Running to beat the odds
When Sue Clarkson was finally diagnosed with an incurable form of lymphoma last April, few were more devastated than her colleague and best friend Debbie MacDonald.

Program targets non-swimmers
Since he was kid, any time Jason Nasogaluak got the chance to climb into a boat to go fishing or hunting, he would gladly take it.

Aboriginal Day

'They're not scared to talk anymore'
Whenever John Banksland hears the Canadian government chastising another country over its human rights abuses, a feeling of frustration and resentment wells within him.

Driven to inspire
As Marcelo da Luz whizzed through Alaska in his solar car he was spotted by one frantic witness who promptly called the cops declaring there was UFO travelling on the highway.

Swim to survive

The Town of Inuvik is offering a nationally-recognized lifesaving program to residents 18 years old and up.

The program is specifically designed for people who work or spend recreational time around water.

Registration is free. The program will run on Aug. 3 and 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Swim to Survive is a program by the Lifesaving Society, a national charitable organization, which will educate and train participants in basic swimming skills.

Life jackets will be issued to those who complete the course.

For more information, contact the recreation centre.

Is your home energy efficient?

The Arctic Energy Alliance will be conducting home energy evaluations next month in Inuvik in an effort to help homeowners cut down on their energy costs.

Stops will also be made in Aklavik, Paulatuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Trout Lake, Nahanni Butte and Fort Simpson during the month.

Homeowners can apply to Natural Resources Canada for a grant to improve their home's energy efficiency, and grants have recently been increased by 25 per cent.

The deadline to register for an home energy evaluation is Friday, July 31.

Calling alljunior scientists

The Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre will be holding a free Make Friends with Science camp from Aug. 4 to 7.

The four-day event will be full of all kinds of entertaining science projects for Inuvik's budding scientists. Kids get a free T-shirt.

The program is open to boys and girls ages seven to 12. Camp hours run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with 30 minutes of supervision available before and after each camp day.

For more information contact Susan Ross. Space is limited.

Gwich'in harvesters wanted

The Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board is looking for Gwich'in harvesters to take part in its 2009 Gwich'in Harvest Study, in which a $250 gas voucher will be given to a lucky participant.

To be eligible for the draw, which will take place next month, harvesters must fill out a form that takes about five to 10 minutes to complete.

Forms can be completed at home, the GRRB office, or over the phone. Information provided will not be used for enforcement purposes.

For more information contact the GRRB office.

Waiting for whales

Paulatuk

A cold summer is taking its toll on Paulatuk whalers, who are still waiting for the ice to break up in the bays so they can harvest belugas.

"We're usually out there by now, but the ice, the wind has held us back," said John Max Kudlak, who serves on the parks management board and the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee.

The committee is holding its annual general meeting today, July 23. Despite the whaling season's slow start, Kudlak said char fishing in the area has been promising. Fish caught recently are older and heavier than a few years ago, he said, up to around 15 pounds each from about four pounds.

The area's char monitoring program will be up and running by the end of the month to guard against overfishing.

Canoe Days coming

Tsiigehtchic/Arctic Red River

The community of Tsiigehtchic is preparing for its 19th annual Canoe Days festival, scheduled for Aug. 21 to 23.

Festival organizers, including Charlene Blake, have been fundraising for the event since April. Blake said organizers hope to raise $10,000 for the festival, which includes traditional activities in addition to canoe races on the river.

So far, the community has supported the festival by attending bingo and purchasing dinner plates and raffle tickets, including some for an IPod Touch music player.

Blake said organizers may give away a laptop computer as well.

Rain won't dampen music fest

Telit'Zheh/Fort McPherson

Next weekend marks the annual Midway Lake Music Festival in Fort McPherson.

The lineup for the festival, which runs from July 31 to Aug. 3, includes dozens of local entertainers and fiddlers, such as Michael Francis.

Joining local performers will be acts from Saskatchewan and Alberta, including country/rock band Out of the Blue, rock band Black Rain and the Norman Danais Band from Meander River, Alta.

In case of rain dampening this year's event, as it has in past years, the festival will feature the region's largest tent structure to cover the stage, dance floor and bleachers. Some musicians at the event, which kicks off on Friday July 31 at 7 p.m., will also offer music workshops for youth.

Off to Shingle Point

Aklavik

Most Aklavik residents are out of town this week, taking advantage of the summer weather to camp out on the land.

The most popular gathering spot is currently Shingle Point, where the hamlet will hold its annual summer games beginning tomorrow, July 24. The games, including fishing and other traditional activities, are scheduled to wrap up on Sunday July 26.

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