Nunavut News - Dec. 19, 2022

Akesuk holds off Okalik to maintain QIA presidency

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Olayuk Akesuk will remain president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, having garnered 61.2 per cent of the vote in the Dec. 12 election.

Chief returning officer Monica Ell-Kanayuk confirmed the results early on the morning of Dec. 13. The only other contender for the presidency was Paul Okalik.

Akesuk had been the acting QIA president since P.J. Akeeagok resigned before the end of his term in August 2021.

Ever since he started filling in as president, Akesuk has

also been maintaining his duties as vice-president of QIA, a role he was elected to in December 2020.

Also voted into office on Monday were eight QIA community directors: Mike Jaypoody (Clyde River), Peter Ivalu (Iglulik), Steven Polee Lucassie (Iqaluit), Martha Jaw (Kinngait), Joshua Katsak (Pond Inlet), Solomon Allurut (Sanirajak) and Davidee Qavvik (Sanikiluaq).

Tommy Akavak was acclaimed in Kimmirut.

“All terms will be for four years with the exception of Kinngait, which is a byelection with a two-year term,” a QIA news release stated.

Voter turnout was 20.6 per cent.

Paul Irngaut wins election for NTI vice-president

Irngaut says decades of experience with NTI’s wildlife department gives him insight

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Nunavut

Paul Irngaut is now Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s (NTI) vice-president following an election held on Dec. 12.

With 1,720 votes, he defeated fellow candidates Jack An-

awak (1,267 votes), Clayton Tartak (1,021) and Jacopoosie Peter (275).

Overall voter turnout was close to 18.5 per cent per cent, with a low in Naujaat of 9.7 per cent while Grise Fiord recorded 52 per cent voter turnout.

Out-of-territory polling stations for Nunavut Inuit

included locations in Yellowknife, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Irngaut has worked at NTI for a little over 22 years, the majority of which was spent in the wildlife department, where he became the director. He will be filling the shoes of James Eetoolook, who stepped down from the

role at NTI’s annual general meeting in October.

“I feel like I have the knowledge, the background to do this job effectively,” said Irngaut in an interview with Nunavut News prior to the election, saying his experience fits what is required in the role.

“That’s a part of the portfo-

lio, not only wildlife and environment but also housing and economic development, also language literacy. I feel like I could do those jobs effectively with NTI,” he added.

Irngaut is also aiming to help highlight the various initiatives and events NTI is

involved in.

“One of the things I want to emphasize is we need to have clear communication with our beneficiaries. I think that’s been lacking,” Irngaut said.

“There’s a lot of good things that happen at NTI that people don’t realize.”

Paul Irngaut will now serve as Nunavut Tunngavik’s vice-president, replacing James Eetoolook, who stepped down from the role in October. Photo courtesy of Paul Irngaut

Olayuk Akesuk was elected president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) with 61.2% of the votes in his favor. NNSL file photo

Safety critical, but don’t ban hunting rifles, Idlout says

Nunavut MP receptive to intent of proposed firearms legislation, but insists that Indigenous and treaty rights must be respected

After Ontario MP Paul Chiang introduced multiple new amendments to a federal firearms bill earlier this month, various rifles were added to the ban list, such as some long guns.

Although the amendments are aimed at keeping the population safe from mass shootings and gun violence, Indigenous leaders have been expressing concerns about how the proposed legislation might infringe on the rights of Indigenous hunters.

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout said she understands the intention behind the amendments to Bill C-21 when it comes to urban centers.

“People want to know that they are safe from gun violence. There is no reason for anyone to have a military-style gun in Montreal, downtown Toronto or any other urban centre. Large communities of Inuit have moved to these urban centres and they, too, want to know they are safe. There’s no good reason to have military-style assault weapons in communities, near schools and playgrounds. We need legislation that ensures the safety of all children.”

What concerns Idlout and the individuals she represents, is how the amendments might restrict the lifestyle and work of Nunavummiut, especially in secluded areas where predators are a threat.

“The Liberals introduced a last-minute amendment to their firearms bill without New Democrats’ knowledge. Many Indigenous people, Nunavummiut, hunters and farmers have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of these changes. I am taking these concerns very seriously,” said Idlout. “My party is taking these concerns very seriously. Rifles are not just for hunting, they ensure our safety from predatory animals, such as polar bears. There is still time to make this right and we will keep working to make sure any amendments to the bill will not ban guns primarily used for hunting and for the safety of Northerners.”

The Nunavut MP added that “we will not support any amendments that disrespect treaty rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples.”

Consultation lacking: McLeod

In the Northwest Territories, MP Michael McLeod, a member of the governing Liberals, said he has long supported his party’s effort to toughen gun laws since being elected in 2015 and pointed out that he likes some provisions of the current draft of Bill C-21. Aspects he approves of include red and yellow flag laws that would allow court-order prohibitions, handgun freezes, attention to illegal smuggling and trafficking and stiffer maximum penalties for gun crimes.

“We will keep working to make sure any amendments to the bill will not ban guns primarily used for hunting and for the safety of Northerners,” Nunavut MP Lori Idlout says of recent amendments in a federal firearms bill.

However, he said definitions need to be clearer around what constitutes “military-style assault weapons” and there needs to be a better understanding as to why there are some non-semi-automatic guns on the prohibition list.

He added that Public Safety Canada needs to better acknowledge common gun use in the North and should improve consultation with Northerners before a vote is held, particularly Indigenous people, as per Section 35 of the Constitution, the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples and specific self-governing agreements.

“There are aspects of (the bill) right now that are a bit blurry for me and a little bit concerning,” he said. “I don’t know what is being suggested when it comes to changing the definition

of assault weapons.

“I have spoken to the minister in charge, (Public Safety Minister) Marco Mendicino, and I’ve indicated to him that he doesn’t have my full support until I really understand this and until I’m completely convinced (the bill) won’t affect hunters, sport shooters and trappers in the North.

“I have also indicated that I’m not satisfied that his people have done a good enough job to consult.”

McLeod admitted he has a personal interest in the issue as he has been a long-time collector of firearms, so he considers himself well-versed in the need for specifics when placing prohibitions on guns.

“There are already some guns that are not semi-automatics that are on the list and we need to know why,” he said. “Most of them are because they exceed the 10,000 joule (projectile limit) but we are trying to scrub the list to make sure that nothing gets on that list that people are using for hunting in the North.”

Because of his experience and perspective, there can be “heated” debate within his own party, he said.

“A lot of times when we have discussions within caucus, I’m the one with the most guns and probably the one with the most knowledge about guns,” he said. “We have a large part of the MPs in caucus that … see guns from a city/urban standpoint and look at it through that lens. But there are lots from the rural or remote and Northern parts of the country that look at guns and view it in a different light.

“We don’t see it as a weapon but we see it as a tool.”

Justin Tang/Canadian Press photo

Late changes to proposed federal firearms legislation would affect some long guns that hunters use. The Canadian Press photo

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Factory to build modular units year-round in Arviat

Facility to employ 38, build 35 units per year and employ local Inuit

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Arviat Local Journalism Initiative

Work is underway to establish a factory in Arviat that will build modular homes yearround and employ local people in the process.

“Our plan right now is to open it by 2025,” said Guillaume Guida, vice-president of Sakku Investments Corporation.

The Kivalliq Inuit development corporation, through Sakku Innovative Building Solutions, has already cleared 300,000 square feet of space in Arviat for its eventual 42,000-square-foot factory – the rest of the land being needed for all the units it will be building.

“The factory will produce housing units, but it can also do any type of unit,” said Guida, adding that once it’s up and running, Sakku anticipates the factory to produce 35 modular homes per year.

The main goal isn’t to tackle the housing crisis, necessarily, but to employ Inuit and develop their construction skills and certificates to build workforce capacity in the region.

It started with a request the Kivalliq Inuit Association’s board of directors made to Sakku in 2015. Since then, the Inuit development corporation partnered with RG Solutions in Quebec to build two prototype five-plexes, which both shipped to Arviat this summer.

The idea with the southern partnership was to use a similar factory to the one being erected in Arviat to build some pilot projects, like the five-plexes, and calculate the hours and material costs so Sakku could finalize its business case for the Arviat factory.

Guida said the cost to build the factory is about $30 million, but that number may be revised with inflation. It will employ 38 people, from managers and finance workers to construction and trades jobs. The goal is for it to not only build housing units, but build capacity in the Kivalliq construction industry.

“There are so few local people involved in the construction,” said Guida. “You have southern labour coming up, they come in, they build it and they leave. And there’s no training done,

there’s no capacity being built.

“They just move, and it’s fair, but is there a way that we can improve the training side of it?”

Building credentials

Once the Arviat factory is operational, Guida envisions Kivalliq Inuit working there for a few years under mentorship to earn higher certifications, enabling them to move in if they want to and work other construction jobs in the region. It also allows Kivalliq Inuit who gain these skills to participate in a good employment opportunity close to home, year-round, in a heated, bright, modern facility.

“That’s the goal of the factory, I would say, even before building houses,” said Guida.

The two five-plexes built in the RG Solutions factory that were shipped to Arviat are using 90 per cent Inuit employment to put the finishing touches on them, according to Guida, adding that that’s the goal of this initiative.

The five-plexes were originally going to be for Sakku’s staff housing, but the Hamlet of Arviat purchased them instead, bolstering Sakku’s business case for the viability of these units.

The reason Sakku started with the five-plexes was to prove the facility could build units that meet Nunavut Housing Corporation’s needs. The development corporation is also planning two more pilot projects in Rankin Inlet next year – including a two-storey house and a sixplex – as it creates a portfolio of work that the factory will be able to produce before it’s up and running.

“There’s nothing (else) to the scale of what we want to do,” said Guida about the uniqueness of this project in Nunavut.

Though housing is much-needed in the territory, the mission of this initiative is to increase the quality of life and opportunities for Kivalliq Inuit, not necessarily take on the entire housing crisis, Guida emphasized.

“We’re not saying, ‘Oh this is the miracle solution and we’re going to save or tackle the housing crisis,’” he explained. “We’re just thinking an initiative like this is another tool that could help with some of the barriers and some of the problems that exist, and we’re just adding to what the government and other private sector (companies) are doing.”

A barge carries modular five-plexes on their way to Arviat from Quebec this past summer, built to Nunavut Housing Corporation specifications and proving the viability of the Arviat factory, due to open in 2025. Photo courtesy of Sakku Investments Corporation

Guillaume Guida, vice-president of Sakku Investments Corporation, says the primary goal of the upcoming Arviat factory for modular homes is to employ local Inuit. Stewart Burnett/ NNSL photo

More and more photos of unidentified Inuit, First Nations and Metis people surface on the internet as the Project Naming initiative led by Library and Archives Canada digitizes the images to upload to its media platforms.

“We need your help to identify people, places and activities depicted in these images,” says the governmental organization.

Since the project started in 2002, hundreds of individuals have been identified through community outreach led by Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) students, and also through social media, Nunavut News’ ‘Do you know your Elders’ weekly photo feature and the ‘Naming Continues’ online form.

Even though the majority of the people in the pictures made available to the public have been identified, the identity of some individuals remains a mystery.

In the last several weeks, Library and Archives Canada has shared eight more pictures presenting Inuit in their day-to-day lives, most between 1913 and 1949.

Anyone interested in sharing information on any person presented in the pictures can contact Library and Archives Canada or add the information directly on its website.

Félix Charron-Leclerc

A group of Inuit men and children stand outside in the Tipjalik district of Nunavut (formerly known as Beverly Lake, Northwest Territories) in 1949. Photo credit: S.J. Bailey, Dept. of Indian and Northern Affairs collection

An Inuk boy wearing a fur-lined hooded jacket in the Mittimatalik/Tununiq area of Nunavut (also known as Pond Inlet, Northwest Territories) on Sept. 10, 1945. Photo credit: Arthur H. Tweedle

A group of Inuit on a boat, unknown location, between 1945-1946. Photo credit: Arthur H. Tweedle

Group of Inuit at Arvilikjuaq, Nunavut (formerly Pelly Bay, Northwest Territories), no known date. Photo credit: Health and Welfare Canada collection Four Inuit standing in the Coronation Gulf area, Nunavut (formerly Northwest Territories), between 1913-1916. Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada

Inuk woman holding a child on board the Baychimo, Rymer Point, Nunavut (formerly Northwest Territories), August 1930. Photo credit: Lachlan T. Burwash Dept. of Inidian and Northern Affairs collection

MIALI KALISMASI INUIT. QAIJUQNAIKTUK HILA IQALUKTUUTIAMI. ALANGNUKTUK IILAA. QUVIAHUGVIK TIKILIKMAT NUTAQQAT ALIAHUKTUT. IPAKHANI KULLIK ILIHAKVIANI QUNGNIAKTITIMATA ILUNGNUNAKPIAQHUTIK. ANGIKLIKTUT NUTAQQAVUT. NAAMMATJAVUT QUVIAHUVINGMI. ITQAUMANIAQTAVUT TAPKUAT AYUKHAKTUT ILAIJAKHIMAJUTLU. AKHUUKPAKLUHI. AYUKNAKMAN. TAPKUATLU AANIAKQTUT PUIGUKTAILUGITLU. ULAPQINIAQMIJUN INUIN IQALUKTUUTIAMI. QINIJAVATTIT ULAPQIJUT KAMIUNITIHAAMILU ILIAKVIUP ANGIJUQ ULAPQINAHUAT. NALAKLUHI NALAUTIKGUUKNAHUATLU AHU.

Welcome to Christmas in beautiful Cambridge Bay.

Yes, Santa will arrive early for the community to wish everyone greetings and well wishes. The community will be having Christmas festivities, such as games at the community hall and school gym.

Everyone is excited to have games once again. Due to the pandemic virus, it had not been happening

We can get back to celebrating the holidays

CAMBRIDGE BAY TEA TALK

with Navalik Tologanak email: helent@qiniq.com

past couple of years.

A big thank you to all who are working hard to make this year’s Christmas fun and memorable. The calendar of events is out for everyone. Check it out. As far as I remember, there was always indoor and outdoor activities to celebrate the holidays, with lots of fun, happy people, lots of good food, lots of presents, toys and our parents and grandparents all wearing new kammaks and new parkas/covers. It is special time for our community even though it is cold outside.

The few daylight hours in December were celebrated with fresh harvested country food and families and everyone in the neighbourhood would be together. Many of our families did not have cameras, but those who moved up north from the south did have cameras so there were photographs taken. It is most important that everyone was included, even from nearby camps walking in to the camps with most crowded iglus.

The only store was the Hudson’s Bay Company

and the Dewline canteen. The MOT kitchen always had goodies, such as apples and oranges and juices. It was always exciting to go visit the MOT barracks and warm up and eat goodies from the workers and cooks. Just being in a nice, warm place meant a lot to us kids and families.

We didn’t need presents back then, just being able to eat goodies and have juice. Our Elders would enjoy a nice cup of hot tea or coffee and watch the children enjoy eating and watching movies. That was all we wanted was a nice, warm place to be and eat some food and fruits.

That was Christmas for us riding everywhere on our dogteams. Back then there were no vehicles or snowmobiles. Many of the children were not home as they were all sent to residential school far away. It was so hurtful for our families, but that is what happened.

But today we can enjoy our families without being sent away. Let us celebrate peacefully and be safe everyone.

God Be With You Son.

Christmas games are enjoyable for everyone in Cambridge Bay. Here is our sweet Elders having fun at a Christmas party for Elders in 2009. The late Mart Nateet Kiloadluk, left, and Annie Panak Atighioyak, right. Doris Kaniak is seen in the background. File photo

Tammy Vanderloh sent us this photo from Kinngait. The aurora borealis kissing Kinngait. It was shockingly beautiful. Northern lights taken on Sunday night.

Michael Kelly sent us this picture from Nunavut. Taken on Nov. 30, on the way to Iqaluit.

Meghan Dianne sent us this photo from Kimmirut. Captured moment by Meghan Pollard, taken on Nov. 30, 2022.

Nunavut News presents the Amazing On-the-Land contest, generously sponsored by NCC Investment Group Inc., visit www.nccig.ca today.

Shawn Stevens sent us this image from Nunavut. Sunset at Mary River last winter.

Brenda Apsaktaun sent us this image from Kugaaruk. In August, the twin girls loved watching their brother and cousin going into the happutti in Kugaaruk were they filmed tuktu movies.

Madeleine Qumuatuq sent us this photo from Pangnirtung. Fishing at Iqalugajuk, near Pangnirtung.

Hailey Unaliq sent us this image from Kugaaruk. Nine-yearold Drayden made an inukshuk himself while caribou hunting on September 2022.

Karl O’keefe sent us this photo from Kimmirut. Taken on Nov. 26, 2022, Saturday.

Jason Noah Annanackobed sent us this photo from Nunavut.

Former government minister sentenced in historical sexual assault case

Three years probation, community work for David Simailak

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Baker Lake Local Journalism Initiative

Editor’s note: This story contains graphic details that some readers may find disturbing.

The past caught up with Baker Lake’s David Simailak as a historical sexual assault case against the former Baker Lake mayor and government minister reached a conclusion in Iqaluit court last month.

In April, a jury in Baker Lake convicted Simailak of one count of rape, as the offence was termed at the time.

Simailak, 70, previously had no criminal record.

On Nov. 7, a judge imposed a suspended sentence with conditions that will have to be followed during three years of probation, including 250 hours of community work. Simailak was also required to provide a sample of his DNA to the local RCMP detachment.

“This decision deals with the thorny issue of what is a fit and appropriate sentence for this historical rape,” stated judge Chris Martin in an explanation of the case.

Four years ago, a woman, whose identity has been protected from publication, made a complaint to the police about Simailak assaulting her in 1973, when Simailak was 21 and the woman was 14. She said it happened on the floor of the radio station in Baker Lake.

In 1973, rape was defined by the court as a male having sexual intercourse with a female who is not his wife and is without her consent. The age at which a woman could legally consent to sexual intercourse at the time was

14 years old.

Since then, except for certain unique circumstances, the age of consent has increased to 16 years old. Simailak was tried according to the 1973 definition of rape, including the age of consent, but otherwise, all modern aspects of a sexual assault trial were in effect.

“Both were residents of Baker Lake,” stated Martin. “The victim moved there with her parents when her father, an Anglican minister, accepted a posting to Baker Lake. Mr. Simailak was a lifelong resident of Baker Lake. Both the victim and Mr. Simailak are Inuit. They did not know each other.”

As part of a school program, the victim was at the local radio station to broadcast a show for the community. Simailak was the manager of the station, and after the show, only the two remained in the building.

“Mr. Simailak testified he went to her after the station closed and sex ‘just happened,’ stated Martin. “It started by him touching her, but not in the ‘privates.’ They then laid on the floor side-by-side, but with her more on her back. She did not resist, oppose or push back. They had a short kiss. He said he pulled out his penis and penetrated her. He does not remember how her pants came off because it was ‘50 years ago.’ He said they might have held each other. He did not ask her if she wanted to have sex, kiss or touch. In fact, nothing was said. He testified that he assumed from the way it happened – she did not resist – she was consenting. Afterward, they just both got up and left. Finally, as the victim clearly testified, she did not consent.”

Consequences of actions

Shortly thereafter, the victim told her moth-

er, and her father found out as well. Independently, Simailak confessed the act to his wife, who quickly called a meeting of the victim’s parents, the victim and a local minister. Simailak’s wife said the meeting took place at their home the next day, which lasted about an hour. The victim’s father was upset and forbade his daughter from going to the radio station again. The victim has no memory of this meeting.

“Mr. Simailak has had suicidal ideation related to the stress and effect of the charge,” stated Martin about the impact to the former mayor, who for decades was seen as an icon of success.

“He has been stripped of community positions and suffered financially. Particularly biting to him was his suspension as an ordained deacon of the Anglican Church in 2019. On conviction, he was banned from all other volunteer church roles he had been performing for over 30 years. He has lost corporate board and business roles, and other volunteer roles. For example, for seven years until his conviction, he served as chair of the Baker Lake District Education Authority. The reputational impact upon him, in the hamlet and territory, has been significant. He is no longer seen as a community pillar.”

Martin noted some mitigating circumstances in this case.

“Notably, Mr. Simailak was a youthful first offender,” stated Martin. “While not an excuse in any way, it is clear that his view respecting consent was that of a 1970s inexperienced, immature young man – a ‘spoiled brat,’ as described by his wife. I accept his testimony that he did not think he was committing a

criminal act, albeit he took no steps to confirm consent.”

The victim suffered emotional and psychological trauma following the unlawful encounter.

“She had difficulty grasping the impact until she was 25 years of age and she sought counselling,” stated Martin. “She felt shame, grief, depression, anxiety and embarrassment. Over the years, in angry moments, she even called Mr. Simailak or his wife to confront them. Over a long time, she gained the wherewithal to report it to the RCMP and take ‘the hardest trip’ back to Baker Lake for the trial, almost 50 years after she left. She no longer feels the assault defines her future.”

Martin said this case involves a crime that no sentence can heal.

David Simailak, former mayor of Baker Lake and territorial government minister, was sentenced last month for a sexual assault that happened in 1973 when he was 21 and the victim was 14. NNSL file photo

With respiratory illnesses rising, health officials plead for small holiday gatherings

Covid-19, RSV and influenza cases growing in number

By

Wright Northern News Services

Nunavut health authorities are asking people to take precautions during the holidays due to multiple viruses spreading.

Influenza, Covid-19 and RSV are all on the rise and are expected to continue to rise as people travel.

“The pandemic has resulted in a shortage of healthcare staff, which is making access to care more difficult. That shortage affects Nunavut twice as much as the rest of the country,” said Nunavut Health Minister John Main on Thursday.

Main said holiday gatherings are likely to cause a surge in respiratory illnesses. This message was repeated by Nunavut’s new chief public health officer, Dr. Sean Wachtel.

“I want to remind people to celebrate safely. There are no public health restrictions but there is still a need to be cautious. I recommend social gatherings be kept small,” said Wachtel.

As of Dec. 12, there have been 86 hospitalizations in Nunavut due to RSV and 493 overall infections. Covid-19 and flu cases are also climbing, said Wachtel.

“As we’ve opened up, we have indeed seen more infections. (In) 2020, when there were restrictions, there were around 269 cases and we had four hospitalizations. In 2021 there were 598 infections, we had nine hospitalizations. As of the 12th of December this year, we’ve had 3,155 infections that we know about and 84 hospitalizations.

“Covid is still out there,” he warned.

In 2021 there were 13 flu infections in total. By Dec. 12 of this year there were 634 cases of influenza diagnosed among Nunavummiut.

“Again, a surge of infections after the easing of pandemic restrictions,” said Wachtel.

Vaccination, testing, wearing a mask when appropriate and staying home while sick were all recommended to help reduce the strain on Nunavut’s healthcare system.

The increase in hospitalizations has also put pressure on southern hospitals where Nunavummiut are sent, most notably Ottawa, said Francois de Wet, the territorial chief of staff for Nunavut’s Department of Health.

“We’ve had a large uptick in the numbers of medevacs we’ve had in the last couple of months,” said de Wet. “As long as we have accepting providers and accepting facilities in the south, we are able to get those patients out. The big problem is going to places that are regularly fertile spots, which are

Nunavut Health Minister John Main is urging Nunavummiut to take precautions when feeling sick and to hold small gatherings over the upcoming holidays. Screen capture

Trevor

Winnipeg, Ottawa and Edmonton. We’ve had cases where we’ve sent patients to Kingston or other places in Ontario.” Main urged Nunavummiut to keep their gatherings small despite the holiday occasion.

“It is still possible to take some precaution even as you

celebrate,” he said, citing the example of using rapid Covid19 tests when sick and keeping physically isolated when sick.

“Everyone can help reduce the amount of sickness and keep our communities safe and reduce the strain on the health centres,” said Main.

Christmas shopping sorted

Doors opened at 1 p.m. and were set to close at 4, but the big rush of holiday shoppers meant you had to get in early to get what you wanted at the annual Christmas craft fair hosted by the Ikurraq Food Bank Saturday, Dec. 10.

The community hall in Rankin Inlet was packed as customers browsed jewelry, fashion, baked goods and more.

The food bank raised $925 through table rentals. Coordinator Sally Cormier-Ittinuar announced that EPLS/Home Hardware matched that fundraising, bringing the total raised to $1,850.

Alide Sanguin chats with a shopper. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Shawna Dias fills a bag for a happy customer. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Amy Kaludjak gives a look while holding an item for sale. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Veronica Arnatsiak smiles during the Christmas craft fair. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Rankin Inlet

Krizia Estranero smiles while browsing the tables. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Robert Greenley elected Kitikmeot Inuit president

Robert Greenley was elected president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association with 323 votes on Dec. 12.

David Akoak was the next closest contestant, at 174 votes.

Greenley was chairperson of the Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization for eight years, where he was known for initiatives such as creating a new office building for the organization and programs of social protection and shoreline erosion monitoring.

For the position of vice-president of social and cultural development, Raymond Quqshuun garnered 456 votes, in comparison to 337 votes for Bob Aknavigak.

Two communities elected new KIA board members. In Kugluktuk, Randy Hinanik was successful with 72 votes.

In Kugaaruk, Tars Angutingunirk is the new board member with 44 votes.

$10,000 donation

Iqaluit’s Piviniit Society and Thrift Store donated $10,000 to the Rotary Club of Iqaluit on Sunday, Dec. 11.

This money will go toward the Rotary Club’s annual Community Christmas Food Hamper Drive. That initiative aims to help distribute Christmas food hampers to people in need throughout the territorial capital.

“We are proud to support the Rotary Club’s Christmas hamper initiative,” Piviniit wrote on its social media. “It is with your support that we are able to give back to the community. Qujanamiik!”

Kivalliq Wildlife Board secures additional funding

Additional funding of $870,340 over three years for the next phase of the Kivalliq Wildlife Board’s community-based monitoring program has been approved, Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, who’s also the minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced last week.

The development of research projects that are run by Inuit is a big step in monitoring the effects of climate change in ways that Inuit see and feel it, said Stanley Adjuk, chair of the Kivalliq Wildlife

Board (KWB), in a news release.

“The Kivalliq Wildlife Board is proud to lead projects that will monitor these effects so that our observations can be integrated into our plans in the future.”

The initiative is in partnership with ArctiConnexion and others to address linkages between climate, marine and terrestrial country food species and areas of concern identified by Kangiqliniq community members.

“The vitality of Northern and Arctic communities, as well as the Inuit way of life, is in jeopardy because of climate change and its devastating impacts on precious ecosystems,” stated Vandal. “In working to mitigate the effects of climate change, Canada is supporting traditional knowledge-holders and researchers so they can come together to identify the changes in country food species and explore solutions to adapt to our evolving climate.”

In phase two of the KWB project, the board will use Elders’ and hunters’ knowledge and scientific approaches to study climate change impacts on food chains, from microscopic marine organisms to changes in availability, quality and diet of country foods, such as Arctic char, ringed seal, bearded seal, beluga whales and polar bear. With this knowledge, the KWB aims to develop a plan to mitigate climate impacts on country food access.

The knowledge of residents in Kangiqliniq and Tikiraqjuaq (Whale Cove) of the local ecosystems will be key to guiding this work and identifying solutions to address the challenges, stated the news release.

In phase one of the project, Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) contributed $459,615 through the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program, and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $199,813 from 2019–2022 to support research to analyze connections between climate change, vegetation, caribou, water conditions and the marine food chain.

In phase two, CIRNAC will contribute an additional $465,520, while ISC will provide $404,820 from 2022–2025 to create an ecosystem-based vision of country foods to develop adaptation measures.

Did we get it wrong?

Nunavut News 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 Nunavut News/North, call (867) 979-5990 and ask to speak to an editor, or email editorial@nnsl.com. We'll get a correction or clarification in as soon as we can.

Canadian premiers call for first ministers meeting on healthcare in new year

Akeeagok acknowledges territory’s dependence on other healthcare systems and the need for a unified approach

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Winnipeg, Manitoba

On Dec. 9, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok joined 11 other provincial and territorial premiers in calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a first minister’s meeting on health in early 2023.

The news conference was led by Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson from Winnipeg, who spoke on the need for the federal government to go back to the 50/50 arrangement

for healthcare funding it once had with the provinces and territories.

“The federal share of healthcare expenses is now down to just 22 per cent,” she said.

Stefanson highlighted the distinct needs and circumstances in each jurisdiction and the necessity of “adequate, stable and predictable funding” through the Canada Health Transfer.

“All premiers are ready, willing and able to sit down as soon as possible,” she added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and his colleagues will be ready to meet Trudeau

by January.

The premiers who spoke all expressed the need for the federal government to better support the healthcare system.

“In every single province and territory, the healthcare system is facing very significant issues,” said Quebec’s Francois Legault. “It is important the provinces and territories be united and that we speak in one, single, united voice to defend the autonomy that we have a right to.”

Akeeagok alluded to the remoteness of Nunavut and the essential cooperation from

jurisdictions to the south.

“The reliance we have on our southern partners is enormous, and we’re so thankful for the incredible partnership we do have (with) the premiers,” he said. “Every Nunavummiut still requires specialized services that, unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to do right here in Nunavut.”

He expressed the need for unity among the provincial and territorial leaders.

“The significance and importance is for us is to support the unified voices that we see right across the premiers here.”

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok joined a meeting of 11 premiers on Dec. 9, during which the premiers called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a first minister’s meeting regarding healthcare in the new year. YouTube screen capture

The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. held a community feast at the recreation hall Thursday, Dec. 1. A long line formed for the hot food being served, while others gathered around for a bevy of traditional food in the centre of the room.

Agnico Eagle also used the event to award its 2022 charity ball grant funding. A total of $40,000 was donated to several groups who applied. They include the following: $10,000 for the RCMP Christmas hamper program; $10,000 to the Rankin Inlet Toy Drive; $5,000 to the Kangiqliniq spay/neuter clinic; $5,000 to the Rankin Inlet Youth Basketball Society; $5,000 to Rankin Inlet youth baseball; and $5,000 to Rankin Inlet Rock tournaments.

Lucien Taleriktok dives into the country food available. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Marianne Kabluitok takes a plate full during the feast.

Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Mary Kapuk enjoys some traditional food. Stewart Burnett/ NNSL photo

Country food fills the centre of the community hall. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Researchers recover 275 artifacts from HMS Erebus wreck in 2022

Fifty-six dives over 11 days at site of sunken Franklin expedition ship in September

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven

Parks Canada was able to return this year to the wrecks of the HMS Erebus and Terror, the two ships used in the lost 1845 British voyage led by John Franklin.

The vessels were found west of Gjoa Haven in 2014.

Work surrounding the two wrecked ships was delayed due to Covid-19-related public health measures beginning in early 2020, but now operations are back in full swing.

The main focus for this year’s archeological operations was at the site of the HMS Erebus. Together with the Nattilik Society’s Inuit Guardians, Parks Canada established an ice camp over Erebus in April and May. An underwater drone was used to check on the ship’s physical condition and to collect new images.

Work resumed a few months later in September, based out of the research vessel David Thompson and the barge Qiniqtirjuaq. Fifty-six dives over 11 days allowed for excavation of the second and third lieutenant’s cabin as well as a completed excavation of the captain steward’s pantry. A total of

275 artifacts were recovered, which are now jointly owned by the Inuit Heritage Trust and the federal government.

“Inuit oral history led to the discovery of the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and its legacy is being respected through the co-owned artifacts that help tell the story of the 1845 Franklin Expedition,” said Fred Pedersen, chair of the Franklin Interim Advisory Committee.

The committee was established in 2016, comprising members of Parks Canada, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Inuit Heritage Trust and the Government of Nunavut.

“Inuit continue to be part of the story through collaboration and cooperation, much like the support the Guardian’s program provides, ensuring the protection and presentation of the national historic site,” Pedersen added.

Fieldwork in 2022 confirmed that physical changes on the site continue to take place, likely due to waves generated by high winds and possibly climate change.

“Located in one of the planet’s most unique and sensitive marine environments, the wrecks of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror are some of the best-preserved wooden wrecks in the world,” said Steven Guilbeault, federal minister of environment and minister of Parks Canada.

The Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle sits in the diving hole created at the HMS Erebus site in April 2022. Aimie Neron/Parks Canada

An underwater archeologist with Parks Canada examines a belaying pin on the upper deck of the HMS Erebus in September 2022. Marc-Andre Bernier/Parks Canada

What to know about higher fuel prices in Nunavut

Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel rose 20 cents per litre this month. Why, and where does the money go?

The Government of Nunavut raised retail fuel prices by 20 cents per litre, plus applicable taxes, on Dec. 4.

This affects gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. It puts premium gasoline at $1.40 per litre and diesel at $1.50 per litre.

“These increases reflect rising costs on world crude oil markets. Nunavut remains one of the lowest cost jurisdictions in Canada for fuel products,” the GN stated in a news release. Retail prices for fuel are typically set in the fall, after the substantial cost of resupply is known, according to information provided by Hala Duale, a communications specialist with the Department of Community and Government Services (CGS).

“Resupply cost and other factors are used to determine the potential change in price. PPD (the Petroleum Products Division) must submit a price change request to the Financial Management Board (FMB). FMB has the decision-making power to approve and deny changes to fuel price based on reasonable financial control.”

Factors contributing to rising fuel prices include global market conditions (global events impact supply and demand), cost of refining crude oil into different products, inflation, Nunavut-specific fuel outages and emergency resupply, value of the petroleum products revolving and stabilization funds… PPD is required to operate on a break-even basis with its expenses being recovered through sales revenues, operating costs, including maintenance, operations and contract services and costs of products acquisition and distribution.”

In previous years, Nunavut only had one fuel price change annually but this year was different.

“The first increase (April 2022) was a result of a federally-imposed carbon tax. The second increase (December 2022) is set by the Government of Nunavut to be based on recovering the cost of purchasing and resupply of fuel for the upcoming year,” the GN stated.

As for how profits from fuel sales are distributed, CGS stated, “Revenues from the sale of petroleum products in Nunavut are remitted to the Petroleum Products Division to offset the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and distributing the fuel in Nunavut. The Petroleum Products Division operates on a cost recovery model.”

Iqaluit will not be affected by the latest increase in fuel prices as the city’s sale of gasoline and diesel is based on a private business model. Iqaluit gasoline prices benefit from CGS’ bulk purchases but the fuel itself is ultimately owned by UQSUQ Corporation.

The current UQSUQ agreement is a 10-year lease that commenced on Dec. 1, 2021, and expires on Nov. 30, 2031, with an option to renew for an additional five years.

As for the rest of Nunavut, the GN explained that PPD attempts to employ the best strategy to obtain the cheapest fuel prices.

“To ensure Nunavummiut receive the lowest possible prices, PPD uses an early purchase strategy. This strategy has allowed PPD to maintain some of the lowest fuel prices in Canada.”

Retail fuel prices increased 20 cents per litre across Nunavut on Dec. 4. The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes

Nunavut Fuel prices remain the lowest in Canada, even after a hike of 20 cents per litre. Image courtesy of the Government of Nunavut

Felix Charron-Leclerc

Local Journalism Initiative