Inuvik hunter fined, given hunting ban for wasting meat
An Inuvik hunter received a $2,000 fine Friday, Jan. 23, and is banned from hunting in the
Yukon for three years after shooting caribou near the Dempster Highway in Yukon and leaving
the meat to rot.
The incident took place in July 2013, but the hunter failed to attend the original court date. A
warrant was issued for the hunter’s arrest. The hunter was charged under the Yukon Wildlife Act
last week in Yukon territorial court after Whitehorse RCMP finally got in contact with the
hunter.
The hunter will be required to complete a hunting education and ethics class before the hunting
ban is lifted.
Inuvik welcomes youth to anti-tobacco conference
In partnership with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and the Lung Association of
Alberta and NWT, the Building Leadership for Action in Schools Today (BLAST!) regional
conference took place at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik Feb. 2 to 4.
The anti-tobacco program aimed to educate youth from Grades 6 to 9 on the harmful effects of
tobacco in order to empower them to make educated and informed decisions about tobacco use.
Youth took part in information sessions on topics such as the history of tobacco, the health
effects of smoking, and lung health. They also took part in team-building activities such as
skating, swimming, and a movie night.
MP announces funding for AWG cultural program
Northwest Territories Member of Parliament Michael McLeod announced a $184,750
contribution to the 2018 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) cultural program on behalf of Melanie
Joly, minister of Canadian Heritage, Saturday, Feb. 3.
The funding comes from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, which provides financial assistance
to arts festivals in order for organizations to provide support to arts presenters.
This announcement comes after the AWG received backlash in January for putting out a call for
unpaid performers for its cultural program.
The AWG apologized shortly after and promised to provide compensation to its performers.
The AWG will take place in Hay River and Fort Smith from March 18 to 24.
2018 Great Northern Arts Festival dates announced
The 2018 Great Northern Arts Festival (GNAF) will take place in Inuvik from July 13 to 22.
GNAF, a not-for- profit festival, is hosted annually in Inuvik and features local artists and
vendors. This will be the festival’s 29th year in operation.
GNAF will feature galleries, sales, Northern games demonstrations, a fashion show, and
workshops such as stone carving, rawhide drum making, and qiviut knitting.
Artists interested in taking part in the festival can fill out an application on the GNAF website.
The festival is also looking for volunteers. Those interested can fill out an online application.