The George River Caribou Herd in critical state as population decline continues.

The 2018 census results for the GRC herd show further dramatic decline and put the herd at 5,500 caribou – a 38% decline since 2016 and a 99% decline since 2001, that puts the herd down at its greatest known risk for a total extirpation (to destroy completely).

Biologists from Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec completed the cesus of the herd in July, with the direct participation of Indigenous representatives from both Provinces.

Despite of a complete closure of all hunting as of 2013, by 2016 the population had declined to 8,900 animals.

In 2017 the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada recommended listing the George River Caribou Herd as Endangered. The Provincial Government considered thr recommendation and- at the specific request of Indigenous Governments and communities in Labrador- decided not to list, and agreed to develop a co-management approach between Indigenous government and communities and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Honourable Gerry Byrnes, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources quotes “ the continued decline in George River Caribou Herd is serious and disturbing”.

His department continues to reach out to Labrador Indigenous government and communities, the Government of Quebec, and the Federal Government to develop a co- management approach that would support the recovery of the
George River Caribou Herd.

Aboriginal Affairs will be hosting their annual Elders’ Tours in Voisey’s Bay this September.

Inuit Elders- Thursday, September 27

Innu Elders- Friday, September 28

If you know of an Aboriginal Elder who would like to visit the Mine Site for a day trip, please contact the Aboriginal Affairs Department:

Patricia White at(709) 922-4326 or email patricia.white@vale.com

Cherie Auchinleck at (709) 752-7503 or email cherie.auchinleck@vale.com

The deadline to submit names is Friday, September 21,2018

Nunatsiavut Marine would like to advise customers that the MV Northern Ranger will not depart Happy Valley – Goose Bay this evening for the south run due to weather.

Conditions are not expected to improve until late Sunday or early Monday. However, please continue to monitor our vessel updates page for the latest estimated departure and arrival times.

The vessel will operate on a load and go basis once conditions allow for safe sailing.

The safety of our passengers and crew are our first priority, and we would like to thank you for your understanding.

The Nain Fish Plant is having their last day of sales today.

Deidi Kohlmeister is the office supervisor.

She says that there are some smoke char and bit of fresh fillets for sale at the plant.

The prices for the smoke char is $13.75 a lb. and the fresh fillets are $8.75 a lb.

There is a slight drop in fuel prices this week.

The regulated price of gas down by less than a cent a litre

And diesel dropped by just over a cent

Furnace and stove oil are all down by just over a cent a litre

The residential propane is down by about one cent a litre.

The Nunatsiavut Government invites you to a meeting to discuss ways to save energy and ways to produce our own.

Niel Hawkes is the Energy Facilitator for the Nunatsiavut Government.

He came into our studio to let the audience know that he will be holding meetings here in Nain on September 24, 2018 at the NG admin building from 7-9pm.

Refreshments will be provided and there will also be a chance to win prizes.

To hear Hawkes discuss more on his position and the upcoming meeting, click HERE.

The 2018 Fall Sports meet is being held in Hopedale this year.

OK Radio spoke with Nicole McLean, the Physical Education teacher for the Amos Comenius Memorial School (ACMS) in Hopedale.

She says that it starts tomorrow, Thursday 20, 2018 and ends Saturday Evening.

Students travel Thursday and Sunday.

Once the students arrive they will start table tennis until 5pm.

Opening ceremonies start at 6:30 followed by volleyball until closes.

Friday the students will drive through for run at 8 am then the girls start their run at 8:30 am then the boys start at 9:30 am.

At 11 am there will be archery and then a lunch break.

Volleyball continues at 1 pm on Friday and then in the evening there will be northern games.

On Saturday they will finish off the volleyball.

To end off the sports meet with the banquet on Saturday at 6:30 pm and awards at 7 pm and it will be open to the public.

Each team has 12 students and 2 coaches/chaperones, six males and six females.

OK Radio will have the results from the Fall Sports Meet when they become available.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is conducting an Inuit Child Welfare Review in Nunatsiavut.

We are making our second round of visits to communities in Nunatsiavut as well as Goose-Bay and North West River.

Please note, the OCYA, Darlene Jacque and Danielle Baikie will also be in the communities during the dates below:

• September 23-28 – North West River/Goose Bay
• October 3-5 – Makkovik
• October 8-12 – Hopedale
• October 15-19 – Nain
• October 22-24 – Rigolet
• October 24-26 – Postville

They strongly encourage youth to attend their sessions, and to provide us with their input, especially if they have been impacted by the child protection system in any way.

We want to hear from everyone who is willing to share.

Please contact community liaisons Darlene Jacque at 896-4431 or Danielle Baikie at 922-2126 for more information, or you can reach the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate toll free at 1-877-753-3888.

The Nain Inuit Community government put out a public notice for the municipality of Nain for nominations of seven Candidates for councillors of the Inuit community council of the community government elections.

The Nain Inuit community government is accepting nominations beginning Tuesday September 18 2018 to Tuesday September 25 2018 between nine am. to four pm.

Nominations shall be in writing and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and shall be signed by the proposer and seconder; both of whom shall be present together with the candidate.

The candidate shall also sign signifying his or her acceptance of the nomination during the aforesaid dates with the exception of the days Saturday and Sunday.

The qualifications of the candidate for election for the Inuit Community Council are as follows:

1. Eligible to be enrolled on the A voters roll and/or the B Voters roll in an election in the community in which he or she is nominated to serve as a councillor.
2. A Canadian citizen of the full age of nineteen years or older.
3. Ordinary resident in the community or area for at least six months prior to the date set for nomination.

There is one seat on the Inuit Community Council reserved for new residence (B voters list)

If required the election will take place on Tuesday October 16 2018 between the hours of eight am and eight pm at the polling booths to be located at the Nain Inuit community government office.

This week is the last week of sales at the Nain Fish Plant.

Deidi Kohlmeister is the Plant Supervisor.

She says that the last day to buy products is Friday September 21st. 2018.

There are a few bags of scallops, few bags of crab legs and some smoke fillets left.

You have until Friday, September 21, 2018 to buy the products.

For more information you can call the plant office at 922-2853.