Radio Briefs

Vale and USW Heading Back to the Table

2011-01-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 9508headed back to the table this morning.

The two parties are meeting today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The return to the table comes shortly after phase one of the industrial inquiry commission report was released.

Phase one addresses items one and six contained in a terms of reference.

The report has been given to the two parties involved.

A media blackout has been placed on the negotiations.

Nalujuk's Day

2011-01-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Children will hang their stockings this evening in hopes that Nalujuks will bring them some goodies.

Tomorrow is Nalujuk’s Day.

Nalujuk’s Day is a very significant holiday within the Moravian Church in Labrador.

It is also known as Old Christmas Day or Epiphany.

It is still celebrated to the fullest at the Moravian Church in Nain.

They hold three church services throughout the day.

At 10 a.m., will be the Nalujuk’s Day address.

At 3 p.m., is a Love-feast when tea and biscuits are served to the congregation.

And 5 p.m., is the closing service for Christmas with an Inuktitut Liturgy.

The evening brings Nalujuks who are usually in town chasing young people and making visits to people’s homes.

But, looking at the weather, it’s hard to tell if they’ll be able to make the commute.

People seem to be forgetting the significance of the Nalujuk’s Day holiday.

Facebook is littered with comments from concerned parents about the school being open on Nalujuk’s Day.

The concerns have prompted a memo to parents from the Jens Haven Memorial School today.

The school will open one hour later on Nalujuk’s Day and parents and guardians may keep their children home altogether if they like.

Students are also permitted to leave school to attend church services.

Nain Elder Appointed to Provincial Advisory Council

2011-01-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

A Nain elder has been appointed to the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors.

The announcement was made by the provincial Minister of Health and Community Services, Jerome Kennedy, December 30.

Alice Harris has been appointed to the committee.

Harris will be responsible to provide input and concerns from this region to the committee.

The input gathered from the council will be used when the provincial government develops programming and policies relating to seniors.

The Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors was created in 2005.

It consists of 15 members.

Harris has been active in many senior’s gatherings and meetings in Nunatsiavut.

Hopedale Safe House Continues Search for Funds

2011-01-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

The search for funds for Hopedale’s safe house continues into 2011.

Beverly Hunter is the President for the safe house.

She says they are continuing to search for funds for a new facility.

The former safe house closed its doors last summer.

The foundation was deemed unstable following an inspection from the Torngat Regional Housing Association.

Hunter adds there is no alternative for women seeking the services of the safe house.

For now they have to stay with family and friends in the community.

She adds the safe house employed six staff in the community when it operated.

Vale and USW Heading Back to the Table

2011-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 9508 will be heading back to the bargaining table this week.

The two parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The return to the table comes shortly after phase one of the industrial inquiry commission report was released.

Phase one addresses items one and six contained in a terms of reference.

The report has been given to the two parties involved.

It will be made public on Thursday.

A media blackout has been placed on the negotiations.

Industrial Inquiry Commission Submits Phase One of Report

2010-12-31T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Industrial Inquiry Commission has submitted phase one of their report on the ongoing strike at Voisey’s Bay.

The report was received by the provincial government on December 23.

Phase one of the report addresses items one and six contained in a terms of reference.

The remaining items will be addressed in phase two of the report.

The second phase is to be handed in no later than February 25.

The provincial government approved the submission of the report in two phases in October.

A copy of the report has been given to the United Steelworkers Local 9508 and Vale for review.

The first phase of the report will be made public on January 7.

Dunderdale to Run For Premier

2010-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

Kathy Dunderdale will be running for the permanent position of Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

She made the announcement at the Confederation Building today.

The election is scheduled for October, 2011.

Dunderdale has been serving as interim Premier since Danny Williams left the post at the beginning of this month.

Ice Knocks-Out Internet and Phone Services

2010-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

Many Labradorians are left without internet and long-distance phone services over the past couple of days.

Ice buildup on a tower near Happy Valley-Goose Bay has knocked out the service to several locations in Labrador.

The problems began yesterday and continued into today.

Bell Aliant is hoping to have crews clear the built up ice today.

Hopedale Funding for Play Ground

2010-12-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

The children of Hopedale received an early Christmas present this year.

The provincial government has announced funding to improve the community’s playground.

Wayne Piercy is the AngajukKâk for the Hopedale Inuit Community Government.

He says the Provincial government has announced $15,000 for improvements to the community’s playground.

The funds come through the province’s 2010 Capital Grant Program.

It will be used to install fencing and new equipment.

The playground is located next to the Amos Comenius Memorial School.

Piercy adds they will discuss when to install the new equipment when they have their council meeting in January.

Abel Preliminary Inquiry Decision to be Made Today

2010-12-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

The decision of whether or not to proceed with the murder charges against Lucas Abel will be made today.

The decision will be announced in Provincial Court in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this afternoon.

Judge John Joy will decide if the matter will go before the Supreme Court of Canada.

He will be making his decision following a four-day preliminary inquiry into the matter.

The inquiry was held in Nain earlier this month.

26-year-old Lucas Abel was charged with first-degree murder in January.

Nutrition North Advisory Board Member Talks New Program

2010-12-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

The Food Mail Program will be replaced a new program in April.

Nutrition North Canada will be the program responsible for getting perishable foods into northern communities.

Michelle Wood was appointed as the Advisory Board Member for Nutrition North Canada in Labrador.

She says she will be responsible to bring forth any concerns or recommendations on the program from Labrador.

Wood says the new program will create more transparency compared to the Food Mail Program.

She adds that Nutrition North Canada will create more savings for consumers in our region.

Torngat Fishery Update

2010-12-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Nain residents were surprised to see activity taking place at the community’s fish plant recently.

Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative (TFPC) had opened the plant to smoke some char.

Keith Watts is the General Manager for the cooperative.

He says they recently ran out of smoked char in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

They flew 3,000 pounds of char to Nain for smoking.

Watts says all of the char has been smoked.

TFPC is now in the process of shipping the product back to Goose Bay.

Watts says they held their regular pre-Christmas board meeting last week.

Agenda items included this summer’s fishery, plans for next summer and further discussions on forming a single fishing entity.

The board and staff were treated to a supper to celebrate TFPC’s 30th Anniversary.

The cooperative celebrated thirty years of operation on December 4.

Watts adds that he would like to send Christmas greetings and best wishes for a new year to residents of Nunatsiavut and Upper Lake Melville from TFPC’s board and staff.

Stranded Mud Lake Residents Get Help

2010-12-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

The residents of Mud Lake are finally getting help after being stranded for almost three weeks.

Dave Raeburn is a resident of the community.

He says due to the mild temperatures the river opened-up and residents weren’t able to get across.

There was too much ice to get across by speedboat and too little ice to make the trip by snowmobile.

Raeburn says a helicopter has been stationed in the community since yesterday.

The provincial government provided the chopper to aid the community’s residents.

He says supplies are being flown in twice a day.

The helicopter is also carrying 5 to 6 passengers to Happy Valley-Goose Bay for Christmas shopping.

Raeburn says students will be flown into the community for the holidays on Friday.

Report Says Northern Communities Lack Basic Attributes to Thrive

2010-12-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

A report has been released which details how northern communities often do not have the basic attributes needed to thrive.

The report was released by the Centre for the North.

Derrick Hynes is the Director for the centre.

He says the Centre for the North focuses on research and dialogue around adding insight towards sustainable prosperity across Canada’s North.

One of their reports is titled “Northern Communities Often Lack the Basic Attributes Needed to thrive”.

This report details how many Northern Communities are not thriving.

The report also shows that there are reasons for optimism as we head into the future.

Nain's Community Christmas Tree has Arrived

2010-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

It’s beginning to feel a little more like Christmas in Nain.

There’s a fresh coat of snow on the ground and the community’s Christmas tree has arrived.

Isabella Pain is a member of the Ulapitsaijet Committee.

The committee was the group who arranged the purchase of the new tree.

Pain says the tree has finally arrived after travelling halfway around the country.

The lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place at 6:30 this evening.

The ceremony will take place at the Nunatsiavut Government office where the 20-foot artificial tree has been erected.

The Nain Moravian Church Choir will be on hand to help with ceremonies.

Paine says they are also hoping to get the JHMS school band involved as well.

She says you can be sure to expect the singing of Napatule during the ceremony.

Nain residents are also invited to stick around after the ceremony for Timbits and hot chocolate.

Makkovik runs out of Cigarettes

2010-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of Makkovik residents on edge the past few days.

The community has been without cigarettes since Friday.

An order was placed for the tobacco products by Labrador Investments about a week ago.

They haven’t seen any of the cigarettes yet.

Calls have been coming in to Labrador Investments from residents wondering when the cigarettes will be arriving.

A store clerk tells us that people seem to be coping well while they wait for their nicotine fix.

Nain Residents Gets View of Rare Eclipse

2010-12-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

A very rare event took place in the skies early this morning.

Residents of the northern hemisphere were able to view a lunar eclipse if weather conditions allowed.

But this wasn’t just any lunar eclipse.

For the first time in 372 years the eclipse fell on the winter solstice.

The winter solstice is the first day of winter and also the shortest day of the year.

Beni Merkeratsuk of Nain was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare occasion.

She says she viewed the eclipse shortly after 5a.m.

Merkeratsuk says the clouds sometimes blocked her view of the eclipse during the 15-20 minutes that she viewed it.

She says nearly half of the moon turned red during the phenomenon.

Merkeratsuk adds this was her first time witnessing a lunar eclipse.

LFC Director Talks Turkeys

2010-12-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

The turkeys are rolling into the Labrador Friendship Centre (LFC) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The turkeys are collected as part of their annual Turkey Drive.

Stan Oliver is the Executive Director for the centre.

He says the LFC organizes the drive in cooperation with the Ministerial Association of Upper Lake Melville, the Roland Sears Hamper Fund and CBC.

Oliver says they received about 300 turkeys so far.

They also received around $3,000 in cash which will go toward the centre’s food bank.

Things Looking Up for LIDC

2010-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Things are starting to look up for the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation (LIDC).

Chris Webb is the Assistant General Manager for LIDC.

He says in light of all the challenges the LIDC has faced in the 2010 season, a corner has been turned.

Webb says despite some major decisions to suspend some major operations, it has been a busy year for the LIDC.

The LIDC is currently undergoing corporate restructuring and a governance review.

He says operations for their core businesses have been successful.

They include the base camp at the Torngat Mountains National Park, Postmill Lumber and their tugs and barges operations.

Webb says each of these operations are well positioned and moving forward.

He says the management team is continuing to draft the budget and business plan for 2011/2012.

The plan will assess the viability of the operations at the Ten Mile Bay Quarry and Hopedale Stone Plant.

Duplexes for Nain and Makkovik Nearing Completion

2010-12-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

Residents of Nunatsiavut know all too well how hard it is to find a place to rent.

Well the chances of finding a place will be increased with the construction of two duplexes in Nain and Makkovik.

William Lucy is the coordinator for the Torngat Regional Housing Association.

He says crews are still busy constructing the duplexes in both communities.

Lucy says both duplexes will not be completed until after the holiday season.

He anticipates the work to continue into the new year.

Nain Craft Sale a Success

2010-12-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

Participants of the Nain Inuit Community Government’s (NICG) community enhancement program sold some of their work through a craft sale.

Gina Dicker is the Office Administrator for the NICG.

She says the sale was held on Friday.

Items for sale included push boxes, toy boxes, gun racks, kamiks, church caps and Kamutiks.

She says they raised $595 through the sale.

The funds raised will be used to buy more materials.

Dicker adds they still have more items for sale.

They can be viewed at the old fire hall.

Nain Church Update

2010-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

For the first time in its history, the Moravian Church in Nain will not be holding their Candle Services at the Church.

This year the Candle Services will have to be held at the Jens Haven Memorial School Gym.

Gordon Obed Sr. is with the Moravian Church in Nain.

He says the church leaders received a letter this morning prompting them to not use the church for the Candle Service this year.

Engineers are recommending the church not be used for any large gathering of people.

In fact, it is recommended that occupancy be kept to a minimum.

It has also been recommended that no one be in the church if there is snow on the roof.

Obed adds the church leaders have decided to use the school instead of cancelling the Candle Services altogether.

But they won’t be able to light the candles for the service.

Torngat Park Open House

2010-12-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Torngat Mountains National Park (TMNP) celebrated its fifth anniversary on December 1.

An open house is taking place at the Parks Canada office in Nain today to mark the milestone.

Gary Baikie is the Visitor Experience Manager for Parks Canada.

He says there will be displays of photographs of the park for people to view.

There will also be information on visitors of the park.

Baikie says everyone can pay a visit to their office from 1:30-4pm.

He adds their new office is located on the lower floor of the former Nunatsiavut Government building.

Students Weather-bound in Goose Bay

2010-12-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and many students are on their way home.

Unfortunately the weather is causing a delay for some students.

Abigail Webb is a post-secondary student trying to make it to Nain for the holidays.

But right now she’s stranded at the Goose Bay airport.

She says she’s been there since 6:30 this morning.

She says she hopes this year won’t be a repeat of the last one.

The weather conditions stranded Webb at the Goose Bay airport for six days last year.

Some lucky Postville students were the only ones to make it home today as of 1pm.

And looking at the forecast, the students may be in Goose Bay for a while.

Santa Claus is coming to Town

2010-12-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus will give his reindeer a bit of a rest and visit some Nunatsiavut communities by plane.

Debbie Brandt is the Executive Assistant for Air Labrador.

She says Santa will be leaving Goose-Bay for the north coast tomorrow.

Mr. Claus will be going to three communities this year.

He’ll be arriving in Hopedale at 10:30am and then on to Makkovik at 11:30am.

Santa’s last stop will be in Postville at noon.

Hopefully the conditions will improve for Santa's visit.

Lab West Unions Donate to Voisey's Bay Strikers

2010-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Labrador West.

Several unions and locals from the area have come together to make this a happy holiday season for members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9508.

George Kean is President of the USW Local 5795 in Labrador West.

He says unions from all over the region came together with the communities to make contributions the Local 9508 members and their families.

Kean says he sympathizes with the members who are spending their second Christmas on the picket line.

Elections on the North Coast

2010-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

The councilors have been decided for the Inuit Community Governments (ICG) throughout Nunatsiavut.

Elections took place yesterday.

Beverly Hunter, Philip Abel, Darlene Nochasak, Martha Winters-Abel, Elizabeth Tuglavina and Mel Hurley will serve on the Hopedale ICG.

The new councilors will be sworn in this evening.

70 people came out and cast their vote for the councilors in Postville.

Mary Edmunds, Violet Flowers, Jaimie Jacque, Ruth Jacque, Sheila Priddle and Winston Sheppard join the Postville ICG.

These new councilors will be sworn in within the next two weeks.

120 people came out to vote in Makkovik.

Elizabeth Evans- Mitchell, Tony Andersen, Bernie Andersen, Randy Edmunds, Cyril Lane, Rory McNeil and Dion Rideout make up Makkovik’s ICG.

The newly-elected councilors will be sworn in Monday.

124 people came out and cast their vote in Rigolet.

Paula Flowers, Sandy Michelin, Max Pottle, Richard Rich, Elsie Wolfrey and Tony Wolfrey SR.are the new Rigolet ICG councilors.

Four of the new councilors were sworn in last evening.

Slippery Roads Causes JHMS to Close Doors

2010-12-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

The unseasonably warm temperatures have been a cause of grief for drivers and pedestrians along the coast.

Most people in Nain would have been better off lacing up their skates for work this morning.

The icy roads have caused the Jens Haven Memorial School to close its doors for the afternoon.

Juanita Skanes is the Vice-Principal.

She says they decided to close their doors until the roads are safe enough for the students to make the commute.

The Nain Inuit Community Government has been at work all morning laying gravel on the roads.

Nain Residents Face Tax Increase

2010-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Nain residents will be paying a little more for certain taxes in 2011.

The Nain Inuit Community Government (ICG) has increased poll taxes and water and sewage taxes.

Nain residents will pay $90 for their poll tax in 2011.

That’s a $10 increase from 2010.

The water and sewage tax will increase by $25 in 2011.

Nain residents will now pay $150.

Businesses are facing tax increases as well.

The business tax rate will be set at 0.7 percent.

That’s a 0.025 percent increase from last year’s rate.

The minimum business tax has also been increased from $200 to $250.

The garbage disposal fee has also been increased.

Businesses will pay $1,060 compared to 2010’s $1,050.

The dump usage fee will remain the same in 2011.

The new tax rates come into effect January 1, 2011.

Makkovik’s taxes will remain the same for the 2011 fiscal year.

The Rigolet and Hopedale ICGs will discuss their tax rates at a later date.

The Postville Inuit Community Government is recommending a few tax increases.

The increases need approval from their newly-elected council.

Researcher Discusses Seal Pup Births

2010-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Reports have been coming in from residents all over Nunatsiavut in recent weeks claiming to have spotted harp seal pups being born.

We contacted a researcher today to discuss the sightings.

Gary Stenson is a Researcher with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

He says that if they are in fact harp seal pups, it is highly unusual.

Harp seals usually give birth in late February or early May.

Stenson says that it’s also unusual to spot harp seal pups north of the Groswater Bay area.

He says that there may be some confusion between harp seal and gray seal pups.

The pups of those seals are similar in appearance.

He says although gray seals are not common in northern Labrador, they have been spotted as far north as Nain.

Nain Fish Plant Back in Production

2010-12-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Nain fish plant has gone back into production smoking char.

Keith Watts is the General Manager with the Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative (TFPC).

“We’ve run out of smoked fillets for sale at the office right now and we’ve sold more up to this point then we sold all last year in smoked char in the office. For some reason sales are up, which we’re not complaining about. We needed more smoked char so we flew back some head-on, gutted char for Nain plant to smoke for us so that would get us through rest of the year.”

About 3, 000 pounds of Char has been flown into Nain for smoking.

Watts says they’re expecting a return of about 1500 to 1700 pounds of finished product.

“We’ve looked at the numbers. It helps us in order to have smoked char available and we don’t like to not have it because it’s probably the product that most people look for. It is costly to fly it up and bring it back, but still it’s better in the long run to have it.”
Watts says that it is fortunate the weather has been so mild.

In colder temperatures they may not have been able to open the plant.

The smoked char will be available for sale at the TFPC Happy Valley-Goose Bay office.

The TFPC board is currently gathered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for meetings.

Watts says included in the agenda is an overview of TFPC’s yearly operations.

Also on the agenda is the creation of a single fishing entity.

Watts says there will be officials from the Nunatsiavut Government present to discuss the status of the project.

Seven Dead Harp Seals Washed Up Near Hopedale

2010-12-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Seven dead harp seals were found washed-up on shore outside of Hopedale.

Joseph Townley is the Conservation Officer for Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

He says the seal carcasses were found at Black Head, near Hopedale.

Hopedale’s conservation officer travelled to the location to get pictures of the seals.

The officers aren’t sure of the reason for the dead seals.

Townley says that the Hopedale Conservation Officer will attempt to travel back to the location to collect samples.

He will do so if the weather conditions allow.

Torngat Housing Update

2010-12-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

It’s an especially happy holiday season for some families along the north coast.

Construction has been completed on a number of the Torngat Regional Housing Association’s houses.

The completion allows some families to spend Christmas in their new home.

William Lucy is Torngat Regional Housing Association’s (TRHA) Coordinator.

He says from the five new units in Nain, two families are now occupying their new homes.

One more family will be moving in very soon.

The two other families should be moved into their new home by the weekend.

Lucy says two homes were turned back over to TRHA and brought up to standard.

One of the homes has already been turned over to a new family.

The keys for the other house will be delivered in about a week’s time.

Lucy says one family is moved into their new home in Hopedale.

There are five houses being constructed or renovated in the community.

Another family has moved into a home that has received a complete renovation.

Another new house is just about complete in the community.

He says three of the new units will be completed after the holiday season.

Two new homes should be completed by the end of this week in Makkovik.

Lucy says one unit in Postville is about 90% complete.

It will be ready for occupancy before Christmas.

There are two new units being constructed in Rigolet.

One of the homes will be ready for the lucky family before Christmas.

Unfortunately, the other home will only be completed after the holiday season.

Lucy adds that overall the construction itself is going well.

He anticipates that some of the crews will be working well into January, and possibly into February.

JHMS Huskies Claim Third Spot at Provincials

2010-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

The Jens Haven Memorial Huskies claimed third place at the 2A Volleyball Provincial Competition this past weekend.

Damien Barter is the Coach of the Huskies.

He says the boys finished third overall out of the 10 teams that participated from across the province.

The Huskies entered the finals following two straight wins against Burnt Island’s Grandy’s River Collegiate.

The Huskies were undefeated with eight wins entering the finals.

Their standing put them first in their division.

The Huskies faced off against the Wildcats from Flowers Cove’s Canon Richards Memorial Academy.

The Huskies won the first game against the wildcats.

But the wildcats came back with two straight wins putting the Huskies out of the competition.

Barter adds that he would like to commend the boys for their games well played.

He adds they showed great sportsmanship and should be very proud of themselves.

Nain Gets More Monies for Makework

2010-12-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Nain Inuit Community Government’s (NICG) community enhancement program has been expanded with additional funds from the province.

Dasi Ikkusek is the town manager.

She says the additional funding is a big help for people in need of more hours to qualify for their employment insurance benefits for the winter.

Ikkusek says they have 13 people hired through the program.

Some of the male workers have repaired existing garbage boxes and constructed new boxes for the town.

Ikkusek says the male workers are also making Kamotiks and children’s Kamotik push boxes at the old fire hall.

She says one worker is making crafts such as church caps, skin boots and moccasins.

Some of the participants are also doing inventory at the NICG office.

Ikkusek says the enhancement program will continue late into the winter.

Nain Seniors Treated to Christmas Haircuts

2010-12-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Nain Seniors are looking sharp for the holiday season.

They were treated to haircuts over the weekend in recognition of the holiday season.

Cathy Prince cut the seniors hair.

She says she thought that it would be a nice thing to do for the community’s Seniors.

The haircuts were given out on December the 11 and 12 at the community hall.

Approximately 25-35 seniors showed up for a trim.

Possible Problems with Nain Recycling Program

2010-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

The organizers of the recycling program in Nain are anticipating some potential problems.

Jacob Larkin is the Principal of Jens Haven Memorial.

He says the community may run into some problems with storing the recyclables.

In previous years there would be from seven to ten containers used to store the recyclable materials.

This year the community is only left with two containers.

Larkin says they are looking into some other storage options now.

The organizers will continue to accept donated recyclables for the school’s breakfast program.

Larkin adds that they will examine the possibility of holding the next recycling session when the time comes.

Beneficiary Calling for NG Auditor General

2010-12-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

A Nunatsiavut beneficiary is calling on the Nunatsiavut Government to create an independent Auditor General position.

Matthew Pike lives in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

He was an Ordinary Member candidate for Upper Lake Melville in the May election.

Pike is circulating a petition calling on the Nunatsiavut Government to create an independent Auditor General.

Pike says he believes the position should be created to address concerns that beneficiaries have over the financial state of the government.

The Nunatsiavut Government responded to Matthew Pikes call for an Auditor General in a press release on Friday.

Minister of Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology, Danny Pottle, says the Nunatsiavut Government has no plans to appoint an Auditor General.

He says given the size of the government, it is not necessary to have such a position.

Minister Pottle says they do have an independent external auditor in place.

He adds that “there are enough checks and balances in place to ensure that the

Nunatsiavut Government is transparent and accountable”.

Renovations Taking Place to Postville Boardwalk and Bridge

2010-12-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Crews in Postville are performing renovations to the community’s boardwalk and the bridge on Brinex Road.

Diane Gear is the AngajukKak for the Postville Inuit Community Government.

She says they’ve hired two crews to carry out the work.

Crews went to work this morning.

Gear says they have three people renovating the Brinex Road Bridge.

The project is expected to last two weeks.

Four people are repairing the community’s boardwalk.

That project is expected to last four weeks.

Gear says they acquired the funds for the work from the Nunatsiavut Government’s Economic Development division.

Nain Community Tree

2010-12-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas with the snow falling outside.

Nain residents are waiting for one more event to kick-off the holiday season.

The Christmas tree lighting still hasn’t taken place.

Dasi Ikkusek is the Town Manager for the Nain Inuit Community Government (NICG).

She says they are still waiting for the tree to arrive.

The NICG has decided to go with an artificial tree this year.

The tree will replace the skirt of Christmas lights hung from a pole that has been used in previous years.

She says the recreation department staff will work with some of the enhancement program workers erect and decorate the tree when it arrives.

The NICG still hasn’t decided on a location for the tree.

The council members will discuss the location during their regular meeting tomorrow night.

Communities Preparing for Christmas Hampers

2010-12-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again.

Communities along coast are getting ready to distribute their Christmas hampers.

We spoke to the different groups in each of the communities that are organizing the hampers.

Elsie Diamond is helping organize the hampers in Nain.

She says things are going well.

The hampers will be distributed on the December 22.

There are about 150 hampers that will be distributed to families in Nain.

She says the hampers are made possible through donations from the different organizations in the community.

The Moravian church in Hopedale is organizing the hampers in their community.

Their hampers are made possible through donations from the local stores.

So far they have put together about 68 hampers.

The hampers will be distributed from December 20-21.

The community of Postville takes a different approach to the hampers.

They distribute gift certificates in place of hampers.

The Postville Inuit Community Government is organizing the effort in that community.

They hope to have the certificates distributed by December 20.

There are at least 30 gift certificates to be given out.

Makkovik also chooses to use gift certificates in place of hampers.

Carol Gear is helping organize the distribution of the gift certificates.

She says they will distribute the gift certificates from December 21-22.

They have between 50-60 certificates to hand out.

The Anglican Church is organizing the distribution of food vouchers in Rigolet.

They will distribute the vouchers December 20.

They are expecting to hand out approximately 20 food vouchers.

A number of churches are organizing the hampers for Upper Lake Melville.

They will distribute the hampers from December 20-22.

They still don’t have a figure of how many hampers will be distributed.

Labrador MP Wants Your Thoughts on Lower Churchill Development

2010-12-10T11:09:00.001-08:00

The Member of Parliament for Labrador, Todd Russell, wants to know how you feel about the Lower Churchill Development project.

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and Amera, a Nova Scotia power company, announced plans to develop the project last month.

They plan to build a massive generating station at Muskrat Falls with transmission lines running through Labrador, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

This has brought mixed feeling to the people of Labrador.

The concerns have prompted the Member of Parliament to begin circulating a survey.

Russell would like to learn the opinions of Labrador residents on the development.

He’s asking that all Labradorians take part in the survey.

The survey is avaialable on MP Russell's website.

Industrial Inquiry Commission Granted an Extension

2010-12-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

The Voisey’s Bay Industrial Inquiry Commission has received an extension for the completion of their report.

The date set out for the finish of the inquiry was originally December 23.

The commission’s report was due on that date.

The report will address seven different items contained in a terms of reference.

John F. Roil, Chair of the inquiry, requested the extension on November 30.

Roil feels more time is needed to address the items contained in the terms of reference.

Joan Burke, Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, has approved the extension.

The report will now be submitted in two phases.

The first phase of the report is due on the original due date: December 23.

This phase will address two of the items in the terms of reference.

The second phase is due no later than February 25, 2011.

This phase will address the remaining items.

Burke hopes the commission will view the extension as a last resort.

She hopes the reports will be submitted before the extended deadline.

The strike at the Voisey’s Bay site is now over 15 months long.

MICG Proposes Location for New Youth Centre

2010-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Makkovik Inuit Community Government (MICG) is proposing a location to the community for a new youth centre.

Herb Jacque is the AngajukKak.

He says they discussed the proposed location during a meeting of the MICG on Wednesday night.

The selected location for the facility is near the JC Erhardt Memorial School.

Jacque says the design for the centre has already been drafted.

The MICG will be inviting the public to submit comments on the proposed location.

The youth centre will house a multi-purpose room, work-out room, offices and a kitchen.

The MICG is hoping to begin construction this summer.

Jacque says he would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing ICG councilors for their contribution over the past four years.

A new council will be chosen through the December 15 election.

A total of nine candidates are running for the seven available seats.

The new council will be sworn in on December 17.

Huskies Undefeated So Far

2010-12-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Jens Haven Memorial Huskies remain undefeated so far at the 2A Boys Provincial Volleyball Tournament.

Damien Barter is the Coach of Huskies.

He says the boys defeated the host team, The Cloud River Academy Wolverines, two games in a row last evening.

The Wolverines were last year’s 3A Volleyball Champions.

The Huskies luck continued with another two wins this morning against La Scie’s Cape John Collegiate Cobras.

Barter says their next match is this afternoon against Hermitage’s John Watkins Academy’s Rebels.

There are ten teams from across the province participating in the tournament.

The competitions wrap-up tomorrow afternoon with the championship game.

Nain Native Contributes to "Movember" Fundraiser

2010-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

A Nain native is being recognized for his generous efforts towards a great cause.

Constable Justin Lyall singlehandedly raised over a $1, 000 for prostate cancer research.

That’s a third of the $3, 000 total that was raised through “Movember” in Lyall's district.

Constable Ian Kaulback is stationed at the RCMP Detachment in Twillingate.

He says RCMP members from across the country refrained from shaving their mustaches in recognition of “Movember”.

Ten RCMP members from seven different detachments in their district participated.

Cst. Kaulback says a special thanks goes to Constable Justin Lyall, who is stationed in Gander, for his generous efforts.

More Seal Pup Sightings

2010-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

More seal pups have been sighted outside of a Nunatsiavut Community.

We previously reported that seal pups were spotted near Makkovik and Postville.

This time the sighting was made outside of Rigolet.

Derrick Pottle says he spotted a couple of harp seal pups in the Black Bay area.

Pottle sighted the young seals this past weekend while hunting with his son.

Smith Snacks Sandwiches Recalled

2010-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

There is a recall in place on several sandwiches manufactured by Smith Snacks.

Smith Snacks are found at retailers all throughout the province, including Labrador.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) put the recall in place after it was discovered that the snacks may contain processed cheese contaminated with Lysteria monocytogenes.

The recall is in place on a variety of the sandwiches produced by Smith Snacks.

The sandwiches have expiry dates ranging from December 27, 2010, to January 4, 2011.

For a complete list of the possibly contaminated products, you can visit the CFIA’s website.

JHMS Huskies Headed out for Volleyball Provincials

2010-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Jens Haven Memorial Huskies are on their way to the 2A Boys Provincial Volleyball Tournament in Roddickton, Newfoundland.

Rhonda Martin is the Physical Education Teacher at Cloud River Academy.

She says 10 teams from across the province are coming together for the competition.

The competitions kick off with the opening ceremonies this afternoon.

A familiar face from Nain will be on hand to help open the ceremonies.

10-year-old Henry Mesher will be lending his voice to the opening ceremonies with a song.

Henry has graced OKalaKatiget Radio with his vocal abilities in the past.

There will be a lot of familiar faces there to cheer on the Nain Huskies.

They have signs constructed and are ready to cheer on the Nain athletes.

The competitions will be taking place all throughout the weekend.

The matches kick off with the Jens Haven Huskies facing the host team, Cloud River Academy’s Timberwolves, this evening.

Warm Weather isn't Worrying Cain's Quest Organizers

2010-12-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

The unseasonably warm temperatures aren’t worrying the organizers of Cain’s Quest.

Todd Kent is a Co-Chairperson for the snowmobile endurance race.

He says the weather isn’t a cause for concern this early in the season.

Cain’s Quest was cancelled last year due to the conditions of the warm temperatures and ice.

The snowmobile race will bring the competitors right up the north coast of Labrador for the first time this year.

Also new this year is the ladies edition of the quest.

Kent says they still need 10 more teams for the ladies competition to go ahead.

Only two teams have registered so far.

The deadline to register for the ladies edition is December 15.

Nain X-Ray Clinic a Huge Success

2010-12-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

The x-ray clinic that was held in Nain last month is being considered a tremendous success.

Gail Turner is the Director of Health Services with the Nunatsiavut Government.

She says the x-ray clinic was held for Nain residents who had been in contact with Tuberculosis (TB) since 2002.

This was the first time anything like this was attempted on the north coast.

A total of 163 people showed up to get their x-rays taken.

That’s 96% of the people who had appointments.

Turner says she is also happy with the quality of the x-rays that were taken.

She says the equipment that was used is still in Nain.

It can be used for follow-up exams in the future, if needed.

There are no follow-up clinics scheduled as of yet.

She says bringing the x-ray equipment to Nain was a big help for the patients.

Many were unable to take the time off of work to travel to Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Turner says the clinic was made possible with funds from Labrador-Grenfell Health, The Nunatsiavut Department of Health, Health Canada and the provincial government.

Elder's Gather for Christmas Dinner

2010-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Elders kicked off the holiday season in Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the weekend.

Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Health and Social Development held an Elder’s Christmas Dinner on Friday.

Vyann Andersen is the Team Leader for the Department of Health and Social Development in Goose Bay.

She says the event was held in partnership with the Labrador Friendship Centre.

Around 250 elders attended the dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Santa Clause also stopped by with gifts for each of the attendees.

She says entertainment was provided by the Moravian Choir, Gary and Jennifer
Mitchell as well as Mike and Eric Mitsuk.

Andersen adds she would like to thank everyone who made this evening such a success.

Bell Aliant Not Offering New Internet Accounts on North Coast Either

2010-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

The effects of the limited bandwidth in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are being felt in Nunatsiavut as well.

A spokesperson for Bell Aliant says they aren’t accepting new accounts from communities on the north coast either.

Bell Aliant is currently working on an interim solution for the problem.

They hope to have something in place in the next couple of weeks.

Bell Aliant will be monitoring the interim solution and will decide from there what needs to be done next.

Communities Reporting Seal Pup Births

2010-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Nunatsiavut residents are reporting the birth of seal pups outside of Nunatsiavut communities.

Joseph Townley is the Conservation Officer in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

He says reports have been coming in from Postville and Makkovik claiming sightings of white coats.

This is concerning news considering the fact that seals give birth to their young in the spring.

Townley says a resident of Makkovik claims to have spotted the seal pups near seal cove point.

The resident claims the seals were found on sheet ice caught along the shore.

The Conservation Officer in Makkovik headed to the location to conduct an investigation.

When he arrived the ice had already moved out from the location.

The Nunatsiavut Government is calling on the help of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to assist in the investigation.

Abel Preliminary Inquiry Decision to be made Later this Month

2010-12-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

The decision of whether or not to proceed with the murder charges against Lucas Abel will be made later this month.

Lisa Winters is a Clerk for the Provincial Court in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

She says the decision will be announced by Judge John Joy on December 23, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

At that time, Joy will decide if the matter will go before the Supreme Court of Canada.

He will be making his decision following a four-day preliminary inquiry into the matter.

The inquiry was held in Nain last week.

26-year-old Lucas Abel was charged with first-degree murder in January.

JHMS Lunch Program Gathering Students

2010-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

The new lunch program launched at the Jens Haven Memorial School in Nain is gathering more and more students.

The program was launched last Monday.

Jacob Larkin is the Principal.

He says more students have been staying through the lunch hour each day.

Grades k-3 students who live over 0.8km away from the school are invited to stay in the school for lunch.

The option is given to avoid the lengthy walks made by the young students during the cold winter months.

Larkin adds that this is a pilot project and they hope to offer the option to more students in the future.

Gander Meteorologist

2010-12-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here we are above the zero degree mark with no snow on December 3.

This has a lot of residents fearing a similar winter to last year’s mild season.

Herb Thoms is a Meteorologist with Environment Canada in Gander.

He says Labradorians can expect the warm weather for a little while longer.

A high pressure system lingering over the province is the cause of the mild temperatures.

Thoms is expecting a low pressure system to move in soon.

And with the system comes cooler temperatures.

Thoms adds that looking at the seasonal forecast for the months of December, January and February, we can expect above normal temperatures for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lower amounts of snow are also being predicted.

Dunderdale Sworn in as First Female NL Premier

2010-12-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

Today is a day that will go down in the Newfoundland and Labrador history books.

Kathy Dunderdale has been sworn in as the first female Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

She was sworn into office in St. John’s this morning.

The former Deputy Premier assumes the role left vacant by Danny Williams.

Williams announced his resignation just two weeks ago.

Dunderdale is the tenth Premier in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.

Abel Preliminary Inquiry Complete

2010-12-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

The preliminary inquiry into the murder charges against Lucas Abel was completed yesterday.

The four-day inquiry began on Monday.

The inquiry determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.

A publication ban was placed on the inquiry.

The ban restricts any information from the proceeding being published in the media.

26-year-old Lucas Abel was charged with first-degree murder in January.

A Shortage of Hardtack

2010-12-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

The effects of the ongoing strike at Purity Factories are hitting Labrador hard.

Many of the products manufactured by Purity are considered staples in the diet of many Labradorians.

Steve Schultz is the buyer for Labrador Investments on the north coast of Labrador.

Schultz is currently in Nain assisting with operations until a new manager is hired.

He says they’ve been receiving calls from people all over Labrador searching for Purity Hard Bread.

Nain is now the only community in Nunatsiavut and the Upper Lake Melville that has the fish-n-brews necessity.

There have even been calls from people in Cartwright searching for Purity hard bread.

But the community’s stock of hardtack is nearly out.

Another Purity product found on the tables of many Labradorians is Cream Crackers.

Schultz assures everybody that they have enough of the product in stock in each of their stores to make it through the winter.

Purity Factories employees have been on strike since early-September.

Parks Canada Update

2010-12-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

The names of places within the Torngat Mountains National Park will be up for discussion in Nain next week.

Judy Rowell is the Superintendent for Torngat Mountains National Park.

She says people from Nunavik and Nunatsiavut will be getting together for the discussion.

They’re hoping to agree upon common names for locations with two or more names.

Inuit in Nunavik have different names for the locations than Labrador Inuit.

The meetings are scheduled to begin on Monday.

Nunatsiavut First Minister Discusses Lower Churchill

2010-12-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Nunatsiavut Government wants to ensure that the Lower Churchill development will provide long-term benefits to Labrador Inuit with minimal impacts to the environment.

Darryl Shiwak is the First Minister.

He says the Nunatsiavut Government is neither endorsing nor opposing the project.

Shiwak says the Nunatsiavut government’s main concern lies in the protection of the environment.

While still providing benefits to Labrador Inuit.

The First Minister says those benefits should include lower electricity rates in Nunatsiavut communities.

He says Nunatsiavut residents pay some of the highest energy rates in the province.

Shiwak fears that the existing diesel generators will not be able to accommodate the future energy needs of the communities.

Some of the communities have already been facing problems keeping up with energy demands.

ULM Beneficiaries Wonder Where Their Celebration Was

2010-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

While beneficiaries in the Nunatsiavut communities gathered yesterday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the creation of Nunatsiavut, many Upper Lake Melville beneficiaries wondered where their festivities were being held.

Some of the beneficiaries were disappointed to find out that nothing was planned to mark the occasion in the region.

Nunatsiavut Government Director of Communications, Burt Pomeroy, says it had to do with money.

He says this was the first time Nunatsiavut communities held as many events to mark the occasion.

The Nunatsiavut Government had not allocated any monies in their budget for the celebrations.

He says the celebrations in the Nunatsiavut communities were organized through their community liaison officers.

Pomeroy ensures the beneficiaries that something will be organized to mark the occasion in ULM next year.

Air Inuit Announces Christmas Flights

2010-12-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is a time to gather with friends and family.

Many Labrador Inuit have family and friends in Nunavik.

Air Inuit will be offering special flights again this year to bring those families together for the holidays.

Air Inuit will have three flights between Nunavik and Nain over the holiday season.

The first flight will be on December 23.

The flight will depart from kuujuak that morning and arrive in Nain just before noon.

There will also be additional flights on December 30 and January 4.

Quebec Government Not Publishing Caribou Locations

2010-11-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Government of Quebec is no longer publishing the location of the George River Caribou Herd in Labrador.

The Quebec Government previously published telemetry maps which the show specific location of the herd.

John Blake is the Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment’s Wildlife Division.

He says that during the 2009 hunting season, they received direction to stop publishing the caribou’s location on their website.

The maps allowed for people to find the caribou very easily.

Many of the caribou fixed with the radio collars were being harvested.

The collars were used to track the caribou.

With the recent findings of the dramatic reduction of the size of the herd, the likelihood of the collared caribou being harvested has greatly increased.

Blake says not publishing the location of the caribou in Labrador will likely reduce the number of caribou harvested, especially collared caribou.

The government will continue to provide general information about the herd’s migration and movement patterns.

But the specific location of the herd is no longer being provided.

Preliminary Inquiry into Lucas Abel Murder Charge Begins

2010-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

The preliminary inquiry into the murder charge against Lucas Abel began yesterday afternoon.

Sergeant Barter is with the Nain RCMP Detachment.

He says the inquiry will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

Judge Joy is presiding over the five-day inquiry.

Labrador Interpretation Centre

2010-11-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River is gearing up for the holiday season.

Mina Campbell-Hibbs is the Curator for the Centre.

She says their events will kick-off tomorrow with a Christmas Decoration Craft Night.

People are invited to the centre to make Christmas decorations from old Christmas cards.

Campbell-Hibbs says they will also be hosting an “Oh Christmas Tree” Night at the Labrador Interpretation Centre on December 08.

Attendees will be treated to a night of storytelling, musical entertainment and a lunch.

On December 14, elders are invited for an Elder’s Cup-O-T.

Elders will spend the evening listening to stories, enjoying music and, of course, having a good cup of tea.

2010-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is fast approaching and with it comes holiday gatherings.

The Labrador Society in Ottawa will hold its Christmas party on December 3.

Carolyn Rompkey is the President of the Society.

She says this year’s party will be an extra special get together.

Bill Rompkey will be hosting the party at Parliament Hill.

This will be Bills Rompkey’s last Christmas party.

He will be retiring in May, 2011.

Rompkey adds that when they get together it’s always a good time meeting with old friends, singing Christmas carols and sharing a delicious meal.

Makkovik Sewing Circle Sale

2010-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Makkovik Women’s Sewing Circle is busy gearing up for their annual fall sale.

The ladies have been busy making crafts since September.

The eleven-member group gets together on Tuesday of each week to make hand- made crafts.

The Chapel Servants of the Moravian Church and community volunteers also take part in the fundraising.

One of the members tells us the group has been busy making a range of items including quilts, Labrador dolls, and children’s dickies.

A café will also be held during the sale where the chapel servants will be serving hot meals.

The sale will take place at the community hall at 2pm this Saturday.

Nunatsiavut Day

2010-11-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

Labrador Inuit will come together on December 1, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the creation of Nunatsiavut.

It’s already been five years since the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement was signed.

Jim Lyall is the President of Nunatsiavut.

He says we’ve come a long way since the country watched as Labrador Inuit celebrated the birth of Nunatsiavut.

To mark this special occasion, the Nunatsiavut Government will host a variety of events in each of the Labrador Inuit Communities.

Events will range from feasts and parades to contests and live entertainment.

Lyall is encouraging all Labrador Inuit to help celebrate the fifth anniversary of the creation of Nunatsiavut.

Mokami Status of Women

2010-11-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

Women who disagree with the light sentences being handed out to sexual offenders were invited to meet with the Mokami Status of Women Council last night.

Petrina Beales is the Executive Director for the Mokami Status of Women council.

She says the first meeting on the subject was a success.

The women gathered with various resource people to discuss women who have been victims of sexual assault.

They also discussed what they call light sentences being given to the sexual offenders by the courts.

Beales says they hope to get more women involved in the discussion in order to create more awareness on the issue.

The council will continue to meet on the topic in the future.

Beales adds that something has to be done about this issue.

LIDC News

2010-11-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

The former Nunatsiavut Government office in Nain is now housing new organizations.

Henry Lyall is the Office Manager for LIDC in Nain.

He says Parks Canada employees have moved into the recently renovated facility.

More occupants are expected to move into their new offices in the coming weeks.

Lyall says Torngat Arts Crafts Inc. will be moving into their new location in a week or two.

While Nunatsiavut’s research laboratory should be ready for operation in the next few weeks.

1st Sunday of Advent

2010-11-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

Excitement is growing in the communities where the Moravian holiday, Advent, is celebrated.

By Saturday, most Moravian communities will have their Advent trees erected and decorated for the occasion.

Children will hang their empty stockings in anticipation of the visiting Nalujuks.

The Moravian Church in Labrador celebrates the first Sunday of Advent as a preparation for the coming of the Christ child.

Two church services are usually held on Advent.

The first is the Advent Sunday address at 10am.

The Inuktitut Liturgy takes place at 5pm with the Hosanna Anthem.

There are four Sundays of Advent before Christmas Eve.

To mark this occasion some of the Moravian churches light a candle for each Sunday.

This year, the first Sunday of Advent falls on November 28.

OKalaKatiget radio will also be celebrating the occasion.

We will be airing air Brass Band music on Sunday morning starting at 8am and will play Advent Sunday requests on our afternoon show.

Have a safe and happy Advent everyone.

Premier Danny Williams Leaving Office

2010-11-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Premier Danny Williams has announced that he will be leaving his office early next month.

Williams made the announcement from the Confederation Building in St. John’s this morning.

He provided his resignation during a press conference.

Williams will finish on December 3.

Deputy Premier, Kathy Dunderdale, will fill William’s position.

She will serve in the position until the next election which is scheduled for next fall.

Williams served as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador since he was elected in 2003.

Shipping Season Winding Down

2010-11-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

You’ll be hearing the final vessel reports for the season over the next few days.

The shipping season on the north coast of Labrador is quickly winding down.

A spokesperson for Labrador Marine in Lewisporte says the Astron, Northern Ranger and Sir Robert Bond are now on their last runs.

The Sir Robert Bond is currently in Nain discharging.

She will be heading to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and then on to Lewisporte.

The Astron is due in Goose Bay at 11pm this evening en route to Lewisporte.

The Northern Ranger is expected in Lewisporte at 8am on Friday.

Their arrivals into the community will mark the end of the shipping season in our region.

Mokami Status of Women to Meet

2010-11-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

A women’s group in Labrador is not happy about the light sentences being handed down to people charged with sexual offences.

The Mokami Status of Women Council in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is gathering tonight to discuss such cases.

Petrina Beales is the Executive Director of the council.

She says they will discuss the charges that are being handed out to sexual offenders by the Provincial Courts.

Any women who have experienced a sexual assault in the past and are left frustrated about the way the courts have sentenced the offenders are welcomed to attend.

Beales says they would like to develop a strategy that would see harsher sentences given to sexual offenders in this province.

Nain Community Constable Hired

2010-11-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

The streets of Nain will be a little safer tomorrow.

The Nain Inuit Community Government (NICG) has hired a Community Constable.

This is a new position for the community.

Morrall Blake is the successful candidate.

He begins his new position tomorrow.

He will act as a liaison between the NICG, RCMP and the community.

Among Blake’s responsibilities is enforcing Nain’s municipal by-laws.

Minister Pottle & Premier Williams Accompanies Innu Nation in Ottawa

2010-11-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Patty Pottle has been busy with different meetings in the last little while.

She was recently in Ottawa with Premier Danny Williams, while the Innu Nation met with the Federal Governments Minister of Indian Affairs.

On November 17th, she was also in St John’s to meet with AngajukKâks and Recreation Directors from across Nunatsiavut.

Problems With LIDC Tugboat & Barge

2010-11-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

Problems with the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation's (LIDC) tugboat and barge have caused a delay in plans.

Henry Lyall is the Office Manager for LIDC in Nain.

He says the tugboat and barge have been tied to the dock in Nain for the past two weeks.

Lyall says the water-crafts are not operating properly and LIDC is now waiting for replacement parts to arrive.

To fix the two vessels, an engineer will travel to Nain and carry out the repairs.

Lyall adds after the tugboat and barge are in working order, they will be sent to the Island for the winter.

Asthma Study in Postville

2010-11-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

A study will be published early next year which examines lung health in the community of Postville.

Shirley Goudie is the Town Manager for the Postville Inuit Community Government.

She says there was an Asthma study and survey done in Postville over the summer.

The study looked at how factors such as smoking, weather, dust and pollution affected lung health.

Goudie says the study will hopefully address some of the communities concerns.
The report will be out in January of 2011.

Cellular Services For Natuashish...Soon!

2010-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

The installation of cellular services has begun in Natuashish.

David Torres is a Regional Manager with Lynx Mobility.

He says the installation of cellular services in Natuashish is nearly complete.

The tower, antenna and shed are all in place.

Torres says there is only one piece of equipment left to be installed.

They are expecting the final piece in the New Year.

Lynx is continuing to examine installing cellular services in Nain.

He says they’re speaking with a potential partner now.

But nothing is concrete.

Torres adds that headway has been made and they are hoping to move forward.

Bell Aliant To Cut Jobs

2010-11-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Major layoffs will allow Bell Aliant to keep all of its centres open.

Alyson Queen is the Public Affairs Manager for Bell Aliant.

She says the service provider will be cutting 100 of its management positions.

The cut will affect employees across all of the six provinces that Bell Aliant services.

She says in terms of specific impacts for each centre, they are not breaking down that information.

Queen adds that some of the employees will be let go this week.

While others will continue until the end of the year.

In July, 2010, Bell Aliant announced that they were set to shut down three of its five centres.

Employee lay-offs were announced as well.

An agreement has been reached which will see all of the centres remain open.

X-ray Clinic

2010-11-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

An x-ray clinic will be held in Nain throughout this week.

Gail Turner is the Director of Health Services for the Nunatsiavut Government.

She says staff from the health center in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be holding the clinic.

It is being held to follow-up on people who have had TB in the past.

Turner says it is very important for people to have this x-ray.

She adds that people required to take the clinic have been made aware of when their appointment is.

Industrial Inquiry Proceedings

2010-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Industrial Inquiry Commission is continuing with its investigation into the ongoing labour dispute between the United Steelworkers Local 9508 and Vale.

John Roil is the Chair of the Commission.

He says they have received the information which was requested from each of the parties.

The information details the proceeding of the negotiations to date.

Roil says commission members are engaged in discussions with both parties to better understand their positions.

He says they are appreciative of the parties’ cooperation so far.

Roil says the next step in this process is to provide an opportunity for the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government to make presentations.

The presentations will detail what effect the dispute may be having on the two aboriginal groups and their Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBA) with Vale.

He says the Commission will hear from the two groups on Friday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Roil says both groups are in a unique position to be affected by the dispute because of their IBA’s.

The meetings will be closed sessions.

The parties involved include the Commission, representatives of the aboriginal groups, Vale and the United Steelworkers.

JHMS Boys Win Volleyball Regionals

2010-11-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Jens Haven Memorial Huskies claimed gold at the regional volleyball competition this weekend.

Labrador District Schools traveled to Churchill Falls to compete in the 2A Volleyball Tournament.

Damian Barter is the Coach of the Nain Huskies.

He says the Nain Huskies’ male team came out on top of the competition.

They defeated the Churchill Falls team for the win.

They will be traveling to Newfoundland for the provincial competition next month.

The Amos Comenius Memorial Nanuks also took part in the competition.

Nicole Dalley is the Coach of the Hopedale Nanuks female team.

She says they claimed second place behind the Churchill Falls team.

The Huskies compete at the 2A provincial competition in Roddickton in December.

Great Turnout for Amos Comenius Fall Fair

2010-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hopedale residents braved the elements for the annual Amos Comenius Fall Fair.

Dean Coombs is the Principal of Amos Comenius Memorial.

He says it was the greatest turnout they ever had for the event.

The fair included concession stands, a rummage sale, baked goods and crafts.

The community also had the chance to participate in some games.

Entertainment was also provided for the attendees.

Coombs says they held an auction where various items were sold.

Approximately $3, 000 was raised through the fair.

The money will be used for the various needs of the school.

Coombs says he would like to thank the community for their continued support.

Aurora Energy Community Visits

2010-11-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Aurora Energy Resources will be visiting Nunatsiavut communities next week.

Andrea Marshall is with Aurora’s Media Relations.

She says next week Aurora Energy will start the community visits in Makkovik.

Marshall says they will be there to answer any questions residents may still have regarding uranium exploration.

Marshall adds Aurora Energy Resources will continue these visits in Nain and the Upper Lake Melville region in the New Year.

Lower Churchill Project Deal

2010-11-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

A $6.2 billion agreement has been reached in the Lower Churchill Project.

Premier Danny Williams joined Nova Scotia Premier, Darrell Dexter, to make the announcement yesterday.

Nalcor Energy and Emera Inc. have come to an agreement on the $6.2 billion deal.

The 35-year deal includes the Muskrat Falls Generating Station, Labrador Transmission, Labrador-Island Transmission Link and the Maritime Link.

The agreement will not only see Lower Churchill project become a reality, but the Innu Nation will benefit significantly as well.

Under the Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Development Redress Agreement, the Innu will receive annual payments commencing on the execution of the Impacts Benefit Agreement until 2041.

The payments will amount to $2 million annually.

That amount will also see an annual increase of 2.5%.

The mega project’s lines will go directly from Muskrat Falls, cut to Southern Labrador, dip under the sea to Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula and straight to St. John’s.

Branching off, the power lines will turn towards South Western Newfoundland, dip again under the sea and connect to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Muskrat Falls will produce a whopping 824 megawatts of power.

Of that the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will use 524 megawatts.

The remaining 300 megawatts will go to to Nova Scotia.

The Lower Churchill project is scheduled to begin in 2011.

The construction phase is expected to last approximately six years.

Northern Ranger's Service Extended

2010-11-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

The MV Northern Ranger will be extending its services for one more trip.

The announcement was made by the provincial Department of Transportation and Works.

The Ranger was originally scheduled to end her services today.

It was decided that she would make one more trip due to favorable ice conditions.

The Ranger is scheduled to arrive in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this afternoon.

Natuashish Stabbing

2010-11-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

A man was sent to hospital yesterday following a stabbing in the community of Natuashish.

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

He says RCMP arrested an 18-year-old man for aggravated assault following an alleged stabbing in the community.

Merrill says police were called to a private residence where they found a number of individuals under the influence of alcohol.

Amongst those individuals included the victim, a 48-year-old man, who was found laying on the floor, but conscious.

He says RCMP stayed on scene assisting the nurses until the victim was transported to the local clinic.

Merrill says the accused was found sleeping in another home where he was arrested without incident.

He says RCMP had a number of witnesses and also conducted other interviews in relation to this event.

A Forensic Identification Service member will be travelling to the community to document the occurrence.

Merrill says the accused is facing charges of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

The charged will be brought to court for a remand hearing before a Judge.

Merrill adds more details will be released once the man has appeared in court later today.

Nain Students Score Highest in the Province in their CRTs

2010-11-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Jens Haven Memorial grade four class received the highest marks in the province in certain categories of the CRTs.

Jacob Larkin is the Principal.

He says the class took the Criterion Reference Test last year when they were in grade three.

Their teacher was Bernice Wall.

Larkin says the students scored the highest in the majority of the categories including Language Arts and Mathematics.

Creative Arts Festival Continues

2010-11-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

The 35th Annual Labrador Creative Arts Festival is continuing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay over the weekend.

This evening you can catch performances from Cartwright’s Henry Gordon Academy and Nain’s Jens Haven Memorial.

Natuashish’s Mushua Innu students and Makkovik’s JC Erhardt students hit the stage on Saturday evening.

And the weekend wraps up with performances from Queen of Peace Middle School and Hopedale’s Amos Comenius Memorial School.

All the performances are taking place at the Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre.

A Deal Between NL & NS in Mega Hydroelectric Project

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

After a long waiting period for the Lower Churchill mega project to become a reality or not, yesteday Nalcor Energy and Emera Inc. agreed on an estimated $6.2 Billion deal.

Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Premier Darrell Dexter of Nova Scotia made the announcement.

A 35 year deal includes the Muskrat Falls Generating Station, Labrador Transmission, Labrador-Island Transmission Link and the Maritime Link.

The agreement not only will see Lower Churchill become a reality, but the Innu Nation will benefit significantly as well.

Under the Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Development Redress Agreement, commencing on the execution of the Impacts Benefit Agreement and until 2041.

Nalcor Energy will make an annual settlement payment to the Innu Nation of $2 Million annually.

This amount will also see an annual increase of 2.5%.

The mega project will go directly from Muskrat Falls, cut directly to Southern Labrador, dip under the sea to Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula and straight to St. John’s.

Branching off, the power lines will turn towards South Western Newfoundland, dip again under the sea and connect into New Brunswick, then to Nova Scotia.

Muskrat Falls will produce a whopping 824 megawatts of power, of that the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will use 524 megawatts and provide the remaining 300 to Nova Scotia.

The Lower Churchill project is expected to start in 2011 and is expected to take approximately six years.

Culprit in HVGB Armed Robbery

2010-11-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

RCMP have arrested a culprit involved in the armed robbery that sent a store clerk to hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

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

He says 36-year-old Jason Morris has been arrested alongside 26-year-old Jacko Merkuratsuk.

Both are from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The robbery took place at a Labrador Mini Mart located on Green Street on Monday.

Merrill says their actions sent the clerk of the local convenience store to hospital.

The clerk was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Merrill says the investigation revealed that a second male was involved in organizing this offence.

Morris was arrested on November 17.

Both Merkuratsuk and Morris are appearing in Provincial Court in HVGB today.

Merrill says Merkuratsuk is charged with five charges related to the robbery, the weapon and breach of court orders.

While Morris is facing four charges related to the robbery, the weapon and threats.

Merrilll adds no further details are being provided at this time by the RCMP as the
matter is now before the courts.

Environmental Protection Act

2010-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Nunatsiavut Government continues to consult with beneficiaries on the Environmental Protection Act.

Tom Sheldon is the Director of Environment for the Nunatsiavut Government.

He says they are working on the framework for the Environmental Protection Act and assessment.

The act will provide the guidelines for the decision making process with respect to any development on Labrador Inuit Lands.

Sheldon says the consultations are also focusing on the development of the Land Use Plan.

The consultations continue in Nain this evening at the community hall at 7pm.

Patricia Kemuksiak Decleared Winner of By-Election

2010-11-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

Patricia Kemuksigak has been declared the winner of the by-election in Upper Lake Melville.

Kemuksigak claimed 266 of the votes in Tuesday’s election.

She will be sworn in as an Ordinary Member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly during the assembly’s next sitting.

The next sitting is scheduled for early December.

Residential Schooling Lawsuit

2010-11-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

The fight to get compensation for Newfoundland and Labrador residential school survivors continues.

The issue was brought before the Court of Appeal earlier this month.

Steven Cooper is a lawyer with Ahlstrom, Wright, Oliver and Cooper.

He says the crown argued that after confederation Canada merely funded the residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The crown claimed that the federal government did not supervise or manage them.

Cooper says that Canada not only funded the system, but also actively managed and controlled them.

And that the schools in the rest of the country were operated in the same way.

He says even though some residential schools were operated in different ways, the same basic system of funding and control occurred everywhere in the country.

Cooper says the crown also argued that the schools should continue to seek eligibility under the settlement agreement which is in place in the rest of the country.

The crown also noted that the settlement agreement was a compromise between the negotiating parties.

Cooper says this province was not represented at those negotiations.

And they should not be forced to be governed by it.

He says they also noted that this agreement was negotiated five years ago.

The time for compensation ends in less than two years and much of the money has already been spent.

In one of the appeals, Judge Fowler asked the lawyer from Canada if he thought people in this province should be stuck with "half a loaf" by accepting a deal negotiated by others.

Cooper says it will likely be some time before the court gives its decision in whether to allow or dismiss the class action lawsuit.

Cooper urges anyone wishing to be added to the list of survivors to contact him.

Nominations Open for Inuit Community Councillors

2010-11-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Nominations opened yesterday for councilors of the Inuit Community Governments.

This is the second attempt at this election.

The election of Inuit Community Councilors was halted in early October.

The election was suspended while the Nunatsiavut Government ensured the voters lists and rolls were in order.

Nominations close on November 23.

Elections are scheduled for December 15.

Libra House Update

2010-11-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

The Libra House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay received a major contribution from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Janet O’Donnell is the Executive Director for the centre.

She says they held a fund-raising dinner to mark their 25th Anniversary this past weekend.

O’Donnell says representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro were in attendance.

They announced a $100,000 contribution for the centre.
O’Donnell says the funds will be used to expand the Libra House.

Durkalec Continues Research on Labrador Sea Ice

2010-11-17T10:27:00.002-08:00

As Nunatsiavut residents patiently wait for the ice to freeze over, a researcher is examining the safety of travelling on the sea ice.

Agata Durkalec is a research student from Trent University in Ontario.

Durkalec is working with Chris Furgal of Trent University and the Nunatsiavut Government’s (NG) Division of Environment.

She says preliminary discussions with the NG began in July.

The purpose of this project is to understand what influences peoples’ safety while traveling on the sea ice.

Durkalec says after working on sea ice monitoring with Sikumiut in Nain and in Hopedale, she is now interested in linking the things she learned in school with local knowledge.

She adds that she is also interested in the role of the Nain Ground Search and Rescue team in supporting community health and safety related to sea ice travel.