Friday, October 29, 2010

Canadian Red Cross to Provide Help For Survivors of Weekend House Fire in Nain

Yesterday, the news of the house fire in Nain was brought to the attention to the Canadian Red Cross Newfoundland and Labrador.

Clarice LeGrow is the Associate for Disaster Management who oversees Eastern Newfoundland and all of Labrador.

She says yesterday, the surviving family members of the weekend house fire contacted the Happy Valley-Goose Bay personal disaster assistance team.

LeGrow says in circumstances such as this, they provide assistance within 72 hours of being contacted.

Before assisting, a needs assessment has to be done.

She says they provide vouchers that is sent to local stores for the families in need of food, clothing and hygienic items.

LeGrow says in rare cases, if survivors of these incidents do not have a place to stay, they can provide help with accommodations.

But, she says in almost every case, survivors will stay with family or friends.

If anyone is a surviving victim of a house fire, they can call their toll free number at 1(800) 222-9597.

LeGrow adds this is their direct toll free line to their emergency response team for this type of disaster.

Hopedale Womens Shelter Closes Due To Foundation Issues

The women’s shelter in the community of Hopedale is now closed.

Tina Flowers is the Coordinator of the shelter.

She says different groups and organizations held a meeting on Monday about the status or the structure of the old building that houses the shelter.

Flowers says the decision for the closure was due to foundation issues and its overall poor shape.

She says the shelter is run by a volunteer board of 9 members that provide very good support.

The supporters are the RCMP, Social Services, the local clinic and Labrador Grenfell Health representative, Lisa Blackmore.

Flowers says a proposal for a new shelter will be sent to LGH to be presented to the province.

She says they were informed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that the is money there for the building

And all they have to do is submit proposal for approval.

Flowers says once approved, construction would have to start next year with the lateness in the shipping season.

Flowers added while there is no shelter for women for the time being, if need be the women will stay with families and friends.

Pumpkin Patrol

This year, trick-or-treaters in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (HVGB) will be a little safer this Halloween.

Sergeant Guy Caines is with the HVGB Detachment.

He says the RCMP will work in conjunction with the Town of HVGB for Halloween safety.

Caines says on Halloween night, members of the HVGB Ground Search & Rescue Team and Citizens on Patrol will be participating in the Pumpkin Patrol.

He says this is to assist in keeping children safe while trick-or-treating.

All patrol vehicles will be marked with a Pumpkin Patrol Placard.

Caines adds on behalf of the Goose Bay RCMP, he would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

This Years Flu Vaccination Includes Swine Flu Vaccination

The Flu Season may be just around the corner.

We are once again encouraged to get our flu shots.

Gail Turner is the Director of Health Service with the Department of Health and Social Development.

She says her staff, in each of the Nunatsiavut communities is getting ready for this year’s flu shot program.

Turner says this year’s program isn’t as urgent as last year because of no reports of the H1N1 virus.

But she adds the regular flu shot will contain three components which will include protection from the regular flu virus and the H1N1 virus.

Makkovik Man Pleads Guilty on Assault Charges

Two days ago, a Makkovik woman was assaulted in the town of Makkovik.

Sergeant Boyd Merrill is the RCMP Media Relations Officer in St. John’s.

He says 45-year-old William Tabeas Nochasak plead guilty yesterday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Merrill says this was from charges during a violent domestic assault on his girlfriend on October 26.

RCMP were called to the scene when an off duty officer found the victim in the streets of Makkovik yelling and screaming over her injuries.

Merrill says RCMP attended to the medical concerns of the victim then attended the residence of Nochasak and arrested him.

He says Nochasak plead guilty at the first opportunity and was sentenced to a total of 13 months in jail.

Merrill says the break down is a 12 months sentence for the Aggravated Assault and one month for breach of probation.

Merrill adds that the four other related charges were withdrawn at the time of the guilty plea.

Postville will go Trick-Or-Treating on Saturday, not Sunday

Once again Halloween will fall on Sunday this year.

While this may seem like a likelihood of hosting these annual festivities on the final night of October, another Nunatsiavut community has different plans.

We contacted the north coast communities to find out which day they will be celebrating Halloween.

Four of the north coast communities, Rigolet, Makkovik, Hopedale, and Nain will be celebrating Halloween on the scheduled Sunday.

However, the town of Postville will be the only community that will celebrate Halloween on Saturday, October 30.

The Postville Inuit Community Government held their regular business meetings on October 12.

During those meetings they decided that they would celebrate Halloween on October 30, the night before the typical celebrative day.

The last time Halloween fell on a Sunday was in the year 2004.

At that time, people were confused on whether or not children would go trick-or-treating on a Saturday or Sunday.

We learned that in various communities, some children did go trick-or-treating on a Saturday, and some went out on the scheduled Sunday.

Elders Conference - Day 2

An Elders Conference was held in Happy Valley-Goose bay last week.

On day two of the conference, elders were asked to talk about what an elder is.

OKalaKatigets Maria Harris was attended and spoke with many elders.

Harris spoke with Henry Broomfield, a resident of Nain.

Broomfield says he had attended Elders and Youth Conferences in the past, but not as a participant.

He says now being a participant, he met new friends and learned about their past and that if invited again, he'd be more than happy to attend.

Harris also spoke with Sam Palliser, a participant from Rigolet.

Palliser says this conference was a very interesting and sad event from hearing what other elders said.

He adds that this is a still a learning experience for himself, because this is only his second involvement with the Elders Conference.

Vale & USW Now Required To Produce Documents

Still not reaching an agreement, Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 9508 now are dealing with a provincial Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) to get the strike settled.

John Roil is the Chair of the IIC.

He says the IIC met in St. John’s to come up with a plan of action.

Roil says both parties have been contacted and required to produce documents concerning past bargaining efforts.

He says both parties now have a week to respond.

Roil says after a timely matter in reviewing the matter and in addition to meeting with both parties, the IIC will now travel to Labrador.

Roil adds that as the Inquiry unfolds, the next update won’t occur within two to three weeks from now.

Makkovik Woman Assaulted

In the quiet town of Makkovik, RCMP was called to an unusual occurrence.

Constable Cara Ludtke is with the Sheshatshiu RCMP.

She says RCMP in Makkovik investigated a domestic incident that involved some serious bodily injury to a local female resident.

Ludtke says a 45 year old Makkovik man was arrested and charged.

Charges include aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, assault and two counts of breach of probation.

Ludtke says the woman managed to get away from this attacker and notified the RCMP.

Makkovik RCMP took immediate action.

The accused appeared for a bail hearing at the Happy Valley Goose Bay Provincial Court this morning.

Ludtke says the status of the bail hearing is not updated, but the matter is still under investigation.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Inquiry Demands Documents from Vale and USW

Still not reaching an agreement, Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 9508 now are dealing with a provincial Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) to get the strike settled.

John Roil is the Chair of the IIC.

He says the ICC met in St. John’s to come up with a plan of action.

Roil says both parties have been contacted and required to produce documents concerning past bargaining efforts.

He says both parties now have a week to respond.

Roil says after a timely matter in reviewing the matter and in addition to meeting with both parties, the IIC will now travel to Labrador.

Roil adds that as the Inquiry unfolds, the next update won’t occur within two to three weeks from now.

Assault in Makkovik

Yesterday in the quiet town of Makkovik, RCMP was called to an unusual occurrence.

Constable Cara Ludtke is with the Sheshatshiu RCMP.

She says RCMP in Makkovik investigated a domestic incident that involved some serious bodily injury to a local female resident.

Ludtke says a 44 year old Makkovik man was arrested and charged.

Charges include aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, assault and two counts of breach of probation.

Ludtke says the woman managed to get away from this attacker and notified the RCMP.

Makkovik RCMP took immediate action.

The accused appeared for a bail hearing at the Happy Valley Goose Bay Provincial Court this morning.

Ludtke says the status of the bail hearing is not updated, but the matter is still under investigation.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Labrador School Board AGM

The Labrador School Board held its Annual General Meeting in Labrador City last week.

Bruce Vey is the Director of Education of the LSB.

He says the agenda items included election of a new Executive of the Board.

They also approved the LSB 2009- 2010 Annual Performance Report, and highlighting the Board’s progress in the area of their Financial Deficit.

He says the board heard of report of an increase in graduation rates, student performance in all district schools, and the financial statement plus more.

LIDC Update

The Labrador Inuit Development Corporation managers held a business meeting a couple weeks ago.

Henry Lyall is the Office manager in Nain.

He says there were discussions on their budget and planning next summer’s season project at Ten Mile Bay quarry site, and drilling.

In other news, Lyall says LIDC’s kalliutik boat and the kalligak barge are on their way back from up north in James Bay area.

He says there will be a change of some crew members when the boats arrive town to go back to Saglek Bay.

Lyall added the LIDC’s building formerly occupied by Nunatsiavut Government will soon be occupied by Park’s Canada, they are expected to move in by first of November.

The Environmental Researchers for NG are also expected to move into the building by mid November.

He added a proposal was sent to NG if they are interested in buying a building at Iggiak Quarry site, where they had been looking for one as a Healing Lodge for Nain.

OTT Update

The Orientation Technology Training Program for women in Happy Valley Goose Bay is busy this week.

Suzanne Charlton is the Community Development Coordinator for Women in Resource Development.

She says the women are in the middle of their trades program.

Ten students are taking courses in carpentry, welding and millwright.

Charlton says the students will be going on a field trip to the Iron Ore Company in
Labrador City next week.

Charlton adds the ten women are scheduled to graduate in mid December.

Moravian Board Meeting

Board members and delegates of the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador held their Provincial Synod in Happy Valley over the weekend.

One of the agenda items was to elect a new Chair-person and Board.

Joan Andersen is the out-going Chair-person.

In an email she says the results of the election are as follows:

The new Chair-person elected is Linda Saunders-McLean of Happy Valley.

The new Board members and/or Board members re-elected are:

Sarah Jensen was re-elected as the Board member for Hopedale.

Myrtle Groves is the new Board member for Makkovik

And Bob Lyall was re-elected as Board member for Happy Valley.

Rev. Glenna Tasedan is automatically a member of the Board as an ordained Minister.

The Nain Congregation will choose their Board member in their next meeting.

Regional Volleyball Competitions

Athletes from the north coast are gearing up for this year’s regional volleyball competition.

The Nain Huskies’ male team and the Hopedale Nanuks female team will be heading to the competition in mid-November.

Damian Barter is the Coach for the Nain Huskies.

He says the Huskies came first in the boy’s volleyball competition during the 2010 Fall Sportsmeet in Nain.

The win qualified them for the regional competition.

The Nanuks claimed the top spot in the female completion.

They’ll be heading out to compete in the regionals as well.

The 2A Volleyball Regional Competition is scheduled for November19 in Churchill Falls.

Barter adds that if either team places first at this competition, they’ll compete in the 2A provincial competition on the island in December.

Friday, October 22, 2010

William Andersen III Receives a Conditional Discharge

William Andersen III was sentenced in provincial court today.

The sentence was handed down by Judge William English in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this afternoon.

Andersen joined the court by telephone.

He received a conditional discharge, 12 months of supervised probation and a DNA order.

He was convicted on charges of sexual assault in January.

The conviction stems from an incident in October, 2007.

Moravian Church Board Meeting in Upper Lake Melville

The Newfoundland and Labrador Moravian Church Provincial Board is planning to meet in Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the weekend.

Joan Andersen is Chair of the Board.

She says delegates from the north coast are scheduled to arrive for the meeting today.

But the weather may pose a problem.

They are expecting delegates from Nain, Hopedale and Makkovik.

As of now, the planes are on schedule.

Andersen says they will continue with the meeting if most of the delegates make it in.

Those who do not make it in will be invited to join the meetings by telephone.

The meeting is scheduled to begin this evening and wrap-up on Sunday morning.

The agenda items include reports from each of the communities, the election of a new chairperson and the selection of new board members.

Government Extremely Disappointed an Agreement Was Not Reached

An industrial inquiry into the ongoing labour dispute at Voisey’s Bay will be launched unless an agreement is reached by the close of business today.

Susan Sullivan is the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

She says the provincial government is disappointed that the latest rounds of negotiations broke-off so quickly.

Talks came to a halt in less than an hour during negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Vale on Wednesday.

Sullivan says that after 15 months of negotiating and bargaining, the fact that an agreement could not be reached is regrettable.

She says they have always believed that a negotiated solution is the best possible outcome.

Sullivan is encouraging both parties to use the time before the start of the inquiry to reflect on their positions and try to bring an end to the strike.

The industrial inquiry commission will be responsible to conduct a full review of the labour dispute.

Three People Facing Charges Following a Collision in Natuashish

Charges are being laid following a motor vehicle collision in Natuashish.

Boyd Merrill is the Media Relations Officer with RCMP in St. John’s.

He says Natuashish RCMP responded to the collision on Wednesday.

Four people were inside the minivan when it ran into a ditch.

A 10-year-old boy and 27-year-old female sustained injuries in the crash.

Both were treated and released from the local clinic.

Merrill says an investigation resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old Natuashish woman.

She is facing charges of impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

He says the two other female passengers were arrested under the band’s bylaw for being intoxicated.

The three women will appear in provincial court in Natuashish in early-December.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Steps Taken to Hold Inuit Community Government Elections

Returning Officers from each Nunatsiavut Community came together to review the process used for holding Inuit Community Government (ICG) elections.

Bert Pomeroy is the Director of Communications for the Nunatsiavut Government.

He says the returning officers met in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this week.

They came together to review the legislation related to ICG elections.

The returning officers will now return to their communities and work on ensuring that the voter’s lists are in order.

Once they are satisfied with the lists, the Nunatsiavut Executive Council will set a date for the election.

The election was halted earlier this month while the Nunatsiavut Government ensured the lists were in order.

Caribou Consultations Show a Cause for Concern

Recent consultations on the George River Caribou Herd have raised some concerns on the status of the herd’s population.

Rebecca Wilcott is the Nunatsiavut Government’s Director of Renewable Resources.

She says Nunatsiavut Government representatives met with the Provincial Department of Conservation and Environment last week.

They discussed the early results of a census that was carried out on the George River Caribou Herd.

Wilcott says the results show a continuing decline in the herd.

The last census showed a population of 385, 000 animals in 2001.

There are now concerns for the sustainability of the herd that saw 9,000 harvested last year.

The province indicated that potential causes for the decline include natural mortality factors such as predation and food scarcity.

Harvesting factors were also mentioned as a possible contributor.

She says the province is now looking into creating a long-term management plan to ensure the survival of the herd.

The Nunatsiavut Government is very concerned about the decline.

The government wants to ensure the safe harvesting of the caribou for current and future generations of Inuit.

Wilcott adds that the alarming information could possibly have an effect on the harvesting practices of Inuit.

The final census data will be released in November.

Elders Conference Kicks-off in Upper Lake Melville

The Elders Conference kicked off Tuesday evening in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The attendees came together for a meet and greet at the Labrador Friendship Centre.

The Minister of Cullture, Recreation and Tourism, Johannes Lampe, and Ken Mesher helped open the conference.

That was followed by the lighting of the Kullik by two Nain elders.

OKalaKatiget’s Radio Producer, Maria Harris, is covering the conference.

She says the conference started with an opening prayer by an elder from Goose Bay this morning.

The elders discussed honouring elders from the past.

Harris says they also had discussions about defining an what an elder is.

They talked about respect and being a role model.

She says the cofrence continued with a presentation from the Deputy Minister of Health, Michelle Kinney.

The conference wraps up on Thursday.

Talks Broken-off with Looming Industrial Inquiry

Talks have already broken off between Vale and the United Steelworkers Union Local 9508.

Talks resumed talks yesterday morning to try and settle the 14-month strike at the Voisey’s Bay mine site.

Darren Cove is President of the Local 9508.

He says they sat down with Vale yesterday morning.

Talks broke off quickly when both sides were unable to reach an agreement.

Cove adds that they did not get the response they were hoping for on their last proposal to the company.

He says the next step is to continue with the industrial inquiry.

The provincial government will launch the inquiry Friday.

Rigolet Residents Calling for a Salmon Fishery

Since the commercial salmon fishery was closed in Labrador in the mid-90’s, salmon stocks seem to have increased in this region.

This is evident in the community of Rigolet.

Richard Rich is a resident of Rigolet.

He says there seems to be enough salmon to have a short fishery.

After talking to fishermen and leaders in their community, they’re now turning to the Nunatsiavut Government and the Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative in hopes of creating a salmon fishery.

Postville Make-work Project Scheduled to Begin in November

The Community Enhancement Program in Postville is scheduled to begin in early- November.

Shirley Goudie is the Town clerk for the Postville Inuit Community Government (PICG).

She says the program is running later than expected because the PICG had to send in another proposal to the Provincial Government.

The PICG has received $15,000 from the province through the program.

They are determining how many people need more hours to qualify for their EI benefits.

Goudie says they posted ads around town inviting people to participate.

She says they are looking at hiring four to five people.

Those people will be repairing the fire hydrants, fire breaks, the outdoor rink and possibly making crafts.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

By-election Called for Upper Lake Melville Ordinary Member

A by-election has been called for one of the Ordinary Member seats for Upper Lake Melville.

Nunatsiavut President, Jim Lyall, made the announcement Monday.

Nominations are open until November 1.

The election is set for November 16.

The position was left vacant when Max Blake was removed from the post earlier this month.

Investigation into Polar Bear Death

A provincial Wildlife Officer will be investigating the death of a polar bear found outside of Nain.

Simon Kohlmeister is the Conservation Officer for Nain.

He says the polar bear carcass was found over the weekend.

A resident of Nain was on a hunting trip when he came across the lifeless bear.

Kohlmeister says the man found the bear floating in the water.

He also reported to have found a number of holes in the bear’s skin.

The man believes the holes to be entrance wounds from the bullets of a gun.

The carcass was found at Ram Tickle, an area outside of Nain.

Kohlmeister hasn’t been able to get to the location due to weather conditions.

A provincial Wildlife Officer is expected to fly into the community to assist in the investigation.

Monday, October 18, 2010

William Andersen's Sentencing

William Andersen the III is scheduled to appear in a Provincial Court Friday, October22, 2010 for sentencing.

Andersen was charged with sexual assault stemming from an incident in October of 2007.

Andersen pled not guilty to the charge.

He was convicted in January of 2010.

Sentence submissions were made in a Happy Valley-Goose Bay court today.

Andersen is scheduled to appear in a Happy Valley-Goose Bay court at 1:30pm on October 22, 2010 for sentencing.

USW and Vale Heading Back to the Table

The United Steelworkers and Vale will be heading back to the table this Wednesday, October 20, 2010.

The return to negotiations starts two days before the date set for an industrial inquiry.

Premier Williams announced that the inquiry would be launched if no agreement was reached in two weeks.

Those two weeks are up on Friday, October 22.

Darren Cove, President of the United Steelworkers Local 9508, welcomes the possible inquiry.

He says the union is positive that they have bargained in good faith and an inquiry will show that.

The strikers have been off the job for well over 14 months.

The two parties return to the table in St. John’s on the morning of October 20, 2010.

Reports Outline Differences Between Northern and Southern Canada

A number of reports outline the differences in living conditions between northern and southern Canada.

The reports were published by the Centre for the North.

Derrick Hynes is Director of the Centre.

He says the reports are published in hopes of shedding some light on the differences that northern and southern Canadians face.

One of those reports is “Sleeping on the Couch”.

It is done in the style of a map.

The map shows the number of overcrowded homes in different Canadian regions.

Northern Newfoundland and Labrador ranks fourth out of the northern regions with the most overcrowded homes.

This region follows northern Saskatchewan in third, northern Manitoba with the second most overcrowded homes and Nunavut in first.

14 percent of the homes in this region are reported to have six or more people living in them.

Another map is titled “Needs Major Repairs”.

This report shows the regions with homes in need of major repairs.

In this report northern Newfoundland and Labrador ranks eighth.

According to the map, eleven percent of the homes in this region are in need of major repairs.

National Foster Families Week

Foster parents gathered in Hopedale over the weekend for Foster Families week.

This is the first time that an event like this was held in Nunatsiavut.

Foster parents from Nain, Makkovik and Hopedale attended the event.

The MHA for Torngat Mountains District, Patty Pottle, was also in attendance.

She says there was a good turnout for the event.

About 50 people gathered at the Amos Comenius Memorial School.

Pottle made presentations on behalf of the Honorable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

This was done in conjunction with a similar presentation at the NL Foster Family Association’s opening ceremonies.

After the presentation, there was a performance by the local drum dancers.

She says the foster parents also took part in a two-day professional development workshop.

Pottle says a banquet was held Saturday evening.

Gifts were given to the attendees in recognition of their contributions.

Friday, October 15, 2010

New Executive Director Hired for OKâlaKatiget Society

The OKâlaKatiget Society has hired a new Executive Director.

Sarah Leo has been hired to the post.

Leo previously served as AngajukKak for the Nain Inuit Community Government.

She will begin with the OKâlaKatiget Society on Wednesday, October 20.

The OkalaKatiget Society is excited for the opportunity to work with such an excellent candidate.

The position was left vacant since Leah Ikkusek left the post in late-June.

Engineers to Assess Nain Primary School Heat Problem

Engineers are scheduled to assess the heating troubles at the Jens Haven Memorial Primary School in Nain.

Jacob Larkin is the Principal.

He says the engineers are expected in Nain Tuesday, October 19.

The engineers will try and solve the ongoing problem.

The excessive heat has been occurring since school began last month.

The atmosphere in the building has been a cause for concern for the students and teachers alike.

It was reported that some of the young students were getting sick from the excessive amounts of heat.

Parents have been voicing their concerns regarding their children’s health.

Environmental Protection Act Passes First Reading

The Nunatsiavut Government has taken the next step in ensuring the protection of our beautiful land.

The Environmental Protection Act passed its first reading during the last sitting of the Nunatsiavut Assembly.

The act ensures the protection of Labrador Inuit Lands and communities.

Darryl Shiwak is the First Minister of the Nunatsiavut Government.

He says this is a big opportunity for Labrador Inuit.

The act ensures the protection of Nunatsiavut lands.

He says the next step is to get this act into legislation.

Hopedale Make-Work Project Approved

The community of Hopedale has been approved to undertake a make-work project.

Kitu Abel is the Town Manager for the Hopedale Inuit Community Government (HICG).

She says they received $15,000 from the Provincial Government through its Community Enhancement Program.

Three people will be hired through the project.

They will be repairing the community’s graveyards.

Abel says once those three people receive enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance, the HICG will hire others who have applied for the program.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Employment Insurance Extended

MP Todd Russell welcomes the announcement which sees the extension of Employment Insurance benefits.

This is good news for people who depend on those benefits for the winter months.

Todd Russell is the MP for Labrador.

He says this extension includes the extra five weeks of benefits that the Federal Government made cuts to last month.

The MP says he will continue to fight the government to make sure that these pilot projects will become permanent for people who depend on the employment insurance.

Low-Income Benefits for Seniors

It’s always a welcome bonus when the GST/HST credit arrives in people’s mailboxes.

Seniors, more than others, welcomed the latest payment.

Tom Marshall is the Minister of Finance for the Provincial Government.

He says approximately 42,500 seniors across the province received an annual benefit with their latest payment.

The benefit is available to seniors who are at least 65-years of age.

The maximum benefit given to seniors is $900.

To qualify for the maximum benefit, the recipient must have a net income of $26, 165 or less.

This is an increase of almost 13 percent from bonus that was given last year.
Seniors who make more than that were eligible for a partial benefit.

New Deputy Minister Hired for Nunatsiavut Government

The Nunatsiavut Government has hired a new Deputy Minister of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Carolyn Janes is the Director of Human Resources.

She says Dave Lowe has filled the post.

Lowe was previously Manager of federal tourism partnerships; a joint project between the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada.

He is scheduled to begin work on November 1, 2010.

Lowe will be stationed in Nain.

Pedestrian hit by Vehicle

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in Happy Valley-Goose Bay last evening.

Constable Cara Ludtke is the General Duty Investigator and Media Relations Officer for RCMP in Labrador.

She says on Wednesday, at approximately 9pm, RCMP responded to the incident.

The collision took place on Markland Road.

The female was walking on the road when she was struck by the vehicle.

Ludtke says the female was transported to the Labrador Health Centre.

The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.

She adds that an RCMP Traffic Analyst attended the scene and the matter is still under investigation.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Tom Gordon to Document Moravian Music

Labrador Inuit have developed a rich collection of traditional Moravian music over the last couple centuries.

Many of them were taught to sing in the choir and play stringed instruments, brass instruments and the organ.

Over the years, this practice has been disappearing quickly.

There have been many people looking for ways to preserve the tradition.

Tom Gordon is one of these people.

He’s a professor at the Memorial University’s Music Department in St. John’s.

Gordon has studied traditional Labrador Moravian music for the better part of this decade.

He is working on a project now that involves researching, collecting and documenting the music.

The first phase of the project involves Gordon travelling to Labrador to meet with the people involved in Moravian music.

This is scheduled for the end of this month.

Vale Welcomes Premier Williams Announcement

Vale welcomes Premier William’s latest announcement to resolve the lengthy strike at Voisey’s Bay.

Williams announced last week that an Industrial Inquiry will be launched unless the strike is resolved within two weeks.

An industrial inquiry will see the appointment of one or more members who sit on a conciliation board.

The members will try to get the two parties to reach an agreement.

Bob Carter is the General Manager for Vale in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He says the inquiry will address the companies concerns about the difficulties they have experienced in dealing with the union.

Vale hopes the inquiry will provide an opportunity to engage in constructive negotiations.

Carter says that Vale is prepared to head back to the table at any time.

He adds that they are prepared to do so once the two parties are prepared to work together towards reaching an agreement.

Rigolet Make-Work Project Approved

The Community of Rigolet has received funds under the Province’s Community Enhancement Program.

Sarah Blake is the Town Officer for the Rigolet Inuit Community Government.

She says they received $15,000 through the program.

The funding will provide work for people in need of more hours to qualify for their EI benefits for the winter.

Blake says they are planning a craft project.

She says they are looking for an instructor and two craft producers.

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 15, 2010.

Blake says the project will begin next week and runs for 12 weeks.

Makkovik Runners Place Well in Trapline Marathon

Two Makkovik Runners placed well in the Trapline Marathon over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Jerry Ford and Charlene Ford took part in the event’s 10 kilometre challenge.

133 people took part in the challenge on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

Jerry managed to finish in third place.

That’s a pretty impressive accomplishment considering this was the first time he participated in the marathon.

He says he trained for the 10 km run while preparing for this year’s fall sportsmeet.

After his team placed first in the cross-country run, they went on to the regional competition.

After a second place finish for the Wolverines at regionals, Jerry says he was in top shape.

He says the weather was good along the route which took the runners from Otter Creek to the Kinsmen Park.

After his success in the 10 km race, Jerry is preparing to participate in the Trapline half-marathon next year.

Charlene also did well.

She finished the race in 37th place.

Congratulations to both of the runners.

Quad Found in Frenchies Theft

RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay recovered an ATV that was stolen from the Frenchie’s Service Centre earlier this month.

Corporal Sandy Goudie is with the RCMP detachment.

He says the ATV was found in the Birch Island area.

It has been returned to the local business.

The ATV was taken on October 1, 2010, when the business was broken into.

The thieves removed some siding and were able to gain entry into the warehouse section of the shop.

A separate ATV was used to tear down the chain-link fencing surrounding the shop.

Other items stolen include a six Yamaha generators, four Yamaha outboard motors and Choko clothing and accessories.

Goudie says the RCMP is still seeking the community's assistance in recovering the remaining items.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ice Bergs

On August 5, 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration reported a huge iceberg had broken off from Greenland.

Luc Desjardins is the Senior Canadian Ice and Iceberg Forecaster.

He says since the iceberg gave way from the Petermann Glacier in north-western Greenland, it has broken off into four parts.

Desjardins says they track the icebergs through a beacon placed on the largest chunk.

The last satellite imagery shows that the ice bergs are located north of Baffin Island, Nunavut.

The largest piece is 90 square kilometers.

Consultations Taking Place on George River Caribou Herd

The status of the George River Caribou Herd will be up for discussion during consultations over the next two days.

Various stakeholders and government representatives will be meeting in Labrador to discuss the current state of the herd.

A post-calving census was conducted this summer.

The census has shown a significant decline in the herd.

Stakeholders will discuss what should be done in terms of harvest management approaches.

The season for non-aboriginals was postponed this year due to the concerns.

The provincial Department of Environment and Conservation is welcoming concerns from the public and interested groups.

Interested people can submit their concerns to the department.

Submissions will be accepted until October 26, 2010.

The George River Caribou Herd is the largest caribou herd in the world.

The herd migrates between Labrador and Quebec.

Thieves Broke-In to Nain LIDC Office Over the Weekend

Thieves managed to break-in to the LIDC Office in Nain over the weekend.

Constable James Barter is with the Nain RCMP detachment.

He says the office was broken into sometime between midnight and 2:30am on Sunday, October 10.

The thieves managed to get away with various items.

Among the items was a safe owned by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada rents office space from the LIDC.

The safe was recovered that same afternoon in the Middle Path Road area.

The thieves did not manage to open the safe.

Barter says the incident is still under investigation.

The Nain RCMP has no suspects at this time.

Barter would like to encourage anybody with any information on the matter to come forward to the Nain RCMP.

Another Drug Bust in Goose Bay

The RCMP in Happy Valley Goose Bay brought down another drug grow operation over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Boyd Merrill is a Media Relations Officer with the RCMP in St. John’s.

He says 54-year-old Theodore "Ted" Mesher was arrested and charged for production of a controlled substance.

The RCMP seized numerous marijuana plants in various stages of growth during a search of Mesher’s home.

Mesher claims the plants were for personal use.

Merrill says that even when drugs are grown for personal use, they are still illegal.

Mesher will appear in court on October 23, 2010.

Thanks Giving Day Sale

Moravian churches along the coast held their annual Thanksgiving Day sale over the weekend.

Martha Winters- Abel is a chapel servant for the Moravian church in Hopedale.

She says their sale went really well.

They raised around $1,500.

Winters-Abel says items up for sale included baked goods and traditional food items.

The funds raised will go towards the church’s bills.

She adds that she would like to thank everyone who donated food items.

Regina Saimat is a chapel servant for the Nain Moravian church.

They raised over $500 through their sale.

Baked goods and traditional foods were available.

She says she would like to thank everyone who showed up and supported the church.

Caroline Andersen is the Treasurer for the Moravian church in Makkovik.

She says they also raised little over $500.

Andersen says they sold baked goods, homemade pickles and jams, traditional foods and home grown potatoes.

They also had an auction on a goose which sold for $90.

She adds that the sale was well attended and she would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the church.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Torngat Mountains Clean-Up

The beauty of the land and scenery of the Torngat Mountains National Park was the focus of a recent clean-up effort.

A clean-up cruise was carried out in the park last month.

The Superintendant of the Torngat Mountains National Park, Judy Rowell, The Nunatsiavut Government’s Environmental Enforcement Officer, Ernie Ford and the President of the Rising Youth Council, Donna Dicker, were among the participants.

They say the effort was carried out by the Torngat Mountains National Park Co-management Board in partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government and Cruise North Expeditions.

A group of volunteers, including youth from Nunatsiavut and Nunavik, traveled from the tip of Labrador and down the coast of the park picking up garbage and debris.

They all had the privilege of travelling on Cruise North’s ship: the Lyubov Orlova.

Premier Urges Strike to Resolve

Premier Danny Williams is stepping in and urging the United Steelworkers Union and Vale to resolve the lengthy strike.

Williams announced that if the two sides do not come to a resolution within two weeks, the Provincial Government will convene an Industrial Inquiry Commission immediately.

Williams says this situation has gone unresolved for far too long.

He adds that the impact upon the communities involved is not acceptable.

The Premier thanks Mr. Bill Wells, the mediator in the last round of negotiations, for his dedication and commitment in the matter.

Despite some significant progress, it appears that both sides remain unwilling to put to an end to the strike.

Contract negotiations have been ongoing between Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 9508 since August, 2009.

TRHA Construction

Future homeowners in Nunatsiavut communities are patiently waiting to get settled into their new homes.

William Lucy is the Coordinator for the Torngat Regional Housing Association (TRHA).

He says the five new units in Nain all have the exterior work completed.

Three of the units have been wired and are ready for gyproc.

Lucy says the outside work is also completed for the new single mothers Duplex.

In Hopedale, the outside work has been completed for the three new units in that community.

Lucy says the outside work is also finished on the home that is being renovated in Hopedale.

In Postville there is only one new home being constructed.

It has been covered in, the roof is shingled and the crew has started the exterior siding.

Lucy says TRHA is waiting for the power to be hooked-up for the home receiving repairs.

He says TRHA is building two new houses in Makkovik.

One unit has been wired, gyproc has been placed and the outside is completed.

The second unit is covered in, the roof is done, the rooms are partitioned out and the home is ready for wiring.

Lucy says the duplex in Makkovik has the footing completed, the walls are up and it is ready for the floors to be installed.

Lucy says there are two new units being constructed in Rigolet.

The roofs are done, the rooms partitioned out and it is ready for wiring.

He says repairs in all of the communities have begun and they are waiting for more material to arrive.

Lucy says all in all, construction seems to be coming along just fine.

He estimates the work in each of the communities is about half complete.

He adds that it has been a very busy summer for the crews in each of the communities.

Vale Scholarships Awarded to Three Students

Scholarships have been awarded to three Nunatsiavut post-secondary students.

The scholarships have been awarded by Vale.

Caitlyn Baikie of Nain has received a $4, 000 scholarship from the mining company.

Baikie is enrolled in the Political Science program at Memorial University in St. John’s.

She plans to finish the four-year program and then pursue law school.

Heather Edmunds and Amber Jean Penney of Makkovik have both received a $1,000 scholarship from Vale.

Edmunds is enrolled in the College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Veterinary Program.

Penney is enrolled in the CNA’s Community Studies Program.

No applications were received from Hopedale and Rigolet.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Residential Schools Case Entering Court of Appeal

The law firm representing this province’s residential school survivors will be fighting an appeal made by the Canadian Government.

Steven Cooper of Ahlstrom, Wright, Oliver and Cooper is representing the case.

In a letter to his clients, he says an appeal was filed by the Government of Canada against the Order of Judge Fowler.

Fowler had given the green light for the class action lawsuit to proceed in June, 2010.

The Government of Canada filed an appeal in July, 2010.

He says in early November, his law firm will defend the Order granted by Judge Fowler.

Cooper says that after the hearing, it may take months before they receive a decision.

But, he says, they will make the Court of Appeal aware of the urgency of the matter.

Cooper adds that another letter will be sent to his clients shortly after the hearing.

Fuel Prices Sky-Rocket Following an Adjustment

Fuel prices in the province have sky-rocketed over four cents today.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities sets fuel prices in this province.

Customers in Nunatsiavut will now pay $1.38 per litre for regular gasoline.

That’s a 4.4 cent increase from last week.

They will also notice a 3.72 cent jump in home heating fuel.

Home heating fuel is now nearly $1.10 per litre.

Upper Lake Melville residents are now paying about $1.18 per litre following the 4.4 cent increase in gasoline.

Home heating fuel jumped by 3.72 cents following the latest adjustment.

Customers in that region are now paying nearly 88 cpl.

Man Asks RCMP for an Apology Following a Case of What He calls Mistaken Identity

A former resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is asking RCMP for an apology following a case of what he calls mistaken identity.

Jeremy Dyson is a resident of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

You may be familiar with the name.

We reported that a 30-year-old Jeremy Dyson was arrested in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on drug-related charges.

29-year-old Jeremy Dyson of Fort McMurray says the information given by police has led Labrador residents to believe it was him that was arrested.

He says there are at least two people from Happy Valley-Goose Bay named Jeremy Dyson.

According to Dyson, the actual Jeremy Dyson that was arrested is around 20-years-old.

Dyson has been receiving calls from family back in Labrador questioning the information distributed by RCMP.

Dyson says that he is asking for an apology from RCMP and that a correction be issued.

He adds that he has contacted Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP about the matter.

His calls were not returned.

Boyd Merrill is a Media Relations Officer with RCMP in St. John’s.

He says there is no need for an apology in this situation.

An RCMP release was issued with an incorrect age.

The release stated a 30-year-old when in fact it was a 20-year-old.

He says that it’s a far stretch to believe that it was the Jeremy Dyson in Fort McMurray.

Merrill adds the release specifies a Jeremy Dyson of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, not of Fort McMurray.

Patricia Ford Will Continue to Serve as Speaker of Nunatsiavut Assembly

Patricia Ford will continue to serve as Speaker for the Nunatsiavut Assembly.

The decision was put to a vote yesterday during a sitting of the assembly.

A motion was passed to remove Ford as Speaker of the Nunatsiavut Assembly.

The assembly voted on the motion through secret ballot.

Five members voted in favour of Ford’s removal.

11 voted against.

The vote was a result of an incident this past summer.

Complaints were filed against Ford alleging that she had broken section 4.1 of the Nunatsiavut Government’s code of ethics.

That section states that a Nunatsiavut official shall not consume alcohol or illegal drugs, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, while conducting or discussing Nunatsiavut business.

A disciplinary committee concluded that Ford did not breach that code.

The committee decided that the incident was during her time off and she was not conducting or discussing Nunatsiavut business.

At that time, the committee recommended that Ford undergo counseling regarding the incident.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Steelworkers Approve a Motion to Not Vote on Vale’s Offer

A motion not to vote on Vale’s latest offer has been tabled by the United Steelworkers.

Members of the United Steelworkers Local 9508 gathered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today to discuss Vale’s latest offer.

Darren Cove is President of the Local 9508.

He says union members were flown in from the north coast to meet with Upper Lake Melville members and discuss the latest offer.

Cove says most of the members came to the meeting with the notion that they would vote on the offer.

The offer includes a memorandum of settlement proposal and a return to work proposal.

After reviewing the offer, the delegation decided that the offer was “not even worthy of a vote.”

A motion has been passed that would see the members not voting on Vale’s latest offer.

That motion must be voted on by the members of the United Steelworkers Local 9508.

Cove says they will be travelling to several locations to discuss the offer with the members.

Over the next while they will visit Labrador West, southern Labrador and the Island.

Renovations to the Old Nunatsiavut Government Office Nearing Completion

The renovations are nearly complete on the former Nunatsiavut Government office in Nain.

The Labrador Inuit Development Corporation (LIDC) owns the facility.

Henry Lyall is the Office Manager for the LIDC in Nain.

He says renovations are currently underway in the downstairs section of the
building.

The area is being transformed into a research laboratory.

The lab will be used by the Nunatsiavut Government.

Another section of the facility will be rented to Parks Canada.

Lyall says they hope to have the work done by the end of the month.

Nain and Makkovik Approved for Coastal Enhancement Program

Funding has been approved for make-work projects for the communities of Nain and Makkovik.

The funds come through the provincial government’s Community Enhancement Program.

The funding will provide people with the hours needed in order to qualify for their employment insurance benefits.

This program will support a lot of people on the coast, especially the plant workers in Nain and Makkovik where the employees witnessed a short operational season.

The town of Makkovik has received over $25,000 under this program.

Twelve people are scheduled to start work on Monday, October 11.

They will be assisting seniors by supplying wood and snow shoveling services throughout the winter.

The Nain Inuit Community Government (NICG) has been approved for two make-work projects.

They have received $11,752.00 under the enhancement program.

The workers will build more garbage boxes and construct a chained link fence on the community’s bridge.

Almost $7, 000 has also been approved for craft development in the community.

There are 28 people who are in need of 420 hours or less to qualify for employment insurance.

The NICG expects the projects to begin Friday, October 8.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Inuit Community Government Elections Halted

Elections of councilors for the Inuit Community Governments have been halted.

Darryl Shiwak is the First Minister of the Nunatsiavut Government.

He says the elections have been halted until the voters rolls and lists are in compliance with the Labrador Inuit Constitution, Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and the Inuit Community Government.

Inuit Community Councilors who are already serving through acclamation will no longer serve on the council.

Any decision made by a council containing a councilor serving through acclamation will be rescinded.

The incumbent councilors will continue to serve on the council until an election is held.

Nunatsiavut’s Chief Electoral Officer will be meeting with each of the community’s returning officers to ensure the voters rolls and lists have been compiled properly.

A date for the elections will be decided upon by the Nunatsiavut Executive Council.

Max Blake Removed from Office

Max Blake has been removed from office.

The decision was voted upon by the Nunatsiavut Assembly this morning in Hopedale.

Blake was given the chance to address the assembly before they voted.

15 assembly members voted in favour of removing the former Ordinary Member for Upper Lake Melville from office.

Two members voted against the decision.

The voting was done through secret ballot.

The removal required 60 percent of the assembly’s votes.

Nearly 90 percent of teh votes were in favour of Blake’s removal.

Blake’s removal is effective immediately.

The removal stems from an incident in early June.

A disciplinary committee recommended a removal from office following a disciplinary committee hearing.

The committee decided that Blake had broken the Nunatsiavut Government’s Code of Conduct by making disparaging comments against Inuit women and Inuit in general.

Blake had already been undergoing a three-month suspension regarding a separate incident.

Steelworkers to Vote on Vale's Latest Offer

Members of the United Steelworkers Local 9508 will be given the opportunity to vote on Vale’s latest offer.

Darren Cove is President of the Local 9508.

He says they are meeting this afternoon to discuss how the voting process will work.

They plan to meet with members of the union in the next few days.

They will discuss the latest offer made by Vale.

Then the members will get the opportunity to vote on the offer.

Cove says the members will take part in a secret-ballot vote.

No date has been set for the vote.

The offer includes a memorandum of settlement proposal and a return to work proposal.

Provincial Court in Session in Nain

Court is in session in the community of Nain.

The Provincial Court Circuit arrived in the community yesterday.

Court will be in session until Friday, October 8.

Constable Noseworthy is a member of the Nain RCMP detachment.

He says Judge John Joy is presiding this week.

The defense lawyers are Peter Chaffy and David Morris.

Jennifer Barnes is the Crown Prosecutor.

Noseworthy says 56 people will be heard this week.

The charges range from breach of probation, assault with a weapon, sexual assault, uttering threats and impaired driving.

The last court circuit in Nain took place in July.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Three Drug Busts in Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the Weekend

RCMP made three drug busts in Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the weekend.

Corporal Jason Learning is with the RCMP detachment.

He says on Friday October 1, the Labrador District Street Level Drug Enforcement Team (LDSLDET) executed a search warrant at a residence in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Learning says police located and seized approximately two ounces of marijuana.

Cash and numerous drug paraphernalia were also found at the residence.

30-year-old Jeremy Dyson of HV-GB was arrested.

He is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking in a controlled substance.

Learning says on Saturday October 2, a search warrant was executed at another residence in the community.

He says police located and seized approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana along with firearms, packaging materials and other drug related items.

54-year-old Roy William Russell, of Goose Bay, was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and unsafe storage of a firearm.

Learning says on Sunday October 3, RCMP along with the LDSLDET conducted another search at a residence.

Approximately one ounce of marijuana was seized by RCMP.

20-year-old Derek Lewis of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Pijogge Remanded Until Court Date

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay man who allegedly beat a man unconscious is remanded until his next court appearance on October 21.

Sergeant Boyd Merrill is the RCMP Media Relations Officer in St. John’s.

He says a judge ruled that 20-year-old William Peter Pijogge will be remanded until a court appearance later this month.

Merrill says Pijogge will be facing an aggravated assault charge on that date.

A 53-year-old man was found beaten and unresponsive on Birch Island road on September 29.

He says the victim still remains in serious but stable condition at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s.

Merrill says a Major Crimes and Identification Section from the island was flown into the community to investigate the matter.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Talks Broken Off

Talks between the United Steelworkers and Vale have broken off.

The announcement was made this morning.

A provincially -appointed mediator, Bill Wells, couldn’t help the two sides come to an agreement.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador assigned the mediator for this round of negotiations.

The strike started in August 2009.

The strike has now lasted over 14 months.

According to Vale, there are no plans to return to the table as of yet.

Break-In at Frenchie's in Happy Valley

RCMP are investigating a break, enter and theft from a local business in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Sergeant Guy Caines is with the RCMP detachment.

Caines says sometime between the evening hours of October 1, and the early morning hours of October 2, the business was broken into.

Apparently, they removed siding and were able to gain entry into the warehouse section of the shop.

He says an ATV was used to tear down the chain-link fencing.

Caines says items that were then stolen include a Yamaha ATV, six Yamaha generators, four Yamaha outboard motors and Choko clothing and accessories.

RCMP is seeking the community's assistance in identifying any unusual activity or persons in the area.

Nunatsiavut Government Assembly Sits Tomorrow

The Nunatsiavut Government Assembly will sit tomorrow in Hopedale.

Assembly members are flying into the community today, October 4.

The sitting is scheduled to begin tomorrow, October 5.

Each of the newly-elected AngajukKaks and Community Corporation Chairs will be sworn-in during the sitting.

This is the first sitting to take place since May, 2010.

Makkovik Regional Competition Results

The Makkovik Wolverines male and female teams take honours at the regional cross country running competition in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Julie Dicker is the Physical Education teacher at the John Christian Erhardt Memorial School.

Dicker served as the coach for the Wolverines.

She says the male team placed second in the boys division.

While the females came in third in theirs.

However, Dicker says these are not the official results.

They are waiting for those to be released.

Dicker hopes to receive the official results today.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Mobile Treatment to Take Place in Nain

Nunatsiavut’s Department of Health and Social Development will be offering a mobile treatment program in Nain.

Ginette Chouinard is the Trauma and Addiction Treatment System Consultant/Coordinator.

She says they have begun assessments with Nain residents already.

The assessments determine what type of treatment the person will need.

The mobile treatment program has already started in the community of Hopedale.

Chouinard says the program has been going well in that community.

USW and Vale Resuming Negotiations this Weekend

The United Steelworkers and Vale will be resuming negotiations this weekend.

The parties adjourned the meetings last Friday, September 24.

Negotiations will resume Saturday, October 2.

Provincially-appointed Mediator, Bill Wells, will return to assist in the negotiations.

A media blackout on the details of the negotiations is still in place.

As of today, October 1, the employees have been on strike for 14 months.

Goose Bay Man Badly Beaten

A Goose Bay man is facing assault charges following an incident in the community.

RCMP found an adult male beaten and unresponsive on September 29.

According to an RCMP press release, the man was found on Birch Island Road, just outside of the community.

20-year old William Peter Pijogge of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is facing charges of aggravated assault for his alleged actions.

The 53-year old victim remains in serious but stable condition at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s.

Pijogge was formally charged last evening and is remanded until 1pm today, October 1, for court.

A Major Crimes and Identification Section from the island was flown into the community to investigate the matter.

The investigation is still ongoing.

NICG Continuing Alcohol Consultations

The Nain Inuit Community Government (NICG) will continue to meet with various organizations throughout October to discuss alcohol in the community.

They originally planned to meet with the organizations until the end of September.

Tony Andersen is the AngajukKak for the NICG.

He says it’s been difficult to schedule meetings with the different groups they plan to meet with.

The groups they have met with, or plan to meet with, include the Nunatsiavut Government, Child, Youth and Family Services and the provincial Department of Justice.

They will continue to meet with the various groups throughout this month.

Andersen says the meetings have been very positive so far.

He adds that it hasn’t only been alcohol up for discussion.

They are also addressing other issues in the community such as infrastructure needs and a lack of services.

The NICG hopes to have met with the groups involved by the end of this month.

Coast Guard Tower

The Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new transmission tower in Nain is nearing completion.

Lisa Lawlor is the Communications Officer for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Newfoundland and Labrador.

She says CCG currently provides Very High Frequency (VHF) marine radio coverage for the Nain area.

This is done through a lease arrangement with Bell Aliant for the tower and building space.

Lawlor says they are in the process of constructing their own 70 meter tower.

They are also constructing a facility for their equipment.

She says the tower is installed and the remaining work on the project includes building the equipment storage facility and installing utilities.

The existing services will then be transferred to the new infrastructure once the new equipment is fully functional.

They hope to have this completed in late November.

The switch to the new facility will not impact mariners.

Lawlor says the new tower will provide enhanced VHF marine radio coverage in the area.

Senior's Recognized for National Senior's Day

The valuable contributions of seniors are being recognized today as part of National Seniors Day.

This is the first annual National Senior’s Day to take place.

Senior’s are also recognized today all over the globe.

October 1, is also recognized worldwide as International Elder’s Day.

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of International Elder’s Day.

The first was held in 1991.

Make sure you get out and recognize the valuable contributions elders make to our communities and culture.

Makkovik Wolverines Competing in Regional Competition

The Makkovik Wolverines headed to the regional cross country running competition in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this morning, October 1.

This is following a successful win at the 2010 Fall Sportsmeet in Nain.

Julie Dicker is the Physical Educational teacher at the John Christian Erhardt Memorial School in Makkovik.

She says both their male and female athletes claimed the top spot in cross country running in Nain.

They will be taking part in the regional competition this afternoon.

Dicker adds that if either of the teams place first, they’ll be heading to the provincial competitions.