Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Six-And-A-Half Tips for Designing a Good Warmup

If you've been a trainer or a facilitator, you've used them. If you've ever been to a workshop, you've been through them. If you're shy or impatient, you've dreaded them.

We're talking warmups - those short activities, built into training sessions, usually right after the coffee and muffins, to introduce or enliven participants. When they work, they can energize a group and focus  them on the day ahead. When they don't work, they can feel like a bad party game, and leave participants bored, embarrassed, and impatient to get on to "The REAL workshop".

But a warmup, properly selected and designed, IS part of the real workshop. Or should be.

Here are six and a half tips to help you ensure that your warmup exercises actually contribute to the learning, and DON'T feel like a waste of time.

A GOOD warm-up exercise should:


6) Have some actual point. In other words, the activity should relate to the content of the workshop. I once attended a training session where the facilitator thought it would be cool to have participants play "Twister" as a getting-to-know-you warmup. That would have been okay in a workshop about limited mobility among the middle aged, or fads of the sixties; the trainer could have used to experience to link with the workshop content or start a discussion. Unfortunately, it was a workshop in business planning techniques. We all learned that our middle aged bodies weren't very good at Twister any more, and that was about it - the exercise was a mildly amusing waste of time.

5) Create a positive group atmosphere.The tone of a workshop is set within the first five minutes. Will this one be fun? Will we be allowed to talk? To joke? To interact with each other? Your warmup should establish the climate you want to sustain for the duration of the session.

4) Involve disclosure. In a workshop where people are expected to work together, exchange information and share personal experiences, it's always useful to start with a warmup that allows a little disclosure, and encourages participants to share a revelation about themselves. It can be as simple as the question: "Tell us something about yourself that no-one in the room knows". It creates an atmosphere of trust, and sets a climate of openness. Never push your request for disclosure to the point of discomfort, which leads to my next point.

3) Never threaten or challenge, and always allow an opt-out.If a participant isn't comfortable with a warmup, don't try to cajole, kid, or bully them into participation. There may be issues in play you're unaware of; and in any case, adults are adults. Respect them.

2) Be fun. Another unfortunate warmup I once experienced involved small groups working on math puzzles. Now, there was, in fact, a connection with the workshop content (it was a session on group problem solving strategies): but (and I say this with all due respect for the accountants and mathematicians out there) it was about as exciting as a bowl of boiled Brussels Sprouts. A good warmup should energize, not anesthetize.

1) Happen.There's always too much to do in a workshop, and the trainer's first inclination is always "Cut the Warmup". Don't do it; the climate of the workshop is just as important as the content, since the climate determines how much actual learning will take place. And an appropriate warmup, well designed and delivered, can do a lot in the opening minutes to create a positive climate for learning.

And remember. NO TWISTER.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Remembering Peter Kritaqliluk

Speaking on behalf of the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee (NITC), Vice Chairperson Paul Quassa expressed the organization's sorrow at the death of Chairperson Peter Kritaqliluk, who died in Arviat on Saturday, August 27, after a long battle with cancer.
"Peter's contribution to the NITC was immeasurable," said Quassa, a long-time friend and associate, speaking from Igloolik. "His commitment to training, to development, and to opportunities for Inuit - especially for Inuit youth - inspired all of us who worked with him over the years. We offer sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched over the years."

Peter Kritaqliluk held many positions of public trust over the years. He served terms as the Mayor of Arviat, and as mayor participated in the negotiation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. He was a founding member of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, chaired the Nunavut Trust from 1990 to 2002, and served on the Board of Directors of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, and many other important Nunavut organizations.

"He was a busy man with a big heart, and he worked all his life for Inuit," said Dorothy Merritt, CEO of NITC."He had been ill for some time, but right up until the end he stayed engaged and committed. He was still concerned about NITC, our plans, and the students and organizations he had worked with and helped over the years. He made a big difference in our lives, and in the development of Nunavut. And he will be missed."

Who Finds You On Facebook?


Monday, August 29, 2011

iWhat? The Weekly Poll

Last Week's Poll: Flashmobs

Last week we sought your opinion on flashmobs, those "spontaneous" eruptions of singing and bad choreography in public places, designed to draw attention to the flashmobbers a good cause.  How did the readership feel?

  • 14% of you felt that flashmobs remain "a fresh and delightful way to promote various worthy causes".
  •  28% declared flashmobs to be "a once amusing idea now past its best before date".
  • And the curmudgeonly majority of 58% (including, it must be admitted, the editor),  felt that flashmobs are "this decade's answer to mimes". 

The People Have Spoken. YouTube and Facebook, Be Warned.


 This Week's Poll: The Next Toy From Apple


Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced last week that he'd be stepping down and handing the leadership of the company to a new generatoin. It is rumored, however, that Apple has at least one major product queued for release next year to join the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. We're taking bets now. Will it be:

a) The iEye, a hand-sized three-d camera?
b) The iAye, a special naval edition of the Ipad?
c) The iPadL, waterproofed for use in canoes?
d) The iOU, for digital banking?
e) The EiEiO, a special tablet device for children, to be distributed exclusivcelthrough (old) McDonalds?

All right, Product Designers- let's design products! The Consilium Poll - The Only Poll That Matters - is open!

ht- Kory Goulais

Friday, August 26, 2011

A Life Lived: Keith (Buddy) Swanson

Keith (Buddy) Swanson, 1933-2011
Yesterday the Globe and Mail published a remembrance by Jennifer David of her father, Keith Swanson, who passed away earlier this year. Jennifer's reflection can be read here in its entirety. Those of us who had the honour of meeting "Buddy" during his life knew him as a wise and very funny man, who will be missed by his community and family.

Supporting Kivalliq Communities and Businesses

Kivalliq Partners in Development (KPID), based in Rankin Inlet, is a community and economic development organization,  serving Inuit by providing business, employment and training services in the Kivalliq region. Aarluk has worked closely with KPID for over a decade, and last year assisted the organization in developing a 5-year strategic business plan to enable KPID to receive Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. More recently, Ron Ryan and David Boult completed an annual report on  ASETS for KPID.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

More Findings From the Research Bureau

h/t Greg Smith, Dr. Ian Brooks

Rigby, Getting Wired.

In the upcoming months, Aarluk will be working with Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) and Nunavut’s Municipal Training Organization (MTO) to adapt the highly successful MTO courses for municipal employees for distance delivery. For seven years, these award-winning,  college level credit courses have increased the knowledge, skills and job competence of municipal employees and Nunavummiut; over the next year, pilot deliveries of core courses will begin the process of making them available to a new generation of municipal employee over the internet. 

Above, Geoff “BigRig” Rigby in the new Aarluk office sets up the wireless network for the laptops which will be used to deliver many of these courses.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A Park For Sanikiluaq?

Left: Lucy and Jacob Uppak, with Nick Burnaby. Right: Chris Grosset at the smoke house built by Mina Inuktaluk.
Aarluk’s Chris Grosset traveled from Chesterfield Inlet to Sanikiluaq, and spent a week with Nick Burnaby of Nunavut Parks and Special Places, working with the community to identify potential locations for a proposed territorial park.  Consultations in February 2011 had selected several sites of cultural importance.  Last week Chris and Nick visited the sites with members of the committee and local guides.  Although the weather was poor, Lucassie Arragutainaq, Johnny Ippak, and Jacob and Lucy Uppak helped the team visit all of the sites to assess opportunities for a park.  Thanks to the Committee members for their guidance during the week - Mary Inuktaluk, Lucassie Arragutainaq, Joe Arragutainaq (Mayor of Sanikiluaq), Louisa Ippak, Harry Sala and Johnny Appaqaq. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

More Weird Google Searches That Led You Here


Time once again for a sampling of the strange Google strings that have brought readers to this website. Our favourites this week:

  • "We smoke fish, not tobacco." (We're sure that's much healthier - but how do you keep it lit?)
  • "Elders Gone AWOL review". (Afraid we missed THAT one when it hit the Cineplex.)
  • "Girls behaving badly- pirates of the caribbean."(Hmm. Do you supposed they're somewhere behaving badly with the Elders Gone AWOL?)
  • "American fine wine denver jennifer david" (The plot thickens. Anyone care to speculate on THAT one? Jennifer? Have YOU seen those elders? Are they with the pirates, smoking fish, in Denver, with a nice American chardonnay?)

Showcasing The Very Best of the North


The Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase will be held February 1-4, 2012 at Ottawa's brand new Convention Centre; and according to Ron Ryan and David Boult, who worked with the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce to produce marketing materials, it's going to be quite the show. 

The Showcase brings together businesses, governments and others parties interested in new business opportunities in Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut/Labrador. The exciting four-day event is expected to attract over 140 exhibitors, more than 1,000 participants, and thousands of visitors. Highlights will include a trade show, an arts and crafts pavilion, conference sessions and workshops.

See you there!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Thank You, Jack.


"Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

Jack Layton, August 20, 2011.

Mergers and Musical Mobs: The Weekly Poll

Last Week's Poll: We Go Shopping

Last week we invited you to advise us on on what major acquisition or merger the Consilium Consulting Group should be considering. Here was your (as ever) sage and helpful advice.

  • Only 5% of the readership thought we should acquire Lululemon - a great disappointment to Ron, who is deeply into both Yoga and recreational fashion.
  • 11% of you advised us to buy out Google.  No go. Your move, Mr. Gates.
  • There was a two-way tie for second place. 16% nominated Ada's Diner on Bank St., the official Diner of Consilium: and 16% voted for Amberwood Golf Course.

But fully 50% of you told us to get out there and buy the United States of America. Slightly used, recently devalued, but still lots of good stuff. (Disney World! That really nice restaurant Fred went to in Chicago! Myrtle Beach!).

So we're going to put in an offer. The only remaining question - if we actually do buy the USA, where are we going to put it?

 This Week's Poll: Flashmobs

A flashmob, flashmobbing.
Okay, you've seen them on YouTube. Or maybe you've even been there when it happens. A bunch of people are sitting, peacefully enjoying a burger in food court/waiting for a train/reading in a park. And suddenly someone stands up and inexplicably starts to sing. After a verse they're joined by five more people, then ten, then twenty, and  before you know it, the whole food court/train station/park feels like a badly choreographed nightmare of Andrew Lloyd Weber's.

Now, we don't deny that the idea had a certain charm once upon a time. And we will even confess that we have harboured a secret wish to be caught up in the middle of a singin', dancin' Flashmob. But it must be said that they have begun to engender a certain - weariness. Annoyance, in fact. Is that simply the encroachment of curmudgeonhood, or do you feel the same way? Are flashmobs:

a) A fresh and delightful way to promote various worthy causes?
b) A once amusing idea now past its best before date?
c) This decade's answer to mimes?

All right, Cultural Commentators- let's comment, culturally. The Consilium Poll - The Only Poll That Matters - is open! 

Friday, August 19, 2011

Brass Monkeyz Lose in Final, Friends Become Foes

The Brass Monkeyz Old School team took to the field over the last several weeks with intentions of defending last year’s championship. In the quarter finals, with both offence and defense firing on all cylinders the Brass Monkeyz made quick work of the Pharm Team beating them 10–4. In the semis, the Monkeyz squeaked out a win against the Bandits in extra innings with Christian “The Clootch” Cloutier providing the heroics in the last inning (he was sitting at the time). That created the match up between the 12–0 powerhouse Northern Pikes and the 6–6 Brass Monkeyz Old School.

Now, looking at baseball from the Bull Durham perspective “Baseball is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, and you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.” In the final, the Brass Monkeyz could have used some rain because the Northern Pikes took the best of three series 2–0. Although there wasn’t any rain, the Monkeyz clearly had trouble throwing, catching and hitting the ball all night. This prompted Kory “The Ringer” Goulais to exclaim “There’s no crying in baseball!” as Clootch was sobbing in the corner of the dugout. On a whole, the Monkeyz were happy with the result of their season and look forward to getting back in the mix next season.

On another note, Consilium Consultant "The Clootch" and Stonecircle Researcher Kory Goulais turn their attention back to the field tonight as the two players battle it out for their respective teams. Whilst Cloutier and Goulais play as teammates for the Old School Brass Monkeyz team, they play in a different league as opponents. The Brass Monkeyz Original team is playing host to Goulais’ Urban Thunder team in the semi-finals. Urban Thunder leads the series 1–0 after putting the hammer down in the first game winning 10–4. When Goulais was asked about the series he indicated “As long as we hit the ball to Clootch, we should be alright.” This prompted Clootch to rebuttal with “I play the outfield, I don’t think Kory knows where that is.”

Hold on tight, this one could get interesting!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Kiva: Making a Difference

Narcise de Jesus Vega Pazos - in business,
with your help!

As you know, Consilium is a strong supporter of Kiva, the not-for-profit microfinance organization that provides low-interest loans to small businesses in disadvantaged countries.

The employees of Consilium have now made 27 loans to small entrepreneurs and groups around the world for a total of almost $1000 loaned.  $325.24 has been paid back so far with only $2.05 lost through default - a success rate higher than any mainstream lending institution.

Our Spotlight loan today is on Narcise de Jesus Vega Pazos from Ecuador.

She has received a $300 loan from a Kiva Lending partner for fertilizer and seeds to grow corn, rice and beans. She buys the supplies from the Guzman market in Ventanas, and sells the produce at the wholesale market in Ventanas. Narcise is 47 years old and lives with her husband and two children in Ventanas Township, Los Rios Province of Ecuador.

Our loan will help her increase her crop and deal with the challenges of pests and plagues. Narcise is an enterprising and hard-working woman. Like most Kiva entrepreneurs, her only goal is to better her family's life and to work hard.

Please help individuals like her by joining our lending group, or forming one of your own and lending $25. It could make all the difference in the world!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Official Aarluk Whale Stew Recipe


Folks in Iqaluit have successfully hunted the community's first bowhead whale in over 100 years. Congratulations to the city and to the hunters, and especially to our many friends who participated in the hunt.

In order to contribute what we can to this historic event, we are pleased to present for the first time on this blog our recipe for Whale Stew, first given orally to Terry Rudden in Kotzebue, Alaska, in 1986.

The Official Alaskan Whale Stew Recipe
Ingredients

  • 1 (105 ton) Whale
  • 1896 lbs Onions, thinly sliced
  • 7326 lbs Potatoes, chopped
  • 1908 gallons Tomato Sauce
  • 2276 lbs Carrots, coined
  • 927 lbs Celery, diced
  • 104 lbs Salt
  • 76 lbs Black Pepper
  • 52 gallons Tabasco Sauce 
  • 88 bushels of Italian flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Directions:

Place whale in pot with tomato sauce. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 14 hours. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce. Return to boil, cover and simmer 36 hours. Garnish whale with parsley, and serve hot with bannock.

A microwave oven may be used if one large enough is available. Cooking time may be reduced to 12 hours if cooked at high.

Serves 3,161 people.

NAC / MTO - Speciality Courses

For the 8th consecutive year, Aarluk staff and associates will support delivery of college level credit courses as part of the highly successful training program operated by the Nunavut Arctic College and the Municipal Training Organization. Originally designed and implemented by Consilium CEO Chuck Gilhuly, the MTO program addresses a wide range of training and professional development needs of hamlet employees right across Nunavut. This year we have 9 instructors, many of whom have had direct experience work with Municipalities in Nunavut delivering 18 speciality courses across the territory.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Roll Out Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Sunscreen

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last decade, you've probably heard that you should be using suncscreen.

Health Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, family doctors, dermatologists and other medical professionals all agree: wearing sunscreen with at least 15 SPF will reduce your risk of sunburn, slow the rate of the aging of your skin, and lower your risk of skin cancer.

Sounds easy. But there's a bit more to it than that. 
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. Scientists observe the amount of time it takes a person’s skin to burn with and without sunscreen, when exposed to a constant intensity of UV light. The ratio of these two amount yields the Sun Protection Factor (time it takes to burn with sunscreen ÷ time it takes to burn without sunscreen). Another way to put it: if your skin starts to burn after 10 minutes in the sun without any protection, wearing a SPF 15 sunscreen will theoretically allow you to be exposed for 150 minutes without burning.

(Let us pause here for a moment in recognition of the folks who allowed themselves to be fried in a lab for science. Okay, enough pause.)

But it's not that simple. The intensity of UV radiation you are exposed to will vary throughout those 150 minutes, and the protective layer of your sunscreen can (and most likely will) wear off due to your natural perspiration, your clothes, swimming, or simple evaporation. SPF values calculated in a laboratory may not hold true in the great outdoors.
So here are a couple of hints to to keep your skin safe from the sun:
  • Sun Protection Factors are evaluations on protection from UV-B light only, (no UV-A) so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Broad Spectrum sunscreen. UV-A radiation will not cause the skin to redden or hurt but can cause serious “invisible” damage such as aging of the skin and DNA damage to skin cells which would lead to cancer. Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) is UVA’s rating (instead of SPF, but same rules apply with the number value and it’s protection time).
  • Don’t trust claims on labels like “All day wear” or “water-proof”. It ain't so. Your protection from UV light depends on how much sunscreen you have on your skin, the intensity of UV radiation you are exposed to from the sun, and the amount of time you spend exposed to sunlight.
Take home message: be informed BEFORE you go outside. The UV Report Index is available through the Weather Network and Environment Canada. And most importantly, apply, and RE-apply frequently (approximately every 30 minutes), dress appropriately, and be careful what you buy.

OR just move into a cave...

from Special Science Correspondent Julia Prokopick

Monday, August 15, 2011

High Adventures and Low Down Dealing: The Weekly Poll

Last Week's Poll: New Frontiers In Adventure Tourism

Last week we invited you to choose Canada's most stomach-churning, death-defying adverture tourism options. And it was obviously a tight race.
  1. 14%  of our readers thought the most exciting adventure you could have in Canada was to ride a cab from the airport to downtown Halifax, AFTER telling the driver you're from Ottawa. The Halifax Taxi Marathon: we'll reserve a cab in your name for the long airport-to-Halifax taxi drive: and we'll tell the driver you're from Ottawa. 
  2. 20% of our readers voted The CN Tower Edge Tour (the only real tour on the list).
  3. Another 20% opted to sit in a hotel room and monitor a Research in Motion Stock Ticker.  
And the winners? It's a two way tie between Visiting Nunavut with a PETA Luggage Sticker, or taking the deadly Montreal Overpass Tour.

This Week's Poll: We're Going Shopping

We read this morning that Google is proposing to buy Motorola. This was extremely disappointing to us, because WE were planning to buy Motorola. On the positive side, however, this leaves us a bit of wiggle room to consider other mergers. So as ever, we're turning to our dedicated readership for advice. What company do you suggest Consilium should acquire?


1) Lululemon. So Ron doesn't have to rely on his clients to supply him with Polo Shirts anymore.

2)  The United States. Slightly used: now going cheap!

3) Ada's Diner on Bank St., so that we can get a staff discount.

4) Google. That way we get Motorola as well.

5) Amberwood Golf Course, so everybody can claim to be working on Friday afternoons with a straight face.


All right, Financial Advisers - let's advise, financially. The Consilium Poll - The Only Poll That Matters - is open! 


h/t: Kory Goulais

Revitalizing Indigenous Languages IV: Making It Work


Greg Smith is a Consilium consultant who has worked on various language revitalization projects around the world. This is the last of a series of articles on international approaches to bringing indigenous language back into day-to-day life. The other articles discussed language revitalization  among the Maori, and in  Hawai'i.

Communities around the world - in Hawai'i and Wales, in New Zealand and Finland, in the Middle East and in the Canadian Arctic - are working to regain their traditional languages, and many are succeeding. So what do these initiatives have to learn from each other, and what can they teach us?

While each language is unique, the successful revitalization strategies all share some common elements. What do they have in common?

Hit the Clutch, Clootch...

You may ask yourself, why has it taken a quarter century for a young man from Kapuskasing - the KAP, for heaven's sake - to get his driver's license. We are sworn to secrecy. Our lips are sealed. We are not permitted to speculate on the impact of Tembec Pulp and Paper effluent on eye-hand coordination, or to cite certain long-suppressed documents from the Porcupine Health Centre.

No, our job here is simply to congratulate our Editor, the Clootch, on his successful completion of Ontario's demanding requirements for certification, and upon his new freedom to roam the roads of this fair province in slightly less than a ton of high speed metal and explosive fluid. Be warned.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Chesterfield Inlet Heritage Strategy

Andre Tautu and Marla: Marla and Chris: Casimir Kriterdluk examines a fox trap

From our ongoing "Some People Get ALL the Best Gigs" series:

Aarluk's Chris Grosset and Marla Limousin are working with the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet to research and prepare a strategy on the heritage sites outside of the community. Chesterfield Inlet's Economic Development Officer, David Kattegatsiak, has created an amazing walking tour brochure for the historic buildings in the community, and now he is looking to expand that heritage information to include the Thule, Inuit, Whaler and RCMP history at sites near the community. Chris and Marla have researched the sites and are now working with the Hamlet and local Elders to map and document these places, eventually turning the work into a strategy to link the heritage of the community with the community's long term economic development goals.

Chris and Marla were in Chesterfield the first week of August, and traveled to many sites with the help of Andre Tautu and Casimir Kriterdluk.
 

Consinema Reviews: Crazy Stupid Love

Poster courtesy Wartner Brothers

On the jBrad scale: 4.5 out of 5 popcorn bags.

Rating: 4.5 popcorn bags


Title: Crazy Stupid Love

Director: Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (the writers, directors, producers of I love you Phillip Morris, Cats & Dogs, Bad Santa, and Bad News Bears)

The Pitch: A movie about falling in love at the wrong time, in the wrong place, with the wrong people.What could possibly go wrong?

Plot Summary: Forty-something Cal (Steve Carell) is living the Dream until his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) has an affair and asks for a divorce. His life starts to unravel as he plays the divorcee doofus, sulks around the local pickup joint, and meets "Playa" Jake (Ryan Gosling), who "Myagis" him in the ways of seduction.

The Verdict: It never lives up to the Crazy part in the title, but its unabashed sweetness, and the talented cast, more than make up for it.

What Shines?: the writing. It pull together ancillary plotlines involving his 12 year old son's and 18 year old babysitter's crushes, with a great twist when Jake unexpectedly gets "played", falls in love and needs Cal's advice on love.

What Sucks?: Can't think of a thing, the whole plot rings true. No explosions or robots, though.Oh yeah, and about  the cameo by Josh Groban? Don't quit your day job, Josh.

Watch out for: The moment when everyone's chickens come home to roost in the same moment, place and time. And a welcome bit by Marisa Tomei as his son's homeroom teacher (plus one more degree of Kevin Bacon)-absolutely, laugh out loud funny!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Okay, What About a THREE-Second Rule? No?

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Believe us, it gives us no pleasure to debunk this one. We cannot count the number of times when we've dropped a particularly delectable morsel of food, scooped it up, triumphantly declared “Five Second Rule!”, and popped it into our mouth.  The Five Second Rule, of course, is the well known scientific law that states food on the ground can't be contaminated in less than five seconds, and is therefore perfectly safe to eat.

And then came Jillian Clarke, biologist and semi professional spoilsport. Through a series of experiments at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign,  Ms. Clarke demonstrated that even dry foods can be contaminated in 5 seconds or less, a depressing finding that won her the 2004 Ig Nobel prize.  In 2006, further research confirmed that food does indeed get contaminated in less than 5 seconds, and foods with higher levels of microbiota (tiny living organisms) such as meat, cheese and vegetables will contaminate at a faster rate than dry foods. 

By the way, the Ig Nobel Prizes, originally awarded by the Journal of Irreproducible Results, acknowledge and award 10 real achievements in science, medicine, technology and 7 other fields that “first make people laugh, and then make them think”. Recent awards have been presented (really!) for:
  • refining methods for whale snot collection by remote control helicopters
  • research confirming that that microbes do in fact cling to bearded scientists, and
  • the discovery that some asthma symptoms can be treated with a roller-coaster ride.

By special guest science contributor Julia Prokopick

Revitalizing Indigenous Languages III: Hawai'i

Learning Traditional Plant Names: Language Class: Traditional Sailing Instructor
Greg Smith is a Consilium consultant who has worked on various language revitalization projects around the world. This is the third in a series of articles on international approaches to bringing indigenous language back into day-to-day life.

Of the total population of 1.2 million people, the largest group (22.1 per cent) consists of Hawaiians or part-Hawaiians. In the last century, the Kingdom of Hawaii was internationally recognized as an independent country with its own stamps, money, press, schools, courts and monarchy. In 1893 the monarchy was overthrown by U.S. marines and in 1898 the islands were annexed by the United States, becoming a state in 1959.

Hawaiian is a Polynesian language closely related to that of other Pacific islands, such as New Zealand (Maori), Tahiti, and Easter Island. Although there are some dialectical differences between the eight islands, there is one single Hawaiian language. For nearly a century the Kingdom of Hawaii conducted its affairs in the Hawaiian language – including courts, schools and the legislature. Many books, newspapers, textbooks and other documents were published in Hawaiian, and 90 per cent of Hawaiians were literate at the end of the 19th century.

Following annexation by the United States, English became the official language of government and business, and the Hawaiian language was banned in schools.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Revitalizing Indigenous Languages II: The Maori Experience

Greg Smith is a Consilium consultant who has worked on various language revitalization projects around the world. This is the second in a series of articles on international approaches to bringing indigenous language back into day-to-day life. 

New Zealand has a total population of around 4 million. Of these about 14 per cent, or just over half a million people, are Maori.

Until the 1930’s most Maori lived in rural areas, and the Maori language was widely used in all aspects of Maori life, including homes and communities. However schooling of Maori children was almost entirely in English - sound familiar? - and Maori children were often punished for speaking their language.

By the 1970’s Maori was a marginal language used only in a few homes and for religious activities. There was concern that the language would die out completely within a few years.

That hasn't happened.

Opportunities in Energy

More and more industries are realizing that Aboriginal people - especially young people - represent a valuable and growing labour pool. The Métis Nation of Ontario recently completed a successful program to train and support Aboriginal people in Ontario for jobs in the energy sector. Stonecircle prepared a final report for the project.

The Employment in Energy project was a four month training to employment program, developed by MNO and Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. It was one of many projects funded through the former federal Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF).

The program provided training and work placement to more than 30 participants from across Ontario.

Stonecircle gathered data and statistics on the energy sector in Ontario as well as Aboriginal employment in the province and produced a 25-page report on the Employment in Energy program.

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Revitalizing Indigenous Languages I: Vanishing Tongues

Greg Smith is a Consilium consultant who has worked on various language revitalization projects around the world. Over the next couple of weeks he'll be describing the different approaches taken in Hawai'i and New Zealand to bring indigenous language back into day-to-day life. 

Languages in Danger: UNESCO
There are more than 50 Aboriginal languages in Canada, all under pressure, and many in serious danger of vanishing. Some have only a handful of elderly native speakers still living, so protection and preservation of indigenous languages is of paramount importance. Language is viewed as a critical element for the transmission of culture, history and values and there is a strong will among Aboriginal people to maintain, enhance and pass on indigenous languages to the next generations.

Many innovative and successful programs have been developed over the past two decades. In Canada these have included immersion programs for young children; the growth of Aboriginal language media (print, radio, television and film including the international success Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner); and legislation recognizing Aboriginal languages as official languages in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

But there are many other stories out there in the world.

Happy Birthday Fred!

Fred Weihs
Many of the staff here at the Consilium Consulting Group take their birthday off in order to enjoy and celebrate their one day a year. Then there's Fred Weihs, who sees his birthday as an opportunity to sneak in some of the work he didn't have time to finish during the weekend before his birthday. Of course, there's always working through NEXT weekend to look forward to.  Ah, well, to each their own.  From all of us at CCG, Happy Birthday Fred! And please, at least take a break and come to lunch with us...

Monday, August 08, 2011

Debt Ceilings and Death Defying Tourism: The Weekly Poll

Last Week's Poll: If You Managed Your Money Like the US Government Manages Theirs...

Last week we looked at the various strategies the US government was considering to resolve their debt ceiling crisis, and speculated about what would happen if we applied some of those strategies to our personal finance. We asked you to tell  what you would do next time you found yourself overdrawn at the bank.
  1. Well, NO-ONE intends to adopt the Republican Strategy (explain to your banker that it's all his fault, and insist that all interest rates and service charges be lowered), the Democratic Strategy: (explain to your banker that  you have a right to spend what you're spending, and insist he raise your overdraft ceiling) or the EuroStrategy (pay back your debts by borrowing from your neighbour at an even higher interest rate.)
  2. A surprising 18% opted for the Tea Party Strategy (stamp your feet, glare, and just say No.)
  3. And a reassuring 82% voted for the Boring old Canadian Strategy: spend a little less, save a little more.
Good choice.

Devo? No, CN Tower Edge Walk
This Week's Poll:New Frontiers In Adventure Tourism

Statistics from the hospitality industry suggest that tourism from the United States has dropped significantly this year, a result of the high Canadian dollar and the volatile American economy.

How do we attract more tourists? It's been noted that the fastest growing tourism sector worldwide is "adventure" tourism, in which travelers seek out various "extreme" experiences. Last week, for example, the CN Tower opened its Edge Walk,  providing insane suicidal adventurous visitors with the opportunity to circumnavigate the Tower, 112 stories up, for a mere $175.

Okay, that's cool. But can we do better? We're inviting the readership to select from among the following options for a new, extreme Canadian thrilling adventure. Which do you think would offer the most raw, stomach churning excitement?
  1. The CN Tower Edge Tour: walk around the CN tour for 30 minutes. At ground level, not so thrilling. 112 stories up - hmmm.
  2. Visit Nunavut with a PETA Luggage Sticker:  we'll fly you to Grise Fiord, with an overnight in Iqaluit, and provide you with special PETA and Greenpeace stickers for your suitcases, bearing messages like "Make Love, Not Nipku", and "Can't You Just Buy a Parka From Mountain Equipment Coop?" One of our most popular holidays, with a survival rate of almost 70%!
  3. The Montreal Overpass Tour: see Montreal from the open top of a double decker bus - and actually ride, unprotected,  beneath some of the city's oldest overpasses!
  4. The RIM Rollercoaster: for all you sedentary adventurers! We buy you 1000 shares in Research in Motion and set you up in a hotel room in Waterloo, Ont. with a Blackberry, a stock ticker, an unlimited supply of coffee, and a blood pressure monitor. (This tour is on special this week, and probably even cheaper next week!)
  5. The Halifax Taxi Marathon: we'll reserve a cab in your name for the long airport-to-Halifax taxo drive: and we'll tell the driver you're from Ottawa.

All right, thrill seekers - the Consilium Poll - The Only Poll That Matters - is open! 

News Flash! Aarluk Office Has Moved!

Geoff and the Northwest Tel guy, restoring the Aarluk lifeline: our cool new quarters: Victor, looking settled.

Well, it finally happened. We outgrew out first home.

Aarluk's office has moved to greener pastures on August 1st, 2011. After more than three years in the Natsiq St. office, Aarluk's headquarters is now located at Unit # 2, Green Acres (1814 Qaqqamiut Road) in Iqaluit. That's right at the foot of the hill below Upper Base, just before where the road to Upper Base starts.

Victor Tootoo and Geoff "BigRig" Rigby have been busy setting up the new office, which is becoming cozier by the day. The last critical decision to be made is the selection of that office essential, the official coffee maker. Until then, some Dead Man's Reach has been tiding them over.

NorthwesTel recently finished installing phone and internet services, which came as quite the relief to both Victor and Geoff. To quote BigRig, "I didn't have a land line, cell phone, or internet for a couple of days. It was like being stranded on an island. Although I guess technically I was, huh?"

Aarluk's phone (867 979 2089) and fax (867 979 2091) numbers remain the same, and the new official mailing address is :

P.O. Box 2230
Unit #2 Green Acres
1814 Qaqqamiut Road
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0

If you're in the neighborhood, don't be shy, stop on by and check out the new Aarluk digs!  And visit our blog at...oh. Right.You're already here. Never mind.

Friday, August 05, 2011

Problem Solving Techniques for Computers


h/t Dr.Ian Brooks, Greg Smith, Graphjam.com.

And From Our Sports Editor...

“People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” 

-Roger Hornsby

Hornsby's immortal words gave always inspired Stonecircle researcher and Brass Monkeyz shortstop Kory “The Ringer” Goulais. During spring and summer, Goulais spends most of his non-researching time on the baseball field (playing for four teams) and barely has time to squeeze in his work (just kidding). The other side of the office tandem is Christian “The Clootch” Cloutier who manages the Brass Monkeyz. His management philosophy was best expressed by the immortal Sparky Anderson, who once said: “Players have two things to do. Play and keep their mouths shut.”
Kory Goulais and Christian Cloutier,
2010 Brass Monkeyz Old School Champions

But we digress.We regret to inform the faithful readers who follow the ups and (ahem) downs of the Brass Monkeyz Old School baseball season on this blog that the BMs got themselves, no doubt for reasons beyond their control, finished  a dismal 6-6, earning a mediocre third in the six team division. Sic transit, etc.

On the plus side, reigning MVP Goulais continues his pace from last year (when he is there, slacker!) The Clootch, like player coach Reggie Dunlop (Slapshot reference for hockey fans), is in charge of both administrative duties (like getting the ball before the game) and playing responsibilities (striking out), an onerous concantenation of care which no doubt affected his season tremendously. Take heart, however:  the Brass Monkeyz will embark on their playoff run, and hopefully Our Times will have more cheerful news to report upon completion of the season. Avid fans may remember that the Brass Monkeyz are the defending champions. Will they be able to repeat last year’s success? Stay tuned!

Thursday, August 04, 2011

What Helen Did On Her Summer Vacation: Part IV



We checked in earlier this week to get the scoop from Helen Klengenberg, who is spending the summer on the land revisiting some of the camps and lakes she remembers from her childhood. Faithful readers will recall that Helen's adventures so far have included her very first polar bear and a successful search and rescue mission.

So of course we were looking forward to the update. She had been scheduled to head back to Kugluktuk earlier in the month, then out to Yellowknife to meet with granddaughter Kimnek Rose and long lost husband Paul for the weekend - but ice breakup prevented the rendezvous.

We finally caught up with her by satphone. The conversation was a bit difficult because Helen was dealing with both a fading battery and a shattered tooth (missed just ONE piece of buckshot when cleaning a goose - not a wonderful experience when you're 900 kilometers from the nearest dentist). There was, however, better news than that: just the night before, Helen had shot her first beluga. Three of them, in fact - they unwisely chose to visit the bay she was camping beside, and there she was with a boat and a rifle, and ....

"I've been up all night. It took about ten hours to cut them up and cache them", she reports. "And we're going to have to get some help to get all the meat back to town.  But it was great. One more tick on the bucket list. Now I'm going to sleep."

A couple of days later help arrived from Kugluktuk. It took 7 boats to carry all the meat back to Kugluktuk for distribution amongst family and other residents. And Helen finally connected with granddaughter Kimmy. They've left for the camp in Maligut east of Kugluktuk. Paul Murphy reports that they're now  headed out to scout out some caribou, hoping that Kimmy (11 yrs old) will get her first one.

Kinda makes that weekend at the cottage seem a little...tame, doesn't it?

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

William Commanda 1913-2011

We join his family, the Algonquin Nation and all of those who knew him, in expressing our sympathy at the passing of an incredible Elder.

William Commanda was 98 years old.  His life was rich in accomplishment.  He created Circle of All Nations,  a group Grandfather Commanda called "a circle of individuals committed to respect of Mother Earth, promotion of racial harmony, advancement of social justice, recognition and honouring of indigenous widsom and peace building." Through this Circle, Grandfather Commanda organized and held many gatherings and workshops. Most recently,he had been engaged in discussions about the creation of Asinabka, a national indigenous centre on Victoria island in Ottawa, to be designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal.

Over the course of his life Grandfather Commanda garnered many awards and much recognition, including the Order of Canada; perhaps more important, he was the keeper of three significant wampum belts. But his greatest gifts were his wisdom, his extensive knowledge of Algonquin history and culture, and the generosity of spirit that so inspired all of us who were honoured to have known him. 

He will long be remembered and forever be missed .

Into the Woods: Engaging Aboriginal People in Forestry

Forestry is an important sector in Canada's Aboriginal economy, as a source of both industry and jobs. Stonecircle has been working for the past year with the Forest Products Sector Council on a number of projects relating to Aboriginal people in forestry.

It began with an analysis by Christian Cloutier, who combed the most current data available in the sector to develop a picture Aboriginal engagement in forestry. For the most, Aboriginal people are engaged in logging and support activities, and within those occupations, they are most likely to be labourers or silviculture and forestry workers.

We then researched and presented a list of more than 60 promising practices of Aboriginal forestry initiatives. Examples include
  • youth initiatives like Envirothon, where First Nation students compete on knowledge of forestry and wildlife and win prizes
  • companies like Coast Tsimsian Resources, a major economic driver in the region with rights and ability to harvest and sell wood, 
  • a promising First Nations initiative at the University of British Columbia to train forest professionals.

Our research, plus the the findings from regional engagement sessions and a national symposium, resulted in a strategic document that the Forest Products Sector Council will use to frame its future plans and strategies. The draft strategy report is currently being reviewed by a FPSC working group; Stonecircle will finalize the report in the fall.

Golfing For A Good Cause

Jeff Yourchuk, Marnie Yourchuk, Gary Wheatley, Jennifer (Tiger) David


Here's a quick quiz. See if you can match the CCG consultant with their favourite summer activity.

a) Ron Ryan           1) Golf
b) Jennifer David           2) Golf
c) Chuck Gilhuly           3) Golf
d) Kory Goulais           4) Golf
e) Chris Grosset           5) Golf

Please emails your anwers to the editor. First correct response wins our ironic appreciation.

Shown above: Jennifer David promoting Stonecircle and enjoying herself with her new-found teammates.

She was golfing in the Mamaweswen Charity Golf Tournament in Garden River on July 20th, a fund-raising event sponsored by the North Shore Tribal Council to raise money for Aboriginal literacy and other good causes.  Her team managed a final score of +1. That's not bad, but not great, considering the winning team had -10 (this likely means something to those of you who golf...)

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Meteorology and Money - The Weekly Poll

Last Week's Poll: Everybody Talks About the Weather

We invited our readership to hold the Government accountable for our extremely hot, humid summer, and provide direction to the Minister of the Environment as to the kind of weather we, as Canadians, want and deserve.

And you, the readers, spake thus:
  • 5% wanted ongoing hot and humid;
  • 15% demand just as hot, but less humid;
  • Nobody asked for just as humid, and less hot;
  • 31% vote for less hot AND less humid;
 And a majority of  47% said: "Whatever, as long as CBC shuts up about it."


This Week's Poll: If You Managed Your Money Like the US Government Manages Theirs...

We are all grateful that the world's economy failed to collapse this week when Republicans and Democrats agreed at the last minute to a compromise, enabling the US to raise its debt ceiling.

Since we all know that politicians are our moral and intellectual superiors, we feel there must be a lesson in there for ordinary folks like us struggling to meet our own debtload.

So next time you find yourself overdrawn at the bank, what strategy do you intend to adopt?

  1. Republican Strategy: Explain to your bank manager that it's all his fault, and insist that all interest rates and service charges be lowered.
  2. Democratic Strategy: Explain to your banker that  you have a right to spend what you're spending, and insist he raise your overdraft ceiling.
  3. Tea Party Strategy: Stamp your feet, glare, and just say No. 
  4. EuroStrategy: Borrow from your neighbour at an even higher interest rate.
  5. Boring old Canadian Strategy: spend a little less, save a little more.

The Consilium Poll - The Only Poll That Matters - is open!