Around the Kivalliq: Farewell to the Kreugers

A parade of residents honked their horns in tribute as they passed in front of the Kreuger residence this past week,

honouring the couple for their 27-years worth of dedication to the community of Baker Lake.

Jim was a teacher in Baker for the 27 years, while Laurel managed the prenatal nutrition program.

Jim was also extremely well known for his time spent as a coach and executive member of the Baker Lake Minor Hockey Association.

The couple are scheduled to leave Baker Lake on June 11.

‘We must do better,’ minister says
Kivalliq

Nunavut Minister of Family Services Elisapee Sheutiapik issued a press release this past week to mark the one-year anniversary of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report and Calls for Justice.

The report highlighted the painful experiences of violence and racism against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and two-spirit people for all Canadians to absorb.

Sheutiapik said, in the release, that the Government of Nunavut (GN) continues to work with its Inuit, provincial, territorial, and federal partners to take steps to address the important issues identified in the MMIWG Final Report and Calls for Justice.

She said it is important that everyone recognizes there is always more that can be done, and that they speak-up about the injustices they experience and witness around them.

“We must do better,” said Sheutiapik.

“We need to recognize the pain, trauma and grief that communities experience when faced with systemic racism and discrimination.

“We must speak boldly, and with courage, with a collaborative voice to support resilience, and advocacy to supporting inclusion, diversity and equity.

“These values are explicitly highlighted in Inuit societal values and those principles help us honour all people.”

Covid update: GN workers return
Kivalliq

GN employees who had been working from home returned to their workplaces this past Monday, June 8.

The announcement was made via press release this past week by Minister of Human Resources Lorne Kusugak.

Kusugak said the decision was made in consultation with the Public Health team and the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC).
He said the GN recognizes that a healthy workplace is essential to the health and well-being of all employees, enabling them to bring their essential talents, skills and energy as they deliver services to Nunavummiut.

“In support of a safe and healthy workplace, the GN is following WSCC guidelines on risk assessment and worksite precautions and will continue to follow all orders and restrictions set in place by the chief public health officer in response to Covid-19.” said Kusugak.

“GN employees will also continue to receive health and safety information and guidelines on an ongoing basis.

“The GN’s Employee and Family Assistance Program is also available to support the overall well-being of GN employees and their families.

“We realize that with school closures and the uncertainty of summer day camps programs at this time, parents will need time to work out childcare options and, therefore, we encourage them to contact their immediate supervisors to discuss their options.”