Nunavut News - Dec. 26, 2022

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Gjoa Haven’s Dylan Aquptanguaq spent a long time in planes to get to Rankin Inlet, but he wasn’t disappointed after taking part in Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.’s small engine repair training course.

“It’s going pretty good,” said Aquptanguaq

while showing off two snow machines the group of five participants, plus instructors, had repaired.

“Pretty awesome to do a course like this. My first time. I learned a lot,” he added.

Travel challenges created complications for organizers at the start of the program, which brings Arctic Co-op employees together from around Nunavut to bolster their skills in car and small engine repair.

Jackson Lindell steps in to help instruct the participants, as weather delays held up some plans for Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.’s small engine repair class, which turned out to be a success regardless.

Participants use Jackson Lindell’s garage to work on two snow machines. Stewart Burnett/ NNSL photo

Stewart Burnett/ NNSL photo

The two-part course started with vehicle work and finished with small engines, such as snow machines.

It was the first time Aquptanguaq had worked on trucks.

“I’m more interested in snowmobiles than truck, but if I can work on some trucks like changing the oil, do some minor repairs, I can do that (now),” he said.

Sherry Smadella, the training coordinator with Arctic Co-operatives, has been running the small engine repair training program in the North for almost two decades.

Although the Co-ops don’t service light vehicles like trucks, all of them have a company car that could use maintenance from time to time, she said.

For snowmobiles, the Co-ops are authorized dealers for Yamaha and Polaris, so it’s essential that staff are able to service the machines.

Smadella said it’s important for the Co-op to ensure new and long-time technicians upgrade their skills under qualified instructors. She was thankful for Jackson Lindell offering his garage and instruction.

During the course, members of the community were able to get free repairs on their vehicles, provided they supplied the necessary parts.

Over the nine-day course, extended due to travel delays, the group serviced about 15 or 16 vehicles, she said. Four finished the light vehicle training and five completed small engine repair.

“I think it’s important that the Co-op employees, my audience, is always highlighted for their skill development,” said Smadella about her pride in the workers.

For Aquptanguaq, the trip was full of learning and new experiences. Asked if he wanted to say anything else, he said, “It’s my first time being on a photo shoot. I’m looking forward to that.”

Instructor Jackie Nowdlak leads students while working on snow machine. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

The training program allows Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. to broaden the skills of their staff while helping out the community with some free repairs. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Smoke bellows out of a machine as participants diagnose the situation. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Iqaluit Rotary Club puts together 260 Christmas hampers for residents

Decades-long tradition continues with numerous volunteers and donors

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Iqaluit

The Rotary Club of Iqaluit put together 260 Christmas hampers this year for Iqalummiut this holiday season.

Families, college students in need, Elders and applicants were recipients of the hampers.

“We do have a waitlist every year but we do try to get a hamper to everybody,” said Hillary Casey, secretary for the Rotary Club of Iqaluit.

Turkey, potatoes, flour, shortening, vegetables, stuffing as well as a roasting pan and recipe instructions are included in each hamper. Arctic Ventures helps order all the needed products.

In recent years, food banks and organizations such as the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre have seen an increase in people seeking food. This has also been the case with the Rotary Christmas hampers.

“This year, like the last few years, we see more and more people requesting hampers,” said Casey.

The program started in 1978 with Mike and Margaret Gardener, who cooked and distributed turkeys to families in Iqaluit.

“If you heard of Coman Arctic, they (then) took over that practice, started buying turkey and vegetables and packing them in a box,” said Casey.

Fred and Oolahnee Coman spearheaded the company’s commitment.

Bob Hanson, of R.L Hanson Construction, eventually took over the Christmas hamper program for the Iqaluit Rotary Club. A lifetime Rotary member, Hanson passed away in November and his absence was felt during the organization of the Christmas hampers.

“He really was the one who championed this program for Rotary,” said Casey.

It was efforts by Bob and many, many other volunteers and businesses over the years that makes the Rotary Christmas hamper program possible.

“It’s in these peoples’ names that we’re really carrying on this tradition. They showed leadership on making sure families had something to eat over the holidays,” Casey said. “I think it’s a wonderful experience for the volunteers. We get a lot of businesses that come out to support us.

“This has become a part of their holiday tradition. It’s been going for 44 years — some have been doing this all of their lives.”

The Rotary Club of Iqaluit is looking to fundraise $40,000 to help cover the costs of this year’s Christmas hampers. The organization’s fundraising page can be found at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/, listed under The Rotary Club of Iqaluit Charitable Society.

People can also directly donate to Rotary with cash or cheque.

Iqaluit Rotary Club secretary Hillary Casey says it is because of efforts of volunteers that the Christmas hamper program is possible. Photo courtesy of Iqaluit Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Iqaluit has 260 Christmas hampers to give to city residents this year. Photo courtesy of Iqaluit Rotary Club

Arctic Connection opens in Rankin Inlet

Surge so large, staff had to briefly close the kitchen

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Rankin Inlet Local Journalism Initiative

Word didn’t take long to spread that Arctic Connection’s new store – or rather, two stores – were opening in Rankin Inlet Friday, Dec. 16.

From 8 a.m. on, the stores by the fourway stop downtown were packed with folks checking out the new retail outlet, and the parking lot was almost as busy as the arena on a hockey night.

The sales and excitement can do the talking, whereas the Ramsay family who run it prefer to stay humble.

“We don’t like to talk about ourselves,” said Jim Ramsay, owner.

Living in Rankin Inlet in the ‘90s, Ramsay started Arctic Connection in Winnipeg in 2002, then moved to Arviat and opened a retail outlet there a decade ago. The successful businessman, whose family all play prominent roles in the operation, decided Rankin Inlet would be his home for the long-term.

“We left here 21 years ago,” said Ramsay. “My wife and I decided this is where we want to retire. Won’t have any rest to retire, but this is our last stop. This is where we want to be.”

The new Rankin Inlet store offers late hours – with takeout services extending to midnight throughout the week – and both a hard goods store and restaurant side. Some of the low prices were already delighting customers on opening day.

“We’re all about sharing and trying to keep the prices down,” said Ramsay, who’s also

trying to provide services currently unavailable in town.

The takeout restaurant side of the operation is inspired partially by his time flying from Arviat through Rankin Inlet, where after 6 p.m., there’s hardly anywhere to find hot food in the Kivalliq capital.

It’s also inspired by the old Kativik store in Rankin Inlet. The store is still in operation by the Northwest Company, but it was previously a family business that offered late hours for a wide variety of goods.

Lots of people work on snow machines or the like late into the night, said Ramsay, and he wants to provide an option for them to pick up the tools they need and a pizza at the same time, even if it’s 11 p.m. on a Tuesday.

In fact, Ramsay used to supply Kativik before the store changed ownership.

“That was a big factor for us deciding” to open the Arctic Connection store, said Ramsay.

Once Kativik became a Northern entity, Ramsay made up his mind that it was time for more options in town.

His daughter Ashley Still, also part of the business, echoed that sentiment.

“We’re not here to compete directly with somebody,” she said, recognizing that every store in town offers different varieties of goods. “We’re here to provide a different option and do what we do best, and that’s it.”

Still said the family was scared to look at the total cost of opening the store, which was delayed a month and a half due to supply chain issues. But the Ramsays’ know-how and connections with shipping means the store can offer impressively low prices on commodities,

and they’re not in it to lose money.

“We’re volume driven, and we take advantage of sealift,” said Ramsay. “We find any space we can to bring in sealift to keep prices down. That’s the bottom line.”

That includes making special orders when customers request it.

“Our customers are our family,” said Still.

By the time of the interview with Kivalliq News the afternoon of opening Dec. 16, the store had already sold more than 500 break-

fast sandwiches, forcing it to close the kitchen for a period so staff and the machines could catch up.

But Ramsay isn’t done here. Early in the new year, he plans to launch delivery services, and then eventually he’s eyeing a shuttle service between the new store and the airport for people on layovers to be able to shop and get something to eat.

“We’re just happy to be back,” he said with a smile.

Tiana Manernaluk loads a bag of groceries on opening day in the hard goods side of the new Arctic Connection store. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

QUVIAHUVINGMI INUIN. NAAMMAINNAQTURUT HAMANI EDMINTINMIT. KINGNEKTAKLU NAVALALUNNUAKLU NAAMMAKTUTLU.

UPLUMI AKANANNUAK TIKINNAHUAK IQALUKTUUTIAMIT.

CAMBRIDGE BAY TEA TALK

with Navalik Tologanak email: helent@qiniq.com

QUANA IILA INUIT TIKIQATTAQTUT EDMINTINMUN. ALIANAQHIJUQ QULLIIIT PINIQIJUT. INUIN HAMANIITTUT NUNAQAQTUT HAMANI ULAPQINAHUATLU NIRINAHUATLU NUTAQQAT AITUQQNAHUAT. QUANA IKAJUQTUT. UPLAQINAHUATLU IQALUKTUUTIAMI. QUANA TAPKUAT HAVAKTIIT IHUAKHAIJUT IKAJUQPIAQTUT. NAUNAIPKUT QINIQLUGU NANI UPLAQINAHUAT, KAMIUNITIHAMILUUNIIT ILIHAKVIUP ANGNIJUQLUUNIIT. ILANI INUIN AJUQHAKPAKTUT TIKIGAAGNAT QUVIAHUGVIK. ILAIJAQHIMAJUT IKAJUQPAKLURIT QINIQPAKLURIT. TUNINGNUNAQHIVAKTUQ UNGNALIQMATA. IMIKPALAAQHIMAITTUMIK NUTAQQAT ITQAUMALUGIT TAPKUATLU AVALIITTUT QINIQPAKLURIT. NAAMMAKLUHI IILA. AYUKNAQMAN. TAPKUATLU AANIAQTUT. NIUVIKVIIT INUGIAHIKNIAQMIJUT IILA. ALIAHUKNIAQMIJUT NUTAQQAT QUANA. MIALI KALISMASI INUIT HUMILIKIAQ. ITQAUMANIAQPARIT TAMAFFI. Merry Christmas everyone. Happy Holidays.

So happy the holiday season has arrived, especially for our children and Elders. School is out, so it means the younger ones will be out and about, excited for Christmas. The community of Cambridge Bay will be holding Christmas games and festivities. Food hampers have been delivered to most residents, so thankful for this. It made Christmas holidays feel a little easier to cope with without worrying about food for the holidays.

This is a very important part of life now in our communities to receive food for everyone, or most, as food is so expensive in

today’s world, especially in Nunavut. Sure puts a smile on everyone’s faces and makes your heart feel good when someone delivers food hampers. It sure makes us happy to see a surprise on your steps. Brings tears to my eyes writing this. Years ago, everyone had caribou, but today not much caribou and there is still plenty of fish as hour hunters and fishers continue to harvest country

food for their families and community.

This tradition, we hope, will always continue. We as Inuit have done this from hundreds and thousands of years ago. It is a treasure to have caribou now — it is like gold. Families have helped each other and looked out for each other for many generations. Keep a look out for our youth especially, as this is the generation that is having a hard time trying to live both the new modern way of life and to live the traditional way of life also. Take good care and always check to make sure they are OK and that if they need to talk to someone make sure it is readily available and to be safe and happy.

It is hardest when there is unemployment, addictions, mental health issues and homelessness and loss of family/loved ones. Always check on each other and to avoid things and activities that can trigger emotional and mental and physical health. Many have outstanding issues that still have to be dealt with, such as nowadays many are taken through the justice system. If you are experiencing this, make sure to talk with someone about it. It will make you feel better and the heaviness will be lighter. Feel good about yourself and carry on living day by day.

For myself, I miss My Late Son but I have other family to look out for and they look out for me. Being together with people you feel comfortable with and love is good to have during the holidays. Don’t be alone, eat some good food and enjoy your loved ones. It is that time of year when families are important and to remember those we lost and love. Be strong inside your mind, body and soul. Remember, we are all loved and cared for, even your best friends are the best to hang out with this time of year.

Many of us may not have much money

or a home, but let’s be thankful we are here and that our loved ones are watching over us. I know My Son is sending down strength to me and watching over me and his family. Let us all be strong and happy and to be grateful we are here for each other. Your best friend may be miles away but knowing we have a friend or loved one

makes us feel not so alone.

I wish each of you a joyous holiday and to be strong and to start that positive feeling again that we all need. Take good care. My very best to each of you, especially to my family and friends. Let us do our best and carry on.

God Be With You Son.

Seven-month-old Carter Ayalik Jesso and her seven-year-old sister Andrea Etokana Ehaloak went to visit Santa in Cambridge Bay, sponsored by Ikaluktutiak Elks Club, on Saturday, Dec. 17. Their reactions were rather different. Photo courtesy of Junna Ehaloak

It’s the final collection of on-the-land photos for 2022.

Rankin Inlet’s Oscar Tan Camano is once again the winner of the contest, having taken the photo that earned the most likes online.

We look forward to more amazing images from Nunavummiut in 2023.

Inuk Inuktaluk (Joanassie Inuktaluk) sent us this image from Sanikiluaq. This was from Dec. 15, 2022, in a place called Tasirjuaq. Looking for wood to anchor the nets.

Mark Ethan Pangon sent us this story from Kugluktuk. Heading home after hunting and fishing north of Kugluktuk. Twelve-yearold Myles Kuodluak was driving them home in late August 2022. Mark was teaching Myles how to drive the boat while his mom was behind him.

Neevee Kilabuk sent us this photo from Iqaluit. A chilly 2 p.m. sunset in the capital of Nunavut.

WINNER! Oscar Tan Camano sent us this picture from Rankin Inlet. The dancing Aurora up in the sky.

Paul Kabloona sent us this image from Baker Lake. Largest pond hockey in Baker Lake in mid-November.

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

Iglulik celebrates holiday season with talent show

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Iglulik

Iglulik residents got into the holiday spirit on Dec. 10 with Iglulik’s Got Talent, a talent show and square dance hosted by the hamlet at the community hall.

The Saturday show also saw performances from Artcirq, an Iglulik-based Inuit perfor-

mance collective as well as a community feast, which included muktuk from Grise Fiord and seal from Resolute Bay.

Iglulik’s Got Talent winners are as follows:

-First prize: Elizabeth Awa, $1,250

-Second prize: Aidan Haulli, $750

-Third prize: Monica Qattalik, $500

Community volunteers helped organize the event, provided country food and handed out tickets.

Holiday cheer lit up the longest night of the year at Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit on Dec. 21 as winter solstice took place in the territory.

Nunavut’s Far Northern communities however, still have to contend

with the darkness until early in the new year.

In the Kitikmeot, sunlight has largely been absent since the end of November, according to timeanddate. com with the sun expected to return in early January.

For High Arctic communities such as Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, the sun is expected to make a return earlyto-mid February.

Iglulik residents pack the community hall during the talent show performances. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wakegijig

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Iqaluit

The Nunavut Legislative Assembly during the winter solstice. Trevor Wright/ NNSL photo

What flu strain is circulating now and why so many kids are getting sick

Public Health Agency of Canada wants to achieve an 80 per cent flu vaccination rate by 2025

The flu has returned with a vengeance after being absent for a couple of years during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s hitting children especially hard. Here’s what doctors say is happening, and why.

What flu strains are we seeing this flu season?

Based on predictions from the World Health Organization on what strains would appear, this year’s flu vaccine protects against two Influenza A strains — H3N2 and H1N1 — and two Influenza B strains which are called B/Victoria lineage and B/Yamagata lineage.

Right now, H3N2 is causing the vast majority of flu cases in Canada. It’s possible that the other strains could start circulating more widely and peak later in the flu season, doctors say.

Over the last decade, Influenza B strains have tended to arrive later in the season, said Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious diseases specialist and microbiologist at Sinai Health Systems in Toronto.

Does H3N2 make people sicker than the other strains?

H3N2 can cause more severe illness than other strains, especially among seniors who are more vulnerable, partly because it mutates faster so people don’t have as much acquired immunity protection, said McGeer.

That’s because people appear to accumulate some degree of protection throughout their lives to H1N1 and Influenza B strains, but not for H3N2.

“(For) kids who haven’t really been exposed to influenza before to any significant degree, there’s not a lot of difference in severity between H1N1, H3N2 and B (strains),” McGeer said.

Why are so many kids getting sick right now? The flu season started early this year, doctors say, which means kids started getting sick

earlier. And Covid-19 safety measures, like masking, also kept other viruses like the flu at bay the previous two cold and flu seasons.

“We’re now seeing all our old viral foes coming back to play after being on hiatus for a couple of years,” said Dr. Justin Penner, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and member of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s infectious diseases and immunization committee.

’Getting sick all the time’

Kids under five years old are most at risk of getting seriously ill with flu, doctors say. And because of the Covid-19 pandemic precautions, the immune systems of many children under three haven’t previously come in contact with the virus.

“Kids between, you know, zero to three have about a 40 per cent chance of acquiring influenza in any given year,” McGeer said.

“We’ve now got like two-and-a-half cohorts of kids who haven’t been exposed to influenza at all. So they’re all getting sick at the same time.”

Why do some people land in hospital with the flu?

In the vast majority of cases, flu can be treated at home, doctors say.

But like many illnesses, some cases end up being more serious, McGeer said.

“There’s an entire range (of reasons) from just severity of the influenza illness itself to complications,” she said.

Some flu patients might get pneumonia, for example, or a bacterial infection on top of the virus.

Myocarditis and encephalitis are other possible complications of the flu.

People who are immunocompromised can also be at higher risk of severe illness.

“Influenza can also trigger exacerbations of

underlying illness,” McGeer said, including heart disease and stroke.

Seniors are also more prone to being hospitalized with the flu, but a higher risk in the older age demographic appears to be offset this year by public health measures such as continued masking in long-term care homes, she said.

Why are so many people reluctant to get the flu vaccine?

The Public Health Agency of Canada says it wants to achieve an 80 per cent flu vaccination rate by 2025, but the uptake falls far short of that each year.

The influenza vaccine has a “bad reputation” because it’s effective but not perfect, said Dr. James Kellner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at the University of Calgary.

Based on data from Australia, which already had its flu season, this year’s vaccine appears to be about 50 per cent effective in reducing severe illness from the flu, he said.

That’s a difference that people tend to undervalue, Kellner said.

“Looking at 50 per cent prevention of severe outcomes could certainly have saved a lot of misery across the country (this year).”

‘So much fatigue’

The fact that flu vaccinations are needed every year instead of getting a one-time shot also puts some people off, he said.

Plus, “there’s so much fatigue” for public health measures from Covid-19, Kellner said.

“Covid vaccine initial uptake was so successful for a variety of reasons, but a big part of it was that there was this sense of public spirit around it in the collective willingness and desire to do the right thing,” he said.

“It seems that we’ve lost that quite a bit right now.”

Many people also don’t take the flu seriously enough or realize how severe it can be, especially for young children, Kellner said.

“There’s a sense that flu vaccine is not that important and so it’s missed out on a lot.”

Some people also mistakenly think they got the flu even though they were vaccinated, said Penner of the Canadian Paediatric Society.

“People’s perception of what influenza or the flu is, you know, could be a wide variety of different viruses,” he said.

Plus, if people do get the flu even though they’ve been immunized, the vaccine can make the illness less severe, Penner said.

How can we protect ourselves and our families?

The most effective ways to guard against the flu, experts say, are:

— Get the flu vaccine. Doctors say it’s not too late.

— Stay home if you feel unwell

— Masking

— Frequent handwashing

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press

Press/AP, David Goldman

In a close, aggressive finals with Team Nunavut, the squad from Iqaluit took home the 2022 Polar Bear Plate trophy in Rankin Inlet Sunday, Dec. 18. They bested Team Nunavut 1-0 after an early goal off a misplay and two Nunavut goals that were called back. Team Nunavut finished second, with the Rankin Canucks in third. The Iqaluit roster included Josie Cote, Andrew Pearce, Justin Cox, Mason Angnakak, Brayden Uluqsi, Thomas Gray, Frederick Hutchings, Nathan Kelly, Solomon Goupil, Joseph Ashoona, Taukie Ipeelie, Nutaralaaq Hughes Lonsdale, Felix Dubeau, along with coaches Todd Gardner, Matthew Normand, Robert Comeau and Nate Gardner. Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Kitikmeot modular housing company shares evolution of Arctic construction

Amanda Doiron and Stuart Rostant of CHOU Consulting and Development in Cambridge Bay have learned much through trial and error over the years

ourselves. At first we tried a Nelson Homes package, which consists of a package of panels directly shipped to create housing units.

A modular housing company has put its first units on the market in Cambridge Bay. CHOU Consulting and Development was founded by Amanda Doiron and Stuart Rostant.

During an interview with Nunavut News, they shared challenges they have faced since the creation of their enterprise, their goals for the future, and they painted a picture of the housing crisis in Nunavut as they have experienced it. This is the first in a two-part series.

Doiron: We moved to the Arctic 12 years ago, to work for the GN. We wanted to buy a house because we weren’t very content with the GN housing. The problem was that housing was simply not available on the market, so we started trying to find a way to get a house by

We realized that constructing the houses instead could be better suited for the Arctic. We added insulation and added a few things to make it Northern ready but it still wasn’t what we felt it needed to be.

We secured a double lot in Cambridge Bay which we’re on right now. We’re now using another system of instant panels: foam metal panels. We realized it was a better way of building, better efficiency and it’s quick to build. We did three projects using that system; a fourplex, the commercial building (for) Kuugaq Café and a fiveplex. That was already a better way to put homes up.

We were then approached by Greenstone Panels which is another foam and metal build-

ing panel company, developed in Canada, manufactured in Brandon, Man., and that is what we are using now.

Then we wondered if we wanted to ship housing pods pre-made or build them on site. We tried comparing three of our house projects to decide. One of them we built as a modular right from Manitoba and shipped it up in two pods, and the other two buildings we built on site to spread the cost of the project. It was a success, the pre-made pod cost us more in shipping but we saved on time and we had access to resources in Manitoba to build them.

When shipping a house, most would think volume is the most important aspect in the equation because of the cost of shipping, but because of the time of the barge arrival, winter being so fast, the lack of qualified labour in the North, and the limited access to

materials, we realized there is way too much risk in doing the whole construction process in the North. At the end of the day, it takes more time and money to do so.

Later on, we did another project: four pods connected to a mechanical room, which was modular as well, and created this first-time homeownership opportunity sold as one-bedroom units.

Rostant: They’re bigger than tiny homes, they’re proper one-bedroom, 630-square-foot units.

Doiron: When you build in the North, you have to think of everything that is going to be inside of the unit. When we sell our units, they’re already completely furnished because we don’t have access to small-scale furniture. We need to have furniture that is adapted to the small space of the unit.

One of CHOU Consulting and Development’s finished two-bedroom homes, viewed from the back. Photo courtesy of CHOU

Felix Charron-Leclerc Local Journalism Initiative

Rostant: We designed all the projects we’ve done. Modular made so much sense in the Arctic due to the short construction season. We arrived here in September and we saw people trying to build outside during a blizzard and we thought it was madness.

With our first strategy of Nelson Homes with pre-cut walls shipped by sea containers, we were able to put up a 5,400-square-foot building with windows in two weeks. Before snow even came, we didn’t have to deal with anything outside. Building in the Arctic is different from building anywhere else for so many reasons. Living in the Arctic for 12 years gave us the experience we needed to know what aspects of the buildings had to be adapted.

Doiron: We had to start designing from scratch because southern concepts didn’t work in terms of setting up heating, electricity or plumbing, but also to maintain and operate the units.

Rostant: It is easy to build modular housing, but the big logistical nightmare is how you get it from a yard in Manitoba to a site in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. We don’t have cranes in Cambridge Bay, most communities don’t even have a 52-foot flatbed to carry the pods from high water to the site.

We designed these pods to be light enough to move, so they’re pretty much 22,000 pounds. They’re structured so we can lift them with one loader right from their centre, pick it from a flatbed and put it onto a pile foundation or a jacked foundation, which we used this year.

We want to work on the transportation aspect. We would like to be able to hydraulically jack these pods into place with a system integrated in the base of the pods, instead of relying on the help of contractors, which can add days to the production time.

Doiron: We do our planning and designing based on where it is the most remote, the most difficult, the place with the least amount of resources, this is where we want to go. This way our design can work in any community. We all need housing.

Next week: Building the local workforce, financing challenges for customers and plans for future projects.

furnished. Photo courtesy of CHOU

Photo courtesy of CHOU

Fourplex pods arriving to Cambridge Bay in 2022. In total, five pre-fabricated pods were shipped to the Kitikmeot community CHOU Consulting and Development’s housing project. Connections (mudroom/entrances) to each were added on site. The fourplex consisted of four one-bedroom, 630-square-foot units with a shared mechanical pod. Photo courtesy of CHOU

The housing pods have been designed light enough structurally to allow builders to lift them using a single loader. Pods are 42 feet in length, 12 feet in width, 12 feet high and weigh close to 22,000 pounds. Photo courtesy of CHOU

The finished interior of a one-bedroom unit. They come fully furnished and move-in ready. Photo courtesy of CHOU

Northern Indigenous communities leading the switch to renewable energy, but progress slow in Nunavut

The North is warming two to four times faster than the global average

An energy-focused think tank says Indigenous energy sovereignty in Canada’s North is “absolutely critical and fundamental” to addressing climate change, but more support is needed.

The Pembina Institute is criticizing the latest plan from the Northwest Territories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saying meaningful Indigenous engagement and partnerships should be a greater priority.

Earlier this month, the territory released a second three-year action plan under its 2030 energy strategy, detailing initiatives it says will reduce emissions by 51 kilotonnes by 2025, slightly below a previous target of 57 kilotonnes. The plan includes grants and incentives to save energy in buildings, support for electric vehicle charging stations and major infrastructure projects.

“We were just hoping to see a much more detailed plan and outreach strategy to really engage all the Indigenous communities on how they want to and can be involved in supporting the NWT and leading their own energy reductions,” said Dave Lovekin, Pembina Institute’s director for renewables in remote communities.

“Indigenous people kind of have been there for time immemorial and they know what is needed for their communities,” he said.

The territory’s Department of Infrastructure said in a statement that community engagement, participation and empowerment is at the core of the energy strategy, and it sought input from Indigenous governments and organizations on the action plan. It added that the GNWT “provides significant financial and technical

support” to communities for energy planning.

The territory plans to review the strategy in 2023.

While the NWT aims to reduce emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, Yukon plans to cut emissions up to 45 per cent below 2010 levels by that point and reach net-zero by 2050. Nunavut does not have specific emissions reduction targets, but has several renewable and energy-efficient projects in the works.

While the North accounts for a small per cent of Canada’s total emissions, many communities are still reliant on diesel fuel for electricity. The region is also warming two to four times faster than the global average.

Indigenous governments and organizations are leading the way when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy sources across the North, Lovekin said, due in part to federal funding.

Indigenous-owned projects already lowering diesel emissions include the use of solar energy in Aklavik and Old Crow, Yukon.

Barriers remain

But barriers remain for many communities to get off diesel, ranging from the technical to bureaucratic.

“I think the biggest challenge that needs continuous and systemic support is just building up Indigenous energy champions,” Lovekin said. “Really nurturing that relationship and really supporting Indigenous communities on capacity building.”

In Lutsel K’e, a solar project started in 2016. The Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation said at the time it was the first community across the territories to

produce its own power, signing a power purchasing agreement with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Denesoline Corporation, the First Nation’s financial arm, has been working to develop a hybrid wind and solar power plant in the community to further reduce reliance on diesel.

However, its chief executive officer said, following a study by the British Columbia Institute of Technology, that it’s unclear whether the project will work and it’s too financially risky. Ron Barlas said it is now investigating other options.

“The importance of transitioning off of diesel to reduce the carbon footprint on the environment is self-evident and has been our own independent goal … consistent with Indigenous communities having control over their own generation,” Barlas said in a statement. “The challenge remains the lack of availability of economically and technically viable clean power plants or hybrid renewable energy systems and solutions.”

Another challenge in the NWT is that there’s a 20 per cent cap on renewable energy generation in diesel-dependent communities to prevent system instability and limit revenue losses to the utility. A May 2021 report found that as of July 2020, nine communities had reached or exceeded that limit.

In Sanikiluaq, the Nunavut Nukkiksautit Corporation, an Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, plans to install wind turbines to displace half the community’s annual diesel use for electricity. Heather Shilton, director of the corporation, said one of the

biggest hurdles has been negotiating a power purchasing agreement with the utility, a crucial step before construction can begin.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation, which is owned by the Nunavut government, received interim approval to implement an independent power producer policy in late September, but slow progress has delayed several renewable energy projects.

“Without that IPP program in place, we were kind of stuck,” Shilton said. “We submitted our application as soon

as that ministerial approval came out, but we’re still not entirely sure about when we’re going to be able to see that power purchase agreement.”

Other Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives in the works include solar projects in Invuik and Deline and Beaver Creek, Yukon, and a wind energy project in Burwash Landing, Yukon.

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

The Qulliq Energy Corporation, which is owned by the Nunavut government, received interim approval to implement an independent power producer policy in late September, but slow progress has delayed several renewable energy projects. Photo courtesy of Qulliq Energy Corporation

How the North is working to reduce reliance on diesel for power

Many communities in the North are reliant on diesel for electricity. Here’s a look at how power is generated and transmitted in the territories and how they plan to move away from fossil fuels:

Nunavut

The territory does not have emissions reduction targets but renewable energy projects are underway.

Emissions in 2020 were 603,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, an increase of three per cent since 2005.

Nunavut is unique in Canada, as it does not have a shared transmission grid. Instead, each of the territory’s 25 communities has its own power plant and they all rely on imported diesel.

Quilliq Energy Corporation is owned by the Nunavut government and is responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution. It has a net metering program that allows residents and municipalities to receive energy credits for surplus renewable energy. It also recently started an independent power producer program.

The corporation installed solar panels at Iqaluit’s power plant in 2016 as part of a pilot project “with promising results.” It plans to construct a new hybrid solar-diesel power plant in Kugluktuk, which is expected to be completed late next year.

Other projects being explored include the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, which would connect Nunavut’s Kivalliq region to Manitoba’s fibre-optic and hydroelectric grid.

Northwest Territories

The NWT aims to reduce emissions to 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Emissions in 2020 were 1.4 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, a decrease of 19 per cent since 2005.

The territory gets power from hydro, petroleum, natural gas and wind. Eight communities are served by two hydro grids with diesel back up, while 25 rely mainly on diesel.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation is a Crown corporation that produces most of the territory’s electricity. It offers a net metering program and has installed solar arrays in Fort Simpson, Colville Lake, Fort Liard, Wrigley and Aklavik.

Construction of a wind turbine in Inuvik, which has diesel

and natural gas power plants, is expected to finish in 2023.

The territory’s most ambitious energy enterprise is the proposed Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project, expected to cost more than $1 billion. It would add capacity to the Taltson hydroelectric system and connect the territory’s two hydro grids. It aims to encourage mining in the eastern part of the territory and connect the NWT grid to the southern electrical grid in the long term. While the project has received some criticism, the territorial government has said it is a priority in discussions with federal ministers.

Yukon

Yukon aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 45 per cent below 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

Emissions in 2020 were 601,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, an increase of six per cent since 2005.

Hydroelectricity accounts for the majority of power gener-

ation in Yukon, which is supported by diesel and natural gas during peak demand and hydro disruptions. Five communities are not connected to the main electricity grid and largely rely on imported diesel.

Yukon Energy Corporation, which is publicly owned, is the primary generator and transmitter of electricity. ATCO Electric Yukon, a private company, also contributes to power generation.

The territory implemented an independent power producer policy in 2019.

Yukon offers incentives for residents and businesses to produce electricity from renewable sources and sell the surplus to the grid. It also provides funding for small-scale, community-led renewable energy projects.

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

Competition is a win for consumers

Arctic Connections store will benefit community

Rankin Inlet’s new Arctic Connections store opened to much fanfare Friday, Dec. 16.

It was a long time coming, but the outlet offers two locations – one with hard goods, another with groceries and takeout – open late all week, even serving takeout until midnight Monday through Saturday.

It’s easy to be a little bit tentative about rejoicing at first. The main restaurants in town close much earlier, with the Captain’s Galley ceasing orders before most people have showered after work. Only time will tell whether Arctic Connections can manage the staffing and resources required to keep its operation running into the late night, every night.

Either way, the new stores are jam-packed. Combined, they’re much bigger than the other convenience stores in town, with a fresh, modern look and a diverse bounty of goods for sale. That is a win for Rankin Inlet.

Just as the Arctic Co-op helps keep a lid on Northern prices, the competition Arctic Connections brings will benefit all consumers in Rankin Inlet and those travelling through. It may force other outlets to step up their game to keep up.

It can’t be easy or cheap for Arctic Connections to gamble on this new outlet. Staffing challenges alone are a nightmare for local businesses, let alone keeping a steady supply of freight. The store is about one block from Kativik and across the street from the Northern Store, offering direct competition to one of the major retailers in town.

Some customers are already raving about the prices and cheap(ish) drinks. By coincidence, or not, EPLS/ Home Hardware had a flash sale of cans of pop a few hours after the opening of Arctic Connection.

Many communities in the territory are stuck with only one or two grocery stores, usually Northern and Co-op. Rankin Inlet now has a solid handful, with several full

grocery stores and convenience options.

Even if you don’t shop at

Arctic Connections, its mere existence might bring down prices at the outlet closest

to you and that benefits everyone. No reason to stop here

either – the more businesses that open up in town, the better for all of us.

Kono Tattuinee, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, has been a vocal proponent of the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link. NNSL file photo

Northern News Services

STEWART BURNETT

Christmas screening with a healthy twist

Engagement

prior to

movie encourages youth to learn about impacts of alcohol and cannabis consumption

A Christmas-themed movie played at the Astro Theatre in Iqaluit on Wednesday, Dec. 14, but there was an unusual lead up to the event.

The event was set up so that youth could visit various stations before entering the movie room. Those stations included representatives from Nunavut mental health, GN health, population health and the Law Society of Nunavut.

“We had youth come in and they had really good questions. It’s always good to be able to connect with the population and share information,” said Nalini Vaddapalli, CEO of the Law Society of Nunavut.

The goal of the event was to inform youth of various concepts surrounding the consumption of alcohol and cannabis.

“There was a drunk goggles activity, true or false questions about alcohol and cannabis consumption,” added Romy Leclerc, projects and politics coordinator with the law society.

The society’s table had a family lawyer present who answered questions about the legal framework around the consumption of alcohol and cannabis.

“Youth asked questions about the ways dry

communities and restrictions were functioning around Nunavut. Sometimes we forget Nunavut’s system for alcohol restriction is much different than other provinces and territories and a lot of young people have questions about that,” explained Leclerc.

The society’s representatives emphasized how having a holistic approach is very important when embarking on such an educational journey with youth.

“It’s important that we make sure we have the expertise around the table. We’re very mindful about that,” says Vaddapalli. “When talking to youth, you have to make it interesting for them, definitely not just talking about what the law says — it’s pretty dry.”

The event was initially supposed to take place in Naujaat but the community hall burned down earlier this year.

The law society also hosted activities around alcohol and cannabis consumption in October In Rankin Inlet.

The activity was part of a broad scope supported by the Government of Canada under a program addressing prevention of harassment, discrimination, barriers to employment and gender-based violence.

Stations were set up in the Astro theatre in Iqaluit on Dec. 14 and included representatives from Nunavut mental health, GN health, population health and the Law Society of Nunavut. Photo courtesy of the Law Society of Nunavut

Felix Charron-Leclerc