March 9 2018

Nickel Belt News

Volume 58 Number 10

Friday, March 9, 2018

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

Thompson, Manitoba Providing you with expert advice & friendly service.

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We look forward to serving you. Ϳͷ-A Kelsey Bay Thompson, MB R;N ͷS͹ Ph: ͸Ͷͺ-ͽͽ;-ͽͶͺ; Fax: ͸Ͷͺ-ͽͽ;-ͽͷ͸ͺ

Nickel Belt News photos by Ian Graham Taylor Beavis, left, and Nadia Wilson, right, both from Thompson, captured Team North’s first medals of the 2018 Manitoba Games March 6, a gold and silver respectively.

Hometown duo land Team North’s first Manitoba Games medals

BY KYLE DARBYSON AND IAN GRAHAM KYLE@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Team North finally made their presence known in the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games medal standings during March 6 gymnastics events.

This pair of medals – Team North’s first two of the games – came courtesy of Thompson athletes Taylor Beavis and Nadia Wilson, who clinched first and second place, respectively, in the uneven bars event for 12-year-olds in the regional stream.

Beavis, a member of the Thompson Tumblers Gymnastics Club who’s been in gymnastics for about nine years, said she thought she might have a shot at a medal after her performance.

“I did pretty good on bars and floor and vault,” she said. “Bars is my best event.”

Wilson, a Thompson

Tumblers member for the last five years, unintentionally predicted that she and her clubmate would wind up first and second.

“It was weird because we were joking about being beside each other on the podium for bars,” said Wilson, who had good reason not to be too surprised by her silver medal. “I usually do really good on bars. It’s definitely my favourite.”

Both gymnasts say competing in the games in their hometown has given them the best of both worlds.

“It’s been a fun experience,” said Beavis. “It’s been really fun staying in the school and taking the bus everywhere and eating with our friends, c o m p e t i n g t o g e t h e r.

Everyone’s watching that you know.”

Wilson says being at home takes the pressure off, though she can handle it regardless.

“It made me less nervous because I do well under pressure and I like it when people come watch me,” she said.

In terms of the allaround competition for 12-year-olds in the regional stream, Beavis just missed the podium by 0.10 points due to a sub-par floor exercise.

Meanwhile, Team Winnipeg Gold dominated the rest of the field during Tuesday’s events by securing six medals in the all-around competition in the regional and provincial streams for 12-year-olds and 10- and 11-year-olds.

When the remaining gymnasts, aged 13–17, got the chance to perform on Wednesday, McKinley Reid-Whyte of Team East captured gold in the allaround competition in the provincial stream, while Tessa Barcellona of Team West clinched the top spot in the regional stream.

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Sports

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

Ringers Team South (left) beat Winnipeg Gold 8-4 to win the 2018 Manitoba Games ringette gold medal March 7, the final day of phase one of competition at the week-long event, which wraps up March 10.

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham

Burning calories Once all their events wrapped up on Tuesday, athletes competing in the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games got treated to a traditional northern bonfire just outside the Thompson Regional Community Centre.

Nickel Belt News photo by Kyle Darbyson

Flying leap A gymnast from Team South takes a run at the vault inside the Bill Comaskey Wellness Centre March 6.

Nickel Belt News photo by Kyle Darbyson

Friday, March 9, 2018

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 3

News

Class 1 licence opens opportunities for graduates

Eight students who successfully obtained their Class 1 licences pose with instructors from First Class Traning Centre during their graduation ceremony March 2 in Thompson.

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Eight northerners now have their Class 1 driver’s licences thanks to a partnership between Thompson 2020, the province of Manitoba, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO, First Nations sponsors like Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) and First Class Training Centre, which sent four tractor-trailer driving instructors up to Thompson in the dead of winter to deliver the course.

Harlan Cordell, 49, who’s lived in Thompson for 12 years and is originally from Pikwitonei, said he had an opportunity years ago to get his Class 1 licence but it didn’t pan out and he’s glad to have achieved that goal now.

“I got sent out to Wuskwatim and I started making good money so I put this off,” said Cordell, who feels like he’s now got a passport to more job opportunities. “There’s so much opportunity for trucking. It seemed like a good choice.”

First Class has offered Class 1 licence instruction in Thompson before but never starting in January, says Jamie Franklin, one of the instructors.

“When I got up here it was -50, that was a shock to the system but it’s been a great time being up here,” he said.

And despite trucking’s blue-collar reputation, passing a Class 1 driver’s test takes a lot of classroom

study.

“Most of the students that come to the program, they think, ‘Ah, it’s truck driving, it’s an easy course, this is going to be a simple thing,’ and they soon realize, once you get in the classroom, that there’s so much information we have to teach them,” said Franklin. “It’s really a tough course to do and hats off to these guys. They stepped up, they did a very good job, they were a pleasure to teach.”

Vince Linklater, 39, from NCN almost didn’t get to take the course.

“I contacted my sponsors from Nelson House and they contacted me back saying that due to unforeseen timing we’re not able to get you a spot in but then at the dead end of the process they called me and they managed to get me in on a sponsorship and here I am today, fully licensed with a Class 1,” said Linklater, who’s driven rock trucks at Keeyask where’s he’s worked since 2012, but had never driven a standard transmission vehicle before beginning this course.

A rock truck’s “something similar but it’s heavier, but it doesn’t have a clutch or a shifter, it’s automatic. Getting into the truck I was nervous at the beginning.”

Soon, however, he got the hang of things.

“The instructor asked me if I’d ever driven before,”

said Linklater. “I said, ‘No.’ ‘We’ll you’re driving this like you already know what you’re doing.’”

Cordell said he’s definitely not too old to learn new skills.

“I went through with fairly good marks right up near the top of the class,” he said. “I’ve been running equipment and driving various kinds of trucks all along so it was kind of a natural fit. Now I can move on and either drive truck or operate equipment. I’m

covered both ways.”

Support for most of the students came from the provincial government, as well as from their families, said Freda Lepine of MKO, noting that it can sometimes be hard for people from outlying communities coming to Thompson to find a place to stay because many apartments want renters to sign oneyear leases.

“We can’t find a place for them so thank you to the families that support

THE PROVINCIAL COURT (FAMILY DIVISION) OF THOMPSON NOTICE OF HEARING The Child and Family Services Act TO:

Charlene Lisa Anne Garson

TAKE NOTICE that an amended petition and notice of hearing, filed pursuant to The Child and Family Services Act, with respect to the child: Xanne Jewel Anderson (previously known as Duck), born the 23rd day of July, 2002 will appear before the Presiding Judge of the Provincial Court (Family Division) at 59 Elizabeth Drive, Thompson, Manitoba, at 10:00 a.m. on the 22nd day of March, 2018.

AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE if you do not attend on March 22nd, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. or have counsel attend on your behalf, an Order may be made in your absence and without further notice to you.

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA 100 – 701 Thompson Drive Thompson, Manitoba Telephone Number: (204) 677-1500 Fax Number: (204) 778-8428 Attention:

Abbie Garson (204) 342-2460

families,” she said. “That’s what we need.”

Tim Gibson, project manager for Thompson 2020, said initiatives like this are what that organization is set up to do to help the local economy weather the effects of a shrinking mining economy.

“Thompson 2020 was set up to do exactly that,” he said. “It’s a great model. We

can do it again. We can do it better and faster.”

With a Class 1 licence, you can drive almost anything, says Franklin.

“Not only are they able to operate the tractor trailer, they can also operate buses and dump trucks and cement trucks, everything except a motorcycle basically.”

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER DECREASING THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL MARCH 12, 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL In accordance with subsecƟon 79(4) of The Municipal Act, the City of Thompson will present a proposed by-law providing for a decrease in the number of members of council at the next general elecƟon to be held October 24, 2018, from the Mayor and eight (8) Councillors to the Mayor and six (6) Councillors.

The purpose of the hearing is to allow any interested person to ask a quesƟon or to make a representaƟon in favor or objecƟon to the proposed by-law.

Copies of the proposed by-law are available on our website at www.thompson.ca or upon request at the City of Thompson, 226 Mystery Lake Road during regular business hours. QuesƟons and remarks may also be directed by leƩer to the City Manager or through email at gceppetelli@thompson.ca ConsultaƟon with our community is an important component of the decision making process. Council encourages you to aƩend.

Gary Ceppetelli City Manager City of Thompson

Page 4

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

Columnists

NOTICE Please be advised the Norman AAA Northstars cash calendar draw which was scheduled for February 28, 2018 has been postponed due to missing calendars that cannot be verified sold. Calendar draw will now take place March 14, 2018 at 7 pm at the TRCC. Anyone who may have purchased Norman AAA Northstar cash calendar numbers 21-40 is asked to please contact Allyson McKie at 204.778.8981 as soon as possible.

LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION PUBLIC NOTICE NANUK POLAR BEAR LODGE LTD. operating as

NANUKPOLAR BEAR LODGE

at

SW 03-094-15 E2, UNORGANIZED TERRITORY, MANITOBA

has applied for CUSTOMER/MEMBER SERVICE LIQUOR SERVICE LICENCE to serve liquor from: 9:00 am to 2:00 am MONDAY TO SUNDAY 1:00 pm to 2:00 am REMEMBRANCE DAY Citizen and community input is an important part of the application process.

If you have questions about this application, please call the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba at 204-474-5619.

If you have questions about zoning by-laws and requirements, please contact your municipality.

If you want to make a formal objection to this application, please send us your objection in writing by 4:00 p.m.

14 DAYS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT You can email, mail or fax your objection. Please include your contact information.

Email:

licinspect@LGAmanitoba.ca

Mail:

Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba P.O. Box 1023 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2X1

Fax:

204-453-5254

• We respond to all formal objections and will work to resolve objections before issuing a licence.

• A copy of the objection will be provided to the licence applicant.

• Each person who submits an objection will be advised in writing of the outcome to the licence application.

LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION PUBLIC NOTICE DYMOND LAKE OUTFITTERS LTD. operating as

DYMOND LAKE LODGE

at

DYMOND LAKE, MANITOBA

has applied for CUSTOMER/MEMBER SERVICE LIQUOR SERVICE LICENCE to serve liquor from:

9:00 am to 2:00 am MONDAY TO SUNDAY 1:00 pm to 2:00 am REMEMBRANCE DAY

Citizen and community input is an important part of the application process.

If you have questions about this application, please call the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba at 204-474-5619.

If you have questions about zoning by-laws and requirements, please contact your municipality.

If you want to make a formal objection to this application, please send us your objection in writing by 4:00 p.m.

14 DAYS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT You can email, mail or fax your objection. Please include your contact information.

Email:

licinspect@LGAmanitoba.ca

Mail:

Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba P.O. Box 1023 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2X1

Fax:

204-453-5254

• We respond to all formal objections and will work to resolve objections before issuing a licence.

• A copy of the objection will be provided to the licence applicant.

• Each person who submits an objection will be advised in writing of the outcome to the licence application.

Nickel Belt News

Published weekly by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. of 141 Commercial Place, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 1T1. The Nickel Belt News is owned and operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change

Theodicy - The Book of Job Part 1 Theodicy is the attempt to find a single reason that might justify God’s creation of the world we find ourselves in.

Traditional answers do not seem to supply the complete answer. Augustinian theodicies focus on the Book of Genesis and punishment, but stain and break in their attempt to attribute all the natural and moral evils in the world to the acts of a single man and woman and to show how that deserved punishment is justly proportioned. Irenean theodicies focus on the Epistles of St. Paul and character development, but the strain and break in the face of evil that is so great it destroys character more often than not. Neither offer an explanation for God’s general practice of not intervening in the world either to prevent evil or to explain undeserved and unremitted evil. Both correctly state the importance of human free will, but seriously stumble over the fact that human free will itself does not require God non-intervention in the areas of prevention and explanation.

The Book of Job however does offer an interesting answer: the selfless love of human beings for God. It would seem to address the problem of an unequal distribution of evils, the common destruction of character through evil and mostly importantly, God’s non-intervention to prevent and explain such evils.

The story opens with the judgment that Job is “blameless, upright, one who fears God and turns away from evil.” (Job 1:1) God himself will twice endorse that judgement (Job 1:8; 2:3) and even expand on it “there is no like him on the earth.”

(Job 2:3) Job’s blamelessness verges on sinlessness.

The Hebrew word “tam” for “blameless” is the same one word describing Satan prior to his fall (Ezekiel 28:13).

As God says, there is “no reason” in Job that merits the quantity and quality of the evil that befalls Job. (Job 2:3). The evil that befalls Job is not presented as punishment for his or anyone else’s sin. The evil that befalls Job is not presented as a means of character development, for some immaturity in his character. The Book of Job is all about character exposition, not character punishment or character development. That character exposition is in terms of Job’s selfless love for God. The story deepens with Satan’s challenge of God’s judgment on Job: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around

Spiritual Thoughts robsutherlandlaw@gmail.com Rob Sutherland him and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (Job 1:9-11) Satan says God is wrong in his judgment on Job. Job is not really “blameless, upright, one who fears God and turns from evil.” Job is a sinner.

While Job may intend the good, he does so for reasons of selfishness. Therein lies the motive and therein lies the sin. Job loves God only for what he can get from him: the good life, eternal life. Job’s love for God is not true love, because it is not selfless love. It is manipulation. And God missed that.

The consequences are significant. God has erred in the simplest of matters. God has therefore lost his authority to judge and should set down from the throne of heaven.

And since Job is humanity at its best, all human beings are fundamentally selfish.

Selfishness makes a meaningful relationship between God and human beings impossible both in this life or the next. God’s very plan in creation is a complete failure and should be scrapped. All humankind should therefore be destroyed. It was a charge that was both devilish in its origin and its design. In and through this charge, Satan puts God on trial in the court of heaven and in the court of public opinion.

The story then takes an unexpected turn. God does not dismiss Satan’s charge as false on the grounds of his own omniscience.

God accepts Satan’s challenge and will try to prove him wrong in the court of public opinion. To settle the question of whether righteousness in the sense of selflessness exists separately from reward, God authorizes the creation of the world in which we find ourselves. It is a world filled with undeserved evil and unremitted suffering. It is a world where evil triumphs over good more often than not. It is a world where suffering destroys character more often than it builds it.

It is a world where the very existence of God is in doubt.

For if there were certainty that God exists and rewards those who serve him, the

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question could not be settled. God then chooses Job as his personal champion in this trial by ordeal and God authorizes his destruction.

(Job 1:13-19; 2:7-8) God cannot tell Job the reason for the evil that will befall him, lest that give Job a reason or a motive to selfishly love God. The mere fact that Satan carries out the plan is irrelevant. God is causally responsible in the same way that a godfather is causally responsible for authorizing one of his lieutenants to commit murder and mayhem, even though he has not carried out the act itself.

The only issue is whether God is morally blameworthy in doing so. The author posits a selfless love for human beings for God as a morally sufficient reason for sending evil into the world, a reason that makes him causally responsible for that evil, but not morally blameworthy for it.

The story shifts to Job. Tensions build and Job launches an Oath of Innocence against God to know the reason for evil in the world. This was a crosscultural ancient lawsuit with three dimensions, reserved for difficult cases where the offender was not known or if known, could not be compelled to come to court to answer for evil inflicted.

First, it was a summary trial in absentia. No formal court was required; the Oath itself made God himself the court. And God had promised to hear the case and execute judgement. (1 Kings 8:31-32; 2 Chronicles 6:22-23). No summons was required. The Oath was deemed service.

Job’s statement of claim is a simple one. God is the author of undeserved evil in the world and must explain himself. God has deprived Job and humankind of the reason why. (Job 27:2) It is however a selfless act on Job’s part. The selfish move would have been to remain silent, to say nothing, or, even worse, to falsely repent of sins he had not committed. The man of God must speak the truth at all times, even it involves confronting God. Second, it required only the plaintiff’s sworn testimony. It was rarely used because if that testimony was wrong in any aspect,

the plaintiff would suffer temporal and eternal damnation for raising it. And it was not subject to appeal.

In his Oath, Job’s proof of his claim is a lengthy positive and negative confession (Job 29:2-25 and 31:1-40 respectively). He is innocent of any wrongdoing in the matter that would justify the evil that has befallen him. He is not deserving of punishment for sin. He is not deserving of character development for immaturity. The evil he suffered is undeserved evil at the hand of God. He asserted his Redeemer God could confirm that testimony. (Job 19:25-29) Thirdly, it created two summary default judgments: vindication and condemnation. The vindication was a finding of causal responsibility. The plaintiff was innocent of the evil and suspicion that had befallen him. The actual one who had inflicted was deemed causally responsible. It issued automatically. The condemnation was a finding of moral blameworthiness.

It attached blame, shame and guilt on the one who had inflicted the evil. It did not issue automatically. It involved a formal curse that the plaintiff would have to speak on the one who had inflicted the evil.

This is high drama: an appeal to God, through God and against God for crimes against humanity. Satan had prophesied Job would curse God to his face. And Job has now set in motion the formal legal machinery to do exactly that, to curse God, and to have God execute that judgment on himself, if no morally sufficient answer is forthcoming from God. Rob Sutherland is a graduate of University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School He is a criminal defence lawyer with 30 years experience, a member of the bars of Ontario, Alberta, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. He is a Senior Canadian Fellow at the Mortimer J. Adler Centre for the Studies of the Great Ideas, an American think-tank based in Chicago. He has published one book “Putting God on Trial: the biblical Book of Job,” a defence of God’s goodness in the face of his authorization of undeserved and unremitted evil in the life of Job and the world, which is taught at a number of Canadian, American and Indian universities and available through Amazon.

He is writing a second book “Putting Jesus on Trial: the biblical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,” a defence of Jesus’ divinity.

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Friday, March 9, 2018

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 5

Columnists

Innovative solutions from our region As I travel throughout our region one thing is clear.

Despite all the challenges many communities face there are also many innovative initiatives that are making a difference.

In my visits throughout the constituency I never cease to be amazed by just how these innovative initiatives, developed by local communities, are making a difference.

One of these initiatives is in the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. I was very inspired by a new initiative headed up by the Atoskiwin Training and educa-

tion Centre (ATEC) in NCN. Young people are becoming apprentices by building much-needed housing in their community. The housing is being built using cutting-edge materials and will be powered in part by solar panels. I had the chance to speak to some of the young people working on a fourplex home and they shared how proud they were of the work they were doing and the opportunity to become red seal carpenters while doing it.

In Fisher River, I met with the chief and council where we discussed their many initiatives including a

groundbreaking solar farm that will be built this summer. The leadership spoke of the importance of being increasingly self-sufficient and respecting the environment. This is another success story in our region.

Many of these projects are being developed with limited support from other levels of government.

My message to the federal government has been clear. If you want innovative solutions, you can look at many of the things that are happening in our region.

Communities in our region are showing that you

Niki Ashton

MP Report Ashton.N@parl.gc.ca can make a difference.

What we are asking for is the federal government to become a true partner so that communities in our region can do even more.

Manitoba Games opening ceremony a wonderful spectacle It was a pleasure welcoming Cathy Cox, our government’s Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, to Thompson this week and to accompany her as we visited board members, staff and volunteers at the Thompson Public Library, Heritage North Museum and Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). We also took part in the opening ceremony for the Manitoba Winter Games. The opening ceremony was a wonderful spectacle and a fitting start to the sporting events themselves, all showcasing Manitoba’s best athletes and high-

MLA Report

Kelly Bindle

kelly.bindle.mla.office@gmail.com Constituency Office: Unit 3-40 Moak Crescent Thompson, MB R8N 2B7 204-677-2066

lighted throughout with medal ceremonies. Minister Cox and I are grateful to all our hosts for sharing their challenges and successes, and for ensuring a memorable experience.

This week, I was also pleased to announce, alongside Minister Cox, that our government is

making major investments to upgrade and conduct maintenance at Thompson General Hospital and at an AFM facility in Thompson. The upgrades include mould remediation in a medical records archive room, a roof replacement, vacuum pump upgrades and

replacement and a second phase of a water booster upgrade for the hospital.

For the AFM, the work involves a make-up air unit replacement.

At each of the two facilities, the upgrades are estimated to cost more than $150,000. This spending is part of a broader package of Manitoba Health investments providing a total of nearly $30 million for maintenance and upgrades at health-care facilities across the province.

The improvements in Thompson will help deliver quality health care to Northern Manitobans.

LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION PUBLIC NOTICE SEAL RIVER HERITAGE LODGE LTD. operating as

SEAL RIVER HERITAGE LODGE

at

SW 14-117-16E, UNORGANIZED TERRITORY, MANITOBA

has applied for CUSTOMER/MEMBER SERVICE LIQUOR SERVICE LICENCE to serve liquor from:

9:00 am to 2:00 am MONDAY TO SUNDAY 1:00 pm to 2:00 am REMEMBRANCE DAY

Citizen and community input is an important part of the application process.

If you have questions about this application, please call the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba at 204-474-5619.

If you have questions about zoning by-laws and requirements, please contact your municipality.

If you want to make a formal objection to this application, please send us your objection in writing by 4:00 p.m.

14 DAYS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT You can email, mail or fax your objection. Please include your contact information.

Email:

licinspect@LGAmanitoba.ca

Mail:

Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba P.O. Box 1023 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2X1

Fax:

204-453-5254

• We respond to all formal objections and will work to resolve objections before issuing a licence.

• A copy of the objection will be provided to the licence applicant.

• Each person who submits an objection will be advised in writing of the outcome to the licence application.

Keep Thompson

Clean & Green

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THOMPSON THE MOM AND BABY GROUP meets every Friday afternoon between 1:00 and 3:00 pm at the Northern Regional Health Authority, 867 Thompson Drive (beside the hospital). Come meet other breastfeeding mothers and chat about a variety of topics such as the development of your baby, safe sleep habits, immunizations and starting solids. No registration is necessary and all sessions are facilitated by a Health Care Professional. Please phone the Public Health Unit at (204) 677-5350 for more information.

FUTURES IS BRINGING BACK “SCHOOL’S COOL!” This is a free pre-kindergarten program.

If you have a child who is 4, getting ready for kindergarten, this program is for you. Please give us a call or come see us. School’s Cool is free, education-based, and lots of fun for your little one.

117A Commercial Place, 204-677-7822.

WHITEWATER KAYAKING PROGRAM: Introduction to whitewater kayaking at the Norplex Pool, taught by certified kayak instructors. Kayak rolling clinics are also offered. Introduction courses cover paddling strokes, upside down exit techniques, rescue skills and the kayak roll.

Join at any time. All equipment is provided. Ages 8 and up. Contact Ben at (204) 778-9940 to sign up.

FREE SENIORS CURLING. Wednesdays, starting October 18 from 1 - 3 pm. Contact Wally at 204778-7270 for more info.

HUMANE SOCIETY IS IN NEED and would greatly appreciate the following: kitty litter, wet & dry cat & dog food, treats & bones, paper towels, Javex and old towels. Donations can be dropped off at 27 Nelson Road Monday - Friday, 3 - 5 pm. Phone 204-778-3513.

ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING are important first steps when making career or educational decisions. The YWCA Assessment Centre can help you begin. We offer an assortment of high quality assessments for adults interested in upgrading, making career choices or preparing for the GED exam. The YWCA Assessment Centre offers a full range of Career Development Services FREE of charge. For more information or to make an appointment call 204-778-1208.

DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY? Are you looking for employment or work experience and have a disability? The Thompson Supported Employment Program (TSEP) provides a comprehensive variety of quality employment services to persons with disabilities as well as acting as a resource to local progressive employers. For more information or to book an appointment: contact Thompson Supported Employment Program at 204-677-8322.

BABIES BEST START Nutrition program for pregnant women and new moms (Post-natal new moms Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Pregnant moms (pre-natal) Thursday 1:30 - 3:30 pm. High school Tuesday 12 pm - 1:10 pm. Phone 204-6774431. 125 Commercial Place, Thompson.

ARE YOU PREGNANT? STRUGGLING WITH USE OF EITHER ALCOHOL or drugs? InSight Mentoring can help. This is a free service available to women that are pregnant or may have given birth in the past year. InSight Mentoring can help you identify your goals and help you achieve them. Please call 204-677-5372 or 204-778-1521 between 8:30-4:30 pm for more information.

IF YOUR LOVED ONE or friend has a problem with alcohol, and you need help, join the Alanon group meeting at 1079 Cree Rd at the Nickel Group trailer, across from Co-op Gas, Wed at 8 pm. Call Wendy at 204-778-7841 for information.

PRENATAL CLASSES are a great way to meet other new parents and learn about the birthing process, breastfeeding and skills needed in caring for your newborn baby. The Northern Regional Health Authority provides free evening classes every other month until May 2018. All classes are facilitated by a Public Health Nurse. Call PHN Angela at (204) 778-1550 or assistant Chantelle at (204) 677-5382 to register or for more info.

Page 6

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

Sports

Winnipeg Blue makes a strong showing in archery finals

Nickel Belt News photos by Kyle Darbyson Roman Boyechko takes aim inside the R.D. Parker Collegiate gymnasium during the finals of the individual male recurve competition on March 6. Boyechko would go on to win gold for Team Winnipeg Blue in this event.

BY KYLE DARBYSON KYLE@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

After two days of intense competition, Team Winnipeg Blue walked away with the biggest medal haul in the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games’ archery events.

Even though Team Winnipeg Gold managed to secure four medals in total, Team Blue edged them out

with six pieces of hardware thanks to the efforts of athletes like Roman Boyechko and Chyler Sanders.

Boyechko started out strong in the first day of competition on March 5, by capturing gold in the mixed team event alongside fellow archer Hailee MacDonald.

On March 6, Boyechko brought home another

gold medal in the individual male recurve finals by a score of 6–0.

While Boyechko was the favourite to win in this event, his teammate Sanders staged a big upset in the individual female compound competition.

Going into the final shootout on March 6, Nattasha Shpak from Team

Chyler Sanders (blue) and Nattasha Shpak (gold) line up their shots during the finals of the individual female compound competition. Sanders staged an upset by besting the first ranked Shpak.

Gold was ranked first with Sanders following closely behind her. After a nailbiting couple of minutes, Sanders eventually bypassed Shpak by a final score of 140–133 to clinch the top spot.

“Nattasha is so good at shooting and I was just very nervous,” Sanders told the Nickel Belt News following

her gold medal matchup.

“And I totally expected her to win, or at least get a couple points under her.”

However, according to team manager Carrie Minion, Sanders earned every little bit of that upset.

“She’s been putting in a lot of work,” said Minion.

“Honestly, she’s been the kid that’s been coming to

the range the most often.

Just every day she came to practice.”

Team Blue also scored a pair of silver medals courtesy of Sloane Scrivener, who excelled by getting second place in the individual male compound competition and by pairing up with Sanders in the mixed team competition.

Winnipeg Gold lives up to its name in parallel slalom skiing Winnipeg Gold picked up gold medals in both of the alpine skiing events at the 2018 Manitoba Games March 5, with Hana Dunlop winning the female parallel slalom and Jack Healey taking top spot in the male category.

Dunlop, 15, hails from Winnipeg and told the Manitoba Games newsletter that it was her first time winning this event and that the conditions at Mystery Mountain Winter Park were preferable to what she’s used to.

“I’m really proud of myself,” said Dunlop. “I’ve

never done this before in a dual slalom. I like this snow better, to be honest, though with the softer snow, we had to be adjusting how much pressure we put on our skis.

We needed to put more pressure on our inside ski when turning.”

Dunlop finished ahead of silver medallist Lauren King of Team East and bronze medallist Blythe Linda Eby of Winnipeg Blue, with Karly Friesen of Team South in fourth, after a tumble in her final run.

“I was going around a gate

and as I scooped in behind it, my ski hit something and popped off,” the 14-year-old from Miami told the Manitoba Games newsletter. “I stayed up for a couple of seconds.”

Matt Sauer of Winnipeg Blue and Jared Friesen of Team South were second and third in the male parallel slalom. A total of 15 female and 13 male competitors competed in the events.

Parallel slalom features two skiers going down the hill and between closely spaced gates at the same time and requires quick, short turns.

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Sport Manitoba Fifteen-year-old Hana Dunlop of Winnipeg Gold won the 2018 Manitoba Games gold in the female parallel slalom at Mystery Mountain Winter Park March 5.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 7

Sports

Rock stars

Nickel Belt News photos by Ian Graham Team West (right) and Winnipeg Blue (left) were the winners of the under-18 female and male curling competitions at the 2018 Manitoba Winter games in Thompson Mach 7, with one of Team West’s two female teams knocking off Winnipeg Gold 4-3 thanks to three points in the last three ends, while Winnipeg Blue got up 3-1 in the first four ends and then matched their Team South competitors point for point until the end of the match.

Last goal wins

Good as gold

Nickel Belt News photos by Ian Graham The bantam male hockey medal matchups at the 2018 Manitoba Games were both one-goal games, with Team South 1 ( above left, in white) coming back from an early deficit to beat Team West 5-4 in overtime in the gold medal game at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena March 7, while earlier in the morning Team North (above right) skated to a 7-6 victory over Team South 2, thanks in part to a pair of goals from Chase Bertholet of The Pas (second from right), seen here being congratulated after his first tally of the game.

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Nickel Belt News photo by Kyle Darbyson The male slalom skiing medallists for the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games pose for a photo during the March 6 medal ceremony at the Thompson Regional Community Centre. From left to right, Noah Cunningham (silver), Jack Healey (gold) and Mykola Kruk (bronze).

Page 8

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

News

Barriers and biases and fishing with dad SHAYLEEN SIMPSON In the time of the early 19th century, women were generally excluded from most formal scientific education, but they were introduced into learned science-related societies soon after. For instance, Marie Curie was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in 1903 for physics. Unimaginably, she went on to become a double Nobel Prize recipient in 1911 for chemistry.

Since then, 49 women have been awarded the Nobel Prize! Rachael Carson’s book Silent Spring was published in 1962. Carson’s book, and the controversy surrounding it, effectively transformed public environmental consciousness and provoked action for change. My name is Shayleen Sampson, and I too hope to make a difference in the development of science.

My interest in nature and science commenced one exquisite afternoon in a canoe while fishing for Walleye (Sander vitreus) and pondering its life history. As with the rise of the Women’s College Coalition and the paradigm of providing opportunities for women in science, my father gave me the opportun-

ity for patient learning, endless questioning, and a transformational afternoon towards learning about the science of fish and traditional fishing.

Many of us claim we do not believe the stereotype that girls and women are not as good as boys and men in nature and science … and for that matter, fishing. My father however, is not one who deliberately discredits gender and science stereotypes holding the belief at an unconscious level. His beliefs are genuine and even if apparent gender bias is waning in today’s society, I thought this photo in particular would be intriguing to

him with respect to assumptions about his daughter’s enrolment in the science of natural resources – specifically fisheries management!

Women are surely not new to the Natural Resources Management Technology (NRMT) Program at the University College of the North (UCN), but as I examined class photos on the wall from the 1980s onward, it is apparent that women were (and remain) dominated by men in all yearly admissions. I do not identify it to be about barriers and bias, nor the underrepresentation of young women in fisheries conservation leadership. For

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me personally, it is about a father’s caring and a time spent fishing with his daughter.

Two complementary skill set responsibilities of any natural resource management technology technician simply, and no matter the gender, have the ability to analyze and synthesize data.

Both are important and intimate aspects of promoting knowledge and both have been in constant demand for each of my assignments. It hasn’t been easy. I have learned the sampling of walleye (Sander vitreus) from remote field camp to laboratory for size, gender and age composition – is the first step towards developing and establishing a good fisheries conservation strategy.

I have also learned that it is important that student technicians (and all those who fish) understand what a critical role research plays in the process. Understanding the consequences of poor sampling practices, taking quality samples, and becoming much more deliberate and consistent in my work are elements emphasized throughout my training.

I have learned that the quality of my work will affect not only the time and effort required to process data, but also the accuracy of the results achieved. These, in turn, have important influences on decisions made.

During the past two years, as a young woman

in a science-related discipline I have had to overcome powerful feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted. As a student, I was worked with a sense of hopelessness, questioned my effectiveness, and was often discouraged. Yet evolving from these feelings is a new understanding of the fundamental nature of a learning process and a search to find my own route to personal expression. My academic drive comes from a deeply personal time with my father, a small group of instructors, and something that is now purposeful and meaningful to me … graduation. All these activities and struggling have provided me an avenue for enhancing my self-esteem, confidence and strength of commitment towards a sense of contributing to society. I have learned about being open to change and being someone who can personally reflect on their own development … perhaps an inner transformation towards understanding myself.

One definition of transformation provided by an article by Pierre Walter (Dead Wolves, Dead Birds, and Dead Trees: Catalysts for Transformative Learning in the Making of ScientistEnvironmentalists) is “a process by which we transform our taken-forgranted frames of reference to make them more inclusive, discriminating, emotionally capable of change, and reflective so that they generate be-

liefs and opinions that will prove more true or justified to guide action”.

Transformative Learning Centre at the Ontario Institute for the Study of Education (OISE) describes this type of learning as “a deep structural shift in basic premises of thought, feelings, and actions … a shift of consciousness that dramatically and permanently alters our wa y of being in the world.” (Morrell & O’Connor, 2002, p. xvii) Of particular relevance for me within this OISE description is the emphasis on a shift in consciousness – on my self-understanding and how this shift influences and shapes me now. Essentially, my scholastic development has been focused through the presence of powerful images in my life, and the struggles involved in juggling hope and despair with respect to completing countless assignments!

Thinking back I never really had too much to offer my father that day in the canoe while waiting to catch a Master Angler walleye. I hope we can do it again soon … I would like the opportunity to cast not only my diploma his way … but some new theoretical and conceptual understandings I have regarding the sustainability of the species!

Shayleen Simpson is a fisheries and wildlife management graduate of the University College of the North Natural Resources Management Technology Program.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 9

News

Ready to make a difference

BY JEROME THIESSEN Ten years removed from education and making the decision to return to a “learning society” was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. My goal seemed downright impossible. I conceded that it was a lofty one, but a 2016 visit to the local Steinbach Conservation District Office pointed me towards a bearing leading deep into the northern Canadian boreal forest, and ultimately to the University College of the North (UCN) in The Pas, Manitoba.

Some initial research regarding my conservation and environmental interests indicated there are many ecologically focused institutes and universities across Canada, each playing an important role in postsecondary Wildlife and Fisheries development, but The Pas’s Natural Resources Management Technology (NRMT) Program and its September field practicum captured my interests.

As a more mature adult entering school, I realized lectures can be helpful, but lived experience and working collaboratively are powerfully motivating to me and I needed to develop my skills rapidly so I could re-enter the workforce. Essentially, I was searching for a “grounded learning” that happens when an academic institute has a mandate for promoting an experience that fosters new skill sets, provides real life opportunities, allows participants to share their cultural worldview, and teaches its students to think systematically.

Through countless field experiences and opportunities for real-life research, I have learned the conservation of wildlife and fisheries “resources” require cautious management, local original thinking, and responses that are based on combinations of class theory and ethically reliable field technicians with skill sets that are related and

Nickel Belt News photos courtesy of Jerome Thiessen contemporarily relevant to the challenge at hand.

Although my initial goals at the Steinbach District Office were lofty, I am now within weeks of graduating and I have learned that working outdoors, with great friends, manipulating biostatistical age and growth findings of a fish population to determine a more ecologic-

al way to manage a lake, or researching small mammal Longworth live trap effectiveness under high-voltage hydro lines, is to be valued.

My participation in this program during any given week has shown me how the combination of field and critical thinking exercises have helped to shape my opinions, and solidify my

Manslaughter and arson charges laid after woman dies at burning home in Thicket Portage A 23-year-old man from Thicket Portage is charged with manslaughter, arson and assault after a 21-year-old woman he was in a relationship with died as the result of injuries suffered at a home that was also the site of a fire.

Thompson Rural RCMP were responding to a report of an assault at the residence and learned en route that the home was on fire. They arrived and

found a woman inside the residence and two injured men at the scene. The woman was transported to the nursing station where she was pronounced dead while one of the men, a 22-yearold who had come to help people get out of the burning home, was treated on scene for minor injuries and released.

Travis Munroe, a resident of the home, was arrested and charged with man-

slaughter, arson with disregard for human life, two counts of assault and assault causing bodily harm.

He was also treated for minor injuries from the fire and remains in custody.

RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services are assisting with the ongoing investigation, as is the Office of the Fire Commissioner, as the fire is considered suspicious.

choice of career in order to address my experiences of becoming more environmentally and academically aware, making this kind of experience (and lofty goals of two years ago and being a more mature learner) achievable, and worth every moment for adults like me.

Tired of working jobs without meaning, my

newly found passion can provide employment where I can make a difference.

With my new education, I believe I can invest hope. I have come to learn that if we want to achieve a world of environmental sustainability, with a rapidly growing population, we need a new conservation ethic, new technical thinkers,

and new results. My name is Jerome Thiessen, and I am ready to contribute new hope and make an impact in the ecological world around us.

Jerome Thiessen is a fisheries and wildlife management graduate of the University College of the North Natural Resources Management Technology Program.

the Classifieds You never know what you’ll find inside

Call 204-677-4534 or email classifieds @thompsoncitizen.net

to place your ad

Friday, March 9, 2018

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One small change to the words of O Canada will remind us of our historic debt and help facilitate broader knowledge of Indigenous issues UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

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Church Services in Thompson

ST. JAMES ANGLICAN 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am Sundays ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Shantha Gandamalla and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Colton Murphy Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 677-3435 thompsonchurch.ca Sunday school 9:45 am, coffee time at 10:40 am Church Service at 11:00 am ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN 249 Thompson Drive 204-677-2799 Pastor Murat Kuntel Regular Hours: 11 am Church service CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP 328 Thompson Dr. N. 677-4457 Sun. School 9:45 am • service 11 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 456 Westwood Dr. S. Ph. 778-8037 service @ 11 am LUTHERAN - UNITED CHURCH OF THOMPSON Congregations worship at 52 Caribou Rd. at 10:30 am Sundays.

Phone 204-677-4495

Maybe the second line of O Canada should read ‘Our home on native land’

BY DOREEN BARRIE

183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 FAX: 204-677-4087

LIVING WATER CHURCH Pastor Archie McKay Ph: 677-2469 Sunday services @ 7:00pm.

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Page 10

The catalogue of injustices experienced by Canada’s Indigenous people is long and tragic: residential schools, missing and murdered women, and high incarceration rates, to name just a few. Reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on residential schools is a gut-wrenching reminder of just one of the catastrophes they have survived.

Against this backdrop, the federal government’s announcement that Indigenous people will play an official role as stewards of the land is welcome.

Perhaps the most serious problem facing Indigenous people is that they’re below the radar of most Canadians. I’m not suggesting that there’s no ongoing concern or outrage when yet another shocking incident dominates the headlines. However, on a daily basis, many other things preoccupy the population.

What’s needed is a frequent prod of the collective memory to ensure Indigenous groups don’t fade into the background until the next disaster strikes. So how can this prod be delivered?

I have a suggestion that might be considered off the wall and merely symbolic, but I’d like to put it out there for discussion: maybe we should change the second line of O Canada to “our home on native land” instead of “our home and native land.”

I can hear pessimists muttering that it would lead to a spate of land

Doreen Barrie claims but I don’t think the words of a national anthem are justiciable.

This minor alteration would: • remind us on a regular basis of a historical reality; • underline the great debt we owe to Indigenous people; • educate children on the role the Indigenous have played in this country.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended that the curriculum for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 include the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, as well as the legacy of residential schools.

Alberta, among other provinces, is revising the school curriculum.

As it stands, children leave school with little knowledge of what North America looked like before the arrival of European settlers.

Too few adult Canadians are aware of the cultural traditions, spiritual practices and worldview of Indigenous people. When settlers first set foot on our shores, the learning curve was steep and their survival depended

on the help and experience of their Indigenous hosts. Inventions such as the canoe enabled not just the fur trade but westward expansion centuries ago.

Others, like the kayak, snowshoes, chewing gum (who knew!) and medicines used to this day are part of their legacy. Yet traditional knowledge has only recently been recognized.

What might surprise some is the role played

by Indigenous peoples in Canada’s military history for over 200 years.

In the First World War, one in three able-bodied Indigenous men volunteered. In 1942, John Diefenbaker observed in the House of Commons that the reserves in Western Canada had been depleted of almost all able-bodied men, who had joined the Second World War effort.

And this was true of reserves across the country.

These volunteers were Status Indians (who lost their status as a result of enlisting), so these figures don’t include Métis, Inuit and non-Status Indians who also went overseas.

They served heroically and several were awarded medals. Most notable was Tommy Prince, who was awarded nine medals (including the Silver Star from the Americans) in the Second World War and two in the Korean War. Sadly, Prince and many other Indigenous veterans did not fare as well as their white colleagues on their return home and Prince’s life ended in poverty, in a Salvation Army

shelter.

Given all that Indigenous people have encountered since the first settlers arrived, it’s doubtful that a gesture like changing one word in the national anthem will be greeted with great enthusiasm.

However, they’re not my target. The rest of us have to take steps towards reconciliation and find common ground with Indigenous groups.

That ground is all around us in the inspiring landscape – an important and unifying symbol for Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities alike.

Indigenous people of Canada have a profound spiritual connection to the land and all living creatures. They see themselves as stewards obliged to preserve it for future generations and Ottawa has recently made this official.

Non-Indigenous Canadians also have a strong emotional attachment to the land, awed by the vast and beautiful wilderness that’s both terrifying and humbling.

It’s a unifying symbol that cuts across ethnicity, religion and language.

Altering the national anthem might seem trivial, but the change relates to the land we share, even if we experience it in different ways.

Doreen Barrie is an adjunct assistant professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Calgary. © Troy Media

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11

Careers

Time to get serious about water qualities in First Nations communities

BY JOSEPH QUESNEL FRONTIER CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY

Pondering the crisis so many First Nations communities face over water quality, you can’t help but think of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.�

The ironic dilemma of the mariner is obvious in more than 90 per cent of Canada’s First Nations communities. Most are close to large bodies of water yet few can deliver clean water to their citizens.

The federal government and band councils need to get serious about water quality in First Nation communities. Clean drinking water should be a fundamental right for all Canadians.

The federal government got into hot water in early February for lack of progress on improving First Nation water systems. The Liberals made a big deal about ending boil-water advisories on First Nations during the 2015 election campaign, yet nothing has been done more than two years later.

Indigenous Services Canada previously committed to ending long-standing boil-water advisories in First Nation communities by March 2021 at the latest.

However, although 40 advisories have been eliminated since November 2015, 26 new advisories have surfaced. Now, 91 boil-water advisories are in place.

Between 2006 and 2014, the former Conservative government invested about $3 billion to help First Nations improve and manage their water and wastewater systems.

A report by then-Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) found that many First Nation water systems had substantial improvements in their risk levels over this period.

One of the biggest unsung successes of the Conservative government was the passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act in 2013. This act filled the legislative gap in water quality regulations on First Nations.

In the fall of 2014, the government initiated a period of regulatory development under the act.

According to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the government was working on developing regulations jointly with Health Canada and First Nation partners, region by region.

But when the new government was elected in 2015, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett was instructed to pause regulatory development.

The government put the whole act under legislative review, meaning the regulations are still not implemented.

According to a spokesperson, the federal government is still talking with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and other Indigenous organizations to come up with a “possible amendment or repeal of the current legislation and the development of a new legislative framework.�

While these talks take place, people are boiling their water before even bathing their children.

Why is the government working with AFN and other First Nation lobby groups behind closed doors?

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of drinking water systems and wastewater systems.�

Of course, the proper training of operators, especially those who manage the wastewater systems, is critical to improving the drinking water problems in First Nations. So it’s crucial that government not gut legislation that allows for regulations for those fundamental operators.

The solution is not to dump more funds into systems without proper regulations.

John Graham, when with the Institute on Governance, argued that the answer is not for First Nations to be “iso-

Joseph Quesnel Sadly, it’s because the Liberals apparently support band chiefs and their lobby groups more than grassroots First Nations citizens.

The Safe Drinking Water for First Nations

Act lists all the regulations possible on the recommendations of the minister. The first regulation says they are responsible for “the training and certification of operators

Community Nursing Employment Opportunity Part Time / Full Time FOX LAKE CREE NATION Home Community Care Nurse NURSE LPN/RN Fox Lake Cree Nation is located 50 kilometers north of Gillam Our community requires a PT or Full Time Registered Nurse/LPN This is a wonderful opportunity to practice Community Based Nursing We offer a competitive salary and beneďŹ ts along with an opportunity to gain valuable First Nation Community and Public Health Nursing experience.

Accommodations are provided Travel and work schedules are negotiable The successful candidate(s) will be involved in direct client care, the planning and development of community health services, immunization programs and Home Care. This opportunity is available to those nurses who are interested in gaining additional knowledge and experience in working with First Nation communities in the North.

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lated dots� across Canada. First Nations need to work with neighbouring non-Indigenous communities on providing water services or, at least, use the provincial certification programs that are available.

Solving this seemingly intractable problem should be quite simple.

Gutting current legislation designed to help fix the problems and simply increasing funding will only make the problems worse.

Joseph Quesnel is a research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Š Troy Media

Fox Lake Cree Nation Gillam, MB Box 369 ROB OLO Phone: {204) 204-486-2376 Fax: (204) 486-2503 JOB OPPORTUNITY Case Manager (Full-Time-Term Position)

The Fox Lake Cree Nation Health Department is seeking applications for a full-time term position of Case Manager (RN/ LPN/BSW/or Teacher), funded under the Jordan’s PrincipleChild First Initiative Project.

The purpose of the newly funded Jordan’s Principle Child First Project is to implement a comprehensive and integrated approach of coordinated services to help provide support and respond to children with complex and special needs and their families, in partnership with other health and social professionals and agencies. These services should signiďŹ cantly contribute to quality of life ensuring that children, and their families are enabled to experience a life that is as full and as normal as possible.

Position Summary: The Case Manager position provides a comprehensive community health service in conjunction with its health care team. The Case Manager will provide supervision to the Child Development Workers, Assistant to the Case Manager and Respite Workers, in community to provide a model of service delivery for children with complex needs and their families. Provide elements in which services have a particular responsibility to take the lead in securing effective development, delivery and review of services. Recognize the deďŹ cits with service systems and the need to protect children through early intervention, sharing of information, effective co-ordination of services and appropriate training.

QualiďŹ cations: • RN or LPN-preference for someone with a nursing background in rehab care and must be in good standing with CRNM/CLPNM; and or licensing regulatory body SSW/Teacher. • Supervisory and case management experience; • Experience working in First Nation Communities; • CPR and First Aide CertiďŹ cation; • Knowledge of Fox Lake Cree Nation language and culture; • A highly-motivated individual who is innovative and has a proven ability to work with a very high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; • Excellent time management and facilitation skills; • Effective verbal and listening communications skills; • Strong leadership, critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills. • Valid Driver’s License with driver’s abstract. • Clear criminal record check, child abuse registry check and vulnerable persons check. *Salary: To be negotiated based on experience.

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Page 12

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 9, 2018

Sports

Two gold medals for Winkler crosscountry skier at second Manitoba Games

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The 2018 Manitoba Games cross-country skiing competition wrapped up along with the fi rst phase of the games March 7 and they ended the way they started for 15-yearold Aaron Warkentine of Winkler, who captured his second gold medal of the games for Team South.

“This is my second one now,” he said after the juvenile male 7.5-kilometre free technique race, which he won by more than two minutes after taking gold in the 7.5-km classic race March 5, his first individual medal, though this is his second Manitoba Games. “The trails have been good. It’s different than anything else I’ve done and the grooming has been great.”

Hearing good things about the trails is welcome news for Ed Holland and Carrie Holland, who organized the cross-country competition for the games on trails they help repair from lack of use starting several years ago.

“It’s such a difference compared to when we fi rst started,” said Ed. “It’s taken a lot of work but we’ve had tons of help along the way.”

The weather had cooperated perfectly for the competition.

“I’m glad there’s been no additional snow,” said Carrie. “It’s made the grooming a little bit easier.

We’re getting really good feedback and our Winnipeg timing officials have been fantastic and I think the coaches are pleased and I think the athletes are liking the course.

We’re happy it’s all come together.”

Thompson games soci-

ety co-chair Sandra RossHitch was at the crosscountry course March 7 as she completed a threeday tour of all the events and venues and she said Thompson has impressed its visitors.

“There are tons of people from out of town and tons of positive comments like ‘I’m coming back next year,’” said Ross-Hitch, saying not only the cross-country trails but the alpine skiing venue at Mystery Mountain Winter Park have opened people’s eyes to the amenities of Thompson. “Kudos to Carrie and Ed for putting this on and helping us because that’s going to get the word out.”

Investing in sports.

Investing in the North.

Assiniboine Credit Union is proud to partner with Manitoba’s Credit Unions in support of all the athletes at the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games.

That’s what money doing more is all about.

Good luck as you strive to reach your goals!

300 Mystery Lake Road 204.958.8588 TF: 1.877.958.8588 assiniboine.mb.ca

Aaron Warkentine, above (#1), won his second cross-country skiing gold medal of the 2018 Manitoba Games March 7. Left, cross-country competition organizers Carrie Holland and Ed Holland on the third and final day of competition.

Nickel Belt News photos by Ian Graham