News quiz Dec. 13 | What’s up with churches, miners and the Vatican?

Let’s take a break from Christmas wrapping to do some Christmas quizzing. Starting now!

1. Understandably, there was much concern in Kugaaruk this week due to an unexpected emergency. What happened?

A. The power plant in the hamlet broke down in freezing temperatures.
B. The water treatment facility became disabled.
C. The supply of gasoline for vehicles was used up.

2. Last weekend, the Vatican returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to Canada, after holding many of them for more than a century. Of the 62, how many are believed to be of Inuit origin?

A. 44
B. At least 95
C. 14

3. Churches and places of worship in Iqaluit got some good news this week. What was it?

A. The city will provide free snow clearing on their properties this winter, including shovelling up to the door.
B. They won’t be charged property tax in 2026.
C. CBC is planning a TV special to be aired this month titled A North of North Christmas.

4. A boom in prices for this mineral is seen as good news for Nunavut’s mining industry. What’s the mineral we’re talking about?
A. Copper
B. Iron ore
C. Gold

5. Several communities across the North are experiencing health and crime-related problems caused by drugs that are smuggled in and sold. Last week, Nunatsiaq News reported on one that held a town hall-style meeting to talk about drugs and their effect on families and youths. Which community was it?

A. Cambridge Bay
B. Kuujjuaq
C. Kugluktuk

Katisha Paul, a youth representative of the Tsartlip First Nation in British Columbia, centre, speaks during a ceremony in Montreal on Saturday where the 62 Indigenous artifacts returned from the Roman Catholic Church’s collection in the Vatican arrived back in Canada. Assembly of First Nations president Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, left, and other young Indigenous leaders listen in. (Photo by Cedric Gallant)

Answers

1. B — It was a water problem. High tide pushed seawater into the treatment facility on Dec. 7, making it unable to produce clean water for the community of about 1,000 people.
2. C — Fourteen of the artifacts are believed to be of Inuit origin, says Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The largest of them is a 100-year-old Inuvialuit kayak.
3. B — For 2026 at least, the City of Iqaluit will not charge property taxes on places of worship, following the practice of most other municipalities across Canada.
4. C — It’s gold, of course. Prices have been soaring and setting records. On Dec. 4, the price per ounce was up 60 per cent from the same time a year ago. In turbulent times, gold is often seen as a safe investment.
5. B — The meeting was held in Kuujjuaq, where crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine have been present for at least the past year.