Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Vale and USW Heading Back to the Table

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

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.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Nain Elder Appointed to Provincial Advisory Council

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

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

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.