Nunavut News - June 26, 2023

Page 5

24-ᑲᓴᐃᑦ ᐳᓛᖅᑎᑦ

ᓄᓇᓕᖕᓄᐊᖃᑦᑕᖅᑐᑦ ᒐᕙᒪᑐᖃᒃᑯᑦ ᐳᓚᕋᖅᑎᓪᓗᒋᑦ

International guests drop in on Nunavut

Nearly two dozen diplomats pay visit to four communities during Global Affairs Canada 2023 Northern Tour

A

ᑎᑎᖅᑲᖅ ᑎᑎᕋᖅᑎᒧᑦ: ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑐᐃᔾᔪᑎᑦ ᐃᖅᑲᓇᐃᔭᖅᑎᓄᑦ ᓄᖅᑲᖓᔪᓄᑦ

Letter to the Editor: Support for striking workers

Volume 77 Issue 59 MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023 $.95 (plus GST) Publication mail Contract #40012157 7 71605 0020 0 2 Sports ᕼᐋᑭᖅᑎ ᐊᓈᓇᐅᔪᖅ ᖁᕕᐊᓲᑎᖃᖅᐳᖅ ᐃᕐᓂᖓᑕ ᖁᕕᐊᒋᔭᖃᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᐱᙳᐊᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ Hockey mom
son’s passion for the sport Health ᕼᐋᓕ ᒨᓱ ᐅᖃᐅᓯᖃᖅᑐᖅ ᐱᒻᒪᕆᐅᓂᖓᓂᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᓄᐃᙱᑦᑎᐊᕐᓂᐅᑉ
Mercer talks about importance of mental health Features ᐱᕕᒃᓴᐃᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᒥ ᐃᓚᖓ ᐃᓗᐊᓂ See inside for Opportunities North 2023
celebrates
Holly
ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᕐᒥ ᖃᐃᖁᔭᐅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᓄᓇᕗᒻᒧᑦ
Kyrene Angootealuk cuts a mannequin’s hair in an asymmetrical style in the Nunavut Skills Competition for hairstyling. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak
little off the top …
Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A2 Monday, June 26, 2023

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News Briefs

Canadian North donates $21,000 to Arctic Children and Youth Foundation

Inuit-owned airline announced the amount of the donation at a June 21 press conference at ACYF’s Umingmak Centre in Iqaluit

Last week, Inuit-owned airline Canadian North announced a $21,000 donation to the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation (ACYF).

The airline’s donation was revealed at a June 21 press conference at the foundation’s Umingmak Centre in Iqaluit.

Trade shows seeks applications

Rankin Inlet

The Kivalliq Trade Show is gearing up for its 2023 show, scheduled for late September, and is seeking applications for the art market and fashion show.

It will be the 14th annual Kivalliq Trade Show in Rankin Inlet. Artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their creation during a two-day art market, while the fashion show will take place the evening of the opening day Tuesday, Sept. 26.

The art market committee and entertainment committee will select and sponsor 12 artists from Kivalliq communities and up to four Rankin Inlet artists to participate in both the art market and workshop.

The trade show offers return airfare to Rankin Inlet from Kivalliq communities for the event for people chosen, as well as accommodation in billeted homes and ground transportation.

More information can be found at www. kivalliqtradeshow.ca

KIA transfers funds

Kivalliq

The Kivalliq Inuit Association announced the transfer of more than $82 million of its legacy fund to a different account from its operating account.

KIA receives money from mining royalties, quarry permits, water use fees, Sakku Investments, Inuit impact beneficiary agreements and other ventures, the total of which is owned by Inuit beneficiaries of the Kivalliq region.

The latest calculations, says KIA, conclude that there is approximately $112 million in its account.

The KIA finance committee informed the KIA board and membership that legacy fund monies were successfully separated from KIA’s operating bank account to a separate account owned by KIA in late May.

A total of $82,216,176 was moved from the operating account.

“This money is not being spent,” wrote the KIA press release. “This money needed to be separated from the operating monies to further the implementation of By-Law #2 and fulfill its benefits to Beneficiaries of the Kivalliq Region at a future date.”

Nunavut Parks holds weekly events

Rankin Inlet

Nunavut Parks is continuing its summer “Learn to…” weekly events at Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park every Wednesday afternoon.

The first scheduled event was for June 21 to learn about traditional Inuit stories. Until the end of August, weekly events will cover learning to make a harpoon, play traditional Inuit games, making Bannock, using a GPS, making wall hangings and more.

To register of find out more, call Nunavut Parks at 867-645-8006.

“It’s important to Canadian North to help support the communities that we serve,” said Cindy Twerdin, associate vice-president of government and community relations at Canadian North. “These are the communities that our customers, passengers and employees live in.

“We are dedicated to supporting Inuit and Indigenous businesses and charities,” she added. “We continue to strive to increase prosperity in the North and we feel this starts with our children.”

Funds for Canadian North’s donation were raised at the company’s annual charity Christmas program last December, when corporate clients were invited to make contributions in exchange for airline ticket certificates.

“Every year we choose a different charity,” Twerdin said, explaining how ACYF was chosen. “The selection was made by a committee who discussed different charities to choose from.

“This charity is close to Canadian North’s heart, as protecting and supporting our youth and children is imperative to a growing and strong community.”

ACYF was created in 2003 by Mary Simon, who now serves as Canada’s Governor General, and Senator Landon Pearson. The foundation works to improve the lives of children and youth in the Canadian Arctic.

“With support from donors like Canadian North, we can fund programming and services for our communities’ children and youth,” ACYF executive director Sarah Clark said at the press conference.

ACYF’s Umingmak Centre, a child advocacy centre, has been open since 2019, and “has supported upwards of 100 clients every year” in the time since, according to Clark.

“The team works with RCMP, community social services workers, and the [Department of] Health to support clients after a disclosure of abuse,” she said. “The centre also provides

counselling and collaborates with relevant stakeholders to advocate for the best care possible for our children.

“This summer we are starting a cabin and tent program to provide more outdoor, culturally relevant activities during our time with clients,” said Clark. “We have hired an Inuk family wellness counsellor to provide support to caregivers as we are moving towards supporting families.”

ACYF also operates a program called Qupanuaq Services, which works to support families as they apply for the Inuit Child First Initiative, a federal initiative that aims to provide Inuit young people with government-funded health, social and educational support.

The program commenced in 2020, and has served more than 1,600 children and youth since then.

Both the Umingmak Centre and Qupanuaq Services program predominantly serve the Qikiqtaaluk region.

“We are based out of Iqaluit but hope to develop further into communities as capacity and need allow,” said Clark. “We thank Canadian North and the representatives here for their generous donation and look forward to future collaborations to support our communities.”

23 foreign diplomats visit Nunavut communities for 2023 Northern Tour

Global Affairs Canada’s 2023 Northern Tour stopped at Iqaluit, Pond Inlet, Resolute Bay, and Cambridge

Bay, and was attended by ambassadors from New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Nigeria, and more

A group of 23 foreign diplomats recently got a taste of life in Nunavut, as part of Global Affairs Canada’s 2023 Northern Tour.

The Northern Tour lasted from June 5-15, and visited all three territories and Quebec. It stopped in in Cambridge Bay, Resolute Bay, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit while it was in Nunavut.

Participants included ambassadors from Indonesia, Japan,

New Zealand, Nigeria, Kenya, Haiti, El Salvador, and a number of European nations.

“The Northern Tour is a critical component of the Government of Canada’s advocacy efforts to educate the international community about the importance of Canada’s North, while advancing reconciliation and renewing Canada’s relationship with northern Indigenous Peoples and communities,” said GAC spokesperson Marilyne Guèvremont.

“It is an opportunity for participants to meet northerners to learn about Canada’s north, its people and the realities of their lives, including the full range of social and economic challenges.”

The stops in Nunavut featured on-site discussions with territorial ministers, senior government officials, Inuit leaders and business executives, on topics ranging from trade and investment opportunities to climate change.

“We continue to undertake meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners on their priorities, including Canada’s international advocacy and diplomacy; trade and investment; development, peace and security programming; and help for Canadians abroad,” said Guèvremont. “The lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are important to shaping our approach in how we do our work and how we support creating prosperity for Indigenous Peoples and communities.”

The 2023 Northern Tour departed from Ottawa, and first stopped in Yellowknife. It then flew on to Whitehorse before visiting Inuvik, Old Crow, Dawson City, and Ulukhaktok, in that order. It then made its four stops in Nunavut, and made a final stop in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik before returning to Ottawa.

The Northern Tour was first offered in 1972.

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Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok addresses an assembly of foreign ambassadors at the 2023 Northern Tour’s stop in Iqaluit. The tour also stopped in Pond Inlet, Resolute Bay, and Cambridge Bay. Photo courtesy of Global Affairs Canada Cindy Twerdin, left, and Elaine Uppahuak-Prusky pose with a $21,000 cheque at a June 21 press conference in Iqaluit. Twerdin is Canadian North’s VP of government and community relations, while Uppahuak-Prusky is the chair of the board for the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation. Photo courtesy of Canadian North.

Iqaluit leading Nunavut communities in 2023 ParticipACTION Community Challenge

National winner will receive $100,000 prize to support local physical activity and sport initiatives, and regional winners stand to win up to $15,000

This year’s ParticipACTION Community Challenge is in its final stages, and Iqaluit is in the lead among communities in Nunavut.

The challenge, which is intended to encourage physical activity, runs from June 1 to 30, and is open to communities across Canada. Participants log their exercises into the official ParticipACTION app, and every minute of activity gets added to the total for their community.

“Its truly an honour to see our community being a leader in these types of events,” said Victoria Coman, an intern with City of Iqaluit Recreation. “I’m proud to see how many people want to be involved in these kinds of challenges.”

The starkly varying populations of the communities involved in the challenge are factored into the scoring, so small communities are not at a disadvantage in the race for their regional title, or the national title.

The leaders at the end of the challenge are not automatically the winners. When the challenge concludes, ParticipACTION will narrow participating communities down to

a list of 50 finalists. Those finalists will be eligible to win their territorial or provincial titles. The National winner be selected from the territorial and provincial winners.

The challenge is not just for bragging rights.

The national winner will receive $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives, while the finalist from the remaining 12 territories and provinces will receive $7,500 to $15,000 for the same purpose.

Nationally, participants have logged well over 100 million minutes of activity. Toronto is in first place overall. It is followed by Salisbury, New Brunswick, and Red Deer, Alberta – a small community and small city respectively.

In Nunavut, participants have logged nearly a million minutes of activity. Baker Lake is currently one spot behind Iqaluit, with Grise Fiord, Cambridge Bay and Sanikiliuaq rounding out the top five.

A prize of any size would be a boon for the City of Iqaluit, according to Coman.

“The city of Iqaluit would benefit greatly from receiving the prize,” she said, pointing to children’s competitions and winter events like Toonik Tyme Festival as areas where the money could be spent. “Additionally

The exterior of the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre. Swimming is one of many ways people can participate in the 2023 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, which will award a $100,000 prize to one community in Canada. Photo courtesy of City of Iqaluit Recreation

we can replace the outdated gym equipment with new ones.”

There are many ways to stay active in Iqaluit, year-round.

Coman recommends school speedskating, hockey, basketball, soccer, and volleyball programs for youth, and the annual Terry Fox Run and summer baseball tournament

for adults.

“There is definitely a good amount of programs and facilities for people to stay active in general,” she said.

“The Aquatic Center is a fantastic recreational place for people of all ages to spend time at. I enjoy using the fitness center here at the Aquatic Center, and the pool.”

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Local Journalism Iniative Reporter

National Indigenous Peoples Day staple in Rankin Inlet

RCMP and Kissarvik Co-op combine forces to show their appreciation for the Aboriginal community

The enticing aroma of hamburgers and hotdogs is filling the air in Rankin Inlet today, June 21, as the local detachment of the RCMP teams up with Kissarvik Co-op to help the community celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with their annual gathering of barbecue and prizes.

RCMP Sgt. Patrick Frenette of the Rankin detachment said the local police certainly want to continue the effort with Kissarvik Co-op. He said officers are very excited to be taking part in the event again this year, which he sees as a very important event for the community, and the RCMP certainly want to be part of it.

“The RCMP likes to take advantage of these kinds of events in order to build a rapport and relationships, not only with the younger people in the community, but with as many people in the community that we can reach,” said Frenette. “It’s a chance for people in the community to see our members in a more positive light.

“We’re hoping to have as many of our members take part as we can, but, of course, that will depend on the number of calls that day, among other things.

“We’re hoping to have most of the detachment involved, with at least four to six guys at the event.” Sgt. Frenette said he would file taking part in events such as this under the heading off community policing.

He said it’s important for residents to see

their local police officers in an atmosphere where they’re seen as members of the community and not necessarily just the police.

“It gives us a chance to talk to people one on one and not necessarily always in uniform, which can make a big difference,” said Frenette.

“I believe people see us in a different light sometimes and we get to interact with them in a positive environment.

“It gives the community the chance to see a local police officer as a normal, local citizen — as human beings and not just a uniform. It’s important for the kids to see us in a better light.

“Unfortunately, sometimes, we attend their homes in an unfortunate situation and, obviously, the police are sometimes seen as the bad guys. This type of event helps us to paint a more positive picture of our officers.”

Kissarvik Co-op retail store manager Glenn Woodford said the relationship built-up during National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations between the Co-op and the RCMP remains a strong one.

Woodford said the RCMP have been initiating first contact with the Co-op regarding hosting the event for the past few years.

He said it’s very important for local businesses to recognize these special days and give something back to the community.

“For the most part, with our membership being mostly aboriginal, the Co-op is Inuit owned,” said Woodford.

“We recognize that National Indigenous Peoples Day is worthy of us stopping, provid-

Crowds should begin to grow again shortly at the annual National Indigenous Peoples Day barbecue and prizes in Rankin Inlet. Covid still kept crowds a little smaller than usual at the June 21, 2022, event in Rankin Inlet. Photo courtesy Glenn Woodford

ing the community with a treat and boosting morale in the community.

“I can’t speak for the RCMP, but I’m sure it helps with their public relations with the community”

On average the RCMP/Co-op barbecue and games held for National Indigenous Peoples Day sees about 800 combined hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as gallons of juice, given out to the community.

The event slowed down in recent years due to Covid. Last year, for example, crowds were still down substantially, but some of that could be attributed to the fact a number of people didn’t think the event would be held at all. Woodford said people are more relaxed now and although Covid may always be an issue, people, and life, for the most part, have gone back to normal.

He said he looks forward to the annual event and the return of so many smiling faces.

“Once it’s all set up and the wheels are in motion with people manning the barbecue and prizes being given out, the event turns into a whole lot of fun.

“We’ve been doing this a long time. I forget the year that it was, but, when we first started doing this, I believe it was around 2007. We were doing our barbecue and, when I looked down the road, the RCMP were doing their barbecue at the same time as us.

“I thought, why not do it together? We’re both community-minded organizations, so no need to compete.

“So we decided to do it together, build some camaraderie and have some fun. And it’s been working ever since for the enjoyment of the community.”

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“It’s a chance for people in the community to see our members in a more positive light.”
Evan Ittinuar is looking sharp dressed in traditional attire during the National Indigenous Peoples Day barbecue and prizes in Rankin Inlet on June 21, 2022. Photo courtesy Glenn Woodford

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Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A6 Monday, June 26, 2023
messaging. Amy Peter sent us this image from Kinngait. Qimiqtaa Ashevak, 2 years old, caught her first fish last weekend in Iqalugaarjuk, a location that is three hours away from their home in Kinngait. Annaq Qasalluaq sent us this image from Rankin. Annaq saw the “Stegasaurus ice” on Hudson’s Bay during a fishing derby. She also took some close-up shots of the sky while rodding 15 km. Annaq Qasalluaq sent us this image from Rankin. Annaq saw the “Stegasaurus ice” on Hudson’s Bay during a fishing derby. She also took some close-up shots of the sky while rodding 15 km. Bernard Maktaaq sent us this photo from Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). Bernard had a nice day at La Voie Point (saattu), located 60 kilometres northwest of Mittimatalik. He stumbled a huge polar bear track while 9-year-old Donja waited for the seal. Daniel Tapatai sent us this image from Baker Lake. Here, Daniel shows us the view at the dock in Baker Lake on June 9th. Jeannie Alikut sent us this photo from Arviat. Here, Jeannie shows us the views from Arviat, where the red hue is due to the wildfire that is down south. WINNER! Louie Kukkiak sent us this image from Chesterfield Inlet. Louie took this photo of Mike Simik walking on the sea ice in front of town on June 13, 2023. They went out to hunt seals and were lucky to catch one!

Daisy Ayojiak sent us this photo from Manokotak, Alaska.

Donald Ayojiak enjoyed a freshly caught grayling on 2nd Lake River.

Bernard Maktaaq sent us this photo from Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). Bernard had a nice day at La Voie Point (saattu), located 60 kilometres northwest of Mittimatalik. He stumbled a huge polar bear track while 9-year-old Donja waited for the seal.

Edna Qaunaq sent us this picture from Iglulik. Edna, along with family and friends, went seal hunting with five Ski-Doos. Her mother caught two seals and her little brother caught one.

Lydia Aqqaq sent us this photo from Taloyoak. Martha Louise was looking around the campsite outside Taloyoak.

Paniloo Mott sent us this photo from the North of Taloyoak. Paniloo’s 81-year-old father guided his son-in-law, daughterin-law, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, on a seal-hunting trip in early June. They went around the north of Taloyoak, about 23 miles out. Despite his age, he still ventures out on the land with the help of his children.

Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 Monday, June 26, 2023 A7 www.nunavutnews.com
Marlene Iqaqrialu sent us this image from Clyde River. Marlene was on her way to fish outside of Clyde River on May 26. They stopped for gas fill up and came across this sight. Bernard Maktaaq sent us this photo from Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). Bernard had a nice day at La Voie Point (saattu), located 60 kilometres northwest of Mittimatalik. He stumbled a huge polar bear track while 9-year-old Donja waited for the seal. Oscar Tan Camano sent us this image from Rankin Inlet. On June 9, Oscar noticed flowers beginning to bloom in his community. He can’t wait to see more! Paul Kabloona sent us this image from North Baker Lake. Here, Paul shows us a musk ox at the edge of Baker Lake. Edna Qaunaq sent us this photo from Iglulik. Edna, along with her family and friends, went seal hunting with five snowmobiles. Her mother caught two seals and her little brother caught one seal! Helen Niptayok sent us this image from Kugaaruk. Helen’s husband, Pierre Niptayok, successfully caught this big fish on June 15, near Kugaaruk. Sheena Kopak sent us this photo from Rankin Inlet. Here, Sheena shows us the sunset on June 11 at midnight in Rankin Inlet.

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Support for Iqaluit Housing Authority employees on strike

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Member of the Ontario Press Council. The Ontario Press Council was created to defend freedom of the press on behalf of the public and press alike and to consider specific, unsatisfied complaints from readers about the conduct of the press in gathering and publishing news, opinion and advertising.

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Preference is given to short letters of broad interest or concern. Letters of more than 200 words, open letters and those published elsewhere are seldom used. We reserve the right to edit for length or taste and to eliminate inaccurate or libelous statements.

Dear editor,

I am writing to express my strong support for the employees of the Iqaluit Housing Authority (IHA) who have been on strike since March 17. The issues raised by the Nunavut Employees Union (NEU) on behalf of the IHA workers are of the utmost importance, and it is crucial that their concerns are heard and addressed.

It is disheartening to see that the NHC (Nunavut Housing Corporation) and the responsible Minister, Lorne Kusugak, have failed to take any responsibility for the current situation. While the NHC sets budgets, the IHA has consistently highlighted that the wage demands put forth by the NEU are beyond its financial capacity. This lack of acknowledgment and refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue only exacerbates the conflict and prolongs the strike.

The IHA’s refusal to offer fair wages and its insulting economic offers, which are well below the current inflation rates, are deeply concerning. The workers, a majority of whom are Inuit and their families, deserve to be compensated properly and provided with better working conditions. It is essential that the IHA recognizes the value of its employees’ hard work and dedication and takes immediate steps to address their valid wage concerns.

Furthermore, the IHA1s proposal to remove access to various articles in the collective agreement for casual and term employees is unacceptable. IHA wants to remove access

to vital articles such as maternity allowance, severance and leave without pay for personal needs to name a few. The IHA has proposed removing any limitation on the use of term or casual employees, as well as eliminating any commitment to make term or casual employees permanent after a period of time in their position.

This move threatens job security and certainty for members, particularly Inuit staff. Instead of prioritizing the creation of fulltime, meaningful employment opportunities, especially for Inuit staff, the IHA seems to be disregarding their welfare and encouraging precarious casual work.

Another alarming aspect is the IHA’s discriminatory treatment of lnuktitut-speaking employees. By refusing to provide a language bonus to these employees, the IHA fails to acknowledge the clear advantage they bring to their work. lnuktitut-speaking employees who enter IHA homes play a vital role in ensuring effective communication and cultural sensitivity. It is only fair that they receive appropriate compensation for their valuable skills.

Moreover, the IHA’s reliance on scabs, replacement workers, and management during the strike instead of engaging in fair negotiations further exacerbates the situation. This approach shows a lack of commitment to resolving the conflict and reaching a fair deal. The introduction of federal anti-scab legislation would help prevent such situations and encourage genuine negotiations.

It is also worth noting that the IHA’s inability to retain quality employees and provide a proper workplace creates additional challenges for lqaluit’s most vulnerable residents. The IHA consistently faces understaffing issues, leading to stress and disorganization among the dedicated and caring staff who remain. The revolving door at the managerial level has contributed to the current state of chaos within the organization, which ultimately impacts the safety and well-being of the community.

Furthermore, the recent announcement by the NHC and NCC Development Limited {NCCD) regarding the construction of new public housing units raises concerns about the future of housing services in Nunavut. Without proper retention and recruitment strategies in place, it is uncertain who will be available to service and maintain these units. The stance taken by IHA workers has broader implications for housing services across Nunavut, underscoring the importance of addressing their concerns promptly.

I strongly urge the NHC, the responsible minister and the IHA to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing strike and address the legitimate concerns of the NEU members. Fair wages, job security, recognition of language skills, and better working conditions are essential to ensure a sustainable and effective housing authority.

Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A8 Monday, June 26, 2023
CMCA AUDITED
The unionized workers of the Iqaluit Housing Authority have been picketing for larger wage increases and better working conditions since March 17. From left, Heela Kango, Keeny Enuaraq, Joanasie Kilabuk, Paul Gordon, Ken Braun (kneeling), Daniel Kolola, NEU President Jason Rochon and Tracy Curley. NNSL file photo
kNKu W?9oxJ5 Monday, June 26, 2023 A9
Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A10 Monday, June 26, 2023 Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 Monday, June 26, 2023 A11 www.nunavutnews.com
Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A12 Monday, June 26, 2023

Cheering for son’s aggressive nature takes mom by surprise

Hockey fanatic Ujaralaaq (Uja) Eno is a hockey mom times four with all of her boys — Shea Karetak, 13, Cael Karetak, 10, Tanner Karetak, 7, and Mitchell Karetak, 5 — loving the coolest game on ice almost as much as their mom does.

Eno was bursting with pride and happiness watching her oldest boy be awarded the junior high Male Athlete of the Year award at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) earlier this month.

Eno said it’s way different watching a game when it’s your sons on the ice.

She said now that her oldest boy is playing more competitive, full-contact hockey, there’s a lot more emotion involved while watching him play.

“OMG, sometimes I can’t even watch,” laughed Eno.

“When they played their first body-contact tournament in Winnipeg it was so hard for me, especially since he’s my first.

“But, at the same time, he’s so competitive, I wanted him to be aggressive because it was his first time and he was kind of hesitant.

“That was really surprising to me, but the hockey fan in me took over and, kind of, trumped the mom in me.”

Eno said she doesn’t know if she’d be able to watch if any of her boys had to play against each other somewhere down the line.

She said having two of them on different teams would be pretty intense.

“I’d say I find it most difficult watching Shea because of the body contact and the fact he’s so competitive and is the most compassionate of the four.

“I want him to be successful so much. It’s stressful as a mom.

“Shea started skating before he turned two. He was always watching his dad and he wanted to wear his skates in the house.

“He wanted to get on the ice right away. It was just natural for him.”

Eno said some young hockey moms just starting out don’t realize how demanding other aspects of the game can become.

She said the one piece of advice she offers the young moms is simply start saving your money.

“It’s not like soccer where you, basically, give them a pair of sneakers and send them on their way.

“It can be a little hard, at times, with the four of them playing. But, on the other hand, with all the travel our boys do up here, we don’t pay a lot extra because of all the fundraising everyone does to help. It’s pretty amazing, all the big-time help and support our young players receive from the community in general.

“The boys are also expected to do well academically and Shea did very well this year in that respect. He did well in both aspects, actually.

“I can’t imagine what they pay in the south. You even have to pay tryout fees there, let alone the extra fees you face if your son makes the travel team.”

Shea said he had no idea he was winning the award until he heard his name called at the school during the awards day ceremonies.

Shea, who plays both the wing and centre positions, sees himself a goal scorer like Auston Matthews. He said it was a big surprise hearing his name called for the award, which made him both happy and excited.

“I think one of the big reasons I won the award was being named captain of our soccer team at the Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray, Alta.

“Hockey is definitely my top sport, though. I really like skating, setting-up plays and scoring. This was my first year with body contact. I found it a little difficult at first because I was one of the smallest people out there. I got hit a lot, but I didn’t reallly mind it.

“I strengthened my game by improving my skating ability and learning to move the puck faster this past year. I plan on taking both those skills to the next level this coming year and really focus on becoming more of an overall team leader.” Hᐊᑭᒥ ᐊᓕᐊᓇᐃᒋᔭᓕᒃ ᐅᔭᕋᓚᒃ ᐃᓄ, ᑎᓴᒪᓂᒃ ᐃᕐᓂᓕᒃ - ᓯ ᖃᕆᑕᖅ, 13, ᑲᐃ ᖃᕆᑕᖅ, , ᕼᓄ ᖃᕆᑕᖅ, 7, ᐊᒪᓗ ᙵᑐ ᖃᕆᑕᖅ, ᑦ ᐊᓕᐊᓇᐃᒋᔭᓖᑦ Hᐊᑭᒥᑦ ᐊᓈᓴᖓᑎᑐᑦ. ᐃᓄ ᐱᑯᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᖁᕕᐊᓱᖕᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐊᑐᓚᐅᖅᐳᖅ ᑕᐅᑐᒃᖢᓂᐅᒃ ᐊᖓᔪᒃᖠᖅᐸᖅ ᐃᕐᓂᓂ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᑯᑎᖅᑕᐅᑎᓪᓗᒍ ᔪᓂᐊ ᐊᖑᑎᑦ ᑐᓂᕆᔭᐅᓂᖃᕐᓂᖅ ᐊᕋᒍᒧᑦ ᒪᓂ ᐅᓗᔪᖅ ᐃᓕᓂᐊᕐᕕᖕᒥ. (mui) ᑕᕿᑦᑎᓐᓂᓴᖅ. ᐃᓄ ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ ᐊᓯᐊᓂᒃ ᐃᒃᐱᒍᓱᖕᓇᖅᐳᖅ ᕿᑐᖓ ᑕᐅᑐᒃᖢᒍ ᓯᑯᒥᑦ. ᐃᕐᓂᖓ ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕐᓂᖅᓴᐅᓕᕋᒥ, ᖃᓄᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᐃᒃᐱᓂᐊᓐᓇᕆᕙ. ‘ᐅᐊᑲᓪᓚᖓ ᐃᓚᓐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᖁᖏᐊᖃᑕᕈᓐᓇᖏᒻᒪᕆᒃᑐᖓ.’ ᐃᓚᓯᕗᖅ ᐃᓄ. ᐱᖑᐊᕆᐊᖅᖢᑎᒃ ᑎᒥᖏᑎᒍᑦ ᐊᒃᓱᕈᒃᑲᓐᓂᖅᖢᑎᒃ ᐅᐃᓂᐱᒃᒥ ᐊᔪᕐᓇᓚᐅᖅᑐᖅ ᐅᕙᓐᓄᑦ, ᓱᖃᐃᒻᒪ ᓯᕗᓪᓕᖅᐸᕆᖕᒪᔾᔪᒃ, ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕈᒪᓂᖃᓚᐅᖅᖢᓂᓗ. ᐅᕙᓗᓂᑦ ᑲᒪᓇᓚᐅᖅᑐᖅ, ᑭᓯᐊᓂ ᐊᓕᐊᓇᐃᒋᔭᖃᕐᖢᓂ Hᐊᑭᒥᒃ ᐅᐃᒪᔭᖃᑕᐅᓇᖅᐳᖓ. ᑕᑯᔪᓇᕋᔭᖁᖏᑕᒃᑲ ᐱᖑᐊᖃᑎᒋᒋᐊᖃᓯᑲᓚᖕᓂᖅᐸᑕ ᐃᕐᓂᑲ ᐊᑭᕋᕆᕐᓗᑎᒃ. ᐊᑭᕋᕆᕋᔭᖅᐸᑕ ᐅᐊᑲᓪᓚᖓᖑᓇᔭᖅᐳᖅ. ᐅᖃᕋᔭᖅᐳᖓ ᓯ ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑐᖅ ᑕᐅᑐᒋᐊᒃᓴᖅ, ᐊᒃᓱᕈᒃᑲᐅᓗᐊᕐᓂᖓᓄᑦ ᐃᓴᒍᓱᖃᖏᓪᖢᓂ, ᐃᓴᒍᓱᖃᖏᓛᖑᓪᓗᓂᓗ ᐃᕐᓂᖏᓐᓂᒃ. ᐊᓇᓇᐅᓪᓗᓂ, ᐊᔪᖏᖁᓗᐊᒧᑦ ᑕᖃᓇᒻᒪᕆᓱᖅ ᐃᓱᒪᒧᑦ. ᓯ ᓯᐊᕆᔭᖃᑕᓕᓚᐅᖅᓯᒪᕗᖅ ᐊᕋᖓ 2ᓂᒃ, ᐊᑕᑕᓂ ᑕᐅᑐᒍᓚᐅᖅᐸ, ᓯᐊᕆᔭᐅᑎᓂᒡᓗ ᐊᑐᕈᒪᐃᓇᐅᔭᓚᐅᖅᐳᖅ ᐃᒡᓗ ᐃᓗᐊᓂ. ᓯᑯᒥᐅᑕᓴᔭᐅᑲᐅᑎᒋᓚᐅᖅᑐᖅ, ᐃᓕᖁᓯᕆᓪᓗᓂᐅᒃ ᓱᕐᓗ. ᐃᓄ ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ Hᐊᑭᖅᑎᖑᓕᓵᖅᑐᓄᑦ ᐊᓇᓇᐅᔪᑦ ᐅᔨᕈᓱᖏᑦᑐᑦ ᑭᓇᐅᔭᖅᑐᖅᓴᕐᓂᖓᓄᑦ. ᐅᖃᕈᓐᓇᑐᐃᓇᖅᐳᖅ ᑭᓇᐅᔭᓂᒃ ᑲᑎᑎᔭᕆᐊᖃᕐᓂᖏᓐᓄᑦ. ᐊᕿᔭᑐᖅᓯᐅᑎᓂᒃᐃᓯᒡᐅᔭᖅᑖᖅᑐᖅᑎᑐᑦ ᐱᖏᒻᒪᑦ, ᐊᐅᓪᓚᖅᑎᓕᕐᓗᒋᓪᓗ. ᐊᔪᕐᓇᓚᐅᑲᓱᖅ, ᑕᒪᕐᒥᒃ ᑎᓴᒪᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᖅᐸᒃᑎᓪᓗᒋᑦ ᑭᓯᐊᓂ ᑎᒥᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᐅᓚᑦᑕᖅᑕᖏᑦ ᑭᓇᐅᔭᒃᑯᑦ ᑲᑎᑦᑎᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᑲᒪᒋᕙᒃᐸᕗᑦ, ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑕᐅᓪᓗᖓ ᓄᓇᖃᑎᓐᓂᑦ. ᐱᑯᓇᖅᑐᒻᒪᕆᐊᓗᒃ ᑕᑯᓪᓗᓂ ᓄᓇᖃᑎᑦᑎᓐᓂ ᐊᑲᔪᖅᑐᖅᑕᐅᔪᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑎᑦ. ᖁᕙᓯᖕᓂᖅᓴᒧᑦ ᐱᓂᐊᕋᓱᒋᔭᒃᑲ, ᓯ ᐱᖑᐊᑦᑎᐊᓚᐅᕐᓂᖓᓄᑦ. ᑕᐅᑐᖑᐊᕈᓐᓇᖏᑉᐳᖓ ᖃᓱᑐᕋᔭᕐᒪᖓᑦ ᖃᓗᓇ ᓄᓇᓄᑦ ᐃᖑᐊᕆᐊᖅᐸᑕ. ᓯ ᖃᐅᔨᒪᓚᐅᖏᑦᑐᖅ ᓇᓗᓇᐃᑯᑕᕐᒥᒃ ᑐᓂᕆᔭᐅᓂᐊᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᑭᓯᐊᓂ ᐃᓕᓂᐊᕐᕕᒥᑦ ᐊᑎᓂ ᑕᐃᔭᐅᖕᒪᑦ ᐃᓕᓴᕆᔭᐅᓂᖃᖅᑎᓪᓗᒋᑦ. ᓯ ᐱᖑᐊᓱᖅ ᑐᓄᑎᐊᖓᓂᑦ ᐊᒪᓗ ᕿᑎᐊᓂ ᑕᑯᕗᖅ ᓇᖕᒥᓂᖅ ᐱᒃᑲᐅᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᐊᔅᑎᓐ ᒪᑎᐅᑐᑦ. ᖁᒃᓴᓪᓚᓚᐅᖅᐳᖅ ᐊᑎᓂ ᑕᐃᔭᐅᖕᒪᑦ, ᐊᓕᐊᓇᐃᒍᓱᑦᑎᐊᖅᖢᓂᓗ. ᓵᓚᒃᓴᕈᑎᒋᖅᖁᕐᒥᔭᕋ

ᐊᑦᑎᖅᑕᐅᓚᐅᖅᓯᒪᒐᒪ ᐊᕿᔭᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᑲᑉᑎᓐᒥᒃ, ᕗᐊᑦ ᒥᒧᕆᔭ. Hᐊᑭ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᖅ ᖁᑎᓚᖑᕗᖅ, ᓯᐊᕆᔭᕈᒪᐅᒐᒥ, ᐱᖑᐊᕆᐅᖅᓴᕋᒃᑯ ᑎᒥᒃᑯᑦ

ᐊᒪᑕ ᐃᔨᑎᐊᖅ ᐃᓕᓴᖅᓯᓂᖃᖅᐳᖅ ᓯ ᕿᕆᑕᕐᒥ, ᓴᐅᒥᖕᒦᑦᑐᖅ, Hᐊᑭᖅᑎᕋᓚ ᐊᖑᑎᓄᑦ ᐱᑲᐅᓚᖅ ᐊᕋᒍᔪᒥ, ᒪᓂ ᐅᓗᔪᖅ ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕐᕕᒃ ᑲᑭᖅᖠᓂᕐᓂ ᑕᕿᐅᓴᖅᑐᒥ. ᐊᔨᓕᐅᕆᔨ ᐅᔭᕋᓛᖅ ᐃᓄ

ᐊᒃᓱᕈᕐᓂᖅ, ᐊᔪᕈᓐᓂᕆᕈᓴᖅᑐᖅ ᒥᑭᓚᖑᖃᑕᐅᖕᒪᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑎᓂᒃ. ᖃᓄᐃᒋᖏᖢᓂᐅᒡᓗ. ᑐᓗᖅᑕᐅᖃᑦᑕᖅᖢᖓ, ᖃᓄᐃᖏᒃᑭᓪᓗᓂ. ᐊᔪᕈᓐᓂᖅᐸᓕᐊᓴᖅᑐᖓ ᓯᐊᕆᔭᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᐸᒃᓗ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᒃᑎᑲᐅᑐᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᐊᕋᒍᔪᒥ ᖁᕙᓯᖕᓂᖅᓴᒧᕈᒪᕗᖓ, ᑐᑭᒧᐊᖅᑎᑦᑎᓂᖅᓴᐅᓗᖓᓗ.

Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 Monday, June 26, 2023 A13 www.nunavutnews.com SPORTS HOTLINE • JAMES MCCARTHY Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: sports@nnsl.com • Fax: (867) 873-8507 Sports & Recreation
ice
ᐊᓇᓇᖓ ᐅᔭᕋᓛᖅ ᐱᑯᒋᓂᖅᐸᖓᓂᒃ ᑕᑯᖁᔾᔨᕗᖅ ᐱᖑᐊᕈᓯᕐᒥᒃ Hᐊᑭᒥᒃ ᓯᑯᑯᑦ
Hockey mom shares child’s passion, commitment to coolest game on
Hᐊᑭᖅᑎᐅ
ᑲᒪᕗᖅ ᐱᑲᐅᓂᖓᓄᑦ ᐃᕐᓂᓂᒃ ᐱᖑᐊᓕᕋᖓᑦ
Amanda Eecherk presents Shea Karetak, left, with the junior high Male Athlete of the Year award at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet this past month. Photo courtesy of Ujaralaaq Eno

Youth’s experiences are teacher’s dreams

Ashley Tulugak proud to provide hairstyling students with new opportunities

Four of those students, all aged 12-14, joined her to Iqaluit this spring for the territorial Skills Nunavut competition.

Through hairstyling and providing students opportunities to pursue their passions, Ashley Tulugak is fulfilling a commitment she made to herself in high school.

“Growing up here, we’re very limited with extracurricular activities,” said Tulugak, a teacher in Rankin Inlet. “When I moved here in junior high, I had gotten bullied, and the things that helped me overcome bullying were getting involved in extracurricular activities and travel opportunities.”

So when she graduated, she headed south, opened a hair salon and earned a teaching degree.

“That was always a part of my plan,” she said about getting the real-world experience of running a salon before heading back to Nunavut.

Last year, she started a hairstyling club through Skills Nunavut, where she offered lessons after school and on weekends. She also taught a cosmetology course at the high school for four months. She continued the hairstyling classes this year as an extracurricular activity for students.

Kyrene Angootealuk finished first in hairstyling, with Agalakti-Aiolah Ittinuar Irkootee coming third. Sophia Johnston came second in the skills demonstration. Due to their young ages, none of them competed at the Nationals in Winnipeg, but they did get to participate in the Soaring Skills program, where they had the opportunity to observe the competition and join in other team-building and skill-developing activities.

Seeing the youth take it all in was a great experience, said Tulugak, and aligned with her own dreams.

“We often have to be very creative and resourceful because of where we live,” she said. “I thought if I could offer some unique skillsets (to students), you just never know who would be interested and what they could do with that.”

The journey within the system hasn’t always been easy, she added, but Tulugak was thankful for Skills Nunavut’s support with materials and other opportunities. She said it would be amazing if some of her students would be recognized as qualified hairstylists by the time they graduate high school.

“I’m pretty excited about where things could go,” she said.

Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A14 Monday, June 26, 2023
By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Local Journalism Initiative Rankin Inlet Ashley Tulugak, left, takes a photo with students Brooke Misheralak, Kyrene Angootealuk, Sophia Johnston and Agalakti-Aiolah Ittinuar-Irkootee at the Opening Ceremonies of the National Skills Competition in Winnipeg this past spring. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Brooke Misheralak, 14, glides down the zipline at Camp Manitou. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Sophia Johnston, 12, hits a bullseye in archery at Camp Manitou. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak
Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 Monday, June 26, 2023 A15 www.nunavutnews.com
Brooke Misheralak showing the updo she completed in the summer 2022 Hairstyling Skills Camp in Rankin Inlet. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Kyrene Angootealuk soldering a pipe in the Try-a-Trades station at the National Skills Competition. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Agalakti-Aiolah Ittinuar Irkootee, 13, paddling on the kyak at Camp Manitou during the Soaring Skills program in Manitoba. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Agalakti-Aiolah Ittinuar-Irkootee preparing her specialty curls for her mannequin prior to an up-do in an August Hairstyling Skills Camp in Rankin Inlet. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Kyrene Angootealuk cutting a mannequin’s hair in an asymmetrical style in the Nunavut Skills Competition for hairstyling. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Brooke Misheralak, left, and Agalakti-Aiolah IttinuarIrkootee competing in the Hairstyling Competition at the Skills Nunavut competition in Iqaluit. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak Kyrene Angootealuk shopping for professional hairstyling supplies from a beauty supply store while in Winnipeg. Photo courtesy of Ashley Tulugak

Majesty of the herd

The Qamanirjuaq caribou herd is captured here by Putulik Photography as it migrates near Rankin Inlet in mid-June. The herd’s presence is an annual phenomenon that brings out viewers and regularly leads to limited or closed driving on the road to the Agnico Eagle mine to let them past undisturbed. Elders and hunters often advise not hunting the initial packs for the health of the herd. This group was heading east when the photo was taken. Photo courtesy of Putulik Photography

Nunavut News kNKu W?9oxJ5 www.nunavutnews.com A16 Monday, June 26, 2023
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Sports & Recreation

SPORTS HOTLINE • JAMES MCCARTHY

Phone: (867) 873-4031 • Email: sports@nnsl.com • Fax: (867) 873-8507

Lessons in sport go beyond the court

ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᕐᒧᑐᐊᖑᕙᙱᒻᒪᑦ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᖅᑕᐅᔪᓂᖅ

Volleyball coach talks importance of fostering mental health

ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑎᓄ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᔨ ᐅᖃᐅᓯᖃᖅᐳᖅ ᐃᓱᒪᒧᑦ ᑲᒪᑦᑎᐊᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᐱᒻᒪᕆᐅᓂᖓᓄᓪᓗ

Rankin Inlet

Local Journalism Initiative

Holly Mercer loves volleyball.

She even met her husband, Robert Kabvitok, through the sport. So when the Rankin Inlet athlete was struggling with the demands of parenting, she knew there was one outlet she could rely on. “Volleyball was my only thing that I could forget about everything at home,” she said. “It really helped me keep my sanity.”

She and Kabvitok have been teaching girls’ volleyball for years now, as well as being involved in other sports in the community. As time went on, she found there was more to coaching than the physical skills.

“At first we were just coaching the sport, and then by year three we started to really realize mental health is needed in sports too and it would help them throughout life,” said Mercer. Youth have to go to school, she said, but playing sport is something they choose to do. It’s a venue where she can challenge youth, celebrate their achievements and help them develop not just as athletes, but as people.

Overcoming fears in sport can help one overcome fears in other pursuits in life, said Mercer, as well as building resilient people with an openness to trying new things.

“That’s one of the most rewarding things is not only watching them grow in the sport but grow as people,” she said.

And if a player is making mistakes on the court and becoming scared of having the ball come their way, Mercer encourages them to learn from the last play but forget about it quickly and to want the ball to come to them.

“You have to learn to forget about your mistake and learn from it,” she said about coaching. “That’s the only way you can change it to a positive.”

Part of that is showing the players that the coaches aren’t perfect either, she added, and that they are always open to suggestions as well.

Mercer said the pandemic presented a big challenge for youth in sports, many of whom turned to games or TV.

“That really hurts,” said Mercer, thinking about youth who haven’t returned to sports, which provide such a great outlet for young people.

She was glad to see the Coaching Association of Canada launch a mental health and sport resource hub earlier this year to equip coaches with the tools and information to help them learn how to integrate positive mental health practices into their sport and further support their local communities. The hub includes resources available in Inuktitut, Dene, and Cree in addition to six other languages.

“I’m just really happy,” said Mercer, adding northerners are often left out of such initiatives.

“We have enough problems here with the amount of suicide. Nobody in Nunavut who lives here hasn’t been touched by suicide. I think if we can get the kids and adults into sports and talking to them and letting them learn that mistakes are okay, if we try to start young and let them learn that, we’d be better off.”

ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ. ᐊᖓᔪᖄᕆᔭᐅᔪᑦ ᐊᔪᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅᓯᐅᖃᑦᑕᖅᑎᓪᓗᒋᑦ ᒪᒃᑯᒃᑐᒥᓂᒃ, ᒪᓂᒪᓯᒪᔪ ᐅᐸᒡᑕᓗᒃᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᑦ ᐊᑑᑎᖃᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᖏᓐᓂ. ‘ᕙᓕ ᐹ ᐃᓱᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᕆᓇᓚᐅᖅᐸ’ ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ, ᐃᓱᒪᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᑲᐅᔫᒥᔪᒦᑎᓚᐅᕐᒪᖓ’. ᐅᐃᒌᒃ ᖃᕝᕖᑐᕐᓗ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᓴᐃᔨᐅᕘᒃ ᕙᓕ ᐸᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᓂᕕᐊᖅᓵᓂᒃ ᐊᕋᒍᒐᓴᖕᓄᑦ. ᐊᓯᖏᓐᓂᓪᓗ ᐱᖑᐊᑲᑕᖃᑕᐅᕙᒃᖢᑎᒃ. ᐅᔾᔨᕆᓕᓚᐅᖅᐴᒃ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᓂᑐᐃᓇᐅᖏᒻᒪᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᖅ. ᓯᕗᓪᓕᕐᒥ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅᐸᓚᐅᕋᓗᐊᖅᖢᓂ ᐊᕋᒍᓄᑦ ᐱᖓᓱᓄᑦ ᑭᓯᐊᓂᓕ ᐅᔨᕈᓱᓕᓚᐅᖅᐳᖅ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᑐᐃᓐᓇᐅᖏᒻᒪᑦ, ᐃᓱᒪᖏᑦᑕᐅᖅ ᐃᓱᒪᒋᓕᓚᐅᖅᐸᕗᑦ. ᐃᑲᔪᑎᖃᕋᔭᕐᓂᖓᓄᓪᓗ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᖅ ᐃᓱᒪᒧᑦ ᐊᑲᐅᓂᖅᓴᒃᑯᑦ. ᑕᐅᑐᒃᖢᒋᑦ ᐱᕈᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᑎᓪᓗᒋᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᑐᐃᓇᐅᖏᑦᑐᒃᑯᑦ, ᐃᒃᐱᖕᓂᐊᓂᖃᕐᓂᖏᑦ ᐃᒃᐱᒋᓪᓗᒋᑦ ᐃᒃᐱᖕᓂᐊᔪᖅᑎᑐᑦ. ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ. ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑏᑦ ᐱᔭᖁᒧᖏᑐᖅ ᑕᒻᒪᕋᓗᐊᖅᐸᑕ, ᒧᓱ ᐃᖃᖅᑐᐃᕙᒃᐳᖅ ᐃᓕᑦᑦᑎᔪᑎᒋᓚᐅᖅᑕᒥᓂᒃ ᐊᑐᑐᐃᓇᖁᓪᓗᒍ, ᐳᐃᒍᕐᓇᓚᐅᑲᓱᖑᖕᒪᑦ. ᑕᒪᑦᑕᑦᑎᐊᖅ ᐃᓕᑎᔪᓐᓇᕐᕕᖃᖅᑐᐃᓇᐅᔪᓐᓇᕋᑦᑕ ᑕᒻᒪᖅᑕᑦᑎᓐᓂ. ᑕᐃᒪᓐᓇᑐᐊᖅ ᐃᓕᑎᔪᓐᓇᕋᑦᑕ ᑕᒻᒪᕐᓂᑯᑦᑎᓐᓂ. ᐃᒡᓗᖔᖓᒍᓪᓗ, ᖃᐅᔨᒪᔭᕆᐊᖃᕐᒪᑕ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᔨᑦ ᑕᒻᒪᑐᐃᓇᐅᓲᖑᒐᑦᑕ,

ᕚᓕᐸᒧᑦ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᔨ Hᐊᓕ ᒧᓱ ᐃᓱᒪᒥᑎᒍᑦ ᑲᒪᒋᑦᑎᐊᕈᓐᓇᖅᓯᓂᖅᓴᐅᓚᐅᖅᓯᒪᕙᖓ. ᒪᓐᓇ ᒪᑯᒃᑐᓂᑦ ᓇᖕᒥᖕᓂᒃ ᑲᒪᒋᑦᑎᐊᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥ ᖃᓄᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅ, ᐃᓱᒪᒃᑯᑦ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᐃᔪᒪᕗᖅ ᐱᖑᐊᖃᑦᑕᕐᓂᒃᑯᒃ.

Volleyball coach Holly Mercer credits the game with saving her own mental health. Now, she hopes to bolster youth’s confidence through coaching. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

ᐃᓕᑦᑎᓪᓗᑕᓗ, ᑐᓴᕈᒪᓲᖑᕗᒍᑦ ᖃᓄᑐᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᐅᖃᖅᑕᐅᔭᕆᐊᖃᖅᑐᓂ. ᒧᓱ

ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ ᐊᒥᓱᑦ ᒪᒃᑯᒃᑐᑦ ᓄᕙᖕᓇᕐᔪᐊᕐᓂᖅᑕᖃᓚᐅᖅᑎᓪᓗᒍ ᐅᓚᕕᑕᐅᓗᐊᕐᒪᑕ ᐱᖑᐊᕈᑎᓄᑦ ᑕᓚᕕᓴᓄᓪᓗ. ‘ᐊᓐᓂᕐᓇᖅᑑᒐᓗᐊᑦ’, ᑕᐃᑯᐊ ᐱᒋᐊᒃᑲᓐᓂᓚᐅᖏᑦᑐᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᖃᑕᐅᑲᑕᖕᓂᕐᒧᑦ, ᐱᑯᓇᖅᑐᒻᒪᕆᐅᒐᓗᐊᕐᒪᑕ ᒪᒃᑯᒃᑑᖃᑎᖏᓐᓄᑦ. ᐱᑯᒍᓱᓚᐅᖅᐳᖅ ᐱᓕᒻᒪᖅᓴᐃᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᑲᑐᔨᖃᑎᒋᑦ ᑲᓇᑕᒥ ᒪᓂᒪᐃᑎᑎᓚᐅᕐᒪᑕ ᐊᓱᒪᒧᑦ ᑐᕋᖓᔪᒥᒃ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐱᖑᐊᖅᑎᑐᑦ ᐊᑐᖅᑕᐅᖃᑦᑕᕈᓐᓇᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᐊᑲᔪᕈᑎᐅᔪᓇᑐᖅ ᖃᓄᖅ ᐃᓱᒪ ᐊᑲᐅᔪᒥᑎᑦᑐᓐᓇᕐᒪᖓᑦ ᐱᖑᐊᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ, ᐊᒪᓗ ᓄᓇᓕᒧᑦ ᐅᑯᐃᖓᓕᓂ. ᒪᓂᒻᒪᐃᓯᒪᓪᓗᓂᓗ ᐃᓄᒃᑐᑦ ᐅᖃᐅᓯᒃᑯᑦ, ᓄᓇᖃᖅᖄᖅᑐᖅᑎᑐᓪᓗ, ᐃᓚᖃᑲᓂᖅᖢᒋᑦ ᐊᕐᕕᓂᓕᖕᓂᑦ. ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒃᐳᖓ, ᒧᓱ ᐅᖃᖅᐳᖅ, ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑕᖅᑐᕐᒥᐅᑕᑦ ᐃᓚᐅᑎᑕᐅᒐᔪᖏᒻᒪᑕ ᖃᓄᐃᓕᐅᖅᑐᖃᓕᕌᖓᑦ ᓄᓇᓕᖕᓂ. ᐊᑲᐅᖏᓕᐅᕈᑎᑕᖃᓚᐅᕐᒪ ᐃᖕᒥᓂᒃ ᐃᓅᓯᕐᒥᖕᓂᑦ ᓇᑲᑦᙱᔪᑦ ᐅᓄᖅᓯᕙᓪᓕᐊᓗᐊᓕᓚᐅᖅᖢᑎᒡᓗ. ᓱᕈᓯ, ᐃᓐᓇᓪᓗ ᐱᖑᐊᖃᑕᐅᖃᑦᑕᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᐊᑲᐅᖏᓕᐅᕈᑎᓂ ᐅᖃᓚᕕᒃᓴᖃᖅᑎᓐᓂ ᒪᓂᒪᐃᕕᒋᓯᒪᔾᔫᒥᒍᑦᑎᒍ, ᑕᒻᒪᕋᓗᐊᖅᖢᓂᓗ ᖃᓄᐃᖏᓂᖓᓂ, ᐃᓕᑦᑎᕝᕕᒋᔪᓐᓇᕐᓂᕐᒥᒃ, ᓱᕈᓯᐅᓂᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᓱᓕ ᐃᓱᒪᖏᑦ ᐊᕿᑎᐊᓂᖃᕈᓐᓇᕐᓂᖅᓴᐅᕗᑦ.

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