Inuvik Drum Thursday, January 28, 2021 edition

Volume 57 Issue 3

Thursday, January 28, 2021

75 CENTS

Delta gets on the 'Covid Killer Express' First round of vaccinations in communities across Beaufort completed with mobile team's stop in Tuktoyaktuk Jan. 21 to 23

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo

Beaufort Delta Health Authority regional operations manager Chris Balla motions to the mission of the day before driving back to Inuvik. The passenger bus was repurposed into the Covid Killer Express after safety requirements limited its use during the clinic set up at Kitti Hall in Tuktoyaktuk Jan. 21 to 23 to immunize high-priority patients against Covid-19 with the Moderna vaccine.

News Wildlife refuge lease sales frozen

News Wind turbine dispute ends

News Fire truck stolen and taken on a joy ride

"I'm 80 and I have lots to do in Tuk. I want to be around until I'm 98." – Sister Fay Trombley and others share why they got their Covid-19 vaccines, page 5.

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2 inuvik drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021

news

U.S. President Joe Biden freezes lease-sales of Alaskan wildlife refuge Executive order suggests lease sales rife with 'legal deficiencies'

by Eric Bowling

Northern News Services

On his first day in office, Jan. 20, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order putting a temporary moratorium on any oil and gas development in the Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Posted on the White House's website shortly after 7 p.m. MST, the comprehensive order highlights a dramatic green-shift for the U.S. federal government.

"In light of the alleged legal deficiencies underlying the program, including the inadequacy of the environmental review required by the National Environmental Policy Act, the secretary of the interior shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, place a temporary moratorium on all activities of the federal government relating to the implementation of the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

"The secretary shall review the program and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, conduct a new, comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the oil and gas program."

Also included in the docu-

ment is a reinstatement of an order former President Barack Obama implemented protecting offshore areas of the Bering Sea and other Arctic waters. That protection had been revoked by the Trump administration.

In its final day of office, the Trump administration issued lease sales for the 11 tracts of land that were bid on out of 22 offered – nine of which were won by the Alaskan state government. Those 11 lease sales will now be under review.

Calling it an "important first step," Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm praised the decision on the first day.

"The president's support honours the Gwich'in way of life and his swift action sends a clear message that the voices of the elders of our nation and the lives of the children and grandchildren of our nation matter," he said. "On behalf of our nation, Hai choo' to President Biden and Vice President Harris for making this a priority.

"There is still a lot of work ahead, and we will not stop until our sacred lands are permanently protected, but today we are taking a moment to breathe a sigh of relief."

photo credit Malkolm Boothroyd/malkolmboothroyd.com

A caribou calf looks up at the camera in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which are the historical calving grounds for the Porcupine herd. On his first day in office, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order putting a temporary moratorium on any development in the refuge.

news

Did we get it wrong?

Inuvik Drum is committed to getting facts and names right. With that goes a commitment to acknowledge mistakes and run corrections. If you spot an error in Inuvik Drum, contact the editor at (867) 7774545 or email inuvikdrum@nnsl.com.

News Briefs David Bernhardt recognized for 40 years of service A veteran of the Inuvik Fire Department is being honoured for his decades of service to the community.

David Bernhardt was named the NWT Fire Service Award Merit recipient on Jan. 25 for his 40 years of service as a volunteer firefighter.

A firefighter since 1980, Bernhardt first came to Inuvik from his hometown of Cape Dyer, Nunavut, along with his family in the 1960s. He has since served as a lieutenant, captain and as deputy fire chief for the department.

"David remains an active member of the fire department, sharing his history and knowledge as a mentor to novice firefighters," said Inuvik Fire Chief Cynthia Hammond in a statement.

"He currently serves as a member of the support platoon, ensuring exterior operations run efficiently and more importantly, maintains a calm, steady presence, with a watchful eye.

"On behalf of the Inuvik Fire Department, and the entire community, we celebrate David's 40-year commitment and thank him for his service."

Inuvik Drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021 3

fact file nwt covid-19 situation as of Jan. 27 Active cases: 5 Confirmed cases: 43 Recovered cases: 38 Completed tests: 11,872 Negative tests: 11,829 Pending tests: 54

Scan for the latest GNWT Covid-19 statistics

Days since first confirmed case: 313 Days since last confirmed case: 8 Common symptoms: Fever, (60 per cent), muscle aches or pain (53 per cent), cough (53 per cent), sore throat (33 per cent), diharrhea (13 per cent), difficulty breathing (seven per cent) Source: Office of the Chief Public Health Officer

'Covid Killer Express' bus arrives in Tuk

Vacant and derelict property bylaw discussed A new set of rules governing vacant and derelict properties may soon be in effect as town council looks to move a pending bylaw to second reading Jan. 27.

Council examined the latest draft of the bylaw at its Jan. 25 Committee of the Whole meeting. The bylaw has gone through several drafts, being reworked in June 2020, Sept. 2020 and then at the January 2021 bylaw review committee meetings.

Under the proposed changes, obstructing a peace officer from a property, a structure found to be not in good repair, allowed to become derelict, or left unsecured could net a $250 fine for first offence, $500 for second and $1,000 for third offences.

Failing to maintain safe access for emergency services, failing to comply with a notice and improperly stored hazardous materials can lead to a fine of $500 for first offence, $1,000 for second and $2,000 for third offence.

Third reading of the bylaw cannot take place until a public notice has been issued by the town.

Town looking at unsightly land bylaw Town council is examining the possibility of replacing a 20-year-old unsightly land bylaw and will vote on whether to move the bylaw to second reading at its Jan. 27 regular meeting.

Having undergone several rewrites going back to June 2020 through the bylaw review committee, the new bylaw involves updated terms and definitions, gives peace officers a defined right to enter a property to ensure compliance with the bylaw, the ability for the town to serve notice to an occupant if the property is believed to have someone other than the named occupant living there, a clearer set of rules for appealing orders made by the town and grants the town to means to serve notice either by presenting a document or publishing the notice in the paper. It also introduces a fine structure for obstructing peace officers from their duties.

Under the proposed bylaw, allowing an unsightly condition on one's property or obstructing a peace officer can result in a $250 fine for first offence, $500 for second and $1,000 for third. Failing to comply with a cleanup order from the town could net a $500 fine for first offence, $1,000 for second and $2,000 for third.

Council will need to publish a public notice of the bylaw before it can move it to third and final reading.

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo

Logistician Aidan Healy shows off the freezer that holds over 600 doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine that she and registered nurse Heather Redshaw took up to Tuktoyaktuk Jan. 21 to 23. In total, 293 people were vaccinated over the three-day clinic.

293 people vaccinated over three-day clinic

by Eric Bowling

Northern News Services

A repurposed shuttle bus. A high-end battery backup. A specialized freezer – and more than 600 doses of the Moderna Covid19 vaccine.

All this set out from Inuvik in the early hours of Jan. 21 to Tuktoyaktuk as part of the GNWT's first wave of vaccinations, aimed at ensuring priority patients are able to be immunized as the coronavirus pandemic rages on.

Leaving at 6 a.m. and arriving in Tuktoyaktuk by 9 a.m., a team of two set up a mobile immunization clinic at Kitti Hall that vaccinated people at a rate of six every 15 minutes.

"We set it up at Kitti Hall because we didn't want to tie up the health centre's resources," said registered nurse Heather Redshaw, who was the lead nurse for the operation. "Our goal is to try and get 60 per cent or over of the eligible population in each community and I would say in most communities we've achieved that.

"Sixty per cent is a great achievement. It's the beginning of herd immunity."

Tuktoyaktuk was the third stop for this team, which also touched down in Aklavik,

Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk. A second team also used the bus to handle vaccinations in Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic, while Inuvik hosted its own clinic at the legion.

To get the vaccines to the people who need them, a lot of logistical hurdles needed to be cleared first, as the vaccines are extremely fragile.

"You pretty much have to treat them like a baby," said Redshaw.

While Redshaw handled the administering of the shots, she was joined by logistician Aidan Healy, who ensured the vaccines were in full working order, which takes a number of steps.

Normally, the vaccines remain frozen at between -15 degrees Celsius and -25 C when in storage. Alternatively, they can be kept in a normal refrigerator at between 2 C and 8 C, where they can keep for up to 30 days. When sitting at room temperature, the vaccines have about 12 hours of shelf-life, though the room needs to be kept at temperatures lower than 25 C. Because of the volume of people coming into the building, heat was a concern so doors were opened periodically to bring the room temperature closer to 20 C.

Once a vial has been opened and the fluid containing the vaccine is exposed to the air, the vaccine lasts only six hours. Each vial has enough for 10 doses. In total, Redshaw and Healy took 610 doses to Tuktoyaktuk.

"If the clinic starts at 10:30, we need to come in at 9:30 just for that hour for the vaccine to be prepared," said Healy.

With 174 vaccinations scheduled on the first day, there was great interest in being immunized. Redshaw told Inuvik Drum a total of 293 vaccinations were given out over the course of three days.

This was only the first part of the immunization, as the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is taken in two steps. A second shot will be given to the patients in 28 days. In trials, the vaccine was found to 94.1 per cent effective against coronavirus.

Healy said she felt blessed to have a role in the fight against Covid-19.

"I feel extremely privileged being able to come to these small communities and being able to help distribute the vaccine," she said.

"This is such a huge thing that's going on with the pandemic. It's really affected everyone out there.

"I've met some extremely nice people in these communities."

4 inuvik drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021

opinions

On colonial privilege and employment in the NWT

Published Thursdays Also read in Aklavik • Fort McPherson • Ulukhaktok • Sachs Harbour • Tsiigehtchic • Tuktoyaktuk

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Send us your comments Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Drum, especially new contributors. We attempt to publish a cross-section of public opinion. NotRall letive is ters will necessarilyNahanni be published. Preference National given to short letters of broad interestPark or concern.

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Our Youth of the Week is Dimitri Blyth, age 12, of Kuzuri Judo Club. He's been training since 2017 and is currently working towards his orange belt throws once the club gets the OK to resume physical contact. In the interim, he's working on his fundamentals in class, like rolls, breakfalls and general fitness.

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when the economy is booming, there are only so many jobs to go around and so many bridges available. Someone who has had a spate of bad luck with jobs could find themselves left without options. Isolated in the Beaufort Delta, job opportunities could dry up over one's lifetime. The lack of opportunities effectively becomes a trap.

How do we get out of this vicious cycle? Certainly Dawson more emphasis on City education is key, but youth growing up have to see a use for said education to want to pursue it. We also YUKON need more Beaufort-born biologists, project managers, politicians and professionals of all stripes so youth have ideas to inspire them.

All this requires political will to put the money where itWhitehorse needs to be, so I'm glad our current government is taking this issue seriously.

Mac

which is only really possible if you can afford it and have the prerequisites to get into a post-secondary institution, which requires a solid Grade 12 education with strong core subjects. Plus, you have to be able to afford to move and live in a totally different place while you pursue your degree or diploma.

This is an entire universe away from what the "fly-in, fly-out" portion of the population who have come up here to fill these jobs experience. I'll use myself as an example – all I needed to do to get qualifications was figure out where in Edmonton I needed to register for the classes. Moving into the field of journalism was also fairly straightforward – I applied to a program and completed it.

Contrast this to someone who was born here, lives here and expects to be buried here. Even

Beaufort Sea

Herschel Ivvavik Island National

Peel River

Last week, we had two separate stories that both brought up the number of NWT-born, Indigenous workers currently employed, with Premier Caroline Cochrane praising how the Yukon border crew for Covid-19 was entirely staffed by Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic residents and Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler noting the dial on Aboriginal employment in the public sector has not moved much, if at all, in 40 years.

While the premier is highlightEric ing an excellent Bowling first step in helping people take financial control of their own destinies, the problems Semmler highlights seem to be far more rampant.

Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek told the Legislative Assembly in November that in spite of making up close to half the entire population of the NWT, only 30 per cent of the GNWT's workforce has been Indigenous for decades – which you can split even further to find that 21 per cent are Indigenous women and only nine per cent of the workforce are Indigenous men. Only one out of every five senior managers is Indigenous.

Semmler notes there are tons of loopholes that enable a manager to close a job competition if they don't get the candidate they want and re-run it until they get their preferred choice. She also concedes that oftentimes locally-born candidates have the experience needed to relate to the community they service, but may lack in the needed academic qualifications.

To get those qualifications requires travel south for education,

financial support of l'appui financier du BRITISH COLUMBIA the Government of Canada.

gouvernement du Canada.

news

Inuvik Drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021 5

Nihtat Gwich'in Council withdraws judicial review of wind turbine 'We weren't against it, we just had some questions on the decision ... we're past that now,' says NGC president

by Eric Bowling

Northern News Services

After several hearings before the Gwich'in Land and Water Board (GLWB) and requesting a judicial review of the Inuvik Wind Project in relation to how it was approved, the Nihtat

Gwich'in Council (NGC) has rescinded its request for the review following a majority vote by its membership.

NGC members voted 15 to six, with one abstention, in favour of a motion to rescind the judicial review during the designated Gwich'in organiz-

ation's Jan. 16 annual general assembly.

"Initially when the decision was made, the council wanted the membership to be informed," said NGC President Robert Charlie.

"The members decided they wanted to cancel the judicial

review, so the project will move ahead.

"Nihtat was always in favour of the project, we weren't against it, we just had some questions on the decision. But we're past that now."

Initially expected to be in operation by 2020, the single

NNSL file photo

Plans to construct a wind turbine near Inuvik are now able to go forward after membership of the Nihtat Gwich'in Council voted to rescind a judicial review request of the project.

wind turbine is now expected to be completed by 2022. The 80-metre-tall structure will stand 12 kilometres east of Inuvik on Highpoint and is projected to provide up to 30 per cent of Inuvik's power requirements.

NGC had initially raised an objection July 30 to the GLWB towards the project going forward, stating the GNWT did not have the legal right to hand the land over to Northwest Territories Power Corporation because several pieces of legislation were not followed, particularly the Reindeer Grazing Reserve Order, which sets aside the area for conservation.

At the time, then NGC President Jozef Carnogursky told Inuvik Drum NGC was never against the wind turbine itself, but wanted to ensure the proper legal framework was followed. The complaint was dismissed by the GLWB Oct. 29. But on Nov. 30, the NGC filed for a judicial review on the same legal argument.

GTC Grand Chief Ken Smith said he was happy the

membership pulled the judicial review and was looking forward to seeing the project go forward.

"We are pleased with Nihtat council following the direction that was provided to them by their annual general assembly on Saturday," he said.

"Now that the judicial review has been withdrawn, the proponents can go about their preparations and the planning required for the final acquisition of any and all permits they require and along with that is the planning of the procurement of the equipment they are going to require, as well as the planning of the contract packages they need to construct the facility.

"It provides a path forward for us and the Nihtat Gwich'in to work with the NTEC (Northwest Territories Energy Corporation) to help construct this important energy project for the town of Inuvik while utilizing and expanding the skills and capabilities of Gwich'in businesses and participants."

alternatives

6 inuvik drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021

street talk

Why are you getting a Covid-19 vaccine?

with Eric Bowling inuvikdrum@nnsl.com

Neighbourly News Eric Bowling is editor of the Inuvik Drum. Send your ideas to inuvikdrum@nnsl.com

Youth representative sought by hunter and trappers committee Sachs Harbour Sachs Harbour's Hunter and Trapper Committee is seeking a youth representative to attend the first Inuvialuit Game Corporation and 42nd Hunter Trapper Committee director meetings being hosted in Inuvik from Feb. 8 to 12.

Intended to establish the foundation for future community leaders, the successful applicant will have all travel and work-related expenses paid for.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Shelby Jade Lucas either by Facebook or by contacting the HTC office at 867-690-3032.

Community Corp. offers help with online applications Sister Fay Trombley "I'm 80 and I have lots to do in Tuk. I want to be around until I'm 98."

Billy Jacobson "So I don't get really sick."

Eileen Jacobson "I'm a taxi driver – I need to think of my passengers."

Tuktoyaktuk Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation is offering its expertise to the community in working through paperwork to access government services.

Anyone in Tuktoyaktuk in need of help creating resumes, searching for a job online, applying to employment insurance, old age security, the Canada pension plan, residential school claims or applying to post-secondary education is asked to contact employment officer Dolly Felix at the TCC at 867-977-2004 or 2390, or by email at programadmin@tukcommunitycorp.com.

In addition, assistance is offered in connecting postsecondary applicants to funding opportunities, both through the national student loans program as well as through student financial assistance and the Inuvialuit Foundation Education Fund.

Girls hockey nights underway

Sandy Wolki "I didn't want to catch Covid.

The shot never hurt."

Fred Wolki "I think it's going to be pretty good – I don't feel sick today."

John Walker "Because of my age group and for my family's sake."

Community Calendar Thursday, January 28 to 29

Standard First Aid with CPR and AED Aurora Campus 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days Comprehensive two-day course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills. Completion of the course will result in certification in Standard First Aid and "Level C" CPR. Maximum of eight participants allowed per session. Cost is $250 for the course.

Saturday, January 30

Caribou Head Preparation and Cooking Inuvik Community Corporation

Talent show being held this week Tsiigehtchic Eager singers and karaoke enthusiasts are being invited to come out to the Tsiigehtchic radio room Jan. 28 to join in a live adult radio talent show starting at 6:30 p.m., open to anyone 16 years of age or older.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third, fourth and fifth place, with the grand prize of $1,000 for the top singer.

Each contestant will be expected to sing two songs and the entry fee is $40 to join. If interested, contact Sasha Blake at 867-953-3201 during working hours.

No more Arctic Markets until June

Friday, January 29 to 31

Beginners Quilting Course Location TBD Ever wanted to learn quilting? The Inuvik Quilting Guild is hosting a three-day beginning course this weekend. Cost is $125 and the class is limited to 10 participants. A sewing machine is required. To register, call 867-620-1500 or email arlene_hansen@hotmail. com.

Aklavik Aklavik's arena is bustling with activity as the sun begins to return to the North, and girls are getting a blast of ice-time as part of that activity.

The first girl's hockey night happened last week and will continue on a weekly basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays, running from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Open to all girls, there may be some spare equipment lying around for anyone still interested in joining the games. Anyone interested is asked to contact Nicole Sloan by means of the Aklavik Events and Announcements Facebook group.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn to cook the traditional dish among friends with the Inuvik Community Corporation. Open to eight participants and only open to ICC members. If interested, contact Michelle at 867-777-2603 to register.

To have an event listed in this free feature, call (867) 777-4545, or email inuvikdrum@nnsl.com. Submissions should be received two weeks prior to the event.

Non-profit or community events only please. There is no guarantee submissions will be published.

Inuvik Inuvik has suspended its Winter Arctic Markets, citing a lack of participation due to Covid-19 restrictions.

After running the market steadily through the summer of 2020 and periodically throughout the winter, with an initial market Dec. 19, which drew 150 patrons.

However, safety precautions prevent access to the back entrances of the community hall during the winter and the heightened Covid-19 precautions required the town to limit capacity, pre-screen patrons and required them to book appointments.

As a result of the difficulties to get into the market, the town reported that its Sunrise Festival Arctic Market on Jan. 9 had less than 50 people follow through with their appointments. Regular vendors told the town such numbers are not sustainable for small-market sellers.

The notice posted on the Town of Inuvik's website says town will resume Arctic Markets in June of 2021, adding it is hoping for improved access as a result of vaccinations and increased sales for vendors.

photo story

Inuvik Drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021 7

Covid-19 vaccinations in Tuktoyaktuk vaccination Feature

by Eric Bowling Northern News Services

A clinic was set up at Kitti Hall in Tuktoyaktuk Jan. 21 to 23 to immunize high-priority patients against Covid-19 with the Moderna vaccine. Using a specialized freezer and batter-

ies, registered nurse Heather Redshaw and logistician Aidan Healy took the fragile vaccines to the Arctic coast by means of a bus driven by Beaufort Delta Health Authority operations manager Chris Balla.

Leslie and Eunice Nasogaluak hold signs showing they've been immunized as they begin a 15-minute monitoring period following their vaccinations. The clinic had over 170 people signed up to get the shot on day one.

A shot of 610 Moderna vaccines in a refrigeration unit. The unit can last up to 12 hours unplugged and the vaccines themselves can last up to six hours at room temperature, but should be kept below 20°C at all times.

A sign posted inside the bus used to transport the vaccine to smaller communities around the Beaufort Delta. One of two teams, nurse Redshaw and logistician Healy had already visited Aklavik, Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk.

Roy Cockney holds up a sign as he relaxes into his 15-minute monitoring period after receiving the vaccine. Rides were provided for anyone who needed to get to and from Kitti Hall.

Sister Fay Trombley gives a thumbs up after getting the shot from registered nurse Helena Cole. She was the first person to get immunized in Tuktoyaktuk, though she wasn't expecting to be.

Logistician Aidan Healy shows off vials of Moderna Covid-19 vaccines she set up at Kitti Hall. Each vial contains 10 doses.

8 inuvik drum, Thursday, January 28, 2021

news

Leave the reindeer be

photo courtesy of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation beneficiaries, as well as other residents of and visitors to the Beaufort Delta, are being reminded to not hunt or harvest the lone reindeer herd of the region. A Jan. 22 news release states that the herd is privately owned and harvesting it is illegal.

"While harvesting is a fundamental way of life for us, I remind all community members to refrain from harvesting from this private herd," said IRC Chair and CEO Duane Smith in the release. "IRC is working hard to foster the growth and well-being of the herd so that it can one day provide sustainable resources to all Inuvialuit."

Noting the herd is being maintained as a long-term sustainability project "for the benefit of all Inuvialuit", the news release added the herd's owners would be monitoring it as it goes about its regular migration patterns and reminded people that "harvesting from the herd will not be tolerated."

It also lists off intended long-term benefits from protecting and nurturing the reindeer herd, which includes a traditional food source, a source of hides and other materials for traditional crafts, a tourism benefit and potential employment benefits for Inuvialuit beneficiaries. –Eric Bowling

Joy ride in stolen fire truck ends in arrest

Eric Bowling/NNSL photo

Fire trucks parade down Mackenzie Road last April as a salute to essential workers. While idling unattended, the Inuvik Fire Department's 105-foot ladder truck was stolen Jan. 19 and was found en route to Tsiigehtchic.

Man accused of driving Inuvik fire engine 100 km per hour while intoxicated

by Eric Bowling

Northern News Services

A man is in custody in relation to a fire truck theft that occurred in Inuvik on Jan. 19.

RCMP say they were called in to investigate after a 105-foot ladder truck was taken without permission from the front of the Inuvik Fire Department headquarters at some point between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Police were called at 8:40 p.m. and multiple RCMP detachments from the Beaufort Delta were involved in the hunt for the missing truck.

A witness spotted the truck

making its way south towards Tsiigehtchic by way of the Dempster Highway. Police eventually conducted a traffic stop on the truck along the highway before it reached Tsiigehtchic and arrested a lone male.

A 43-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, is facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while impaired, refusal to comply with demands for an alcohol test and failure to comply with conditions. A court date has not been released yet.

The Inuvik Fire Department said the damage to the

ladder truck was minimal but was still being assessed. To replace the truck would cost at least $750,000.

"We do not consider the actions of this particular individual to be representative of our community," said Fire Chief Cynthia Hammond in a news release. "We believe our residents share our serious concerns about the theft of a vital emergency response vehicle.

"We wish to thank the RCMP, fire personnel and community members who assisted in safely locating the truck and returning it to the fire hall."