Nunavut News - Jan. 23, 2023

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

The sky is lit by the sun and the moon to create dramatic landcapes across Nunavut. These are some of the captivating images that our readers have sent recently.

Airuluk Nutaralak sent us this image from Qikitarjuaq.

Ester Qablu Issaluk sent us this story from Rankin Inlet. This was taken at Diana River during spring, they had to drive all the way around to get to that spot. A hunter name Poasi Alurut was their guide. There was a lot of people fishing that day and they were catching lots of fish. They had to rush back to land because of high tide.

Irene Laura Kakkianiun sent us this picture from Kugaaruk. Some people believe and go for a walk here to clear their mind and to go sliding on the high hills.

Jordyn Allen sent this image from Iqaluit of a colourful sunset.

Mario Kuniliusee submitted this picture from Clyde River. The sun almost came out on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.

Becky Sanertanut sent us this photo from Kugaaruk: when Becky was in school.

Andrew Panigayak sent us this photo of a muskox standing watch atop a rock in Taloyoak on Jan. 3.

Team Nunavut ready to fly

Contingent of 274 athletes, coaches, mission staff and cultural performers ready to go for 2023 Arctic Winter Games

By James McCarthy Northern News Services

Less than a week to go until the start of the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alta., and the excitement is obvious among Team Nunavut.

And the woman in charge of making sure everything goes according to plan is busy putting the finishing touches on everything she can.

Mariele Depeuter is Team Nunavut’s chef de mission this year and Nunavut News got the chance to speak with her on Jan. 16 as she was doing what chef de missions do: dotting I’s, crossing T’s and finalizing details.

“There’s definitely a lot of excitement and it’s going to be exciting to see everyone get to experience the atmosphere of the Games,” she said.

Team Nunavut will be made up of 274 athletes, coaches, mission staff and cultural performers. The cultural crew this time around is the Inuksuk Drum Dancers out of Iqaluit. The group will perform traditional Inuit music, including throat singing and drum dancing, and contemporary Inuit songs from across Nunavut.

The Youth Ambassadors Program will also be out in full force with 12 folks from around the territory on the ground helping to volunteer at various events and promote Nunavut. The athletes will be competing in Arctic

sports, badminton, basketball, curling, Dene games, futsal, hockey, speedskating, table tennis, volleyball and wrestling. The curlers and hockey teams will be in action on the opening day, Jan. 29.

Leading up to the rosters being finalized, Depeuter said she was a bit concerned at how things would go, considering there hasn’t been anything AWG-related since 2020, the year the Games were cancelled because of the pandemic.

“I did have a bit of fear — I didn’t know what the teams would end up looking like,” she said. “There was a lot of strong competition during tryouts and territorial trials. I know the basketball team was picked before Christmas and they look really strong.”

As for ulu predictions, Depeuter said it’s hard to say how the athletes will do, but everyone will be there with a shot.

“I know the teams have been working hard to stay motivated and I know they’ll all be competing hard,” she said.

The flight schedules have been staggered depending on where team members reside. Athletes in the Baffin and Kivalliq regions will be leaving for Wood Buffalo on Jan. 28 with two charter jets leaving Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet and flying direct. Those coming from the Kitikmeot region will be flying into Yellowknife to meet up with their charter and head down to Wood Buffalo.

This is what Team Nunavut will be walking out wearing when the 2023 Arctic Winter Games opening ceremony kicks off in Wood Buffalo, Alta., on Jan. 29. Modelling the threads are, from left, Pearl Uluqsi, Maiya Nadrowski, River McCluskey and Jerrid Netser. The uniform was officially unveiled at the legislative assembly on Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of Team Nunavut

Presenting Team Nunavut for the 2023 Arctic Winter Games

By James McCarthy Northern News Services

Here is Team Nunavut’s official roster for the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alta., as supplied by the Sport and Recreation Division:

Arctic sports

Marty Anaittuq, Kugaaruk

Rhett Anaittuq, Kugaaruk Akpalialuk Duval, Ottawa Simon Colin Jr. Inuksaq, Kugaaruk

Qajaaq Ittinuar, Chesterfield Inlet

David Krikort, Kugaaruk

Rebecca Penney, Massey Drive, N.L.

Aiden-Kuutirq Qaunaq, Arctic Bay

Donovan Qaunaq, Arctic Bay

James Qajaaqjuaq Tautu, Chesterfield Inlet

Nathan Tavalok, Gjoa Haven

Badminton

Amber Aglukark, Iqaluit

Jack Allakariallak, Iqaluit Saumik Darehshoripour, Iqaluit

Tina Kudluarlik, Qikiqtarjuaq

Davidee Kudluarok, Sanikiluaq

Rodney Nakoolak, Coral Harbour

Marthajoy Qaqqasiq, Pangnirtung

Iris Sowdluapik, Pangnirtung

Kenneth Takatak, Sanikiluaq

Zan Tao, Iqaluit Basketball

Mathieu Baillargeon, Iqaluit Donald Baker-Spence, Arviat

Seth Burke, Iqaluit

Tafara Chakonza, Iqaluit

Tashinga Chakonza, Iqaluit

Jaime Copland, Arviat

Cassidy Devereaux, Iqaluit

Ashley Donkoh, Arviat

Willam Donkoh, Arviat

Leetia Eegeesiak, Iqaluit Gavin Greenley, Cambridge Bay

Haley Hachey, Baker Lake

Willow Harvey, Cambridge Bay

Rayna Joedee, Baker Lake

Eliyah Kilabuk, Iqaluit

Niego Killulark, Baker Lake

Lex Klengenberg, Cambridge Bay

Jaiden Maksagak, Cambridge Bay

Jacob Nungaq, Iqaluit

Aislyn Omilgoetok, Cambridge Bay

Nathan Rhodes, Iqaluit

Laura Tagoona, Baker Lake

Deanna Taylor, Cambridge Bay

Olivia Ullyot, Baker Lake

Cultural participants —Inuksuk Drum Dancers, Iqaluit

Ella Estey

Kristy Kanayuk

Aura Kwon

Taiga Las Mia Maurice Mackenzie O’Dell

Mary Piercey-Lewis

Curling (all from Iqaluit)

Joseph Ashoona

Arianna Mae Atienza

Angela Dale Naja Ejesiak

David Hoyt

Carter Kennedy

Sophia MacDonald

Aubrey Sheppard

Noah Smith

Peter Van Strien

Dene games (all from Arctic Bay)

Loriann Akikulu

Katelyn Akittirq

Gloria Arnauyumayuq

Joy Attagutaluk

Lorna Kalluk

Roxanne Kigutaq

Thomas Levi

Adam Muckpaloo

Levi Natanine

Radley Oyukuluk

Noah Qaunaq

Cheryl Tilley

Collin Tilley

Elaine Tunraq

Horizon Willie Lionel Willie

Lloyd Willie Logan Willie Futsal

Jazmine Akeeagok, Iqaluit

Aaron Akulukjuk, Pangnirtung

Harriet Amitnaaq, Baker Lake

Peter Arreak, Iqaluit

Nikita Burke, Iqaluit

Nolan Demerah, Kugluktuk

Amautilikkaaq Ford, Rankin Inlet

Dylan Fredlund, Rankin Inlet

Lillian Fredlund, Rankin Inlet

Kimberly Gissing, Iqaluit

Myles Henderson, Iqaluit

Joanisi Immingark, Kugaaruk

Todd Janes, Iqaluit

Makayla Kaludjak, Rankin Inlet

Shea Karetak, Rankin Inlet

Jayna Kingunkotok, Baker Lake

Annie Kootoo, Iqaluit

Ashton Kudluk, Iqaluit

Shawna Kyak, Iqaluit

River McCluskey, Iqaluit

Tara Merkosak, Iqaluit

Joselyn Morrison, Iqaluit

Billy John Jr. Nalungiaq, Kugaaruk

Brandon Nartok, Kugaaruk

Anita Nauyuk, Iqaluit

Garret Nilaulak, Rankin Inlet

Robbie Nowdlak, Iqaluit

Colby O’Donnell, Iqaluit

Joshua Olson, Leduc, Alta.

Ainsley Pitseolak, Iqaluit

Skylar Pudlat, Rankin Inlet

Wasi Abdur Rahman, Iqaluit

Benjamin Reardon, Iqaluit

Olivia Smook, Iqaluit

Arthur Stevenson, Iqaluit

Jeffrey Taparti, Coral Harbour

Serenity Tatty, Rankin Inlet

Terra Twerdin, Iqaluit

Pearl Uluqsi, Iqaluit

Ryan Uquqtuq, Baker Lake

Rhonda Uttak, Iglulik

Geena Veevee-Kootoo, Iqaluit

Kimberly Walton, Baker Lake

Ngankam Yombang, Iqaluit

Hockey Madison Ahle, Iqaluit

Maximus Ammaq, Rankin Inlet

Talia Armstrong, Iqaluit

Eliana Briffett, Iqaluit

David Clark, Rankin Inlet

Cassiar Cousins, Iqaluit

Nate Dialla, Pangnirtung

Kadin Eetuk, Rankin Inlet

Connor Ejetsiak, Iqaluit

Micah Emiktowt, Coral Harbour

Koby Gibbons-Connelly, Rankin Inlet

Chase Harron, Coral Harbour

Isaiah Harron, Coral Harbour

Darren Jr. Ikakhik, Rankin Inlet

Kylie Ipeelie-Dunphy, Iqaluit

Justin Issakiark, Rankin Inlet

David Joy, Iqaluit

Luke Joy, Iqaluit

Maxwell Joy, Iqaluit

Cayla Kablutsiak, Arviat Ryley Komakjuak, Arviat Regan Jr. Kopak, Naujaat Michael Kownirk Donovan, Iqaluit

Erin Kubluitok, Rankin Inlet

Blake Kusugak, Rankin Inlet

Graham Kusugak, Rankin Inlet

Piunnguallaq Kusugak, Rankin Inlet

Jordyn Machmer, Pangnirtung

Russell Matoo, Coral Harbour

Terrance McLean, Baker Lake

Maiya Nadrowski, Iqaluit Jeanine Nakashuk, Pangnirtung

Nolan Nakoolak, Coral Harbour

Joseph Netser, Iqaluit

Allie Ningeocheak, Coral Harbour

Chloe Norris, Iqaluit

Steven Nowdlak Iqaluit

William O’Dell, Iqaluit

Jimmy Ollie, Arviat Hailey Pameolik, Rankin Inlet

Richard Pameolik, Coral Harbour

Prime Paniyuk, Coral Harbour

Lauren Perrin, Iqaluit

Terence Pilakapsi, Rankin Inlet

Joshua Pollock, Iqaluit Ray Jr. Pudlat, Rankin Inlet

Jesse Qiyuk, Whale Cove

Kylan Saviakjuk, Rankin Inlet

Jamie Savikataaq, Iqaluit

Charlotte Siksik, Rankin Inlet

Mika Simic, Iqaluit

Tucker St. John, Arviat

Kobe Tanuyak, Rankin Inlet

Liam Tattuinee, Rankin Inlet

Sandy Tattuinee, Coral Harbour

Nathan Thompson, Iqaluit

Maiya Twerdin, Iqaluit

Keenan Uluqsi, Iqaluit

Garren Voisey, Whale Cove

Gregory Wiseman, Rankin Inlet

Mission staff

Theresa Adamache, Kugluktuk

Zachary Cziranka-Crooks, Cambridge Bay

Mariele dePeuter, Baker Lake

Megan Hachey, Baker Lake Graham Hastie, Iqaluit Wanda Joy, Iqaluit

Jonathon Lee, Iqaluit

Sonja Lonsdale, Iqaluit

Barrett Mason, Pangnirtung

Michel Rheault, Iqaluit

Pascual Rubio, Iqaluit

Jeff Seeteenak, Baker Lake

Hannah Siksik, Rankin Inlet

Neco Towtongie, Rankin Inlet

Speedskating

Arielle Allain, Iqaluit

Meliya Allain, Iqaluit

Miles Brewster, Iqaluit

Katya Brown, Iqaluit

Micah Dewar, Iqaluit

Martine Dupont, Iqaluit

Justin Hooey, Iqaluit

Jonah Laird, Iqaluit

Taryn Lavallee, Iqaluit

Loulah Omar, Iqaluit

Gregor Paterson, Iqaluit

Arthur Pothier, Iqaluit

Victor Pothier, Iqaluit

William Pothier, Iqaluit

Hayley Roberts, Iqaluit

Kyle St. Laurent, Iqaluit

Igimaq Williamson Bathory, Iqaluit

Juniper Williamson Bathory, Iqaluit

Table tennis

Kai Adamache, Kugluktuk

Ava Ahegona, Kugluktuk

Alice Anablak, Kugluktuk

Caleb Bolt, Kugluktuk

Bence Csaba, Iqaluit

Layla Demerah, Kugluktuk

Jim Kamingoak, Kugluktuk Brittany Rosborough, Iqaluit

Nicolas Shappa, Pond Inlet Bonita Tigullaraq, Clyde River

Volleyball

Alaasua Akavak, Iqaluit Benjamin Alivaktuk, Pangnirtung

Owen Anawak, Iqaluit

Mia Autut, Rankin Inlet

Philip Bourassa, Iqaluit Brady Fischer, Pond Inlet

Angela Idlout, Iqaluit Kyana Idlout, Iqaluit

Cynthia Joanasie, Iqaluit Tad Kilukishak, Pond Inlet

Evan Kyak, Pond Inlet

Ian McDonald, Rankin Inlet

Jerrid Netser, Iqaluit

Bev Netusil, Iqaluit

Samueal Immosie Nookiguak, Pangnirtung

Trinity Rudolph-Quqshuun, Gjoa Haven

Clifford Saittuq, Taloyoak

Kris Sarte, Iqaluit

Joshua Shappa, Pond Inlet

Heather Takkiruq, Gjoa Haven

Justin Tungilik, Taloyoak

Ava Whitworth, Iqaluit

Leila Whitman, Iqaluit

Wrestling

Isaiah Angutimarik, Iglulik

Chris Crooks, Cambridge Bay

Jusipi Dimitruk, Kelowna, B.C.

Kiana Ekpakohak, Cambridge Bay

Kristen McCallum, Cambridge Bay

Loryn Muswagon, Cambridge Bay

Kiana Sanford, Cambridge Bay

Youth ambassadors Sienna Aitaok, Cambridge Bay

Manu Ashoona, Kinngait

Glen Brocklebank, Chesterfield Inlet

Henry de Guzman, Iqaluit Mark Eetuk, Coral Harbour

Kevin Kimmaliardjuk, Chesterfield Inlet

Gavin Kreelak, Chesterfield Inlet

Samantha Lake, Arviat Mitchell Macdonald, Kinngait

Andy Sagiaktuk, Kinngait Katsua Saila, Kinngait

Sheila Schaubroeck, Arviat Cady Shimout, Coral Harbour

Rachel Tagoona-Tapatai, Baker Lake

Stephanie Wandou, Iqaluit

Rex Willie of Arctic Bay shows off his colours during the athletes march at the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Arctic Winter Games in Hay River, NWT. NNSL file photo

Give it everything you have

Arctic Winter Games will be the biggest competition many Nunavut athletes ever experience

Hey, gang. Are you excited yet? You should be. This is the big one. You can talk up the Canada Winter/Summer Games all you want, but when it comes to this part of the big blue ball, the Arctic Winter Games is where it’s at. It’s our Olympics, after all, and it’s where we go to shine. For a lot of athletes, this will be the pinnacle of their athletic career and that’s perfectly fine. It’s international competition and not everyone can say they took on athletes from the likes of Alaska, Greenland and Sapmi. Those of you competing have gone through the rigours of territorial trials, hoping to impress your coaches. If you were successful, congratulations. You earned it and don’t you forget it. Wearing your territorial colours is a big deal. It means you’re the best at what you’ve been chosen to do and you now have the responsibility of representing your territory. You’ll be expected to go out there and compete hard to bring home an ulu.

What makes this Arctic Winter Games special is that we haven’t had it for a while. The most recent Games was held in 2018 when Hay River and Fort Smith jointly hosted and they did a bang-up job. I even said so when I got home from Hay River. Remember when we were all geared up to to Whitehorse in 2020? Exactly. Remember that sound coming all the way from Whitehorse? Yeah, that giant balloon being deflated when we were told Covid-19 killed the Games. That one.

We’ve gotten over that and, well, I can’t say what I really want to say. I’d be hauled in front of every disciplinary board going today. Let’s just say it’s time to play.

And play they will — a total of 347 from the NWT and 274 from Nunavut will be on the ground once things get underway. They’ll be in the air on Jan. 28 and arriving at scattered times. That’s how they do it — organized chaos and herding cats is the name of the game.

Of course, some athletes won’t be there and I’m speaking, of

SPORTS Talk

James McCarthy is the managing editor and sometimes sports editor at NNSL Media. Reach him at james. mccarthy@nnsl.com

course, of the Yamal delegation from Russia. You can think whatever you want about the Russian incursion on Ukranian territory, but I know the Yamal athletes really wanted to come. It isn’t their fault and they’re paying the price for what’s going on. I had a brief e-mail chat with their chef de mission and she sounded torn up in her response.

I know there are those who still think the Arctic Winter Games is all about participation and making new friends and trading pins and then coming home safely. I like to call these folks ‘The Participation Brigade.’ Not everyone likes it when I say that, but they seem to forget that this is a competition. The top three in each and every sport receive an ulu in recognition of their topthree finish. If you’re fourth, that really sucks and I’m sorry you missed the podium.

Talk to the athletes. Ask them what they want to do. I’m willing to wager that they’re there to win. Making a new friend along the way is nice, but that’s a bonus. These athletes have too much pride and let me tell you, when they lose a gold ulu game, the last thing on their mind is participation. Let’s use the 2018 midget boys hockey gold ulu game as an example: the NWT won 2-1 over Nunavut in a fantastic contest. Jubilation for the NWT, yes, but for the boys from Nunavut? They looked as if they’d just been told their favourite dog had run away. They really didn’t feel like participating in anything at that point.

Aside from all of that, here’s my message: go out there and give it all you have. Don’t let up. Don’t stop until the final buzzer/ whistle/goal/point. You’re there for a reason. Some of you will be doing it for the first time, some of you will be doing it for the last time. No matter what time it is, make it count. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Lap up everything you can. Play hard. Fairly, but hard (no one likes a rulebreaker).

And just think: you, too, could go on to something bigger. Just ask athletes like Carlos Boozer, who played basketball for Alaska at the 1996 AWG. He ended up playing several seasons in the NBA. And there’s Michael Gilday, who made speedskating his own personal playground between 2000 and 2004, winning 15 gold ulus, before moving on to become a member of the national men’s short-track team and competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. How about Kevin Koe? He was a silver uluit at the 1994 AWG in curling for the NWT before moving to Alberta. He’s only gone and won four Briers (Canadian men’s curling championship), two World Men’s Curling Championships and skipped Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

I won’t be there this time, but the extremely talented Stewart Burnett, editor of Kivalliq News in Rankin Inlet, will be on the ground. If you see him, tell him all about what you’ve done. Smile when he takes your non-action photo. And if it’s an action shot, Stewart will make sure you look good doing it. Believe me, I’ve seen his handiwork.

It’s six days and counting and you’ve earned it. The very best of luck to you all.

Wesley Innukshuk is an Arctic sports coach in Nunavut. Athletes who have learned from him and others will be competing in the Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alta., starting next week. NNSL file photo

By

McCarthy Northern News Services

QEC victim of cyberattack; customers asked to take precautions

Government of Nunavut, RCMP looking into incident

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Iqaluit

Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) had its network breached by a cyberattack on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Out of caution, QEC is asking customers to take steps toward the protection of personal information and monitor bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity.

“Our government is actively assisting (QEC) in its response to this weekend’s illegal cyberattack,” said Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok in a news release on Jan. 19. “Cabinet and our regular members are being kept informed of the situation and are confident in the course of action being taken by the corporation and our public service.”

Nunavut’s information technology teams are working with outside security experts to

look into the cause of the attack.

“As soon as we learned there was a possible issue, we activated our crisis response plan,” said Rick Hunt, president and CEO of QEC.

Computer systems at QEC’s administrative and customer care offices will remain unavailable for the time being as the investigation into the cyberattack continues. The RCMP is assisting in the investigation.

Currently, credit card payments cannot be accepted in-person or through phone banking. Customers can continue to pay their bills through Co-op or Northern Stores in the 25 communities, or customer care offices in Iqaluit or Baker Lake. Bank transfer via phone or internet is also available. Further details will be provided when available, according to QEC.

The Government of Nunavut was temporarily paralyzed by a ransomware attack in November 2019. The complications from that incident lingered for several months.

Qulliq Energy Corporation was the subject of a cyberattack on Jan. 15. Photo courtesy of Qulliq Energy Corporation

Arctic Winter

Seth Ningeongan of Rankin Inlet tries to position himself in front of the floating puck during midget boys hockey playoff action against Yukon. NNSL file photo

Daryle Iqaluq of Sanikiluaq had the honour of carrying Nunavut’s flag into the opening ceremonies at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games, which were split between Hay River and Fort Smith. NNSL file photo

Horizon Willie of Arctic Bay gets set to let loose with the

Cambridge Bay’s Eekeeluak Avalak has his arm raised by the referee after beating his opponent, Jacob Bailey of the NWT, in team wrestling action. NNSL file photo

Melicia Elizaga of Iqaluit has the broom at the ready during girls curling action. NNSL file photo

James

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’She did it with love’; remembering Millie Kuliktana

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Teacher, inspirational leader and hard-working volunteer from Kugluktuk passes away

more so, we were so blessed to have the whole community standing behind her and rooting for her always.

After the passing of Millie Kuliktana on Friday, Jan. 13, members of her family are helping to paint a picture of her life as an uplifting leader in Kugluktuk, but also for the rest of Nunavut. Wynter Kuliktana Blais, Millie’s daughter, shared how during her lifetime, her mother inspired the community to better itself.

Q: Where was your mother born?

A: My mother was born in Coppermine (NWT). Coppermine is now Kugluktuk, after they changed the territory to Nunavut, they changed the name. She was raised there and in Ulukhaktok (NWT). Our family has lived in multiple communities as well.

Q: How do you remember your mother growing up? What was she like during your childhood?

A: How much drive she had. She had so much passion for all the work that she did. Rather, it’s her career in education, language revitalization, her work towards a healthier community, and through all of that being the most incredible, loving mom at the same time. She really had this gift about her to be able to do it all, anything she set her mind to.

Q: What are some values that she has taught you and your siblings?

A: I think for us it’s the love of our community, and the love of our family first and foremost. We have a lot of family friends, being raised by a mom like her. It has been instilled within us since we were as young as I can remember I was volunteering alongside her as a little girl, and right up to my teenage years. And as I moved into adulthood, it was so important for her that we be active members of our community. She taught us a lot about having faith and hope and being guided by love throughout all these years. When she was first diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2010, at the time we were told she only had three months to live and we knew it wasn’t her time and that she would fight through it. We have always told her since the very beginning of the diagnosis that she would never have to face the sickness alone and that her family would always be alongside her through the entire journey. Even

Q: What would your mother want for Nunavut in the future?

A: I think she would want people living their best lives. I think she was such a huge advocate of making sure we gave our all and there was always room for us to improve and be better and be part of a healthier community. Not

I think she would also like to see our people strive with our culture and embrace our language. To continue practising those activities that are part of who we are as Inuit. Our family did that, she made sure all of us children — even as far as her grandchildren — she has always made sure our kids were part of the culture. It’s simply part of our lives and it is very well instilled in us and our children through our mom.

Q: What would your mother be doing on a typical day like today?

A: I think today we would be celebrating Christmas, she would be in her kitchen baking with the grandkids, she would have food on the table, and people coming in and out. That is the thing about my mom: her doors were never locked. They were always open as young as I can remember, her doors were always open to anybody. She always had food on her table and she was always available for conversation and counsel and love. She was really just a place to go for love. She loved her grandchildren without a doubt.

just for our community but for communities all across the North. It was so important to her that people were living healthy lives with healthy minds and making healthy decisions for themselves because, ultimately, when you lead with love, especially for yourself first, you can be part of the larger healthy community, living and building.

Millie’s last moments were spent with family: “My mom was so fierce, and rarely showed fear. She was a fighter. She has proven to us multiple times that miracles do happen, and throughout the years of her illness, even through a lung transplant. Through all of these experiences that we’ve had, our family had always said: this ain’t our first rodeo. We didn’t realize this would be her last. She showed bravery right through to the end. I would like readers to know that she was not in any pain as she passed. Her soul left this world so courageously. Myself, my two brothers and my sister were along the bedside with our mom and we chose to honour her passing by giving her that space — we made sure it was a very peaceful environment. We chose not to cry for the first five minutes following her passing to allow for her to leave in honour and peace. It was a very beautiful experience for my siblings and I to be able to do that for her. I’m so proud of my siblings for their strength. I think my mom has shown us an incredible amount of strength over the last many years and it was the only way for us to send her off.”

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Millie Kuliktana smiles while in the presence of her husband Simon. After a long illness, Millie passed away on Jan. 13. Photo courtesy of Wynter Kuliktana Blais

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Millie and her grandchildren: Nolan, Aqpaaq, Aili, Amelia, Saveah and Leighton. Photo courtesy of Wynter Kuliktana Blais

Cannabis education and addictions treatment still needed in Nunavut, says Patterson

Nunavut Senator wants to see improvements to pardons for historic pot possession

By

Wright Northern News Services

In the lead-up to the federal government approving Bill C-45, which legalized cannabis in 2018, Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson had a number of concerns with regards to the mind-altering substance.

Some concerns remain. However, others turned out to be not as bad as he initially anticipated.

The senator, who worked on the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Issues for Bill C-45, visited all of Nunavut’s 25 communities in the lead-up to the bill, said at the time there were plenty of concerns people still had regarding legalized cannabis, such brain damage, death and mental illness.

“Safety was not the issue I thought it might be,” said Patterson on Jan. 12. “There were a lot of dire predictions about the dangers of impaired driving and how hamlets will deal with heavy equipment operators who smoke a joint.

“This is anecdotal, but people have handled this fairly responsibly.”

However, mental illness still remains a concern. Patterson asked, “Where’s the Indigenous education materials?” while discussing the mental health risks of cannabis to the developing brains of people under age 25. “Education is really important, (especially) education in Indigenous languages.”

Progress on an addictions treatment centre, which Patterson advocated for in 2018, while slow, has been made in the form of

Iqaluit’s planned Nunavut Recovery Centre with a tripartite agreement between Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) training Inuit counsellors, the Government of Nunavut taking the lead and the federal government helping fund the treatment centre.

The NTI counsellors, set to be trained by the Makigiaqtia Inuit Training Corporation, is something that excites Patterson.

“(It’s) a concept of training paraprofessionals, that, I think, will be an enormous boon to mental health in Nunavut,” said the senator. “The sad reality is we’ve been hiring masters of social work graduates of which there are no Inuit — well-intentioned, well-qualified people from southern Canada who are not trusted by the Inuit. People don’t open up to people they don’t know.”

When the federal government announced funding for the Nunavut Recovery Centre in August 2021, construction at the time was expected to take two years and to begin during the 2022 construction season but it has not yet started.

Patterson and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout have asked for an inflationary top-up for the construction Nunavut Recovery Centre in their 2023 federal pre-budget submission for Nunavut.

One issue that Patterson says has been slow is introducing pardons for people who have been convicted of cannabis possession prior to legalization.

“There has been a program but it’s been said to be too bureaucratic and too unsuccessful in clearing a large number of people who should have been cleared,” he said.

On the national level, Patterson said while provinces have been difficult to deal with on including Indigenous communities in cannabis sales, that this hasn’t been the same case with the territory.

“Where’s

“Education is really important, (especially) education in Indigenous languages.” Photo courtesy of Dennis Patterson

“Quebec has been impossible to deal with, they have a monopoly. Definitely the provinces have gotten in the way. I don’t think it’s been the same case with Nunavut — the government is being a little bit cautious, but there is a store here (in Iqaluit),” he said.

Patterson contends the cannabis black market is still thriving, “not just in Nunavut but across Canada.”

He still feels good about the position he took before, despite some problems not being as bad as he thought they would be.

“We’re still not there yet,” the senator said. “The government is talking a good line but slow and incomplete.”

Nunavut Music Association founded

Executive director hopes organization will help put Nunavut music ‘on the map’

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Nunavut

The newly-formed Nunavut Music Association announced its presence to the territory on Jan. 17.

The association is a non-profit formed by Qaggiavuut, Alianait, Hitmakerz and the Iqaluit Music Society, among others, the previous month.

It’s designed to advocate for and support Nunavut musical artists and industry workers, as well as to support professional

development, fundraising, networking and travel support.

“We’re very happy about finally getting Nunavut Music off the ground!” wrote Thor Simonsen, the organization’s new executive director and CEO of Hitmakerz.

The Nunavut Music Association will be run by volunteer staff and will be forming a steering committee whose members will lobby and represent Nunavut’s music needs.

“We’re undoubtedly going to face some upstart challenges,” said Simonsen, “but I’m excited that we have so many great Nunavummiut music industry people working

together to make it a reality.”

According to the association, steering committee individuals, groups and organizations meet at least some of the following criteria:

-Nunavut industry professionals with two plus years experience

-Canadian industry professionals with 15 plus years experience, or -rrepresentatives from Nunavut-based arts, cultural and economic development organizations, who are either democratically elected, demographically representative or reputable advocates of Nunavummiut artists

The formation of this non-profit has been in the works for years, said Simonsen, and it’s very much needed, he added.

“With a growing pool of export-ready artists and music industry professionals, an organization like this has been needed for a while,” he said. “For me personally, I hope that Nunavut Music will help ‘put Nunavut on the map,’ like K-Pop did for Korea and Motown did for Detroit!”

Consultations with the Government of Nunavut, Travel Nunavut and the Francophone Association of Nunavut are underway, according to the association.

the Indigenous education materials?” asks Senator Dennis Patterson while discussing the mental health risks of cannabis to the developing brains of people under age 25.

The logo for the newly-formed Nunavut Music Association. Image courtesy of the Nunavut Music Association

Trevor

Nunavut

Starlink getting the bugs out

Nunavummiut share their experience with the service online

users sharing their experience with the connection, tips on how to install the antenna and disk, advice for the application and even people selling parts of the system.

Starlink internet services became available in the North a few months ago and it came with some technical challenges.

Initially criticized for interruptions in the connection, the service has now upgraded in quality due to an increase in the number of satellites launched within the Northern “constellations” of Starlink.

The company sent up 51 additional satellites on Jan. 19, which launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.

The satellites were aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, which has already launched and landed 198 times without crashing. This is already the fifth launch SpaceX has done this year, and it increases the number of Starlink satellites launched to 3,717 overall.

Facebook group “Starlink Nunavut” has a following of active

Omar Umiligjuaq Caneo, an Arviat resident, has been using Starlink for a month now. He shared his experience with Nunavut News.

“After a month of usage, I have learned a few things about Starlink that might help others,” he said.

He found the “long wall mount” is excellent and super easy to install despite the terrible open-top design.

”To fix that, I cut some thick rubber off my shed and just strapped it on the top to protect the inside of the mount. I highly recommend it,” Caneo explained.

His disk (antenna) in Arviat has to point north/northwest, but, he said, the direction might be different depending on the Nunavut community.

Caneo warns users that the second payment for the services is charged two weeks after the first one instead of being

charged monthly.

“It’s very likely you will pay for your second month of service before you even receive your dish,” he advised.

When it came to the installation, Caneo explains it was a simple process for him.

“I made sure to drill into a beam on the outside of the cold room, so I avoided insulation, side panels, or anything that could expose the inside to weather (causing damage in the future). If I ever want to patch them, I will seal the two bolt holes with outdoor silicone.”

From his experience, it is now possible to watch long shows at high quality without any interruptions through Starlink, as long as it is properly installed and in the right location.

“My first two spots I struggled to stream for more than 20 minutes without buffering. Now, I can easily watch multiple shows/movies without a single buffer at 1,080 pixels. I can even stream in 4k when it isn’t during peak hours (like when everyone gets home from work),” Caneo said.

Researchers ponder better ways to connect in Northern communities

‘I had no experience working in the Inuit context in particular,’ researcher admits

At the Arcticnet convention in December, one forum revolved around the question of “how to conduct respectful and reciprocal Northern research.”

A 2018 study by Dr. Marianne Falardeau and Dr. Gwyneth MacMillan, of the University of Laval in Quebec, asked 44 early career researchers how much training they received before arriving in the field in the North, in terms of collaborative research, Indigenous perspective or ways of knowing. Among the respondents, 63 per cent said they had no training at all on the subject while 19 per cent said they had very little training. When asked if the training should improve for future research teams, respondents voted 97 per cent in favour of increasing Indigenous perspective training.

Scientists at the forum expressed that it’s not only cultural training that’s lacking, on many occasions, research teams are sent to sites with little experience working with the technology necessary to conduct their studies.

Charles Jourdain Bonneau, a master’s student at the University of Rimouski in Quebec, says “there was a lot of technology in the lab that we had to learn by ourselves when I went up to Grise Fiord, Nunavut. It’s hard to offer specific training courses through the curriculum of every university, so we had to book them and do them on our own on the weekends before going up. Courses such as quad driving, CPR, drone flying, gun handling, working with communities, etc. would be great for a better use of our time researching in the North.”

Falardeau adds that researchers should be more connected to scientific leaders in the communities.

“When I first went up to work in the North, I had no experience working in the Inuit context in particular. There is not a lot of training to prepare you for that,” she says.

Together, the scientists concluded that sometimes field work is the best training to understand how to better work in a specific cultural environment such as Nunavut.

Enooyaq Sudlovenick, a PhD student at University of Manitoba, who was born and raised in Iqaluit, explains that researchers’ expectations can sometimes lead to confusion. Resources,

especially in terms of workforce and social services, are usually not as available as down south.

“If you’re a southerner coming up to the North, understand that there is not a lot of capacity all the time at the different HTOs. Be patient and open to humour,” Sudlovenick recommends.

Balancing time constraints

Another challenge inexperienced researchers face when conducting studies in the North is trying to balance academic work for their universities with meaningful work towards the betterment of the communities.

“Sometimes taking time is hard due to some academic requirements of a degree. I think we could make system changes to improve the situation,” says Falardeau. “I think the short time frame of a master’s and PhD makes it hard to push forward some outputs that are more meaningful for communities. For example, we could have a few chapters in our thesis that are things academics want to see but then also have other chapters that are a movie or a portfolio of engagements in the community.”

An example of alternative university programs that include community-oriented goals is the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI). Launched in 2015 by the University of British Columbia (UBC), the program’s goal was to help doctoral students whose research extends beyond the academy, and beyond traditional disciplinary approaches, to have a tangible impact for the public good through collaborative, action-oriented, and/or creative forms of scholarship in their dissertation work.

“I think we should take inspiration from these kinds of programs and change how we produce research to be more inclusive of other ways of sharing research,” Falardeau says of UBC’s program.

Better guidance for new researchers around the lab and in the communities upon arrival is what Sudlovenick would implement to better the research process.

“Making new grad students feel welcome; making a special effort to make sure they know what and where everything is; making an effort

so they know everyone on their floor or in the lab and the rest of the community really makes a difference. At the end of the day we’re all supporting each other,” says Sudlovenick. The scientific community needs to connect more, to learn from each other, she continues.

“Networking to find out what people do — everyone’s research is very specific but the approaches are often very similar,” she says.

Although the language barrier can be a challenge for some, there are resources and key individuals who are there to help.

“My first language is Inuktitut but even for me, going to different regions of Nunavut, like Arviat, there is a different dialect, so I had to find a translator because I couldn’t understand the Elders I had to interview,” says Sudlovenick. “There are translators available across Nunavut. Learning some basic Inuktitut or Inuinnaqtun or Inuvialuktun words also goes a long way to show you care. There are now mobile applications available to learn the languages too.”

Enooyaq Sudlovenick, Beth Hudson, Dr. Marianne Falardeau, Steph Woodworth and Charles Jourdain Bonneau gave their perspective on Arctic research and how it could be improved for future research teams.

A stack of 60 Starlink v1.0 satellites prior to being encapsulated in the Falcon 9 rocket. Photo courtesy of SpaceX

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Hunger still burns

Team Todd finally getting to defend hockey title in hometown tourney

By Darrell Greer Northern News Services

When the puck drops to begin play March 15–19, it will have been four long years since the Terence Tootoo Memorial (TTM) Cup senior men’s hockey tournament was held in Rankin Inlet thanks to Covid-19.

But that hasn’t quelled the fire in Jason Todd’s belly to successfully defend his team’s B Division title one little bit.

Team Todd has been suiting up for the tourney — originally known as the Sakku First Avataq Cup — for about 20 years and the team’s first championship was a long time in coming. In fact, wins of any kind were hard to come by for Team Todd during that time.

He said winning the B Division championship was the “best feeling” after entering a team year after year and only ever winning a game or two over that time.

He said the decision to create separate A and B divisions made the tournament better and more competitive for every team from across the Kivalliq and (almost always) Iqaluit.

“People came out to watch both divisions and cheered on all the teams,” said Todd. “I entered teams over the years because a lot of young players were being left out of a locally-hosted tourney and I felt that wasn’t right.

Covid-19 hotline to shutdown at the end of the month

If you have any questions for Nunavut’s Covid-19 hotline, you have until the end of the month before it closes down.

Established early on during the Covid-19 pandemic, the hotline assists Nunavummiut who have questions or who may have been exposed to the virus.

“I believed, and still believe, local lads should be allowed to play, not just a select few. I believe in the underdog and will always compete against the better teams in life.

“I love my people of Rankin Inlet and the Kivalliq. All of them, not just some. So, I suppose, that’s why I always felt I had to dress a team for the Avataq Cup and the TTM.”

Todd said his squad has some players back who have always played with Team Todd, but there are also a few who have retired from playing since 2019’s championship.

He said he would love to have all of them still around to help defend the title.

“I’ve stepped away from dealing with the roster because I tend to say yes to everyone who asks and we end-up with 25 players on the roster,” said Todd with a hearty laugh. “We need to run a roster of 15, but I hate saying no to younger players who ask. I’d make two teams if I was allowed.”

Now 51 years old entering the 2023 TTM, Todd still gets excited to play in the tournament. He came up from Leduc, Alta., where he now resides, to play in the 2019 tourney.

Todd said Rankin is Nunavut’s Hockeyville and he loves playing in front of his hometown.

He said he may retire after this tourney and just sponsor a team. But, then again, he may also move back home to Rankin in 2024

After Jan. 31, anyone with questions about Covid-19 or related treatments may visit the Government of Nunavut’s Covid-19 website or contact their local health centre for more information.

Covid-19 vaccines remain available at local health centres or public health units.

Resolute dog tests positive for rabies after fox attack

Nunavut’s Department of health

is advising residents of Resolute Bay that a dog has tested positive for rabies after being attacked by a fox on Jan. 8.

Another fox attack took place on Jan. 14 with the animal reported to have not been killed or captured.

Due to the danger of rabies in Resolute Bay, residents are being advised to be on the lookout for foxes in the area. If you have been bitten by a fox or dog, go to the health centre immediately as treatment must be started quickly after getting bitten.

Foxes that are sick may appear friendly. Children are to avoid playing

and suit-up once again.

“I may stay longer this year if work lets me, so I can play for a Rankin team in the Kivalliq Cup (old-timers) the following weekend.

“I’ve never played in the new arena and I’m truly looking forward to it. The atmosphere in Rankin for hockey is always the best because we have so many great spectators.

“I always enjoy playing hockey with my brothers from home. It was even more fun when it went to a B division because all the teams were somewhat equal and played hard against each other.

“I thank all the lads for coming out to play over the past 20 years, Silu Autut for helping make the team the past couple of years and all the fans who have cheered us on.”

with foxes and other wildlife.

Domestic animals should be tied up when outside. Symptoms of rabies in animals include strange behavior, staggering, choking, making strange noises and frothing at the mouth.

If you see these symptoms in an animal or see a fox or wolf in the community, call the conservation officer at 867-252-1163.

Senior management changes within GN

Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced

changes to the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) senior management team on Jan. 13.

Stepping into the role of deputy minister of Health is Megan Hunt.

In Human Resources, Les Hickey plans to finish his term until the end of August before stepping down from the role.

In the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, assistant deputy minister Anna Fowler is being appointed as the associate deputy minister and deputy secretary to cabinet.

Jason Todd is pumped to finally get to defend the B Division championship at the upcoming Terence Tootoo Memorial Cup after Covid-19 prompted a four-year hiatus of the senior men’s hockey tournament in Rankin Inlet. Photo courtesy Jason Todd

’Unnecessary and damaging’: police federation criticizes Nunavut judge’s comments

The National Police Federation is criticizing comments a Nunavut judge made as he acquitted a prosecutor and RCMP officer of criminal contempt, saying the remarks were unnecessary and damaging.

Cpl. Andrew Kerstens and Crown prosecutor Emma Baasch were facing the charge for their joint actions in the July 2022 arrest of a man inside the Iqaluit courthouse who had been set to stand trial that morning.

Justice Paul Bychok took issue with the timing and location of the arrest, which delayed the proceedings.

The judge said earlier this month that Kerstens and Baasch’s actions were reckless, a direct and public insult to the integrity of the court and violated the man’s right to be present at his trial.

But he said they did not meet the requirements for a contempt of court conviction.

The police federation says it fully supports Kerstens and Baasch, who it says both acted professionally and fully within their legal authority and codes of conduct.

“We take exception with the judge’s negative and overblown commentary that accompanied their decision to acquit, which

were both unnecessary and damaging to our member’s reputation and should not be repeated,” Chris Voller, director of the Pacific/North region for the police federation, said in a statement.

Kerstens arrested Robert Campbell on the morning of July 13, after he was informed by a Crown prosecutor the man was accused of intimidating a witness scheduled to testify at his trial that day.

During a hearing on the contempt charge in August, Kerstens’ lawyer told Bychok the officer and Baasch mutually agreed Campbell should be arrested and charged when he arrived at the courthouse.

In his decision, Bychok chastised Baasch for failing to give the court a “candid and full accounting and explanation” of her involvement in the arrest.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada said in a statement it fully supports Baasch and believes she acted ethically at all times.

—By Emily Blake, The Canadian Press. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

‘We take exception with the judge’s negative and overblown commentary,’ spokesperson says

Justice Paul Bychok’s comments “were both unnecessary and damaging to our member’s reputation and should not be repeated,” Chris Voller, director of the Pacific/North region for the National Police Federation, said in a statement. NNSL file photo

Book review: Where The Sea Kuniks The Land

Where The Sea Kuniks The Land is a poetry collection by Ashley Qilavaq-Savard that brings together photography and the written word to paint a picture of the seasons, with each poem being categorized as one for fall, winter, spring, or summer.

Just as Qilavaq-Savard describes the sea and the land greeting and loving each other with a “kunik,” an Inuit gesture of putting your nose to someone’s cheek and breathing them in deep, this collection itself is a loving gesture that sweeps across different seasons to deliver a wide-eyed look at the unshakable aspects of Iqaluit’s landscape and Qilavaq-Savard’s own life.

Qilavaq-Savard’s words immediately captured my attention with phrases that almost overwhelmed me to the point of complete focus. Though I am cautious at best while reading poetry, rather than being mind-boggling (as I can sometimes find poetry to be), Qilavaq-Savard’s description of intergenerational trauma as an “ever-stunning sorrow” or her observations of the slow, enduring strength of the people around her were gorgeous and grounded. My favourite poems

were ‘I Am an Inuk Woman,’ where the title of this collection came from; ‘Qijuktaaqpait,’ which describes the feeling of being at home; and ‘Tuktu,’ which made me laugh out loud.

cover photograph, the photos of the Arctic landscape that accompany each poem are nonetheless stirring and impactful.

The recurring themes of being rooted in history, both literal and personal growth, and the hero’s journey tied each poem in this collection to one another, making Qilavaq-Savard’s work one thoughtful exploration of the importance of fostering your connection to yourself and the land.

The photographs of the Arctic that accompany the poetry in this book add to the expansive and fluid aspect of Qilavaq-Savard’s poetry. While the author only personally took the

While seemingly only there to add context to the author’s exploration of the sea and the land, I found that these photos also hugely impacted how I read each poem. For example, I felt myself slow down on the pages with ocean or underwater photos, as they carried with them a sense of calm that reflected onto the poem. One of the more unique and similarly calming aspects of this collection was the icy blue wash that tints everything about this book. From this poetry collection’s blue-washed photographs to its blue lettering to the summer poem ‘Blue,’ in which Qilavaq-Savard describes her fascination with this “delicious” and “replenishing” colour, this seaside tint touches every page. This creates a powerful visual statement alongside Qilavaq-Savard’s own deeply moving words that make this poetry collection unforgettable. Sharing a snippet of the Arctic on each page, Where The Sea Kuniks The Land is a beautiful and inspiring read for all seasons.

“kunik” is an Inuit gesture of putting your nose to someone’s cheek and breathing them in deep, as the sea greets the land, according to author Ashley QilavaqSavard. Photo courtesy of Inhabit Media

Author Ashley Qilavaq-Savard describes intergenerational trauma as an “ever-stunning sorrow” and she observes of the slow, enduring strength of the people around her in gorgeous and grounded terms. Photo courtesy of Ashley Qilavaq-Savard