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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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