THE Hay River 2014 HUB Year in review

HAY RIVER, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ● 42nd Year No. 46 ● $1.00 (.95 + GST) ● PM#40012157 Hockey rivalry returns to the Hub Yellowknife/Hay River series becoming an annual tradition

Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo Andre Chabot, left, goalie Marc Hunt, and Shawn Demarcke battle it out in front of the net at a practice last week for the upcoming Northern Hockey Challenge series. SARAH LADIK the time and effort once again." North," he told The Hub after Yellowknife's Peter Mercredi's injury and a move away from concussion, but looked forward [email protected] The NHC started out as a a practice Dec. 29. "It's got a overtime winner in game five the town. But Rowe said seeing to participating in full in a year pan-territorial competition, but big fan base, and the games get in Hay River. new players come up through or two. The cross-lake rivalry was forced to pretty heated Last year's series of six the ranks is not a bad thing. "When I was a kid, I remem- between Hay River and Yellow- shrink to just … I think games, split evenly between "There will always be a few ber coming to rec tournaments knife is still going strong and Yellowknife ▼ overall, that's both communities, proved there changes to the team," he said. and the stands were always it doesn't involve politics or and Hay River what draws still wasn't much between them "But hopefully some of the packed," he said. "I haven't had which is the real home of Buf- last year. Rowe "It's got a big fan people and as the final standings ended younger guys moving back will the chance to be at an NHC falo Airways. said this year's base, and the games makes it a suc- with each team winning two, be able to step up." game yet, but I hear that's how The latest incarnation of the series would cess." losing two and tying two. After being injured playing it is … everyone has shown up Northern Hockey Challenge most likely get pretty heated." The first Rowe credits the friendly, in the WHL, Gavin Broadhead to cheer for their team the past (NHC) is set to hit the ice later resemble last Curtis Rowe ▼ NHC meeting if fierce, rivalry between the can't play in the series, but it few years." this month as Hay River's fin- year's, with between the two communities for much of hasn't stopped him from prac- The weekend series in Hay est players are getting ready a few games two commun- the intensity of play, saying that tising with the team over his River will see both teams play- for what's become an annual played in the ities in 2013 while the faces on the teams Christmas break. ing three games in total but showdown with the capital. capital and a was quite the may change, the spirit of com- "I didn't grow up playing there's no confirmation of any "It's great to see it keep few in Hay River. But with the show as both the Hay River petition goes on. with these guys, they're a bit return date in Yellowknife yet. happening," said player Curtis first game set for the Don Stew- Huskies and Yellowknife Fly- "Whether you're a new play- older than me, but I did grow Flyers forward Brad Muel- Rowe. "I think it would be a art Recreation Centre Jan. 23, ers battled it out in what was er or an old player, it doesn't up kind of idolizing guys like ler said it's all about getting ice pretty big disappointment to the he said he's not worried about known as the Western Arc- take long to clue in," he said. Curtis," Broadhead said. "I time but he's glad to see the fans and the players if it didn't, impressing a crowd. tic Division. The Flyers ended Hay River's team has a few grew up watching them." rivalry continue in Hay River. so we're grateful to the organiz- "It's probably the high- up winning the division final, new names on the roster after He said he couldn't play in "No one wanted this to die ers and volunteers for putting in est level of competition in the three games to two, thanks to they lost their captain to an this year's event as a result of a out," he said. 2 ▼ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 www.hayriverhub.com www.hayriverhub.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ▼ 3 Did we get it wrong? Hay River Hub is committed to get- ting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you 2014: The year in review spot an error in Hay River Hub, call 874-6577 and ask to speak to an editor, or e-mail [email protected]. January We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can. Fiddling going on strong in the NWT Despite the difficulties of maintaining a cre- NEWS ative or artistic organization in the North, the Kole Crook Fiddle Society (KFCA) has been Briefs around a decade and is still going strong. "It's an oral tradition," said Gerda Hazenberg, Free training on offer KCFA's president. "Music is like another language The town's recreation depart- and it really helps kids express themselves in a ment will be offering a free training different way. It's so important to keep the trad- course in healthy child development ition alive in the NWT." and fundamental movement training KFCA normally runs a summer camp on the this week. Hay River Reserve in July, as well as the January The course, taking place at the Jamboree early in the new year, both hosted by Community Hall Jan. 10 and 11 the Chief Sunrise Education Centre. Although 42 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is designed for participants came out between Jan. 3 and 5, Haz- people working or volunteering with enberg said that number was down from previous children from newborns to five years years. She added that one of the main local teach- old. The material, such as physical ers being unavailable for the weekend and the literacy, conflict resolution and skill cold contributed to the low turnout, but noted that development for the age group may the level of talent and dedication of the students be of particular interest for coaches present more than made up for it. of young children. The course is free but spots Lights, cameras, youth action are limited. Anyone interested is For Alice Coates, volunteer co-ordinator at the encouraged to contact the Don Stew- Hay River Community Youth Centre (HRCYC) it art Recreation Centre to register. all came back to giving kids more ways to express themselves. Soaring Eagle calls "I see it being a fun club for people who want annual general meeting to learn about different, or all parts of the process of bringing a story to life on film," she said. The Soaring Eagle Friendship The club ran once a week on Thursdays at the Centre will be hosting its annual HRCYC, beginning Jan. 9 and ending in May. general meeting Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. The club and the purchasing of the equipment to at the centre. Community members make it possible was funded by the NWT Arts are encouraged to attend to keep Council and NWT Literacy as part of an initia- informed on and to support the tive to encourage youth to engage in story-telling. centre. Several board positions will The club has two cameras and all the necessities also be open for anyone seeking to for both shooting film and editing it on hand for become more involved in the organ- participants to use, but won't focus only on the ization. Refreshments will be served. technical aspects of film making. Search and rescue Tradition meets trend numbers skyrocket in drumming circle NNSL file photo RCMP in the NWT are implor- Technology mixed with tradition at a drum- Elie Lepage, left, learns to skate with his uncle Darren Wall, visiting from Toronto ing residents and visitors to be care- ming circle hosted by the Soaring Eagle Friend- for the holidays at a free skate at the Don Stewart Recreation Centre in December, ful and plan ahead this winter season ship Centre Jan. 12, as leaders told the stories of 2014. after the number of search and res- the songs they brought to the group, interspersed cue operations conducted so far this with comments about Facebook, YouTube, and submitted to the NWT Public Utilities Board year tripled from last year's numbers. texting. (PUB) in December 2013 by Northland Utilities "During the period of Sept. 1 Every song had to be introduced and credit Limited, the average rate increase requested February to Dec. 18, 2014, there were a total given where credit is due to the author, as well would have been 4.3 per cent in 2014 and a fur- of 32 search and rescue operations. as the teacher where possible. While many were ther 4.1 per cent in 2015. The document cited a Setting sail for new skills training This is up from a total of nine search passed from person to person, several songs shrinking population and thus customer base, as and rescues during the same per- After months of preparation, the NT Boats sung at the circle were garnered from Facebook well as a soft market in general as factors that Project was ready to push off and start getting iod in 2013," RCMP Const. Elenore acquaintances and YouTube videos. necessitated the increase. Sturko said in a news release. "The young people refurbishing boats in February. "It's all a part of bridging the gap with the "Take it from someone with an arts degree," majority of these search and res- youth," said Malorie Rehm, who travelled from Winter wellness program cue operations have been success- the project's secretary, Alice Coates, told Dia- Fort Smith with a group of young drummers to warms up for the season mond Jenness Secondary School (DJSS) students ful. However we do live in a vast attend the circle. "It's about not staying stuck in wilderness and travellers need to The Hay River Health and Social Services Jan. 31. "The labour force is changing. You need the tradition, but letting it evolve and grow as Authority (HRHSSA) ran a wellness program to skills, you need to be flexible, and you need to be respect the extreme conditions of we do. our landscape. Being well prepared combat the worst of the winter blues. getting those skills any way you can. We're offer- is the best way to protect you from For 12 weeks, up to 20 registered participants ing this for free, so take advantage of it." potential harm." Polar Pond Hockey met for an hour and a half on Tuesday evenings The project would see young people between She added that while such oper- back for a sixth year to talk about topics ranging from healthy eating the ages of 15 and 24 repairing and refurbishing ations are undertaken to save the In the weeks between when committee mem- to physical activity and more effective grocery lifeboats and moving on to bigger challenges – person or people stuck out in the bers started talking about maybe not running shopping. such as building york boats and working on tug wilderness, few people think of the Polar Pond Hockey this year and their actual Kaylynne Parkes, nutritionist with the boats – as the project progressed. danger facing the searchers and res- meeting, organizers were so inundated with quer- HRHSSA, said the goals of the program were cuers themselves. ies and complaints they decided they had to do it. long-term, sustainable changes for participants, as Hospital CEO holds down the fort "Across the territory volunteer "It took two weeks before we could hold a real well as chronic disease prevention. The Hay River Health and Social Services organizations and members who meeting," said tournament committee member "The program is holistic," she told The Hub. "It Authority's (HRHSSA) current CEO signed on for serve the public jointly place them- Jason Coakwell. "And we all got so much flak has a little bit of everything, like exercise, healthy another two years for sure, but said he would stay selves in potentially dangerous situa- from everyone, we just had to make it happen. eating, and even some psychological components as long as it took to complete the transfer to the tions while assisting in the search The great thing is that people all jumped on board like emotional eating." new health centre still under construction. and rescue operations," she said. to help out." "Two years will put us right in the midst of that People venturing out are asked Council pushes for continued change," said Al Woods. "And I'm committed to to make sure their snowmobiles Rising power rates pressure on MACA seeing this project through." are well-maintained, to listen to the Woods, having taken the helm at the HRHSSA cause concern for businesses Hay River's mayor and council reaffirmed for several stints previously, said he was part of weather forecast before leaving and their commitment to keep lobbying the GNWT to always wear a helmet and proper With power rates from Northland Utilities the team that identified the site in Sundog for the Limited likely on the rise in 2014, some busi- Department of Municipal and Community Affairs new health centre. He said he wanted to see the clothing. (MACA) for a better deal when it came to the Other safety measures include nesses in town were worried. project come full circle and was pleased to be "In a business, every time you turn around funding formula, despite reports of progress being around to be a part of it. travelling in groups when possible, made on changes to the formula as a whole. only going places with which they costs are going up," said Janet-Marie Fizer, presi- While the new hospital should be completed in dent of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce. "We have two problems," Mayor Andrew Cas- are familiar and making sure to tell The Hub late 2015, Woods said the transfer would probably "You can cut costs, but that generally impacts the sidy told . "The formula itself is unfair to take place the following spring. someone where they're going and larger communities, and there's the issue of how it when they expect to be back. level of service you can offer." According to the General Rate Application is applied to comparable communities." Continued on page 5 4 ▼ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 www.hayriverhub.com HUB HISTORICAL QUOTE 2011 CCNA "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." OPINION – CCoonfucius Hay River: HUB Still waiting HAY RIVER, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES This community seems to be at a bit of a Established in 1973 Published Wednesdays by standstill, something we hope will change in Northern News Services Limited 2015. PHONE (867) 874-6577 It's hardly news that Hay River is experiencing FAX (867) 874-2679 something of a slump and has been for several [email protected] years. Businesses have been closing, people www.hayriverhub.com have been leaving town, and the general atmos- Office Hours: phere has largely been one of defeat. Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There have, however, certainly been glimmers Display ad deadline: 5 p.m. Friday prior to of hope for the future, both social and econom- Wednesday publication ic, but perhaps more so the latter. The trouble Subscription rates: is that few of those glimmers have gotten much In Canada $50 brighter. 1st Class $100 Hay River is waiting on so many things. Perhaps most pressing? We're waiting on a new arena and have been since before 2013 kicked off. Now we EDITOR have added a new town Sarah Ladik [email protected] EDITORIAL hall to the list, on top CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Paul Bickford of other developments ADVERTISING proposed by the muni- Petra Memedi [email protected] cipality. Whether they are for or against the pro- We're waiting for a decision from the courts RECEPTION posed plans for Fraser Place and other areas of about the proposed school swap between Harry Clarissa Neyando town, residents cannot deny that not too much Camsell and Ecole Boreale. has actually changed in their backyards just yet. Residents on both sides of the language We're also waiting on money. divide took up their torches and pitchforks last While local politicians fought hard to see Hay spring to fight the proposal – successfully, to Write a letter River's government funding increase, the chan- all appearances – but we still have no solution to the Editor ges to the formula have yet to hit the real world for the swelling numbers of families looking to Letters should be short and to and likely won't in 2015 either. Federal coffers have their kids educated in a second language. the point. Your letter should be relevant to our readers. Please have also been running closer to dry – with the We're also waiting for elections. write legibly, type letters if notable exception of $2 million from CanNor for This October could bring about a changing possible. We may edit your letter for the Northern Farm Training Institute (completion of the guard on multiple levels, with priorities grammar, length or legal issues. of which we are also still waiting for.) across the board likely set to shift dramatically Letters must be signed except for exceptional circumstances. We're waiting for economic development. as residents head to the polls for municipal, ter- Please include your full name and PUBLISHER Perhaps the largest going concern is the ritorial, and federal elections. a phone number for verification. J. W. (Sig) Sigvaldason Send your letters to: [email protected] proposed pellet mill in Enterprise, which we We know that there has been a tremendous GENERAL MANAGER Letters to the Editor are assured will break ground this summer. amount of work done on every single one of the Michael Scott The Hub [email protected] Of course, we heard that last summer, too. projects, issues, and changes mentioned here. 8-4 Courtoreille St, MANAGING EDITOR Although perhaps not touted as the panacea the Hours upon hours of preparing and planning Hay River, NT X0E 1G2 Bruce Valpy fax: 867-874-2679 [email protected] pellet mill has been billed, the new fish plant and filing have been done, and that's totally or email: and expanded Great Slave Fishery would also go understandable and necessary. [email protected] a long way to help the local economy, and while All the same, hopefully 2015 will bring about there has been a lot of talk and planning for some changes in the real world, some develop- this endeavour, we haven't seen any concrete ments that Hay Riverites can see, hear, touch, developments here either. and possibly even benefit from. Publishers of • Hay River Hub • Deh Cho Drum • Inuvik Drum • Kivalliq News • Yellowknifer • NWT News/North What's your New Years resolution? • Nunavut News/North

We asked Hay Riverites what they have planned for 2015 Hay River Hub 8-4 Courtoreille Street Hay River, NT X0E 1G2 Canada Post #2180316 Return undeliverable Canada mail to above address You Mail Reg. #07426 ISSN 0714-5810 Said It! Jacob Barker Glen Schnyder Danielle Schnyder Terry Rowe We acknowledge the financial "I want to build a quinzee." "Keep doing what I want, if I "Be kind." "To be more resolved." support of the Government of Canada want to quit smoking I'll quit through the Canadian Periodical Fund smoking. If I want to exercise (CPF) for our publishing activities. I'll exercise." www.hayriverhub.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ▼ 5

2014: February, from page 3 need for skilled, young workers in the Northern job market. Traditional teaching for a modern world Training camp for cops While fluency would be optimal, South Slav- With law enforcement teams coming in from ey speaker and instructor Dorothy Buckley said a all over North America, including the FBI and little bit of language can go a long way. ERT (Emergency Response Team, Canada's "Everyone here should know some simple answer to SWAT), it was easy to make the phrases and sentences for whatever field we're assumption that the winter preparedness camp working in," she said at a South Slavey class, on the shores of Great Slave Lake had something hosted at Aurora College Feb. 5. "From nurses particularly special to offer. working with elders to employees at the bank, But according to Jack Kruger, search and just a few little greetings would make a big dif- rescue co-ordinator for the RCMP's G Division ference." in the NWT, there wasn't much to it. Buckley had been teaching South Slavey to "There's nothing extraordinary," he said. "It's students of all ages and backgrounds for years, very ordinary, but that's the thing that will get and while she herself is fluent, she said she sees you killed quicker than not." the number of people with more than a passing knowledge of the language is shrinking rapidly. March NHC mini-series ends in a tie The 2014 Northern Hockey Challenge re- Pilot project coming match resulted in a tie between the Yellowknife to Hay River Flyers and Hay River Huskies. Hay River would most likely be playing host With no clear winner, the teams tentatively to a project that would study the effects of LED agreed to schedule another weekend of play to lighting on plants grown for food, according to break the tie and crown one community victor- Territorial Farmers' Association president Jackie ious. Milne. "We're definitely looking to have a tie-breaker "Aurora College and the University of Guelph in Hay River," said Greg Rowe, organizer for the were looking for a partner," she said. "And we series and manager for the Huskies. "I think all want to work towards defining the role tech- the guys on both teams will be happy to hear nology can play in helping us feed ourselves that." locally." The teams played a total of three games in 24 Milne was one of four representatives to head hours with Hay River losing the first 3-1, tying to Yellowknife last year for what was termed and the second 3-3 and winning 6-2 in the final game. "Agriculture North" conference. Communities NNSL file photo According to Rowe, all the games were pretty were asked if they would be willing to partici- tight, even the last in which Hay River scored Julianne and Jackson Fuller came out in support of Brendan Green's second pate in a study put on by the research department Olympic effort Feb. 7 at Hay River's new fire hall. some goals towards the very end of play. of Aurora College in partnership with the Uni- versity of Guelph, a well-known centre for agri- KFN gets ready for Kamba culture research and development. Milne said One of the biggest events on the calendar for the experiment sought to determine the effect the Hay River Reserve was even bigger last year, of particular types of LED lights on food plants. according to April Martel, one of the organizers. "This is the first time we're working so Town protests as propane closely with other community groups," she said, naming the Hay River Community Youth Cen- costs soar tre (HRCYC), Grad 2014 Committee, Northern According to a series of rate increase applica- Youth Abroad Program, and Chief Sunrise Edu- tions sent to the Public Utilities Board (PUB), cation Centre as some of the organizations that Stittco Utilities' Hay River customers saw their would be playing a large role in this year's gather- bills go up 75 per cent over six months. ing from Feb. 27 to March 2. Stittco Utilities is the main provider of pro- Martel said the idea was to give them the pane in Hay River, which is mostly used for venue and opportunity to raise money for vari- heating. With the first increase of $0.11 per ous projects. Chief Sunrise was looking to fund vapour cubic metre for the time period coming a trip to New York for some of its students, as into effect in October 2013, the rate of applica- is the Northern Youth Abroad program, except tions increased along with the cost of each. There they send participants to Africa. Members of the were three applications set to come into effect organizations would be doing things like selling in March 2014 – one of $0.19 and two of $0.37 50/50 tickets and collecting recycling. per vapour cubic metre of propane – each within four days of the last. The town sent a letter to the PUB request- Photo courtesy of Sandy Couger Hay River's Sahara Shuffler ing justification for the increases Jan. 25, when From left, Bev Tybring, Andrea Pittman, Keith Linehan, and Steve Anderson underway the cost had still only gone up by 25 per cent. help Natalie Linehan (centre) learn how to ride her new bike in March. Nat- After a year of training, Amanda Matchett Propane in Hay River is what is referred to as a alie's disability means she can't ride a regular bike without help and her new was ready to undertake one of the toughest semi-regulated industry. As such, the PUB can tricycle will allow her more independence. physical challenges of her life. respond to complaints, but is otherwise under no The Sahara Shuffle, created by Matchett and obligation to monitor the cost of propane to the the GNWT had its answer from Hay River: no "a period not exceeding five years." The subse- one of her best friends, Eric Wheeler, to raise average customer. As there are multiple options one wants a school swap. quent motion passed by a vote of 11-7. money for Charity: Water – a non-profit organ- available to Hay River customers looking to "We will never, never, never go forward with Some constituents, however, were not pleased ization bringing clean and safe drinking water to heat their homes, including wood pellet and a swapping schools without approval from the with the motion itself, nor how it came about. people in developing nations – is a 250 km race competing propane company, the idea is that the other side," said Simon Lepage, a representative across the desert over seven days, starting Feb. 19. market will police itself. of the Commission Scolaire Francophone (CSF) Hay Riverites pumped Originally supposed to be held in Cairo, Egypt, at a public meeting at Ecole Boreale March 5. for AWG pitch the race was moved to Petra, Jordan, as a result 69-year-old man sentenced "This is about the whole community, not just of recent political events. our kids." While residents cheered on NWT athletes "It's been a pretty big year of build up for me," to six years for manslaughter The local District Education Authority (DEA) and focused on the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Matchett told The Hub. "I signed up for three Wilfred Buggins, a 69-year-old NWT man, and the CSF held meetings for parents and other Fairbanks, Alaska, a few Hay Riverites set their races to train for to help me build up to this point, was sentenced to six years in jail for killing his residents March 4 and 5, respectively. They sights on the games four years from now – which starting with a half marathon in February 2013, a brother, Roy Cecil Buggins in February 2011, in both formally presented the GNWT's proposal they hope will be held in the Hub. half Ironman in May 2013, a 50k ultra marathon Hay River. to move students between Harry Camsell and "We can do this," said Mayor Andrew Cas- in October 2013." Supreme Court Justice Virginia Schuler ruled Ecole Boreale in an attempt to satisfy a 2012 sidy, who was on hand to support athletes from that the time he had already served – three court order requiring the government to provide the Northwest Territories as well as learn about 'Your Future Starts Now' years – would count for time and a half, leaving adequate spaces to the French school that were the bid process for hosting future games. "This Buggins with one and a half years left to serve. deemed lacking, and they were both shot down. experience has just reinforced that we can do this With a growing total of 43 booths, the career Although originally charged with second degree and we can do a great job at it." fair promised to present a wide variety of oppor- murder, Buggins pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Hay River, in partnership with fellow South tunities to students in Hay River and those who The court heard that Buggins and his brother MLAs vote to request ability Slave community Fort Smith, would be mak- came in from all over the South Slave for the had been drinking in a cabin near Enterprise to extend their term ing a bid to host the 2018 Arctic Winter Games, event Feb. 26 and 27 at Diamond Jenness Second- the night of the incident and that the former was Hay River residents were up in arms at the hoping to beat out the Beaufort Delta region for ary School. black-out drunk when he shot his brother twice passing of a motion March 10 that would see the the honour. The trip to Fairbanks was the latest "It's everything you could possibly want," said in the abdomen. Legislative Assembly request that the Govern- step in a lengthy process required by the AWG organizer Lesli Ward. "All kinds of industries, When he regained consciousness and real- ment of Canada grant it the power to extend their International Committee that decides where the we've got universities and trades schools coming ized what he had done, he immediately turned term from a maximum of four years to five. games will be held. It was announced late in in, and government departments too." himself in at the local RCMP station. Before opening debate, Hay River South 2012 that the 2018 event will be held in the NWT, While exhibitors were approached for more MLA Jane Groenewegen, who introduced the but that Yellowknife was out of the running than a month before to sign up, Ward said she was Hay River says motion, offered to change the motion's wording, because it chose to focus on the 2023 Canada getting requests for booth space right up until the taking out the time frame of October 2016 and Winter Games, leaving the two biggest regional last days before the fair. She said the excitement no to school swap replacing it with the more open-ended request to centres to battle it out. was contagious and proved that there is a great After two separate community consultations, extend the total lifespan of the 17th assembly to Continued on page 6 6 ▼ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 www.hayriverhub.com

2014: The year in review, from page 5 April

Hay River 'a poor neighbour': KFN Chief The April 3 deadline set by Hay River's mayor and council in 2013 to cut off services to surrounding communities unless the GNWT returned the town's funding loomed with no settlement in sight last April. The previous September, the town sent a letter to the Depart- ment of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) asking it to increase its block funding back to pre-2010 levels, as well as examine the formula that dictates government funding for all NWT communities, or it would pull services like water and sew- age treatment and emergency rescue services from the surrounding communities of the Hay River Reserve, Enterprise, and Kakisa. The GNWT had made headway consulting with communities con- cerning the formula, but there had been no word yet on the return of the $300,000-per-year local government feels it's owed. While the matter had been brought up several times in council chambers, as of March 30, there was no word from the mayor's office on a NNSL file photo potential settlement. About seven fire fighters worked to cool the area by spraying water on piles of burning garbage during a fire at the Hay River dump in May. PTUB still going strong after 30 years joined the skiers for the weekend. The first day being cancelled fall and blended and packaged for the occasion. Despite having to cancel races on the Saturday as a result of may even have been a boon as many of the skiers instead took a cold weather, the 31st annual PTUB Ski Races kicked off March turn on the Brendan Green trail – not on the race route – and were 30 in the sun at the Hay River Ski Club. About 75 participants overtaken by the namesake himself. No one to run Relay for Life came out from Fort Smith, Yellowknife and Hay River to join in It looked like no one would be running in the Relay for Life in the traditional wrap-up to the ski season, complete with final race IDC buys out Nunasi's NorTerra shares Hay River last year. and banquet event put on by the Ptarmigan Inn. "As of the present time, its cancelled," said Shari Burnstad, "Without PTUB, our club wouldn't be what it is," said co- The Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) bought out long-time organizer for the event. The event, held every two years organizer Ellie Baxter. "It's known all over the North and we get Nunasi Corporation's shares in NorTerra Inc., NTCL's holding since 2008 with Fort Smith hosting the fundraiser for cancer skiers in from all over the South Slave." company. research every other year, was scheduled for mid-June this year. As an added special bonus this year, Hay River's very own "NTCL will still be operating as usual, and we hope to be oper- Burnstad said the current committee, essentially the local Lions Olympian Brendan Green and fellow Olympian Rosanna Crawford ating for a long time to come," said Wayne Gordon, IDC's chair- Club, couldn't keep putting it on without support from the com- person, adding that IDC's and Nunasi's joint purchase of NTCL munity and new volunteers coming in. from the federal government in 1985 was very much the beginning The Hub "We're not getting the volunteers and it's really sad," she said. of their business partnership. Gordon told the deal, which "People have got to step up to the plate or we're not going to have will see IDC take 100 per cent control of NorTerra, was beneficial anything." to both sides, allowing the corporation to focus on the holding According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Hay River/Fort company's operations and Nunasi to focus on restructuring and Smith event had raised a total of close to $400,000 since it started, being more accountable to its Nunavut stakeholders. with Hay River contributing about $100,000 each year it has hosted it. There had been 600 participants over the years, honouring more Drop the Pop week a success than 145 survivors. Students at Chief Sunrise Education Centre dropped the pop for a week and learned some skills to make healthier choices in Who gets in? the process. The time had come for parents to start enrolling their children "I think it went really well," said Misty Pynten, the school's in schools for the next September, but some Hay River parents counsellor and co-organizer of the campaign. "They maybe didn't faced more obstacles to getting their kids into the school of their like all the alternatives, but the most important thing was that they choosing than others. As a result of a ministerial directive in 2010, weren't scared to try them." parents with children who are not mother-tongue French or have As part of the GNWT-funded Drop the Pop campaign, the parents who were educated in French, but still had a claim to school provided healthy alternatives to the students for the week of Francophone heritage, had to apply directly to the Minister of Edu- March 24. They made a different smoothie on each of the five days cation, Culture and Employment for an exemption and the right to and on the Friday, the students had a nutrition fair featuring snacks attend Ecole Boreale. like homemade granola and fruit-flavoured waters. The students "It puts the families and the school in a tough spot," said princi- even got to take home some of the school's tea, harvested in the pal Stephane Millette. "You have to prove that French heritage with documents and that can be really difficult. I believe it's contribut- ing to the tension and the mistrust." Cabin deaths ruled accidental Carbon monoxide poisoning from propane lamps caused the deaths of a Hay River couple staying in a rented cabin October 2013, a coroner's investigation into the incident found in April. Brenda Laviolette-Rapp, 58, and her common-law husband Robert Bradley, 52, were found dead on Oct. 13 in a cabin at Mountain Aven Campground over the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. The investigation concluded that they died accident- ally of acute carbon monoxide toxicity. The source of the carbon monoxide were propane lamps that had been left on a low setting through the night. May Breakup pending Residents were still being advised to be prepared in the event of flooding as a result of impending breakup, but officials were cau- tiously predicting there would not be any serious issues this year. "Flow rates have receded at the falls and are presently down to about 700 cubic meters per second," said Ross Potter, director of protective services for the town in a statement in May. "Although this is definitely down from the 900-plus (cubic metres) we saw for the last couple of days there is still enough flow coming to cause some flooding." There was some action on April 4 with many areas of the Hay River breaking up and flowing quite high. Residents took to social media with their updates and concerns, with others living away from the banks of the river closely following the progress. How- ever, Potter noted that while there was significant progress made April 4, things stalled the day after. Furs of the North collection finally complete A tiny mouse perched atop a piece of wood hardly stood out against the vast array of pelts and crafts made from many more

Continued on next page www.hayriverhub.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ▼ 7

2014: May, from previous page already on fire …" David Jourdenais, who had looked after the impressive animals, but it held a place of import- dump on and off for over a decade, said a truck- ance nonetheless. The mouse, a gift from Jane driver had radioed in saying his load was on fire. Dragon's husband, was the last piece of a collec- "This is the second big fire I've seen here tion 30 years in the making who, beginning in since I've been here," he said. "It just shows you the 1980s, sought to acquire an example of every have to keep your calm." animal in the North. The last major fire at the dump happened "I've tried to do as much as I can to teach in May 2010 and lasted a week. Potter said fire people about our way of life," Dragon told The fighters had to work shifts to keep the flames at Hub. "I tell the kids we're not killers. We use bay and keep spraying water to cool off the area. the pelts for many things, but it's never about the During that time, firefighters were also brought killing." in from Yellowknife to lend a hand. Dragon's collection began in the 1980s when she was working in the school system. Knowing she and her husband were avid, if only part time, June trappers, he asked her to help with some teaching materials for the newly implemented Northern Karate kids in the Hub Studies classes. Dragon said she had little idea how much the project would grow and take on a The Hay River Karate Club celebrated its 25th life of its own at the time. anniversary in June, and as part of the season wrap-up, brought in a sensei from the south to lend a hand. Franchise committee created "In the last 25 years, we've only brought NNSL file photo Town council announced in May that it would someone in like this maybe five times," said Alex Cory Lafleur (left) runs for cover under fire from missiles thrown by Jaden King be striking a committee to examine franchise Pinto, a member of the club and co-organizer of at a waterfight held at the Hay River Community Youth Centre in May. agreements with utility providers in town, some- last weekend's clinic. "There's been a really good thing normally left until much later in the cycle. turnout." yesterday to say he was changing his plea and I the town dump. "When I was on council when the franchise About 30 people attended the open clinic last was just so happy to not have to go through it all "Twice a year, people can drop off whatever agreement (for power) came up last time, we Friday evening at the Diamond Jenness Second- all over again." they want – paint, oil, anything – with the town started at the eleventh hour and ran out of time ary School gym, with black belt testing sched- Nadli had his sentencing hearing in NWT and we dispose of it correctly," Cassidy told The and options," said Mayor Andrew Cassidy. uled for the morning after. While some travelled Supreme Court on May 26 for charges of sexual Hub. "If people are falling short and still throw- This time, he hoped that getting an early start from Yellowknife and Norman Wells, most were assault causing bodily harm and assault causing ing things out that they shouldn't be ... there's on the procedure that would either see the town from Hay River. The invited sensei, Denis Labbe, bodily harm, dating back to June 2012. only so much we can do as a municipality to renew the contract for power with Northland is an eighth degree black belt as well as the head stop that." Utilities Ltd. (NUL) or pursue other options of a national karate organization called Shintani Track takes over the town would allow for more than a rubber-stamping Wado-Kai Karate, with which the Hay River club The NWT Track and Field Championships, role. The committee would have between six is affiliated, and has ties in the United States and one of Canada's largest track and field events, and July and nine members, with both councillors and Mexico as well. perhaps the largest gathering of any kind in the the public welcome to sit on it. The inclusion of "The top senseis are so busy," said Pinto. NWT, descended on Hay River in June, bringing the public in the process was also new this cycle, "We've been working a long time to bring him more than 1,200 competitors, coaches and chap- something Cassidy said he felt was important up here." erones with it. given the increased awareness of the power-rate "The success year after year seems to come issues in the community. Library still in a bind from the grassroots organization and all the vol- The NWT Centennial Library board met in unteers," said Mayor Andrew Cassidy. "It's just Arctic Winter Games bid May for their annual general meeting and their huge and every year it runs smoothly because begins in earnest biggest concern was that nothing had changed. everyone works so hard to make it happen." The bid process for the South Slave to host the "This time last year, we sent a proposed bylaw But Cassidy said he and the community are 2018 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) got underway to town council but we haven't heard anything looking forward to even bigger and better things. and organizers were looking to beef up their about it from them since," said Pat Wray, the This year will be the event's 25th anniversary, ranks of volunteers. board's president. "We still feel this is a town which he said will be an even bigger show, with "We don't want to be closing any doors," said facility and we would still like for them to take participants from past years making a special Greg Rowe, chair of the bid committee. "It's not over." effort to come out to compete. an exclusive group by any means." The library is currently run by a volunteer "There's also a lot of excitement around the The effort involved putting together a pack- board that accepts a large portion of their funding Arctic Winter Games bid," Cassidy said. "This NNSL file photo age for the AWG International Committee meant from the municipality. The building itself belongs may not be quite as big, but once again, Hay Mayor Andrew Cassidy goofs off to convince the members that Hay River and to the GNWT, making it a difficult proposition River is showing that we can pull off an event of for the crowd at Hay River's annual Fort Smith could not only host the international for local government to step in and start running this magnitude." Canada Day parade in July. event, but do so successfully. It ran the gamut it. The library board has been trying to negotiate from accommodations and travel concerns to a way out of their current conundrum for some GNWT takes education renewal 'We know when you know' detailed accounts of sport-specific needs and time, but Wray said they have yet to see solid on the road Despite a fair amount of hammering ques- assets. Virtually each aspect got its own commit- results. A new plan to overhaul the current kinder- tions, few answers were available at a constitu- tee, with members to be shared between the two garten to Grade 12 school system in the territory ency meeting hosted by Hay River MLAs Jane communities. Rec centre consultations was met with some trepidation at a meeting in Groenewegen and Robert Bouchard. "It's a massive undertaking," Rowe said of the draw crowds June, but also with some cautious optimism for "We know when you know," Groenewegen games. "But this is where you start building your the changes it might bring. told about 25 people, including most of town team – there's room for everyone." The architects came and went and, after much debate and discussion, put forward two options "We're a little bit gun-shy," said Terrence council, who turned out for the discussion, refer- for council's consideration for the future of the Courtoreille, chair of the local District Educa- ring to GNWT decisions made for institutions Tax resolution passes at NWTAC Don Stewart Recreation Centre. tion Authority (DEA) at the meeting June 11 at and jobs in Hay River. "We sit on these com- A resolution that would see the NWT Asso- "Lots of people see it as just a rink," said Ian Princess Alexandra School. "Everything that mittees, but the level of discussion that we have ciation of Communities ask the GNWT to bring Frankton, the town's director of recreation, at the has been done so far has been done on top of doesn't reflect the situation on the ground so we rates in the general taxation area in line with consultations held in June in the lobby of the cen- what's already in place, but without any more need you to tell us." nearby tax-based communities passed unani- tre itself. "But it's so much more, and right now, a resources." While the topic of conversation ranged from mously at the annual general meeting in Inuvik. portion of it is unusable." He said the plans for junior kindergarten, now rumours of downsizing staff at the new health The request, put forward by the town, was About 40 members of the public took advan- being scaled back in the face of public outcry, centre to junior kindergarten and term exten- largely the result of a letter to the Department tage of the opportunity to voice their opinions were a prime example of that. sions, conversation continued to circle back to of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) and concerns with the architects, as well as Sophie Call, former principal and teach- the number of GNWT jobs in the community drafted the summer before threatening to cut 14 user groups who were approached individ- er at Ecole Boreale and now director of the – past, present and future. services to outlying communities if funding to ually and invited out to speak to the consultants. GNWT's Education Renewal and Innovation the regional centre was not returned to pre-2010 Frankton said groups that had not previously plan, acknowledged that her own program was Hay River gets its Pride on levels. While the deadline passed with no service been heard in discussions about the rec centre, living in the shadow of junior kindergarten, but Hay Riverites celebrated International Pride interruption on account of the department mak- including youth and seniors' groups along with said the positive outcome of that was learning Week in style in July, with events for all ages ing significant progress to address the situation, the curling club, were brought into the fold to from the Department of Education, Culture, and spread throughout the town. increased funding had yet to be forthcoming. good results. Employment's previous mistakes. The LGBTQ rights-promoting event gained "We put forward a resolution for MACA to "So far it's been really good," he said. "We've more traction in the community than ever increase taxation in their general taxation area identified some trends and have heard a lot of Hazardous waste a concern before, with singer/songwriter Grey Gritt mak- and pay some of those fees to the nearest com- concerns and we're going to try to balance them Despite room for improvement, experts have ing the trip down from Yellowknife to play a munity," said Mayor Andrew Cassidy. "River- all for the best recreation centre we can possibly said Hay River is among the best communities concert at the Doghouse Sports Bar in the even- woods is right next to us, but we don't see dollars have." in the NWT for dealing with hazardous waste in ing, on top of the regular table set up outside the for the use of core services." its landfill. NWT Centennial Library during the day. Man pleads guilty to sex assault May's dump fire ignited conversation about "It's been lovely," Gritt said. "I feel like folks Town dump ablaze A sexual assault case that ended in a mistrial the potential dangers of hazardous waste in the here have a really open spirit and everybody was Hay River's solid waste facility caught fire at got a guilty verdict after the perpetrator decided community, with both fire chief Ross Potter and a pretty chill." approximately 12:40 p.m. on May 26 as a result to change his plea. Patrick Nadli, 38, pleaded dump employee stating that materials are indeed The scope of Pride events in town grew enor- of a truck dumping flaming material onto the guilty to sexual assault for a 2012 attack that left present in the facility that should not be there. mously from the year before, when Hay River mountain of existing trash. his victim shattered and turning to alcohol to While acknowledging concerns, Mayor Andrew Pride organizer Jaeda Larocque and James "Wind is my biggest concern right now," said numb her pain. Cassidy said the town has neither the capacity nor Ritchie manned a solitary table in front of the fire chief Ross Potter about the site. "It's already "I'm just so happy it's over," said the com- the mandate to go through people's trash, and that library. While their efforts in 2013 initiated changed directions on us once, and if it changes plainant, who could not be named because of a there are a number of efforts made and programs again and spreads the flames to part that's not publication ban. "The Crown (prosecutor) called in place to help alleviate some of the pressures on Continued on page 8 8 ▼ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 www.hayriverhub.com

2014: July, from page 7 conversations with about 15 people, Larocque said that in 2014, they saw about double that number. Hay Days heads to the beach In spite – or perhaps as a result of – lots of time and effort, organizers called 2014's Hay Days the best so far. "After last year's smaller festival, we're really trying to get back to our roots and grow the event in the new location," said co-organizer Jared Monkman. "Being here at the beach has been great." Hundreds of people turned out for concerts, art shows, and markets spread over three days last weekend. Performances started in town at The Doghouse Sports Bar and The Back Eddy Friday night, with festivities moving to the public beach for the weekend. Monkman said there have been more venues running simultaneously in pre- vious years, but that by having fewer things going on, they were all better attended. NNSL file photo NNSL file photo "The kickoff was awesome," he said, adding Ron Douglas gets to make the first cut of Gerty Thomson's hair for a cancer Jason Coakwell, left, and David that he performed Friday night. "If we wanted to research fundraiser in August. Thompson wears ribbons with the initials of McGinley await the cold water about have more acts and stuff, we would need a few everyone she knows who has died from cancer on her back for the second year to be dumped on their heads at the other stages, but this is a good-sized site for right she has her hair cut for the cause. Kingland Truck Shop in August. now for sure." Soccer camp gaining steam recently signed a one-year contract with the Hay Caucus heads to Hay River Great local leader mourned The Challenger Soccer Camp – perhaps bet- River Health and Social Services Authority. The newly-constructed Sandy Creek wilder- Former RCMP officer, blue-beret, father, and ter known as British soccer camp – was back in "Things sort of all came together and we were ness lodge saw its first clients last summer when all-around great man Jack Kruger died sud- Hay River for another year in July, drawing out able to make the move." it hosted the annual legislative assembly's caucus denly and unexpectedly June 19 at a hospital in more kids than ever. Desmond moved with his wife and four young retreat, and according to Chief Roy Fabian, that's Edmonton. "It's just growing and growing," said Michelle boys, whom he said are making the most of a just the start. Retired Staff Sgt. Kruger was most recently Staszuk, organizer for the newly revitalized Elks Hay River summer. Desmond himself has been "We already have another booking for next the Search and Rescue Co-ordinator and Train- soccer program. "This seems to have been the a locum doctor for the authority for years after week," he told The Hub. "It's been going great ing Officer for the RCMP's G Division in the highest turnout so far." hearing about the community from a colleague so far." NWT, but had a storied career as a police officer With approximately 60 participants coming in medical school. "He had a positive experience, Construction began on the lodge the previous across Canada and the North, spanning several out for the five days of skills development with I came up and found the same thing," he said. summer with the hopes of developing the site decades. Wherever his work took him, from the coaches from the United Kingdom, Staszuk said "It's been really positive. There are great people for tourism purposes, as well as for the use of Hay River detachment to the Canadian Coast one of the best parts of the camp is how it's open to work with and the interaction with the patients K'atlodeeche First Nation community members. Guard Auxiliary, he was known as a strong to all comers between three and 18 years old. has been really good." Although it was not yet officially open, Fabian leader. said they made an exception for the MLAs. Born in Ottawa, Jan. 16, 1946, Kruger was Bountiful baskets "Someone called me from Yellowknife look- raised in Eganville, Ont., the only child of Gladys Hay Riverites had a new way to get their ing to book the (Lamalice) Complex for their Iona McDonald and Raymond Joseph Kruger. August hands on local produce and by all accounts they meetings," he said. "I told them the lodge would After graduation in 1964, he joined the 2nd Bat- couldn't get enough. be ready by then and they agreed to go there talion Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) Handgames a hit "I have been floored at the response," said instead." but left to join the RCMP after two years. He Jackie Milne, founder of the Community Sup- served in British Columbia and Ontario before With more than 20 teams and hosting ported Agriculture initiative. "I don't have the transferring to the Northwest Territories in 1982. about 600 people, the latest precursor to the resources to meet all the requests, so we're look- In 1992, he served on the United Nations Mis- K'atlodeeche First Nation's annual assembly, a ing at expanding." September sion in the former Yugoslavia and returned to G handgames tournament, was an overwhelming Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Division in 1993. success. projects – in which households sign up for a bas- Hay Riverites wrap up "I'm really proud of our people and our com- ket of produce at regular intervals – are relatively Kakisa residents head home munity," said Chief Roy Fabian. "There's been a common across Canada. The idea is to make it at Canada 55-Plus Games More than a week after being evacuated, great response, with teams coming from all over, easier for consumers to purchase their vegetables Hay River's representatives at the Canada Kakisa residents returned home in July to a town and just people here to spectate too." on a weekly basis, but also to help producers have 55-Plus Games in Strathcona County, Alta. saved from the flames. In all, the tournament attracted about 180 an idea of what they need to harvest each week, returned home last fall, bringing the glory of The wildfire, first reported at the beginning players for the three days of handgames, held at as well as a guaranteed market in which to sell it. national titles with them. of June, spread down the road to the community, the arbour on the Hay River Reserve last week- Milne explained that the original plan had The NWT won a total of 16 medals – 10 gold, but jumped the road twice – once avoiding the end. Fabian said they would have been more than been to go sell her produce, including tomatoes, three silver, and three bronze – with Hay River cemetery and once avoiding the village itself – happy with 15 teams, but the outpouring of sup- zucchini, herbs, and kale among many other athlete Nancy Makepeace contributing a silver before crossing the river. port from all over the NWT and northern Alberta things, at farmers' markets in Yellowknife. The medal in cycling to the tally. Most of the med- Residents who were allowed briefly back into has been overwhelming. road closures because of forest fires, however, als were won in swimming, according to Joan the community last week said the fire was burn- "We would have had close to 30 if the road stopped those plans in their tracks and forced Hirons, a swimmer herself as well as the director ing less than 100 metres away from the houses, was open from Behchoko," he said. "But already Mine to come up with another idea. As a bit of a for Team NWT at the games, but the territory but no homes or structures were damaged. this many was unexpected and it's just been test, she decided to try out the CSA model about had athletes in 12 sports over the three-day per- "There was something at play there," said great." a month ago. It grew so popular so fast that, in iod. A total of 60 participants came from seven Chief Lloyd Chicot. "It was going straight for the only its second week, she was asking more pro- communities across the NWT to take part. community, but then it just jumped." Rec centre plans 'on pause' ducers to join in. "The games were a lot of fun," she said. "It Kakisa was evacuated June 27 with its 40 or Despite council deciding to put plans for the was very well organized and I think everyone so residents heading to Hay River, despite Fort renovation of the Don Stewart Recreation Centre Health minister proposes overhaul enjoyed themselves." Providence being closer. on hold for the time being, Jason Coakwell, chair Territorial health minister Glen Abernethy While some continued on to High Level of the building committee, said the decision was held a public meeting in Hay River in August, Fiddling and jigging to make the most of their forced exile, many more of a pause as opposed to a full stop. preaching a new health care system focused on return to Hay River remained in Hay River. "Unfortunately, we've had some unforeseen patients. The biggest fiddling and jigging competi- circumstances with the town hall and council "The priority has to be on the client or the tion North of 60 may no longer be an accurate Town hall shut down decided to delay progress on the rec centre," he The Hub patient," he told a room of about 30 people, many name for the September event, but hopefully not Town hall was shut in July after white mold told . "So it's just sort of on pause. Noth- of them health professionals, at the community for long. With only a few competitors in each was found in the ventillation system, forcing ing has been thrown out." hall. "We want to change focus from a system- category, organizers of the event said they were employees to relocate for the foreseeable future. Hay River's town hall was found to have white based approach to deliver better care and services working to bring the contest back up to its regu- "Once they discovered it, our first prior- mold in the ventilation system last month, forcing to everyone in the NWT." lar level of participation and attendance. ity, obviously, was the health and safety of our an evacuation of the premises. Staff had been The proposed change would most notably "So far, it's been OK," said Soaring Eagle people," said Mayor Andrew Cassidy. "It was working primarily out of the new fire hall, with involve bringing all disparate regional health Friendship Centre interim president Margaret found in the morning, and right away, we sent front-desk services for residents now located, authorities under one territorial system that Jerome. "As long as there are people coming out." everyone home." temporarily, at the recreation centre. Councillors could save money and also improve logistics for Preliminary competitions drew a crowd of A press release sent out July 7 stated that voted to put plans for the renovation of the rec patients and medical professionals on the ground. about 50 people to the Don Stewart Recreation regular operation of services would continue out centre, currently still in the design phase, on hold Examples given for contemporary inefficien- Centre to watch as a handful of jiggers and fid- of the Don Stewart Recreation Centre. Cassidy until further discussion could be had about the cies included the daily and dismal headache dlers took the stage. explained that the mold was found as a result of town hall situation. of medical travel, as well as rarer occurrences The event used to draw hundreds of specta- Todd Pittman, director of public works for the like outbreaks of whooping cough necessitat- tors, with dozens of competitors in each category. town, looking to rule out causes for his illness. Health authority welcomes ing professionals moving between regions. Cur- While Jerome said the low attendance may par- "Todd hadn't been feeling great, and they new full-time doctor rently, the territory functions under eight separate tially be as a result of people leaving town for wanted to rule out environmental causes, so he There was a new doctor in town, and he was authorities, including the Hay River Health and a long weekend, she wasn't sure of what other decided to check the ventillation system at town here to stay – at least for a year. Social Services Authority. Abernethy explained factors may have been at play. hall," he said. "He saw what looked like mold, "This has been on the radar for about four that while those authorities often do collaborate, and that started this process." or five years," said Dr. John Desmond, who had it is by dint of goodwill as opposed to design. Continued on next page www.hayriverhub.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ▼ 9

2014: September, from previous page "This is the hardest town I have ever tried to do business in," said Mike Sharpe, owner of Cash NFTI ready for next phase and Carry, a mobile grocery store housed on an The announcement of $2 million in CanNor old Edmonton city bus that spent the greater part funding for the Northern Farm Training Institute of September parked at Mackenzie Place high (NFTI) in September was certainly a cause for rise. excitement for the project's proponents, but by no Sharpe said he has tried to get a business means the end of their efforts. licence from the municipality, but so far his "This is just the beginning," said Jackie efforts had been rebuffed. So instead of cooling Milne, NFTI's founder. "CanNor is just one his heels in Hay River, he decided to hit the road. avenue and it's great, but we're getting a lot of support from many different organizations." NFTI had been running workshops in the October spring, summer, and fall for two years previous without the benefit of a regular campus. While Milne said it was good to be flexible in the early Veggie baskets wrap up days of the program, she is very much looking for the season forward to creating a permanent space for people The popular weekly vegetable basket program to learn about agriculture, which they can then had wrapped up for the year, but organizers were take back to their own communities in the North. just getting started on planning for next year. The facility will be located on the site of the "I would say that it was a success," said old hog barn off Highway 1 and will hopefully Tamara Christen, who ran the program. "We had be able to host students as early as this year. some regular clients and it was a great way to sell photo courtesy of Phil Beaupre what we produced on a regular basis." Shada Sabourin participates in a game meant to mimic judo movements at Hay River turns out Christen explained that the idea came to for three days of expo her and producer Jackie Milne after forest fires a workshop at Chief Sunrise Education Centre in September, coached by Phil Beaupre. Hundreds of people came out for the Busi- closed the road to Yellowknife, where they had ness, Home, and Leisure Show and the annual planned to sell vegetables at farmer's markets. Fall Fair in September, propelling the show to its She said she had tried to man a booth at the Sexual Minority Studies and Services, said the biggest year ever. Fisherman's Wharf for a few weeks, but that for turnout was fairly typical for his presentations in November "This is definitely the best year we've ever a variety of reasons, the uptake was inconsistent a town of similar size. seen," said Fall Fair organizer Shirley King. and she returned home too often with a car full "It shows how needed it is. It reflects that of produce. people are looking for that conversation," he told World's game goes indoors "We're just flabbergasted." The Hub The previous year – an admittedly slow year "This just came up as a good, efficient way to . "They're looking for spaces to connect There was snow on the ground, but that didn't for the fair – entries totalled 144. In 2014, organ- sell directly to clients," she said. and they're looking for a change." mean Hay River's young soccer players had to put izers said they received more than 360 items to Typically, Wells said, people don't think of up their shin guards. be judged. King also said that several vendors New solar installation elementary school-aged children having to deal For the first time, Elks Soccer headed indoors had not only said that they had sold nearly all not eligible for net metering with gender issues, but it's a growing concern for the season, giving children in the community across Canada. Parents have been fighting for the chance to practice and scrimmage throughout of their stock, but were already making plans to While the new solar system at Whispering come back next year. the rights of their kids to be treated fairly by the year. Willows will likely produce more power than their schools, with Wells and Alberta at the "I'm hoping to see year-round development "It's crazy … and amazing," said organizer it can use in certain periods to be fed back into Sheila Cook. Although the trade show, held on forefront of change. He has worked with school with these guys," said coach Daniel DaRosa at a the grid, the NWT Housing Corporation will not districts in Edmonton, which became the first in scrimmage at the Princess Alexandra gym. "The the arena ice surface, could not claim a similar benefit from the net metering program that would banner year, Steve Anderson, chair of the organ- Canada to implement policy changes that forced best thing has been seeing them improve and do see it save money when the days grow shorter. administrations to recognize transgender youth well in games and tournaments." izing committee for the Hay River Chamber of "From a Housing Corp. perspective, yes, we Commerce, said he was pleased with the turnout. and their rights. DaRosa, himself a soccer player for Team would love to have net metering," said Scott NWT at the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Reid, director of infrastructure services for the Growing green space or houses? Shop local campaign kicks off Alaska, in March, had been coaching soccer department. "But we understand that we are not in the community over the summer season and Cindy Haley has lived in her house for 32 eligible." The Hay River Chamber of Commerce kicked off a new shop local campaign in Octo- said he wanted to keep helping out as much as years and has watched her children and the Net metering is an agreement through which he could. "These kids love soccer and it's great neighbourhood grow up in and around the woods individuals and businesses who make their own ber, an initiative they hoped would be free of cost for participating businesses. to see them so interested, enough to move inside behind her house, the same woods that town renewable power can trade on the overages and keep playing." council is working on rezoning for residential produced at peak times and fed back into the "We want people to think about what's avail- development. existing grid during times when their wind and able right here in Hay River," said chamber mem- "This is the only place in this end of town solar-powered systems cannot meet their own ber Sherry DaRosa. "It's an education campaign. Spook-o-Rama success where we have this, these walking trails," she demands. This program, however, has its limita- Just because a business didn't have something October's Spook-o-Rama Halloween dance said. "Old Town has the Oxbow, and closer to tions, including that the system not produce more you were looking for last week, it doesn't mean drew a crowd and dispensed thousands of dollars downtown has the nature trail; this is our nature." than about five kilowatts. The one installed at its owner didn't hear you and didn't get it in." worth of prizes donated by local businesses. In the summer, Hay River's town council Whispering Willows has the capacity to produce The campaign kicked off Oct. 13 and ran "I think it used to be a bit of an insurance began a process that would see the area rezoned 12 times that amount. until Midnight Madness, a late-night shopping policy for businesses to keep kids off the streets," from institutional to residential to allow for a event to kick off the holidays on Nov. 21. The said Community Const. Steve Beck. "But now I planned 20 houses to be built as an offshoot of Trails cleared ahead of winter idea was to collect magnets at participating think the businesses are really just out to support businesses, including retailers, restaurants, and the kids." McBryan Drive called Fraser Place. The next A stretch of trail in Old Town was made more steps included a public consultation, as well as a recreation services, to make a complete logo. The RCMP has been organizing the event for accessible in October, thanks to the efforts of a Businesses could make it as easy or difficult to 30 years. With community support from busi- series of approvals needed from the Department small group of volunteers. of Municipal and Community Affairs. find those magnets as they like, which can then nesses and individuals, the event has grown from "It's a beautiful place for walking and it be submitted at the chamber office in the Ptar- just a place to get potential miscreants off the But that process was already going too fast should be open for people for the winter," said for Haley, who said she has been picked as a rep- migan Inn building in exchange for a ballot. The streets for the night to a regular feature of fall Beatrice Lepine, one of the volunteers and regu- winner was drawn on Midnight Madness and in Hay River. Jared Monkman, who donated his resentative of the concerned residents of the area. lar users of the trail. "It's great to have people out "I've always walked back here," she said. "I received $1,000 in Chamber Dollars to spend in photography talents in the form of a photo booth today making that happen, and it's such a beauti- Hay River. for the event, said that although this was his first take a trip through the woods pretty much every ful day for it." day." year attending the dance, he knew it was a popu- A handful of trail users spent an afternoon lar destination when he was growing up. cutting branches that had fallen across the trail, Thrift store renamed in honour of local hero "It's a good thing for the kids," he said. "It Hay River schools pilot new most of them still left over from the heavy snow didn't matter who you were, you could come mental health program two years ago. The last work on a section of the It took a lot of effort on the part of many here." Students in Hay River and the Hay River path was done last summer by the town, but people, but the newly christened Georgina's More than 140 young people turned out for Reserve will be getting a taste of a new program Lepine said the area was in need of attention. Place was once again up and running. the night. There were dozens of prizes to give designed to improve their mental health over the "We wanted the town to do something about "It was a joint effort, and it looks amazing," away, ranging from water bottles and baseball next three years. it, but it's good that the users have gotten together said Rev. Vivian Smith. "This town is amazing. caps to a frozen yogurt maker and a popcorn "It's amazing," said Jill Taylor, inclusive to work on it too." You go to the businesses and you ask for help, machine, not to mention the television and sev- schooling co-ordinator for the South Slave Div- Lepine said that in the past, users have and you get it … it's amazing." eral return flights to Edmonton and Yellowknife. isional Education Council (SSDEC). "It's exactly waited for the stream, along which the path runs, The Anglican Church's thrift shop, a popular what our schools have been asking for for years." to freeze over before clearing off the biggest destination the two days a week that it's open, New dump funding proposed Ray Hughes, the architect of the program, branches and using it as a trail in the winter. But was a long-time passion for Georgina Bassett, this year, she was glad to see the area passable who died earlier in the year. Hay River's town council had before it a new was in Hay River for two days in September proposal that would see the funding model for the to present it to teachers and staff from several earlier in the season. Fittingly, it is now named in her honour and re-opened after extensive renovations, including landfill changed, breaking out the costs of oper- schools in the community, as well as visitors ation from taxes into a separate bill for residents. from Fort Resolution. He said the 15-hour cur- Talk on transgender kids a new tile floor and repainted walls. There was an official ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 28 with "We're looking at implementing a new struc- riculum is designed to be flexible and to fit wher- packs both sessions ture," Mayor Andrew Cassidy explained. "The ever a teacher or school feels it's most needed. Bassett's family, after which patrons flooded the Parents, teachers, and doctors crowded into store. proposal is to make it more of a utility and not Basically, the program – called the 'Fourth the library at Princess Alexandra School not a town service, which is the way it currently R' – is founded on the belief that healthy rela- "All I can tell you is there were a lot of once, but twice, in October to listen to Dr. Kris- smiles," said volunteer Brian Flewelling. "It's all operates." tionships can be taught the same way as reading, topher Wells talk about transgender youth. The plan, presented by Todd Pittman, the writing and arithmetic. down to volunteers, and the businesses in town For both the afternoon and evening sessions, donated so much too." town's director of public works as part of last school and health authority staff set out close to Smith said the last tile went down at 10 a.m. year's budgeting process, would see each house- Bus store seeks business license 40 chairs and needed to bring in more as partici- the morning of the ceremony, the volunteers hold charged $18.50 per month to put toward the There was a new grocery business in town, or pants kept filing in. Wells, an assistant professor having stayed there the night before to get the landfill facility. Pittman said the plan also made rather, a new grocery business passing through at the University of Alberta and the director of work done. Continued on page 10 town. programs and services at the school's Institute for 10 ▼ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 www.hayriverhub.com

2014: November, from page 9 not passed on, something the Yamosha Kue Soci- ety, more commonly known as the Dene Cultural provisions to charge more for commercial and Institute, knows all too well. December industrial waste, as they make up the bulk of "There are so much beautiful things you can what goes into the landfill, a ratio which is not do, even learning songs and stories," said Geor- Film about addiction makes splash currently reflected in the fee structure. gina Fabian in November. "But kids these days Alcohol has been a part of filmmaker Den- "Under the current model where taxes pay are scared of the land." nis Allen's life, in one way or another, since he for the service, the financial onus for the service To help rectify the situation and promote was born. is largely on the residential taxpayer, whereas culture, Fabian and a number of other local Dene "As native people, we're born into alcohol- the largest generator of wastes are commercial artists got together to put on two days of crafting ism," he said while in Hay River in December as and industrial sources," Pittman told council at a and cultural workshops for young people at the part of the Healing Film Tour, in which – in part- meeting Oct. 27. Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Despite a dis- nership with the Western Arctic Moving Pictures appointing turnout, Fabian said she enjoyed the Association and the NFB – he brought his film Addictions awareness week event and saw value in organizing more like it. Crazywater to communities across the territory. Events for last year's National Addictions "I thought it would be good to have like a "If not your parents, it's still around you all the Awareness Week, which began Nov. 17, got trade show but where people can come out and time. But no one talks about the hurt. Addiction underway with a hockey game at the Don Stewart teach young people about the culture and the art," is a disease of secrecy." Recreation Centre. Members of the RCMP were she said. "Less business, more creative." NNSL file photo The film itself was inspired by a book of the back on the ice this year but instead of playing Farmer Pete, left, helps Carson Bor- same name by Brian Maracle Allen read more only the bantams, as they have done in previous Curling seeing a comeback chuk do a free-throw as he would if than 20 years ago, soon after choosing sobriety. years for the week-long campaign against addic- Hay River's junior girls curling team had their he had the same proportions as one He said it was the first time he had experienced tion, they faced off against players from peewee, sights set high last year, but it will take a lot of of the Lil' All Stars in November. other aboriginal people talking about the issue. bantam, and midget teams. hard work to get there. "As the years went on, I made a career for ior curling this year. That's just insane." "We also invite firefighters and SMCC (South Katherine Lenoir, Julie Rowe, Elizabeth myself, I made several films, but the one I Unlike other team sports in Hay River, the Mackenzie Correctional Centre) workers to join Sperry, Ashley Rowe and Amanda Roach were always wanted to make was this book," he said. girls' curling team, with athletes ranging from us," said organizer Lynne Buth. "A number of our set to head to the territorial championships in "I couldn't, I wasn't strong enough, I wasn't ready 12 to 18 years old, got to pick each other. While members here play hockey in the oldtimers and rec Fort Smith in December, and then hopefully … until I was." three of the five have played together for years, leagues, so they really look forward to the game on to nationals in Newfoundland and Labrador Lenoir and Julie Rowe are relatively new addi- every year and the interaction with the kids." after that. Soft-skills key to success tions. "After a bit of a dip in recent years, curling is After a few hours of group work one Decem- "It's great to get to really know your team seeing a big comeback in Hay River," said Chad ber day, about 30 community members and Craft show with a twist over time," said Roach. "We formed a really A tradition can hardly support the name if it's Orr, the team's coach. "There are 31 kids in jun- close bond." Continued on next page www.hayriverhub.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 ▼ 11

2014: December, from previous page educators came to the conclusion that what young people need most are work ethic, communication skills, and life skills. But that was the easy part. Now someone had to figure out how to teach those things. "When we, as teachers, went through this exercise this mor- ning, half the board was full of life skills, soft skills," said Lynne Beck, vice-principal of Diamond Jenness Secondary School. "From a teacher's perspective, we focus on the curriculum. We are a very data-driven – results-driven – society." For the twice-annual community education planning day, members of the community, employers, parents, and students were invited to DJSS for a two-hour session to tell the school what they felt was lacking in its graduates. This followed a similar session with only teachers and staff present the same day, but essentially reflected the same concerns. NNSL file photo "Students, they learn how to work the computers very quickly Ksydalg Henry, left, and Frank Pabai deliver an – quicker than a 40-or 50-year-old," said Super A Foods owner anti-drinking and driving message to Brian Swal- Steve Anderson. "But what they can't do is have a conversation with an adult. That's the kind of life skill that's really difficult to low in December as part of a Students Against teach in schools." Drinking and Driving and RCMP initiative. performer Jamie Bastedo and brought to life on a stage at the Hay High rise on the mend River Heritage Centre. Bastedo was in town to perform another As of November, there was a new temporary fire alarm system show for adults last Thursday night, but agreed to spend his day in the Mackenzie Place High Rise, bringing the building one step entertaining Ellie Baxter's class as a wrap-up for their unit on the closer to being safe. fur trade. "It's not an easy thing for an owner to accomplish," said NWT "It just celebrates their learning," said Baxter after the show as Fire Marshal Chucker Dewar. "It took a brand new system, he students sat down to a feast of historically inspired dishes like fish couldn't just fix a few things with the old one." chowder, moose stew and bannock. "And it's great to have all these According to e-mails obtained by The Hub through access to people from the community involved." information legislation, the safety of residents of the high rise was a growing concern in September this year. AWG bid submitted "The fire drill has been completed at the high rise as of this All bids are in and now it's time to start getting pumped. morning (Sunday Sept. 7, 2014) and the results were not good," fire The Arctic Winter Games bid team for the South Slave finished chief Ross Potter wrote to Dewar Sept. 7 in an e-mail prefacing the months of work in November and turned in their package for the report of an inspection on the building. While many floors were international committee. Hay River and Fort Smith's combined deemed "all good," the first three were plagued by broken lights, proposal is up against one from the Beaufort Delta, spearheaded uncovered electricity outlets, and faulty emergency doors. Perhaps by Inuvik. According to Greg Rowe, chair of the bid committee, of most concern was the addition of both residential and storage the hard work of the proposal is over and now it's time to rally the units to the first floor, for which no permits were sought, and that community and build excitement. violated building and fire codes. "We need everybody here, we can't do this without complete buy- in from everyone," he said. "This is where the excitement starts." Performer brings the past to life For Rowe, the most memorable part of the previous bid process A Grade 4 class from Princess Alexandra School were visited in 2008 was how the community flocked behind the effort and the by the dead last month, in the form of Jean Steinbruck, a voyageur momentum it built. who worked for the Northwest Company in the 1800s. "We haven't hit that stride yet," he said. "There was a lot of "My favourite part was when he popped out and he was singing work, but everyone who has worked on this is really committed and dancing," Kellan Mandeville told The Hub. "It was funny." to it." In reality, Steinbruck was portrayed by Yellowknife author and Happy New Year!