Community News Opinion Youth involved in Photographer Don't hang fire complete raises money the parliament community for food bank just yet service Nunakput MLA sends letter to integrity commissioner claims Health Minister Diane Thom was in breach of quarantine, Premier misled MLAs and downplayed complaint Volume 56 Issue 26 THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020 75 CENTS Generations gather

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo Rowena Edwards looks out of her window as her friends and family gather around to wish her a happy 93rd birth- day. Friends and family came out to Inuvik Health Centre to wish their jijuu the best and sing her songs. Wishing her the best are Betsy Jansen, Ruby Edwards, Mary McRae, Millie Jansen, Donna Edwards, Lawrence Neyando, Tanya Dillon, Chris Dillon, John Dillon, Eric Kudlak, Farrah Larocque, Kamdyn Larocque, Denver Larocque, Lisa

photo courtesy of Betsy Jansen Jansen, Dexter Noksana, Alicia McRae, TJ Pascal, Renee Martin, Mary Natsie — and Inuvik Drum, of course. Left: Rowena Edwards, taken that same day.

"Embarrassment is not the way to educate children, or to get them to follow the rules." Publication mail Contract #40012157 – Const. Stephanie Leduc explains the consequences faced by the three youth responsible for the June 6 fire that destroyed abandoned property on Kugmalit Road, page 7. 2 INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 news INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 3 Did we get it wrong? Inuvik Drum is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in Inuvik Drum, contact the editor at (867) 777- 4545 or email [email protected].

NEWS Briefs Eric Bowling/NNSL photos PAINTING THE POLICE TRUCK Right: Lorrisa Elanik and Aubrey Bullock put the finishing touches on an Inuvik RCMP truck during the annual Paint the Police Truck on June 27. Dozens of kids came out to the Youth Centre to give the truck a makeover. Above: The finished product. Don't expect to get pulled over by this truck anytime soon, however. The paint is all water-soluble.

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo Jacobson: Health Minister breached A shot of the smoke columns from the wildfire 12 kilometres south of Inuvik as of 1:46 a.m. June 28, 2020. Pillars orders and premier misled MLAs of smoke were visible from Inuvik from June 26 as the fire grew up to 301-hec- tares at its greatest size. Nunakput MLA's letter to integrity commissioner claims Diane Crews battle wildfire Thom visited people in breach of quarantine in March 12-km south of Inuvik to be in self-quarantine them- Fire crews battled a 301-hectare blaze by Eric Bowling Northern News Services selves – a violation of the Public 12-kilometres south of Inuvik from June 26 Health Minister Diane Thom Health Order prohibiting such to 30. violated her own public health gatherings. The complaint also Smoke could be seen from Inuvik as late as order in March when she turned alleges that Ms. Thom was seen 10 p.m. June 26 when the fire was reported. At up at an Inuvik cabin party driving a Ski-Doo while under that time, the fire was approximately 10 hec- attended by "no less than 10 the influence of alcohol the same tares in size. But two days later, extreme dry people," including some who evening. conditions and high winds caused it to grow to were supposed to be in self-iso- "The premier's choice to wil- 110-hectares and several more pillars of smoke lation, according to a complaint fully mislead her caucus col- could be seen. addressed to the territory's integ- leagues and the Standing Com- The Inuvik Fire Department installed rity commissioner from Nunak- mittee on Accountability and sprinklers on structures in the area, including put MLA Jackie Jacobson. Oversight is extremely unfortu- the Gwich'in Wellness Camp. The two-term MLA's letter nate. She may try to argue that GNWT Wildfire Information Officer also accuses Premier Caroline she was not aware of a com- Amber Simpson said two fire crews and two Cochrane of misleading MLAs plaint but text messages between helicopters were initially deployed to the site. while encouraging Thom to myself and Ms. Thom prove that In total, six ground crews and two overhead downplay the incident. Jacobson not only was the premier aware crews attacked the fire with the assistance of confirmed on June 25 that he had of the complaint but actively two helicopters and an air tanker group. written the letter but declined to instructed Ms. Thom to down- At its largest the fire spanned 301 hectares. comment on it. play the seriousness of the event No damage or injuries have been reported at Inuvik Drum believes the in an effort to save face publicly. this time. On June 30, Simpson said the fire incident occurred over March "I have included for your ref- submitted photo was 90 per cent under control. 20 to 21 based on text messages erence and consideration cop- A photo obtained by Inuvik Drum allegedly shows The Inuvik Fire Department released a leaked along with the letter. ies of evidence that I received smoke advisory as a precaution in case wind Health Minister Diane Thom driving a snowmobile on While tensions were high the in Minister Diane Thom's own March 20 to 21. A letter written to the Integrity Com- blew smoke towards the town. last two weeks of March, indoor words as you can clearly see The cause of the fire has not yet been deter- gathering were not banned at the a draft of her public apology missioner alleges Thom was visiting people who were mined and is under investigation. time. Thom had declared a Pub- related to these events." supposed to be in self-isolation at the height of the lic Health Emergency on March The letter goes on to recom- Covid-19 crisis. Fire destroys 18. The first confirmed case of mend an independent investiga- Airport Lake cabin Covid-19 in the Northwest Ter- tion from outside the Northwest heightened restrictions that nephew and his friends were on A structure fire destroyed a cabin on Air- ritories was on March 21. Territories be conducted into the banned house parties and other their sleds in the yard." port Lake in the early hours of June 26. Although the Public Health allegations. gatherings on April 10. "I understand that as an elect- Smoke from the inferno was still visible Order banning indoor gather- Inuvik Drum reached out to "Friends – I want to address ed official, and particularly the from the Dempster Highway at noon that day ings was not made until April both Thom and Cochrane for the serious allegations made to Minister of Health and Social as GNWT crews battled the blaze. 10, Chief Public Health Offi- comment. Thom initially indi- a senior deputy minister that I Services during a Health Emer- Public Safety director Cynthia Hammond cer Kami Kandola had recom- cated to Inuvik Drum June 25 was out at my cabin last weekend gency, that my actions are under told Inuvik Drum the fire department was mended all international travel- that she wanted to explain her partying, and that there were scrutiny and that sometimes the called out to the site at 3:46 a.m. and sent two lers self-isolate for 14 days on side of the story but later that young people involved," reads optics of a situation will lead to apparatus and seven personnel to fight it. March 15. evening a statement was issued the draft apology by Thom. "I speculation on the part of resi- As the fire was across the lake, the fire Detailing a formal complaint by Shaun Dean, cabinet com- can confirm that myself and two dents. I will continue to follow department concluded that it was not accessible from a member of the public on munications and protocol direc- of my friends did go to my cabin the directions and orders of the to their equipment and called out the Depart- April 10, Jacobson's undated let- tor. for the day to shovel snow off Chief Public Health Officer and ment of Environment and Natural Resources ter claims subsequent complaints "Neither the Premier, nor the my cabin decks. We went on am further modifying my behav- (ENR) to respond, as the fire had spread to the were sent to deputy clerk Glen Minister have seen the letter you separate snowmobiles and prac- iour in light of the orders made surrounding woodland. Rutland, legislative assembly are referring to, so are not in a ticed proper social distancing, today banning all gatherings. No injuries have been reported and ENR speaker Frederick Blake Jr. and position to comment on anything while travelling, shovelling off "In closing, there was a very deployed a fire crew to the site as of 10:30 a.m. Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA Lesa it might say," reads the statement. the decks and afterwards while innocent explanation for what The fire has been extinguished. Semmler. "If the matter is being referred relaxing and warming up in the happened at my cabin last week- It states that Cochrane twice to the Integrity Commissioner cabin before heading home. end. I do realize, however, that denied that a formal complaint for investigation, as you have "While we were shovelling, we all need to be vigilant, and Caps off Recycling has been made, first in a cabinet mentioned, then it wouldn't be one of my cousins and three of that bringing these concerns for- opens doors for a trial run meeting and later on May 26 appropriate to comment before his friends showed up looking ward, so they could be addressed, After a three-month hiatus, Inuvik's lone during a meeting of the Standing he has had an opportunity to to borrow some gas as he was was the proper thing to do. bottle depot reopened its doors for a trial run Committee on Accountability consider it formally. Obviously, running low. I unlocked my shed "I hope this explanation pro- from June 24 to 25, but closed its doors to and Oversight. both the Premier and the Min- and got out the five-gallon Jerry vides comfort that as Minister of reassess the volume. "In March 2020," reads ister will co-operate fully with can I had. They were each on Health and Social Services, I am Booths are set up with plastic covering and Jacobson's letter to NWT integ- any review the Integrity Com- their own sleds and sat on them not flaunting the rules and am residents are asked to count their bottles ahead rity commissioner David Jones, missioner does. " while my cousin gassed up and doing my part to keep northern- of time to speed up the process. "Ms. Thom attended a party at Inuvik Drum obtained a copy drank a beer. It is important to ers safe from the Covid-19 virus. A posting on Facebook said the depot would her friend's cabin near Airport of the draft apology mentioned note they are all adults and were "Have a blessed Easter with reopen Thursday, July 2, however it has since Lake in Inuvik. No less than 10 in Jacobson's letter, which was only in my yard for 15 minutes your immediate household and been removed. people attended the party with never published but was to be before they left. Myself and my remember to Stand Together by individuals that were supposed released in conjunction with friends were on my deck and my Staying Apart. - Diane" 4 INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 opinions INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 5 Leaky legislature needs Published Thursdays Also read in • Fort McPherson • • some perspective • Tsiigehtchic •

Northern News Services NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED 100% Northern owned and operated By now, news of Nunakput MLA Publishers of: Ellesmere • Nunavut News/North • Inuvik Drum Island Jackie Jacobson's letter to the Integ- • Kivalliq News • Yellowknifer National Park rity Commissioner complaining of • NWT News/North • Hay River Hub y Reserve Member of: or an incident involving deputy premier • Manitoba Community it Diane Thom at a cabin with people ALASKANewspapers Association

• Canadian Community err who were supposed to be in quar- Newspapers Association T • Alberta Press Council antine in March – and accusing Pre- NWT n GREENLAND

vut mier Caroline Cochrane of attempt- er ing to cover it all up – has travelled INUVIK OFFICE: throughout the territory. EDITOR: Eric Bowling est Arctic Ocean Nuna Obviously, implying the health Phone:CANAD (867) 777-4545A W minister was wilfully ignoring best- Fax: (867) 777-4412 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 practices in the middle of a public E-mail: [email protected] health crisis is a Website: www.nnsl.com/inuvik North serious charge, FOUNDER (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason Magnetic Pole Grise Fiord PUBLISHER, CEO: Bruce Valpy made worse by [email protected] STA TES the allegation CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Judy Triffo that the premier MANAGING EDITOR: Mike W. Bryant [email protected] herself lied to ADVERTISING Baffin Bay the legislature. [email protected] Included in Call collect (867) 766-8233 PUBLISHING OFFICE: Resolute our story is a Box 2820, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R1 draft apology Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Aulavik Pond Inlet Nanisivik le ERIC E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com National Clyde River c Thom wrote in ir Banks Park C Arctic Bay tic BOWLING April to provide Island rc Beaufort Sea A an explanation Herschel ALASKA – though I have it's important we look at this against treatment in comparison to men Ivvavik Island Sachs Harbour Baffin Island Broughton Island National Auyuittuq invited both Thom and Cochrane the backdrop of what else was hap- when they get in trouble. While enzie National Park Mack to explain their side of the story as pening at the time. many of our male MPs and MLAs Bay Cape Bathurst Reserve well. Her version of events in the For example, while our own health are known more for their shenani- Tuktoyaktuk Eskimo Pangnirtung draft apology goes over other issues minister was at the cabin, Alberta's gans than their leadership, usually Aklavik INUVIK Lakes Ulukhaktok Igloolik made in the complaint, such as a Health Minister Tyler Shandro was women get one strike and they're Ander Hort Hall Beach de-listing essential services from out. large group of people partying at Fort McPherson on River Tsiigehtchic son River Victoria Island the cabin, but there is no mention of public health insurance – that his For reasons I cannot understand, P Taloyoak

eel River being with people who were suppos- wife's insurance company conven- we expect our female leaders to be Mack Foxe Basin Pelly Bay perfect, and when that illusion is enzie River Cambridge Bay ed to be in quarantine. Whether that iently covered – then made head- Gjoa Haven Iqaluit was intentionally left out or if the lines for harassing a private citizen inevitably shattered we go nuts. The Katannilik minister was simply unaware of her on his own lawn. Then, he used pri- consequences of this bias are clear Te rritorial Treelin Kugluktuk fellow party-goers' situation remains vate health-care records to look up a for all to see. e (Coppermine) Repulse Bay Park Dawson critic's phone number and call them. Just imagine what the world Umingmaktok Kimmirut to be seen. City Contents copyright. Printed in the North by (Lake Harbour) tic Circle Cape Dorset Now that the case is before the He still has his job, even as Alberta would look like right now if the Canarctic Graphics Limited. No photos, stories, Bathurst Inlet Arc advertisements or graphics may be reproduced in any Great Hudson Strait ethics commissioner, I don't expect and the rest of Canada appear to be flawed-but-clearly-qualified woman Bear Lake form, in whole or in part, withoutTulit thea written approvalDeline on the cusp of a second wave of the won the last U.S. election, instead of of the publisher. (Fort Norman) Coral Har bour we'll hear much about what hap- M

YUKON Subscriptions a pened from either, which is unfortu- pandemic. the obviously incompetent man who c One year mail $65 k

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Online (entire content) $50/year n

nate. Meanwhile, we're still sitting at a was screaming racist statements z i and questioning the effectiveness of e Thelon Game Personally, I don't have a good total of five cases and none since Sanctuary Baker Lake gauge of how serious this is in com- April. Certainly it appears Thom vaccines. Wrigley Rae Lakes Snare Lake SEND US YOUR COMMENTS parison to the other outrageous made a mistake, but in the grand So before you condemnWhit Thomehorse and Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Drum, Chesterfield Inlet behaviours committed in our ter- scheme of things it really is a minor Cochrane for their choices, ask your- especially new contributors. We attempt to pub- lish a cross-section of public opinion. Not all let- Wha Ti Nahanni Ri Rankin Inlet ritory's history, but I for one will blip. self if you would react the same way ters will necessarily be published. Preferenceve is National Park r Rae if it was Glen Abernethy and Bob given to short letters of broad interest or concern. Edzo not be jumping on a "resign now" It's been my experience that Letters of over 200 words, Ropeneserve letters and thoseFo rt Simpson YELLOWKNIFE Whale Cove QUEBEC Watson Jean Reliance bandwagon any time soon. I think female politicians tend to get unfair McLeod in their places right now. Lakpublishede elsewhere are seldom used. We reserveMar ie River Dettah the right to publish excerpts, to edit for length Fort Lutselk’e or taste and to eliminate inaccurateNahanni or libellous Butte Providence statements. Great Fort Liard Slave Lake Arviat We may also choose to use a letter as the basis Hudson Bay for a story. All letters submitted must be signed Kakisa Hay River Fort Resolution with a return address and daytime phone Trnumber.out Lak e Tr Youth of the week Enterprise eelin Opinions expressed in letters and by columnists e are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by the editor or publisher. Fort Smith Fort Nelson Wood We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons Buffalo Sanikiluaq BRITISHfinancial support COLUMBIA of l'appui financier du ALBERTANational SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA the Government of gouvernement du Our youth of the week is Madden MacNeil, seen Canada. Canada. Park here practicing his moves at the Inuvik Skate Park. Madden has been practicing his scooter skills for about three years. He says it's a lot of fun to drive around, though he wants to pick up some more moves. Keep up the hard work Mad- den!

MADDEN MACNEIL 6 INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 community INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 7 RCMP working with youth involved in Kugmalit Road fire Const. Stephanie Leduc says two have already engaged in community clean-up

by Eric Bowling taking on new cases. With nearly a month passed Northern News Services She added she was looking at a since the building – which con- Inuvik RCMP have identified number of fire safety programs to tained lead paint and asbestos – three youth involved in a June 6 fire put the oldest of the youth through, was demolished, councillors also on Kugmalit Road that destroyed whereas the other two are young expressed concern over the nearby an unoccupied row house and are enough that they cannot be held playground. working to make sure they've learn- criminally responsible – but their Coun. Clarence Wood asked ed their lesson. parents got them involved in com- during a June 15 meeting if the Const. Stephanie Leduc, who munity service anyway. town was able to put fencing around is the chief investigator of the fire, "Their parents wanted them the site to keep children out while told town council June 24 that she to go through something, so they the town navigates the paperwork was working with the three youth spent three hours with me last week of cleaning the site up safely. and their families to help them cleaning up parks in the community Senior and administrative offi- understand the gravity of their and fixing damage that was done cer Grant Hood told council he was actions. at the skate park," she said. "So awaiting a response from Environ- Coun. Ray Solotki had asked they have completed their diversion, ment and Natural resources as to during the meeting if there was a which I think was appropriate for the next step in the process. In the plan for the youth to apologize to their age. The older youth is going interim, he said the town was keep- the firefighters, which has been to take a bit more time because I am ing the site wet and could step up done in the past. However, Leduc implementing the diversion myself enforcement in the area and would said the police had a duty to protect and that's on top of all my other look into the costing and timing of the identity of minors. calls and investigation files." putting up a fence. "Embarrassment is not the way She noted she was also looking Coun. Steve Baryluk pointed out to educate children," explained into the possibility of getting the parents had a responsibility to edu- Leduc, who has a degree in both youth to write letters to the com- cate their children on the dangers of criminology and psychology. "Or to munity and noted she was trying to playing in sites contaminated asbes- get them to follow the rules." come up with ways to communicate tos and other hazardous substances. Leduc said she is engaged in to the community that the three "It's not necessarily up to the weekly meetings with the youth and youth are sorry without exposing town to be looking after every- their parents and said the youth are their identities. body's kids," he said. "Parents need photo courtesy of Miranda Krista very apologetic. The June 6 fire destroyed one of to take some responsibility and talk Smoke from a row house on Kugmalit Road billowed into the She noted she was acting as two row houses owned by landlord to them about staying out of there, nearby playground around 7 p.m. on June 6, forcing the children a diversion officer, as the cur- Talal Khatib. It required 19 person- and explain the reasons why it's playing there to evacuate. rent diversion department was not nel and five vehicles to put out. dangerous to their health." Community Calendar

Saturday, July 4 Inuvik Arctic Market Outside the Midnight Sun Complex 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is open and capacity is limited. Contact the town of Inuvik at events@inuvik. ca for more information. Monday, July 6 Movies in the Park Outside the Midnight Sun Complex 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Running every Monday in the rear parking lot of the Midnight Sun Complex. Limited cap- acity available. Tickets with snacks available in advance. First movie is a family movie, to be announced. Tuesday, July 7 broadcast on the Town of Inuvik's Face- and Thursday, July 9 book page. Culture Connections Screened Porch of Western Arctic Visitor Wednesday, July 8 Concerts in the Park Centre Inuvik Neighbourhood Parks 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Limited to five participants this year. Call out for musicians to take part in Storytelling, crafting and other tradition- Concerts in the Park, a showcase of al arts will be on display every Tuesday local musical talent running every Wed- and Thursday. Workshops will also be nesday until Aug. 26.

To have an event listed in this free feature, call (867) 777-4545, or email [email protected]. Submissions should be received two weeks prior to the event. Non-profit or community events only please. There is no guarantee submissions will be published. 8 INUVIK DRUM, Thursday, July 2, 2020 news Inuvik photographer sells face masks to aid food bank Kristian Binder has already donated $982.33 by Eric Bowling ing company called Art of Where out of He doesn't get a lot of data on who is Northern News Services Montreal that allows customers to design buying them, but he does know they were The Inuvik Food Bank is getting a their own clothing, including masks. He being sold all across Canada, bringing potentially steady cash injection through had set up a shop to sell other products donations for the local food bank from sales of masks designed by Kristian showcasing his work and when the option across the land. Binder, which are selling from coast to to make customized masks came up, he As the company he sells through coast to coast. jumped on it. has been overwhelmed with orders for Already he's donated $982.33 to the At a cost of $18.50 plus shipping, masks, some orders are taking longer food bank, with $450 donated anonym- the masks have been hot items. Binder than expected. Binder asked anyone who ously and the rest in online sales of face said he has already sold over 100, so he makes an order to be patient – they are masks displaying his photography and expects that he can provide regular dona- indeed coming, he said. high-resolution shots of bead and moose tions to the food bank. With no vaccine for Covid-19 yet, hide work by Denise McDonald. "It's an ongoing thing, this is just my Binder said he anticipates the demand for photos courtesy of Kristian Binder "I decided that since my job hasn't first donation," he said. "I don't know how masks to continue for some time. He said "I decided that since my job hasn't really been really been impacted by the situation, I long it will go for, but the sales momen- he was contemplating putting a fall line impacted by the situation, I would take the money would take the money from the sales and tum is pretty strong. I get notifications together for later in the year, providing a from the sales and put it towards something char- put it towards something charitable," he every time an order is shipped, and I'm helpful boost to the food bank and those said. "I wanted to do something local and getting anywhere from five to 10 masks who depend on it. itable," said Binder of his donation to the Inuvik pertinent to the current situation, with shipped. I know people all over Canada "I have a few ideas," he said. Food Bank. people losing employment or having their have ordered them and the feedback I've "Depending on how long this goes, I'll hours cut, so I felt like the food bank was gotten has all been positive." definitely have some fall designs that I've a good choice." The masks themselves are 100 per got in mind. We'll see if they're still a Binder said he doesn't actually stock cent cotton, with a stainless-steel nose requirement, but it seems like it probably the masks himself, he uses a merchandis- piece, a filter pocket and fabric elastics. will be for a while."

Left: A facsimile of moose hide, designed by Denise McDonald, was used as the pattern for a face mask. Right: A mask sporting some of Kristian Binder's photography. All of Binder's profits from mask sales are going directly to the Inuvik Food Bank.