International Grenfell Association

2012 Newsletter Unique experience for Inuit students

The kANGIDLUASUk Student Program brought together a diverse group of 10 interns for four weeks during the summer of 2011 for a unique work, learning, and leadership program based out of the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station in Saglek Fiord, Nunatsiavut, Labrador. Interns ranged in age from 15 to 25 and represented six Nunatsiavut and Nunavik communities – Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, Salluit and Kangiqsu- alujjuaq). Throughout the program, interns lived, learned, and worked together with Arctic re- searchers, Parks Canada interpreters, program educators, international visitors and local Inuit leaders, elders, artists and entrepreneurs. They learned, shared, and contributed to real field- work, research and monitoring programs, visi- tor experience and heritage resource conserva- tion initiatives, as well as traditional Inuit skills, knowledge and customs. Interns also explored Ten students were employed as interns at the 2011 kANGIDLUASUk Student Program in Torngat Mountains the spectacular Arctic wilderness and shared National Park. They were: (clockwise from left) Dorothy Angatok, Ocean Wyatt, Binky Andersen, Minimaali Inuit homelands of Tongait KakKasuangita Snowball, Jake Basto, Jessica Sheppard, Mandy Arnold (program leader), Heather-Rose Etok, Trougott SilakKijapvinga (Torngat Mountains National Annanack, Andrew Semigak, Jake Andersen and Putulik Padlayat. Park), and developed a variety of leadership and employability skills. generations. “I learned more about our culture of incredible individuals, government depart- Thanks to the generous financial and in- and the past, and feel connected to the land and ments, and organizations such as the IGA. kind support from many key partners, including people more than I already am,” described one Thank you for contributing to the success of the a $14,160 grant from the International Grenfell participant. 2011 program and for helping provide unique Association (IGA), the Nunatsiavut and Nu- The kANGIDLUASUk Student Program experiences for Inuit youth. navik interns didn't incur any financial barriers would not have been possible without the finan- to participation in this unique field program. cial support, time, expertise and collaboration - Submitted by Mandy Arnold, Program Leader The 2011 season was described as one of the best summers yet. As one participant stated, “This experience really opened my eyes by showing me what an important, smart, knowl- AMOUNT GRANTED 2012 edgeable, healthy and understanding woman I Where the money goes could be.” $76,600 $23,000 (WSB) With Inuit guides, elders and family Grantee Amount % of total $305,150 (LSB) members, as well as Parks Canada staff and (Community) archaeologists, student interns also had the Community-based grants $305,150 36.90 opportunity to explore the Park and surrounding Scholarships/bursaries $225,000 27.20 $196,000 natural, historic and culturally significant sites. Labrador-Grenfell Health $196,900 23.80 (LGH) Labrador School Board $76,600 9.30 Embedded within all outings were opportunities $225,000 Western School Board $23,000 2.80 (Scholarships/Bursaries) to hear stories from Nunatsiavut and Nunavik TOTAL NEW FUNDS GRANTED $826,650 Inuit, many of whom still maintain a direct link to the area as their childhood home or harvest- Since 1996, the IGA has awarded $26,244,656 in total grants, scholarships and bursaries. It has funded 1,023 ing grounds. Sharing these experiences with the community, health and education-based grants over that period. There have been 629 IGA scholarships and interns provided a special connection between bursaries awarded since 1996. Page 2 IGA Newsletter 2012 IGA grants $225,000 for 2012-13 student scholarships, bursaries The International Grenfell Association (IGA) has committed a total of $225,000 from its Scholarship/Bursary Program to help stu- dents from Northern Newfoundland and coastal Labrador who are entering or continuing with post-secondary studies. The IGA will continue to support eight students from the region who are continuing their education, sponsored at $6,000 per year for SAMUEL ALEXANDER HOLLY DILYS SANDRA SARAH a maximum of four years. For the academic year ATKINSON FLYNN PYNN RANDELL HOLLETT BROMLEY 2012-13, two new $6,000 renewable scholar- ships were once again awarded (for up to four • Special Bursary valued at $4,000 for this Goose Bay, Kimberly Mugford of Happy Val- years) for students finishing high school in the year: Alice Moores of Red Bay. ley-Goose Bay, Ashley O’Brien of L’Anse au region, as well as one scholarship of $6,000 (for Loup, Jade Pilgrim of Happy Valley-Goose up to three years) to a student continuing with • Current recipients of $6,000 renewable IGA Bay, Michelle Pilgrim of Cook’s Harbour, Isa- his/her post-secondary studies. Scholarships are: Laura Battcock of Happy bella Robbins of Forteau, Daniel Rumbolt of St. The IGA has also awarded three new Valley-Goose Bay, Emily Best of Happy Valley- Anthony, Dillian Rumbolt of West St. Modeste, $6,000 special scholarships for a one-year peri- Goose Bay, Timothy Clements of Roddickton, Tasha Ryland of L’Anse au Loup, Jenny Sea- od, as well as a $4,000 special bursary. Addi- Danielle Colbourne of St. Anthony, Whitney ward of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Stephanie tionally, 47 IGA bursaries of $3,000 were Foss of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Michael Lid- Sooley of Mary’s Harbour, Tia Stevens of Sav- awarded to several high school and post- stone of Roddickton, Kaitlin Mitchelmore of age Cove, Darla Ward of Port Hope Simpson, secondary students. Green Island Cove and Natasha Tatchell of Cas- Philip Wilcox of Main Brook and Dillon White The IGA is extremely proud of its affilia- tor River North. of Sandy Cove. tion with the following students from Northern Post-Secondary — Meagan Green of St. An- Newfoundland and coastal Labrador: • IGA Bursaries of $3,000 for the 2012-13 thony, Justin Gillard of Roddickton, Ashley academic year have been awarded to: Normore of L’Anse au Loup, Shana O’Brien of • Secondary Scholarships of $6,000 per year Secondary — Elgin Applin of Black Duck L’Anse au Loup, Traci Pittman of Cook’s Har- for a maximum of four years: Samuel Atkin- Cove, Hannah Buckle of Forteau, Tasha Butt of bour, Niketa Rose of St. Anthony, Dylan son of Happy Valley-Goose Bay graduated from Pinware, Kylie Cabot of L’Anse au Loup, Holly Sinnicks of Black Duck Cove and Tyler Thorne Mealy Mountain Collegiate. His plans are to Calloway of St. Anthony, Jessica Campbell of of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. study Biochemistry at Memorial University, Pinsent’s Arm, Shannon Clark-Howell of Cart- Students in high school interested in be- with an interest in Medicine and Pharmacy. wright, Kendall Curl of Happy Valley-Goose ing considered for an IGA Bursary must submit Sandra Hollett of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Bay, Shannon Davis of Cartwright, Christopher their applications to their respective high school graduated from Mealy Mountain Collegiate. She Downton of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Kendall principals, who will forward applications on to intends to study Fine Arts at the Grenfell Cam- Dumaresque of L’Anse au Clair, Dereck Gardi- their respective board offices by February 15 pus of Memorial University, with an eventual ner of Conche, Courtney Gillard of Roddickton, (for submission to the IGA). aim to study Medicine. Cheryl Greenleaves of Cartwright, Kristen Han- For students already enrolled in a post- cock of Forteau, Amber Hillier of St. Lunaire- secondary program, the firm deadline is April 1, • Post-Secondary Scholarship of $6,000 per Griquet, Dylan Hillier of St. Lunaire-Griquet, with applications being sent directly to IGA. The year: Holly Pynn of St. Anthony is studying Tiffany Hillier of St. Luniare-Griquet, Garreth IGA considers all applications forwarded to it prior towards a Medical Laboratory Technology di- Kippenhuck of Charlottetown, Tony LaVallee of to or on the deadline. Students must recognize that ploma at College of the North Atlantic. Flower’s Cove, Cody Layden of L’Anse au IGA Bursaries are not given based on academics. Loup, David Learning of Cartwright, Brent Mar- Financial need is the major consideration. • Special Scholarships valued at $6,000 for shall of West St. Modeste, Jennifer Mesher of The next meeting of the IGA Bursary this year: Sarah Bromley of Conche, Alexander Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Brittany Morris of Committee is to be held in conjunction with an Flynn of Forteau and Dilys Randell of Bide Arm. Cartwright, Thomas Morrissey of Happy Valley- IGA board meeting in May, 2013.

‘I am able to concentrate fully on my courses’

My name is Emily Best and I am so participate in a student excursion to the Canadi- quicker, but very expensive. grateful to be receiving the annual IGA schol- an Arctic. The experience of seeing this natural The IGA scholarship has real- arship. I was able to complete 10 university environment and the wildlife and flora that lives ly helped with the cost of that credits in my home town of Happy Valley- there solidified my decision to pursue post- travel from home and back, as Goose Bay through the Arts and Science secondary studies related to the environment well as my monthly rent, tuition and books. I am Transfer program offered by the College of and geography. I really hope to find employ- achieving good grades due to the financial sup- the North Atlantic and, in the fall of 2011, I ment in that field in Labrador when I am fin- port of this scholarship, since I am able to con- moved to Corner Brook. I have since complet- ished my studies. centrate fully on my courses and I don't have to ed another year of university courses at the The hardest part of university studies for work part-time during the semesters. Grenfell Campus of Memorial University. me has been living so far from home. It takes I greatly appreciate the IGA for financial- I was unsure about the direction of stud- two days to drive to Corner Brook from Happy ly supporting me and other students from rural ies and career path I should follow until the Valley-Goose Bay. It’s a gravel road the condi- and northern parts of Newfoundland and Labra- summer of 2010, when I was honoured to tions are unpredictable. Air travel is much dor.

IGA Newsletter 2012 Page 3 William Gillett Academy students best in province

Students at William Gillett Academy in career path they choose. Charlottetown are reaping the rewards of enrich- The seven-member school team and a ment programs made possible through the support teacher/coach travelled to St. John's in Novem- of the International Grenfell Association (IGA). ber, 2011, to take part in a competition. The One such program, the William Gillett competition occurred in St. John’s, NL in No- Academy Lego League, is a project-based learn- vember 2011. The event was comprised of three ing environment that teaches robotics, computer challenges. In the team exploration challenge, programming concepts and problem-solving the school placed first among all competitors. It skills to students of all academic levels. Students Proudly displaying their first place plaque are: (l-r) Grant was a significant achievement for a school with work as a team towards the common goal of Oram, Erica Cadwell, Courtney Campbell, Tristen Mor- a population of 53 students. developing logical and creative solutions to ris, MacKenzie Stone, Amber Pye and Effie Powell. Aside from the competition, many of the problems using Lego robotics technology known students were able to visit an urban centre for as ‘mindstorms’. The program is designed to get and teach them valuable life and employment the first time and explore educational facilities students excited about science and technology skills which will benefit them no matter what and services that are not available in their isolat- ed community. The $4,500 IGA grant enabled William Gillett Academy to showcase its stu- Growing up in Rural Newfoundland dents’ talents and now it has a more engaged Rounders, copy houses, tiddly and puss… ing, logging and trapping and all hands, includ- and active Lego League program. What did you play when you were growing up? ing the youngest, needed to be involved in one The school community extends a tremen- This was one of the questions asked of way or another. dous thank you to the IGA for its substantial residents in Northern Newfoundland communi- This did not mean that children had no contribution to the growth and development of ties located along Grenfell Drive between Englee time for fun. One of the most startling revela- its students. - Submitted by Karla Jefferies, and Main Brook. The questions and answers tions, especially in light of the material abun- Teacher at William Gillett Academy (2011) were part of a project that brought together re- dance of life today and the flood of electronic gional partners such as the French Shore Histori- entertainment, is the variety of games children cal Society, the Western School District and the invented, the toys they were able to make out of Quebec-Labrador Foundation. discarded household objects, and the adventures CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE The International Grenfell Association they had just out of sight of mom and dad. generously provided $10,000 to uncover and A striking revelation that has come from interpret the experience of childhood at different interviewing people who grew up in different ‘Chase those periods of time during the 20 th and 21 st centuries. eras is just how much has changed in a relatively Excerpts from the interviews will be combined short period of time. As part of this project, cherished dreams’ with family and archived photographs to develop Grade 10 students at Cloud River Academy in Today we live in financially uncertain and a storyboard exhibit from seven communities and Roddickton were asked to remember experiences risky times. Across the globe communities, a Canadian Heritage Virtual Museum exhibit. when they were younger. Their comments focus organizations, families and individuals are hav- The experience of growing up in small on vacation trips, special events and weekends at ing to re-think their priorities – having to decide outports and towns of rural Newfoundland has their parents’ cabin. Creative playtimes using what are the most important things to do with changed greatly over the last 50 years. In the first found objects as toys are long gone. Students are th the limited resources available to them. It is also half of the 20 century, children’s lives involved often involved with organized sports. This sum- a time when cherished dreams tend to be put to much more hard work, few store-bought toys, mer Roddickton offered a science camp for kids. one side in favour of funding the essentials in larger families and the closeness of living in Who has time for a copy house? life, a time when hope and aspiration are put on isolated communities. Life was centered on fish- While it was fun for both interviewers and hold or take a back seat. interviewees to roam through memories of child- All of us face these challenges at some hood games, friends, and family, there is a more stage and the experience of the International serious side to this reflection. Changes in child’s Grenfell Association (IGA) is no different. We play can affect health. Childhood obesity is a have had to contend with just the same pres- growing problem. With the heavy use of video sures, but through the hard endeavour of our games and the internet, we are left to wonder Board and financial advisors, we have managed, what might be the ramifications for developing year on year, to make substantial funds available creativity and self-reliance? In exchange, what – for people and communities to chase those skills and knowledge do today’s youth possess cherished dreams and make them a reality. because of their attachment to the electronic The IGA is proud to be a steward of the world? legacy of Sir Wilfred Grenfell – a pioneer who One outcome of the project is clear, the saw any obstacle as a challenge to overcome, participants in the ‘Growing Up in Rural New- however hard it might prove. We try to adhere to foundland’ project learned a few new things – that mindset and the reports in this edition of our about the past, about old and new communities, newsletter celebrate some of the many successes the value of reflection, and technical skills for that people, with the same determination, have documenting and presenting oral history. When achieved with assistance from the IGA and its the exhibits are finished, many people will learn supporting organizations. about small town life along Grenfell Drive. Roddickton youth playing at the pump after a game of - Submitted by Candace Cochrane, Dr. Norman Pinder dodge ball, 1968. Quebec-Labrador Foundation Chairman, International Grenfell Association

Page 4 IGA Newsletter 2012

IGA supports nurses’ training at Labrador-Grenfell Health

Labrador-Grenfell Health received a grant The program enabled learners to take the Belbin in Forteau; Tanya Simon and Selina from the International Grenfell Association in information and apply it to their specific role and Gibbons in Roddickton; Brenda Ash and Chel- the amount of $18,500 in June, 2011, to under- setting in relation to consultation, diagnostics and sea Jenson in Charlottetown; Goldie White in take the delivery of a ‘Remote and Rural prescriptive authority. Nurses will continue to Makkovik; and Sherry Leyte in Port Hope Health’ course to regional nurses in Community play a key role in the health care of individuals, Simpson. Clinics. The continuing education course was as well as in assessment, communication, collab- Each of the 14 community clinics in Lab- offered through distance by the University of oration and knowledge regarding appropriate rador also received books that accompanied the Ottawa. The goal was to increase knowledge for interventions required in urgent or emergent course to ensure staff had access to current and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurs- client presentations. up-to-date guidelines and references. es (RNs) working in expanded roles, particular- Nineteen nurses successfully completed I am grateful to the IGA for selecting ly in rural and remote areas. the six-month course. They included: Maggie community clinics as one of the beneficiaries of The course helped NPs and RNs provide Webb, Irene O’Brien, Stephanie Lynch and Jane its ongoing financial support. assessment, identify the need for consultation, Chaulk in Nain; Lana Fillier and Julie Aucoin in and formulate appropriate management plans Mary's Harbour; James Feltham in Hopedale; - Submitted by Donnie Sampson for clients presenting with urgent or emergent Victoria Paul and Cheryl Sovereign in St. Lewis; Regional Director Community Clinics health issues. Nurses in Labrador typically work Donnie Sampson and Katherine Elson in Happy Labrador-Grenfell Health in communities which are considered rural and Valley-Goose Bay; Tanya Keats and Beryl remote. IGA partners with Straits Fire Department

School enhances The Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board extends thanks to the International Gren- varsity athletics fell Association for providing a grant in the amount of $6,000 to the Straits Fire Department. Mealy Mountain Collegiate received The board purchased 12 pagers. some much-needed support from the Interna- The fire department is comprised of 33 active tional Grenfell Association to aid the devel- members living in 13 communities in the area opment of the school’s varsity sports pro- from Eddies Cove East to Anchor Point on the gram. Northern Peninsula. The department provides The Happy Valley-Goose Bay school fire and emergency services over a distance of currently competes in a number of varsity 35 km, as well as mutual aid to two other fire The Straits Fire Department purchased 12 pagers sports, including cross country running, soc- departments in the Straits. Radio communica- with funding from the International Grenfell cer, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, bad- tions provides fast and efficient contact when an Association. minton and floor hockey. Some 160 students emergency occurs. receive more than 40 hours of coaching per Since many members of the volunteer team. Though the program doesn't link di- department work out of the area, the pagers are During the next several training sessions, rectly to the Labrador School Board's goals passed along to available members and are the department will undertake hands-on, live of academic achievement in science, math therefore in constant use by the department. scenarios with the firefighters in the proper use and language arts, studies show the correla- Members are trained in the proper use of and techniques while on the air. Once the equip- tion between organized sports and academic pager communications and taught to respond as ment is received, the department will put in achievement. quickly as possible to an emergency call or page. place a standard operation guideline that radio The varsity program has benefited We provide an emergency number which initi- communication will be required for all offensive from the purchase of sports equipment. In ates contact with two on-call firefighters, who in and defensive fire attacks. addition, the physical education curriculum turn page 12 other members for immediate re- - Submitted by Wanda Hedderson, has been expanded to the general student sponse. We also have a base dispatch located at Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board population. It is through successful programs the Strait of Belle Isle Health Centre in Flower’s like this that the school will see the greatest Cove. The facility provides 24-hour emergency gains. It is difficult to measure the positive dispatch services to the department. To contact the IGA: impact a highly successful varsity program The radios are a great asset since they has on a positive school culture, but research allow our department to provide proper training Paul Canning, Administrator states that meaningful programs contribute to firefighters so they can save lives and prevent 81 Kenmount Road, 2nd Floor and are at the core of every student’s experi- St. John’s, NL, A1B 3P8 the loss of firefighters lives. The Straits Fire Phone 709-745-6162 ence in school. Department recently sent two firefighters to the Fax 709-745-6163 Staff at Mealy Mountain Collegiate Provincial Fire School in Marystown to become E-mail [email protected] has embraced this philosophy and encour- certified as Radio Operators. We now have three www.iga.nf.net ages students to seize opportunities, chal- certified members with qualifications as Radio lenges and experiences that will enable them Operators. These members will train other mem- The IGA would once again like to express its gratitude to to take on leadership roles now and in the everyone who submitted articles and photos for this latest edition bers of the department. of its annual fall newsletter. The contents of this newsletter are future. In addition, the department's Fire Chief is representative of just a small sample of the 47 projects that - Submitted by Edmund Turpin and Andrew received financial support from the IGA in its 2011 Grant a certified level II firefighter who has completed Program. The IGA looks very much forward to working with its Rowsell, Physical Education Teachers all prerequisite training, and is a registered proc- partners in 2013 and beyond, for the benefit of the service area of the Northern Peninsula and Coastal Labrador. tor for Fire and Emergency Services.