Rifles & Politicians

A new year meant the start of a new semester.  I would be teaching the same classes except for one.  High school percussion was replaced with high school guitar.  In case you forgot, those same classes are: high school social studies (10 – 12) and middle school guitar (7 – 9). 

On the morning of January 21, the army cadets of 3045 corps received a lesson on the use of Anschutz biathlon rifles and an electronic target practice system.  A civilian volunteer brought the necessary equipment to set up a shooting lane.  The rifle looked new and expensive.  He said the price can reach up to $6,000 per rifle and it’s the kind that’s used in the Canada Games and Olympics.  He secured funding for 4 rifles.

The electronic target system includes: a plastic panel consisting of five small targets, tripod, laser pointer attachment for the rifle, laptop with the required software, and cables.  The targets stood 5 metres away from the shooter, but this can be extended to 10 metres, provided you have the length of cable.  (The cable connects the targets to the laptop). 

The civilian volunteer biathlon coach (CVBC) explained how to properly handle the rifle, aim the laser pointer, and how the software records & tracks your progress.  The cadets & I listened intently.  We took turns shooting the rifle.  No ammunition is inserted when using the electronic target system.  (The rifle shoots .22LR bullets).  You still do the proper loading & reloading steps but when you press the trigger, the software detects where you’re pointing the laser and tells you if you “hit” the targets.

The CVBC also introduced two new wooden stands he made for the cadets to use when shooting prone.  They’re made of wood and contain four steps.  Cadets pick a step to rest their air rifle.  The cadets practice with the stands several times and then shoot without them.  They slowly strengthen their muscles and aiming skills.

Two Canadian politicians visited Inuujaq School on January 23.  The school hosted Nunavut’s Minister of Environment Economic Development and Transportation and Minister of Justice David Akeeagok, and Canada’s Member of Parliament for Nunavut Lori Idlout.  I should also add that Akeeagok represents the constituency of Quttiktuq in the Nunavut Legislature.  Arctic Bay is part of that constituency.

The politicians spoke to the high school students about their roles in Nunavut and Canada, how they represent Nunavut’s interests, and how students can become involved in politics.  They encouraged the students to finish high school, and continue their education at Arctic College and/or university.  They finished their presentation by answering questions from students & teachers.