Around Kivalliq

Published 12:10 pm Thursday, September 24, 2026 By Around Kivalliq with Jill Westerman A waterfall south of Rankin Inlet has been modified in an effort to give Arctic char better access to important spawning and overwintering habitat. Agnico Eagle Mines completed construction at Pistol Bay Falls during the summer of 2026. The work involved altering natural barriers that can make it difficult for Arctic char to travel upstream, particularly during periods when water levels are low. The site is located approximately 50 km south of Rankin Inlet, near the transition between freshwater and the marine environment of Hudson Bay. Its remote location presented considerable logistical challenges. There is no road or permanent infrastructure at Pistol Bay Falls, meaning workers, equipment and construction materials had to be transported to the site primarily by helicopter. A small excavator used during the project was brought into the area by barge. Agnico Eagle spokesperson Kathryn Devereaux said a combination of Inuit knowledge and scientific studies indicated that a relatively modest alteration at the falls could provide significant long-term benefits for Arctic char by making additional habitat more accessible. “The falls can make it difficult for fish to reach upstream spawning and overwintering habitat during low-flow conditions,” Devereaux said. The project was undertaken as part of Agnico Eagle’s offsetting plan for effects on fish habitat associated with the company’s Meliadine mine operations. Offsetting measures are intended to compensate for effects on fish and fish habitat that cannot be completely avoided or mitigated through other measures. Although construction at the falls has been completed, determining whether the project produces the intended benefits will take considerably longer. The site is expected to be monitored for approximately 10 years. That monitoring will help determine whether Arctic char are able to move through the modified area more readily and make greater use of upstream spawning and overwintering habitat. On-the-land addictions team to visit Naujaat The On the Land Addictions Program team will visit Naujaat this month to provide information and support at the Pulaarvik office. Counselling sessions will be available from Sept. 27-29. A presentation about the program is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, followed by games and prizes that afternoon. On Sept. 29, the team will help residents apply for the men’s intake, which is scheduled to begin on Oct. 5. Program manager Sarah Ayaruak and recovery specialist Nina Illnik will be available to meet community members during the visit. Rankin Inlet walk to raise awareness of Nunavut suicide crisis Rankin Inlet residents will gather Saturday, Sept. 26, for a walk to raise awareness about Nunavut’s suicide crisis, remember those who have died and support people who may be struggling. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at kilometre 20 on the mining road and end at Nipissar Lake. Water, tea, coffee and snacks will be available at spots along the route. The RCMP will travel at the front and rear of the group to help keep participants safe. Agnico Eagle Mines has closed the road in support of the event. Organizers are working to arrange bus transportation to the starting point. Further details will be announced once transportation is confirmed. A square dance will be held later that evening as a celebration of life, love and community. Rankin Rock Hockey seeks volunteer coaches Rankin Rock Hockey is seeking volunteer coaches for its 2026-27 season as it prepares to accommodate large minor hockey groups. The organization needs three coaches each for the U7, U15 and U18 divisions, as well as five coaches each for U9, U11 and U13. Three coaches are also needed for the female U13-U18 division. Anyone interested in volunteering can email rankinrockhockey@gmail.com. Nunavut seeks nominees for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) committee The Government of Nunavut is seeking nominations for 10 members to serve on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit. The committee of Elders advises the territorial government on policies, programs and services using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles. Members also identify and record Inuit Maligangit, or traditional Inuit laws, to help build a government repository of Inuit knowledge. Members are appointed to three-year terms and are expected to meet at least three times a year. Cabinet members and ministers may also seek the committee’s advice when needed. Nunavummiut who are knowledgeable about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit may nominate themselves or someone they know. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by October 10th to Raigelee Alorut at ralorut1@gov.nu.ca. Youth invited to build traditional qamutinguaq Youth ages 13 to 17 are invited to apply for a qamutinguaq-making program taking place from Oct. 5-16 at the John Ollie Complex in Arviat. The program will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to both boys and girls. Twenty participants will be selected to build their own qamutinguaq, which they will be able to take home when completed. Anyone interested can enter their name by calling the recreation department at 867-857-2880. Participants will be chosen through a random draw.