visionary Inuit leaders who forged the Nunavut Agreement.
- Michele LeTourneau
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