Friday 30 December 2011

Full Q&A Notes on #NWTPoli Politics and Social Media for my @CBCNorth radio appearance this morning

[Notes, not a transcript]
Audio of interview available for download at
http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/56769

1. So, what "on-line activities" did you track during the elections this year?

All the candidates Twitter and Facebook accounts
in both the federal and territorial elections
as well as their (if they had 'em) their blogs and websites…
I wanted to see what new media communication the candidates would bring to bear on the runs… how they would handle the voters.. if they would dialogue with the voters or just spew the standard press releases…

As of December 30th, 2011
Seniors Forum  Live stream video had 122 video views http://mediamentor-circumpolar.blogspot.com/2011/09/seniors-all-yzf-candidates-for.html
Chamber of Commerce forum videos http://storify.com/northern_clips/yellowknife-chamber-of-commerce-election-forum-201 had 977 video views
NWT Election form now NWT Politics & Society https://www.facebook.com/groups/NWT.elec.17/
had 180 members during during the elections and now has172 with over 2000 posts on many different issues of concern to the citizens of the NWT
The Election time, NWT style article on http://rabble.ca/news/2011/09/election-time-nwt-style had 1200 readers and the live stream videos of the Northwest Territories, Status of Women Council of the NWTs held an All Yellowknife Candidates Forum on September 26, 7 p.m., at Northern United Place had 839 viewers. http://rabble.ca/rabbletv/program-guide/2011/09/features/nwt-all-candidates-debate

------------------------

2. From your perspective, what stands out for you about this year's elections?

Well two things…
The first being that there was so many candidates using social media..
In the federal race… all candidates had Facebook and twitter accounts…
some with new accounts set up for the election… and others with established pages… same with webpages or blogs….
Same in the territorial race… except in that race.. some candidates did not have an on-line presence at all… that's to be understood.. some communities lack the connectivity and surfers to make it worthwhile …

Second surprise in both races was number of candidates using new media who did not seem to get the would idea that its a two way street and its the give and take that's the key…

----------------------------

3. How does that change things?

We're a big territory.. that's not news…
What may be news to some is that for the first time in our electoral process Twitter and Facebook let the voters of the NWT personally participate in the debate … air the issues… and start the building of a territory wide consensus on those issues…
and those voters..
like students at university and others living down south
or those out of their communities and at Aurora College in Ft Smith or Inuvik
were also able to participate… hear the issues and think about their votes…
using Hashtags #NWTpoli #NWTleg #NWTelec17

4. During the territorial election, you started the NWT ELECTIONS FOR THE 17th assembly Facebook group.
What were some of the issues that people wanted to talk about?

Now called NWT Politics & Society Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/NWT.elec.17/ the group has about 180 members during during over 2000 posts on many different issues of concern to the citizens of the NWT

During the
Direct election of the premier… or at least a change in the way its done now..
Poverty, housing.. the road to Tuk..
The Hache / Hawkins issue
The Turner / Daryl Dolynny issue
pretty much the same topics that you might have see on CBCNorth or in the newspaper… the major difference being that this was the voter talking.. not the pundits… not the journalists.. it allowed the people to voice their opinions on topics of their own choosing

-----------------

FOLLOWUP : Who would you point to for both 'active' and 'inactive' on-line campaigns?

in Yellowknife Centre, Hawkins and Hache have both been on Twitter since 2009… but the differences are amazing… with Hache the scoop and depth of her posts gave and still give us an insight into her character, concerns and interest… Mr Hawkins just touted his campaign and its minutia with little if any opinion or sense of his character

Bea Lepine - Candidate for Hay River North MLA still has 244 members of her Facebook group… and had more during the election…. she did an excellent job of dialoguing with those voters and also continued in traditional campaign methods… in her personal account she has 424 friends.. she lost...

But her main opponent Robert Bouchard's personal page (all he had during the election) lists 434 friends… he won.. wit little on line interaction…

But I think the best examples are from the Federal campaign…

Our former Health Minister, Conservative Sandy Lee, had a very professionally run Facebook and Twitter accounts… but it was evident that's all they were… press photo after press release and little or no interaction with the voters… In fact after asking a simple question about why Ms Lee had not answered the NWT Status of Women's questionnaire on he Facebook page…. one of her staffers from Inuvik banned me from the page telling me "That page is there for Sandy's supporters" only…  and the same question asked via Twitter never received a reply.. Of all her Facebook postings I seem to remember only two or three that were not posted by her staff…

On the other hand..
The Green Party's Eli Purchase, the Liberal's Joe Handley and the NDP's Dennis Bevington were all… very much more open and forthcoming… with many postings from not only supporters by others who asked questions… and got answers…

It was refreshing to see that Eli Purchase was doing his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube videos himself… and there was the feeling of hearing his personal opinions and stances on the issues…

So to for Handley and Bevington….
So what I am saying is the Facebook and Twitter are excellent ways for a voter to test the waters… to find out about a candidate's interests and character during an election… and afterwards… if they are well used by the politician… they let the voter keep track and keep in touch with them during their mandate...

- --------------

5. So, what does all this tell you about how connected (as in our on-line presence) we are as a territory and where we are going?

Well … our connectivity will improve… there is no doubt about that…
both to the internet and to our politicians… both the federal and territorial election campaigns have, I think, firmly established that social media are important tools of communication in our democratic society… and are here to stay..and in a region of the size in the NWT… the most important thing is that they give the voter back the power (if we ever had it) to build and establish the oft talked about consensus and then to mandate our politicians to carry out the consensus of the people's will...

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Maclean's National Crime Ranking for the NWT

According to McLean's the severity of crime in the NWT higher than the Canadian average for overall crime.
Only Nunavut is higher.
Fortunately Yellowknife does not rate in the top 100 cities.
http://www2.macleans.ca/crime-chart/

Crime severity index
RankProvince or TerritoryPopulation% from Canadian average Rank (violent crime)Rank (non-violent crime)% change since 2005* % change since 2000*
1Nunavut33,220 318125.738.1
2 Northwest Territories43,759311.321-0.935.1
3Yukon Territory34,52510733-14.1-36.1


Northwest Territories, Canada

Overall Rank #2

Population: 43,759 Website: www.gov.nt.ca

Homicide
Rate per 100,000 population:2.3Canadian rate per 100,000 population:1.6
Percentage difference from Canada:40.7%

Sexual assault
Rate per 100,000 population:402.2
Canadian rate per 100,000 population:65
Percentage difference from Canada:518.5%

Aggravated assault
Rate per 100,000 population:68.6
Canadian rate per 100,000 population:10
Percentage difference from Canada:585.8%

Robbery
Rate per 100,000 population:54.9
Canadian rate per 100,000 population:89.1
Percentage difference from Canada:-38.5%

Breaking and entering
Rate per 100,000 population:1629.4
Canadian rate per 100,000 population:577.2
Percentage difference from Canada:182.3%

Auto theft
Rate per 100,000 population:507.3
Canadian rate per 100,000 population:271.7
Percentage difference from Canada:86.7%


METHODOLOGY
Maclean's obtained annual crime data from Statistics Canada for municipal police services serving the nation's 100 largest populations, each encompassing a city or town of at least 10,000 people. Using 2010 rates per 100,000 people for six crimes—homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, vehicle theft, robbery plus breaking and entering—in each area, Maclean's calculated the percentage difference from the national rate. The overall crime score ranking for the 100 communities was created in consultation with StatsCan, using its Crime Severity Index (CSI) score and calculating the percentage difference from the national CSI score. Maclean's calculated the ratios by dividing population of the area by the raw number of crimes. Maclean's uses the names of the individual police services as used by Statistics Canada as the "city" name; some are edited for space.


Saturday 17 December 2011

MINISTER’S STATEMENT 20-17(1): MEETING WITH FEDERAL JUSTICE MINISTER ON BILL C-10 HON. GLEN ABERNETHY

HANSARD UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
MINISTER'S STATEMENT 20-17(1): MEETING WITH FEDERAL JUSTICE MINISTER ON BILL C-10
HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to update the House on discussions I had with the federal Minister of Justice, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, yesterday. The purpose of this meeting was to bring the concerns of my colleagues regarding Bill C-10 to the Minister and to discuss how best to mitigate the impacts of the bill on the Northwest Territories.
The Parliament of Canada has the right and responsibility to pass national legislation in respect to criminal justice that can significantly affect all the provinces and territories. The motion passed just last Friday by this Assembly details some of the concerns that we have about this bill, and how it may affect our residents and our institutions that respond to crime. But we must be mindful of the fact that Bill C-10 is the latest in a string of federal bills aimed at addressing crime. Since 2006 there have been 18 crime and public safety bills that have gone through Parliament, many of which are now law. These initiatives have had a cumulative impact on our services here in the Northwest Territories.
For the record, Bill C-10 bundles nine bills that were introduced in the previous Parliament into one large piece of legislation. The bill covers everything from sexual offences and drug crimes, to compensating victims of terrorism and eliminating pardons for some offences. The bill also introduces new offences and mandatory minimum sentences, imposes higher penalties and restricts the use of conditional sentences.
We anticipate the changes in sentencing will affect our corrections system where we may see more or see increases in the number of adults in custody as well as more youth in pre-trial and sentence custody. There may also be pressures on our courts and on our Legal Aid Program as more people may contest charges due to the increased penalties.
Additionally, the new legislation may place more demands on our victim services. There may be increased pressures on our community justice programs and will continue to try to deal with matters outside of the court system wherever possible.
Minister Nicholson and I had a positive discussion, recognizing the unique concerns we have in the Northwest Territories. We agreed that we will continue to work together on a number of fronts including: diversion options, potential options for alternative courts, victim services, Aboriginal justice and youth justice.
I extended an invitation to Minister Nicholson to come visit one of our small communities here in the North to see daily life firsthand. He was open and receptive to the invitation.
We will be continuing our discussions with Canada to develop concrete approaches to mitigating the effects of Bill C-10, and work with our northern counterparts in Nunavut and the Yukon to promote our common interest and to share the best practices. We look forward to further discussions with all Ministers of Justice at the FPT Ministers of Justice meeting at the end of January. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Abernethy.

Friday 16 December 2011

Call for Applications: Hi-Rez Storytelling: Indigenous Storytellers Invited to Apply

Aboriginal Arts  

Hi-Rez Storytelling
http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=1235

Indigenous Storytellers Invited to Apply

Program dates: February 27 – March 10, 2012
Application deadline: January 13, 2012

Hi-Rez Storytelling is a program designed to support emerging to mid-career Aboriginal filmmakers and new media screen-based writers and producers. During the course of this unique two-week residency at The Banff Centre, participants will develop a project they bring with them to the program, write for multi-platform environments, and learn digital strategies that provide a continuum for contemporary storytelling forms.

Hi-Rez Storytelling will provide one-on-one mentorship and guidance with outstanding faculty and guest speakers. At the end of residency, participants will leave with a developed story, plans for production, and fundraising and/or pitching plans. Participants may be storytellers of any genre who want to explore how to tell and visualize their story, and who wish to explore an Indigenous esthetic in storytelling and interactivity.

Scholarship and financial aid to cover 100 per cent of the program fee is available. Travel costs will be the responsibility of the participants.
 
How to Apply
http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=1235&p=requirements

Self-directed Residencies for Aboriginal Artists

Achieve your artistic vision. The Banff Centre offers self-directed residencies for Aboriginal artists, enabling the time and space for focused work and providing the freedom to conceptualize, create, research, or complete a project.

Aboriginal Arts self-directed residencies are open to writers, composers, singer-songwriters, dancers, choreographers, screenwriters, and playwrights. Residencies can be of any duration and artists can apply to come any time.
 
Apply now
http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=1235&p=apply

For more information about Hi-Rez Storytelling and Aboriginal Arts Self-Directed Residencies, please contact:

Kathy Morrison, Program Manager
Aboriginal Arts
The Banff Centre
Box 1020, Station 21
Banff, AB T1L 1H5
kathy_morrison@banffcentre.ca
Tel: 403.763.6710
 
   

A Place for Artists

The Banff Centre puts the needs of artists above all else, providing time and space for inspired creativity and intense productivity (plus bacon and dessert every day!)
 
 
Watch The Video
 

Wednesday 14 December 2011

JOB: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Open Sky Creative Society Fort Simpson NWT

JOB: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Open Sky Creative Society Fort Simpson NWT

Deadline for Applications: Jan 31, 2012
http://www.cultureworks.ca/jobs/search/job_view.asp?id=3534

Job Title: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Company Name: Open Sky Creative Society
Contact: Ryan Good (oscs.osf@gmail.com)
Occupation: Visual Arts & Crafts - Administrator

City: Fort Simpson
Province/State: Northwest Territories
Country: Canada
Education Level: University (Undergraduate)
Languages: - English

Type of Work: - Full Time - Part-Time

Start Date: Feb 22, 2012
Deadline for Applications: Jan 31, 2012
Prefered Method(s) of Application: By E-Mail: oscs.osf@gmail.com

By Phone: 867-695-3005

 Job Description Wage: $25.00/hr
Hours: 25 – 40 hrs/week
This position is dependent on the availability of funding levels therefore hours and terms of contract are somewhat variable.

• Implement the OSCS's programming and administrative operations in consultation with the Board of Directors.
• Research, write and submit operating, project and special grants.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities
• Liaise with funders and prepare project final reports.
• Participate in the curatorial process for the OSC Gallery
• Work with independent contractors where necessary to meet the society's needs (ie. Website development, accounting, graphic design, festival contractors, etc)
• Perform general administrative management activities including correspondence with press, artists, applicants, OSCS members and partner organizations in the Dehcho Region & beyond.
• Coordinate the annual Open Sky Festival
• Research and formulate community outreach strategies. Coordinate performance coffee houses, seasonal workshops & special events.
• Manage & schedule volunteers
• Develop and revise ongoing biannual budget projections & maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies and events
• Network and liaise with advocacy groups & networks locally, provincially, and nationally
• Maintain a clean, well organized, safe working environment

Preferred Qualifications:
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Previous administrative experience
• Knowledge & sensitivity of Aboriginal cultural practices (Dene & Metis of the Dehcho)
• Confidence in the handling of artworks and installation of exhibitions
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work in partnership with the OSCS Board, committees, artists, volunteers, partner organizations & community members
• A strong working knowledge of PC computer applications (word, excel spreadsheets, adobe InDesign).
• Ability to work comfortably with A/V Technology

Additional Assets:
• A certificate in arts administration or a post-secondary degree in business admin/visual arts/visual studies/museum studies and/or demonstrated experience in artist-run centres, not-for-profit organizations, public/private galleries or museums or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience working with budgets, researching and writing government & foundation grants
• Previous management experience
• Fundraising and Public Relations experience
• Experience working for the non-profit sector
• Experience working with indigenous cultures

Application must include:
1) A cover letter outlining your experience and interest and relevant skills as they relate to an artist run centre and your views and previous experience regarding volunteerism
2) A current CV
3) Names of three references with contact information

Submissions via email with "OSCS Executive Director" in the subject line should be delivered to:
open_sky_society@yahoo.ca

We will review all applications, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Potential candidates will be contacted after the Christmas break.

Open Sky Creative Society
Box 575
Fort Simpson, NT X0E 0N0
(867)695-3005

http://www.openskyfestival.ca

K'alemi Dene Grade 2 & 3 Singers DSC01241

The Yellowknife Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories 2011 Seniors Christmas Tea with the Sir John Franklin Holiday Trio, the K'alemi Dene Grade 2 & 3 Singers and a visit from Santa Claus
©2011 George Lessard December 2, 2011

CRTC opens Canada's North to local telephone competition

---------------------------- Original Message
----------------------------
Subject: CRTC opens Canada's North to
local telephone competition
From: "CNW Portfolio System"
<portfolio@newswire.ca>
Date: Wed, December 14, 2011 11:14
am
To: "Portfolio E-Mail"
<portfolio@newswire.ca>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail

Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission
Government of Canada Transmitted by
CNW Group on : December 14, 2011 11:00
CRTC opens Canada's North to
local telephone competition
OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Dec. 14, 2011 /CNW/ -
Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) announced that it is opening Canada's North to local telephone
competition.

 Residents in many parts of the Yukon,
Northwest Territories and Nunavut will have the option to choose from
competing telephone service providers as of May 1, 2012.

"For the first time, many northern residents will be able to choose
an alternate local telephone service provider," said Leonard Katz,
the CRTC's Vice-Chairman of Telecommunications. "Competition will be
introduced as soon as possible to bring choice and innovative options to
Canada's North."
In its ruling, the CRTC has also denied
Northwestel's request to raise by $2 the rates for residential and
business local telephone service. Such an increase is not justified at
this time and is inconsistent with the current regulatory regime.
Moreover, the CRTC found that Northwestel has insufficiently invested in
its network despite its strong financial performance during the past few
years, and is concerned that the company's aging infrastructure is
affecting the quality and reliability of its service.
Northwestel
must provide, within the next six months, a plan detailing how it will
modernize its network. This will form the basis of the CRTC's
comprehensive review of Northwestel's infrastructure and services over
the next two years.
"We are disappointed that Northwestel,
which has until now been the sole provider of local telephone service in
the North, has not made a greater effort to improve its services,"
Mr. Katz added. "Many communities have been plagued by service
outages and certain features are not widely available to customers.
Northern residents deserve to have access to reliable and high-quality
services comparable to those offered in the rest of the country."

During the next two years, the CRTC will closely monitor the
situation in the North as local competition is implemented.

Today's decision follows a proceeding that included a public hearing that
was held in Yellowknife, N.W.T., on October 4 and 5, 2011.
Telecom
Regulatory Policy CRTC 2011-771
http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-771.htm
The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises
broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.
Reference
document:
Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-302
For
further information:

Media Relations:

http://support.crtc.gc.ca/CRTCSubmissionMU/forms/Mediarelations.aspx?lang=e
Tel: 819-997-9403, Fax: 819-997-4245
General Inquiries:

Tel: 819-997-0313, TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: 819-994-0218
Toll-free #
1-877-249-CRTC (2782) &#160;&#160;&#160;
TDD - Toll-free
# 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)

http://crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E
These documents
are available in alternative format upon request.


Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications
Commission - More on this organization

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Thursday 8 December 2011

CALL FOR PAPERS: “Inuit Health: Illness Experience & Healthcare Delivery”

Smithsonian National Museum of National History:
Arctic Studies Center invites papers and presentations for

"Inuit Health: Illness Experience & Healthcare Delivery" session

Session organizer: Andrew Hund, M.A., Ph.D.
18th Inuit Studies Conference
October 24-28, 2012 in Washington, DC.

Deadline for abstract submission: March 1, 2012

This session welcomes papers and presentations addressing the subjective experience of health and illness in Inuit communities; Inuit responses to health and illness (traditional and western); the societal, cultural, political, economic forces as well as environmental circumstances that threaten Inuit health and enhance or diminish the delivery of healthcare. Empirical and theoretical papers from various disciplines, such as medicine, public health, anthropology, social work, sociology, psychology, etc. addressing Inuit health and illness in the circumpolar regions are welcome. Service professionals working on practical public health, clinical, and mental health programs as well as Indigenous/Inuit contributors are strongly encouraged to participate.

How to submit a proposal for the "Inuit Health: Illness Experience & Healthcare Delivery" session.

Please send 200-250 word abstract with title, speaker(s) biographical information, brief background of research project (if any), and presenter(s) name, address, and e-mail address to the session organizer: Andrew Hund, M.A., Ph.D. at axh69@cwru.edu by March 1, 2012.

There may be possible travel stipends for three categories of prospective conference participants: 1) early career scientists; 2) students; and 3) Indigenous/Inuit contributors. These funds (if available) are intended to provide modest assistance with offsetting the costs of air travel, hotel and conference registration fees for outstanding conference participants and contributors traveling from across the north to attend the ISC 18 in Washington, DC.

If this session is not of interest, please note the 18th Inuit Studies Conference, 2012 will be held in Washington, DC, from October 24 to October 28, 2012, and located across the Smithsonian campus on the National Mall. Due to its location, the conference will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including climate change and indigenous people; international cooperation in the Arctic; roles of Museums and museum collections in preserving Inuit languages, heritage, and culture; governmental programs in the northern regions and their interactions with local communities and Inuit cultural/political institutions. The website is: http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/ISC18/

International Participant Information: We invite those who work all over the Arctic to participate in the ISC 2012. If you are not a US citizen and you require a visa to attend the ISC 2012, we urge you to begin the visa application process now. U.S. regulations require security checks for most visitor visa applications, resulting in a review process that may take three months or more.

Regulation Affecting Some International Travelers: U.S. legislation mandates that visitors eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding their airline bound for the U.S. This Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers without the ESTA authorization will not be permitted to enter the United States (see www.DHS.gov).

Canadian Women’s Foundation – Girls’ Fund Grant Deadline: December 20, 2011

Canadian Women's Foundation – Girls' Fund Grant

Deadline: December 20, 2011

The Canadian Women's Foundation will select approximately 25 programs focused on delivering programs to girls between the ages of 9 and
13 that are using one or more of the following approaches: leadership /empowerment; physical activities/sports; science/math/technology; media literacy; financial literacy; and/or Aboriginal culture and teachings.

Girls' program grants will range from $25,000 to $40,000 annually for a four year period.

Eligible organizations: Incorporated, non-profit organizations with a registered charitable number, First Nations or other organizations sponsored by a qualified donee.

More information and grant applications available at http://www.canadianwomen.org/girls-fund-grants

Saturday 3 December 2011

Arctic Co-operatives Limited Launches New Northern Images Website

December 2, 2011           

For Immediate Release

 

Arctic Co-operatives Limited Launches New Northern Images Website

WINNIPEG, MB – Arctic Co-operatives Limited is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned Northern Images (NI) website - www.northernimages.ca

 

The new website has been specifically redesigned to enhance the overall customer experience by improving the ease of navigation, optimizing photo views and providing e-commerce capabilities. The site also contains feature areas and special promotions.

 

Arctic Co-operatives Limited (ACL) is a service federation owned and controlled by 31 community-based co-operatives in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Its art marketing arm, Northern Images (NI) is dedicated to supporting and promoting the artists and products of Arctic Canada.

 

ACL purchases art from co-operatives and takes full responsibility for the marketing of the art. Each piece is tagged for authenticity and artists are paid a fair price for their product.  Working exclusively with Inuit and Dené artists, ACL/NI promotes their art and distinctive culture to collectors around the world.

 

Northern Images supports and promotes northern artists and their products by marketing Inuit and Dené arts and crafts in galleries located in Churchill, Inuvik and Yellowknife.  These galleries offer a breath-taking selection of authentic sculptures, prints, books, jewellery, giftware, northern apparel and hand-made crafts.

 

Traditional Inuit art captures the beauty, truth and spirit of Canada's Arctic. Authentic hand-crafted sculptures tell the stories of the imaginations and memories of a truly unique people.  Prints and drawings depict the wildlife, landscapes, history and culture of our northern neighbours. 

 

Northern Images is one of the largest retailers of Inuit and Dené arts and crafts in Canada.

 

For more information, contact:                                                 

 

Debbie Moszynski                                                                                          

Vice-President

Art Marketing Division

1-204-697-2243 Ext. 204 

E-mail: dmoszynski@arcticco-op.com

www.northernimages.ca

 

To arrange an interview, contact:

Lilian Choi

Manager

Communications Department

1-204-697-2243 Ext. 288

E-mail: lchoi@arcticco-op.com

www.northernimages.ca            

Call for Submissions - Polar Film Festival

Call for Submissions / Canadian Film Institute & International Polar Year Federal Program Office / Polar Film Festival / Ottawa, ON / Deadline Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Canadian Film Institute and International Polar Year Seek Films that Focus on Arctic and Antarctic Regions

The Canadian Film Institute (CFI), in partnership with the International Polar Year (IPY) Federal Program Office, is officially seeking entries for the Polar Film Festival. The two-day moving image event is a featured presentation of the IPY 2012 Conference: From Knowledge to Action, held April 22-27, 2012, in Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

The Polar Film Festival will celebrate the rich diversity of the Polar Regions, as well as examine the many challenges and world-wide implications they face in the 21st Century and onward. As a follow-up to the IPY Film Festival presented by the CFI in 2009, this event highlights the efforts of filmmakers from around the world who approach the Polar Regions from many different industries, research interests, artistic sensibilities, and political perspectives.

The CFI welcomes all films that explore issues and activities of particular relevance to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Any genres of film and video practice - documentary, research, industrial, fiction, activist - from all Polar Regions are encouraged for submission.

Video submissions can be mailed directly to the CFI as a playable DVD or Blu-Ray disc. Digital entries may be submitted via direct download link, or any common digital media format such USB drive or DVD-ROM. Entrants are asked to include production credits, digital stills, director bios and filmography, contact information, and other relevant materials with their submissions.

The submission deadline is January 31, 2012. Please send all submissions to:

CANADIAN FILM INSTITUTE
2 Daly Avenue, Suite 120
Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
Canada

Email: info@cfi-icf.ca
Tel: 613-232-6727
Fax: 613-232-6315

The public is encouraged to forward this Call for Entries to relevant producers, filmmakers, researchers, and other parties who may be interested. Please contact CFI Programmer Jerrett Zaroski at zaroski@cfi-icf.ca for any questions and further information.

About the IPY 2012 Conference
Occurring at a pivotal time for the environment of our planet, the International Polar Year (IPY) 2012 Conference draws international attention to the Polar Regions, global change, and related environmental, social and economic issues. From Knowledge to Action will bring together over 2,000 Arctic and Antarctic researchers, policy- and decision-makers, and a broad range of interested parties from academia, industry, non- government, education and circumpolar communities including indigenous peoples. The IPY 2012 Conference will contribute to the translation of new polar scientific findings into an evidence-based agenda for action that will influence global decisions, policies and outcomes over the coming years. More information on the conference can be found online at  http://www.ipy2012montreal.ca.

About the CFI
The Canadian Film Institute (CFI) was incorporated in 1935 as a federally-chartered, non-governmental, non-profit cultural organization. It is the oldest film institution in Canada and the second oldest film institute in the world. More information can be found online at http://www.cfi-icf.ca.