The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership office in Nain are holding the Camp Attendant training in November.

Leah Blake is the Nunatsiavut Career Counsellor for Nain.

She says as requested, an update for LATP. Camp Attendant training will go ahead on November 13-23, here in Nain, in partnership with the College of the North Atlantic.

They have 10 seats available for the training.

They are in the screening process for the final stage of the 5-week Underground Mine training program, hopefully our applicants will be picked before next week.

Candidates will be notified as soon as I find out from the selection committee. Our Safety training will also go ahead on October 3 to 6 at the Atsanik hotel boardroom.

Two courses will have to be done virtually as there is a Holiday on October 2.

Details will follow later.

We are still taking applicants for the Underground Mine exposure trip as well, this is a 3-day exposure to the Underground Mine, couple of in class sessions to learn Safety procedures and visit the mine for a short hands-on experience.

All programs with LATP, an application must be filled out.

If you have any questions, please call Leah Blake at her office at 922-1800 or by email at lblake@latp.ca

In May 2022, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, announce increases to the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Previously, on October 1, 2022, the minimum wage increased by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour.

On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage increased by a further 80 cents, bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour.

September 26, 2023 The Provincial Government released that the minimum wage will be increasing from $14.50 to $15.00 hourly and is reminding employers that the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $15.00 per hour effective October 1, 2023.

The Ocean Endeavour made a quick visit to Nain this week.

Their journey first began in the Torngat Mountains National Park.

We spoke with Ceder Swan the CEO of Adventure Canada.

This voyage had 169 tourists on board.

During this voyage they experience the fascinating history of Battle Harbor,
Hike the spectacular Tablelands at Gros Morne National Park, Experience Inuit culture in Nain, the capital of Nunatsiavut, Seek wildlife in the icy waters of the Hudson Strait & Frobisher Bay.

Click here to find out more about the Ocean Endeavor.

The TaKuaKautik are looking for volunteers to help with the food giveaway for this week.

Brenda Jararuse is the Chair for the TaKuaKautik food bank.

She says tomorrow evening volunteers will be bagging food bags for this month giveaway.

The TaKuaKautik food bank is a volunteer based, community lead food bank in Nain Nunatsiavut.

The TaKuaKautik is available to anyone in need, with one bag per family.

This is only open once a month, on the last Thursday of the month.

Distribution happens between 5-8pm at the red warehouse on sitsik street.

Orders must be made for food bags in advance.

To place an order, place your name in the blue boxes at the Post Office.

Jararuse says they accept orders up to two days before distribution.

Please note: We accept monetary and food donations.

Any donation is greatly appreciated.

This Facebook group will be used mainly to advertise any events going on and to keep the community updated with the TaKuaKautik.

Please keep an eye out for updates, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.

Board of Directors for the food bank are as follows: the Chair is: Brenda Jararuse
Co-chair is vacant, The Treasurer is Rita-Ann Dicker, and the Secretary is Lena Onalik.

For more information or to help volunteer you can email the food bank: takuakautik@gmail.com or contact Brenda Jararuse by Facebook.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the Provincial Government’s fall vaccination plan for influenza and COVID-19, which will commence on Monday, October 16, 2023.

The Provincial Government is stressing the importance of residents keeping their vaccinations up-to-date and will be providing vaccines that target the latest strains of COVID-19 and influenza. Individuals six months of age and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, if it has been six months since their last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

Those at high risk for severe disease are strongly recommended to get the vaccine when eligible, including:

Adults 65 years of age and older;Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;Individuals who are pregnant; andIndividuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Influenza vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. It is strongly recommended that those who are higher risk for severe influenza get the vaccine this fall, including: Children aged six months to five years of age;
Adults 65 years of age and older; Residents in seniors congregate living; Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations; Individuals who are pregnant; and Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Vaccination clinics will begin Monday, October 16. Appointments can be booked online starting October 10 through regional health zone clinics by visiting the Time for the Shot website.

Additionally, appointments can also be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Individuals may need to check periodically for availability at any of these vaccine sites, as appointments are continually being added as vaccine supply is received.

Public Health would also like to remind all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to stay home when sick, and to practice good hygiene measures.

Ceder Swan runs a small ship expedition called Adventure Canada, and has been travelling on the Ocean Endeavor since September 17th, 2023.

The Ocean Endeavor arrived in Nain today and will depart this afternoon.

Swan says the cruise ship can carry 198 passengers and on this voyage there are 169 passengers. Mainly from Canada and some from the United States, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

She adds that there were 42 staff members on board.

The voyage started out at kangitlusuak Greenland, to Nuuk Greenland and a voyage to the Torngat Mountains

Once they depart Nain they will then travel to Indian harbor and to Battle Harbor and finish their journey in St. John’s, NL.

We will be speaking with Ceder Swan about their voyage in the near future.

The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership are still accepting applications for the upcoming mine exposure in Sudbury.

Georgia Abel is the Nunatsiavut Career Counsellor in Hopedale.

Abel says this is a 3-day exposure, in Sudbury Ontario.

She adds that if any clients are nervous about traveling alone, they will have a Carrer Counsellor as a chaperone.

Interested individuals can go to the Hopedale office to fill out an application.

You must have a valid photo ID & Level 1 (grade 10) and or registered renewed beneficiary card (after you’ve turned 19.

For more information you can contact Georgia Able at 933-33367 or by email at gabel@latp.ca.

The Makkovik Jamboree will be going ahead this year next month on October 20th and the 21st, 2023.

Kim Andersen is the Team Leader for the Department of Health and Social Development.

Andersen says that this event is the 30th annual event, therefore a two-day event is planned.

This year’s jamboree will be dedicated to late Gerald Mitchell Sr.

This is open to all ages and anyone is welcome to participate and perform and to show your talent.

Click here to find out more about the Makkovik Jamboree.

The first week for the participants of SmartICE is complete.

Rex Holwell Jr. who is the Northern Production Lead manager for the Nunatsiavut operations in Nain.

He says that this week they went through employment training, communication skills, computer efficiency, Quad Drangle, and social learning.

Holwell says that this cohort is for four weeks, and if the participants would like to continue after the four weeks is completed, they can decide to start building Smart Buoys for another two weeks.

With the rest of the weeks coming, they will focus on: First Aid training, online courses, a one day presentation with various companies about career paths.

Companies will include Labrador Aboriginal Training Program, College of the North Atlantic, and Trades NL.

Ever wonder what a beluga sounds like? Or a ringed seal? Wondering what marine mammals swim in our waters?

The Nunatsiavut Research Center in Nain will have a drop-in event on Saturday, September 23rd from 1-4pm at the Nunatsiavut Research Center.

Eva hidalgo-pla, Researcher with Scripps Institute of Oceanography, will share the exciting sounds they’ve picked up on their underwater microphone over the past two years.

This event is for all ages, and snacks, refreshments, even prizes are to be won.