Cottage North Jan-Feb 2015 by Cottage North

January - February 2015

COTTAGE north

Ice Men

The producers and products of the Flin Flon hockey factory

Plus

Traditional Healer Goal Setting Artist James Dean Canadian Challenge #newpark623 Frac Sand

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Inside

COTTAGE north

January-February 2015 • Volume 13, Issue 1

Features 12 Chris Sawatzky, Traditional Healer

A Cree healer in Thompson shares insights into holistic healing practices that come from the earth, and from within. Penny Byer

16 The Art of Goal Setting: Going After Your Dreams

In this sequel to last year’s January issue, celebrities in the fields of philanthropy, sports and music share their insights on setting and achieving personal goals. Shannon Smadella

20 Evolution of an Unexpected Artist

12 23

James Dean, a painter from The Pas, reveals his first solo exhibit. Amanda Emsland

23 Canadian Challenge: A Northern Saskatchewan Classic

Mushers, dogs and trail-blazers prepare for an exciting long-distance sled dog race. Valerie G. Barnes-Connell

26 Concrete Dreams: #newpark623

Community leaders are working with youth to build a better infrastructure for individual sports in The Pas. Libby Stoker-Lavelle

30 The Hockey Factory: Exploring a Flin Flon Phenomenon

Discover the career highlights of Flin Flon’s many beloved hockey stars. Morley Naylor

34 Frac Sand

In Every Issue

There is growing global demand for frac sand, a commodity that is key to the controversial fracking process. Jim Parres discusses the discovery of frac sand in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the growth of a new industry. Jim Parres

4 Editor’s Note 5 Contributors 6 Calendar of Events 7 In a Nutshell 37 Poetry Corner 38 Q&A: Dennis Foley & Project Thompson 39 A Good Taste Grandma's Dill Pickle Soup

ON THE COVER They came, they played, they went out into the hockey world and made their mark. Morley Naylor documents the career highlights of the city’s finest in “The Hockey Factory” on page 30.

COTTAGE north

January - February 2015

Ice Men

The producers and products of the Flin Flon hockey factory

Plus

Traditional Healer Goal Setting Artist James Dean Canadian Challenge #newpark623 Frac Sand

PEOPLE

•

COMMUNITY

•

CULTURE

•

HISTORY

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When the mercury drops and the nights seem endless, winter brings us ample time for quiet contemplation and the nurturing of talents; just ask the many northern artists who find the tranquility of the season to be a boon to creativity. This certainly applies to painter James Dean, who discovered a passion for art while living in The Pas. Dean’s first solo exhibit is on display now at the Sam Waller Museum, and Amanda Emsland tells us all about it on pg. 20. Of course, winter in the north is not a quiet time for everyone; with sledding, skating, cross-country skiing, and ice-fishing, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep us all busy. In this issue, Valerie Barnes-Connell of La Ronge introduces us to the Canadian Challenge, a gruelling three-day race through northern Saskatchewan that is a qualifier for the famous Iditarod, and in “Flin Flon: The Hockey Factory,” Morley Naylor reflects on the impressive hockey heritage of the remote city.

From the Editor's Desk Cottage North is published six times a year by The Flin Flon Reminder in Flin Flon and is distributed free of charge to businesses and services throughout northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Publisher Valerie Durnin

In our In a Nutshell section, we also take a look at winter fun in the north, including the first annual Flinty Fishing Derby, coming to Bakers Narrows this April, and a moonlight cross-country ski experience in La Ronge. As the new year begins, winter can be an opportune time to hatch plans and move towards our personal and professional goals. Shannon Smadella returns with “The Art of Goal Setting,” in which she interviews a number of accomplished individuals on their strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving the objects of their ambitions. Interviewees include Boston Marathon veterans Dick and Rick Hoyt, and Canadian musicians Bif Naked and Chantal Kreviazuk. Whatever winter means to you, we hope you find a story within these pages to spark your imagination and help you enjoy this snowy season. Interesting people and stories from the north are what we are all about, and we love hearing from you — please feel free to contact us at anytime with stories, letters, pictures or artwork that you would like to share with Cottage North readers.

Editor Libby Stoker-Lavelle Advertising sales consultant Krista Lemcke Production manager John Bettger Graphic designer Danita Stallard Office administrators & copy editors Shannon Thompson & Julian Kolt Receptionist Rose Daneliuk

Letters to the Editor Do you have an opinion, a photo or a brief story to share with Cottage North readers? Send in a contribution to our new Letters to the Editor section! 4

Libby (Elizabeth) Stoker-Lavelle

Subscribe to Cottage North Support your local magazine & have Cottage North delivered to your door six times a year! Makes a great gift. One year subscription (6 issues): $36.00 GST incl. Advertise With Us Contact Krista Lemcke, krista@thereminder.ca We welcome submissions of photos, art and articles at all times. Please contact us if you have something to share! Cottage North 14 North Avenue, Flin Flon, Manitoba, R8A 0T2 phone: 204-687-4303 fax: 204-687-4473 www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine email: cottagenorth@thereminder.ca Cottage North Magazine Vol 13, Issue 1 Printed in Canada, 2015.

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Contributors Valerie G. Barnes-Connell “Canadian Challenge” p. 23

Morley G. Naylor "The Hockey Factory" p. 30 Morley G. Naylor was born in Sherridon and has lived in Flin Flon since. For 32 years, he has travelled all over northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan with CBC TV and CBC Radio. “I’ve really come to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our area,” Morley says. “There are so many stories to tell.”

Valerie G. Barnes-Connell has been the reporter/photographer for the La Ronge Northerner for the past eight years. She lives in La Ronge.

Penny Byer “Chris Sawatzky, Traditional Healer” p. 12

Jim Parres "Frac Sand" p. 34

Penny Byer moved to Thompson in the late ’70s to open up the CBC North Country studio. She moved into print as editor of employee publications with a mining company and has freelanced for various organizations and publications. She also teaches courses on communications and leadership.

Amanda Emsland “Unexpected Artist James Dean” p. 20 Amanda first entered into writing as a blogger at www.iamloveinaction.org. While living in Rwanda, she began freelancing for the Opasquia Times with a weekly column, “Diary of a Spirited Yogini,” as a way to connect the two communities. She returned to her hometown of The Pas after 13 years away to reconnect with the town’s potential, beauty and culture. Amanda is a registered nurse in Opaskwayak, MB and runs a business/non-profit, I Am Love In Action: Healing Ourselves Heals The World.

Molly Gibson Kirby “REDress campaign in Thompson” p. 7

Jim Parres is a prospector/geologist who was born in Timmins, Ontario, but raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He has co-authored two Manitoba mining books, The Nor Acme Gold Mine Story and Headframes, Happiness and Heartaches, along with Marc Jackson. Jim also writes a bi-monthly column in the Snow Lake newspaper.

Shannon Smadella “Going After Your Dreams” p. 16 As a charitable business professional, humanitarian and former Miss Canada, Shannon Smadella has travelled the world aiding various causes. From TSN sports host to freelance journalist, the University of Saskatchewan alumna enjoys writing for various publications in her free time. She is working on her third book and is a mortgage specialist with RBC, yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner and touring motivational speaker.

Glenda Walker-Hobbs “Arctic Alchemy” p. 37

Molly Gibson Kirby is a journalist originally from Nova Scotia, living in northern Manitoba. Molly studied radio television arts at Nova Scotia Community College, and majored in broadcast journalism. Now working for the Thompson Citizen, the passion she has gained for writing keeps growing with every passing minute.

Glenda Walker-Hobbs is a retired library technician, Flin Flon Writers Guild secretary, and co-facilitator of Advanced Poets of Writers Village University. She has published seven books of poetry, mostly recently Shadows to Sunlight and Beyond the Candle Flame. She is currently revising a novel and has two books of poetry in progress.

Sheila Marchant “Brave New Moon” p. 37 As a longtime resident of northern Manitoba, Sheila Marchant enjoys capturing the natural beauty of this region in poetry. Sheila gathers inspiration everywhere, but particularly from her scenic views on her monthly bus rides from Flin Flon to Prince Albert. “You can never get bored if you look out the window,” she says.

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Calendar of Events

January | February 2015

Here are some highlights of what’s happening in your community this winter!

la rne d C By foun “O BC R w e w h ne adio e Matt ary N of th ’s Glen Tilley called e fine or st singers in contemp

Flin Flon Jan 5-31: Manitoba Arts Network exhibit, For the Love of Craft, featuring selections from the Manitoba Craft Council’s annual group show, at the NorVA centre. Jan 22: TIFF Film: Life’s a Breeze, presented by the Films up North series. Hapnot Collegiate, 7:30 pm.

Feb 19: Le Week-End, presented by the Films Up North series, at Hapnot Collegiate, 7:30 pm.

Dec-Jan 31: Unguarded Moments exhibit with paintings by local artist James Dean. Sam Waller Museum. See page 20 for story.

Feb 4: Armstrong’s War, a Manitoba Theatre Centre performance. Visit www.mtc.mb.ca for details.

Jan 22-24, 30-31: Vintage Hitchcock Drama by Theatre 53, Library Annex, time TBA. Contact The Pas Arts Council for details. Jan 24: Kinsmen Comedy Jam 2015 featuring Just for Laughs alumni Mike Macdonald. Guy Hall, 6 pm. Contact Kevin at 204-623-6657 for tickets.

Prince Albert

ds tri ay Du pti p t nc em m o P an att ic co e l aris play a p t in L long-married British cou oman e Wee r k-End, an acclaimed

Jan 20: Comedian Don Burnstick, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm. Visit www.earawlinsoncentre.ca for details. Feb 16: Jann Arden concert, E.A. Rawlinson Centre, 7:30 pm. Visit www.earawlinsoncentre.ca for details. Feb 24: Canadian Challenge International Sled Dog Race mass start, 12 noon, Central Avenue. Visit www.canadianchallenge.com for details. See page 22 for story.

For more, visit www.cottagenorthmagazine.ca/calendar-of-events

o Ko ne "F hry ibit Kat xh ot by rk e Gourd Teap Netwo Manitoba Arts

Feb 6: Armstrong’s War, a Manitoba Theatre Centre performance, Flin Flon Community Hall, 7:30 pm. Visit www.mtc.mb.ca for details.

Thompson

Lin a nd ia ta kv ben par road e s Jim Bindle th

Jan 27: Home Routes Classical Concert featuring Bronwen Garand-Sheridan, oboist, and Lisa Rumpel, pianist. Flin Flon Community Hall, 7:30 pm. Visit www.homeroutes.ca/homeroutes-classical/ for details.

The Pas

to rek

Jan 16: Crooked Brothers: folk/roots/blues concert. Flin Flon Community Hall, 7:30 pm.

CBC Radio’s Glen Tilley called Matthew Byrne “One of the finest singers in contemporary Newfoundland folk music.” Byrne will play at Home Routes concerts in The Pas on February 5, Thompson on February 6, Flin Flon on February 7 & 8 and Cranberry Portage on February 10. Visit homeroutes.ca for details.

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january - february • cottage north magazine

In a Nutshell:

A miscellany of regional news

REDress campaign launched in Thompson

Photo by Molly Gibson Kirby

~ Molly Gibson Kirby ~ Feminist perspective students at the University of Manitoba northern social work program launched the REDress project in Thompson in December. The project, paired with public presentations on sexual assault numbers, stereotypes within the media, and sexual freedom and choice,

is intended to create awareness of violence against women. The project also ties in with the YWCA and the Thompson Crisis Centre. The red dresses shown here in front of the city’s YWCA represent women who have been victims of violence. Excerpt reprinted courtesy of the Thompson Citizen

~ Valerie G. Barnes-Connell ~ Almost 10 years ago, Warren Kelly and Ken Pointon, both long-time members of the La Ronge Ski Club, started the first Winter Solstice Ski to the Summit. This moonlight ski experience takes place annually on December 21 at the Don Allen Ski Trails north of La Ronge. Participants head out on the 5 km trek and ski to the highest point on the trails, the summit, and return. The Solstice Ski originated to give people a different experience and provide a social event for skiers of all ages. In past years, the number of skiers has ranged in size, with a record number of 32 participants. Warren Kelly remembers

Photo by ragnar robinson

A moonlight ski in La Ronge

Warren Kelly, Hilary Johnstone, Haley Robinson, and Sid Robinson return from a chilly -37 Winter Solstice Ski to the Summit December 21, 2013. Ragnar Robinson (not pictured) was the fifth skier in the event. heading out on his own one winter, only to be joined by another skier. They were the only two participants that year.

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The Solstice Ski takes place no matter the weather conditions; in 2013, five skiers participated in what was probably the coldest event yet, with temperatures dipping to -37ºC. Not many in the area ski at night, and the Solstice Ski gives people the opportunity to see the different wildlife that emerges after dark and observe varying conditions from bright starlight to cloudy skies on the longest night of the year. Even the route is different for the Winter Solstice Ski to the Summit: local skiers usually ski clockwise on the trails, but for this event they travel counterclockwise. Traditionally, a fire is lit in the ski club’s chalet before the skiers start the trek; hot chocolate and pizza await those who brave this chilly moonlight adventure. 7

Stained glass artist Connie Jo Smith is inspired by the wild As a lifelong resident of northern Manitoba, stained glass artist Connie Jo Smith has no shortage of inspiration for her work. Smith lives in Cranberry Portage, and the view from her workshop faces the stunning First Cranberry Lake. Who could ask for a better place to create art? “Influenced by wildlife and the environment, my ideas are generated from observing the local flora and fauna,” says Smith. Connie’s pieces are all one of a kind, including soldered stained glass and mosaics, and pieces can take 20 to 72 hours to craft. “I began working with stained glass over 10 years ago, when I was given a lesson by a close friend for a birthday gift,” Connie recalls. This gift, and first lesson, was the beginning of Connie’s passion for creating artwork from glass. “With mosaics, my ideas can develop and can change as I see fit, thus letting the art change and develop along the way,” Connie notes. “I enjoy taking ideas and creating them into a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”

submitted photo

~ Shannon Smadella~

Connie Jo Smith on her lawn in Cranberry Portage, MB, with her stained glass sign, “The Lone Wolf." Smith’s work has received various accolades, including awards at the Northern Juried Art Show and the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival. To learn more about Connie Jo Smith and her artwork, visit www.blueheronstainedglass.net

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Band on the Run takes off

Photo by noelle drimmie

~ Libby Stoker-Lavelle ~ A newly formed band of local musicians took the stage at Johnny’s Social Club on December 12 and 13, but although Band on the Run was performing together for the first time, the performers were all familiar faces from Flin Flon’s music scene. The talented group included Susan Lethbridge and C.C. Trubiak on vocals, Brent Lethbridge on guitar and vocals, Erick Bergman on drums, guitar and vocals, Mark Kolt on keyboard, Mike Spencer on guitar and bass guitar, and Cottage North’s own John Bettger on bass, back-up vocals, and drums.

Photo by daniel dillon

C.C. Trubiak, Susan Lethbridge and Erick Bergman on stage.

Band on the Run members include local musicians Mark Colt, C.C. Trubiak, Mike Spencer, John Bettger, Susan Lethbridge, Brent Lethbridge and Erick Bergman.

Each of the vocalists selected a few songs for the show, with nods to artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Jimi Hendrix. The result was a diverse performance that highlighted some hidden talents among the band members. A rapt audience loved Erick Bergman’s velvety rendition of John Mayer’s “Gravity,” as well as C.C. Trubiak’s version of Neil Young’s “Harvest,” for which he donned a jaunty cowboy shirt and dedicated the song to “All the women I’ve ever loved,” earning him plenty of cheers from the crowd.

~ Molly Gibson Kirby ~ Raziel Reid, who spent childhood summers in Thompson, won the 2014 Governor General’s Literary Award in the children’s literature category for his young adult (YA) novel When Everything Feels like the Movies, published by Arsenal Pulp Press in Vancouver. The now-24-year-old Vancouver writer received the $25,000 award on November 18. The story was inspired by the murder of Lawrence “Larry” Fobes King, who in 2008 was shot and murdered in his school by a boy whom he had asked to be his Valentine. Brian Lam, publisher for Arsenal Pulp Press, says Reid’s novel is just the type of book they wanted to print. “Raziel’s book is an honest, authentic portrayal of queer youth,” said Lam. Spending summer holidays in Thompson as a youth with his granny, who had emphysema and couldn’t leave the house, Reid says he filled the hours with stories. “I would watch her shows with her, and because I was kind

Photo courtesy of the Thompson Citizen

National literary prize recipient has Thompson ties

of a lonely, imaginative kid, I would continue the stories alone in my room, writing the scenes and playing all the characters. So, basically, when I was 10 I spent most of my time pretending I was Brooke Logan from The Bold and the Beautiful.” Reid is currently working on a film script for When Everything Feels like the Movies and will be travelling to the United States in 2015 to launch the book. Article excerpted with permission from The Thompson Citizen

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~ Libby Stoker-Lavelle ~ Jimmy Rankin is music royalty in Nova Scotia, best known to many as a member of the Rankin Family Band, a celtic-pop group that formed in the 1970s in Mabou, Cape Breton and went on to achieve worldwide fame in the 1990s. Now a well-established solo musician, Jimmy Rankin travelled throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba this fall as part of his Back Road Paradise Tour. He made a significant showing in the North with concerts in Snow Lake, The Pas, and Thompson in early November. Snow Lake writer Marc Jackson commented on the concert in a recent story for the Flin Flon Reminder: “Over 150 patrons took in Rankin’s November 6 Snow Lake show,” Jackson noted, “and I’m sure no one left disappointed. Perhaps, like myself, there were even a few new converts.”

Photo courtesy of the pas arts council

Maritime music heads North

Shirley Barbeau, Andrew Legeny, and Barbara Shaw-Ings of The Pas Arts Council huddle in for a shot with visiting musician Jimmy Rankin (second from left).

The first annual Flinty Fishing Derby comes to Bakers Narrows this April ~Libby Stoker-Lavelle~ Ice fishing enthusiasts in Flin Flon have a good reason to hone their skills this winter: on April 12 2015, the Flin Flon Rotary Club will hold the first annual Flinty Fish Derby, an ice fishing tournament. The derby will take place near Sally’s Beach, in Bakers Narrows Provincial Park, on Lake Athapapuskow, approximately 16 km south of Flin Flon. The event has been 15 years in the making, as event co-chair and Rotarian Glenn Smith explains. “It was something we attempted 15 years ago as a fundraiser, but with the Bill Bannock Classic in The Pas, there was concern that we might infringe on that event.” This year, the two Rotary clubs found a way to share the bounty by creating a partnership. The two Rotary clubs will hold their tournaments on the same weekend, with the Bill Bannock Classic taking place on Saturday and the Flinty Fish Derby on the Sunday. Smith hopes that competitors travelling for the event in The Pas will make a weekend of it and drive to Flin Flon for Sunday’s event. “Last year, five or six Rotarians went down to The Pas to help with their derby, and we spoke to a lot of anglers there,” he explains. “A lot of the people whom we spoke to said they thought it would be a great idea, and many said that they would come for both.”

The first annual Flinty Fish Derby will be held on Sunday, April 12 at Bakers Narrows Provincial Park To encourage anglers to travel between the two communities, there are special prizes for those who enter both contests. These incentives are in addition to the prizes for anglers in the Flinty Fish Derby: the first prize is $21,000 cash; 31 other prizes include a 14-foot Lund boat and return tickets for two from Flin Flon or The Pas to Winnipeg. Smith says the Rotary Club is hoping for a minimum of 500 entries to this first fishing derby; as a comparison, the Bill Bannock event had 1,000 entries last year. Entrance fees are $80 for a regular ticket and $100 for an early bird ticket. Early bird entrants will have their names entered into a draw for a super hole – that’s a hole around the outside of the circle, which gives competitors a distinct advantage.

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The Flinty Fish Derby is a pricey endeavour for the Flin Flon Rotary Club, costing at least $30,000 to launch. Smith notes that support from local merchants has been outstanding, with over $50,000 in donated prizes and services so far. Ultimately the goal for the event, according to Smith, is multifold: the derby will be a fundraiser for the Rotary Club, which supports various community initiatives. The derby also promises to be a fun event for locals in Flin Flon and surrounding areas. Finally, the tournament has the potential to be a late-winter boost for Flin Flon’s economy. “The Bill Bannock Classic is not just a fundraiser for The Pas Rotary Club,” explains Smith. “It’s also an excellent event for the community … it brings in far more out-oftown people than you might think. So we thought, if we can get the benefit of a fundraiser for the Rotary Club, that’s great, but if we can benefit the town by having a couple days of tourism in the middle of non-tourism season, that’s a really good thing.” In addition to the ice fishing tournament itself, the derby site will include a concession, sponsor displays, a beer garden, and—if the Flin Flon Rotary Club gets its way—beautiful fishing weather. Learn more about the Flinty Fishing Derby by visiting the website at www.flintyfishderby.com 11

Traditional healer

Chris Sawatzky By Penny Byer

A Cree healer in Thompson, Chris Sawatzky shares insights into why and how traditional healing practices still work in our high-tech world.

photo by penny byer

Chris Sawatzky says the forest contains amazing gifts for health and healing. Some of the medicines are, starting from top left: birch root, poplar buds, pine cones, Labrador leaves, yarrow, chaga, wild mint, chokecherry tree and sweet flag.

Ron Byer’s right leg was swollen from his knee to his toes. The skin was an angry red, and hot to the touch. The leg hurt when he put weight on it. Doctors could not determine the cause, but suspected a severe infection. He had been on intravenous antibiotics for 10 days, then on pills for another 10 days. The medication reduced most of the swelling and some of the redness, but the pain remained. He was open to other options when someone suggested he ask Chris Sawatzky to take a look at it. Chris Sawatzky is an Aboriginal healer. She wrapped Byer’s leg in thin layers of dampened birch bark, saying prayers in her native Cree language. She then ran her hands over his leg, pulling at the negative energies in the leg and flicking them away. Byer, who was not especially “into” holistic healing, was surprised to feel a tingling sensation in his leg as Sawatzky drew out the negative energies. The next day, 50 per cent of the redness was reduced to pink and most of the pain was gone. And within a week, the leg was nearly 100 per cent healed. Do you ever wonder how Indigenous people of our region could thrive for thousands of years without the aid of modern medicines and medical practices? Perhaps it was in large part due to a natural and holistic approach taken to health and wellness.

january - february • cottage north magazine

“The one amazing thing given to all people is a beautiful medicine within each of us—that’s our inner spirit, our inner state of being.” “All pharmaceuticals come from plants,” said Sawatzky. “But in modern pharmaceuticals, there are too many additives that break down the actual medicinal value. Plants, in their natural state, that come straight from the earth and that are harvested and prepared properly, do not rot and their healing properties remain intact.”

The forest is our pharmacy All through the north, there is an abundance of plants with healing qualities. “The forest is our pharmacy,” said Sawatzky. “There are plants that help us cut down our sugars, fight cancer, reduce high blood pressure and restore chemical imbalances that affect our mental well-being. “But the one absolutely amazing thing given to all people is a beautiful medicine ‘within’ each of us – that’s our inner spirit, our inner state of being. If we do not learn to look after that, then diseases have a much easier time entering our being. And the result is a health system that is overfilled with people with illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.” Sawatzky said people often have difficulty understanding the concept of ‘within.' “We are so used to letting our mind control our actions and thoughts,” she explained. “But the concept of ‘within’ is more your spiritual state of awareness. It’s the place inside of you where Creator, Great Spirit or God resides. There is a transcendence that opens up the door to that place to let your spirit take more control, and to help you achieve a balance between the mind and the spirit. “Everything starts from ‘within,’ from the moment you wake up. You can allow anger to rule your day, or resentment, or the past. But why should you allow that? You can choose to meet life on your terms, feel your God or Creator or Allah, or whatever you choose to call him or her, within you, and not as an external being.”

The tree was a result of energy Sawatzky grew up learning both the Seven Sacred Teachings of her Cree culture and the Ten Commandments from the Bible. Her parents used a combination of their natural surroundings and biblical stories to instill in her the teachings. She was mesmerized by nature and would often gaze at a tree for hours, wondering how tall it would grow, what was inside, how it got its start. When she realized that the tree was a result of energy— the energy of a seed sprouting and growing—she got her first impression of the spirit within. But, like so many teenagers, Sawatzky wanted to learn about the outside world. She moved to Toronto, where she married.

photo by penny byer

Chris Sawatzky has been given two additional names. Her spirit name is Woman Who Walks the Path of the Bear. In the Seven Sacred Teachings, the bear indicates courage. Another name given to Sawatzky is Where the Sun Rises from Medicine Woman. “I acknowledge all my names, as they are all part of who I am. The names individually are just part of my whole self,” she explained.

Eventually moved to Thompson and entered a second marriage. Both relationships were full of negative energies and destructive behaviours. “I was still searching for peace, but was looking outside myself,” Sawatzky recalled. “I would say, ‘God, why me? I can’t raise my children in this.’” During this period, Sawatzky had a dream that disturbed her. “I kept going back to that dream. I knew it meant something, but my life was so full of fear, I could not interpret it.” It was about this time she first heard of the sweat lodge. “I was nervous of going because I had heard it was a ‘devil place,’” she recalled. “The mind created that.”

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We offer only the freshest choices in groceries, produce, meats, deli selections and baked goods, and we have a full service specialty meat counter and meat cutters on site to make sure you get the cut you want, just how you like it. We can even smoke it for you with our on-site smokehouse.

North Of 53 Consumers Co-Operative Limited has been a locally owned and operated community grocer serving Flin Flon since 1946. north of 53 Consumers Co-operative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm 29-31 Main Street Saturday 8am-6pm Flin Flon, Mb r8A 1J5 Sunday 12pm-6pm 204.687.7548 www.ﬂinﬂoncoop.com 14

january - february • cottage north magazine

Harvesting forest medicine is not a simple matter of plucking a plant out of the earth. “Consider that every plant and every animal sacrifices its life to sustain our life,” said Sawatzky. “They do this with no judgement. Every plant, animal, insect, drop of water and molecule of air we breathe are all connected. It is very humbling. "And so, we begin to harvest plants first by offering tobacco as a thank you to the Creator. We talk to the plant and explain why we need it, so the plant knows our intention. In this way, the plant sacrifices its life so we can continue ours.”

The journey as healer begins When she went to her first sweat, Sawatzky was advised to close her eyes and pray. And that was the beginning of her journey as a healer. “Learning began one step at a time,” she said. “You need to allow your spirit to come out. The spirit is humble. It doesn’t fight anyone. Your mind is way too big and busy looking at things on the outside. It likes to be centre stage in the drama. Your spirit waits. When you can calm your mind so you can think with your spirit, the positive energy is able to flow freely within your body. Eventually, the energy can flow out of your body and you are able to help others.” Sawatzky said that once you have opened the door to the spirit, it recognizes your body has toxins and gives you the choice to rid yourself of toxins. “Then it’s time to go to the pharmacy,” she smiled, indicating the forest pharmacy. “In healing, the plants can do their part, but there is only so much they can do if your spirit door is still closed or even part closed.” Although she is well-advanced in holistic and traditional healing, Sawatzky feels there is an untapped opportunity in bringing together traditional and modern approaches to healthcare. “Western medicine and Aboriginal medicine each have their own specialties,” she explained. “Western medicine, with its technology, can see inside the body and pinpoint where problems lie. Aboriginal medicine helps more generally. So if you combine the Western technology to pinpoint the problem and Aboriginal holistic medicine to help heal from within, you would have some very powerful outcomes.” cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

The Seven Sacred Teachings honour basic virtues that are central to a full and healthy life. They are: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. These teachings are foundational to many Indigenous cultures in Canada.

The Art of Goal Setting, Part II

Going after your dreams By Shannon Smadella

In last year’s January issue of Cottage North, former Miss Canada Shannon Smadella explored the subject of goal-setting. She shared insights from prominent individuals including Elvis Stojko, Kurt Browning, Rick Hansen, and David Joyner. Smadella returns with a sequel, interviewing people from around the world whose actions have inspired her. From competing in an Ironman Triathlon in a wheelchair, to signing with a major record label at the age of 22, these individuals have achieved success, and celebrity, on their own terms. We hope their words inspire you. Success. Desire. Intention. Achievement. Fulfillment. Happiness. Deepak Chopra states in his book, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, “Success in life could be defined as the continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals.” For most people, setting and achieving goals is done in the pursuit of happiness.

Therefore, happiness equals fulfillment in achieving an aspect or goal that derives from an intention deep within our souls. So how do we go about this process, and navigate our way though life to achieve what will bring us happiness? Or furthermore, how do we overcome an unexpected obstacle to those achievements?

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with several individuals who have achieved remarkable things in their lives. I’ve asked each of these people to share their thoughts on setting goals and following your dreams. May the following insights give you a good start to the new year, and assist you in the pursuit of your own happiness.

A few of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned about setting and attaining goals: •

•

Be ready for things to not go as expected – most of the time your goal won’t go exactly as planned, so be ready for this, and accept making modifications to the journey. Some of the best and most meaningful goals are ones that inspire and help others.

•

Never give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Anytime you do anything great, you will have people who will try to bring you down. Keep your head high, and go after what you want. Understand that your soul is amazing and if you truly desire

something and it aligns with your life purpose, anything is possible. Keep your mind on the goal, and things will come into your life to assist you. •

Be grateful to the people and things that come into your life, to keep you aligned on your path.

january - february • cottage north magazine

Dick Hoyt, 74, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served in the military for 35 years. Rick Hoyt, 52, a graduate of Boston University with a degree in special education, is Dick’s son. Rick was born in 1962 as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and as a non-speaking person—but Rick’s mind and spirit have always been strong. His family supported his quest for independence and inclusion in community, sports, education and the workplace, culminating with his graduation from Boston University. Today, Rick and Dick Hoyt are triathletes, motivational speakers and Ironman Hall of Fame Inductees. Rick Hoyt uses a wheelchair. That has not stopped him from living a full and amazing life. He, along with his dad, Dick, formed “Team Hoyt” 35 years ago. “We’ve had a lot of goals and we’ve had a lot of obstacles,” explains Dick Hoyt. “When we applied for the Boston marathon the first time, they turned us down. What they said was that we had to qualify in Rick’s age group, and at the time Rick was in his 20s and I was in my 40s, and I think that was their way of telling us that we wouldn’t be able to do it, because they thought there was no way a 40-year-old man could push his 20-year-old son in the Boston Marathon and run under two hours and 50 minutes. So we ended up proving that to them by running the Marine Corps marathon in two hours and 40.” Rick and Dick have now run over 32 Boston Marathons. In fact, together they have competed in over 1,100 athletic events in the last 35 years, including 71 marathons and 252 triathlons, six of which were Ironman events. An Ironman is a gruelling longdistance race that includes a 3.86-km swim, a 180.25-km bicycle ride and a 42.2-km run, raced in that order and without a break. Throughout their lives, the Hoyt Family has encountered various obstacles, but they’ve always found a way to overcome them. “It was the same thing with the Ironman Triathlon, and even getting Rick into public school. They said no, he won’t be able to learn. We met with some engineers with the University in Boston and we talked to them and they said the same thing, no he won’t be able to learn, and we told the engineers to tell Rick a joke, and they told him a joke and he ended up laughing and they said, ‘Maybe there is something there.’ They said, ‘If you give us $5,000, we will build a communicating device for Rick.’ This was 45 years ago, and at that time $5,000 was a lot of money.” The Hoyt family raised the funds, and the engineers built the Tufts Interactive Communicator (TIC). “So we took this computer/communicator to the school board and they took Rick in a room and were asking him questions and he was answering them correctly, so they had to accept him into public school,” Hoyt explains. “So those were some of our biggest goals, but above all our biggest goal was to get Rick into regular schools with everybody else. We knew he was very smart, he understood everything we were saying. That’s when we taught him the alphabet and the numbers and then tried to get him in school and it ended up working. Same thing with our running career.” These days, Dick Hoyt travels the country, educating the public about disability awareness and promoting the Team Hoyt motto:

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Rick and Dick Hoyt

Rick & Dick Hoyt celebrate the completion of thier first Boston Marathon in 1981.

When we applied for the Boston marathon the first time, they turned us down. They thought there was no way a 40-year-old man could push his 20-year-old son in the Boston Marathon and run under two hours and 50 minutes. So we ended up proving that to them by running the Marine Corps marathon in two hours and 40. Yes You Can. He and his family have seen an impact from their efforts in the public’s attitude toward people with disabilities. When talking to Hoyt about what drives him, his response was no surprise, “Rick is what drives me. He sits in a wheelchair. He can’t use his arms or legs, but his mind is so bright and he wanted to be just like everyone else, and he loves sports. To me, he is the athlete and I’m just loaning him my arms and legs so that he can compete. He’s the first one in the world to do all of these things. He’s got so many awards including the distinguished graduate award from the Boston University. We work together as a family. We took all of the nos and turned them into yesses.” Hoyt shared his number-one tip for goal setting and overcoming the nos: “It’s our motto: Yes You Can. There isn’t anything you can’t do as long as you make up your mind to do it. “There’s no such word as no,” Hoyt explains. “When Rick was born, the doctors told us, ‘Forget Rick, put him away.’ We said, ‘No’. Today Rick is 52 years old and you can see all of the things that he’s accomplished in his short life.” Learn more about the Hoyt family on their website at www.teamhoyt.com.

cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

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Bif Naked Bif Naked is a celebrated punk musician and songwriter as well as a cancer survivor. She is a tireless activist and was recently named ambassador for the organization AIDS Vancouver. “With the glorious promise of the New Year comes the hope and wish for newness, and goal-setting is natural. Our keen ability to motivate ourselves by hanging logic and reason on the turning of the year forms a special incentive. “When I set new goals it is generally after much soulsearching and honesty, knowing where I could improve myself, my activities or my actions. Having a new year to hitch my wagon to has helped me, year after year, better myself and I really love new year’s resolutions. I have overcome many of my insecurities and fears in the past by faith in myself, my abilities, and my sincere optimism. This type of blind faith never lets me down, even when I stumble. Knowing this, and being fearless about my goals and intentions, it has always been absolutely impossible to fail, because my faith and hopes are unshakeable. Every new year brings new victories, no matter how small they seem.” Bif Naked (aka Beth Torbert) has a strong connection to Manitoba, having lived in The Pas, Dauphin and Winnipeg in her youth. Find out more about Bif Naked at bifnaked.com.

Bif Naked

Chantal Kreviazuk is a Canadian singer-songwriter who was born in Winnipeg. She was a child prodigy at the piano, winning competitions and receiving classical education on piano as well as voice from a young age. Kreviazuk began writing her own pop songs and was signed by Sony Canada at the age of 22 years old. Kreviazuk has won two Juno Awards for best female artist and best pop/adult album for Colour Moving and Still. “People experienced and wise have described to me an artist/ craftsman’s incubation period ... or a period in their cycle where they sort of keep their head down and do what they do best. I have myself gone for it in this respect … [the] next thing you know, you look up and everything is falling into its place. I think work ethic is a great goal to have; always putting our craft into practice as much as humanly possible ... hence manifesting that optimal self. I can say that I fail constantly at my art form. I mean constantly. Constantly I am rejected, my work is rejected. But that’s okay because every time I show up, I get another chance to learn and expand and PRACTICE, so that the one time everything comes together, I kind of know what I am doing and feel confident to go for it. It only takes one triumph! Just keep on building.” Learn more about Chantal Kreviazuk chantalkreviazuk.com.

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Chantal Kreviazuk

january - february • cottage north magazine

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Simon Ibell

Simon Ibell is a rare disease crusader, human potential consultant and motivational speaker. Ibell founded the iBellieve Foundation, which aims to find a cure for MPS II (Hunter syndrome) and 50 related lysosomal storage disorders. MPS II is a progressively debilitating condition that inhibits the body’s ability to metabolize sugar molecules. It affects one in 100,000 to one in 150,000 males. A MPS II patient himself, Ibell initiated the iBellieve Foundation when he started his Bike 4 MPS charity bike ride through Vancouver Island in 2002. Ibell also founded Be Fair 2 Rare, a campaign which raises awareness, funds and advocacy for the rare disease community in Canada. “Goal-setting is essential for success: personal and professional. I believe goal-setting is an ongoing process, which requires frequent reviews to ensure the defined path to success within the deadlines we set. These reviews also allow for readjustment for any unexpected changes and/or enhancements. As a rare disease sufferer, continuous goal setting has been integral to my success in tackling each and every obstacle I have faced in life. Goal setting has allowed me to live a life of inclusion where people look at my ability not my disability, and has given me the ability to turn each obstacle into a stepping stone.” Learn more about Simon Ibell’s foundation: www.ibellieve.com.

Kimberly Moore is a humanitarian, philanthropist and founder of The Echelon Club, Kimberly Moore Foundation, and Keeping Harmony Alive. In October 2009, Moore was appointed by President Malam Bacai Sanha of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, West Africa as the first Goodwill Ambassador to the United States of America for that nation. Moore is best known for her Adopt-a-Letter program, which answers the wishes of over 30,000 children in need. “I am a firm believer that in order to set goals you have to have a purpose. Before I set a goal, I try to think: ‘how [does] this goal positively affect others and how can I use this to help/ inspire other people?’ This is what drives my passion and keeps me enthusiastic on a daily basis. Envisioning the joy that my goal brings to others keeps me excited because it enables me to care about my goals. It’s important that your goals come from the heart. Taking a moment to be grateful and appreciative allows me to stay positive and eager to create my action plan. “Some people say, ‘Keep your goals small and realistic,’ but I say, ‘Dream big and keep them realistic.’ Set tiny goals every day. I try to think of myself standing at the bottom of a ladder and my goal is staring at me from the top … even if I take one step a day, I know that I am moving towards the right direction and eventually will get there. However, if I get stuck, I know it’s okay because some days will go faster than others.” Learn more about Kimberley Moore and Adopt a Letter at www.adoptaletter.org.

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Baroness Kimberly Moore

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Final thoughts

The author, Shannon Smadella (left) with Marc Paul Gosselar and Olympian Christina Smith on the final day of their 40-day, 4,000-km charity cycling tour across Canada and the US. Goal accomplished.

As the new year commences, a chance to renew and revitalize is present. This invigorating fresh start is a chance to review, revive and retrieve what in life makes us smile. Whether your goal or feat is large or small, going after what is important to you in life is something everyone deserves. Anything worth achieving will always have hindrances along the way, and it is through persevering and persisting, in spite of these barriers, that the soul becomes stronger. I dedicate this article and send out thoughts and prayers to everyone out there who may be going through any speed bumps and needs that little extra energy and inspiration. Know that you have it in yourself to do what you set your mind to, and go after your dreams. Happy New Year, and Namaste.

cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

Evolution of an unexpected artist

James Dean By Amanda Emsland

Dean’s "Edwards Avenue" highlights the beauty of one of The Pas’ main streets.

Tapping into his latent talents is a continuous journey for local artist James Dean, one which innocently took root during a simple moment of father-son bonding in the family’s living room. Picking up a pencil to doodle alongside his son Matthew, whom Dean refers to as a “real artist,” Dean unknowingly opened a doorway to a new sense of himself as an artist in this world. Veering from his norm as a public health officer with a background in sciences, this developing sense of self has taken Dean down an unintended but seemingly natural path. 20

Photo courtesy of the Sam Waller Museum

Unguarded Moments, Dean’s premiere solo exhibit, is currently on display at the Sam Waller Museum. The show opened in late November, with close to 70 community members joining Dean at the opening reception to honour his work.

Photo by Amanda Emsland, courtesy Opasquia Times

Fellow artist Avery Ascher chats with Dean at the opening night of Unguarded Moments.

Originally from Ontario, James Dean, and wife Elma, who also have a daughter, Charlotte, have been creating a life for themselves in The Pas since the 1980s. Since then, they have formed a community of people that Dean refers to as his family. Integrating into the local art scene was a gradual process. Through entries in the Northern Juried and Trappers’ Festival art shows, Dean began to build his budding talent and his confidence. A humble artist, he took the criticism he received and used it to improve his work. Dean shares he is “starting to get comfortable with the idea of being recognized as an artist.” Earning a reputation as a “fish guy” with his earlier work propelled Dean to branch out, eventually morphing a love for plein air painting and human subjects into

january - february • cottage north magazine

an eclectic style which continues to evolve. From familiar scenes of northern life to the street corners of New York, the Unguarded Moments show is a retroflection of James Dean’s body of work. Quoting from the Group of Seven, Dean describes the inspiration that living in the North provides: “The North is a continuous blaze of enthusiasm.” Dean’s curiosity for art stays alive through workshops and connecting local artists through his role in The Pas Arts Guild. Describing the North as “a sponge of work that needs to get done, portrayed, caught on canvas,” Dean says the only factor setting him back is time. James Dean’s show will be exhibited at the Sam Waller Museum in The Pas until January 30, 2015.

Photo by Amanda Emsland, courtesy of the Opasquia Times

James Dean recalls that he was once known as a “fish guy” for his choice of subjects, including this painting, "Lake Trout."

687-4429 • 37 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB

Photo courtesy the Sam Waller Museum

Painter James Dean has lived in The Pas since 1986.

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Your Pharmasave pharmacist. With you for life. As we move through life our needs change. But that doesn’t mean you need to change who you turn to for health care and advice. Pharmasave has been a part of Canadian communities since 1981, and Pharmasave pharmacists have been there every step of the way.

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Flin Flon Arts Council & Flin Flon Community Choir present

May 1 & 2 • 7:30 pm | May 3 • 1:30 pm | R.H. Channing Auditorium • Flin Flon, MB Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MIZ is an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit, that has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Featuring the timeless score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and “On My Own”.

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january - february • cottage north magazine

Above: Teams coming into the Canadian Challenge finish line. Top right: Musher Sid Robinson as he completes the 2014 Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race in La Ronge in sub-zero weather. Robinson raced in the the 12-dog category. Bottom right: One sled dog curls up during rest time.

Canadian Challenge A Northern Saskatchewan Classic

Throughout Saskatchewan, volunteers are preparing trails for the annual Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race. This world-class sporting event is the nation’s longest sled dog race that starts, runs and finishes in Canada. The race begins with a dramatic mass start at noon on February 24 in Prince Albert. The event includes a 517-km 12-dog race, a 320-km eight-dog race, and a 117km junior race. In recent years, a new 117km open-category race, open to mushers of

Photos and story by Valerie G. Barnes-Connell any age, was added to accommodate a wider range of participants. Teams in the junior and open races can have four to six dogs. The 12-dog and eight-dog races are qualifiers for the Iditarod, a punishing 1,000 km sled dog race that takes place in Alaska. To qualify, mushers cannot have any assistance such as a handler in the Canadian Challenge, and along with their dogs, they must remain outdoors for the entire race. The shorter race trails lead to Elk Ridge, while teams on the longer race trail will travel to La Ronge. The 12-dog teams complete a northern circuit through Stanley Mission and Grandmother’s Bay and finish with an awards breakfast in La Ronge.

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The race is volunteer-led and sponsored by Gateway North Sled Dog Race Association Inc, an organization based in Prince Albert. The organization, which was formed in 1994, aims to promote traditional sled dog racing in Saskatchewan. Over the years, the Canadian Challenge Race has attracted mushers from across Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, Serbia and Belgium. The Canadian Challenge gives a nod to the province’s history, as the route follows one of the earliest known transportation corridors located in central Saskatchewan. The race route is similar to the one historically used by trappers, the North West Mounted Police, and 23

Canadian Challenge Routes 12-Dog Race 517 km Prince Albert – Anglin Lake – Elk Ridge – MacLennan River – Harold’s Cabin Fafard’s Cabin – La Ronge – Grandmother’s Bay – Stanley Mission – La Ronge

8-Dog Race

322 km

Prince Albert – Anglin Lake – Elk Ridge – Harold’s Cabin – Fafard’s Cabin – La Ronge

Junior Race 115 km Prince Albert – Anglin Lake – Elk Ridge

Open Race

115 km

Prince Albert – Anglin Lake – Elk Ridge One sled dog peeks out from the sled to see what is going on.

First Nations people to travel between Prince Albert and La Ronge. Weather conditions make a difference to the mushers and dogs and cause variances in race outcomes each year. During years with minimal snowfall, mushers find it difficult to train with their dogs, and work on the trails becomes harder. According to the official rule book for the event, “The race will continue under all but the most severe trail and weather conditions. Mushers must come prepared to run in cold, wind or storm, in varying snow conditions, and over bare ground sections if necessary.” In 2014, frigid temperatures and poor ice conditions forced a change in the route for the 12-dog teams, cutting off the northernmost communities from the race. The Canadian Challenge is volunteer-led, including the board of directors, who come from every walk of life. A team of volunteer veterinarians, who monitor the dogs throughout the races, are critical, as are the race marshals and drivers. Other volunteer roles include trail crews—the people who scout, punch, clear, and groom the hundreds of kilometres of trail—and organizers at the mass start and finish lines, checkpoints and road safety crossings.

Spectators can track the progress of the mushers through the race online through an interactive map on the Canadian Challenge website

In order to qualify for the International Iditarod race, mushers can have no assistance, and teams must stay outside for the whole race. These dogs curl up during their mandatory rest time.

january - february • cottage north magazine

A team racing up Highway 2 when it was part of the route. Teams now come up through the bush into La Ronge.

The Gateway North Sled Dog Association Inc. aims to connect the younger generation to the sport through the junior race, for mushers 12 to 17, added in 2007. Another aspect of the Canadian Challenge is the educational opportunities offered through SaskEnergy School Tours. Through this program, Gateway North Sled Dog Association Inc. coordinates requests from schools with local mushers to have them provide classroom presentations on the sport, where students can meet the musher and their dogs and see and touch the equipment. Canadian Challenge organizers have provided GPS trail maps

Need Heat?

of the race routes on the event website in an effort to encourage spectators to follow the race more closely. The maps include information on the best places to watch the race, especially at points where the trail runs along or intersects with the highway. Travelling with sled-dog teams gives spectators an opportunity to participate in the excitement of the races and understand the challenging conditions that the teams face in this uniquely northern sport. To learn more about volunteering, racing, or watching the Canadian Challenge, visit www.canadianchallenge.com

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78 Third Avenue, Flin Flon, MB Ph: 204-687-3493 | Fax: 204-687-5591 | stittcoflinflon@mymts.net cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

“Skateparks allow youth barrier-free recreation. [They allow] them to develop and master skills, engage in physical activity, and socialize. Much the same way arenas become a “community place,” skateparks do as well, in the modern community.” — #newpark 623 Planning Study

Concrete dreams The #newpark623 campaign in The Pas By Libby Stoker-Lavelle

photos by Kelly Graham, courtesy of Funky Threadz

While skateboarding culture is alive and well in the northern community of The Pas, the town’s skate park itself is not quite so healthy. Jerome Conaty, owner of local retail store Funky Threadz, is the project manager of a collaborative initiative to build a new skate park for the town. “It’s decaying. There are parts of the park that are falling apart and it’s becoming a bit of an eyesore,” says Conaty of the current park, which was built in 2003. According to Conaty, the skate park was one of the first built in northern Manitoba. It was built on a relatively small budget of $30,000, by using existing asphalt for the materials. At the time the affordable price was a benefit, but today the asphalt has degraded considerably, resulting in a surface that is too rough for skateboarders’ needs, though it still works for BMX bikes or scooters. Paint used to cover up graffiti over the years has also made some surfaces slippery, creating a safety issue. Top left Garrett Lavallee, now skateboard youth liaison with the new park’s design team, is shown here at The Pas’ skate park in 2010. Left A skateboarder shows off his skills at the 2010 Northern Manitoba Skateboard and BMX Competition in The Pas Right Jerome Conaty congratulates a winner at the 2013 Northern Manitoba Skateboard and BMX Competition in Flin Flon. january - february

“It is kind of deteriorating. It is dated and aged,” says Amber Whitehead, recreation director for the Town of The Pas. “Some of the boxes are coming apart, and they have to be patched. It’s aged well, though, and it’s met its purpose—over the years, lots of kids have used it.” The current park was built using a modular system that “went out of date right around the time it was built,” according to Conaty. Local youth of various ages regularly use the skate park space on skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters, and some compete in regional competitions, many of which are organized by Conaty’s store. When asked why he decided to take this project on, Conaty says, “It’s what I do. We needed a park, and nobody else was spearheading it.” The plan is still evolving for the project, which has been named #newpark623. A team of youth is working on designs for a new park, which would likely be built with concrete, a more durable building material than asphalt. Three community groups have been collaborating on the project to date: Kelsey Recreation Commission, The Pas Families Building a Better Community Inc, and The Pas Community Renewal Corporation. Ultimately, though, Conaty insists, “its completely a youth-driven project. All of us old people are just assisting them with their voice.” At the end of December, Conaty and fellow volunteers published a planning study which outlines possible plans for the initiative, addresses concerns about the skate park, and analyzes results from a student survey. In the survey, 617 students from local schools responded to questions about the skate park. When asked the question, “Do you feel the current skatepark is in need to be upgraded?” 87 per cent of respondents answered, “Yes.”

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january - february • cottage north magazine

Photo by Sara Francoeur, courtesy of Funky Threadz

Conaty’s youngest son, Maddex, tries some new moves at a skating demo/workshop at The Pas’ skate park in 2012.

Site selection Seventy-eight per cent of the respondents to the project survey stated that they liked the current location of the skate park, mainly due to its proximity to their schools, a local grocery store, and their homes. However, there are some hurdles to overcome in regards to securing a site for a new skate park. While the current skate park area is the most logical location, the site, which is owned by the Town of the Pas and operated by Kelsey Recreation, is part of a recreational area shared by two schools, Scott Bateman Middle School (SBMS) and Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute (MBCI). As such, there are limitations on the skate park’s use. “Nobody’s allowed to use the park during the [school] day,” says Conaty, which is a problem for many youth who want to use the park during those times. Other locations have been considered in the same general area, and Kelsey School Division has been cooperating with community leaders in the efforts to find a solution that works for everyone. Doug Long, superintendent of the Kelsey School Division, explains, “We are at the beginning stage of working through these things. Meetings are planned with Jerome Conaty for the new year to discuss his findings from the survey; and with Kelsey Recreation to outline common

photos by Kelly Graham, courtesy of Funky Threadz

Lorne Rushton competes in the 2010 Northern Manitoba Skateboard & BMX Championship in The Pas.

issues and discuss the shared use of the recreational area that includes the skate park, running track, baseball diamond, soccer field, and basketball court. Jerome Conaty hopes that the policies around the park area’s use can be “tweaked” to better balance the needs of the school with the needs of skate park users. Above all, Conaty, Long, and Whitehead all agree that the skate park adds significant value to the community. In Whitehead’s opinion, the skate park is an important resource for youth who are interested in more independent forms of recreation. She has seen the benefits in her own family, as her son is an avid BMX-bike rider. “It keeps them out of trouble,” she says. “They are busy, they are having fun, and they are perfecting their skills. They’ll practice over and over again until they get it perfect. My son would be out there 10 hours a day. As long as there’s light out, he’s there.” Anyone who has watched a local competition can tell you that the results speak for themselves. “It’s amazing what they can do,” says Whitehead. “From watching our kids, and the skills that they are developing, you can see that they have kind of outgrown our little park.”

Next steps

While the site logistics get sorted out, the next big steps for the #newpark623

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team include designing the new park and raising the funds to build it. For the design, numerous skateboarders who grew up in The Pas have stepped up to the plate to help out. “We have a full team working on potential designs,” says Conaty. Major players include senior designers Graham Constant, Waka Whitecloud, and Lachi MacLean; skateboard course design team Justin Goulding and Shane McNevin; Ryan Bourque, on BMX Course Design; Garrett Lavallee, skateboard youth liaison; and Lorne Rushton, BMX Youth Liaison. A growing youth committee will be weighing in on the design as well. As far as funding is concerned, several thousand dollars have been raised through community events, including nearly $3,000 from an art auction held in November. While the cost of the park will depend on the size and scope of the design, Conaty estimates that the project will cost at least $250,000, and the longer it takes to get started, the higher that price will rise. In the meantime, skateboarders, BMX-bikers, and other skate park-goers in The Pas will just have to keep practising their skills, as they wait for their dream park to become a reality. To read the #newpark623 planning study, or learn more about this initiative, visit the #newpark623 Facebook page. 29

Exploring a Flin Flon phenomenon

The Hockey Factory By Morley Naylor Those who have spent significant time in this city are all too familiar with the connection between our community and the game of hockey. Chances are that when you tell someone that you are from Flin Flon, the subject of hockey will pop up. It seems, at times, it rivals or exceeds the raison d’etre of our community and surrounding area: hard rock mining, mainly in the base metals copper and zinc. A stroll through the Whitney Forum quickly reveals the pride we take in our hockey accomplishments and the personalities behind the famous jerseys hung in the rafters. Of course, the Junior Bombers are the mainstay, but not the only product of this hockey community. Famous prospector Tom Creighton was managing the local team in 1927-28 before the railroad arrived in September 1928. These were the beginnings of the “hockey factory” which produced teams, players, builders, and executives that would fill the history books. The locals captured the 1938 Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League Championship in 1938 with local wellknowns like Sid Brown, Slim Holdaway, Wally Warnick, Freddie Bowman, Mike Nowazek, and Buddy Simpson. Notably, Sid Abel and Jimmie Skinner were on the team, and they went on to fantastic careers with the Detroit Red Wings. The 1956-57 capture of the Memorial Cup by the Junior Bombers with the likes of Ted Hampson, Mel Pearson, George Konik, George Wood, and Paddy Ginnell put Flin Flon on the hockey map forever. And how about those Flin Flon Warriors,

Abbreviations guide AHL ��American Hockey League CHL ��Central Hockey League CAHA �� Canadian Amateur Hockey Association CPHL �� Central Professional Hockey League

All photos these four pages courtesy of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame

The Wall at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg honours teams that have won championships at all levels of hockey and who are recognized as members of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. The 1957 Flin Flon Bombers hold a place there as Canadian Junior Champions winners of the 1957 Memorial Cup.

who captured the Canadian Intermediate Hockey championship in 1965 with stars such as Don Donaldson, Dave Rainville, George Chigol, Tom Davie, Vic and Ernie Poirier, Jack Turner, Cliff Lennartz and George Allard? Our present-day edition of the Bombers remains competitive under Coach/GM Mike Reagan, and the team is off to a good start again this season. We wish them well, with the full recognition that they have a huge tradition to uphold. We decided to dedicate an article to this worthy cause and selected individuals to

feature here, with the criteria that they must have been inducted in to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (MHHF) and born in Flin Flon and/or spent a considerable length of time involved in hockey locally. Of course, there are many individuals whom our readers may feel should be recognized for their accomplishments over the years, but these individuals are not in the MHHF. Maybe it’s time to get on the bandwagon and nominate these prospects for admission. Either way, please join us for an interesting look at Flin Flon’s hockey credentials.

EPHL �� Eastern Professional Hockey League IHL ��International Hockey League MAHA �� Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association MHHF ��Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame MJHL �� Manitoba Junior Hockey League MVP �� Most Valuable Player NCAA �� (US.) National College Athletic Association

NHL ��National Hockey League SJHL �� Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League WCHL �� Western Canada Hockey League WCJHL ��Western Canada Junior Hockey League WHA ��World Hockey Association WHL �� Western Hockey League

january - february • cottage north magazine

Players born in Flin Flon

BOBBY CLARKE is a Flin Flon hockey icon who rose up through the local

minor hockey system and starred with the Junior Bombers. He won the MJHL scoring title in 1967 and led the WCJHL in scoring in 1968 and 1969. In 197273 he was the first expansion team player to record a 100-point season. Although Clarke was only 23 at the time, Fred Shero recognized his leadership ability and appointed him captain of the Philadelphia Flyers. Clarke won three Hart Trophies, the Lester B. Pearson Trophy and the Masterton and Selke Trophies. He was a key contributor to the Flyers’ two Stanley Cup Championships in 1974 and 1975. He played 15 seasons and 1,144 games in the NHL, scored 358 goals, had 852 assists for 1,210 points, and was named to four NHL All-Star Teams.

DEAN EVASON played junior hockey in

ERIC NESTERENKO’s career as a right winger spanned 20 NHL seasons, five with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 15 with the Chicago Blackhawks. He played 1219 games, scored 250 goals, 324 assists for 574 points. In 124 playoff games, he scored 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points. Toronto sent him to the Winnipeg Warriors for the 1955-56 season, where he helped win the WHL championship and Edinburgh Trophy. He was part of the 1961 Stanley Cup championship Blackhawks team.

AL HAMILTON played defence for the

VAUGHN KARPAN grew up in The Pas and played junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings and New Westminster Royals. He scored 98 goals and 169 points in 102 games with the University of Manitoba Bisons. Karpan played 213 international games for Canada including the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo and the 1988 Olympics in Calgary.

GEORGE KONIK captained his home-

ERNIE WAKELY, a goaltender, won the

GERRY HART played defence for his

DUNC McCALLUM played both juve-

the WHL with Spokane and Kamloops, finishing second in scoring in 1982-83 with 164 points. In 1983-84 the Kamloops centre registered 137 points and was selected to the WHL first all-star team. He played on the Canadian Junior National Team in 1984 and the Canadian National Club in 1997. Drafted by Washington in 1982, he then played for the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. He finished his NHL career in 1996 with 803 games played, 139 goals and 233 assists. 1966 Memorial Cup Champions, Edmonton Oil Kings. In six NHL seasons with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers, he played 257 games, scored 10 goals, 78 assists, for 88 points. In seven WHA seasons with Edmonton, he played 454 games, with 53 goals, 258 assists for 311 points. His sweater/jersey number 3 was retired by the Edmonton Oilers.

town Juvenile Bombers to a Manitoba Title and then went on to the Junior Bombers. He was named the SJHL's most valuable player in 1956-57 when Flin Flon went on the capture the Canadian Junior Championship and the prestigious Memorial Cup. Choosing education over pro hockey, he earned an engineering degree at the University of Denver while helping the university squad (Pioneers) win NCAA titles in 1960 and 1961. In 2001 Konik was selected as one of the top 50 players in NCAA tournament history. His intermittent pro career included playing in the NHL in 1967-68 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and ended in 1972-73 with the WHA Minnesota Fighting Saints. hometown Junior Bombers rising up through the famous Flin Flon Minor hockey system. He played with the Bombers in the SJHL and the WCJHL. Over his professional career he played in five different leagues. Over parts of 15 NHL seasons he played 730 regular season games and 78 playoff games with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, and St. Louis Blues. Always the Flin Flon goodwill ambassador, his career NHL totals are 730 regular season games with 29 goals and 150 assists for 179 points and playoff statistics of 78 games, three goals, 12 assists for 15 points.

1959 Memorial Cup with the Winnipeg Braves. He had a 22-year pro career in the NHL, WHL, EPHL, CPHL and WHA. He was with the 1962-63 CPHL Champion Omaha Knights and was top goaltender that same year. He was the top goalie in the EPHL in 1962-63. He played 113 games in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues, with a record of eight shutouts. Wakely played 334 games in the WHA, including the Winnipeg Jets,San Diego Mariners, Cincinnati Stingers, Houston Aeros, and Birmingham Bulls over seven seasons with 16 shutouts.

nile and junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings before turning pro in 1960 with the IHL Fort Wayne Komets. He went on to play 813 games in 14 pro seasons in the NHL, WHA, IHL, WHL, EPHL, CPHL and AHL. His NHL career included games with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. In the WHA he played with both the Houston Aeros and Chicago Cougars. After his pro career he returned to Brandon, coaching the 1979 Memorial team which lost to Peterborough. He was named the WCHL Coach of the Year in 1977 and the WHL Coach of the Year in 1979.

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Those who came to Flin Flon to play CHUCK ARNASON, a right-winger born in Ashern, played with the 1970-71 Junior Bombers and was the WCJHL top scorer with 163 points. Drafted seventh by the Canadiens, he played eight seasons in the NHL. In 401 games with Montreal, Atlanta Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Kansas City Scouts, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Barons, Minnesota North Stars and Washington Capitals he scored 109 goals and 90 assists for 199 points total.

RAY NEUFELD, a right winger born in

JORDY DOUGLAS, born in Winnipeg, played with the Flin Flon Bombers from 1976-78, scoring 60 goals in his last season. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1978, but signed by the WHA New England Whalers, the left-winger played with the Hartford Whalers in their first NHL season in 1979-80, recording 33 goals and 24 assists for 57 points. He played on two other NHL teams, the Minnesota North Stars and Winnipeg Jets, and ended his NHL career in 1985 with 76 goals and 62 assists, for a total of 138 points in 268 games.

BOB KABEL was a centreman, born in Dauphin, who played two junior hockey seasons with the Bombers before moving on to a 15-year pro career. He played on two AHL championship teams in 1960-61 and 1961-62 with the Springfield Indians. In the WHL, he had stints with the Vancouver Canucks, and also played for SaskatoonSt.Paul, Saskatoon Quakers, California Seals, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Bob Kabel played in 48 NHL games with the New York Rangers and in a 890-game pro career he recorded 236 goals, 400 assists for 636 points.

DANNY JOHNSON, from Winnipegosis,

REG LEACH, a right winger born in Riverton,

St. Boniface, played junior hockey with the Bombers. He played 595 games in the NHL, 249 of them with the Winnipeg Jets. He advanced on to Hartford and Boston in the NHL and played 235 games in the AHL with Springfield, Birmingham, and Maine. He arrived in Winnipeg from Hartford in a trade for Dave Babych in 1985. He recorded 157 goals and 357 points in the NHL.

played junior hockey for Flin Flon, Fort Francis, and Brandon in the SJHL and for Fort Frances in the MJHL. In 1968 he won a CPHL championship with the Tulsa Oilers. In the following two seasons he was named to the league’s second all star team. In 1970 he won the Tommy Ivan Trophy as league MVP. Johnson played 121 NHL games with Toronto, Vancouver, and Detroit, and dressed for 232 more with the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. He was the second captain of the Jets before retiring in 1975.

set a record for most goals in a season while playing junior hockey in Flin Flon. In 1970 he was WCJHL's most valuable player. Drafted by Boston, he played in the NHL for California, Philadelphia and Detroit, and was on the Flyers’ 1975 Stanley Cup team. In 1976 he set a playoff record of 19 goals. Known as The Riverton Rifle, Leach was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, even though Montreal won the Stanley Cup, the only non-goalie to be so honoured. He notched 381 goals, 285 assists and 666 points in 934 NHL games.

TED HAMPSON, from Togo, Saskatchewan, was captain of the Memorial Cup-winning 195657 Flin Flon Bombers. He was the undisputed hero of the series. The centreman toiled with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Oakland/California Golden Seals, and Minnesota North Stars, and the WHA's Minnesota Fighting Saints and Quebec Nordiques. In the NHL he totalled 676 games, 108 goals, 245 assists, for 353 points. His WHA record stands at 305 games with 60 goals, 143 assists for 203 points. Hampson was awarded the Masterton Trophy in 1969 and went on to a brilliant career in professional scouting.

CLIFF PENNINGTON, born in Winnipeg,

DUANE RUPP, a defenceman viewed as a

hometowner, worked his way up in the Flin Flon minor hockey system. Born in MacNutt, Saskatchewan, he was on the Bombers’ 1956-57 Memorial Cup winning team. In seven NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and briefly in Minnesota and New York, he played 374 games, notching 24 goals and 93 assists for 117 points. He also played 114 games in two seasons with the WHA's Vancouver Blazers and Calgary Cowboys, with three goals and 42 assists for 45 points. In 1974 Rupp was part of the AHL Calder Cup championship team Hershey Bears. 32

played four seasons of junior hockey, two with the St. Boniface Canadiens, 1956 MJHL champions, and two with the Flin Flon Junior Bombers. He was part of Team Canada’s 1960 silver medal-winning Olympic Club. Two championship seasons followed, in 1961 with the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens and 1963 Kingston Frontenacs of the EPHL. In 1970, with the Des Moines Oak Leafs, Pennington was the IHL’s Most Valuable Player and was selected to the first all star team. He retired in 1974 with 101 NHL games with Boston, and career pro totals of 358 goals, 676 assists, and 1034 points in 766 games played.

BLAINE STOUGHTON, a right winger born in Gilbert Plains, played four years of junior hockey with the Bombers. Over eight years in the NHL, with Pittsburgh, Hartford, Toronto, and the New York Rangers, he played 526 games with 258 goals and 191 assists for 449 points. Stoughton’s playoff record is eight games with four goals and two assists for six points. With the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80 he tied for the most goals with 56, together with 44 assists for a 100-point season. In 1981-82 he had 52 goals for the Whalers. His last pro season was with New Haven of the AHL in 1984-85. january - february • cottage north magazine

The builders ROBERT (PINKY) DAVIE's playing career

JIM SKINNER was born in Selkirk and played

DENNIS McDONALD was born in Flin

BOBBY KIRK, the popular smiling Irishman,

was cut short by a sawmill accident after one partial season with the NHL's Boston Bruins. For 35 years the dedicated service of “Pinky” Davie helped amateur teams and leagues, particularly in Dauphin, Flin Flon and Virden. He developed a Flin Flon minor hockey system that was second to none, allowing hundreds of local youth to pursue hockey careers. He was born in Beausejour, Manitoba.

junior in the MJHL with both the Falcons and Rangers. He was attracted to senior hockey in Flin Flon and played on the Senior Bombers’ 1938 Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League Championship team. Jim Skinner spent more than 30 years with the Detroit Red Wings in the capacities of player, general manager, coach, director of scouting and chief scout.

Flon and played minor hockey in Winnipeg, where he was part of the 1952 provincial championship team. He was CAHA technical director from 1974-86, CAHA vice-president from 1986-89 and recipient of the Gordon Juckes Award for hockey development in Canada in 1989. McDonald was director of operations for the Canadian Junior Hockey Club from 1982-89 and manager of the 1984 Canadian Olympic Team. He served as assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets from 1989-94.

was born in Belfast. He played in the MJHL with the Elmwood Millionaires, who lost in the 1929 Memorial Cup Final to the Toronto Marlboros. He played professionally for 12 years including one NHL season with the 1938 New York Rangers. In his career he played 482 games, scored 149 goals, 190 assists for 339 points. Bobby Kirk later coached junior hockey in Flin Flon and was the bench boss in 1957 when the Bombers won the Memorial Cup, also coaching the AHL Buffalo Bisons.

PADDY GINNELL, born in Dauphin, was a member of the Flin Flon Memorial Cup championship club in 1956-57 and after playing professionally for 12 years returned to coach the Bombers. He was the WCHL Coach of the Year in 1969-70, 1970-71, and 1972-73. He later coached the Victoria Cougars, Lethbridge Broncos, Medicine Hat Tigers, and New Westminster Bruins in the WCHL and Swift Current Indians for one year in the SJHL. His winning percentage was above .500, and he later served as a pro scout.

BILL MALUTA, born in Benito, Manitoba, was involved in hockey for over five decades. He coached at the Minor League level in Flin Flon for 25 years (1958-1982), as well as Bantam, Midget and Juvenile, winning seven provincial championships. He coached a young kid named Bobby Clarke. Maluta received a level-four coaching certificate in 1974 from the CAHA. He coached high school hockey in Rochester, New York for nine seasons between 1983 and 1991. Maluta returned to Manitoba and was manager/coach with the Brandon AAA Midgets.

GEORGE ALLARD was an outstanding Junior A goalkeeper in his own right. On moving to Flin Flon he organized and played for the Flin Flon Intermediates, the National AA Champions in 1965. Born in The Pas, he was a player, volunteer coach/manager from 1956-1967 in Flin Flon. He was manager of the Flin Flon Junior Bombers for three years and a scout for the New York Rangers. George served as MAHA executive director for three decades, and also the secretary-treasurer of the MJHL from 1967-1977. Awarded the CAHA Order of Merit in 1985, he also served on committees such as the First World Junior and Government of Canada Hockey Review.

ROBERT (BUD) SIMPSON was a great amateur goalie who played at all levels in the Winnipeg minor, junior, and senior hockey systems. He moved to Flin Flon in 1935 and played senior hockey with the Bombers until 1947. Simpson was the manager of the first Flin Flon junior team in 1948-49 and held that position until his retirement in 1956. It is believed that he was instrumental in recruiting quality players for the Bombers 1957 Memorial Cup Championship team. He was also an executive member of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey association for eight years. Buddy was born in Cannington Manor, Saskatchewan.

Awards guide Conn Smythe Trophy (NHL) ��Most valuable player, Stanley Cup playoffs Edinburgh Trophy (WHL) �� Championship (1954-57) Hart (Memorial) Trophy (NHL) �� Player most valuable to his team TED LINDSAY AWARD (NHL) �� Most outstanding player, regular season Formerly the Lester B. Pearson Trophy

Masterton Trophy (NHL) ��Player best exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey Memorial Cup (Junior) � Awarded to Canadian Junior Hockey championship team Selke Trophy (NHL) �� Player displaying most defensive skill Stanley Cup (NHL) �� Awarded to the championship team Tommy Ivan Trophy (NHL) ��Central Hockey League most valuable player

Author's note: This article would not have been possible without the generous cooperation of the people at the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame located in Winnipeg. Many thanks to the volunteer executive and board of directors for allowing me to research their files and photographs in preparation of this article, and all the best in fulfilling your mandate in the future. cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

Fracking: some background

photo by jim parres

Samples of frac sand provided to the Manitoba government (petroleum division) by Unifrac, a division of Unimin of Conneticut, US. Samples range from very fine grains to coarse. Coarse sand is best for the fracking process.

Frac sand

A new commodity for central Canada By Jim Parres

As the cliché says, when the going gets tough, the tough (or desperate) get going. Well, that’s the attitude of certain people in the mining and mineral sector these days, where things are very tough and companies facing a shortage of risk capital are looking at other commodities. In the last two years, money has been hard to come by for junior explorers, especially those with high-risk, high-reward mineral properties. There has been a huge upheaval in the senior mining sector, with some of the bigger players, such as Barrick and Kinross, taking major write-downs on projects and many large companies shedding their CEOs. With gold, potash, and uranium prices in the doldrums, the shares of many of these companies are down dramatically. As a result, many juniors have turned to newer commodities such as medical marijuana and frac sand to raise money and preserve or increase shareholder value. 34

Why frac sand? Hydraulic fracture proppant is the technical term for frac sand, an important component in the horizontal drilling and fracturing process used to recover gas and oil. There are three types of proppant used in “fracking:” raw sand, resin-coated sand, and ceramic proppant. The term proppant refers to the round crystals of silica sand, which prop up the fractures created on a horizontal drill hole. Their combined permeability allows the gas and/or oil to flow out of the fractures to the surface of the well bore, or drill head. During the hydraulic fracturing process, commonly known as fracking, frac sand is pumped along with a fluid into a closed wellbore. Powerful hydraulic pumps create enough pressure to cause the geological formation to fracture. The frac sand keeps the induced fractures open. Once the fluid has been recovered, gas or oil can flow through this area of high permeability. Frac sand is utilized in all shale and oil gas wells drilled in North America today.

In recent years, shale gas has become a game changer for our oil-hungry economy. A massive energy resource boom is happening now in North America, similar to the legendary Gold Rush days. Canada is currently the fifth largest producer of natural gas in the world. There are an additional 16 trillion cubic metres of shale and tight gas trapped in low porosity silt or sand. That resource is worth about $2 trillion. While shale gas offers huge economic potential for Canada, there is ongoing controversy and debate over fracking, the technique used to access shale gas. It was recently a major issue in the elections in New Brunswick, where Brian Gallant, leader of the province’s Liberal party, called for a moratorium similar to the one recently announced in Nova Scotia. Fracking uses large amounts of water. In the process, some methane escapes from the well into the atmosphere, and there is some risk of ground water contamination. As with other commodity mining processes, legislators and developers have to weigh the risks against the benefits of increased job creation and increased supplies of natural gas.

The growth of the frac sand industry in Manitoba and Saskatchewan As a result of the growth of fracking as an industry practice, there is a huge demand for frac sand. Thousands of well crews are now waiting for the delivery of frac sand; just one well can require about 25 rail cars of the proppant. As of November 2014, a tonne of frac sand sold for around $100. Manitoba has entered the frac sand production business on several fronts. The Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB) is a NNE – SSW trending geological structure that in the 1950s was considered to be

january - february • cottage north magazine

about 150 km long. With the advent of deeper penetrating geophysics (both electrical and magnetic), the belt has now been extended under the Paleozoic sediments found along Hwy 6 to a length of over 400 km. High-grade nickel and large low-grade nickel deposits were found along the north end of the TNB, including Thompson, Mystery Lake, and Moak Lake, in the 1950s and 1960s. Exploration further south in the Wabowden area uncovered several large-tonnage, low-grade nickel deposits and one higher grade, low tonnage deposit (Manibridge). My father, Lew Parres, convinced Oscar Straus II to fund an exploration program from just south of the Manibridge Mine, The hydraulic fracturing process and which in large part covered the Paleozoics sediments down to the Minago gists estimated the deposit contained River where it crosses Hwy 6. In the early 45 million tons of high silica sand. At the 1960s we drilled numerous geophysical time, it was contemplated as a source for targets which were found to be sulphide the plate glass industry. This frac sand bodies with very low nickel values. Close deposit apparently comes to surface. Claim Post recently bought out the but no cigar! In later years, Victory Nickel discovered leases from Char-Crete for $150,000. a buried nickel deposit south of the Minago Gryba stated that he felt confident that River. It was, of course, covered by sedi- further exploration work will yield an even ments: 50 metres of limestone and nine larger deposit. Claim Post has received metres of sandstone. Geologist Jim Chonoby their permits to explore. suggested the sandstone unit be tested for frac sand potential. It tested positive. Although lacking the Victory Nickel then created a subsidiary glamour of some of the called Victory Silica which has defined a deposit of at least 12 million tonnes of frac flavour-of-the-month sand. Victory Silica purchased a processing commodities, plant near Medicine Hat, Alberta, and the frac sand production and company is processing sand from Wisconsin and generating cash flow. Victory Silica sales could well develop hopes to build a bigger frac sand plant near into a solid moneymaker. Winnipeg. The Victory companies eventually intend to mine the nickel and frac sand To reinforce my statement that frac sand from both the Minago deposits. A double has become a very saleable commodity, whammy! Not to be outdone, Charles Gryba, a Claim Post also bought out Gossan former classmate of mine at the University Resources’ Manigotagan property at of Saskatchewan, acquired quarry leases for Seymourville for $780,000 leaving Gossan his company, Claim Post Resources. The with a royalty of $1 per tonne from producleases are located at Seymourville on the tion. The demand for frac sand is expected east side of Lake Winnipeg, 200 km north- to grow for the foreseeable future. Although lacking the glamour of some east of Winnipeg. The Seymourville silica sand deposit of the more glitzy, flavour-of-the-month was discovered in 1977 and is an extension commodities (e.g. gold, tungsten, titaniof the historical Black Island silica deposit. um, cobalt, manganese, and uranium), frac It was drilled by Manitoba Government sand production and sales could well develgeologists in 1981 and 1989. Those geolo- op into a solid moneymaker. cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

A number of Saskatchewan companies have jumped on the frac sand bandwagon as well, which shows there is a good demand for the proppant. Saskatchewan companies include Select Sands Corporation (formerly La Ronge Gold Corporation) which has diversified into the frac sand sector while gold prices languish. Select Sands intends to produce approximately 170,000 tonnes of various grades of frac sand annually. Part of the proceeds from sales may be used to develop the Preview SW gold project near the town of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Via the Hanson Lake Road, Hanson Lake Sands Corporation (HLSC) has been able to access an Ordovician age large tonnage sand resource. HLSC has 20,000 acres of quarry permits in place and bought the Winn Bay Sand project for $220 million. Rainmaker Resources Limited has a frac sand project in north central Saskatchewan at Jay Jay Lake (apparently a local name). All the production comes from a geological formation called the Manville. On a recent trip to the States I heard about the environmental furor surrounding the mining of the frac sand along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, USA. Any slow-down in Wisconsin production could be a boon for Canadian producers in less developed areas where environmental issues are less of a concern. With all this development I’d better keep a close eye on my beach at the cabin in Manitoba. 35

Protect Your Retirement against Market Volatility

~ Lenna Gowenlock, Edward Jones ~

s an investor, you’re well aware that, over the short term, the financial markets always move up and down. During your working years, you may feel that you have time to overcome this volatility. And you’d be basing these feelings on actual evidence: historically, the longer the investment period, the greater the tendency of the markets to “smooth out” their performance. But what happens when you retire? Won’t you be more susceptible to market movements? You may not be as vulnerable to market movements as you might think. People are living longer and may easily spend two, or even three, decades in retirement — so your investment time frame isn’t necessarily going to be that compressed. Nonetheless, it’s still true that time may well be a more important consideration to you during your retirement years, so you may want to be particularly vigilant about taking steps to help smooth out the effects of market volatility. Toward that end, here are a few suggestions:

be less likely to make moves such as selling quality investments because their price is down, and missing any market rebound. Don’t try to “time” the market Focus on taking a longer-term view of market volatility by staying invested and making consistent investments into quality assets based on a systematic strategy and not predictions of market highs and lows. Over time, this method of investing may result in lower per-share costs. However, as is the case with diversification, this type of systematic investing won’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, and you’ll need to be willing to keep investing when share prices are declining. It’s probably natural to get somewhat more apprehensive about market volatility during your retirement years. But taking the steps described above can help you navigate the sometimes-choppy waters of the financial world. Insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (except in Quebec). In Quebec, insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (Quebec) Inc. ©Edward Jones, Member CIPF Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Allocate your investments among a variety of asset classes Of course, proper asset allocation is a good investment move at any age, but when you’re retired, you want to be especially careful that you don’t “over-concentrate” your investment dollars among just a few assets. Spreading your money among a range of vehicles—stocks, bonds, GICs, and so on—can help you avoid taking the full brunt of a downturn that may primarily hit just one type of investment. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t assure a profit or protect against loss.

Are youAre Are ready? you you ready? ready?

You’re paying down your mortgage. You’reYou’re saving for your child’s education. paying down your mortgage. You’reYou’re paying down mortgage. saving foryour your child’s education. But what You’re savingabout for youryour child’sfuture? education.

Choose investments that have demonstrated solid performance across many market cycles

But what about your future?

As you’ve probably heard, “past performance is no guarantee of future results,” and this is true. You can help improve your outlook by owning quality investments. So when investing in stocks, choose those that have actual earnings and a track record of earnings growth. If you invest in fixed-income vehicles, pick those that are considered “investment grade”.

Let’s help you create your financial strategy But what about your Let’s youcontribution create yourfuture? financial strategy before thehelp RRSP deadline. before the RRSP contribution deadline. Call me today. Let’s help you create your financial strategy Call me today. before theLenna RRSP contribution Gowenlock, CFP®deadline. Lenna Gowenlock, CFP® Call me today. Financial Advisor .

Don’t make emotional decisions

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At various times during your retirement, you will, in all likelihood, witness some sharp drops in the market. Try to avoid overreacting to these downturns and stay disciplined to your strategy. If you can keep your emotions out of investing, you will

Financial Advisor

Lenna Gowenlock, #1-53 #1-53 Main Street Main Street CFP®

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Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

IRT-8192-C january - february • cottage north magazine

Poetry Corner Arctic alchemy By Glenda Walker Hobbs Written after viewing Ron Watt’s painting “Northern Lights” Aurora borealis ballerinas twirl across northern heavens they pirouette pas de valse, adagio to streaks of aqua, indigo sapphire, ivory, cerulean shimmer in wintry sky cerulean, silver shadows ripple on snow carpets spruces shiver under frosty shawls stand to attention birches lift bare black branches all applaud Arctic alchemy

"Northern Lights" by Flin Flon painter Ron Watt

Brave new moon

By Sheila Marchant

The moon is no longer full and bright It appears that a thief has taken a bite And each night moon waits very patient and brave For another bite from that very same knave

That will whittle moon down to a fingernail But moon knows then that the thief must fail And courageously begins to start the fight To restore itself to full moonlight

cottagenorthmagazine.ca • facebook.com/cottagenorthmagazine • @cottagenorth

Q&A with

Dennis Foley submitted photo

The Project Thompson team: Zhang Yaohan (Hann) and Dennis Foley

- Libby Stoker-Lavelle -

Shining a Light on the Positive: Project Thompson At 32, Dennis Foley is Thompson’s youngest city councillor and one of the northern city’s biggest cheerleaders. With his longtime friend Zhang Yaohan (known as Hann), Foley has been producing a small independent film series called Project Thompson. Through this series, Foley and Yaohan aim to highlight individuals who are making a positive impact on the community, in an effort to show the world that there are many sides to Thompson. The team’s first two videos, featuring artist Jasyn Lucas and Rachel Templeton, executive director of the Juniper Centre, are available on YouTube. Foley, who writes the questions and conducts the on-camera interviews, sat down with Cottage North to discuss this exciting project. CN: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the roles you play in Thompson? DF: I’ve lived in Thompson my entire life, and about six or seven years ago I started to get more into community events. I am the founder and president of the Northern Manitoba Off Road Association, which hosts yearly mud races and advocates for off-road safety. Recently, I was elected to city council, and I just started my four-year term. I’m also the assistant service manager at the Chevrolet dealership. CN: Can you share some background on what Project Thompson is and how it evolved? DF: Project Thompson is something that I’ve had the idea for, for a long time. The other gentleman I’ve partnered with, Hann Zhang, is where the skill comes in 38

with the camerawork and editing. Hann has come up with some great ideas, and he takes care of everything from the music intros to editing to the effects. The basic premise is we want to talk to people who are on the ground level—we’ll call it the front line—for Thompson. We are showing people the heart and core of what really happens up here. We both really wanted to do something that would get rid of the negativity around Thompson in the last few years. Although I decided to run for council, this was in no way a political thing. This was strictly to do our part to better the image of Thompson. Our first YouTube video got over 1,000 hits, and we got such positive feedback on it…way above and beyond what we thought we would get. We plan on putting up more videos and keeping it in the documentary style. CN: What are some of the positive qualities of Thompson that you want to draw out through these videos? DF: The people themselves. There are so many organizations in town that are trying to better the community, just for the sake of bettering the community. I’m a Shriner and became a Shriner because of all the work they do around the world with children’s hospitals. At Christmas the Shriners take gifts to kids at the hospital, and Santa comes with us. We don’t look for recognition, we just see the need. For all the non-profit groups it’s all about enhancing the quality of life here. Also, it’s the support from the busi-

nesses in town: I hosted a freestyle aerial event, and we had Smook Contractors donate the usage of a $100,000-plus loader for the event. Thompson Trailbreakers brought their new trail-groomer out and helped make the landing for the event. The guys that we had hired to come up here to perform, they said they don’t see that kind of generosity anywhere else. CN: Which other individuals or topics will you highlight in future videos? DF: Our next guest is Emily Pruder, who organized Thompson’s community Christmas dinner. I’d also like to look into the history of Thompson and the history of service clubs here. Eventually we will start going after the harder issues, social issues…but we are going to focus on what we’re doing about them. CN: Which of these issues do you feel are important to address? DF: If you look at the Crime Severity Index, Thompson is the most violent city in Canada for its population. I’d like to do a showcase on what’s being done to address that. Thompson employs 38 police officers, which is double the amount that a community the same size in Manitoba has. There is the Northern Doorways project and AFM, programs that we are running to be as proactive as possible. But the only thing getting published is the bad stuff. My opinion is that if you look up Thompson and you see five negative things, well I want to put up five positive things to dilute that. I want to give people an informed opinion on what Thompson is really like. We want to stay positive and stay real.

january - february • cottage north magazine

a good taste

Grandma’s Dill Pickle Soup Ingredients 2 tbsp butter ¼ cup chopped onion 2 cups diced potatoes 1 cup diced carrots (optional) 1 cup chicken broth 1 tsp salt pinch marjoram 3 cups milk 2 tbsp flour 3-4 large dill pickles, finely chopped ¼ to ½ cup pickle juice 1 tbsp chopped parsley

When I first started working at Cottage North, sales representative Krista Lemcke introduced me to dill pickle soup. I thought it sounded so wrong to put pickles in soup, but, trust me, it tastes so right. If you love pickles, you need to try this Bowes family recipe. This soup takes less than a half hour to make, and most of the ingredients are items you’re likely to have on hand in your kitchen, so it’s a great meal to make in a pinch. Serves six. Enjoy! — Libby Stoker-Lavelle

Directions Melt butter in large saucepan. Sauté onions until tender. Add potatoes, water, bouillon, salt and marjoram. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Combine milk and flour in a bowl, then stir into potato mixture. Cook and stir soup over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in parsley. Add pickle juice (to taste) and pickles. To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream and parsley.

Eddie’s Feeling inspired by this recipe? Visit us today for all your grocery needs!

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