Tusaayaksat – May/Jun 2006

uanuq itpa Joint Review Panel

taqumata pitjutha nautiuramiqu

tuhuayuam Mackenzie Gas Havautihaa?

• Languniatuq Nunamun Inungnunia

• Atuq tahat piyahatlu ayunahitiqunaru

•Inuvialuit nautiuriyitlu litturiyait ilikimayahat

Qanuq ilituriniakik hungmagan?

•Qatimayunun iliturilunga

• Pulaaqtinin

• Pulaaglunga Inini Qatimayininlu

Uvunga Ilituriffalutin

Akiituq hivanium: 1.866.372.8600

Joint Review Panel Office Suite 302, 125 Mackenzie Road P.O. Box 2412 Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0

Contents Makpiraam Qoliangit

Publisher Editor Translation Reporter

Contributors

Photography

Design, Layout & Typography Production ICS Board of Directors

Topsy Cockney

Inuivaluit Communications Society, Executive Director Zoe Ho

Albert Elias

Zoe Ho

Pat Dunn

Velma Illisiak

MillieThrasher

David Stewar t Zoe Ho

Zoe Ho

ICS Staff President

Stan Ruben, Paulatuk

Vice-President

Foster Arey, Aklavik SecretaryTreasurer

Sarah Rogers, Inuvik

Jack Akhiatak, Ulukhaktok

Joanne Eldridge, Sachs Harbour

Jimmy Komeak, Tuktoyaktuk

Willow Printers

Our sincere apologies...

We ran a story on Leaving the North in the last issue. A part of this story caused discomfort for some. Our sincere apologies.

~ Photos in the An Inuk's Autobiography story in the last issue should be credited as follows :

Left page: TopBern Will Brown

Left page bottom, Right Page - Eddie Gruben

~ We mis-spelt Lucy Kudlak's name in the last issue, in the Sachs Harbour community report. Sorry.

Above: Kaylan Kayotuk having a rice krispy snack at the Muskrat Jamboree!

The Quilt of Belonging

A visitor described the 120-foot long tapestry that filled the hall at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex as “Northern Lights”, one that spoke of our desire to honor every individual’s unique place in the fabric of Canadian society.

Visual artist Esther Bryan started the community art project in 1998; volunteer artists were invited to create the 263 squares to tell a cultural and personal history in each block– whether of an Inuit or First Nations group, or other nations that made up part of Canada’s social fabric. Esther believes we share common threads, “With textile and leather, we can tie anything together,” especially the unique cultural beauty that enhances our national identity.

The Aklavik Sing along Group opened the ceremonies, playing a rousing melody that harmonized with drum beats of the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers. It was a gorgeous transition between their performances.

The opening night also included speeches by Jamie Robertson from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. The ITK and NAAF’s visit of the north coincided with the arrival of the Quilt of Belonging.

She said, “It is a pleasure to see the power of the culture of the Inuvialuit, and the strength of your people, your dance, your drums and your singing. It’s really an education and that’s what we are doing here.”

It was no humdrum quilt, materials used ranged from beaded caribou hides to Scottish tartans, from gold embroidered silk to the gossamer wings of butterflies, from century old homespun linens to African mud cloth. The blocks at the bottom of the quilt represent how the aboriginal nations of Canada are the foundation of our nation.

Appreciation of the quilt was not limited to women. Roy Wilson said, “I didn’t realize until I got here that these represent our country. I thought it represented the world! This is pretty neat. I like the Iraqi one, with the gold. I can see hard work went in.”

It took six years to complete all the nation blocks and then

This quilt has achieved a goal of the invitation project: To create together, a work of art that shows a path from separate to whole, to belonging

assemble them. Ever since April 2005, the quilt has begun its four year tour around Canada, and has traveled through Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Foundland, Labrador and Nunavut. After its next stop in Yellowknife, it will be exhibited in Western Canada.

Agnes Kuptana crafted the Inuvialuit block, and looked happy and proud to be part of the quilt. She said, “When Nellie gave me a call 7 years ago, I realized it was important. I thought about what represents the Inuvialuit and decided it would be sealskin and the Alaskan High Kick.” She worked with white and grey sealskin, trimmed to define details, and stitched with sinew.

Bush Camp Eligible for Cultural Bursary

NAAF and ITK Tour the Arctic to learn about the Northern Way of Life

We tried our best to make Representatives from National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) feel at home while they were in Inuvik and Ulukhaktok this spring on part of their tour through the arctic. They came to fill us in on what the NAAF and ITK can do for Inuit education, and to experience Northern life first hand so they can adjust their policies to serve us better.

It was a whirlwind trip: these representatives talked to youth and educators in our schools and colleges, visited the local government representatives, tried out dog mushing, visited a bush camp and went to a feast in Ulukhaktok as well as attended the opening of the Invitation Project (Quilt of Belonging) in Inuvik. All these gave them an even greater awareness and appreciation for the particular needs and aspirations of the northern Inuit.

Roberta Jamieson, CEO of NAAF, really enjoyed the caribou soup and eskimo doughnuts at Jeffery Amos’ bush camp. She said, “When you’ve been outside for a little while, and you come into the

From February 27 to March 1st,, visitors who went to see the Quilt of Belonging had their breath taken away by its beauty.

warmth of this fabulous cabin, it’s a welcome respite. A warm stove, a big kettle of caribou soup. I am enjoying it very much. This gives us a better understanding when we receive bursary applications for cultural projects, this very camp could be a cultural project!”

“The whole objective of this tour is to promote the knowledge that we give out scholarships to First Nations and Inuit people all over Canada. We feel that not as many people from the North are applying as they can. A lot of people don’t know what we do; we are translating our materials for the western and eastern arctic. Like the drum dance that we saw last night, these are the very activities that we are interested in funding. People need to know about this and they need to apply!”

Tooneelee Joulee Kootoo-Chiarello of the ITK said the scholarships are there to support any ambition; besides trades, students can also pursue careers in the arts or to be a licensed professional with NAAF support. “Education has always been one of our priorities, and we want Inuit to know that if they have a dream we are here to help them. We need more lawyers and doctors!”

Paulette Tremblay, Director of Education at NAAF said, “Since 1988 we’ve given out over 21 million to First Nations, Mé tis and Inuit students. We also have the NAAF Awards, which highlights aboriginal people and youth who are outstanding in different careers and are role models.” She said sometimes we might have doubts about our ability, but the NAAF Award winners are highlighted to show that “setting goals and achieving them takes dedication and hard work, but if you put your mind to it, you can do it too.”

Jose Kusugak came on board for the ITK-NAAF tour from Ulukhaktok onwards. He said, “I was very pleased with the trip. There were quite a lot of questions asked and the Inuit in the classrooms learnt a lot about their options. Jamieson and her group could also see the geographical and cultural differences between the Inuit and First Nations and will seriously look at honing their policies to serve better.”

Jamieson said, “I’ve been told ever since I’ve been here that many students don’t finish high school. If our programs are only available if you finish high school, that in itself limits the number of applicants. We were told we need to rethink our bursaries and scholarships so both young and older people who want to take an LPN program or be a nurse can qualify. I think it’s a very good point. We were also told we should have more support for the trades and I think we will have a look at that too.”

The tour went from February 26 to March 3, and also visited the Inuit communities of Cambridge Bay, NU, and Iqaluit, NU.

For more information, visit www.naaf.c a and www.itk.c a

The Inuvik Drummers and Dancers performed in harmony with the Aklavik Sing-along group, adding to the beauty of the occasion.

Agnes Kuptana showing us the Inuvialuit square she made out of sealskin.

Roberta Jamieson, CEO of NAAF, enjoys caribou soup at Jeffery Amos’s bush camp.

Jefferey Amos shows NAAF and ITK visitors the muskrat he caught in his trap.

Youths Speak Up Notaqat Oqangit

“Growing up I was a drum dancer. I also square danced. I was an arctic sports coach for Volleyball. I always volunteered at the Recreation department and when I became 18, I became qualified to chaperone kids. I brought children from Tuk to Inuvik for basketball camps. A couple of times I took out people who were older than me for volleyball tournaments. I won a NWTRPA (NWT Recreation and Parks Association) Youth Leadership Award. They flew me to Yellowknife and there was a big banquet.”

“I found I loved being around kids, coaching them and helping them out.”

Another milestone for

Photos: Holly and her two year old son.

Holly Ovayuak from Tuktoyaktuk has a winning smile and an outgoing personality, reflected by the volume of support she gets from her friends, family and instructors. She is parent to an adorable two year old, and juggles achieving her recreational coordinator certification with other commitments. It is obvious everyone wants to help the twenty-one year old do well. “My mum and sister moved up this year to help me. During class, if we have special events like the ones at Community Hall, you’ll see my baby in my strap. My classmates in first year will say, “Ok here let me have him for a minute, and you can go do something else.”

“Iwas always busy, even when I was pregnant. I rested for three months, but once it was over, I was an instructor at the pool in Tuk. I got my bronze medallion, and I still have to get my bronze cross.” Holly is always on the go, recovering from challenges to become stronger. When she completed her first year of the recreational coordinator course in Inuvik, she thought about going home for good. “It took awhile to adjust. Inuvik’s not all that big, but I missed my family.”

“But I noticed if I stay in Tuk, like if I was sitting there, ten years later I will still be doing the same thing. Inuvik seems to offer a healthier lifestyle and a lot more jobs and opportunities.”

“When I left Tuk, drum dancing wasn’t happening because we didn’t have funding for it. Here there is soccer and a gym, you can have people playing soccer and volleyball at the same time, and there is always enough people showing up. Back home, it was just enough for two teams sometimes. Growing up there was a lot to do, but I had to pressure my friends to do sports and some of them didn’t want to.”

“Iam just outgoing, I guess?” she said, surprised, when I asked if she might know why some of her peers and instructors have nominated her to be featured in Tusaayaksat.

Jana, a lady she worked with at Tuktoyaktuk’s recreation department told her she was made for the recreational coordinator program.

Now, Holly is becoming an expert at putting together budgets, doing lesson plans, learning about sports, doing presentations on smoking at the health center and organizing teen dances. She prefers practicums because they are hands on courses. “I’ve done three practicums, the last one was with Municipal and Community Affairs. The first practicum was 225 hours, the second was 450 hours. It’s not just the hours, we also have assignments to complete, such as competence in the budget process. We have to show that we know how to make a budget.”

She will graduate from the course in 9 weeks. There are many doors opening for her. “I can’t pick out what to do yet. My instructors would like me to get my lifeguard certification so I can be a swimming instructor in the little communities around here. That’s a lot of training and time. If not I will go back home…but I would also like to check out what the other communities have to offer. I’ve applied at a few places and got a call from Folks on the Rocks in Yellowknife, asking if I was interested. I’ve faxed them my resume. There are also a few more jobs coming up, one in Yellowknife and another in a reserve at Hay River…I still want to go back to school and get a bachelor in Physical Education. I already have some credits from my courses at Aurora College, so I won’t have to take some of the courses for the degree.”

“Iam going home soon for the Jamboree and I will be presenting the Canada Winter Games Torch as a Official Torch Relay Carrier.” Students from the Recreation Leaders Program have volunteered to undertake a challenging six-day, 160km Cross Country Ski Expedition between Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik. Holly will be one of the students carrying the Canada Winter Games Torch. The expedition celebrates the spirit of the Canada Winter Games and the rich history of cross country skiing on the harsh but beautiful land, and is another milestone on Holly’s journey in life.

Cardboard Boats Race for Life Skills

Build a boat out of cardboard. Have it carry at least two people over the whole length of the Inuvik swimming pool, and pass a 2-minute buoyancy test with three people in it. That was Skills Canada’s challenge to the students of Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik. Students formed teams and made many inventive floatation devices – some stayed afloat quite awhile, others sank or became pulp before it reached the third quarter of the pool. There were no paddles, just hands; coordination between the “captains” determined if the boat traveled with speed in the right direction. The afternoon was filled with laughs and cheers, both for these competitors and their supportive audience.

Jan Fullerton, Executive Director of Skills Canada NWT said, “It’s a good chance for youth to see if they like to problem solve and to work with their hands If they like the mental and physical challenge, we suggest they might want to look into technology and skills trades, which is what we promote for Northern Youth.” The year before, the cardboard challenge was toboggans.

Nicole Lindsay, a competitor said, “It’s really fun to watch the races. We’ve a really well built compact. I’m not going on it as we’ve two other team members who are way lighter. I hope it will last the whole race past the buoyancy test.” Her willingness to play the observer role so as to create better chances for her team is an admirable instance putting team before self.

Donny Amos, whose team won the buoyancy test said, “Our team spent most of our time refining the design of the boat. We re-made the front when we realized there was too much of a vertical angle, it pushed water instead of helping us float. The other two in our boat weigh 120lbs each and I am 224lbs. We surprised ourselves.” He said building the boats were not life skills for on the land living, but “We learnt how to cooperate and how to get out of water when we sink.”

“The kids all did a great job, everyone had a fantastic attitude and worked well as teams,” said Fullerton. Prizes were given out after for creativity, speed and buoyancy.

Team

Team

MEMORIAL

Inmemory of our dearly departed parents and grandparents Norman Kudlak Sr. and Christine Kudlak. Although you are no longer with us, you shall forever be in our hearts. Remembered by your Sons, Daughters, In-laws and Grandchildren.

The Seal on the Overall Winner team’s boat , "Super Seals".

members: Daniel Fehr, Danielle Deslauriers, Nicole Lindsay, Lance Gray

BUOYANCY WINNER, "Sinkers and Floaters" holding on for another minute!

members: Cole Maring, Corey Baetz, Donny Amos ,Lawrence Simon.

"Truly, Truly, I say to you, He o hears My word and believ Him o sent Me, has ernal life and do not come into judgment but has ped out of death into life." John 5:24

Noah & Agnes Felix: A Story of Love

What makes a happy marriage? Agnes offers some pointers!

Up till the early 40s, Inuk usually did not get to choose their spouse. Their families decided who and when they would marry. Agnes Felix, daughter of Betty and Amos Cockney, is from one of the first generations when the rules changed. She chose to marry Noah Felix, a descendent of Mangilaluk, one of the greatest chiefs of the Inuvialuit. They had been together since they were eighteen, for fortyfive years. Agnes is now an elder, but her face softens and glows with happiness when she talks about her husband.

Pointer No. 1 Have lots of fun, romantic dates

“Even when he was limping from an accident, he still asked me to waltz! He hung onto me so hard he just about made me fall sometimes!” Agnes laughs. “We visited each other and there were no drugs then, no alcohol or TV. We went for dances, played games, and went visiting. It would be moonlight, and my husband and I would go visiting by dog team. It was romantic.”

“We used to have a log house opposite where we lived. People came and played games, even the elderly men. We used to laugh so much playing crazy eight; losers had to jig for five minutes. There were lots of us; Jimmy Jacobson, Eddie Gruben, Billy Dillon, my husband... Once they made a loser walk around Old Kegoak’s house with no socks on. Old Kegoak thought he was drunk and tried to give him shoes!”

“On big days like Christmas and New Years, we used to have dog races for fun. People from everywhere would join. The prizes were cornmeal and gas. It was so noisy! The dogs were so used to listening to their masters, they didn’t listen much to the women. We hollered at those dogs! I always came in 2nd place, I couldn’t beat my sister-in-law.”

Pointer No. 2 Compromise, compromise

Noah was a good provider for his family. “He used to bring home so many foxes. Once, he brought home seventy foxes, and I had to flesh them all. I tore some skins by mistake. I used to cry! I thought, why did I marry a trapper? It was so much work! Later when I learnt how to do it well I enjoyed it.” It is hard to imagine a petite woman like Agnes fleshing foxes, wolves and bears, but she and Noah were

flexible and learnt new skills for their family’s sake.

“When they used to club foxes at the traplines, I turned my head away. They were so cute. I gave up going to the traplines after that,” she said, “ But I enjoyed camping and caribou hunting with him. In the summer we made dried fish and worked on whale at our summer camp. That was good.”

At one point, Agnes was on the Board of Directors for Native Women. “My husband asked me to stop after I had my first boy, Robin. He was worried that the planes I had to travel on might crash. He said, “Gee, I will really miss you.”

She taught Inuvialuktun in Mangilaluk School instead. Even though Noah preferred to trap and hunt, he worked for NTCL for 17 summer seasons to supplement their earnings. “He also taught us a lot, he taught the kids how to hunt and trap,” she said.

Pointer No. 3 Learn something new from each other

When she was 8 years old,

Agnes was sent to residential school. Her mum was treated for tuberculosis in a hospital. “Those were hard times. I did not get to go home for summer holidays. Once, I had a letter and was asked: what are your parents’ names? I had forgotten! They were so strict in school, when they caught us speaking Inuvialuktun, they gave us a strapping without supper. I learnt to speak English and forgot my Inuvialuktun words.”

“Only after I got married in 1961 did I learn to speak Inuvialuktun from my husband and his dad. When I pronounced something wrong they always used to laugh at me, but I never gave up. I learnt our language. In Eastern Arctic the language is different, it was hard for me at first. My husband and I later worked for Elisa Hart, interpreting old time stories for her. We wrote them down in Inuvialuktun and then translated it into English.”

Pointer No. 4 Support Each Other

“Old Felix’s wife passed away young. Many people who had TB went south to the hospital for treatment in those days. A lot of them did not make it back. My husband said he had the loneliest life, losing his aunty and his mum. He said he cried a lot.” He also treasured his wife more because he had lost these women early in his life. Agnes supported Noah by listening to him; she was also his eyes when his vision worsened after his first stroke.

“Doctors didn’t let him get on skidoos anymore. When he came home from fishing camp he had a hard time finding the house. He would ask me “Which way?” He was miserable for a few years, and he never told us until later, and boy was I scared to hear it! He began doing work on the house more.”

“He also had a skidoo accident, but he never gave up trying to walk. One day, he just did!” That was when he asked Agnes to dance with him again.

“ I don’t go dancing anymore, there are too many memories of my husband.” Agnes now stays home a lot, and is slowly recovering from the grief of losing Noah. She sews and embroiders to make extra money. “I thought I would never talk to people again, it was so sad. But people are close in Tuktoyaktuk, and everyone’s prayers helped a lot. One thing did happen to make me feel better. I had a dream. He was back with me, in the room, as if he was living. He talked to me and made me less sad. I felt more courage to go on after that.” This story is dedicated to his memory.

Bonus Pointer Respect your in-laws

“Old Felix was a nice guy, he never missed prayer. When he made coffee, he sang Inuvialuktun and told stories, the best stories. People used to come around to hear him. We enjoyed having visitors.”

An Old Felix Story:

“My husband liked to hear stories of his grand dad. This is one of how Mangilaluk was born. Three polar bears went East and one came to Tuk.”

“ He said he’d seen a bright light in one house. He went in and saw a woman sewing. He walked into her womb and she became pregnant and started our species sewing. He said he remembered being born; there were logs and a deerskin on the floor.”

“They had needles by then, so they poked him and he forgot what happened after that. He was a good chief, a strong guy who really looked after his people. Then white people came along, and there were fewer chiefs after.”

Photo left: Agnes with her embroidery Top: Agnes and Noah from younger days to golden years. (Photos courtesy of Agnes Felix)

Noah & Agnes Felix: Piqpakutikun Onipkaaq

Qanoq qoviasukluni inuuqatigiingnaqpa?

Agnes imana issumayuq!

Ingilraan Inuvialuit inmingnik aipaksamingnik pisuitut, ilaita kisianik tutqiqsaqpagait. Betty-mlu Amos Cockney-mlu paniak Agnes Felix inuguqtuaq tajva taamna allanguqlunilu, Noah Felix sivuliqtiqpaum Mangilaluum inrutaalua, tovaaqatiliutiya inmigun. Agnes inirningurami qangma qoviachakpaktuaq Noah itqaraangamiung, nokatpiublutik katituak 45 okiut naalugit.

Sivulirmik: Qoviasuklusi, Aliiqilusi

“Tosiapiktomi ova momiqatigisuklunga apiqsiyuaq. Tiguluaqpailunga olroqayauqpaktuami ilaani!” Agnes iglaqtuq. “Takuyaqtuutivaktuangni avanmon sigaaqluituq taangaituq TV-ngituq taimani. Momiaqpaktuangni, aliiqiblunuk, polaaqlunuklu. Tatqiariksiyaraangan qimiliyaqlunuk itiriaqtuqpaktuangni. Alianaingayak.”

“Iglooruaqpakaluaqtuangni akialuptingni. Inuit polaaraangata piuyaqpaktuanni pianaqlutalu, angayuqaksaraluat, iglayaaqpaktugut, akiituat momiqtitpakavut. Inugiaktugut, Jimmy Jacobson, Eddie Gruben, Billy Dillon, aiparalu. Atausiaqluta akiituaq kamiiqlugu pisuktitaqput Kekoam igluan silataagun. Kekuam imingasugalugu kamiksaanik qaichisukaluaga.

“Christmas, New Years tikinaptigu inukaluit nakiliqaa qaiblutik qiminik sukatilaaqpaktuat. Sivuliuyuaq

“cornmeal” amalu “gas” taksivagaa. Qoqirnavialuktuq!

Qimmit tusaamalaitkait arnat ilurilugit, qoqualgaluaqlugit! Togliusuuyunga sakiga akiililaitkiga.”

Togliq: Atauchimon Naalaklutik

Noah sapiksaitpangniqtuaq. “Inugiaktunik tiriganiaqpaktuaq, oqsuiyaqpakatka, ilaani amrit alikapkit qiavaktuami! Suuq ova naniriaqtoqtimik aiparuaqpik?

Savangnavialuktut! Ilinmigama alianaikmiyuaq.”Agnes mikigaluaqtuq tajva sapiqsaittuq, Noahlu notqayuilutik ilisaataqpaktuak sumikliqaa.

“Tiriganianik toqochimata alaqpaktuami, komigiblugit, malijaigaga taimangaaniin,”Tuktuliqiniq aglaan

alianaigivagaga. Auyami pipsiliuqlutalu qilaluqiqiblutalu pivaktuanni, nakuuyuq.”

Atausiaqluni ilaliutiyuaq “Native Woman-kunun”. “Irninikamnuk Robin-mik Noah-m taimaaquyaani taapkunanga. Ilaani-guuq tingmiyualuit pitquqinavut. Imaliyaani “Qali, piichivialukniakaqpin.”

Inuvialuktun ilisaujivaktuaq Mangilaluum ilisarviani kisiani. Naniriaqturniq, anguniarniqniqlu alianaigigaluara tajva, 17-nik auyani savakpaktuaq okuanni, NTCL. “Ilisautivakaatigut tamapta, notaqat ilisautivagait naniriaqtuknikunlu angoniarnikunlu.”

Pingasuanni Ojiqon: Avanmun

Ilisaqatigiiklutik

8-nik okiuniklunilu Agnes

apiriyanni, kitok ova ilakkin? Poigunikaka atingik. Iqsinaqpailutik Inuvialuktun oqaqtuanni tusaayarangamitigut noqaqtaqpagaini, niripkayuitkatigut. Taniktun ililunga, Inuvialuktun oqausitka poiguqlugit.”

“Aipanikama kisiani 1961-mi Inuvialuktun ilituami Noah-minlu aapanganinlu. Ilaani qitusungnaqivaktuami taimarlukapku oqausira, taimaayuitunga aglaan. Qangmalit oqausiit alangablutik sapiraluakatka sivuani. Elisa Hart savaqatigivakaqpuk, onipkaat momiktiqlugit. Inuvialuktun aglaklugit taniktun momiktitpakavut.”

Sitamat: Ikayuqtigiiklutik

Nuyaviam tovaqata toqoyuaq qilamik, taimani inugiaktut aniarusiramik (TB) aulautivagait. Inugiaktut otiyuitut. Nuyaviaq achairamilu amaamairamilu alaichavialuktuaq, qiavaktuaq. Aipani piqpagivialukpaga kingoliq, pigasunik tovaqataiqsimabluni sivuani. Agnes tusaamarikpaga Noah, ikayuqlugu takpiirman.

Daktit aulaqtijaigat. Aigami iqaliqilraqluni igloo paqiriiraluaga. Apiriyaani “Naukon?” Tajvangaaniin isumaaliqturaluaq, qoliutisuitkaanga, qoliutimanga iqsisakturaluami! Igloomi savapalukpaktuaq taimangaaniin.

Skidoo-mik pitqoqigami pisugiilitqayauqtuaq. Naqoromigami aasiin Agneslu momiqatigiikpaktuak.

“Qangma momiajaiqtuami, itqaruublugu.” Agnes aimaugaliqtuaq qangma, naqoromon aulayoq. Miquuyaqpaktoq. “Inuit oqaqatigilairugiyaraluatkta taimani, aliachuum. Tuktuuyaqtuumi inuit qanikutigiiktut, qinrautait ikayuutauvialuktut. Sinnaktomni notim nayornigaani, oqaqtigiblunga, isumaga nakurualaktuaq taimangaaniin.” Itqaumablugu Noah qoliakara tajva.

Malirutaksanik Qaonaksilusi:

Nuyaviaq inuk nakuuyuq, obluq tamaan qinraqpaktuaq. Topakami atoruuyuq onipkaaqlunilu. Inuit takoyaqtoqpagat naalagiaqlugu.

Nuyaviam Onipkanga:

“Tovaqatima atatangmi onipkangit alianaigivagiat. Ona ova Mangilalukun onipkaq. Pingayuqat Tuktuuyaqtuuq tikitqarat. Atausiq igloo qoliruarnirman ititqara, arnaq miqosimaniqtuaq tajvani. Nanoq taamna arnam iluanukluni, najitaqluni aasiin. Anigamiguuq ilisimayuaq, qiyuilu qajaalu natirmi inniqtuat. Mitqutimikguuq kapigamijung poiguqminiqtuaq. Ataniugami nakuuyuq, suangalunilu, monaqiriktuq inungminik. Tangit qaimata Inuvialuit sivuliqtit inukliyuat tajvangaaniin.”

Photo left: Agnes with her embroidery Top: Agnes and Noah in a picture-perfect pose. (Photo courtesy of Elisa J. Hart/NWT Archives)

them, we say their names in the language.”

“We also take them out on the land. We go for picnics and muskrat units. It’s so much fun as the days get warmer and longer. They just love it out there and don’t want to come back to school after that!”

Preschool is a good age to absorb new languages and concepts. Verna said, “It is usually more difficult for adults to learn Inuvialuktun, because many can’t find time to sit down and

The Cultural Life of Tiny Tots

Aklavik’s future drummers and dances, jiggers and language experts

The children of Aklavik Child Development Center can say “Uvlaami!” (good day) and “Uvlakunlu!”(see you tomorrow) with perfect pronunciation. When asked to drum dance, the boys banged excitedly on their drums, while the girls swayed and moved their hands rhythmically. There is lots of jumping up and down and excited squeals at this daycare, but the children are also very well behaved, lining up quickly to form the queues for jigging. It is a marvel to see the colorful posters they made with real fur on the life of a muskrat. Creativity and cultural awareness is encouraged at a very young age here.

“We do a lot of cultural activities,” said Verna Arey, language instructor and teacher at this pre-school. “The children love drum dancing. We put up concerts for them at Christmas, and sing songs such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in Inuvialuktun. I explain what the songs mean when we are singing them.”

The teachers speak common phrases and words everyday, and the children pick them up quickly. “We also have a lot of hands on learning. We bring in the real thing, such as rabbits, caribou and muskrat and as we work with

By Zoe Ho

This day program began in 1996 with funding by Brighter Futures, and since 1998 has been taken over by Inuit Childcare (IRC funding). Both teachers and kids seem to be having a lot of fun. Karla Smith, a teacher at the daycare, said the best part of her job is “learning something different all the time while being with kids,” smiling as if she had hit the employment jackpot. Language lessons at the daycare used to be half an hour per day, one in Inuvialuktun and another in Gwich'in, but now, all the children are learning both languages together. “We are a great team, the Gwich’in coordinator and I,” Verna said. “ And we learn each other’s languages!”

From Top Clockwise: 1. Alice Archie and a muskrat poster 2. Tommy and Chelsey Kudluk jigging 3. Tommy Kudluk drumming 4.Keegan Arey breakdancing 5. Chelsey Kudlak playing robot. Center: Teachers Alvira Erigakpoak and Verna Arey with the children.

L-R: Keegan Arey, Tommy Kudluk, Joshua Nickson and Jayden Bo-Boy Archie playing the drms.

T h e G r e at Nort h e r n C i rc u s S how

How many people dare to perform in public after a week of training as a circus performer? The students of New Beginnings Alternate School (NBAS) had their audience in awe with their ability and courage on Friday, March 10 th at The Great Northern Circus Show. The tension was palpable in the air as the audience held their breath, then broke into applause as Wanda Joe, the first trapeze performer swung above their heads and across the SHSS gym. She even hung upside down from her heels!

Here’s a look at the line-up: John and Bruce juggled balls and rings, Brit and Mary threw Devil Sticks, Robert and Lawrence, Mary and Wanda performed clown acts, Bruce did trickery with the yoyo, Mary swung a mean rope like a cowgirl, Bruce had fun in Diabolo, Mary and Robert spun plates on sticks, the girls danced on stilts, and there were more trapeze performances by Brit, Lawrence, Robert, and Bruce! The finale was a human pyramid, a coordination of team skills on stilts. The audience were delighted when elder Renie Kalinek, youth care worker for the NBAS went on the trapeze, and did a wicked swing in her traditional parka and fur hat.

Audience member, Tessa, 12 years old, said, “My favourite part was the trapeze, I would like to learn too!” The show might have had a couple of glitches, but it was perfect as a fun afternoon for the performers and audience.

It only took Mary Aviugana about 10 minutes to learn to walk on stilts. Wanda Joe said, “I learnt how to juggle, it’s cool. I loved swinging on the trapeze.” Better yet, she decided if she made a couple of mistakes in her performance, she would not let it get to her.

Robert Cardinal, like his fellow performers, said he had a great time, learning to “swing and do lots of tricks. I can devil skate, walk on stilts, go on the trapeze just for the fun of it.” He might not aim for a career as a circus performer, but the satisfaction of his performance left him glowing!

B e h i n d t h e s c e n e s

“That was awesome, that was a great show!” said Dean Bareham, circus instructor for the youth. He is a tour de force for them, helping them harness their nervous energy before their performance, a “good energy” according to him. The performers got into a power circle, and played games to hone their ability to listen and focus. What they gained from the process of training is invaluable, and made their final performance a bonus.

Dean runs a theatre company in Calgary, and it is his second time running this program in Inuvik. He said, “I really love this line of work because you can see the kind of self-esteem that is built. It’s amazing what happens, I really believe in circus work because it’s not competitive like sports, the kids get to pick their own battle at their

own pace.”

“This New Beginnings Alternate Program, these are youth who don’t all fit into the mold. When you first come in, they are all tough, and it’s so funny, because in these remote communities, you realize these kids are just as homie-fied as others are in the big city. There are trust issues. We gain that trust, once the realize they are in a safe environment.”

“These guys really picked it up fast, once they put their mind to it. If you force them to do it, they might not want to, but if you let them do it, all of a sudden they are juggling!”

Renie Kalinek, youth worker, said, “Sometimes teenagers think they can’t do it, but when they realize they are capable, it brings their self-esteem up. We do all kinds of different things, we take them out on the land to learn bush skills, and in town we teach them life skills. We help them deal with issues such as anger and self esteem. We have a morning circle each day, and we check in with each other to see how we are progressing each day.”

“This program has been in place since 1999. There are 2 teachers, Mr. Brown takes care of the academics like English and Math. We try to get resources in to speak of their background to encourage kids to go back to school. I help them with their problems, I try to be there for them to talk with them and to make them feel better.”

“Sometimes people ask me how I could work so much with youth, and I just tell them: you sleep like them, you eat like them, you talk like them, and you are around them so much, when you go out and try to associate yourself with other adults, it’s almost hard to adjust. I prefer working with youth because it keeps me going.”

Bruce performs a trapeze stunt to enthusiatoc applause from the audience of the Great Northern Circus Show.

Kurt Wainman and his company

Northwind Industries stand out for a reason. The man and his company are fully integrated, and if you like his personal style: a straight talking, good-humored Inuvialuit with a strong sense of fairness and responsibility towards both his work and his people, you will like his company.

“I put more miles on this truck daily than most people do in a week,” Kurt said. We are in his truck, on a tour of his facilities and company. He points out the properties and businesses he is affiliated with. Kurt is constantly on the move and being consulted on his cell phone and CB radio, checking in with his employees and clients at different job sites, or being hands-on in the projects themselves.

His company specializes in a diversified array of services: oil field contracting, explosives, ice road construction and maintenance, heavy equipment, trucking, rig moving, gravel hauling, subdivision building, automotive and body repairs. Northwind also has a contract with the Town of Inuvik in storm removal and sanding. During storm season, they worked “everywhere and everyday.” Kurt also runs Northern Impact Energy Services and Beaufort Logistics. He is a partner of Highland North Helicopters.

“Up north, you have to do everything. Well, a little bit of everything,” Kurt explained, “It’s like that here. When we’re trucking and dealing with heavy equipment, we need to work with automotives and have a body shop to repair the equipment, because nobody else is going to come up here to repair it for us.”

Kurt believes in self-reliance. He does not possess formal certification, but ever since he was playing with wrenches and welding equipment at the age of fourteen, he made sure to “watch and learn” from his dad, a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He found he had the “hydraulic touch” and was soon a tire man, a laborer, a tow truck driver, a loader operator and more. “The list goes on,” said Kurt. “I worked with a company in town for 12 years, and learnt how to do everything else on my own.”

He believes “not everything is handed to you,” although some people attribute his success to anything but hard work. “I am pretty strong on that. This is all self made, I worked to get what I want. With each job I worked on, I took the money I made and reinvested it in the company.” He did not use financial loans until two years ago. “My company started getting really big, and I wanted bigger toys, so I thought, well…” He laughs. “I started up with one truck, and now I have 50 to 60 trucks.”

To remain competitive, he focuses on “Raising the bar everyday”. His business is fully Inuvialuit owned and operated, but he still has to bid against large southern companies for projects. He tries to focus on getting “newer equipment, more training, better safety, more jobs for local people, and to give employees the best so they can do the best job possible.”

He now hires about 25 employees locally and about 8 down south. At one point, he had 75 employees. The number of people he hires depends on the work season. It is important for him to hire locally. His hiring circle begins in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, the rest of the ISR and extends out as far as Edmonton. He pays his employees well and provides incentives, such as a safe enviroment and uniforms that help them work comfortably in the harsh climate.

“Communication is the biggest thing for a company this size. You must have safety meetings, hear concerns, recognize that everyone is different and communicate accordingly. A lot of my employees are people I’ve known for a long time. Their ages range from 19 to 60. If somebody wants to work and we know he has a good background, we’ll hire him.” He does not discriminate whether they are Inuvialuit, Gwich’in or Northerners.

“For every experienced worker, we also take on one or two inexperienced ones to train our own people. We supply equipment for Aurora College’s training program and one of our senior operators, Davey Lennie, trains the students. He teaches them the proper work procedures and ethics. People who took the program could be hired to work for us.” He also pointed out that the Northern infrastructure needs people with skills, and there is a very high demand for more apprentices and training. His sense of fairness encompasses his business and his life. “I like to lay it flat on the table and see the best man win. In the last couple of years, I see big companies

wrestle little guys like me. I see big companies from the south get jobs that Northerners could have gotten but there’s not much I can do.”

“I am self-made and I voice my opinion without fear. If everyone could talk like that, we’ll have a much better world.” This led him to run for Mayor in 2004, because he did not want the position to be acclaimed. It was a surprise to him, but his first run at politics actually drew the best turnout in history for voting in Inuvik. He only lost by 78 votes.

Northwind Industries is approaching its 10 th anniversary next year, and Kurt is looking forward to it, but he does not promise an extravagant party. “If I am working, I won’t have time for celebrating.” Then, in a more serious tone he added, “I’m really shy at the public stuff. I just do what I do.” He spends most of his time working, “I still work 7 days a week”, and otherwise stays home or works on his cabin, a task he finds relaxing.

Despite his busy schedule, Kurt takes time to be involved with youth. He sponsors a number of hockey, baseball, curling and wrestling teams. “I believe the kids are our future, and they should benefit from businesses like us. One day they might be working with me or for me. I like contributing to the communities.”

Whatwould he say to youth who aspire to be successful? “Finish School, get up in the morning! There’s a lot of potential in this town, you just have to work for it. You can’t have everything handed to you. I didn’t have a perfect life. I was in trouble, lots, and even went to jail a few times. But I survived. I’ve had my ups and downs, I am a normal person like everybody else.”

“You just have to get out of bed everyday and keep going forward. That’s what I did. One year was really crucial to me, and it was about 4 years ago. I was up from 6 in the morning till midnight everyday for 8 months. It was a make or break point. I could quit, sell everything and break even or I could work my tail off, purchase all my equipment, and own it all. Either way I would be left with no money.” He chose the second option, and then “decided I just have to work harder now that I owned everything.”

As for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project, Kurt looks

forward to the opportunities. “I started my company because of the oil and gas industry, and without the pipeline I am not going to carry on,” he said. “But I am not like the pipeline, it’s here today, gone tomorrow. The first oil boom was ending when I was being raised. It wasn’t great, but I love being here, this is my hometown. I just want to stay in the ISR, and work on the exploration and drilling projects.”

“Not all of the jobs from the pipeline will last forever, but there are interesting parts, like building the highway to Tuktoyaktuk. There is a lot of good that will only come if the pipeline goes through. We need to stop arguing about it. If it doesn’t work out, it’s not a big loss to those down the valley;

it’s a big loss to us up here. I said to the Globe and Mail, you don’t see any hayfields or wheat fields here. All the natural resources we have are oil and gas. If we don’t use it we’ll just go back to being small and quiet, marginally existing.”

Ultimately, Kurt’s goal for Northwind is to “ show everyone down south we are not just a little Northern operation. We want to be successful, bigger, better, and we want to run our own territory instead of letting someone from down south take over. We want to keep our part of the pie. We don’t want it to go down south.”

Students of the Heavy Equipment Operator Program from Aurora College. First Row L-R: Pete Keevik, John Wallace Goose, Amier Suliman. Second Row L-R: Arnold Kimiksana, Jacob Pokiak, Eddie Okeena, Grant Giroux (Course Instructor), Davey Lennie (Heavy Equipment instructor), and Kurt Wainman.

Kurt’s first truck.

The new Northwind Trucks.

The 19th Arctic Winter Games

Kyle Ross-Kuptana

Inuit Games Open Male, Bronze

Craig Gruben, Tuktoyaktuk

Knuc kle Hop, Silver

The Arctic Winter Games (March 5th to 11th) showcased culture and athletes from the Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Nanavik, as well as Siberia, Lapland, Greenland, Alberta and Alaska this year in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. NWT won a total of 105 medals, and came in third overall. Congratulations Inuvialuit Winners!!We are really happy for Noel Cockney, the Inuvialuit representative with a breakout performance who won the most ulus! We are also extremely proud of all our representatives who went to the Kenai Peninsular Alaska, whether to chaperone, coach or play in the games! Everyone who went said the games were filled with excitement and fun

Dene Games Pole Push, Junior female team, juvenile female and all around junior female ,Silver. Stick Pull, junior female, Snow snak e, junior female , Bronze

Matt hew Anikina, Tuktoyaktuk

One Hand Reach, Silver

4

Seconds,

“Everyone was so happy when Noel won!” said Bryon Okeena. He loved the opening ceremony, where there were cultural performances and the introduction of each team. He said, “It gave me goose bumps when everyone sang in Inuvialuktun!” He “did get pretty nervous on some of [his] events,” and although he did not win any ulus this time, he’s “working towards next year!”

By Noel Cockney

My Unforgettable Memory

During the winter season of 2003/2004 I tried out for the Arctic Winter Games in snowshoe biathlon. I made it to the territorials in Fort. Smith. I was the youngest person to try out that year. I did very well, considering that I have only been in the sport for a couple of months. I shocked the other competitors with my running ability and my short work with the biathlon rifle. I came in third in the 5 km individual race, and fifth in the 3 km sprint race. I waited with anticipation and an abundance of nerves for the final results; which decides the NWT biathlon team for the 2004 Arctic Winter Games (by the way, there are only three boys and three girls picked for the team). There I am, in fourth place, only 4 seconds behind the person in third place. I beat myself up then, knowing that I was only 4 seconds away from representing the NWT at the Arctic Winter Games.

During the next two years, I trained hard, and I mean hard, for the next upcoming Arctic Winter Games, and I made it! Happiness filled my body. I jumped around to finally get the chance to represent the NWT at the games. The results of my hard work and determination is bringing home three ulus (medals), two gold and one silver.

The AWG was loads of fun and excitement. I was so excited after my first race, because after I was done, I knew that I did really good and got a medal. And after that, everything else just fell into place and I won two other races!!

But the relay race was THE race of my life!!! I was the anchor for our team, and we were about 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind when I picked it up, and I finished about 15 seconds behind Alaska. We ended up winning, the other team’s anchor had left shells in the shooting range, and for every shell left behind, two minutes are added to the total time!!

This taught me so much about how anything can happen at a snap of the fingers. The 4-second time difference on my first try made me train ever so hard to succeed at the Arctic Winter Games. This shows that even if you fail at something, keep on going; it will bring a good outcome in the future. Well, this was my “Unforgettable Memory”, now what is yours?

Basketball, Junior Mens, Silver

Don Burnstick does a plenary speech full of jokes but deep in meaning.

Don’s Speech

COMEDIAN DON BURNSTICK SET THE TONE FOR THE DAY WITH HIS PLENARY SPEECH, HE WAS IMMENSELY POPULAR WITH THE YOUTH, AND MADE A THOUGHT PROVOKING SPEECH ABOUT MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG, BUT PUNCTUATED IT WITH PLENTY OF HUMOR.

HE TOLD THE YOUTH THAT HE HAD NOTICED HOW HIP HOP TRENDS TODAY HAVE POPULARIZED EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND SEX SO MOST TEENAGERS THINK TO BE “COOL” THEY HAVE TO DO ALL OF THE ABOVE. “IʼVE NEVER SEEN A BLACK PERSON TRYING TO BE A NATIVE PERSON! HAVE YOU SEEN A BLACK PERSON GO AHEYA AHEYA?” HE SAID, DOING SOME NATIVE DANCING STEPS WHILE USING A “HOMIE” SWAGGER. “I SEE KIDS WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN TO HERE,” HE SAID, INDICATING A LINE WAY BELOW THE WAIST, AND I TELL THEM “HEY YOU ARE NOT FROM BROOKLYN, YOU ARE FROM FORT MACPHERSON!”

Career Day @ SHSS

MANY MIGHT THINK CAREER DAY AT A HIGH SCHOOL IS A PRETTY ROUTINE THING THAT GOES ON EVERY YEAR, BUT IT IS A SIGNIFICANT OCCASION FOR YOUTH IN THE ISR. The six regions have one career day for high school students and it takes place at SHSS in Inuvik. Selected students from the other schools get transported in to attend. All the large companies and government departments, as well as colleges that serve the North are there: they have areas in the school where groups of students can see at least the faces of people who represent these companies or institutes, and ask questions or communicate to see if itʼs a good fit for their career goals. Some even had a first hand trial at the work. Northwind gave students the opportunity to repair a skidoo and learn about mechanics, while the Inuvik hospital had students “playing doctor”, using the stethoscope to hear each otherʼs heart beat, and checking their blood sugar levels.

Bonnie Koe, a student from Aklavik said, “Iʼm learning a lot. This will help me find out what I would be interested in the future. I picked out a few that I thought would be interesting. Iʼve been to family counseling, the fire department and northwestel.”

The Inuvialuit Communications Society had students running the camera, recording audio and doing some TV show hosting for Suaangan and Tamapta! Sherra Arey was excited, “I learnt how to use the camera. I was nervous just now, but I will be less so in the future because Iʼve done it once.”

Donny Amos enjoyed the experience too. “Being in front of the camera, I felt like I owned the place, haha. Working there sounds like fun. Audio monitoring and the camera are pretty cool.”

Robin Doucette tried her hand at welding with NTCL. She was the only girl in the class but did pretty well! Arlin Ruben said, “There were “boring” parts and interesting parts. There should be more flight programs!” Chelsea said, “The Canadian North one was my favourite. It inspired me to be a flight attendant so I can get good experiences and travel the world.”

We also learnt that Family Counselling is a great career for good listeners, many students identified themselves as “The person that everybody talks to when they are sad,” and realized that might mean they can be good counselors!

Career guides shared what satisfied them most about their jobs. The RCMP officer said, “When you believe that you really helped someone. Sometimes you do so much and you still get criticized, but when you help someone and you know that you really did make a difference, itʼs great.”

Don spoke of how he almost lost his identity and then decided to get help. “It took me a year of trying, counselors, therapy before I cleaned up,” he said “What if I had never done that? What if I would took that chair and tried to hang myself? The police would have found somebody else to chase, drug dealers would have found somebody else to sell their drugs to, my girlfriend will find a new boyfriend, my friends would have found new friends, life would have moved on, the only person that would have missed me would be my mum. No APTN, no traveling, no meeting people, none of that. My last twenty years of life has been good for me.”

He said it’s hard for youth to say “No” to peer pressure, but the pressure to be cool eventually just creates sadness. “You might think we are dinosaurs, we are old, we don’t know nothing, but we do. There might be some people right now who might be sleeping at home, but they should be right here. All they do is eat, sleep and poop. That’s what a baby does, they eat sleep poop and people just love them. You got to get yourself in the game. I don’t care how tough this assignment is, I will go after it. I don’t care if I am shy, I am going to do this. This career day is a chance to meet other people. Don’t just hang around in a group. Go check out the things you want to. Don’t hold each other back. Push your own turbo button.”

He closed his speech hoping that “I said something that will inspire you and make you take a look at what you are doing now. This is a long journey, you are still at the beginning stage. You got to make choices. It’s a lot easier to get a 15 year old to quit drinking, to not do drugs, to stay in school than a 25 year old. So many people are trying to get back to school because they dropped out early. It’s hard to get back into the game. The best thing I can say to you as your friend, as your uncle Don is the longer you stay in school, the more chance of success you will have.”

“The work is tough, but these people (teachers, career guides) are here to give you the tools and guides to be a healthy functional adult. There are enough single mums, people in jail, suicides; we need healthy mature adults. Use these resources that are standing around.”

“It was really good. What he said is true,” said Caitlin klengenberg, who seemed deep in thought after the speech. “I was once in that sort of thing, but I am out of it now. I’m trying really hard in school now.” Karis Gruben too, was encouraged, “What he said about SAD meant something to me. I will learn to say no.”

Youths Speak Up Notaqat Oqangit

What’s it like to work as a mechanic on skidoos? Tanya Snowshoe and Karis Gruben try it out!

Happy 80th Birthday Emma Dick!

Sarah Tingmiak boiling tea the traditional way!

Gerri Staples was set on sawing fast!

Bernice Furlong mushed ahead to second place in the Mary Firth memorial race.

One of Emma’s birthday presents, a jiggling stick!

Happy 10th Birthday Neta Allen!

Wanda McLeod won one of these big wheels!

Karman and Dale Rogers in the drum dancing competition!

It’s no exaggeration to say the 49th Muskrat Jamboree in Inuvik was a huge success!

Thank you everyone from all the communities who participated or volunteered! We are looking forward to the 50th anniversay of the Muskrat Jamboree!

Look out for our feature on the Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik Jamborees in the next issue.

Did we say we like the sweets on sale?

Thank you Gerry and Roy, for keeping us laughing the whole long weekend!

Skidoo races caused our adrenalin levels to soar!

Donovan Arey and Louise Simpson were King and Queen of the Muskrat Jamboree.

Dog Mushing races: Jojo Arey won 2nd place!

Outdoor playtime is the best on a sled!

How delicious is Jeffery Amos’ tea?

Sandra Elanik sold her chilli in one of the tents.

Hard work pays off for Apprentices

TheDepartment of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), in partnership with the IRC, and Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, held a ceremony on February 13th at Ingamo Hall, to celebrate and recognize over 40 candidates with outstanding achievements in apprenticeship and occupational programs.

Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson gave out occupational Certification Awards, while Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the IRC, presented Beaufort Delta Special Awards, and Rory Voudrach, Industrial & Oil/Gas Training Coordinator from Aurora College awarded apprenticeship awards. Tom Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Gwich’in Tribal Council made closing notes in appreciation to employers for supplying opportunities for these apprentices.

Many of the award recipients could not participate in person because they were actually working. It is projected by ECE that there will be a million jobs waiting to be filled in trades over the next 20 years. Nellie said most of the award recipients “have already worked for quite a number of years, and it’s come to a time when we do recognize them and allow them to receive certification.” She says this is because “when you go forth to get a job, even though you

Delicious Satifaction

The menu had something to appeal to everyone, exquisitely roasted prime rib, honey garlic or crispy baked chicken, meat loaf with tomato basil sauce and a whole array of desserts; this feast marked the successful completion of six participants in Aurora College’s Kitchen Helper Program, taught by Tim Tigiglok. The graduates’ families and friends were invited to sample the student’s culinary skills at the end of their six-week course.

Adam Kaglik, Peter Meyook, Derrick Kowana, Bella Jean Stewart, Shoneen Furlong and Nellie C. Elanik said it required a certain amount of tenacity to complete the course. They made up the half of the class that did not give up. Adam was sponsored by the IRC and Aurora College. He came from Inuvik to attend the course, and had to stay with his brother and nephew in

have done the work before, if you don’t have that piece of paper, sometimes it’s difficult to get there. And it generally means a few more dollars on your paycheck too.”

She also paid special tribute to Roland Kikoak from Tuktoyaktuk for his dedication to his career in environmental monitoring, despite the lack of jobs for his field due to weather conditions this year. The ILA also sent their congratulations for Roland through Nellie. They said, “Roland started his career in environment monitoring with the ILA in April 1993 by assisting in the establishing of an unmanned radar system within the ISR. He continues to be a diligent, conscientious, and reliable employee of ILA, and you are wished continued success in the future.”

There were many other similarly uplifting moments during this award ceremony. Rory Voudrach, Industrial & Oil/Gas training Coordinator at Aurora College, presented his brother, Robert (Tuktoyaktuk Housing Corporation) with an apprenticeship certificate. The room was filled with applause when Peter Nogasak from Tuktoyaktuk received his certificate of competence for his work as Community Works Foreman from Peter Clarkson. Peter Nogasak said, “I feel really happy and excited. I’ve worked six years for this certification, alternating between working and taking courses.” He likes how during training, he gets exposed to different ideas from people of various backgrounds, and encourages young people to “get all their education first”.

For more information on ECE’s programs for apprenticeship and occupations, go to this website http://www.ece.gov.nt.ca or visit their office in Inuvik!

Aklavik. “I enjoyed every minute of it. The skills I learnt - courtesy to customers and at the job site, first aid, how to avoid cross contamination - will be with me for a long time for sure.”

Before this course he worked in Calgary in janitorial services. He said, “To tell you the truth before this course I wasn’t into cooking at all. I usually let my father and sister and brother cook most of the time.” For him, cooking was a way to get a job at camps too.

Nellie Elanik wants to use this education to get a job in Inuvik. She said, “I’m feeling good, proud of myself.” She enjoys cooking for her family and as a career, and took this course as a refresher.

The students all say Derrick Kowana kept the rest of them going with his sense of humor. When Derrick has a little accident with the recipes, the class cracks up. “For my coffeecake, I forgot to put sugar in it. I had to take the cake out of the oven, remove the apples and try to stir the sugar back in.” He really enjoyed the course. We just come in in the morning and get the oven ready, get a pot of coffee going.” His family is probably going to make him cook more now, but he might soon be working at the oil camps as a kitchen helper.

Happy Kitchen Helper program graduates!

Apprenticeship certification is a stepping stone to better career opportunities in the future for these recipients.

Artist Dustin Lee Edward

When you step into Moose Kerr School, the first thing that strikes you will be the vibrant mural that covers all the walls of the entryway; dog mushers, drum dancers, wolverines, caribou and flying eagles intermingle in a strong composition of on the land life from the Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and Metis cultures. The three pillars with the culture’s names standing together evoke a strong sense of racial harmony. There is a wooden sign engraved with the reminder to honor all cultures and their ancestors. The sixteen-year-old artist behind these drawings is Dustin Lee Edward.

Dustin is a student of Moose Kerr School in Aklavik,and has an unassuming, laid back air about him. He wants to become a working artist, but is humble about his talent. His parents, Gladys and David are good at drawing too. “Everyone in my family are artists,” he said, as if it was completely natural. He was “discovered” by Velma Illisiak, his school principal. “I noticed he was really artistic when he was in grade 5, we asked him to do drawings for the school two years ago, ” she said. The school’s interest in helping students develop beyond academics has forged a new path for Dustin. He might not be the best in academics, but his outstanding ability to observe nature and create art opened up many alternate opportunities.

“ It took two weeks during the summer holidays to draw this mural. Most of these are drawings from my sketches. Velma helped with things I found harder to draw, she did the drawing of the jiggers. She and Chia (another teacher) did the painting.” Surprisingly, Dustin feels shy about filling his drawings with color. “I’m trying to paint, to color in my drawings.” He is working on that, but in the meantime, his experience in art is being enriched.

“ Iwent to Sheep Creek as an Artist in the Park (Parks Canada program). They gave us everything we needed, books, pencils. I drew all the scenery and my family kept all the art that I drew. I’m also working on a logo for one of the pipeline projects.” He also draws about issues like drugs and alcohol overuse. “My mum works in the health department, and she gets me to help her make anti-smoking posters and other projects.”

“

Brian Jones, my teacher from art class helps me look up what I want on the Internet so I can draw from it. My teacher, Ann Galloway is also going to take my art to New Foundland. She wants to represent me and also promote my art in Yellowknife. She bought one of my drawings for me, and will be displaying it in the school soon.”

Heis not interested in alcohol or drugs. “I don’t do any of that stuff, school comes first,” he said. “Next year my aunty Wanda from Salts Springs was thinking of taking me there to continue my studies. I am saving up. I worked for a company maintaining houses in the summer in Inuvik. Sometimes I was a mechanic, other days a painter, and sometimes I had to drill in the forest."

"Iuse my imagination and find that usually if I imagine what I have to do, I manage to do it quite well.” We wish you all the best Dustin!

Dustin Lee Edward with the mural that he drew for Moose Kerr School, expressing racial harmony and a connection to the land.

Inuvik Hospital Surgical Services in Jeopardy

TheBeaufort-Delta Leaders met with Premier Joe Handley and Finance Minister Floyd Roland on the Minister of Health and Social Services decision to stop the Inuvik Hospital from hiring specialist surgeons and specialist obstetricians.

Although the GNWT agreed that the Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Authority can hire General Practitioners (GP), the Authority or for that matter the GNWT cannot find any GPs in Canada who will work in the north. Over the past few years the Authority has recruited specialists to provide surgical services without the specialists being paid specialist level salaries.

Stanton Territorial Hospital being the only hospital that is allowed to hire specialists further limits the ability to provide surgical services in Inuvik. The Inuvik hospital will no longer have surgical staff located in Inuvik unless the policy decision is changed and funding provided. Stanton will be the only hospital in the Northwest Territories able to provide these services. It is highly likely there will be some deaths as a result.

The Beaufort-Delta leaders strongly stated that this is unacceptable due to the distance for medivacs and the need for surgical aftercare for patients. The leaders passed a motion to have the minister change the policy directive and provide the appropriate funds. A petition is also being circulated to obtain the support of residents.

What’s happening at Kittigazuit and Atkinson Point?

DIAND’s contaminants and remediation directorate had a dinner (chili!) and project update in Mangilaluk School Gym (Tuktoyaktuk) on March 15th , 2006. Emma Pike of DIAND said the clean up of contaminants from the Yellow Beetle Army Camp at Kittigazuit is completed. “It is very clean now,” she said. “People in Tuk were pleased to hear the clean-up’s been completed. We worked in partnership with the ILA, and 90% of the subcontracts went to Inuvialuit businesses.” Three quarters of staff were Inuvialuit too.

Kittigazuit Bay/Yellow Beetle Army camp clean-up. The grey areas were the old station pad (rectangle shape), the access roads (lines) and the excavation area for contamination soils (irregular shape in bottom right area).

The next step is to plan for the clean up at Atkinson’s Point. Site assessment is being done to determine what contaminants are there. DIAND did a community survey in Tuktoyaktuk to get input on concerns and ideas for how to deal with post-remediation at Atkinson’s point. “If there’s anyone with historical information about Atkinson’s point, please contact me,” said Emma. Her contact number is 867-669-2756.

Beaufort-Delta Leaders Press Release

Photo c ourtesy David Wells of IEG Environmental.

Inuvik Regional Hospital

S ELF-GOVERNMENT Where do we go from here?

Self-government negotiations between the government of Canada, GNWT, the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in have been going on for the past ten years. In February this year, the Gwich’in announced their decision to back out from the Agreement in Principle, raising the question: where do we go from here?

We ask Vince Teddy, Inuvialuit selfgovernment negotiator to update us on the situation. Vince has been working for self-government since 1996. He is one of the three negotiators working for the Inuvialuit, and was recently in Ulukhaktok and Inuvik with Donna Kisoun for part of their negotiating team’s tour throughout the ISR. Their objective is to gather information and workshop with the leadership and communities to arrive at a new mandate for negotiations without the Gwich’in partnership. Before seeking the new mandate, the negotiators went to all the communities to ask if the Inuvialuit leadership still wanted to work towards a self-government agreement. The answer was yes, and it was gathered that a phased approach towards selfgovernment was what the leadership wanted.

The phased approach “ is a combination of what the IRC is doing today within the present system,” said Vince. “Through the Beaufort Delta Agenda, Social Economic detached funding and what we call Section 16, the evaluation that was done a few years ago called to build capacity within the present system and negotiate towards a final agreement with focus on eventually building a Inuvialuit government.”

There were issues raised at these meetings, kinks that need to be worked out for self-government to be

effective, such as the implementation of education for the Inuvialuit in communities of mixed ethnicity. Solutions suggested include being respectful of GNWT standards such as teacher certification and meeting cross GNWT objectives. The goal is to have the right to make decisions so that Inuvialuit culture and language can be incorporated.

“In 1992, we presented the agreement in principal (AIP) to the IRC and GTC; the IRC told negotiators to go to the communities, specifically the community corporations for feedback. The IRC and Inuvialuit communities approved the AIP as the basis for further negotiation.”

“The Gwich’in consulted their leadership concurrently and found a major issue: The government of Canada wanted the dissolution of the Indian bands. The Gwich’in required more time to further investigate the situation, this was the primary reason for stalling of the negotiation process.”

“The Gwich’in seem to see themselves as having minority status in a regional public government. In the agreement the regional government holds a lot of responsibility for jurisdiction and for structure.”

“It is a complex process, whether to get Inuvialuit or the government to agree on the final self-government agreement terms. Over the past 11 years, a lot of workshops and meetings have given the Inuvialuit leadership understanding of what selfgovernment is all about. Land claims implementation is in its 21st year now, it’s been a huge learning curve. The Inuvialuit leadership has gained a lot of knowledge about how the government operates and the rules and regulations

that government abides by.”

“We are looking for recognition and affirmation as a government, to be given a broad range of powers as a government. To be able to pass laws, to be able to develop policies and programs, to be able to resource our own policies and deliver our own programs.”

Vince sees the need for more people to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, administrators, educators, and politicians, so the Inuvialuit can build capacity to deliver their own education, health, income support and social services.

“It’s about freedom. To me, that’s what it’s all about. We have always existed before culturally and traditionally, before written law. With the recognition and affirmation as a government, the Inuvialuit will be complete."

"For the next 5 years, 3 negotiators will be working on self-government negotiation with the help of very good legal, financial and taxation consul.”

Vince finds encouragement in the self-governments established so far in Canada: Nisga’a Nation, Dogrib(Deh Cho) Nation, Yukon First Nations, and recently the Labrador Inuit. He is more patient than he was in his younger days as a land claims negotiator for Tuktoyaktuk, when he only participated for a short time. “I was young and had my own ideals of what land claims should be and now I am more realistic instead of idealistic.”

Vince Teddy, Inuvialuit negotiator for Self-Government

FROM THE M AYOR’S OFFICE

Peter Malgokak, Mayor of Ulukhaktok

“Forthe month of March and April, all the people are getting ready to go out on the land for sports hunting. It’s the best time to get polar bear fur, it’s thicker now. Around May, their skin gets thinner. They hunt around the Ulukhaktok area and the Banks Island area. This year, there is a lot of open water and not enough ice, so it will be more difficult. Ulukhaktok was originally set up for people to pick up supplies from Hudson’s Bay Company; such as tea, you can pick up tea and go back to your outpost camp. People used to travel a lot more, and trap. The biggest challenges these days are drugs and alcohol, now people are a lot more reluctant to do what older people used to do.”

“They are all looking for something easier, such as using snowmobiles instead of dogs for traveling. Our plan is to educate the community as much as possible, about what drugs and alcohol can do to you, especially with young people. We hold workshops to talk about these issues. When the oil and gas starts coming along, the committee is worried about social impacts, so we will set up workshops too and seek solutions. We will have a lot of people coming up to talk about it. Nobody has come to talk to me about social impacts yet. Ulukhaktok is far away on the coast, quite a ways from the pipeline, so maybe they will come later.”

“On April 1st we will be having our name change, we will have some games in the day, and in the evening celebrations. The original name was Ulukhaktok before it became Holman. An explorer came and named it

Holman. Two years ago we started talking about it with the self-government committee at meetings. I brought it up to the Hamlet and we went to ECE and MACA to have the name changed.”

“The Hamlet looks after the roads and public services. We wished there was more funding, that was a problem a couple of years ago. Our funding got cut, the government was short of money and we had to get through a hard time. Right now it’s starting to go back up.”

“I was on the council for years from 1995, and then I was the deputy mayor for four years. Two years ago I decided to run for Mayor because so many people have asked me to so many times.”

“In June, on the 16th to the 18th, we will have Kingalik Jamboree, and in July, from the 14th to 16th, there will be the Billy Joss Golf Tournament. That is the best time to visit Ulukhaktok. Everybody comes out here and has a really good time.”

L-R First Row: Janet Kanayok, Peter Malgokak, Mayor of Ulukhaktok, Anita Oliktoak Second Row: Joyce Banksland, Donna Kisoun, Vince Teddy, Colin Okheena, Angela Kuneyuna and John Alikamik during a self-government workshop.

to Helen Kalvak Elihavik School in Ulukhaktok for being one of the winners in the Drop the Pop NWT Challenge!

Long, Long, Ago

by Pat Dunn

WhenTuktut Nogait was agreed to in 1996, Parks Canada needed to learn what was in the new park. Eight elders were interviewed to learn about where people travelled and hunted in the region, and about how they lived. The interviews were published as a book, the Paulatuuq Oral History Project. The interviews were a way of learning from the people who “look around the land” and who know it the best.

“Food caches are all over within the Park boundary,” elder Tony Green told interviewers. “People were travelling a lot them days, they would walk and walk. The country is full of all kinds of tent rings.” Over 360 archaeological sites have been found in the park so far. The first interview to be carried out as part of the Paulatuuq oral history project was with Father Leonce Dehurtevent, who served Paulatuuq as its priest for close to 40 years. Another set of interviews with other elders has now been held and these will be put into a second book.

“Youknow when you travel you look around the land. You can recognize it by landmarks; land, lakes, hills, and what the land looks like.” These are the words of Edward Ruben, Paulatuk elder, when he was interviewed for the book, Paulatuuq Oral History Project: Inuvialuit Elders Share Their Stories. Edward was one of the group of people who together gave Tuktut Nogait National Park its name, meaning “young caribou from the time it is born till it is a year of age”.

Because the history was originally spoken, people can sometimes listen to the interviews as well as read them. In Sachs Harbour, the new Aulavik National Park visitor centre will soon have an audio station. By pressing a button, people will be able to listen to an elder telling a story in his or her own voice and words, in the original Inuvialuktun interviews conducted for a Banks Island oral history. They will also be able to listen to the same story in English narrated by local residents, and in French as well.

One story is told by Edith Haogak, of how people made their own clothes out of skins. “ Long ago, ever since I could remember, they never had material clothing,” Edith says in the interview. “Only caribou clothing. Only caribou skins. Sometimes we had seal skins, aitqatik. Sometimes shoes made of seal skins and pants made out of young seal skins. That’s the way we used to live.” People will be able to listen to this interview right next to a display of traditional clothing sewn from skins, made by Edith and her sisters Sarah Kuptana and Lena Wolki. Learning the stories of these places will help us to protect and understand the land. But it is just as important to preserve the stories themselves and to tell them, so that anyone can learn how people lived here long ago, and how people live today.

Upcoming Parks Canada Events

For further information on any of these events, contact Parks Canada at 867-777-8800.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Aulavik National Park Visitor Reception Centre Grand Opening, Sachs Harbour

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Tuktut Nogait National Park Interpretive Centre Grand Opening, Paulatuuq

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Aulavik National Park Management Plan Review -Public Meeting

Edward Ruben

Photo by Rob Buchanan, Parks Canada

Edith Haogak, Sarah Kuptana and Lena Wolki

Photo by Gerry Kisoun, Parks Canada

Pat Dunn is the communications manager of Parks Canada, Western Arctic.

Did you know?

The Bluenose-West caribou herd calves in the park.

There are over 360 archaeological sites in Tuktut Nogait National Park park.

People have lived and travelled here since 1000 AD at least.

The park is over 18,000 sq km including a recent addition made in the Sahtu Settlement Region.

Tent rings, caches, rock alignments, meat drying areas, kayak rests and hunting blinds can all be observed.

There are hundreds of kilometres of spectacular canyons along the Hornaday, Brock and Roscoe Rivers .

Tuktut Nogait National Park

Photo by Rob Buchanan, Parks Canada

This performer sang a rap song she wrote about keeping it real and being proud of her ancestry.

“ I thought this would be really boring, but after last night I was stoked,” said Douglas Price of the Inuvik Regional Youth Conference(IRYC). “The Ihuman beatbox was pretty cool, and to see Gerry Kisoun breakdance was fun.”

Such a change in perception is common amongst the IRYC’s 90 participants, made up of youth from the ISR, Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. This is no stuffy conference. Some of the sessions were: break dancing, kung fu, grafitti art, traditional storytelling, hip hop, reindeer camp, film making, curling, massage, skiing, soccer; and you have to take a deep breath before you continue the list: pipeline readiness, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, injury prevention, Don’t be a butthead, STDs, suicide prevention, career talks, street life and many more, all geared to “build a healthy teen”. Here are some moments captured during 3 day conference.

D eejay!

Brandon Roland gets his chance to be a DJ. He scratched out some pretty funky beats with the help of Ihuman reps! The Ihuman reps did something very important, they reminded everyone that hip hop = music = love. “It was really cool, it got us really excited and made us think twice…hip hop is about more than drugs!” said Dolly Loreen from Tuktotyaktuk.

Hip Hop!

Tanya Snowshoe,

“It was fun. I liked seeing the dancing. And I really appreciated the suicide prevention component.”

1. 2. 3.

Vanessa Anikina, Sachs Harbour

“I really liked the RCMP role reversal. We also went to Don’t be a Butthead, Traditional Storytelling, and I learnt how to breakdance. This is the 4th time I’ve been to a youth conference.”

Inuvik

Youth from Ulukhaktok at the Pipeline Readiness Session

Youth from Ulukhaktok at IRYC with their banner.

Douglas Price and Tanya Snowshoe dealing with RCMP in Role Reversal

Youth looking at what happens to lungs when you smoke!

Sports sessions healthy

2.

Inuvik’s banner!

Aklavik Youth talking about their hometown!

RCMP Career Session

Vanessa Anikina tries out being RCMP sessions to build a teen.

Gerry Kisoun getting his groove on!

Sachs Harbour’s banner!

Tuktoyaktuk Youth Reps!

Paulatuk Youth at the IRYC!

Gravity defying moves by I-human performers.

Fort McPherson Youth Reps!

3.

Which teams have the loudest fans?

IRC All Native Hockey Tournament

“It was hard!” laughed Donald Hendrick, almost shouting so he can be heard above the noise of the 400 strong crowd at the opening of the IRC All Native Hockey Tournament (Feb 16th to 19 th) . He was telling us about playing as a member of Old Dogs versus Young Blood the day before, and these team names should give some indication that a sense of humor takes precedence over winning.

Donald is also the organizer of this year’s tournament. “The cup has been going on for 18 years, IRC sponsors the ice time and the trophy, and teams find their own sponsor. Last year the winner was sponsored by Northwind, which is also sponsoring Old Dogs this year.” No wonder the Old Dogs found the game challenging, for B Division, Young Bloods ended up as the champion! Aklavik Ice Hawks placed second and Fort Macpherson Flames placed third. The champion for A division this year is TUK EGT, Northwind placed second and East Three Rebels were third.

“It’s the only major tournament of the year for the Inuvik region, and everybody tries to make a team to come from surrounding communities. The smaller communities make teams easily, as they too have a lot of players and ice rinks. The players are responsible for paying for their own equipment,” said Donald. “The game is about winning to some extent, but just to play is the main thing.”

The teams are in good spirits and it is exciting to be there at the opening, Roy Ipana was the MC, and Nellie Cournoyea thanked the audience, which comprised “people from all over the ISR, for coming out every year to encourage people to continue to play hockey and for inspiring them to show good sportsmanship.” Doris Rogers sang O Canada so it filled the stadium, and the momentum began building when players from Northwind and Paulatuk started beating their sticks against the ice, lined up on either side of the rink.

The turnout was great all weekend long. Fans brought along pots and pans and noisemakers to cheer for their teams. TUK EGT and Young Bloods had the loudest fans! Many of the fans exchanged expert analysis about the development of the game. Frank Wolki from Paulatuk said mid-game, “The game was awesome. I think Northwind should pick up the pace, get more shots,” and Desmond Ruben added, “The game is pretty exciting. Even though it’s held in Inuvik, Tuk is giving them a pretty good run at their game. Maybe during the periods things will change.” Chris Ruben told us it would be great if the tournament had girls play too. “They have better options than men for hockey, there is a lot less hitting and a lot more play than in the men’s games. In Men’s games, there’s a lot of close checking, there’s a lot more scoring in women’s games.” For aunt Vera Ovayuak, it was all about supporting her nephews. “I have some nephews playing in this game, some from Inuvik, Aklavik and Paulatuk, so I enjoy watching them. This is the 1st time I am here for the whole tournament. My nephew is the captain of the Young Blood. I’ll do anything to support them to play, it keeps them out of trouble!”

A new component was added this year, the Skills Competition. About 15 people participated; William Aleekuk was the fastest skater while Ronnie Kaye won as the most accurate shooter.

The MVP (Most Valuable Player) for A division was Erwin Elias, and for B division, Deaner Smith. Best Goalie for A division was Ivan Gloadon, and B division, Bryan Mitchell. Top Scorer was Max Kotokak for A division, and Vernon Smith for B division.

Donald said, “Now that the tournament is over I feel good, everyone had a great time both watching and playing!”

Nellie and Roy at the opening ceremony.

Fans from Paulatuk!

Noisemakers!

Homemade Noisemakers!

Tuk EGT team banging their sticks against the ice, creating a sense of anticipation for the games to begin!

Curling is back in Aklavik !

We meant it when we said EVERYONE was there to celebrate!

all been waiting and waiting. Your patience is something you can be proud of!” David Krutko, MLA said the people of Aklavik are “ a winning community” at the Grand Opening of the Sam Arey Curling Rink.

It looked as if the whole community came out to celebrate the event, filling the facility so there was only room for standing and clapping. Youth Angus Edwards said “It’s been 10 years since we’ve had a curling rink, we are really excited. I just started learning this year, curling’s lots of fun.” Even before the grand opening, children and adults have begun playing, so eager they were to curl.

Aklavik Mayor Knute Hansen said, “This rink will be well used by all in our community and will contribute to the well being of all.” The winter activity that stopped for all age groups will now recommence, and Aklavik’s curlers who had conquered the challenges of having no curling ice, to become champions in bonspiels all over the NWT can now see “our youth continue these winning ways through this facility and never say die.”

Edward Charlie and his crew were thanked for their workmanship, as were public works, local funding committees, and the people who helped with the facility, the opening ceremonies and the feast. The Arey family – Manny, Peter, Ellen, Billy, Archie and Annie Banksland cut the ribbon and the Sam Arey Curling Rink plaque was finally restored to where it belonged, high on the Curling Rink’s wall after being kept in a home for a decade.

Evelyn Storr, who was the MC along with Manny, said, “Along with the rest of Canada we are celebrating the team that just won the gold medal at the Olympics. People in the small communities watch these games and they are touched by what’s happening with Canadians. We hope that one day some of these young people can achieve that level of curling and that can only happen with community and government support.”

David Krutko agreed, “This rink has been a long time coming, for two years we have worked to get the program going, especially when the government was cutting the budget.” He said, “All the young people here, now you have this curling rink, do use it, you can go places. The Canada Curling team had a dedicated young man from Aklavik represent them in the Olympics. It doesn’t matter where you come from.”

GNWT Barren-ground Caribou Management Measures

Resident harvesters, please note for the next six months:

1. You are only allowed to harvest bulls.

2. Caribou Tags for outfitters on the Bathhurst Herd fall range is being reduced to 1999 levels.

3. Caribou Tags for resident harvesters are reduced from five to two.

4. Delaying of public release of maps showing locations of satellite collared caribou by two weeks.

5. Enforcement patrols will be increased, and a major public education campaign will be launched.

“Iknow you’ve

Throwing of the First Rock!

Youth happy with the new rink!

The Arey family cutting the ribbon.

Dean Biggins, USFWS

Mangilaluk School Wins

Toby Stefure and youth from Tuktoyaktuk are making us proud with their achievements in Sports!

Mangilaluk School was one of the 5 schools that won in the “Drop the Pop NWT Challenge”. 1920 students made the pledge to Drop the Pop for 5 days, staying away from overly high-sugared drinks by having nutrition presentations and making fun drinks like smoothies! They won $2000 and will be using the money to buy healthy eating and active living equipment.

On March 17th to the 19 th , Loretta Elias and Byron Kotokak attended a “Building Bridges to Prevention” workshop in Fort McPherson. It was aimed at suicide prevention and Loretta said it was “well worth the trip.” James Ross from McPherson will come to Tuktoyaktuk as the first guest speaker.

Spring is the time to celebrate Tuktoyaktuk! Our youth are doing really well in sports; Congratulations to Tuk for winning the IRC Hockey Cup this year! Their sponsors were TCC and EGT. Erwin Elias was the MVP! In Whitehorse, the Tuk and Aklavik team (combined) placed 2 nd out of 18 teams. Kelly O was the top scorer! On the March 3rd weekend we had a minor hockey tournament. The Gwich’in cup was held in Inuvik, Pee Wees came in 2nd place and Midgets placed second too! The Old-Timers had a 3-on-3 tournament too, the winners were Jason Nasogaluak, Roland Kuptana, Elvis Raddi and Gary Gordon.

From April 14 th to the 17th , there will be a lot of excitement and cheering at the Beluga Jamboree here. Some of the most anticipated contests are the jigging contest, singing contest, log sawing, foot races, relay races and needle and thread contest. Everyone’s fixing and tuning up their skidoos for the many skidoo races. The 75 Mile Skidoo Race is the last event of the Jamboree. Overall winners from the male and female contestants will be given prizes too! April 21st to the 23rd is the Kid Carnival weekend. All children will get involved!

The TCC board meeting was held April 13th , and an Elder’s meeting held April 11th . There was a lunch for elders on the 12th

At the youth centre, youth who helped out with the recycling depot went to Inuvik for a day and swam for the afternoon, had access to the jungle gym and ate some KFC! Brighter Futures approved the following for funding: Breakfast Program, Minor Hockey 2006, Music and Square Dance Lessons, Infant and Toddler Program (Rent/Wages) and JJYC Youth Assistant and Program Administrator. We’re looking forward to how our youth will continue to grow with new opportunities.

Eddie Dillon and Rosemary Lundrigan attended the Beaufort Delta Regional Council meeting in Inuvik from March 20 th to 23rd . There were discussions on staff shortage in the health sector, surgeries that were once performed in Inuvik now have to be done in the Yukon. Financial roles and the budget were also discussed. It was said that millions will be spent to boost education in Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik, and on training oppourtunities, early childhood education, special needs and kindergarten. Resolutions were also made about toursim, transportation, energy (increased fuel ryder), human resources, housing, income support, infrastructure, census and self-government (continue to support).

Happy Birthday to the following people!

March Birthdays: Richard Teddy, Virginia Kotokak, Brayden Teddy, Dolly Loreen, Nathan Kuptana, Cherise Felix, David Lucas and Gernie Kotokak.

April Birthdays: Lesley Nasogaluak, Millie Elias, Gilbert Katigagyuk, Sherry Gruben, Pat Kuptana, Sukie Ovayuak, Jared Thrasher, Dawn Anderson, Phillip Mangelana, Fred Kuptana, Jackie Jacobson, Violet Kikoak.

May Birthdays: Jonathon Elias, Caroline Loreen, Willy Carpenter, Sarah Krengnek, Shayle and Matilda Debastien, These Voudrach, Gloria Iatridis, Nellie Pokiak, Emmanuel Felix Jr., Mavis Arey, Gayle Gruben, Brandon Voudrach, Kevin Krengnektak, Preston Dillon, William Nasogaluak.

What glad tidings! Pete Keevik and Melanie Kikoak are getting married at 1pm on April 14th ! Happy anniversary to the following: Lucy and Donald Kuptana – March 31st , Bully and Lucy Cockney, Bobby and Jean Gruben on May 1st and Eddie and Lucy Dillon on May 2 nd !

Special thanks to Lucy Dillon, Loretta Elias, Sarah Krengnektak and Dolly False for their help in providing information for this report. Most of this information can also be found in UUVA! Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation’s newsletter!

Sachs Harbour Anticipates Geese Hunt

By Lorna Dillon

The Sachs Harbour Community Corporation (SHCC) will be hosting a workshop with Beaufort Delta SelfGovernment Negotiation Team at the end of March. There were also 7 youth picked by the SHCC to attend the Regional Youth Conference in Inuvik. Sometime in April the SHCC Directors will be attending the Annual 42 Directors meeting in Inuvik, hosted by IRC.

The SH hunters and trappers committee has recruited 5 community members to hunt Perry Caribou for community members, members that cannot hunt for themselves or for whom the travel is too long and costly. A thank you to SH Hunters and Trappers Committee for always helping out our members with traditional food.

The Hamlet SAO will be planning a Emergency Response Training Course in Inuvik March 18 th and 19 th . This training is on how to be prepared to evacuate the community, for whatever reason. We cannot just head for the hills, we have to have a plan.

The SH Recreation Committee holds parents and tots every Tuesday 630pm to 745pm at the school gym. Vanessa Anikina is at the Arctic Winter Games, good luck to her at all her sports. Karaoke night is Friday March 17th , Movie night is Friday March 24 th and the Monthly dance is Friday March 31st

Our Health Care Centre will be promoting oral health for children, teaching the kids how to brush regularly for the month of April, and for May the centre will have Hepatitis Awareness Posters and Consultation with Murray the nurse-in-charge. Murry has been

a member of Sachs Harbour for quite awhile, she deserves to be recognized for the many hours and time she put into taking care of our people. Thank you Murry.

For the week March 6th to 10 th the school children were at home because the teachers were all away training. I’m sure the kids enjoyed the week sleeping in and running around, doing whatever kids do.

The White Fox Jamboree will be moved into the Summer Months, the new date for Sach’s Jamboree is July 14 th to 16th . The new date will be determined at the next Regular Hamlet Meeting on March 20 th . Currently, the offices of the SH Hunters and Trappers and the SH Community Corporation will be moving to a Housing Unit due to upcoming renovations. The new location of both offices is just below Bridgette’s house. It is undetermined how long the move will be.

There’s not much news for the April and May for the community of Sachs, except everyone cannot wait to go out on the land by the end of May for geese hunting. As soon as the weather warms up I am sure families will be going out to all the lakes fishing and enjoying the sun.

March Birthdays are Kyle Donovan for the 8th , Preston Carpenter for the 9th , Joanne Eldridge for the 12th , Kolton Eldridge for the 13th , Kierstyn for the 16th , Kim Lucas for the 24th , Edith Hoagak for the 29th , Chelsey Elanik for the 30 th and Lena Wolki for the 31st . A big Happy Birthday to these community members!

Daymien Hoagak enjoying the returning of daylight at Sachs Harbour.

Snowbirds in Paulatuk, a sure sign of spring

By Millie Thrasher

First of all, sure looks like spring but we can still feel the cold when we step out. Long days make you want to go fishing everyday. We went out twice and it was not very good. I’ll like to say hello to all my sisters and brothers. Wishing you all a very happy Easter! And the biggest hello to our daughter Anita in Penhold, Alta. She’s doing her flying lessons. We wish her all the best and everything anyone else can think of. She left on her 19 th birthday. How time flies, sky’s the limit, sweetheart!

Happy Easter to everyone, remember why we have Easter. The Lord was risen again, He died to have us forgiven for all our sins. This time of the year is important to all Christians.

Beaufort Delta Education had a meeting, two of our members attended. Budget, problem solving and ideas were exchanged with other communities. Leadership meeting too in Inuvik. Aboriginal Healing Foundation with our workers Joanne Packham and Celina Wolki. I assume everything went well. We also had an Aboriginal Headstart workshop with participants from other communities. Good to see cousin Sarah Adam, enjoyed the evening catching up with you. Hello to Catherine and Clarence too. We also hired a new Brighter Futures coordinator Rikki Butt. She fit right into the program as she’s had a lot of experience. Good Luck!

Some students went to Inuvik for the Regional Youth Conference and a Career Day. The Angik School and Brighter Futures sent them there. The theme was to “Build a Healthy Teen”. A science fair was held at the school too. I heard kindergarden had beans sprouting. That’s so sweet. It always works.

Everyone has heard of the three trucks that came here and had gone on March 20 th It sure would be convenient to own one like that. We’d go to all of our favourite fishing spots and our spring camps. It’s always good to have fresh air with all our open spaces and beautiful country. You can travel all over Paulatuk’s country with ATVs in the summer. That’s what we are accustomed to. Even if it’s bad weather, you can always get home. Our parents should have had that kind of transportation while they were here.

Father Kaufman has been in for his monthly trip. Thanks again Father for your spiritual help and your friendly visit. As we speak, Easter events are being scheduled, feasts, torch relay and egg hunts. James Ruben’s coin toss for 30 gallons of gas and 1 case Isol. There are also children races, foot and other games. Everyone enjoy your holidays and have safe ones!

Also, at this time of the year, all kinds of flu are around. Yet another thing to be aware of is rabies. Lots of foxes are around the community all year. There was a rabid fox confirmed. So please be aware of these things because with the long daylight, lots of children are round and about. Also all dogs must be tied or they will be put down.

We always think of Father Dehurtevant. He died on the 6 th of April in Edmonton. God Bless you father. Some birthdays I would like to mention. Happy Birthday to: Mar 22nd Mabel Jolene Thrasher, Samantha Warren March 28 th To Evik, you always want to reach your birthday, and it’s already past! Sure miss you. Darsey, April 10 th . Happy Birthday friend Bessie Ruben, and birthday wishes to Savannah from Andy and family especially Terry and your handsome son Kassios. Happy Birthday Phillip from mom and family, May 1st to Uncle Edward Ruben and Fred Thrasher on the 4th , and to Paning Dianna on May 16th . Happy Birthday Emma Dick, all the way from Paulatuk. It’s always good to see your smile and happy face. Take care and God Bless you until next time.

There’s been lots of sports hunting too, lots of people traveling. Garrett, Olga and families went to Delease Lake and are still up there. Jonah has been to Bekere too. Some guys are at Pearce Point and some are traveling the flats. A couple of wolverine has been caught, David Ruben has seen snow birds,

a sure sign that Spring is here! Next come the siksiks, seagulls and then geese. I can’t wait to taste fresh goose and taste fresh fish. Most most delicious!

Below: Students getting awards for their science fair projects from teacher Wendall Sampson and a judge.

Above: Kindergarten with their bean sprouting project!

Below: Parents and community members, as well as teachers who came to the Science Fair!

Cheery faces on March 23rd, the day of the Science Fair at Angik School.

Whirlwind of Events in Aklavik

By Velma

What a whirlwind of a few months it has been. Aklavik has seen many happening events and of course we try to get as much noted as possible for Tusaayaksat.

The Aurora College students who participated in the Kitchen Helpers Course completed with flying colours. Many thanks extended to the staff & students of Moose Kerr School for allowing this course to run from your home economics room.

The staff of MKS was gone to Edmonton for a week’s worth of training from February 27th to March 3rd . The students thoroughly enjoyed a week’s break and were very anxious to return to school with vim and vigor.

Lorna Storr, coach for the Arctic Winter Games, returned with her students in winning mode. Congratulations to Crystal Koe for winning 5 medals with Dene Games: Bronzesnowsnake, bronze-stick pull, gold-hand games, silver-pole push, silver-overall points and Brenton McGee who won several medals in snowshoeing; bronze-2km race, bronze-3rd overall in sprint races. Lorna was very pleased with the students’ effort, and their hard work paid off for them. She was also proud of these students’ positive representation of Moose Kerr School and Aklavik. Great job! She was also the coach for Junior Men in Dene Games. They placed gold in hand games.

Career Quest 2006 was the place to be this school year. 14 students and 2 chaperones traveled from Moose Kerr to participate in the Career Quest. They had a special treat as Don Burnstick did an opening plenary with the students and his theme was to stay in school and follow your dreams. The students had full participation in this event. They made sure to stop by ENCANA to visit their booth and to enter their names in a draw to visit Encana’s offices in Calgary.

The Hamlet of Aklavik Recreation Committee had a grand opening of the newly completed Sam Arey Curling Rink. Arey family members were in attendance to cut the ribbon and Archie Arey did the honors of throwing the first rock on the new rink. Many thanks goes out to the various organizations, businesses and community members who donated prizes, time and prepared food for this event. It was well attended and all the Arey family extends its appreciation to all who made this a special day.

March 17th was the delayed Sweetheart bonspiel as the calendar was filled for the month of February. It was a challenge for the Sam Arey Curling Committee to slot in a time for an invitational to other communities. This was done on this weekend and there was much success as the following placed or won in the weekend event:

The Aboriginal Instructors did a wonderful job with the short Rabbit Unit that was held March 6 th to 16 th

Many thanks to elder Alice Husky and hunter/trapper Carol Arey. The students enjoyed this wonderful opportunity and the elementary students snared the most rabbits. The students are anxious for April as they will begin their muskrat unit, which is just as thrilling, and another opportunity to incorporate cultural activities into their daily learning.

The Aklavik Anglican Vestry would like to extend a warm welcome back to Geoff & Roslayn Dixon who have returned after many years to assist in filling in the parish ministry until the position can be filled permanently. Both Geoff & Rosalyn were met with great enthusiasm and warmth as the community was very happy & surprised to see them. Welcome and may you have an enjoyable stay during your time in Aklavik.

Farewell to Ray and Tina Claypool. The couple will be heading to Prince George, BC to a new home. They leave on March 29 th and the Community held a surprise feast for them at the Joe Greenland Center on Sunday March 26 th Both extended gratitude & appreciation to the people of Aklavik, family and friends.

They will return for a visit in the near future. Good Luck to you all especially Rachael and Abraham who are very excited about their new adventure.

The Aklavik Youth & Family Program sponsored seven students to attend a workshop on the weekend of March 24-26th on Healthy Lifestyles. The Aklavik Indian Band sent a group of students as well. All students enjoyed this opportunity to learn and gain knowledge on this sensitive social issue of making the positive choice to stay away from alcohol & drugs.

Kudos to the students who attended.

Graham McDonald, Eric Kendi and chaperone Ruth Stewart attended a Suicide Awareness and Access Mapping Workshop in Fort McPherson on March 17-20 th . The students appreciated this opportunity extended to them and advised that they both learned a great deal about this societal issue that takes so much potential resources from a community. The students returned wiser and determined to help others understand the difficult topic.

Aklavik Learning Centre has been on a hiatus for a week due to Reading Week. Students enjoyed their time off but will be back to their studies by March 29 th The Drivers Education course is going along fine. The students who have attended have another week left of the course. By all accounts they are really enjoying this opportunity extended to them.

David Abbott came to Moose Kerr School to offer a plumbing unit to about 10 junior and senior high students. The course was well received and everyone who participated enjoyed it very much. The students were excited about this course and look forward to another mobile unit offered by Beaufort Delta Education Council in April.

The local Science Fair was held on March 22nd and the winners were:

Mrs. Pascal’s Grade 3 class -Double Trouble, Elementary 4-6 winners; 1st-Naomi Peterson & Davonna Kasook -Stars/Planets, 2 nd -Tom Mcleod, Joseph Omilgoituk, John Jake Koe-Northern Lights, 3rd -Jessi O Pascal & Angel Kowana- Air pressure. Junior High; 1st- Trudy Dick-Enzyme Busters, 2 nd - Prarie Dawn Edwards & Trevor Gordon-Controlling Current, 3rd -Edwin Wright & Gerald JoeWhirligigs. The 1st & 2 nd place winners went over to Inuvik to participate in the regional science fair. Chaperones Frank Galway & Arlene Kogiak were very pleased with the students and their representation of their school. Kudos to positive behavior. Trudy Kogiak placed second in the grade 7-9 division. Nice job Trudy!

On a final note we would like to extend Easter Greetings to all the readers of Tusaayaksat as the festive season approaches. Each community is preparing for the Spring Carnival Circuit. There will be many visitors, family & friends that will join together to welcome a Northern spring. Enjoy and may you all have a safe & blessed Easter holiday.

Illasiak & Students: Mandy Archie, Shayla Arey, Cecilia Greenland, Crystal Koe and Tanya Kogiak

Below: Young people who definitely welcome the new curling rink!

Left: Family and friends who attended the Kitchen Helper program graduation had a great feast!