Kamsack Times 2023-06-15

Tımes Kamsack

Community gathers to remember and reflect on Decoration Day

The Kamsack and area community came together to honor and remember those who served and made sacrifices for their country during a solemn ceremony. The June 5 event, held at the Royal Canadian Legion, was attended by local residents, veterans including Second World War veteran John Welykholowa and his son Doug, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24, the 633 Kamsack, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Mayor Nancy Brunt, members of the RCMP and Emergency medical technicians, who gathered to pay their respects.

The ceremony began with Pastor Stephen Ruten sharing reflections and readings and singing O Canada . Pastor Ruten went on to recite passages from

Genesis, Psalms, and the book of Daniel, highlighting the significance of God’s presence and guidance. Attendees joined in singing a hymn, Nearer My God to Thee, which holds historical significance as it was played during the sinking of the Titanic.

During the ceremony, the history and significance of the Decoration Day was discussed. It was explained that the tradition originated from a veterans’ protest in 1866, initiated by those who felt their service and the memory of their fallen comrades were not properly respected. What began as a modest gathering quickly gained momentum and evolved into an annual tradition of honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

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Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation (pink shirt) along with others led the Reflective Walk down Nykolaishen Drive and Third Avenue in Kamsack on June 6 during the Community Health Fair. See the story and more photos on Page 6.

Photo by Josh Bugera

RCMP Cst. Chase Caldwell brought forth a wreath for the Decoration Day ceremony alongside Cpl. Halo Tourangeau and Sgt. Macy Martinuik.

Photo by Josh Bugera

DECORATION DAY

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The importance of law and order, and the role of those who serve in enforcing and upholding it, was also emphasized by Pastor Ruten. He highlighted the connection between those who make and enforce laws and their service as ministers of God, promoting an atmosphere of justice and order. The sacrifice and bravery of law enforcement and military personnel, both on a local and international scale, were acknowledged and commended.

The ceremony further touched upon the historical context of conflicts like the Second World War and the impact they had on defending freedom and confronting injustice. It was noted that although these battles were fought far away, they ultimately protected Canada and its inhabitants.

A moment of silence was observed to remember the fallen. A final prayer was spoken by Pastor Ruten, and the ceremony concluded with members of the RCMP, the Air Cadets, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 marching off.

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Members of the 633 Kamsack, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron visited the cemetery to pay their respects although the ceremony was hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 hall due to the extreme heat. Photo by Josh Bugera

Members of the RCMP, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24, and the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron marched in during the Decoration Day ceremony.

Photo by Josh Bugera

RCMP Officer Constable Laurin Holhoyi saluted alongside members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 during O Canada

Photo by Josh Bugera

The Key FN to start water treatment plant construction this month

The Key First Nation has announced the construction of a new water treatment plant beginning this month. The project is expected to be complete by January 2025.

For The Key First Nation, a community of 1,503 members with a population of 300 on-reserve members, this significant project aims to address the long-standing water challenges faced by the Nation and will create a healthier, and more reliable source of clean drinking water for its residents.

This new water treatment plant represents a triumph after a long and frustrating battle with Ottawa and Regina to get the project approved, according to community leaders. After 14 years of delays and deferrals, Indigenous Services Canada has approved its construction this year.

Most of the crop is in the ground, rains help crops in drier regions

Ninety-four per cent of the crop is now in the ground, up from 81 per cent last week and slightly behind the five-year average (2018-22) of 99 per cent, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report for May 30 to June 5. Producers are progressing in seeding as weather conditions allow, but the rain this week has delayed many from completing operations. Most of the region received rain during this period. There are many reports of flooding in the region. Still, many producers were happy to see the rain as it helped improve moisture conditions in the drier parts of the region. The Wynyard area received 47 mm of rain; Saltcoats, 45 mm; the Craven and Stalwart areas, 40 mm and the Lipton area, 36 mm.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate

and 10 per cent short. Hay and pasture land is rated as 19 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and six per cent very short.

Recent rain falls and high temperatures have helped support crop emergence and development. Sixteen per cent of the fall cereal crops are in the shot blade stage, while 31 per cent of the spring cereals are tillering. Forty-six per cent of canola and mustard is emerging and 31 per cent is in the seedling stage, along with 10 per cent of flax in the seedling stage. Forty-six per cent of the pulse crops are emerging and 47 per cent are in the vegetative stage.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to localized flooding, wind, flea beetles and grasshoppers. Producers are busy spraying, picking rocks and moving cattle to pasture.

Saskatchewan sees biggest population jump in 108 years

Saskatchewan’s population grew by 29,307 to 1,214,618 people in 2022, according to new population estimates released by Statistics Canada. That’s the largest increase in population for Saskatchewan in a single year since 1914.

Premier Scott Moe said the province’s growing economy, job opportunities and

great quality of life are all reasons for the huge jump in population.

“In 2022, Saskatchewan led the country in economic growth and created more than 20,000 new full-time jobs,” Moe said in a release. “Our government is committed to seeing those opportunities and that growth continue”.

While the new water treatment plant addresses some core issues, more infrastructure dollars are needed to update other aging and obsolete infrastructure on the Key First Nation. Chief and Council said they pledge to continue to apply pressure to officials in Ottawa and Regina to provide meaningful funding to update other critical infrastructure needs in the community.

“This project is a huge step forward for our community. After 20 years of chronic boil water advisories and 14 years struggling with Ottawa, they are finally honouring their Treaty obligation to us,” said Chief Clinton Key.

“We are excited for this project, which will not only provide safe, clean drinking water to the community, but will also create jobs in both construction and operation of the new plant. I have spent seven years advocating for this project, six as a councillor and this last year as Chief. It has been

extremely frustrating to have to fight for the basic human right to clean drinking water.”

Chief Key said he hopes that Canadians will understand that the work is not done.

“We cannot talk about reconciliation without concrete action. We call on the Prime Minister and his government to take the infrastructure needs of First Nations more serious. We can’t wait 14 more years to get our next project moving.

“There has been a concentrated effort the last seven years to see this project come to life,” continued Chief Key. “I am glad to see this move forward for the sake of our community and our families. While we are happy to get this job done, it is astonishing that in a country as prosperous and wealthy as Canada, a Nation like ours has been made to wait an excruciating amount of time to see a basic project like this move forward.”

Other members of the community’s council agreed that the water treatment plant project is welcome, but more work needs to be done.

“This kind of timeline puts our families at risk and it’s unacceptable that we should have to wait this long to meet our basic needs,” said Councillor Solomon Reece.

“I grew up on Keys and have lived here my entire life and we have always been afraid to drink the water,” added Councillor Kimberly Keshane. “Before becoming a Councillor, I worked in the old, obsolete water treatment plant, and while we appreciate the opportunity now have a new water treatment plant, I think it will take a long time, perhaps a generation, to get over the fear of drinking it.”

EAST CENTRAL CROP REPORT

With seeding nearing completion across the region, recent moisture has supported emergence and development of early seeded crops.

What’s in a number, Even or Odd?

A number can be an abstract scenario or an actual thing or event.

One is a start, two is great and three is company. Four is a pair of twins plus two extra and five is a nickel. Six is a Smith and Wesson revolver that might cause seven years of bad luck. Eight is a cue ball, nine is a team and ten is a dime. Eleven is one short of twelve and thirteen is a baker’s dozen and also the start of your teenage years. Some numbers are odd, and others are even. So I ask, what’s in a number? In school I had a friend named Odd and his best friend was Even, and when they were together in the classroom, we would give them even odds on who had done the homework.

My late twin brother Kjell and I were born in the middle of the Second World War. After the teen years I made the first milestone of 20 in Oslo, Norway and moved to Vancouver, B.C, Canada four years later. The milestone of 30 was celebrated in Vancouver, followed by 40 and 50 in Edmonton, 60 at Pigeon Lake, Ala., followed by 70 in Preeceville and now I’m shooting for 80 in July here in Wilkie. But what’s in a number? My body might feel the cruel reality of getting older, but my brain is stuck somewhere between 40 and 50, and still able to think up a good prank or two when required.

Ole and Sven were enjoying their Sheppard’s Pie at Moe’s Bottoms Up

Bar and Grille chased by shots of Akevitt and Moe’s special lager.

“My neighbour Reidar,” said Ole, “claimed to have had a horse that could count. What’s more impressive than that?”

“Wow,” said Sven, “that definitely beats a spelling bee!”

Knut joined them for cherry pie with a dollop of ice cream along with coffee and shots of St. Halvard liqueur.

“My friend Olaf is a retired pugilist,” said Knut, “which is a boxer by definition. He was having trouble sleeping, so he went to consult with his physician, who suggested that he should try counting sheep. Olaf told the doctor that he had tried that, but every time he came to the count of nine, he automatically stood up!”

Moe joined them for another round of St. Halvard and coffee as the

Stop kochia from setting seed

BY SHAWN SENKO

Agronomy Specialist

Canola Council of Canada

Kochia that survived pre-seed burnoff needs to be taken out before it drops seed later in the season. The big weeds can produce at least 15,000 seeds per plant – often many more – so letting them set seed and then spreading that seed with the combine can move a herbicide-resistant population across a field very quickly.

Kochia with resistance to both Group 2 and Group 9 herbicides is found all across the Prairies in big numbers. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada weed scientists have also confirmed kochia populations with resistance to Group 4 and Group 14 herbicides.

The best practice is to control small kochia plants in the pre-seed window with a tank mix of effective herbicides. If kochia is still alive after crop emergence, growers have fewer options in canola fields.

The only in-crop herbicide option that works on Group-2 and Group-9 resistant kochia is an early application of Liberty on Liberty Link canola

cultivars. Group-10 glufosinate in Liberty will control all resistant kochia populations as long as plants are not too large to kill at the time of spraying.

Roundup Ready,

Binary Exploding Targets

lunch trade was over.

“It has been proven again,” said Moe, “don’t mess with a senior citizen!”

“What happened?” asked Ole.

“Gunhild, my neighbour, looking rather shaggy in her old clothes, went to her bank, handed the teller her debit card and driver’s license for identification, and asked if she could please withdraw $20 from her account. The teller, being annoyed at such a small transaction, rudely told Gunhild to go to the ATM and stop holding up the line for $20. Whereupon Gunhild told her OK, then she wanted to withdraw $20,000 from her account. The teller glared at Gunhild,

took her debit card and checked her account, only to find that the account balance was in excess of $800,000. She apologized to Gunhild, informed the manager of the high amount of cash required, who went to the bank vault and topped up the teller’s cash. The teller started counting the money. After a few minutes, she handed over the $20,000 in thousand and hundred-dollar bills to Gunhild, and asked if there was anything else she could help her with. Gunhild smiled and said yes indeed there is, she would like to deposit $19,980, pushing all the money back to the teller. The moral of the story: Don’t mess with us seniors!”

include mowing areas where kochia is the dominant species and crop yield expectations are low. Hand weeding could be worthwhile in areas where individual resistant (or likely resistant) plants are present.

Use combine seed destroyers. Combine weed seed destroyers, the mechanical hammer mills that pulverize all seeds in the chaff, can effectively destroy at least 90 per cent of kochia seeds – as long as harvest is not delayed to the point where major seed drop has begun.

Apply Edge in the fall. This won’t stop seed set this year, but could be part of the solution in fields with a lot of resistant kochia. Group-3 ethalfluralin (Edge) applied in the fall on fields planned for canola the following year can help manage kochia resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides.

Canola growers with herbicide-resistant kochia may want to look at other

long-term management strategies. They could seed kochia-infested areas to salt-tolerant perennial forage rather than continue to throw inputs at acres with no hope of profitability. They could diversify the crop rotation with early- and lateseeded crops, including winter cereals and forages that provide early season competition. If poor drainage is at the root of salinity problems, localized tile drainage may remediate low productivity areas where kochia tends to thrive. Farms that prefer Roundup Ready or TruFlex canola may want to consider cultivars with stacked systems – TruFlex and Liberty Link – to give them flexibility to manage herbicide-resistant kochia. For more on this topic, please read How to contain herbicide-resistant kochia and Integrated weed management: Best practice s in the Weeds section at canolawatch.org/ fundamentals.

TruFlex and Clearfield systems based on Group-9 and Group-2 weed control are no longer effective on most kochia across the Prairies.

In all cases, scout after

spraying. If kochia plants survived pre-seed burnoff and the first in-crop spray, use these other measures to stop them.

Physically remove kochia plants. Options

Board

Make sure your kochia infestation is eliminated before it goes to seed and the problem gets worse.

Chief Lee Ketchemonia from Keeseekoose FN was one of the attendees at the Community Health Fair.

COMMUNITY

GOLF TOURNAMENT

CO MMU NIT Y

Photo by Josh Bugera

Community Health Fair promotes awareness and collaboration

The communities of Kamsack, Cote First Nation, and Keeseekoose First Nation recently came together to participate in a health fair aimed at promoting health awareness. The event, organized by local authorities and community members, was orchestrated across Third Avenue, and it attracted a large crowd of people.

community members from Keeseekoose First Nation, Cote First Nation and Kamsack commencing a Reflective Walk down Nykolaishen Drive and Third Avenue. Then, when the walk was finished, Chief George Cote, Chief Lee Kitchemonia, Mayor Nancy Brunt, and others greeted and addressed the attendees of the Fair.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

GOL

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

F

YORK LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

YORK LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

YORK LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Texas scramble golf tournament. Registration includes golf fees, golf cart and steak/chicken supper.

Texas scramble golf tournament. Registration includes golf fees, golf cart and steak/chicken supper.

Texas scramble golf tournament. Registration includes golf fees, golf cart and steak/chicken supper.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

EVENT SCHEDULE

EVENT SCHEDULE

EVENT SCHEDULE

Registration Shotgun Start Supper

PRIZES

PRIZES

PRIZES

$75 /Person

$75 /Person

$75 /Person

The Health Fair on June 6 served as a platform to address important health issues affecting the community, with a particular focus on promoting reconciliation efforts and improving access to health care services. The event aimed to raise awareness about the available resources and services, empowering community members to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

The event began at noon, with

Mayor Nancy Brunt delivered the opening address, emphasizing the significance of the event and acknowledging the presence of a war memorial for First Nations soldiers in the area. She expressed gratitude to all attendees, encouraging them to visit the various booths and engage with health care professionals to learn more about the available services.

The event also featured speeches from

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Registration Shotgun Start Supper

12:00pm 1:00pm 6:00pm

Registration 12:00pm

Texas scramble golf tournament. Registration includes golf fees, golf cart and steak/chicken supper.

12:00pm 1:00pm 6:00pm

Shotgun Start 1:00pm Supper 6:00pm

First Place Prize Sponsored Hole Prizes

First Place Prize Sponsored Hole Prizes

First Place Prize Sponsored Hole Prizes

Register Online: https://bit.ly/LegacyCoopGolfTournament

Register Online: https://bit.ly/LegacyCoopGolfTournament

Register In Person: Legacy Co-op Admin Office Yorkton

Register Online: https://bit.ly/LegacyCoopGolfTournament

Food Store with Ashley Gristwood. Cheques made payable to Legacy Co-operative Association limited.

Register In Person: Legacy Co-op Admin Office Yorkton Food Store with Ashley Gristwood. Cheques made payable to Legacy Co-operative Association limited.

Register In Person: Legacy Co-op Admin Office Yorkton

Registration Deadline June 26, 2023.

Food Store with Ashley Gristwood. Cheques made payable to Legacy Co-operative Association limited.

Registration Deadline June 26, 2023.

Photo by Josh Bugera

Drummers were present during the ceremonies, leading the reflective walk down Third Avenue.

Photo by Josh Bugera

Fire Chief Ken Thompson came out to the Health Fair and showed off the town fire truck to the children present at the fair. Thompson mentioned that the town was still looking for volunteer firefighters, reminding people who may be interested that the positions are paid when they are out on call.

Darlene Bryant of Cote FN Health and lead organizer for Health Fair for First Nations. Photo by Josh Bugera

HEALTH FAIR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Chief George Cote, Chief Lee Kitchemonia and others, who stressed the importance of working together to address health challenges faced by the community. They highlighted the need for improved collaboration between different levels of government, health care organizations, and community members to ensure everyone has access to essential health care services.

Representatives from Indigenous Services Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Authority shared their perspectives on the importance of building strong relationships and working towards a better future for upcoming generations. They emphasized the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and how they provide a framework for meaningful change.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to visit various booths and engage with health care professionals and community organizations such as

the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours. The event also hosted a barbecue and had cold drinks and snacks for the attendees to enjoy during the 30 degree weather.

The health fair also served as a platform for addressing the ongoing challenge of substance abuse present in the area. Community leaders, including FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt, highlighted the urgency of addressing this crisis and the need for government support and investment in harm reduction and treatment programs.

FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt said, “If you’re addicted and struggling, we welcome you here. We don’t look down on you. You’re a human being and you matter. And we’re going to support you the best we can and get the help that you need.”

The health fair was seen as a positive step toward fostering a healthier and more informed community. By raising awareness, promoting collaboration, and providing access to resources, it aimed to empower community members to take control of their health and well-being.

Councillor Tyrone Keshane from Cote FN opened the Health Fair greeting ceremony with his drumming alongside Chief George Cote from Cote FN (left) and Mayor Nancy Brunt (right).

Photo by Josh Bugera

Chief George Cote from Cote FN was one of the many speakers at the event.

Photo by Josh Bugera

FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt was one of the many speakers at the event.

Photo by Josh Bugera

Ivan Cote with the Yorkton Tribal Council was one of the many speakers at the event.

Photo by Josh Bugera

Wyonzek experiences milestone in on-ice officiating career

Ever since he shifted his focus from playing hockey to working as an on-ice official, Tarrington Wyonzek’s career has continued to blossom and trend upwards. For the first time, Wyonzek worked at the recent World Hockey Championship, held from May 12 to May 28 in Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia.

Wyonzek, who now lives in Regina, is the grandson of Henry and Anne Wyonzek of Canora, and Victor and Vickie Puchala of Yorkton (formerly of Rhein), and son of Pat and Karen Wyonzek.

“It was incredible,” said Wyonzek. “Being on the ice with all those professional players, it’s something I’ve never experienced at that level.”

Both rinks where games were played during the event can hold around 10,000 to 12,000 fans. Wyonzek said he served as linesman in nine games, including a quarterfinal game between the U.S.A. and Czechia (Czech Republic), and the bronze medal game, where Latvia won its first ever medal with an upset win over the Americans.

“The bronze medal game was in Finland and was sold out, it was an incredible atmosphere,” said Wyonzek. “There were 10 extra

flights from Latvia to Finland for that game, and they were all sold out. The next day, Latvia declared a national holiday and there were about 100,000 people together celebrating in Riga.”

Wyonzek said the European fans created an exciting atmosphere for most games throughout the world championships.

“Especially for games involving larger countries and the host countries such as Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and

Latvia; lots of fans come to the games. They’re always chanting for their country, banging on drums, making lots of noise.”

Being his first experience at world championships, Wyonzek said he was impressed with the caliber of the hockey.

“It was the best skill level of hockey I ever worked at. Just about all the teams had a number of NHL players as well as players from pro leagues in Europe.”

Regardless of who

is playing on the ice, Wyonzek said he always tries to focus on doing his best, controlling his emotions, and staying composed. He finds that having a decade of experience as an on-ice official is a big help.

“I remember my first overseas tournament in 2019, I was really nervous. Now I find I can control my emotions better, plus I have more confidence in my abilities. Even in games when the crowd is really loud, I don’t notice it that much.

I hear it, but it’s just background noise.”

Since he worked games in both Latvia and Finland, Wyonzek got a good sense of the personalities of the two host cities.

“Tampere, Finland in general, is very modern with newer architecture,” he said. “Riga has older and more traditional architecture, it’s very rich in culture.”

Wyonzek said he definitely felt the support from home, with many relatives and friends

in Canora and Yorkton watching and messaging him, as well as from his fiancé Kelsey, who happens to be a dentist.

“She had the games on TV at work so she and everyone else could watch.”

Now that he has returned to Regina, Wyonzek will get back to his fulltime job during the day, plus evenings working hockey games in the SJHL (referee), WHL (linesman) and AHL (linesman).

Even though they grew up in Yorkton, Tarrington and his younger brother Tannum spent quite a bit of time in Canora as well. Before making the decision to focus on their officiating careers, both worked at the Canora Golf Course during the summers.

Each played minor hockey, and Tarrington had the memorable experience of playing for the provincial champion Canora midget team.

But the Wyonzek brothers each eventually decided they likely weren’t going to make it as professional hockey players, and chose to focus on becoming on-ice officials to stay involved in the game.

Looking to the future, Tarrington said he’d love to work another world championship, and be chosen for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

SGI announces rules around excessive vehicle noise

Have you heard? There are clear, new rules around what it takes for a vehicle to be deemed too loud for Saskatchewan streets. Under a new provincial policy, all light vehicles (such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans,

SUVs, and motorcycles) must be quieter than 101.3 decibels.

“This policy introduces an objective standard, so motorists know if their vehicle is louder than what’s reasonable,” said JP Cullen, COO of the Saskatchewan

Auto Fund, in a release. “It draws a line in the sand for residents, motorists and law enforcement to determine how loud is too loud for vehicles.”

Along with establishing maximum allowable noise levels, SGI has developed a standardized testing procedure. In the coming weeks, SGI will work with SGI-certified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations to provide

them with equipment and training so they’re ready to test vehicles for noise.

As part of a phased rollout approach, SGIcertified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations in Regina and Saskatoon will be the first to have the opportunity to obtain noise testing equipment. Once those stations are equipped, enforcement agencies in those areas will be able to

submit a vehicle to a noise test at a qualified station. Next, SGI will work with SGI-certified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations elsewhere, and law enforcement across the rest of Saskatchewan, to introduce the policy province-wide.

Vehicle owners in Saskatchewan will also have the opportunity to test out their vehicles –consequence free later this month.

“SGI is hosting free educational days,” said Cullen. “It’s a great opportunity for the public to come out and speak with

SGI about the policy and find out what they can expect from law enforcement when it comes to excessively noisy vehicles.”

The noise testing educational events will happen on June 17 in Regina and June 24 in Saskatoon. Vehicle owners can book an appointment for a noise test on either of those days by calling Vehicle Standards and Inspections at 1-800667-8015 ext.6188 in advance.

For more information on the policy and the education days visit sgi.sk.ca/ noise.

Tarrington Wyonzek, who has ties to Canora, dropped the puck during a quarterfinal game between the U.S.A. and Czechia (Czech Republic) at the recent World Hockey Championships in Latvia and Finland.

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“Aerial insectivores catch and consume insects mid-flight, and are therefore fantastic at pest control. The presence of these natural predators benefits both people and livestock,” explained Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan, in a release. “These at-risk species thrive on large insect populations, and can help make the summer more pleasant in the yard or pasture. Their wide, gaping mouths and agility in the sky allow for the capture of a wide variety of flying insects.”

The Bank Swallow is a cavity nester and excavates its nest on the face of steep, vertical cliffs such as streambanks. Breeding colonies range from a handful of pairs to a few thousand, and are found across Canada. They fly over open habitats, eating between 25 and 50 per cent of their body weight in insects each day; They can be identified by their brown backs and white fronts, with a brown band across their breast, as well as their buzzing calls. They will often congregate on roadways, especially where another swallow has been hit by a vehicle, causing road mortality to occur in clusters and posing a significant risk to their population.

The Barn Swallow is found throughout the Prairie Provinces, and typically nests on humanmade structures, such as

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barns, sheds, and bridges. They forage for insect prey over grasslands and agricultural fields, wetlands, and other open spaces, eating upwards of 60 insects per hour (that’s over 850 insects per day!). They can be identified by their metallic blue and cinnamon-coloured bodies and deeply forked tail. Their call is a short “cheep”, or a two-toned “chi-deep” when alarmed.

The Common Nighthawk is most active at dawn and dusk, and uses its mottled brownand-white plumage to camouflage when perched on the ground. In flight, they can be identified by a distinct white vertical band on each wing, while their call is a nasal, single-noted “peent”. They are able to adapt to a wide range of habitats, and roost on exposed ground, or artificial structures such as flat gravel roofs. They feast on numerous insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, and grasshoppers.

Chimney Swifts, found in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan, have adapted to nest directly inside old chimney columns. They spend the vast majority of their time flying, catching and eating up to 12,000 insects daily! Due to their small size, both the ‘Swifts’ and their nests do not block chimneys, meaning they pose a minimal risk to infrastructure.

Unfortunately, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Common Nighthawk, and Chimney Swift populations have all declined steeply in the last 50 years,

leading to their listings as at-risk species. Bank and Barn Swallow populations alone have declined by 98 per cent across their range over this time. The decline of aerial insectivores mirrors losses in insect populations attributed to pesticide use, habitat loss and climate change. These species also are often the victims of road mortality.

Nature Saskatchewan’s voluntary stewardship program, Stewards of Saskatchewan (SOS), works with nearly 250 land stewards to conserve habitat for species-at-risk and monitor population numbers in Saskatchewan. SOS records sightings to help determine the distribution of these species throughout the province. This information can then be used towards efforts to conserve and restore the habitat and population of these beneficial bird species.

“Without the voluntary efforts of land stewards and the general public, recovery of these agile bird species would not be possible” says Putz. She encourages the public to report sightings of these or any other species at risk to Nature Saskatchewan’s toll-free HOOT Line. Private information is never shared without permission. If you see any of these species in Saskatchewan or would like more information about the Stewards of Saskatchewan program, please call Nature Saskatchewan’s toll-free line at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668), text (306) 7809832, or email us at outreach@naturesask.ca.

The bank swallow is one of the many insect-hunting birds returning to Saskatchewan for the warmer weather.

Photo by May Haga

Throwback Thursday: From the Kamsack Times files

(EDITOR’S NOTE: These items were printed in the 1986 issues of the Kamsack Times.)

In 1905, Frank Hubic brought to Pelly a homemade flourmill that he acquired in Manitoba. In 1985, his sons, Sam and Joe, restored the mill and donated it to the Fort Pelly-Livingstone Museum. While attending the museum on a Museum Day, visitors were able to handgrind samples of wheat and collect the flour the mill still makes under its heavy, but easily-rotating stone. With the mill were Richard Lister, Sylvia Paluck and Joyce Nystrom, Pelly history enthusiasts.

KCI students who received scholastic awards for having achieved the highest average in their respective classes in 1986 were, from left: Belle Marie Musselman, Grade 9; Donna Barabash, Grade 10; Ronald Yee, Grade 11, and Evan Eichler, Grade 12.

Members of Kamsack’s Harmony Centre Glee Club, dressed in red and white uniforms topped with colorful straw hats, provided lively musical entertainment in a parade, part of Kamsack’s annual sports days and rodeo in 1986.

Gillian Dey and Elodie Jordens (seated) wrote their first Kamsack Collegiate Institute column, succeeding Shannon Cottenie and Anna Arneson (standing), who have written the column since September of 1985.

Attired in clothes from days long gone, while working at machines that are now antiques, members of the Kamsack Historical Society joined Kamsack’s parade, announcing the society’s Museum Day on July 6, 1986. From left were: Lorne Poole, Martha Mckay, Lil Hovorka, Jennifer Molnar, Molly Poole, Johanne Chepil, John Andrychuk and Nellie Cheveldaeff.

The Kamsack Legion band performed both at the Riverside Cemetery and at Madge Lake during a barbecue supper, during which the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion observed its annual Decoration Day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

5 modern sports invented or inspired by Indigenous Peoples

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Many communities take this opportunity to hold events celebrating Indigenous cultures and contributions to Canada. Did you know that many of the sports played today were invented by First Nations Peoples? Here’s a look at five ancient pastimes that still persist today.

1. Tobogganing.

Indigenous people invented the toboggan to transport people and goods across the tundra of Canada’s Far North. The word “toboggan” likely originates from the Mi’kmaq or Abenaki word for sled. Many modern winter sports have grown out of this invention, including luge and bobsledding.

2. Lawn darts . First Nations created the game of lawn darts using shucked green corn with the kernels

removed. The corn cobs were adorned with feathers and tossed at targets on the ground.

3. Snowshoeing. Indigenous people made and used snowshoes to travel on foot during the winter. They

made it possible to move across knee-deep snow and hunt without making noise. During the fur trade, the

Voyageurs quickly adopted the snowshoe. Since then, snowshoeing has become a popular Canadian pastime.

4. Kayaking. Kayaking started thousands of years ago in the Arctic regions of what is now called Greenland, Siberia and North America. Inuit people used the kayak to travel, fish and hunt large sea mammals. Today, the sport of kayaking is loved worldwide.

5. Lacrosse. Lacrosse has been played by Indigenous Peoples since the 12th century. The game is considered a gift from the Creator so men could work out their aggression without violence. Today, lacrosse is recognized as Canada’s national summer sport. Learn more about Indigenous culture this month by participating in educational and recreational activities, like those held on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

63 King Street E YORKTON, SK

National Indigenous Peoples Day

• Drum Group & Pow Wow Demo

• Saulteaux Bingo & Games

• Face Painting

• Talent & Jigging Contest

• Indian Hand Games

• Free BBQ Lunch

• YBID Kids Bouncy Tent & Activities

• Vendors, Displays, and More!

True or false: how much do you know about Indigenous Peoples?

For more information contact Vee Hopkins: 306-620-7900 virginia.hopkins@ytai.org

Terri-Ann Lepowick 306-621-2835 terri-ann.lepowick@ytai.org

To register to be a vendor contact Amy Thomas 306-620-9675 amy.thomas@ytai.org

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Test your knowledge with this short true or false quiz.

1. The most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada is Inuktitut.

2. All Indigenous Peoples were given the right to vote in federal, provincial, territorial and local elections in 1960.

3. The last residential school in Canada closed its doors in 1996.

4. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on Oct. 30.

5. In 2021, Mary Simon became the first Indigenous person to hold the post of Governor General.

6. Bear Island is the name some Indigenous Peoples use to refer to the continent of North

America.

Answers

1. False. Cree is the most widely spoken Indigenous language. According to figures from the 2016 census, there were 96,575 Canadians who spoke Cree.

2. True. Until 1960, not all Indigenous groups had the right to vote due to political, socio-economic and ethnic restrictions.

3. True. Gordon’s Indian Residential School in Punnichy, Sask., was the last federally funded residential school in Canada.

4. False. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Sept. 30. The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

5. True. In 2021, Justin Trudeau appointed Inuk leader Mary Simon as the first Indigenous governor general.

6. False. Turtle Island is the name many Algonquian- and Iroquoian-speaking peoples, mainly in the northeastern part of North America, use to refer to the continent.

Photo: Mary Simon Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2021