Northern News
CBC North

Teacher resignations in Naujaat, Nunavut, leaving vacancies at high school, raising concerns

A number of teachers have resigned in Naujaat, Nunavut, leaving half of the positions at the community's high school unfilled.  ...
More ...A new school in Nunavut with a ramp and stairs out front an a colourful experience.

A number of teachers have resigned in Naujaat, Nunavut, leaving half of the positions at the community's high school unfilled. 

17 Feb 2025 09:00:00

Cabin Radio

Watch for bison collaring on Highway 5 this week

Drivers on Highway 5 to and from Fort Smith can expect to see a bison collaring operation by the roadside in Wood Buffalo National Park this week. The post Watch for bison collaring on Highway 5 this ...
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Drivers on Highway 5 to and from Fort Smith can expect to see a bison collaring operation by the roadside in Wood Buffalo National Park this week.

The post Watch for bison collaring on Highway 5 this week first appeared on Cabin Radio.

17 Feb 2025 00:06:20

City of Whitehorse to request 1-year extension to adopt zoning bylaw
Yukon News

City of Whitehorse to request 1-year extension to adopt zoning bylaw

Per the Yukon Municipal Act, the city needs to adopt the new zoning bylaw by the end of March 2025. Council will be asking YG for an extension to March 2026.

16 Feb 2025 20:37:33

CBC North

Sudden closure of Yellowknife's Great Slave Animal Hospital worsens N.W.T. vet shortage

The closure of Yellowknife’s Great Slave Animal Hospital has left both pet owners and animal care non-profits in N.W.T. scrambling to find veterinary care. ...
More ...Picture of the sign and building

The closure of Yellowknife’s Great Slave Animal Hospital has left both pet owners and animal care non-profits in N.W.T. scrambling to find veterinary care.

16 Feb 2025 20:17:09

Cabin Radio

Yellowknife Elks Lodge commits $250K to hospital foundation

Yellowknife Elks Lodge will donate $250,000 to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation over the coming decade, the foundation said on Saturday. The post Yellowknife Elks Lodge commits $250K to hos ...
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Yellowknife Elks Lodge will donate $250,000 to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation over the coming decade, the foundation said on Saturday.

The post Yellowknife Elks Lodge commits $250K to hospital foundation first appeared on Cabin Radio.

16 Feb 2025 16:13:43

Yukonomist: Mining as a Yukon wedge issue
Yukon News

Yukonomist: Mining as a Yukon wedge issue

The question at hand: How does mining benefit my family and me, personally?

16 Feb 2025 12:30:00

CBC North

Child and family health-care centre expands to better serve Cree and Inuit in northern Quebec

Minnie's Hope is now in larger building. With support from major donors, the expansion allows for specialized services ensuring children receive care within their community rather than having to trave ...
More ...A view of the new larger building for Minnie's Hope in the shared communities of Whapmagoostui and Kujjuraapik. In the background clear blue skies

Minnie's Hope is now in larger building. With support from major donors, the expansion allows for specialized services ensuring children receive care within their community rather than having to travel south.

16 Feb 2025 11:00:00

CBC North

Ottawa ends funding for national advisory committee on unmarked residential school graves

The National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials supports Indigenous communities through efforts to identify, locate and commemorate children who died at re ...
More ...A memorial set up on June 2, 2021 in recognition of possible unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.

The National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials supports Indigenous communities through efforts to identify, locate and commemorate children who died at residential schools.

16 Feb 2025 09:00:00

Cabin Radio

Q&A with Yellowknife’s new Aurora Veterinary Hospital

The Yellowknife veterinarian whose team lost access to Great Slave Animal Hospital on Friday wants pet owners to know: "We have a plan." This is that plan. The post Q&A with Yellowknife’s new Aurora ...
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The Yellowknife veterinarian whose team lost access to Great Slave Animal Hospital on Friday wants pet owners to know: "We have a plan." This is that plan.

The post Q&A with Yellowknife’s new Aurora Veterinary Hospital first appeared on Cabin Radio.

15 Feb 2025 21:26:43

Yukoner cross-country skiers compete on international stage
Yukon News

Yukoner cross-country skiers compete on international stage

Five Yukon cross-country skiers competed at the international Junior and U23 Championships in Italy from Feb. 3 to 9

15 Feb 2025 21:00:00

Cabin Radio

Fort Smith vehicle fire part of ‘targeted situation,’ town says

A vehicle fire on Friday evening was part of a "targeted situation related to criminal activity," the Town of Fort Smith said, adding police are investigating. The post Fort Smith vehicle fire part of ...
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A vehicle fire on Friday evening was part of a "targeted situation related to criminal activity," the Town of Fort Smith said, adding police are investigating.

The post Fort Smith vehicle fire part of ‘targeted situation,’ town says first appeared on Cabin Radio.

15 Feb 2025 17:14:06

Yukon government Indigenous recruitment plan criticized as lip service
Yukon News

Yukon government Indigenous recruitment plan criticized as lip service

Dr. Rocky Dwyer, an author of the Yukon Aboriginal Employment Plan, has criticized the Yukon government's indigenous recruitment plan as lacking genuine collaboration

15 Feb 2025 17:00:00

CBC North

Indigenous-owned temporary housing facility for women and children opens in Whitehorse

The Council of Yukon First Nations has finished work on a new temporary housing facility for Indigenous women and children in Whitehorse, and expects to welcome the first clients next week. ...
More ...A woman stands beside a bed and window.

The Council of Yukon First Nations has finished work on a new temporary housing facility for Indigenous women and children in Whitehorse, and expects to welcome the first clients next week.

15 Feb 2025 16:19:26

CBC North

Electric vehicle catches fire at Yukon charging station

Once Calvin Gillings coaxed his car into charging, it began smoking under the hood. 'And then it actually caught fire underneath my wife’s seat,' he said. ...
More ...A burned-up car, wrapped with yellow tape, at a charging station.

Once Calvin Gillings coaxed his car into charging, it began smoking under the hood. 'And then it actually caught fire underneath my wife’s seat,' he said.

15 Feb 2025 16:13:24

Nunatsiaq News

News quiz Feb. 15 | Planes, plans and plots over Greenland

Happy Saturday and welcome back to the quiz! Five questions to see if you were following the North’s news over the past week. 1. Nolinor Aviation said recently it wants to expand its service to the ...
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Happy Saturday and welcome back to the quiz! Five questions to see if you were following the North’s news over the past week.

1. Nolinor Aviation said recently it wants to expand its service to the North by adding to its fleet of planes by the end of the decade. What is unique about the planes it wants to buy?

A. They have a blended-wing-body design.
B. They are designed to efficiently land on ice.
C. Their larger-than-usual windows provide improved views for passengers.

2. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. saw its voter turnout skyrocket in December when it offered $100 gift cards to everyone who showed up to vote. Turnout rose to 66.7 per cent, compared to 17 per cent in 2021. Makivvik did not offer incentives when it held elections for two positions last week. What percentage of eligible voters showed up to cast a ballot?

A. 64 per cent
B. 51.1 per cent
C. 19.4 per cent

3. In Iqaluit last week, Audley Coley was honoured by the Nunavut Black History Society with a lifetime achievement award. What did he do to receive the award?

A. He’s an author specializing in Arctic history.
B. He’s a well-known actor who appeared in several Hollywood movies.
C. He’s a professional dancer and mental health advocate.

4. Canada is dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and our Arctic friends in Greenland can feel our pain. Two of the following three scenarios actually did play out this week regarding Greenland’s future. Which one is fiction?

A. A bill was introduced in Congress for the U.S. to acquire Greenland and rename it Red White and Blueland.
B. The Make Greenland Great Again Act was sponsored in the House of Representatives authorizing Trump to negotiate the acquisition of Greenland.
C. Trump offered to contribute the first million dollars himself so the U.S. can purchase Greenland in a cash deal.

5. Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok joined Canada’s other premiers in Washington D.C. this week to convince Trump administration officials to back off on their threats to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Which premier led the charge?

A. Quebec’s François Legault
B. Ontario’s Doug Ford
C. Alberta’s Danielle Smith

Audley Coley is this year’s recipient of the Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nunavut Black History Society on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Audley Coley)

Answers

  1. A — The blended-wing-body is considered hyper-efficient, according to Nolinor, so it can work with a smaller engine than most other planes of similar size.
  2. C — It was 19.4 per cent, meaning four out of five voters couldn’t be bothered to cast a ballot.
  3. C — Audley Coley is all of that, and he also established a dance program for young people in Iqaluit and volunteered to teach dance in schools there.
  4. C — Trump didn’t offer to spend his own money to buy Greenland. Not yet, at least. Incredibly, answers A and B actually did happen.
  5. B — Ontario Premier Doug Ford led the trip as chairperson of the Council of the Federation whose membership includes all the premiers with an aim to promote co-operation between the provinces and territories.

15 Feb 2025 15:30:42

Cabin Radio

How Fort Smith’s entrepreneurs are kickstarting their careers

Indigenous women in Fort Smith are growing businesses ranging from medical travel support to pottery classes. Here's how they're getting help to do that. The post How Fort Smith’s entrepreneurs are ...
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Indigenous women in Fort Smith are growing businesses ranging from medical travel support to pottery classes. Here's how they're getting help to do that.

The post How Fort Smith’s entrepreneurs are kickstarting their careers first appeared on Cabin Radio.

15 Feb 2025 15:18:51

Cabin Radio

‘Raise your flag,’ says Yellowknife’s mayor

Yellowknife's mayor urged residents to fly the flag on Saturday, marking 60 years since Canada’s red and white maple leaf was first raised on Parliament Hill. The post ‘Raise your flag,’ says Ye ...
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Yellowknife's mayor urged residents to fly the flag on Saturday, marking 60 years since Canada’s red and white maple leaf was first raised on Parliament Hill.

The post ‘Raise your flag,’ says Yellowknife’s mayor first appeared on Cabin Radio.

15 Feb 2025 15:03:36

Nunatsiaq News

Time for world to tell Trump his ‘real thing’ is non-starter

The entire world needs to understand that U.S. President Donald Trump’s talk about annexing Canada is a non-starter, and the time has come to stand up and say so. What seemed months ago as a quip ab ...
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The entire world needs to understand that U.S. President Donald Trump’s talk about annexing Canada is a non-starter, and the time has come to stand up and say so.

What seemed months ago as a quip about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau becoming the governor of America’s 51st state has morphed into Trumpian foreign policy that now makes headlines on a daily basis.

How serious is it? Trudeau told a hastily arranged meeting of business leaders last week that he believes Trump’s desire to annex Canada is a “real thing.”

Trump confirmed, in an interview with Fox News before Sunday’s Super Bowl game, that his talk is real.

“Canada would be much better off being the 51st state,” he said in that television interview.

On Wednesday, Trudeau repeated in a press conference his line that “there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell” of that happening.

Trump has not clearly spelled out why he believes Canada should be the 51st state. He has cited the American trade deficit with Canada, Canada’s shortfall on defence spending, and more recently its abundance of critical minerals — much of which is located underneath Nunavut and other parts of the Canadian North.

Whatever the reason, Canadians have been left stunned by how our country’s historically close relationship with the U.S. has soured so quickly. We’re hurt, angry, confused.

Canadian political leaders, including Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and his Quebec counterpart François Legault, travelled to Washington this week in a bid to head off the looming trade war that would happen if Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods coming into his country.

A 25 per cent surcharge on aluminium and steel is now also on the docket for all countries, including Canada, which if imposed will add up to 50 per cent tariffs on those Canadian goods.

But while premiers gird for a trade war, Canada could use help fending off Trump’s unwanted “51st state” advances. It would help if other world leaders could echo Trudeau’s oft-used “snowball’s chance” sentiment.

That rhetoric has been heated up to the point that it’s time for the international community to step in and cool it off. Canada could really use some trusted world leaders — France’s Emmanuel Macron or the U.K.’s Keir Starmer — to come to our aid and tell Americans and their president annexation is a non-starter.

So far, Trump has only threatened to use economic force to bend Canada to his will, which is bad enough. Things could be worse. Ask Greenland, a country Trump has publicly mused about using military force to take over because he sees it as part of America’s international security plans.

An American annexation of Canada would rock the world order and would have implications for Canada’s NATO allies and for the United Nations. That’s why other world leaders need to be the grown-ups in the room and tell Trump to knock off the 51st-state talk.

Trump’s talk of annexing Canada is not only a betrayal of a 200-year peaceful, prosperous partnership between the two nations, it’s a betrayal of the principle of national self-determination — the idea that people should be free to choose how they’re governed and by whom.

It’s one of the ideas that made the United States great in the first place.

 

15 Feb 2025 14:30:12

Nunatsiaq News

Climate change, age and LOL: Pond Inlet teacher takes Proust Questionnaire

Natasha Simonee is a teacher, volunteer, environmentalist, researcher and avid seamstress from Pond Inlet. She has worked as a high school teacher for six years and in the past year has also taken on ...
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Natasha Simonee is a teacher, volunteer, environmentalist, researcher and avid seamstress from Pond Inlet.

She has worked as a high school teacher for six years and in the past year has also taken on the new role of offering career guidance to students.

Over the years, she has contributed to several scientific research projects including Niqivut (Our Food), an article for Canadian Science Publishing on the significance of country food in Nunavut, and worked with a McMaster University environmental researcher on Sila Qanuippa? (How’s the Weather?).

Recently, Simonee took time to answer the Proust Questionnaire.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Spend time at my cabin, out camping, exploring nature and getting to sharing that time with my family and friends.

What is your greatest fear?

Sometimes it’s heights, sometimes it’s water, but above all my greatest fear would be not being able to go camping and enjoying nature.

I say that because I think of the effects of climate change and global warming, and I fear that I might not be able to have that experience within my lifetime.

What is your greatest achievement?

I think it’s having a family of my own. Working a full-time job and enjoying my job. Being able to stand on my own two feet and provide a safe home for my kids.

What is your current state of mind?

It’s good. I’m happy. The sun has finally risen over the horizon, and I’m looking forward to longer days.

It’s happy times.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Like. I don’t know. LOL.

On what occasions do you lie?

When my students ask me about my age. They are always trying to guess my age. I started it in my first year of teaching because I pretty young, and in the beginning I feared that our age gap was too close.

It turned into a game. They try to use the amount of grey hair to be able to determine my age.

Which talent would you like to have?

I wish I could sing. I love singing, I love music. But I just don’t have a singing voice or ear. I could not tell you the difference between two notes.

What is your greatest regret?

I wish I’d started sewing and paying attention to cultural activity sooner.

I wish I had paid attention to my grandmother when she was sewing, or that I took the time to learn from her when she was still here.

I wish I had this eagerness or willingness to learn and try sooner.

Where would you like to live?

At my cabin. All the time.

If I didn’t need to have a job, pay bills and all of that, I’d 100 per cent live in my cabin.

What is your most treasured possession?

Two amautis that my mother carried me in when I was a baby. I wear them, but only on special occasions.

What do you most value in your friends?

Time. We don’t live in the same community, so when we do get together we try to spend as much time with each other as we can.

What is your motto?

Live in the moment. Live life to the fullest, smile and find happiness in whatever it is that you’re doing.

Once in front of God, what would you tell him?

Thank you.

Nunatsiaq News is borrowing the old Proust Questionnaire parlour game to get to know people who are in the news. If you know someone in your community who our readers should get to know by taking this questionnaire, let us know by email: [email protected].

 

15 Feb 2025 13:30:24

Yukon special: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games
Yukon News

Yukon special: Dog offering support to athletes at Invictus Games

Thorin and his handler Ali Harper are part of special team providing support to veterans competing in the games and their families

15 Feb 2025 12:30:00

CBC North

Nunavik advocates push for more Inuit-led suicide prevention efforts

Two youths in Umiujaq, Que., took their own lives within the span of several weeks in late 2024. Now, advocates are calling for mental health services oriented toward the Inuit way of doing things. ...
More ...Children pictured watching a video at Umiujaq's youth house

Two youths in Umiujaq, Que., took their own lives within the span of several weeks in late 2024. Now, advocates are calling for mental health services oriented toward the Inuit way of doing things.

15 Feb 2025 09:00:00

CBC North

N.W.T. premier responds to MLAs' proposed voting bloc by emphasizing co-operation

N.W.T.'s premier has responded to a proposed voting bloc by three regular MLAs by saying that the Legislative Assembly can only achieve its priorities through a "co-operative approach" where all me ...
More ...A man in a suit stands before 2 microphones, speaking.

N.W.T.'s premier has responded to a proposed voting bloc by three regular MLAs by saying that the Legislative Assembly can only achieve its priorities through a "co-operative approach" where all members shape decision-making. 

14 Feb 2025 23:39:14

CBC North

Can we still be friends: Alaska town sends love letter to neighbours in Yukon

Things have gotten a little weird lately with the U.S. and Canada, but one small-town mayor in Alaska hopes his town can still be Valentines with its neighbours across the border in the Yukon. ...
More ...A wooden sign between two totem poles reads, 'Welcome to Haines.'

Things have gotten a little weird lately with the U.S. and Canada, but one small-town mayor in Alaska hopes his town can still be Valentines with its neighbours across the border in the Yukon.

14 Feb 2025 23:33:31

Speed limit reduced for Takhini River Bridge on North Klondike Highway
Yukon News

Speed limit reduced for Takhini River Bridge on North Klondike Highway

Speed limit reduced to 70 km/h on bridge north of Whitehorse

14 Feb 2025 23:25:02

Nunatsiaq News

NTI’s 4-year strategy aims to elevate quality of life for Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. introduced its new strategic priorities for the next four years Friday, signifying what president Jeremy Tunraluk calls a “transformative shift” in its approach.  ...
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Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. introduced its new strategic priorities for the next four years Friday, signifying what president Jeremy Tunraluk calls a “transformative shift” in its approach.

“The strategy is more than a document. It is a vision, a commitment and a call to action,” Tunraluk said during the announcement at NTI’s office in Iqaluit.

This was his first four-year strategy report since being elected in December to lead the corporation that’s responsible for ensuring obligations made to Nunavut Inuit under the Nunavut Agreement are upheld.

As part of the 21-page strategy — entitled Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq, which Tunraluk said can be translated as people’s recovery — NTI aims to create better living conditions in the territory where life is getting worse for Inuit “by all social indicators,” the strategy says.

NTI vows to build pathways to “meaningful collaboration” with federal and territorial governments while continuing to assert Inuit leadership, according to an NTI release that summarized the report.

Over the years, NTI has initiated several lawsuits against the federal and territorial governments, including the ongoing legal battle with the Government of Nunavut over Inuit-language education.

Tunraluk said he is not anticipating any new legal actions in the near future.

“We’re making sure that moving forward, our partnership [with the governments] is much better, so we can meet halfway on different issues around Nunavut,” he said in an interview after the announcement.

Still, Tunraluk said, NTI’s main priority is preserving Inuktut, which is rapidly declining in Nunavut.

“Without intensive action, the erosion of Inuktut — and the associated impact on Inuit culture — will have irreversible social and economic consequences for Nunavut Inuit,” NTI’s strategy says.

The plan includes creating language learning resources and launching a public awareness campaign on the importance of preserving Inuktut.

On the housing front, NTI’s goal is to deliver $280 million in funding that will help to provide affordable rental housing units at fixed prices and not tied to any employer.

The strategy doesn’t specify how many houses will be built as part of the goal.

Other priorities include embracing a “culture of excellence,” finding solutions to food insecurity, and improving education, employment and community well-being.

 

14 Feb 2025 23:12:41

Cabin Radio

Former GSAH vet clinic team launches new Facebook page

Staff who left Great Slave Animal hospital as the clinic closed on Friday have created a new Facebook page to help pet owners affected by the sudden shutdown. The post Former GSAH vet clinic team laun ...
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Staff who left Great Slave Animal hospital as the clinic closed on Friday have created a new Facebook page to help pet owners affected by the sudden shutdown.

The post Former GSAH vet clinic team launches new Facebook page first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 21:42:51

CBC North

Great Slave Animal Hospital in Yellowknife abruptly closes

Staff at the veterinary clinic told CBC News on Friday morning they had to be out of the building by noon. ...
More ...A sign that bears the words "Great Slave Animal Hospital".

Staff at the veterinary clinic told CBC News on Friday morning they had to be out of the building by noon.

14 Feb 2025 21:42:20

CBC North

RCMP seize 4.7kg cocaine, $360k in biggest drug bust in N.W.T. history

RCMP have arrested and charged three individuals related to the bust. Police say the arrests and seizures have disrupted drug trafficking and organized crime in the territory and that it will make a d ...
More ...Drugs and money on table.

RCMP have arrested and charged three individuals related to the bust. Police say the arrests and seizures have disrupted drug trafficking and organized crime in the territory and that it will make a difference in N.W.T. communities.

14 Feb 2025 21:22:21

Cabin Radio

RCMP make ‘largest seizure’ of drugs and cash in NWT history

The RCMP's Federal Arctic Unit said it had made the largest seizure of illicit drugs and money in the history of the NWT, worth some $1.3 million. The post RCMP make ‘largest seizure’ of drugs and ...
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The RCMP's Federal Arctic Unit said it had made the largest seizure of illicit drugs and money in the history of the NWT, worth some $1.3 million.

The post RCMP make ‘largest seizure’ of drugs and cash in NWT history first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 20:40:43

Nunatsiaq News

Iqaluit RCMP ‘specifically targeting’ suspects in drug, firearm crimes

Iqaluit RCMP are on a mission to “put the bad guys away” as officers continue crackdowns and seizures of illegal drugs and weapons. That’s according to Sgt. Vlatko Nikolovski, the detachmentR ...
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Iqaluit RCMP are on a mission to “put the bad guys away” as officers continue crackdowns and seizures of illegal drugs and weapons.

That’s according to Sgt. Vlatko Nikolovski, the detachment’s acting commander, who provided the RCMP’s November and December monthly updates to city councillors this week.

“We’re going to be specifically targeting offenders that we know that are trafficking drugs or in possession of firearms,” Nikolovski said at Tuesday’s council meeting, adding that his officers are doing a “great job” gathering information on suspects.

“We use that information to write search warrants and get into those [residences], and take those guns and take the drugs and of course, put the bad guys away for as much as we can.”

He continued, “It’s not a secret that there is increased volume of drugs that are coming through the community, and we’ll do our best to encourage people to give us more information.”

Recently, Iqaluit RCMP announced two arrests after weapons and drugs were seized in a Jan. 24 search. Then on Feb. 4, two more firearms-related arrests were made after police stopped a vehicle in Iqaluit.

Coun. Kyle Sheppard thanked Nikolovski for the RCMP’s recent seizures and said it’s “concerning” how many illegal firearms are coming into the community.

“I just hope that you guys are safe and doing all you can to get those off our streets,” he said.

Nikolovski spoke of the RCMP’s current staffing and the number of calls officers respond to. That was after Deputy Mayor Kim Smith asked how the RCMP is enforcing traffic and motor vehicle-related laws.

“The detachment is running short, pretty much all the time,” Nikolovski said.

“The watches are short, considering people are leaving, sick, and helping different communities around the territory below the minimums with members. And that stretches with the call volume that they’re getting.”

For both November and December, Iqaluit RCMP had 26 constables, five corporals and one sergeant available, according to a written report provided to council.

The number of calls for service varies throughout the week, Nikolovski said.

Sundays and Mondays may bring in 10 to 15 calls for service over an entire day. Starting Tuesdays, there might be around 30 calls per shift, and on Friday and Saturday nights that number could increase to 40 calls.

“You have, depending on the day shift or night shift, four or five members responding to those calls,” Nikolovski said.

“It makes it a little bit more difficult for members to do proactive work, to focus more on the Traffic Safety Act, when you have criminal offences occurring and those are taking priorities over the traffic safety offences.”

November was Iqaluit RCMP’s busiest month of the year as officers responded to 1,339 calls for service, according to the written report.

December was the least busy busiest month, with 860 calls.

14 Feb 2025 20:23:43

Letter: Close look needed before Whitehorse hikes transit fares
Yukon News

Letter: Close look needed before Whitehorse hikes transit fares

Writer wants to know what other options exist before fares rise

14 Feb 2025 19:38:27

CBC North

Fire at Yellowknife landfill extinguished, says city

A city spokesperson said the subsurface fire in a cell containing construction and demolition waste had been put out and that the solid waste facility has now returned to regular hours.  ...
More ...A drone shot, taken from the side, shows an excavator working on a pile of what looks like dirt. Trees and a road can be seen in the far distance.

A city spokesperson said the subsurface fire in a cell containing construction and demolition waste had been put out and that the solid waste facility has now returned to regular hours. 

14 Feb 2025 19:03:14

CBC North

New location of Dawson City, Yukon's cannabis shop has some locals fuming

The owners of Dawson City, Yukon's cannabis shop are moving their store next month from Second Avenue to a more high-profile spot on Front Street. Some residents aren't happy with the plan. ...
More ...A outside shot of a bank

The owners of Dawson City, Yukon's cannabis shop are moving their store next month from Second Avenue to a more high-profile spot on Front Street. Some residents aren't happy with the plan.

14 Feb 2025 18:54:53

Cabin Radio

Yellowknife pet owners told clinic is closing on Friday

Yellowknife's Great Slave Animal Hospital looked to be shutting down operations on Friday according to multiple pet owners, who were racing to secure supplies. The post Yellowknife pet owners told cli ...
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Yellowknife's Great Slave Animal Hospital looked to be shutting down operations on Friday according to multiple pet owners, who were racing to secure supplies.

The post Yellowknife pet owners told clinic is closing on Friday first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 18:43:15

Nunatsiaq News

Water supply a consideration if Iqaluit is to host miliary base, mayor says

Hosting a military base could put demands on Iqaluit’s water system, says Mayor Solomon Awa. But, the idea also presents an economic opportunity. “There’s a question of do we have enough wat ...
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Hosting a military base could put demands on Iqaluit’s water system, says Mayor Solomon Awa. But, the idea also presents an economic opportunity.

“There’s a question of do we have enough water?” Awa said in an interview, a day after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced his party would build CFB Iqaluit if his party wins the next federal election.

But having an adequate water supply is one of the considerations the city would have to face, Iqaluit’s mayor said.

“If not, we’re going to have to ask [for] more funding to create more water for the city.”

Iqaluit’s long-term water supply and distribution upgrades, to which the federal government contributed $214 million in 2022, is one of the city’s major ongoing projects. These upgrades are meant to bolster a system that often struggles to meet the city’s needs.

Plans call for the construction of a new reservoir and water intake system to be completed by 2029, a timeline presented at a community open house last November said.

Awa also spoke about the potential economic impact a military base could have on the city.

“I, myself, with the councillors, we want to grow in the city, economically,” he said.

“This will help, economically.”

Poilievre said Monday during a press conference at the Iqaluit airport that Canada “must take control” of the North amid threats to Arctic security from Russia and China.

In addition to building a base that could host a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron within two years of forming government, Poilievre said he’d double the size of the 1st Patrol Group of the Canadian Rangers from 2,000 to 4,000 members, and buy two new icebreakers for the Royal Canadian Navy.

He didn’t say how much his promises would cost, but said the price of the base will be covered by cuts to Canadian foreign aid.

The idea of putting a military base in Iqaluit is not a new one, Awa said.

“I’m not surprised,” Awa said, adding that it’s a topic city councillors have discussed before.

The next federal election this year is set for Oct. 20, but it could happen sooner if the Liberal government, under a new leader, loses a confidence vote when Parliament resumes or if the new Liberal leader calls a snap election before October.

“We don’t know who is going to be elected, we don’t know if they’re going to be a majority government,” Awa said.

And if Poilievre’s Conservatives form the government, “We also don’t know if they’re going to keep their promise, so there’s a question here,” Awa said.

 

14 Feb 2025 18:34:40

Yukon News

Stephen Collin Cooper

14 Feb 2025 18:02:55

Cabin Radio

New Airbus jet arrives in Yellowknife for cold-weather tests

A new long-range Airbus passenger jet perfectly timed its arrival in Yellowknife for cold-weather testing. The aircraft had -39C to deal with on Friday. The post New Airbus jet arrives in Yellowknife ...
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A new long-range Airbus passenger jet perfectly timed its arrival in Yellowknife for cold-weather testing. The aircraft had -39C to deal with on Friday.

The post New Airbus jet arrives in Yellowknife for cold-weather tests first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 17:55:45

CBC North

Changes to Inuit child funding program putting families at risk: health-care workers

Health-care workers in Nunavut say changes to a federal funding program for Inuit children are forcing some pregnant women to make a tough choice: have a safe birth or ensure the kids they already hav ...
More ...The exterior of a hospital in winter.

Health-care workers in Nunavut say changes to a federal funding program for Inuit children are forcing some pregnant women to make a tough choice: have a safe birth or ensure the kids they already have are properly cared for.

14 Feb 2025 17:32:07

Cabin Radio

Turning NWT diamonds into less of a ‘secret’ in Yellowknife

Yellowknife may be a diamond capital but the gems themselves are usually out of sight. Now, some companies are trying to make NWT diamonds more visible locally. The post Turning NWT diamonds into less ...
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Yellowknife may be a diamond capital but the gems themselves are usually out of sight. Now, some companies are trying to make NWT diamonds more visible locally.

The post Turning NWT diamonds into less of a ‘secret’ in Yellowknife first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 15:39:18

Nunatsiaq News

Win games, inspire next generation: Nunavut’s goals set in Scotties return

Nunavut is headed back to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and this year’s team is hoping to make an impact on and off the pebbled ice. “We want to come away with a few wins and we think thatR ...
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Nunavut is headed back to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and this year’s team is hoping to make an impact on and off the pebbled ice.

“We want to come away with a few wins and we think that’s totally within our grasp to do that,” said Leigh Gustafson about her hopes for the national women’s curling championship.

Gustafson plays third on the team and serves as vice-president of both the Iqaluit Curling Club and Nunavut Curling Association.

This year’s Scotties marks Nunavut’s return to the tournament after the team withdrew last year.

The decision to withdraw was partly due to lack of time to prepare for the national event. As well, Iqaluit curlers lost access to their rink last winter when the city rented it out for filming the CBC/Netflix/APTN comedy North of North.

Joining Gustafson in Thunder Bay, Ont., for the curling championship are team veterans Sadie Pinksen as vice-skip and Alison Taylor as lead.

Julia Weagle is Nunavut’s new skip. Based in Ottawa, she’s making her Scotties debut as Nunavut’s designated import player.

Weagle and Gustafson’s dads were the “matchmakers” who helped bring this team together, Weagle said.

Over the past year, phone calls and video chats kept the four players connected. Weagle eventually made the trip north to join her Iqaluit teammates to practise, play and take part in some clinics.

“It’s been incredible,” Weagle said, describing getting to know Iqaluit’s curling community.

“I think there’s an appetite to grow the sport as well.”

This year’s Scotties is not just about getting wins, Gustafson said. They want to be an example for Nunavut’s up-and-coming curlers.

Nunavut is also sending teams to Saskatoon for the Canadian under-18 curling championships, which start Feb. 16.

“We have some really promising junior teams that we just want to be good role models [for],” Gustafson said.

“I think we have a really good next generation coming up.”

Nunavut’s first game at the Scotties is Saturday at 7 p.m., versus one of the two Alberta teams in their pool.

The Scotties tournament runs until Feb. 21 with games airing on TSN.

 

14 Feb 2025 15:30:00

After Washington visit, Yukon premier sees potential to negotiate on Trump tariff threats
Yukon News

After Washington visit, Yukon premier sees potential to negotiate on Trump tariff threats

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says Canada becoming 51st state isn’t an option

14 Feb 2025 15:12:00

Nunatsiaq News

Arctic Co-op to label Canadian products in light of trade war

Arctic Co-op Ltd., one of Nunavut’s biggest retailers, plans to equip stores with labels for Canadian-made goods in light of threats of a possible Canada-U.S. trade war. “We’ve had s ...
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Arctic Co-op Ltd., one of Nunavut’s biggest retailers, plans to equip stores with labels for Canadian-made goods in light of threats of a possible Canada-U.S. trade war.

“We’ve had some reach-outs from member Co-ops about a made-in-Canada push,” said Duane Wilson, vice-president stakeholder relations at Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.

Wilson spoke about the importance of providing information to consumers without forcing them to read the fine print on packaging.

The threat of tariffs has been hanging over Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected in November. Weeks after the win, he announced 25 per cent tariffs on all goods coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico on “Day 1” of his administration, which was Jan. 20.

That date has since been pushed back to Feb. 1, Feb. 4 and now sits at March 4, with an added 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum as of March 12.

Trump has used the tariff threats to highlight the U.S. trade deficit with Canada and to apply pressure for increased border security. But his administration has also signalled the tariffs are a tool to annex Canada into the U.S.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rebuffed any suggestion Canada would become the 51st state and has promised retaliatory tariffs on American products coming into Canada.

He has also urged Canadians to “choose Canada,” promoting a “buy Canadian” movement in response to the potential trade war.

Wilson said this idea is a little more complicated for people in remote northern communities who are more reliant on sealifts.

“There’s going to be a little bit less of a capacity to affect domestic procurement if you’ve already got enough shelf-stable products to see you through until next summer sealift,” he said.

“At the end of the day, if we can help give consumers some indication of the country of origin, or at least if it’s of Canadian origin, then ultimately, they will vote with the choices they make right in store.”

A representative for North West Co., which operates both Northern stores and NorthMart, says it’s unclear whether there has been a shift or push in buying habits for Canadian products but will continue to support locally made products.

“Our teams work diligently, ensuring our customers continue to have access to a wide range of product offerings, to meet their family’s needs,” said Darryl Martin, director of marketing and communications at North West company in a statement.

“Supporting local is important for our customers and remains a priority for us.”

Canada’s premiers, including Nunavut premier P.J. Ageeagok were in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with U.S. government officials in an effort to dissuade the Trump administration from going ahead with the tariffs.

B.C. Premier David Eby told reporters Wednesday the premiers have made it clear to the Trump administration that annexation talk is a “non-starter.”

To which James Blair, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, replied on X: “We never agreed that Canada would not be the 51st state.”

14 Feb 2025 14:33:20

CBC North

Yukon agencies making much ado about nothing, gov't says in response to budget dispute

Yukon's finance minister says the territory's ombudsman and its child and youth advocate are overreacting and engaging in "rhetorical excess" by claiming government interference in the budgeting pro ...
More ...A bearded man in a suit stands holding a red folder, with microphones visible in the foreground.

Yukon's finance minister says the territory's ombudsman and its child and youth advocate are overreacting and engaging in "rhetorical excess" by claiming government interference in the budgeting process for their offices.

14 Feb 2025 14:32:54

CBC North

Alaska senators introduce bill that would again designate North America's tallest peak as Denali

Alaska's Republican U.S. senators have introduced legislation seeking to designate North America's tallest peak as Denali — weeks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for ...
More ...A woman speaks into a microphone at a podium.

Alaska's Republican U.S. senators have introduced legislation seeking to designate North America's tallest peak as Denali — weeks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the name to revert to Mount McKinley.

14 Feb 2025 14:17:34

Nunatsiaq News

Ottawa students gets chance to learn Inuktitut

Sam Aipellee sits in an Ottawa Technical Secondary School classroom, watching as language specialist Nina Kuppaq carefully lights a soapstone qulliq after filling it with olive oil and cotton. Kup ...
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Sam Aipellee sits in an Ottawa Technical Secondary School classroom, watching as language specialist Nina Kuppaq carefully lights a soapstone qulliq after filling it with olive oil and cotton.

Kuppaq addresses the group of five students seated before her, describing how the qulliq is historically a crucial source of light and warmth in Inuit households.

When a student asks how animal fat was used to light the lamp, Kuppaq explains that seal or whale fat was rendered into oil.

Aipellee, who is in Grade 12, is one of the first students in a new Inuktitut language class offered at the school as of Feb. 3. She said she sees it as an opportunity to practise speaking Inuktitut again.

“I get to relearn my language and understand and answer in Inuktitut when speaking with my family. Since it’s my first language but I lost it, I would love to relearn it again,” she said.

This is the first time the course has been offered by Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

“It is a really historical moment for Indigenous people, especially the Inuit community, with regards to language revitalization and maintaining their connection to their culture,” said Ginnifer Menominee, the Indigenous languages co-ordinator for the school board.

Sam Aipellee, a Grade 12 student at Ottawa Technical Secondary School, strikes a pose Wednesday as her teacher, Inuktitut specialist Nina Kuppaq, lights a qulliq in class. (Photo by Nehaa Bimal)

The course has eight students enrolled from grades 9 to 12. While most students in the class are Inuit, there are a few First Nations students as well.

“We know that there is a definite need for Indigenous languages within the education department, so it is really vital,” Menominee said, adding students and families across the district have inquired about how they can participate.

Jasmine Doig, an Indigenous graduation coach at the school, played a key role in supporting the program.

“I once went to the same school board as an Inuk student who definitely didn’t have the same opportunities,” she said.

“When I started as a grad coach about four years ago, I was serving a high population of Inuit that I already supported in the community, and I knew a lot of families and elders. I really tried to get the school board to understand the importance of the diversity amongst Indigineity and Inuit culture, language, and history.”

The course is taught by Kuppaq, whose Inuktitut certification with the Ontario College of Teachers was made possible through years of advocacy by Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Uqausilirijiit Circle.

The Uqausilirijiit Circle is a group of Inuit elders who put forth recommendations to the Ontario College of Teachers regarding instruction of Inuktut languages within Ontario.

They also assess students’ language skills, giving those who already know Inuktitut a chance to earn credits. So far, three students have received credits.

The Inuktitut course provides students with a credit that can be used as a substitute for the French language requirement in the Ontario Secondary School Certificate and Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

The course also incorporates Inuit games, throat singing, drum dancing, and traditional land-based activities.

“The teacher will actually be intertwining culture into the everyday,” Menominee said.

“So it’s not just going to be your typical classroom session. She is going to be bringing in guests, taking kids out onto land, going out to community partnerships, and learning how to build their own qulliqs and stone carvings.”

Of all the activities planned for this semester, Aipellee said she is most looking forward to making parkas.

The school board hopes to expand the program in the future.

“There is a lot of interest from other schools within the board and the district wanting to provide Inuktitut to other students,” Menominee said.

“So we’re going to be expanding, but right now we’re really focusing on this semester as our startup, and then we will expand outward.”

14 Feb 2025 13:30:09

QUIZ: How much do you know about love and romance?
Yukon News

QUIZ: How much do you know about love and romance?

Valentine’s Day, on Feb. 14, is a celebration of romantic love

14 Feb 2025 13:30:00

Cabin Radio

Hay River police chase incident ‘under review,’ say RCMP

An apparent high-speed police chase through part of Hay River that resulted in a resident's truck being hit is "under review," RCMP said this week. The post Hay River police chase incident ‘under re ...
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An apparent high-speed police chase through part of Hay River that resulted in a resident's truck being hit is "under review," RCMP said this week.

The post Hay River police chase incident ‘under review,’ say RCMP first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 12:54:00

CBC North

N.W.T. gov't scrapping $100K to family violence shelters, shelters say bring it back

A network of family violence shelters and safe homes are urging the government to reinstate a $100,000 fund that supports in-person collaboration and trauma-informed training. The government says thos ...
More ...A women sits in front of a plain wall.

A network of family violence shelters and safe homes are urging the government to reinstate a $100,000 fund that supports in-person collaboration and trauma-informed training. The government says those meetings can happen virtually.

14 Feb 2025 12:51:56

Cabin Radio

Collaboration is ‘foundation of consensus,’ premier says

Following a proposal from some MLAs to form an independent caucus, the NWT premier called for politicians to work together without partisanship for northerners. The post Collaboration is ‘foundation ...
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Following a proposal from some MLAs to form an independent caucus, the NWT premier called for politicians to work together without partisanship for northerners.

The post Collaboration is ‘foundation of consensus,’ premier says first appeared on Cabin Radio.

14 Feb 2025 12:50:00

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