March 14, 2008
Around Nunavut
Iqaluit to host national mixed curling championships
Nunavut will host its first major national championship this fall when the Canadian mixed curling championships come to Iqaluit Nov. 9 to 16.
The tournament will feature mixed-gender teams from across the country and two members of the winning rink will represent Canada at the world mixed championships in Italy in April 2009.
"I am ecstatic that the CCA wishes to host the 2009 Canadian Mixed in Iqaluit," said Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik in a news release. "This would be the first event of its kind in our city and the benefits to the city and its residents will be tremendous. I am extremely excited about this opportunity."
Arnaitok Arena will be converted into a curling rink for the championships and organizers hope to drum up interest in the sport among youth during the event.
"We want to work closely with the communities of the North and have worked hard to create this opportunity which will only help grow the sport in Nunavut and give further opportunities for aboriginal peoples to participate," said Greg Stremlaw, the Canadian Curling Association's chief executive officer.
Last year's national tournament was held in Calgary.
Professor Zach?
Zacharias Kunuk of Igloolik Isuma Productions, will get an honorary degree from Trent University at a ceremony to be held June 5.
Kunuk, the celebrated director of Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner), which won the Camera d'Or award at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2001, was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 2002.
Trent University is located in Peterborough, Ont., a small city about 35 miles north of Oshawa.
