Volume 57 Issue 15 Thursday, April 22, 2021 75 CENTS Youth group gives out self-care kits Arctic Youth Development Agency delivered package`s in Tsiigehtchic, and Fort McPherson

by Eric Bowling Northern News Services Youth in the Beaufort Delta are getting a boost in self-care after the Arctic Youth Development Agency handed out kits throughout the region. Given out the first week of April, this is the organ- ization's second distribution of kits to youth aged 14 to 29. The first distribution was July 25, 2020, said Arctic Youth Development Agency co-founder Amie Charlie. Each kit contains a reusable shopping bag, snacks, a candle from Sequoia Soaps, wool socks from Ecolo- gyst, a mug and peppermint tea. They also contain an art print by Morgan Harper Nichols, stickers and the AYDA spring newsletter. Finally, each package comes with a copy of Embers by Richard Wagamese, a book of meditations, prayers and affirmations. "Each item was chosen with intention," said Char- lie. "Embers, by Richard Wagamese is a beautifully written book full of powerful, yet at times simple, meditations and prayers. "Feel free to start from the beginning or in the middle, it really doesn't matter. Pick it up whenever you need to feel a bit more grounded."

Made in Canada Charlie said about 70 youth in , Aklavik, Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson signed up for the kits, which focused on home-grown products. "We wanted to shop for products that were Indigen- ous or Canadian made," said Charlie. "That is why you'll see the candle from Sequoia, and the warm wool socks from Ecologyst included in your kit. We hope you enjoy them! "Since it's Easter, we've added some chocolate! We've also included a mug and peppermint tea for those chilly spring mornings. May you feel loved, sup- ported, and encouraged." Sequoia is Indigenous-owned while Ecologyst is Canadian-owned, she noted. With summer around the corner, AYDA is already planning the next kits. Charlie said she hopes to get kits to every student in the region. On top of that, a new website for AYDA will launch this summer. A berry picking retreat is also in the works. photo courtesy of Amie Charlie Charlie expressed thanks to the Gwich'in Tribal Amie Charlie holds up two Arctic Council and the Girls Action Foundation for their Youth Development Agency self- support, and gave a special shout out to the volunteers care kits she helped distribute in who helped out over the week. Fort McPherson last week. She "Our current board members are Maribeth Pokiak, Lenora McLeod, Crystal Milligan, Tamara Voudrach, said 70 youth aged 14 to 29 Megan Lennie and Amie Charlie," said Charlie. "An signed up for the packages. amazing group of ladies ready to do great things!" News Community News

Nihtat Energy hosts 50th promoting edition of solar power Beluga Inuvik cyclists bike for cabins Jamboree to Aklavik for mental health awareness

Publication mail Contract #40012157 "Glad to see that our Northern voices were heard." – Inuvik mayor Natasha Kulikowski on NAV Canada's decision to suspend airport service reviews, page 7. 2 inuvik drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 news Inuvik Drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 3 Did we get it wrong? Inuvik Drum is committed to getting facts and fact file names right. With that goes a commitment to acknow- ledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an nwt COVID-19 situation as of april 21 error in Inuvik Drum, contact the editor at (867) 777- 4545 or email [email protected]. Active cases: 2 Days since first confirmed case: 396 Confirmed cases: 80 Days since last confirmed case: 1 News Recovered cases: 78 Vaccines Completed tests: 17,072 First doses administered: 24,746 Briefs Negative tests: 17,000 Scan for the Second doses administered: 16,471 latest GNWT Councillor Steve Baryluk Pending tests: 33 COVID-19 statistics acclaimed new deputy mayor Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer Steve Baryluk is Inuvik's new deputy mayor by acclamation following town council's April 14 meeting. Clarence Wood was elected assistant deputy Inuvik cyclists bike mayor by way of secret ballot, defeating Dez Loreen. Wood also turned down a nomination for deputy mayor. "I'm going to decline to councillor Baryluk's experience," said Wood. "He's done the job for mental health awareness before and I have faith in him." Inuvik is down to six sitting councillors with six months until the next municipal elec- tion. Former deputy mayor Paul MacDonald resigned from council March 24 at the start of the meeting. During the meeting, two coun- cillors were publicly chastised and ordered to make public apologies for criticizing town council decisions in the Inuvik Drum. Disci- plinary action against Couns. Ray Solotki and Dez Loreen for speaking out of turn to the media is complete as of the April 14 meeting. Baryluk will likely remain Inuvik's deputy mayor until the election.

Three proposals to save old town sign Three parties have come forward to pre- serve the old "End of the " sign from oblivion. Council received joint-proposals from Inu- Eric Bowling/NNSL photos vik Community Garden Society and Harder Lindsay McPherson, Chris Bruckner, Bart Kalata, Janna Wolki, Elizabeth Holloway, Faye d'Eon-Eggertson, Andrew Enterprises, Nihtat Gwich'in Council and the Cienski, Mike Bodnar and Sam Dyck pose for a shot before embarking on the journey to Aklavik. The 10 riders made Gwich'in Tribal Council and Kurt Wainman. the trip in just over 11 hours, pulling into the hamlet shortly after 9 p.m. Council plans to discuss the proposals at its next meeting. NGC and GTC want to move the sign to the Ten cyclists make 118-kilometre journey on Marine Bypass Road and Navy Road intersec- tion. Harder Enterprises and the garden society solid ice to Aklavik in memory of Matt Hamilton want to move the sign across the highway to be by Eric Bowling ride in his honour. tires were a must in case of bare patches of next to the new hydroponics station. Wainman Northern News Services "It was primarily Matt's idea, but sadly ice. Helmets were mandatory and the bike proposes putting the sign in his yard facing the Aklavik is about 30 kilometres from he could not be here to participate." needed to be in good working order. That's Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway or hanging it up Inuvik as the crow flies, but using the ice Hamilton died by suicide in February. why Bruckner donated Hamilton's bikes to at his shop. road, built over several sections of the His death really affected Bruckner, so he the participants. Council intended to vote on which proposal , it becomes an 118 kilo- dedicated the trip they'd planned to go on in An itinerary written by co-organizer during the April 14 meeting, but put the deci- metre journey. honour of mental health awareness. Mike Lee advises cyclists to have a thicker sion over to allow all three parties to have rep- The trip can take well over an hour in Bruckner, who already holds the world layer to wear when stopping for breaks, as resentatives at the meeting. A new gateway sign your average vehicle. But on a bicycle? record for the fastest time across Canada the river serves as a channel for icy winds. will begin construction this summer. Ten brave souls did just that on April 18 on a bicycle, said the underlying purpose of It also advised cyclists to wiggle their fin- during the first-ever Aklavik Ice Breaker. the day was to raise awareness about mental gers and toes while biking to keep blood RCMP lay out March numbers An 11th was there in spirit, Matt Hamilton, health and work to end the stigma around flowing, as it is easy to let them get cold if Assaults, pretty thefts, public disturbances whom the trek was held in memory of. talking about it. not paying attention. and sexual offenses are up in 2021, compared "I think it will go better than we expect. He said Hamilton contributed more than Finally, it advised against wearing cot- to last year. The conditions are so favourable," said just inspiration, however. ton as a base-layer because it absorbs sweat, An RCMP report to council April 24 notes co-organizer Chris Bruckner, who initially After his death, all four of his bikes went and suggested wearing padded shorts police had 16 domestic violence calls in March, planned to make the journey with his late- to Bruckner, so he brought them along for because bike seats get uncomfortable after leading to 11 charges. Impaired drivers also friend. "It was sort of our dream to put a his fellow cyclists who may not have ice- 30 or more kilometres. occupied much of the police's time, with 15 ride like this together. Sadly, he passed, so road worthy bicycles of their own. Bruckner added the big thing they need- reports leading to two charges of impaired I figured I would organize this event along As one might expect, cycling on solid ice ed to be on alert for was the wetness of the operation. with the Inuvik Cycling Club and do the presented some unique challenges. Studded melting top layer of ice so cyclist stuck to Compared to 53 assaults in March 2020, the the snowy parts of the road. number shot up to 57 this year. Sexual offences "Even if it's five degrees, if you're wet increased from three to seven. Thefts under and you're a little bit cold, that could make $5,000 are up to 12 compared to four last year. for a miserable day," said Bruckner. "I've Complaints of disturbance, mischief and been there, and that really sucks." public intoxication are up dramatically, with To mitigate risks and fatigue, the group 189 calls this year compared to 114 last year. made the trek in two-hour blocks, with There have been no complaints of bootlegging breaks in between, averaging from 15 to 20 this year and none were made in 2020. kilometres at a time. Three support vehicles Other reports of crime are down this year. organized checkpoints for the cyclists and Break and enters dropped to two complaints kept an eye on the group in case of emer- from six last year. Drug trafficking charges gencies. Spare bikes were also on hand in are down to one this year, from four in 2020. case someone's equipment broke down. There are no possession complaints on record With three rest-stops, Bruckner expected this year either. the trip to take six to eight hours. Liquor act violations are almost half of their Bruckner said the group pulled into 2020 levels, dropping from 15 to eight. Aklavik shortly after 9 p.m., meaning the There were also four missing persons com- journey took 11 hours from start to finish. plaints. Lindsay McPherson, Elizabeth Holloway, Janna Wolki and Chris Bruckner "Mentally, 120 kilometres seems like a "All persons were found safe and sound," long way, and it is. But when you think of said acting detachment commander Mark Bish- make their way across the Mackenzie River during the first ever Aklavik Ice it in terms of having three or four two-hour op, who added he expects to remain at the helm Breaker, with Mike Lee, Faye d'Eon-Eggertson and Sam Dyck taking up the blocks, it becomes a little less daunting," of the Inuvik RCMP until at least July. rear. The cyclists made the journey to raise mental health awareness and in said Bruckner. "Everybody finishes togeth- memory of Matt Hamilton. er. It's not a race." 4 inuvik drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 opinions NAV Canada makes

Published Thursdays Also read in Aklavik • Fort McPherson the right choice • • • Tsiigehtchic • Tuktoyaktuk Northern News Services NORTHERN NEWS SERVICES LIMITED I think we're all breathing a sigh of 100% Northern owned and operated Publishers of: Ellesmere relief over a recent decision by NAV • Nunavut News/North • Inuvik Drum Island Canada to suspend its service review • Kivalliq News • Yellowknifer National Park • NWT News/North • Hay River Hub y Reserve of remote communities. Member of: or

• Manitoba Community it As reported in this week's Inuvik ALASKA Drum, the private, non-profit body Newspapers Association • Canadian Community err that oversees civilian air traffic navi- Newspapers Association T • Alberta Press Council gation in Canada has decided to NWT n GREENLAND

vut cease its service er review of the Inuvik Office: est overnight shift Editor: Eric Bowling Arctic Ocean CANADA W Nuna at airports in Phone: (867) 777-4545 remote areas of Fax: (867) 777-4412 Toll free: (855) 873-6675 the country – a E-mail: [email protected] review which Website: www.nnsl.com/inuvik North Magnetic Pole included Norman Founder (1934-2018): J.W. (Sig) Sigvaldason Grise Fiord Wells and Mike PUUNITEDBLISHER, CEO: S BruceTATES Valpy [email protected] Zubko airports. COORDINATING EDITOR: Craig Gilbert When we cov- [email protected] Eric ADVERTISING ered this first in [email protected] Baffin Bay Bowling January, the story Call collect (867) 766-8233 had been hap- Publishing office: pening behind the scenes for quite Box 2820, , NT X1A 2R1 Resolute Phone: (867) 873-4031 Fax: (867) 873-8507 Aulavik Pond Inlet some time. Initially hatched in Nov- E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nnsl.com Nanisivik le Clyde River c National ir ember, the review was considering Banks Park Arctic Bay C Island tic the significant drop in air traffic to rc Beaufort Sea A We also recently reported on a Herschel these airports. to get busier one way or another. ALASKA study that found lightning strikes Ivvavik Island Sachs Harbour Baffin Island Broughton Island Given that Covid-19 has forced Secondly, as Gwich'in Tribal Coun- National Auyuittuq enzie National Park massive changes on operations at all cil Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik has have increased dramatically in the Mack levels of society, it's understandable pointed out, Inuvik is the Beaufort Arctic and a relatively dry area like Bay Cape Bathurst Reserve that a non-profit would be exploring Delta's central hub for the outlying the Mackenzie Valley would not be a Tuktoyaktuk Eskimo Pangnirtung ways to reduce its overhead. I doubt communities. All medical evacua- good place to be stuck in the event of Aklavik INUVIK Lakes Ulukhaktok Igloolik they have a lot of revenue streams tions, even those that go further a wildfire. Ander Hort Hall Beach

available to them. And in all fairness south for treatment, stop in Inuvik for Similarly, while we're not known Fort McPherson on River Tsiigehtchic son River Victoria Island for our earthquakes, we are in an P Taloyoak to NAV Canada, the review effectively assessment. Medical emergencies eel River earthquake zone. A story we ran on Mack Foxe Basin amounted to asking. The final deci- don't keep schedules and can and do Pelly Bay

enzie River Cambridge Bay sion on what the non-profit could happen at all hours of the day. Not the town's ageing utilidor being held Gjoa Haven Iqaluit change with its own operations rests having a human being on hand at the up on pilings decades overdue for Katannilik Te rritorial on the Ministry of Transport. airport at a critical time could be a replacement – an $80-million prob- Treelin Kugluktuk Somehow, I doubt the feds would tragedy in the making. lem – notes that a "one-in-50-year" e (Coppermine) Repulse Bay Park Dawson Umingmaktok Kimmirut have gone along with the idea any- One big factor that should exclude earthquake could wreakCity havoc on the Contents copyright. Printed in the North by (Lake Harbour) tic Circle Cape Dorset remote communities like ours from town's water lines. Canarctic Graphics Limited. No photos, stories, Bathurst Inlet Arc way, at least as far as Inuvik is con- advertisements or graphics may be reproduced in any Great Bear Lake Hudson Strait cerned. For one, Ottawa has devoted service reduction inquiries in the In any of these events or others not form, in whole or in part, withoutTulit thea written approvalDeline of the publisher. (Fort Norman) Coral Har bour millions of dollars into upgrades to future are the natural disasters that listed, chaos would likely overtake M YUKON Subscriptions a

c the airport, including an overhaul of could strike at any time. the Delta. Our first responders would One year mail $70 k

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Online (entire content) $50/year n z

need as many guarantees they could i the site's drainage systems, extending Sitting on a bed of permafrost e Thelon Game the runway by 3,000 feet to accom- in an Arctic warming four times get, and having dedicated and trained Sanctuary Baker Lake Wrigley Rae Lakes Snare Lake modate larger aircraft and building faster than the global average, we've staff overnight at the airport is a part Send us your comments an entirely new passenger terminal. already seen reports of landslides of that. Whitehorse Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Drum, Chesterfield Inlet especially new contributors. We attempt to pub- Certainly, the attitude in our nation's disrupting traditional transportation NAV Canada made the right choice lish a cross-section of public opinion. Not all let- Wha Ti Nahanni Ri Rankin Inlet ters will necessarily be published. Preferenceve is capital appears to be Inuvik is going routes over the last few years. by suspending its service review. r Rae given to short letters of broadNational interest P orar concern.k Edzo Letters of over 200 words, Ropeneserve letters and thoseFo rt Simpson YELLOWKNIFE Whale Cove QUEBEC Watson Jean Reliance Lakpublishede elsewhere are seldom used. We reserveMar ie River the right to publish excerpts, to edit for length Fort Lutselk’e or taste and to eliminate inaccurateNahanni or libellous Butte Providence statements. Great Youth of the week 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 Hay River with a return address and daytime phone Trnumber.out Lak e Tr 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 Our Youth of the Week is Anthony Pokiak, seen We acknowledge the Nous reconnaissons Buffalo Sanikiluaq BRITISHfinancial support COLUMBIA of l'appui financier du ALBERTANational SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA the Government of gouvernement du here with a stack of firewood he cut for his grand- Canada. Canada. Park pa. At age 16, Pokiak is no stranger to life on the land and is always happy to help his family out. On top of cutting two loads of wood, he also brought five more in for his grandfather and caught him some fish. He also loves hunting and learning to be a responsible harvester.

anthony pokiak news Inuvik Drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 5 Beluga Jamboree marks its 50th with triumph Triumph of Tuktoyaktuk rocks the Arctic Ocean April 16 to 19

by Eric Bowling fundraising efforts as well." Northern News Services Elias also presented a plaque in It was a year late, but no less of a honour of John Steen Sr., who was party as Tuktoyaktuk's Beluga Jambo- instrumental in the incorporation of ree marked its 50th anniversary with the hamlet. Tuktoyaktuk is the first triumph April 16 to 19. The Arctic community to be incorporated north coast became a full racetrack and of the Arctic circle. fairground for a celebration two years Traditional foods were available in the making. throughout town and local groups First among the Jamborees to held barbecue fundraisers to bolster receive conditional approval from the their work. Sled dog races were held Office of the Chief Public Health April 17 and snowmobile races around Officer, the Beluga Jamboree set the the islands kept crowds entertained standard on how to hold a festival in throughout the widespread festival. the Covid-19 era. Inuvialuit drum dancers helped The opening ceremonies, talent and ring in the festival at the opening cere- jigging contests were all broadcast mony, held at Kitti Hall, which also online by the Inuvialuit Communica- served as the headquarters for jigging tions Society and the festival itself was and talent shows. spread across the bay to keep people Events closed with the men's 150- socially distanced. mile open track race, where the best "A big thank you to the GNWT snowmobilers in the Delta went head- for giving us the opportunity to have to-head for a $10,000 prize. our jamborees back in the Delta," said Nunakput MLA Mayor Erwin Elias during the opening wished everyone a fun festival and ceremonies. "I think it's very import- prayed for good health for all. He Eric Bowling/NNSL photos ant that this was done for our people thanked the NWT's chief public health Jemra Gruben guides and it showed throughout the last few officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, for her her dog sled towards the finish line during the Beluga Jamboree on weekends how everybody is enjoying support in helping the organizers pre- April 17. The Arctic Ocean was transformed into a race track to the delight of festival-goers. themselves. pare, noting they've been planning the "2020 was supposed to be a huge Jamboree since last November. year for Tuktoyaktuk, as it was our "We've been through a lot in the 50th anniversary of being incorpor- last 18 months as a community, but ated as a hamlet. I'd like to thank all we're still standing," he said. "The sun the contestants who worked tirelessly is back, spring is in the air. Please be in 2019 and all that supported their safe and have a good weekend."

A marble carving proudly overlooks stone are leaders from the hamlet's past, including John Steen, who was honoured with a plaque April 16.

A snowmobiler gets some airtime during the men's open class cross country on April 17. Racers darted around the island chain on the bay. Five Beaufort Delta projects get $1.8 million Federal funding will support projects ranging from hydroponics to natural gas by Eric Bowling ject, field studies – gas development in the Inu- money is earmarked for establishing a 2021- edible animal parts. On top of that, residents Northern News Services vialuit Settlement Region, significantly advan- 2025 strategic plan, which includes a cruise will be able to learn how to harvest and pre- Five Beaufort Delta projects are getting ces the goals set out under the Inuvialuit Final ship strategy, a reindeer herd strategy and serve wild fruits. There will also be cooking a cash injection from Ottawa through the Agreement," said IRC chair Duane Ningaqsiq processing country foods. and packaging lessons. Canadian Northern Economic Development Smith. "It represents an Inuvialuit-led solution Tetl'it Zheh Development Corporation is Finally, the Community Garden Society of Agency (CanNor) that takes into account the preservation of our getting $277,363 to put towards its three-year Inuvik is getting $405,000 from CanNor – with NWT MP Michael McLeod announced values, advances participation in the Northern plan to expand its capacity and upgrade its the University of Saskatchewan throwing in April 14, on behalf of Economic Development and national economy, all while reducing emis- facilities. These include a new lumber yard, another $85,000. The money will go to support and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly, sions and helping preserve our local environ- security fence and an upgraded garage in Fort the new hydroponics unit established to grow that Ottawa was investing $1.8 million in pro- ment. McPherson. leafy greens all year. Society chair Ray Solotki jects throughout the Beaufort Delta. "IRC is appreciative of the support provid- Another group in Fort McPherson is getting thanked the government for the support. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) ed, as it has helped enable the development of a $100,000 to establish a community freezer pro- "We hope that our project, the Inuvik Year- can continue its work towards resurrecting the strategic plan directed on developing capacity, gram. Teetl' Gwich'in Band Council is hoping Round Farming Project, will become the jump- Tuk-18 natural gas well with a $550,000 fund- business potential and food security in the Inu- to establish training programs to help residents ing off point for more food security and food ing injection. A feasibility study for the project vialuit Settlement Region." hunt and store food. The intention is to help sovereignty projects in the Beaufort Delta, and is also in the works to determine the best loca- Another Inuvialuit project getting a improve food security in the region. encourage people in the North to look at our tions for sites and the access road. $550,000 boost is the Inuvialuit Commun- Training workshops will teach new butch- own supply chains, economic development and "The energy security provided by this pro- ity Economic Development Organization. The ering techniques, fishing and uses for non- agriculture in an innovative way." 6 inuvik drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 alternatives Discharging shotgun at Neighbourly News Eric Bowling is editor of the intruder nets man house arrest Inuvik Drum. Send your ideas to [email protected] Will serve two years less a day by Eric Bowling join them for a while. But around 8:45 said Fane. Northern News Services p.m. the accused and his spouse asked the Gerstel added the man and his family A Tuktoyaktuk man who spent eight man to leave. He refused and an argument were residential school survivors. Fane days in prison after discharging a shotgun ensued. noted the man had intentionally chosen at an intruder will serve two years of Fane said the accused believed the the shotgun with bird shot to avoid being house arrest, minus one day. man was threatening his spouse, so he lethal. Though at close range, said Fane, In Inuvik Territorial Court the man, grabbed a shotgun loaded with bird shot. the weapon could still have been very who won't be named because this is his The man stepped out of the house, then dangerous. first conviction, pleaded guilty to careless turned around and threatened to break the Gerstel said the man felt he was pro- use of a firearm. Judge Christine Gagnon neck of the accused. The accused then tecting his family and home and was not accepted a joint-proposal and sentenced fired the shotgun into the air. The man a dangerous person. him to a two-year conditional sentence, stood his ground. Then, the accused dis- "He was simply at home, having a minus a day. charged the shotgun at the intruder twice beer and watching the football game," She also prohibited the man from into the ground near the man's feet. A few said Gerstel. possessing any fire arms for five years – pellets hit the man, piercing his skin and For his part, the accused apologized except for hunting. causing superficial injuries. to the court, to the victim and his family. Crown prosecutor Morgan Fane told Fane said the accused fully co-operat- "I'm very sorry for my actions," he said. court the man was at his home with his ed with police. While serving his house arrest, the spouse on Sept. 22, 2019 when another "This was by every stretch of the man is forbidden from possessing fire man dropped by uninvited. imagination an error of self-defence," said arms, consuming alcohol or marijuana, Defense lawyer Shawn Gerstel said Fane. "He told the officer exactly what and must be in his home unless working. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo this man had previously blinded the father had happened, exactly what he had done He will be under a 2 p.m. to 11 a.m. cur- A sled dog takes a snow bath after finishing of the accused in an assault and paralyzed and why he did it." few for the first 12 months of his sentence, a race at Tuktoyaktuk's Beluga Jamboree April two other family members. Arrested that night, the accused was then a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for the "He was a very dangerous person," detained from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1. remainder of his sentence. 17. The dogs had run far out past the edge of said Gerstel. "(He) was detained for a longer per- He also must forfeit the shotgun used the coastline, so chances are the pooch earned However, the accused allowed him to iod of time than he ought to have been," in the incident. the respite. Half-day holiday declared for jamboree festivities Tuktoyaktuk A half-day holiday was declared by the Hamlet of Tuk- toyaktuk April 19 to allow all to come out and enjoy the 150-mile men's open cross country snowmobile races and wrap up the 50th Beluga Jamboree. Students from Mangilaluk had the whole day off to enjoy the festivities. Tuktoyaktuk's Beluga Jamboree ran from April 16 to 19 after receiving conditional approval for the festival. Several of the traditional activities, including the talent show and jigging contest, were held without audiences and broadcast by the Inuvialuit Communications Society. Safety boot camp Eric Bowling/NNSL photo being organized Dive, dive, dive Fort McPherson Thomas Anthony sprawls as he tries to catch an egg during the egg toss at Inuvik's Muskrat Jamboree on A 10-day safety training camp is being organized for Fort McPherson this summer and the call is already out for April 11. Teams of men and women played catch with an egg and the last group to not break the egg was applications. declared the winner. Organized by the Mine Training Society, the safety boot camp, which runs from Sept. 7 to 16, will provide training in fall protection, entering confined spaces, lockout and tag out procedures, restricted operator certificates, WHMIS certification, First Aid, CPR and safety leadership. The deadline to apply for the training is Aug. 16. Community Anyone interested should contact the Mine Training Society by email at [email protected] or at 1-888-765- 0445. Calendar Aklavik HTC seeks caribou harvest numbers Aklavik Friday, April 23 Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee has finished Inuvik Cancer Support Group Peer support its survey of the Porcupine caribou harvest. Ingamo Hall Noting it is very important hunters share their harvest 6 to 8 p.m. information with the HTC, the notice said two data analysts visited Inuvialuit households to gather information on how Inuvik's Cancer Support Group is hosting peer their harvest went and the overall condition of the animals. support meetings once again at Ingamo Hall. Anyone who completed the harvest data survey was Limited capacity of 10 per session, held every entered into a draw for gas cards. Data was collected until Friday. To register or for more information, con- April 9. tact Ruth Wright at 867-678-0801. United Nations training Friday, April 23 to Sunday, April 25 opportunity for Indigenous youth Arctic Red River Mackenzie Jamboree Beaufort Delta Tsiigehtchic A call is being put out for Indigenous youth, aged 18 All weekend to 30, living in the Arctic to join a free, one-week long With the Chief Public Health Officer's stamp training workshop over the summer to learn documentary of approval, the Tsiigehtchic Mackenzie Jam- filmmaking. boree is set to happen this spring! A schedule The Planetary Health Film Lab will show participants of events is in the works and thing will run dif- how to make a three-minute-long film for the United Nations. The films will be showcased at COP26 – the next ferently to keep in sync with Covid-19 safety climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. requirements. There is no charge to enter and the deadline to apply is April 30. Anyone interested should contact Bruce Hanna 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. by email at [email protected] or by phone at 867-767- Non-profit or community events only please. There is no guarantee submissions will be published. 9232 ext. 53055 for more information. news Inuvik Drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021 7 Solar for Beaufort cabins video released by Nihtat Energy

screenshots courtesy of Nihtat Energy Nihtat Energy Ltd. president Grant Sullivan sets up solar Nihtat Energy president Grant Sullivan demonstrates the amount of electricity a solar panel panels at a cabin. Using the six panels, Sullivan can power a system can draw in the Beaufort Delta. Nihtat Energy Ltd. released the video April 12 to help refrigerator, television, computer and the lights for 22 hours. cabin owners reduce their carbon footprint in the Beaufort Delta. Video shows equipment needed and what is possible with solar power system

by Eric Bowling It can store 3000 Watts of energy and is phones and their laptops pretty consistently," system. In his demonstration, Sullivan uses Northern News Services chargeable with numerous sources, including explains Sullivan. "Most cabin owners today six panels, able to draw 600 watts of energy. A video released by Nihtat Energy shows solar panels, generators and wall outlets. This have a television as part of their cabin as well." All in all, the system can run all the elec- how solar can be an effective power source for allows for multiple power sources to account Other electronics demonstrated to be solar- tronics in the demonstration for 22 hours from cabins in the Beaufort Delta. for the winter months and the system includes friendly include a modern refrigerator and full charge. Nihtat Energy Ltd. president Grant Sul- a 600 watt fast-charging system. sewing machine. It's even possible to use solar "Everyone will end up using this system livan produced the video after the Hamlet of To show the basics of how to manage a to charge other batteries for cordless power in a different way," said Sullivan. "What I've Aklavik reached out to him. system, Sullivan demonstrates with a panel of tools and machines – even e-bikes. tried to demonstrate here is a typical cabin "This system was being developed for 100-watt light bulbs. Sullivan notes the best time to charge other and what I would think would be used at a cabin owners in the Beaufort Delta which are He then switches to LED lights to show the batteries are on sunny days to maximize the cabin. very remote and hard to get to," he said in the difference in power load. energy storage. "But what I think the system is really video. "When you have excess watts you always showing here is there all there are alternatives "There's a lot of other applications to cabin 'Greening' your cabin want to make sure you use them," he said. "If than a traditional generator running 24/7 with owners in other locations." In addition, the video also lists off sensible your battery is full, how do you get the most noise and fumes, that a system like this can At the heart of the system is a battery- uses for solar at Beaufort cabins. out of them?" actually operate the bulk of your needs at a inverter package, the Yeti 3000X Goal Zero. "Most cabins today, people use their cell- Panels are a required part of any solar cabin." NAV Canada service review for Inuvik, suspended No further service reviews will be conducted on Northern and remote communities until further notice

by Eric Bowling site. "In addition, the com- service station providing 11,300 less flights per year, against the potential cuts. terminal for passengers is Northern News Services pany will suspend aeronautic- 24-hour Aerodrome Advisory which puts the airport below Among the concerns, the being planned. The Canadian NAV Canada will not be al studies currently underway Services (AAS). It also pro- the guidelines for a 24-hour airport is the main hub for any Forces are extending a runway reducing services at airports related to remote or Northern vides vehicle control services AAS. medical evacuations in the by 3,000 feet to accommodate in Inuvik and Norman Wells locations until further notice." and a surface weather obser- Beaufort Delta. GTC Grand larger military aircraft as a and has suspended an oper- Last November, NAV Can- vation program. Unanimous opposition Chief Ken Kyikavichik previ- NORAD forward-operating ational review of the facilities. ada included Inuvik and Nor- Human observers on the Fierce opposition from the ously told the Inuvik Drum base. Work on the drainage "NAV Canada is commit- man Wells among 29 airports ground handle these and Towns of Inuvik and Nor- having no one on staff at late and structure of the landing ting that there will be no site under service review. Staffing enable a 24-hour weather man Wells, Gwich'in Tribal hours could spell disaster. pad are also going forward. closures at air traffic con- cuts were considered, particu- forecast service. Council, Inuvialuit Regional The decision, initially "Glad to see that our trol towers or flight service larly the night shift. According to the terms, Corporation and the GNWT expected in January, comes Northern voices were heard," stations across the country," Terms of reference for Inu- air traffic at the airport has was immediate. as major improvements are commented Mayor Natasha reads an April 15 announce- vik from NAV Canada state dropped 13 per cent from NWT MP Michael underway at Mike Zubko Kulikowski as she shared the ment on the company's web- it currently operates a flight 2016 to 2019. That's roughly McLeod was also vocally Airport. A completely new announcement. 8 inuvik drum, Thursday, April 22, 2021