April 19 2024

Belt News

The magic has only just begun

Book a way to preserve and pass on memories of growing up in Churchill

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

the last few weeks as Sean and Chanelle plan to do a full-scale show, possibly as soon as May.

her more dangerous tricks in the teaser while saving the best for the coming grand performance.

their words and speaking kindness.

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Two world-renowned Vegas magicians; Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe recently gave Thompson a glimpse of their illusionist performance. They held a teaser show for the community's council and leaders to excite their taste for more on a much bigger scale.

Though she’s now written a book about her experiences growing up in Churchill, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles said writing wasn’t something she always thought she would do.

With just a few tricks pulled out of the hat, their showmanship made us all scratch our heads, giving the highest quality of stage presence and sleight of hand. Anticipation has been building up

The highly acclaimed teaser was not only captivating but they gave out magic props and taught illusions to those who participated.

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her experiences

to write things that you have to figure out. It’s pretty clear when I get through.”

DeMeulles said she wrote her book, titled Whispers in the Wind: Stories from the North - Life in Churchill for a couple of reasons. “I just sort of thought, you know what, this history, this stuff that’s in my head, it’s going to be gone if I don’t write it down,” she said. “My kids are not going to get it if I don’t do it and it’s something I’ve al-

"We also do a magic camp where we teach kids how to do magic and sleight of hand, so a lot of what we taught was pulled from our Magic Camp," said Chanelle Munroe, who is the world's only professional female Métis magician. She specializes in dangerous magic and was able to present some of

‘Oh, I’m just as bad, right?’ I have all these stories and I need to capture them for my grandchildren really because they will be lost if I don’t.”

She also has a reputation as a storyteller herself.

Motivational Magic Camp is an empowering workshop where Sean and Chanelle teach kids how to do magic of their own as well as a variety of other workshops all specializing in bettering the individual. The duo have recently been visiting different communities and lifting heavy spirits with an art therapy course, as well as a basketball camp, singing workshop teaching kids primarily how to properly express themselves and show the power of

“I had such a varied history and I would tell people stories and they would go, ‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, ‘You didn’t do all that, did you? You’ve got to be really old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually

was not a very safe thing to do but I jumped at it. I thought that was exciting until the plane landed and they started throwing the fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy cats, I was probably sitting on a bomb.’”

Sean echoed Chanelle's words and then began to talk more about what they would offer as a mega show and illusionist performance. "Our passion is definitely in youth” Sean stated, “Though we obviously do major events too. We both performed in Las Vegas for 12 years so we'll want to bring a huge Las Vegas style show to Thompson. So currently we're touring our illusionist show to different communities giving our large-scale show as well as our workshops." With over 30 years of

Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill since the Hudson Bay Railway suspended operations north of Gillam last spring. “It used to be a really thriving large community

magical expertise, Sean Watson's legacy began right here in Thompson Manitoba, and since has been featured at some of the biggest events and casinos in the world, including MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay Casino, and the Las Vegas Hilton. Sean has also appeared on TV platforms like Fox News and E Talk Canada which extended his reach and established his credibility in the entertainment industry.

swallow when people say that Churchill residents should just find somewhere easier to live.

“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite simplistic. It’s quite disrespectful. If we were in the same boat in another area I think we would scream about that so why don’t they have the option to do that?

was a remarkable feat of magic, leaving the audience in awe and wonder. The fact that they also teach workshops and provide opportunities for youth is a testament to their passion for the art of magic. Whether it's through their workshops or their large-scale magic shows, Sean and Chanelle are sure to leave a lasting impression on the communities they visit.

For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Churchill in a heartbeat.

The date of the upcoming magic show is yet to be confirmed, but we all await it with anticipation.

I think right now they’re feeling like they’re pawns in a political game and that’s

Sean and Chanelle's performance in Thompson

“In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, Some

“I miss the shoreline, I miss the rock, I miss the polar bears even though they’re very dangerous and I really miss the Hudson Bay,” she says. “When I go back home, standing on the Hudson Bay looking out on the bay, it just gives you an incredible sense. You feel so

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,

very dangerous thing to do.

Being on a plane full of fuel

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

Now that she’s got one book under her belt, deMeulles says she may try

“I have another book in me,” she says. “It’s a darker al growth and struggles. Maybe in the next five years it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham

growing up, mostly in Churchill.

Thompson Citizen photos by Matthias J. Johnson

Legion Ladies continuing their donation support

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The U15 Little Chiefs hockey team were given a generous donation by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Thompson, Manitoba, through their Remembrance Day tea fundraiser, and received an incredible $3820 profit from the event. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary is a small volunteer group that

provides a venue for other organizations to fundraise for various causes. They have been helping local groups in Thompson, Manitoba, for years, including the TuTu & Turns Dance Group, the RD Parker Vimy Ridge Tour Group, and the Special Olympics Norman Manitoba group.

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary is a group of 14 individuals, many of whom

have been with the organization since its inception. June Bourguignon, the treasurer of the Legion Ladies, has been a part of the organization for an impressive 43 years. When asked about the organization, June stated, “We reach out to people that need to fundraise. And we put on a big fundraiser, it’s a big venue…Because we have things like the Pie Auction,

a silent auction that give these needed organizations profits from that.”

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary holds two major annual fundraisers, one on Mother's Day and the other on Remembrance Day. Additionally, they hold an annual Mother's Day Tea, which takes place on the day before Mother’s Day (May 11). The tea is a major event for the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and they donate the profits from the event to a group of their choice.

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary has been a crucial part of the Thompson community for many years. Their support for various organizations and causes has made

a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in the community.

The U15 Little Chiefs was able to raise a significant amount of money to help with their expenses, and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary was able to fulfill their mission of helping local organizations fundraise for their causes.

The success of the tea fundraiser is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the U15 Little Chiefs hockey team and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The event was well-attended, and the community came out to support the team and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The event fea-

tured a Pie Auction, a silent auction, and a variety of baked goods made by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. The U15 Little Chiefs hockey team is just one of the many groups that have benefitted from the Legion Ladies Auxiliary’s support. The success of the tea fundraiser is a reminder of the importance of community support for local organizations and the impact that support can have on the lives of others.

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Legion Ladies Auxiliary

Manitoba’s youth advocate calls for urgent action on addiction crisis

The office of the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) is calling attention to the ongoing addictions crisis affecting youth in Manitoba, and the urgent work which remains to address and prevent the potential harms of addictions and inadequate mental health service responses across our province. In the last five years, the Advocate has seen increased numbers of child deaths related to substance misuse.

Children and youth in Manitoba are entitled to protection from drug-related harms and the highest standard of health and mental health care services, including addiction services, as articulated in Articles 33 and 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is the responsibility of the Government of Manitoba to protect these rights by addressing barriers to effective and responsive addiction treatment services for youth.

“Our office has been engaging with various stakeholders who provide direct support to children and youth with addictions issues, as well as those responsible for overseeing the operational and legislated mandates for these supports,” said Manitoba Advocate Sherry Gott. “What we have heard is there are service gaps and an absence

of continuum of care models, which means youth are not receiving supports that match their needs in a timely manner.” Stakeholders emphasized the importance of better service coordination, education and awareness, improved accessibility and availability of resources, and improved relationships between service providers. MACY has also been consulting with youth who have lived experience with addictions to hear first-hand about their needs and experiences. Gott explains, “most youth we spoke to were unaware of the spectrum of services available to them. They identified an urgent need for more information about resources and support in how to access them. While they all identified the need to talk about their struggles and to receive professional support, they emphasized how difficult it is to find a youth addictions counsellor.” Many barriers to accessing services exist, with youth explaining they need comfortable, home-like spaces where they feel safe and supported, and have access to holistic, longterm, and crisis support services. Finally, because youth indicated substance use was overwhelmingly being used as a coping mechanism, there is a clear and longstanding need to address the root causes of addictions across Manitoba – such as trauma,

abuse, housing instability, and poverty.

Our office expresses our support and appreciation for the dedicated youth addiction service providers in Manitoba. “These professionals play a crucial role in our community, offering essential care and support to youth who are struggling with addiction,” added Gott. “We recognize their commitment and commendable efforts in the face of challenges, and we stand by them in their mission to improve the lives of our young people.”

That said, addiction and mental health service providers face significant challenges and limitations in their vital work. It is imperative that the Government of Manitoba inject more resources into addiction prevention and intervention, including a youth-focused strategy, and that we come together as a community to address these concerns collectively. To this end, we are pleased to announce that MACY is facilitating a roundtable discussion with the aim of collaboratively addressing the issues surrounding youth addiction services in Manitoba.

Roundtable Discussion on Addictions Services

The roundtable discussion serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. Discussions are focusing on

the issue of youth addictions and service provision. In order to develop comprehensive solutions, collaboration among service providers, government agencies, and experts is essential.

As Gott explains, “our shared goal is to ensure that every young person in our province has access to the necessary support and care to overcome addiction and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We are committed to hearing and standing with young people and service providers. Through this roundtable, we aim to strengthen collective efforts in support of our children and youth.”

We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and working together to address these vital concerns in order to create a brighter, addiction-free future for the youth of Manitoba.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line (toll free): 1-877-435-7170

Kids Help Phone (toll free): 1-800-668-6868

24-hour Youth Crisis Services in Winnipeg: 204-949-4777

24-hour Youth Crisis Services outside Winnipeg: 1-888-383-2776

Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-441

Public Notice is hereby given that the Thompson Golf Club intends to conduct the following Pesticide Control Programs during 2024:

1. To control hard to kill weeds in turf on fairways and rough within the Thompson Golf Club. The projected dates of application will be from June 1, 2024 to October 22, 2024. The herbicide to be used is:

• Killex Concentrate by Ortho

2. To prevent Gray and Pink Snow Mold on greens and tee boxes within the Thompson Golf Club. The projected dates of application will be from September 30, 2024 to October 22, 2024. The fungicide to be used is:

• INSTRATA Fungicide

The public may send written submissions or objections within 15 days of the publication of the notice to the department below.

Environment and Climate Change

Environmental Approvals Branch

14 Fultz Boulevard (Box 35) Winnipeg MB R3Y 0L6

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELORES

ANNETTE WOROSHELLO, late of the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, deceased: All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration, must be filed with the undersigned at Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro, 101 –83 Churchill Drive, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 0L6, on or before, May 26, 2024.

Dated at the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, this 24th day of April, A.D. 2024.

Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro

Solicitors for the Administrator

Attention: ROBERT G. PELLIZZARO

The City of Thompson invites qualified applicants to submit a resume for consideration:

The successful candidate will have Grade 12 or higher and hold a Valid Class 1 MB Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement, and have the ability to operate all equipment as per the job description.

The successful candidate requires demonstrated experience operating a variety of equipment, with specific emphasis on Motor Grader, Excavator, Semi-truck and Hydrovac.

The City of Thompson offers an extensive benefits package for this full-time position, with a starting rate of $28.60 per hour.

Please send detailed resumes outlining experience, education, qualifications and references by Friday April 26, 2024, to:

Human Resources, City of Thompson 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1S6

FAX: (204) 677-7981

E-Mail: osalau@thompson.ca or jkaur@thompson.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Those requiring assistance with the application process should call 204-677-7924

The City of Thompson is committed to providing a superior quality of life and unlimited opportunities. We are dedicated to supporting healthy growth and our northern urban lifestyle while providing our residents with high quality municipal services and facilities.

board opts for status quo, way will city council go? of the people opposed to the plan the regular critics council who attend meetings and ask their elected officials quesweek after week, opinions may not enough to dissuade majority from forahead, especially the number of people who care about one way or another doesn’t even reach double digits. Whether or not the number of councillors school board trustshould be reduced the sort of quesfor which there is right or wrong anOn the pro side keeping the current numbers, the option all but one of the school board members for, is the arguthat it spreads the

Whitecloud hopes experience of Stanley Cup success helps Golden Knights as playoffs begin

BY SAM LASKARIS

Zach Whitecloud believes knowing what it takes to become a Stanley Cup champion could prove to be a key ingredient for the Vegas Golden Knights this season in their playoff run.

Whitecloud, from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in Manitoba, is a member of the Golden Knights and was with the team when it captured the National Hockey League title last June.

The Golden Knights earned a berth into the 2024 playoffs this past Friday, April 12, thanks to a 7-2 triumph over the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

workload around and allows for greater diversity of viewpoints, though Ryan Land was mostly correct in saying that, in terms of class and ethnicity, the trustees aren’t really a microcosm of the School District of Mystery Lake’s population as a whole. If you’ve been to many school board meetings (and apart from members of the media, well, you haven’t), you would know that they don’t often feature nearly as much debate or division as city council meetings, at least not over the past couple of years. But they’ve made their decision and it appears there will be seven school board trustees at least until 2022.

Windspeaker.com spoke to the 27-year-old defenceman following the Vegas team practice April 13.

“We’ve gone through (the playoffs) quite a few times and we know what is required from us at that time of year,” Whitecloud said.

“Obviously, you want to be playing your best hockey going into it, so focusing on that, playing the right way and doing the right things. And trying to feel our best going into the first round here.”

The 2024 NHL playoffs will commence April 20. Vegas’ opening-round opponent has yet to be determined.

for reducing members, whether they belong to the school board or council, is that it will save money. The amount is not large overall – about $20,000 in councillors’ salaries per year plus approximately half that amount, on average, for annual travel and expenses. For the city, which has a budget of around $30 million, that represents probably less than a drop in the proverbial bucket, though it is about a fifth of the overall cost of the mayor and council.

has been a challenging one for the Golden Knights. He said it feels like the club has a target on its back each time it takes to the ice.

“You ask any team that has won it, you’re getting every team’s best every single night throughout the year,” he said. “And especially when you get down the stretch, those old playoff rivals like Edmonton, for one, those games are amplified even more and you try to make a statement. To your question, it definitely (feels like) a target on your back 82 games of the year.”

the citizens of Thompson elected more truly independent-thinking candidates who aren’t married to aligning themselves with any particular side, because right now, the number of opinions on council is generally two – for and against.

to go win it again. It’s an experience of wanting to get those feelings back. It’s tough to do it once. It’s tough to do it twice. It’s obviously a big challenge, but I’m excited to have a shot to do it again.”

As defending league champions, Whitecloud said the 2023-24 campaign

One of the arguments

Critics of the proposed reduction say that it will prevent “new blood” from being elected and, theoretically, reduce the diversity of opinions, but that would only be true if

“Sometimes there’s things that remind you of it, but obviously the memories are great. But at the end of the day, it’s a new time and you have

Maybe the low turnout of people with opinions on how many councillors there should be isn’t an expression of apathy but of pragmatism. Experience has shown quite often that this council – and others before it –is going to do what the majority of its members think is right, regardless of what the most vocal taxpayers think. If that is the case, does it really matter how many of them there are?

Last year the Golden Knights enjoyed a 51-win regular season and placed atop the league’s Western Conference standings, making them a Stanley Cup favourite.

As for this year, the club, which has two regular season games remaining, has registered 43 wins. Vegas will in all likelihood end up with a conference wildcard spot into the post-season.

“We’re obviously in a different spot than we were last year with playoff positioning,” Whitecloud said.

“It doesn’t really matter. You’ve just got to get in.”

Whitecloud also told Windspeaker he enjoys being a role model for Indigenous youth.

“As I’ve gotten older, the attention to it, and just the understanding of the scenario and what kind of position you’re in, you gain a little bit more gratitude for it,” he said.

“I like being a role model for them and somebody to look up to for them as a positive example as someone who has created a career for themselves starting from a small town in southwestern Manitoba and being in the NHL. It’s great for them to see it is possible.”

Since the Golden Knights had a lengthy

post-season a year ago, Whitecloud said he didn’t have much time to speak to Indigenous groups following his Cup triumph.

“The time at home was short but it felt like it flew by with all of the Cup stuff,” he said. “So, I didn’t have a ton of time to do something in the summer.”

But he did have an opportunity to speak to an Indigenous youth council in Winnipeg earlier this season.

“That was good to be able to do that,” he said. “That was probably my first time in a couple of years, just with how hard our schedule is and it’s tough to get that stuff in. If I have the time and the schedule allows, you try to make that effort.”

Program for the 2023 season

The money was used to buy numerous prizes for “Junior Day” that was held every Monday afternoon where the kids were treated to some golf, some pizza and some prizes. The biggest purchase from the grant money was 12 sets of golf clubs These clubs ranged in different sizes to cover off all age groups. The sets will stay with the Golf Club and can be used free of charge for kids of all ages. Every junior golfer was also given a Thompson Golf Club baseball cap. Once again, a huge thanks to the TNRC for their support

Thompson Golf Club receives generous donation from TNRC for Junior Golf program

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The Thompson Golf Club, located in the city of Thompson, Manitoba, recently received a generous donation of $5,000.00 from the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (TNRC) to support their Junior Golf Program for the 2023 season. The money was used to purchase various prizes for “Junior Day,” which was held every Monday afternoon, where children were treated to some golf, pizza, and prizes.

The biggest purchase from the grant money was 12 sets of golf clubs. The sets were designed to cater to different age groups, ranging in various sizes to cover all age groups. The sets will stay with the Golf Club and can be used free of charge for kids of all ages. Every junior golfer was also

given a Thompson Golf Club baseball cap. The club expressed its gratitude to the TNRC for their support.

Trevor Larade, the Vice-President of the Thompson Golf Course, said, “We just applied for one of the community grants, and we were approved for five thousand, so I just went into the community, Canadian Tire and so on, and they gave me some deals and bought 12 different all sets for Juniors.”

Larade, who has been running and coaching the Thompson Golf Course for the last three years, expressed his passion for teaching these kids and found himself integrated into the community. The focus group ranges from kids aged 10 to 14, who come out every Monday to play the sport for the summer without any subscrip-

tion fee.

According to Larade, “We even got all the kids their own custom golf hats, so that every kid had a golf hat. And over the last two years, the owner of Pizza Pizza has been really good about donating pizza every week, so we gave him some monetary value as a thank you.”

The Junior Golf Program is a community-based program that aims to promote the sport of golf among children in Thompson. The program is designed to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for children to learn and play golf. The program is open to all children aged 10 to 14, regardless of their skill level.

The Junior Golf Program has been running successfully for the past few years, and the Thompson Golf Club has seen an increase

in the number of young golfers participating in the program. The program has been receiving support from local businesses and organizations, such as the TNRC, which is committed to promoting community development in Thompson.

The Junior Golf Program is an excellent initiative that helps children develop their skills and knowledge of golf. The program provides children with an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and interact with other young golfers. These are made possible by the generosity of others like TNRC who knows the value of teaching children and investing in their future.

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

New technology featured in better learning

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The University College of the North (UCN) has entered into a partnership with Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, to bring interactive teaching tools to UCN's Centre for Aboriginal Languages and Culture. The initiative dubbed the "XR Project," aims to provide context-based language learning for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Northern Manitoba.

The "XR" in "XR Project" stands for virtual, hybrid, and augmented reality technology, which will enable UCN to leverage the latest teaching tools for Indigenous languages. The project will focus on language reclamation and revitalization, an important aspect of reconciliation efforts in Canada.

The partnership between UCN and Georgian College will allow UCN to use the interactive teaching tools developed by Georgian

CONGRATULATIONS

Nikki Butler, C.A.I.B.

NIKKI BUTLER has been elected by the Board of Directors of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada to hold the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation.

Nikki attended her graduation ceremony on April 16 and joins Sherrie Kreuger CAIB, Brian Kreuger CAIB, Lisa Solski CAIB, Shannon Burden CAIB, Stephanie Roy CAIB, Adrienne Campbell CAIB.

KB & Thompson Insurance Services are proud of your accomplishments Nikki!

College. These tools are designed to create better, more effective learning experiences for students, specifically for teaching Indigenous languages and cultures.

Dr. Ramona Neckoway, UCN's Vice-President, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that it supports UCN's Centre for Aboriginal Languages and Culture's work on language reclamation and revitalization. "Protecting and reviving Indigenous languages is critically important to reconciliation," Dr. Neckoway said.

UCN President and Vice-Chancellor Doug Lauvstad also expressed his excitement about the partnership. "This agreement represents an innov-

ative approach to teaching Indigenous languages," he said. "UCN is partnering with Georgian College to leverage best practices for teaching Indigenous languages to help ensure that those languages continue to be spoken for generations."

By combining traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge technology, UCN hopes to create a more engaging and effective learning experience for students. The project represents a significant step forward in the effort to preserve and promote Indigenous languages and cultures in Canada.

The XR Project is an exciting development that has the potential to make a significant impact on Indigenous language education in Northern Manitoba and beyond. ~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of

the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Manitoba RCMP make arrests in hockey hazing incident

On April 15, 2024, three 17-year-old males were arrested in relation to hazing incidents on a hockey team that was reported to police on February 20, 2024. Two of the males were arrested for Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Sexual Assault, and Forcible Confinement. One of the males was arrested for Sexual Assault and Assault.

The Thompson Crisis Centre is looking for Board members that are energetic, passionate people who:

Value women & children and their rights, working towards to eradicating violence against women in society by providing support to enhance growth, and promoting healthier tomorrows.

Be part of a team in policy decisions that impact and meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Build community networks

When you learn the traditions

When you explore Indigenous-led experiences, you’re supporting an industry that changes perspectives. So as you listen, learn and enjoy, take a moment to reflect on tourism’s power to preserve culture and build a more connected Manitoba.

When you change how you look at tourism, you see it everywhere.

Learn more at travelmanitoba.com/tourism

There were two separate incidents of hazing involving five victims who were rookies on the team. The victims are aged 15 and 16.

The first incident occurred in November 2023 and the second occurred in January 2024. Both incidents occurred at a Winnipeg hotel while the high school hockey team from the Pembina Valley area was in the city to play in tournaments. All of those involved in the incidents are male and players on the team.

“We have worked closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to determine what took place and to progress the investigation,” said Tara Seel, Media Relations Officer with the Manitoba RCMP. “This type of behaviour – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and is going to result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved.”

The three suspects were released with a court appearance scheduled in Winnipeg or June 10, 2024.

MKO reacts to Manitoba Budget 2024

Grand Chief Garrison Settee attended the Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s first budget announcement after taking office six months ago.

“We are pleased to see health-care improvements at the forefront of Budget 2024, with the pledge of 1,000 new health-care workers, including 100 doctors, 210 nurses, 90 paramedics and 600 health care aides. With persistent understaffing and excessive workloads affecting current health-care workers in the north, we urge the government to look towards increasing opportunities to train and retain healthcare staff in First Nations. Promoting training prospects closer to home can lead to longevity and stabilization.”

With investments in medical transportation, including a helicopter medivac in northern Manitoba, a mobile MRI and a second permanent MRI in Thompson, dialysis services in Norway House Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and the return of births to First Nations communities, is a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with the province to ensure these targets are addressed and met. Facilitating increased access to health-care resources can lead to the preservation and improvement of overall health outcomes.

As the national tragedy of MMIWG2S+ continues and our women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks and their loved ones continue to be impacted by the issue, we welcome the support from the Provincial Government. The trauma endured by families impacted by the issue of MMIWG2S+ require wholesome wraparound supports and services to assist them on their healing journeys. We require support from all levels of government to continue providing culturally relevant and trauma informed support services to impacted families. We are optimistic and hopeful to see funds being allocated for the search at Prairie Landfill. This is one step closer to bringing loved one’s home.

Addressing the continued overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care in Manitoba remains a priority for the MKO leadership. The primary reason Indigenous children come into care is neglect, and the underlying causes of neglect include poverty, poor housing, mental health, domestic violence, and the historical impacts of colonialism. While MKO is encouraged that Budget 2024 includes some investments in prevention to address these issues, there is a lack of investment in income and other supports needed to reduce poverty and keep families together.

MKO applauds the in -

vestment by Manitoba into the Wellbriety Centre in Thompson that provides a wholistic Indigenous approach in providing services and supports for people facing homelessness and addictions.

MKO will receive a portion of the $500,000 dollars announced.

Other highlights from budget 2024 include:

Under the MMIWG strategy the development of 24/7 safe spaces and data collection between law enforcement, provincial and federal agencies will help to catch predators in our communities.

New funding in the amount of $1 million to offset inflation will go to winter roads in remote and northern communities.

$1.1 million increase on the cost share with Indigen-

ous Services Canada to reinstate the winter road connecting St. Theresa Point and Beren’s River.

$30 million is allocated to repair and upgrade the rail line to Churchill as well as some planning dollars for the Port of Churchill.

$16.1 million on emergency ground transportation for two 24/7 ambulances in Thompson and Brandon with the paramedics to service them.

$8 million for Wildfire protection which includes 5 new initial attack trucks

and repairing the weather station network.

$4 million for Indigenous Economic Development Fund to help entrepreneurs and organizations.

Funding for First Nations and Inuit Policing program as a direct response to Calls for Justice #5.4 ”…to transform policing into an exercise in self-governance and self-determination….”

First Nations Crisis response teams and support for an Indigenous court worker program.

$11 million for various

mental health and addictions programs including a supervised consumption site with wraparound services.

$1.1 million for integrated youth services including mental health supports, addictions, preliminary care, cultural/spiritual care, social services, housing for ages 12 – 29 years in rural and northern Manitoba.

Seal River Watershed district will receive $500,000 for an Aquatic Invasive Species program.

$4.5 million in new fund-

ing for arts/culture/sports.

For more information:

Naomi Clarke, MKO Communications

Phone: 204-612-1284

Email: naomi.clarke@ mkonorth.com

Web: http://mkonation. com/

Manitoba Keewatinowi

Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that has represented 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1981. The MKO represents more than 72,000 First Nations people.

Local Samantha Powderhorn’s running journey lands her Under Armor sponsorship

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

Under Armour, Canada has recently sponsored Samantha Powderhorn, a local Northern resident, as part of the Under Armour Diversity Series. The company made a $5,000 product donation to Samantha to support her mission of encouraging others to take up running. This generous donation will enable Samantha to continue helping people achieve their fitness goals and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Samantha Powderhorn's life has transformed from an obstacle-filled journey to one filled with accomplishment and resilience. Less than a decade ago, Powderhorn struggled with obesity, weighing in at 254 pounds. She battled cancer and addiction while grieving the loss of her brother and dealing with the hard hit of divorce, which took a massive toll on her emotional state.

Powderhorn's older brother and mentor, Carl, passed away in April 2015. It wasn't until 2021 that her life changed when she started to run. Powderhorn is from Tadoule Lake and is sending a message to her home community with her accomplishments. The first time she went out, she could only run for one minute, but she pressed through and was willing to challenge herself. Each day, she ran a little farther. "I couldn't run one minute. I was huffing and puffing. I was like, 'Whoa this is intense.' But the strong, resilient person in me just wanted to go further and further. On April 15, 2021, I ran my first 2.1km straight," she explained. In mid-April, she was able to run two full kilometers without stopping. She came to a point where she was running consecutively every day for a full five miles. Powderhorn ran her first 10K race in November 2022, at the Polar Bear Marathon in Churchill. That's where she met Jim Scott, who became her coach.

Then she became injured and had to reduce her training, but she still went to Churchill to run as far as she could. "I started running, thinking I was only doing the half, because that's what I was training for," she says, "but I ended up running the full Polar Bear Marathon. I am the first woman of Sayisi Dene First Nation to complete the full marathon!" Powderhorn was the first female to cross the finish line, in second place overall.

"I became sober on Nov. 1, 2021, and then two weeks later, I started my fitness and health journey, and I started running."

unhealthy I was, I thought, 'I can't do this.' So one day, I thought I would try to jog. The first day, I could only jog for one minute. But I was determined enough that I kept running and kept running."

"My original goal was to make it to 5 km and then be done, but in 2022, a community member came to me and said that I should try the Polar Bear Marathon in Churchill. But I was like, 'I've never run half a marathon, that's 21 km!' So he gave me their contact info, and I contacted them and told them that I'd never run half a marathon, I didn't do any training, and they

offered me the 10k race for the first time in my life. It was -32, and that's when I met my coach."

Powderhorn's determination to push herself beyond her limits in running has landed her a sponsorship deal with Under Armor, one of the world's leading sportswear brands. "It's an incredible feeling to be sponsored by Under Armor. I never thought that I would be featured in a magazine ad. It's still sinking in," says Powderhorn.

Under Armor, Canada has recognized Powderhorn's inspiring story and her dedication to running by offering her a product

donation worth $5,000. The donation will help her continue her mission to inspire and help others get into running.

Powderhorn's story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and hard work. Her journey from struggling with obesity, addiction, and grief to becoming a successful runner and Under Armor sponsor is an inspiration to us all.

~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Scott helped her learn how to run without hurting herself for longer and stronger. Scott said in a recent interview, "Sammi has adopted the culture of running, and has amazing discipline, challenging goals, and determination. She is an inspiration." She participated in the 2023 Reconciliation Run from the former residential school in Birtle, Manitoba.

"It feels amazing to be sponsored by Under Armor, like I never ever thought that I would be featured in a magazine ad. I'm still actually absorbing it," says Powderhorn. "I think part of the reason why my story was so inspiring to Under Armor is that my story takes place in such a short span!"

"I was overweight most of my life, and I hit my heaviest at 260+. It was during Covid when I saw a picture that was taken of me at Niagara Falls, and I realized how I looked. Seeing how unhappy and

Provincial Court Judge Thompson

The Judicial Appointment Committee welcomes the interest of qualified persons wishing to be considered for appointment to the Bench of The Provincial Court of Manitoba. One position in Thompson is expected to be filled.

Provincial Court appointments are made pursuant to The Provincial Court Act which requires applications to be accepted on an ongoing basis. Applications are reviewed on an annual basis and are kept on file for a period of two years. Applicants who have applied within the last two years need not resubmit an application, but may do so if their application requires updating. We urge all applicants to carefully review the requirements for application including what information and documentation must be provided to perfect your application.

The mandate of the Judicial Appointment Committee is to assess the professional excellence, community awareness and personal suitability of candidates, while taking into account the diversity of Manitoba society (c. 275, The Provincial Court Act).

Applicants must have practised for not less than five (5) years as a barrister and solicitor in Manitoba, be a member in good standing of The Law Society of Manitoba, be entitled to practise as a barrister and solicitor in this province, or have other equivalent experience and complete an Undertaking or Confirmation respecting continuing legal education as contemplated by Section 3(2)(d) of The Provincial Court Act, C.C.S.M c. C275.

Applicants must be willing to reside in the the judicial centre of appointment and be capable of and willing to travel by automobile and small aircraft to circuit courts throughout the province.

Judicial responsibilities will include a caseload of criminal cases and child protection matters as well as family law. The successful applicant will be subject to screening checks.

It is the responsibility of the Judicial Appointment Committee to provide to the Minister of Justice a list of candidates and indicate whether such candidates are recommended or not recommended for appointment.

Your Application Package must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications and must include a cover letter, a résumé, and the following documents located at the Manitoba Court’s website at http://www.manitobacourts.mb.ca/provincial-court/ about-the-provincial-court/judges/judicial- vacancies/

• Judicial Candidate Information Form;

• Cover Letter;

• Consent to the Disclosure and Verification for Screening Checks;

• Law Society of Manitoba Authorization for Disclosure of Information Concerning Candidate;

• Undertaking or Confirmation; and

• A brief summary of your background and qualifications, not to exceed 30 words.

Please submit one copy of your application package via email to judicialapplication@gov.mb.ca and an original plus eight copies (nine copies in total) of your application package by 4:30 p.m. on the Application Deadline to:

The Administrator, Judicial Appointment Committee 2nd floor – 408 York Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0P9

CurlManitoba announces new sponsorship for Manitoba women’s championship

CurlManitoba Executive Director Craig Baker has announced new title and presenting sponsors and a new name for the Manitoba Women’s Curling Championship.

The first event under the new branding will be played in 2025 in Pilot Mound. It will be the CurlManitoba RME WOMEN OF THE RINGS CHAMPIONSHIP presented by Case IH.

“The RME Women of the Rings presented by Case IH expands the support of curling in Manitoba which began a few years ago when Rocky Mountain Equipment joined us

as presenting sponsor of our women’s championship and as a major supporter of our expanded livestream broadcast program,” says Baker. “We have appreciated the long support of first Scott Paper and then Kreuger as title sponsors of our Women’s championship and we look forward to the new opportunities created by the join RME & Case IH partnership.”

“We are excited to increase our support for CurlManitoba now as the Title Sponsor of the newly named RME Women of the Rings Championship, commented RME CSOO Jim

JOB POSTING

Full-Time Day Care Worker

While hours are anticipated to be typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., there will be a minimum of one evening per week of programming. Also, please note that in order to meet the needs of clients, flexible shifts are required.

This position involves working in close collaboration with the Children’s Counselor in providing/assisting in child-minding services for emergency, transition and the outreach program. The position will also involve working closely with the Counselors on both the E-floor and Transition floor in the scheduling of the individual and groups sessions.

This includes providing a safe and healthy environment, planning and implementing on-site and off-site activities i.e. crafts/music/baking and play therapy. Must be able to provide nutritious snacks. Other responsibilities include cleaning/sanitizing and inputting stats into HIFIS.

If you are interested in applying for this position or require further information with respect to nature of the position, qualifications, required knowledge, education and skills*, please contact Helen Trudeau (Executive Director) or Christine Fenner (Program Manager) by March 15/2024 by 4 pm.

JOB POSTING

Counselor Level 1 Casual

The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain.

Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work: including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and stat holidays as required. Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Applications are due by March 15, 2023 by 4 pm.

Wood. “RME has a large footprint throughout rural Manitoba and partnerships like this enable us to support the communities in which we serve.”

The 2025 RME Women of the Rings presented by Case IH in Pilot Mound will be played in the now-standard format of 12 teams competing in two pools of six teams, with playoffs. Kaitlyn Lawes and her 2024 champion team are the first team to qualify for the event as the returning champions.

Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) is a consolidator of agriculture and construction equipment dealerships, primarily focused on the CNH brands. They employ over 1,000 people directly and serve tens of thousands more customers and their employees.

Operating 43 agriculture branch locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as serving customers radiating beyond those three provinces, RME’s goal is to provide a reliable, consistent customer experience through each interaction.

RME becomes only the sixth corporate sponsor in the history of Women’s championship in Manitoba which began when Dauphin’s Sadie Delmage team won the first championship in 1951. The Manitoba Ladies Curling Association was the sponsor that first year but Eaton’s joined as the first corporate sponsor (Eaton’s Championship) in 1952.

Dominion Stores became the second corporate sponsor (Silver D Championship) in 1961 and the MLCA was the sponsor of the Rose Bowl from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, Macdonald Tobacco (Macdonald Lassie) became the third corporate sponsor.

Scott Paper (Scott Tournament of Hearts 1982 –2006) and Kruger Products (Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2007-2024) round out the first five plus decades of women’s curling sponsorship in Manitoba.

Canada prepares for potentially record-breaking wildfire year

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

Across the nation, 2023 marked an unprecedented year for wildfires. Experts say it wasn’t the number of fires burning that made it historic, but rather the sizable nature of the fires.

Thanks in part to unrelenting heat waves throughout the spring and summer, Canada lost about 15 million hectares of vegetation to fire in one, seven times higher than the national average.

Unfortunately, 2024 is already feeling eerily similar following a winter with relatively little snow, an early melt, and low precipitation so far. Parts of Alberta and British Columbia have been warning about exceptional drought conditions since early March.

According to the federal government, the long-term forecast, if accurate, won’t help matters.

“The latest seasonal weather outlook indicates that higher-than-normal temperatures are expected for the spring and summer, boosted by El Nino

weather conditions,” reads a statement from the federal government dated April 10. “This sets the stage for the possibility of another active wildfire season and other incidents of extreme weather. The warmer than normal winter temperatures and drier than usual conditions may result in some regions—in particular western Canada, eastern Ontario, and southern Quebec—experiencing early, above normal, fire activity this April and May.”

Human carelessness early in the 2023 season proved to be the origin many of last year’s wildfires. This affected thousands of people, with more than 200 communities needing to evacuate residents.

To assist local fire brigades, 1,700 additional firefighters were imported from across the country and another 5,500 from countries around the globe.

Lessons Learned

Since last fall, the federal government has partnered with emergency management teams to create a lessons-learned review of what was done and what could be

JOB POSTING

Part-Time Counselors Level 1

Sixteen (16) hours/week (1) (Days)

We are a 24/7 facility, so shifts include days, evenings and weekends

The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain. Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work (days, afternoons, and nights) on weekends and stat holidays as required.

Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Applications are due by March 15/2024 by 4 pm.

JOB POSTING

(1) Full-time Children’s Counselor Forty (40) hours/week

The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain. Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors. Must have experience working with children and develop programming i.e. Parenting skills, Play groups, Art and Music therapies etc.

Be willing to work shift work: including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and stat holidays if required

Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic. If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Posted until position is filled.

done better.

They’ve promised to set aside up to $285 million over the next five years in order to hire 1,000 more firefighters and assist communities in better handling local wildfires.

Support for firefighters will be available to help purchase specialized equipment and boost training levels.

The government is engaging non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in discussions early this year as they work on a plan to better leverage civilian response.

Since many First Nations communities exist in remote and at-risk locations, the federal government has created the Indigenous Emergency Management (EM) Working Group. Its goal is to assess the needs

of Indigenous communities and create dialogue which can contribute toward preparedness.

“We are also implementing advance payments to communities across the country,” the governments says in its statement. “Instead of reimbursing costs, this new approach will allow First Nations to better prepare their communities and protect their infrastructure, and even plan evacuations.”

Manitoba at Risk

Forests and wooded areas make up 57 percent of Manitoba’s land base, making this province as susceptible to wildfires as any other.

Statistically speaking, most spring fires are caused by human activity, since matted grass and dry dead vegetation is easily ignit-

UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, a great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OR UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTOR

Kenanow Faculty of Education

Full Time, Regular Position

Thompson, Manitoba

Competition No: 24-050

Closing Date: April 30, 2024

Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

University College of the North HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

DIRECTOR, MMTL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Mihcet Meskanawah Teaching and Learning (MMTL)

Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

ed. This can lead to rapidly moving fires, especially in windy conditions.

“Continued dry conditions can cause deeper burning fires that require more suppression to extinguish,” reads a provincial press release. “Conditions will be monitored over the next few weeks, and fire danger levels will be calculated when forested areas are snow free.”

Burn or travel restrictions have not yet been enforced, but the province asks residents to demonstrate extra vigilance in these conditions.

“Where backcountry travel is permitted, ATV operators are asked to stay on developed trails, stop frequently to check around the engine and exhaust for debris, and carefully dispose of any debris found,” states the release. “Operators should be prepared and carry a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel to extinguish a small fire.”

Provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the burn permit area from April 1 to November 15.

UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) (AMENDED)

CHILDCARE ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR(S) (AMENDED)

select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN. University College of the North HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the Jordans Principle Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for performing data entry and related duties in posting Accounts Payable payments.

Duties: The Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for completing payments and controls expenses by receiving, processing, verifying, and reconciling invoices, staff travel payments and other weekly financial activities as directed. Code/enter invoices/ cheque requisitions on a weekly basis, respond to vendor inquiries, maintain vendor filing system, prepare checks on a weekly basis; verify vendor accounts, reconcile processed work.

Qualifications: Diploma in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration and two years of finance experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be bondable. Experience with SAGE 300 (ACCPAC) modules, Microsoft Office programs with emphasis in Excel spreadsheets. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in a fully integrated office environment. Ability to work under sporadic stress and/or pressure. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

A written application with detailed resume, including minimum two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your most recent immediate supervisors should be submitted to:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal Council

23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4

Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256

Closing Date: 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024

Late applications will not be accepted We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY HARM REDUCTION COORDINATOR THOMPSON, MB

Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Health Department is currently seeking a Harm Reduction Coordinator to work in a respectful and collaborative approach on Harm Reduction initiatives with the KTC communities.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with community leadership, attain buy-in for harm reduction initiatives/programs.

• Conducting community consultations and readiness assessments for the development of harm reduction programs as required.

• Engage and collaborate with internal and external partners

• Conduct health promotion information sessions and capacity building initiatives in communities.

• Maintain awareness of community program needs and opportunities.

• Working with other First Nations and other health care agencies and service providers to ensure adequate communitybased health services are developed and supported.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Practical Nurse or post-secondary education in a related field, or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of community health and/or social services

• Knowledge of the KTC communities and demonstrated respect of the Cree and Dene culture and traditions.

• Knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal organizations and communities in a health field capacity

• Knowledge of harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies

• Experience working with youth and people who use drugs

• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and networking ability

• Current BLS certification

• Must have valid class 5 Manitoba Drivers’ License at all times and be willing to travel

A written application including a cover letter, a detailed resume and two (2) letters of reference from immediate supervisors

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

The chiefs of three southwestern Manitoba First Nations are waiting anxiously for the provincial government to give the green light to a casino project in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.

Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth. ca or Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL”

On Feb. 9, Sioux Valley Chief Vince Tacan and his council met with Chief Raymond Brown of Canupawakpa Dakota

(has been) no announcement in this regard,” Tacan told the Sun on April 5 via text message. The MOU outlined that all three First Nations would own the casino, with Sioux Valley owning 34 per cent and the other First Nations 33 per cent.

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted

First Nation and Chief Don Smoke of Dakota Plains

First Nation to sign a memorandum of understanding to build a casino near Sioux Valley’s Petro-Can station on the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 21, about 38 kilometres west of Brandon.

“As I suspected, there

In time, a convention centre and hotel would also be built, Tacan said. Each First Nation, he said, would be responsible for the success of the project, with Sioux Valley overseeing political negotiations, feasibility and logistics, and Dakota Plains and Canupawakpa providing political, financial, and human resources and support.

After the signing of the MOU, Tacan said the next phase would be to develop a feasibility study and work with the province to

•

•

• 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.

get a gaming licence. The Sun contacted the office of Glen Simard, Brandon East MLA and minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, but did not get a response.

lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256 Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

We are disgusted that every Progressive Conservative MLA has decided to hold up Bill 9: The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act, a bill that will ensure that sick and vulnerable workers have the job-protected leave required to access the federal EI sickness benefits that were expanded from 17 weeks to 27 weeks in 2022.

Because of these PC delay tactics, it is possible that a worker could access the 27 week EI sickness benefits but still be terminated by their employer after their leave lasts more than 17 weeks.

The previous Minister of Labour, Jon Reyes, consulted with the Labour Management Review Committee on this topic in 2023

Join our Team!

Wilson’s is a stable family-owned company that has been operating locally since 1940! We’re looking for an engaged and adaptive problem-solver who enjoys building relationship and rapport with customers, has technical problem-solving skills, and values a professional and collaborative team culture.

Equipment Service Technician (THOMPSON)

Position: We are currently looking for a full time Equipment Service Technician in our Service department at our location in Thompson, Manitoba. As a member of the Wilson’s Service Team, you will be required to repair and maintain a wide range of office equipment including photocopiers, facsimiles, printers and mailing equipment within an existing territory. You must be able to manage and service a full territory with the ability to troubleshoot and repair connected equipment. Service work will involve both on-site and in-shop servicing.

Qualifications: The successful candidate likes using his/her technical abilities to help others solve their office equipment problems. Training will be provided although education and training in the field of electronics (A+ or PDI+ certification) or experience servicing office equipment would be a definite asset.

Having a positive attitude with above average communication, customer service, and organizational skills would be a direct fit with our relationship based sales- and service-oriented approach. Completion of high school (or possession of a Grade 12 certificate) combined with a clean drivers abstract and being able to pass security clearances are particularly important.

Compensation will include a guaranteed salary and benefits depending on the qualifications and work experience of the successful candidate. A vehicle will also be provided for business use.

Applicants interested in this permanent, full time position should submit a resume complete with a cover letter and references by

“We met with Premier Wab Kinew and his ministers,” Brown told the Sun. “They said that they were going to look at everybody’s projects and go with those ones that were more vital and more sustainable, and that we needed to put all the legal entities in place and get some feasibility studies done.”

• Valid Driver’s License, with ability to travel weekly.

• The position is subject to satisfactory criminal and other checks, and is subject to terms and conditions in a proposed written agreement.

Please forward a resume with 3 references along with cover letter, in confidence, to:

The feasibility study for the casino has since been completed and Brown said each First Nation has been meeting with lawyers to pave the way forward.

Email or drop off only

A meeting between the First Nations and the province took place on Feb. 21, Brown said. Simard’s press secretary, Caedmon Malowany, confirmed this but had no new information to share.

Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth.ca OR Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Only successful applications will be contacted for further interview.

“We have our own contractors that are able to come in. Everybody’s ready now — we just need the green light and the goahead from the minister and the premier so we can start the process,” he said.

Tacan said he would like to survey people from the Brandon area to see what they thought about the casino.

“Would they favour an Aboriginal run casino in Brandon, or would they prefer a casino operated by the city?” Tacan said in a text message.

A call to Smoke was not returned by deadline.

Statement by MFL President Kevin Rebeck on the Progressive Conservative Caucus’ decision to delay legislation that will help working people:

and received a unanimous recommendation to align the Manitoba Employment Standards Code with the expanded EI sickness benefits.

Unfortunately, the previous PC government dragged its feet on these important legislative changes and they continue to delay things in opposition, at the expense of sick and vulnerable workers.

We are also concerned that the PC Caucus has chosen to hurt good, family

supporting jobs for Manitobans by delaying Bill 7: The Public Sector Construction Projects (Repeal) Act. Manitoba is facing a skilled labour shortage, and politicians should be doing everything they can to help skilled trade workers build their careers here at home. Project Labour Agreements have a strong track record of delivering high quality infrastructure built by Manitobans on time and on budget.

Nelson

Little creating

space to ‘ignore every negative thing in life’ on new single

BY BRETT MCKAY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

For his new single “Just Make it Happen”, Indigenous roots-rock artist Nelson Little said he deliberately went looking for a carefree sound to match the inspirational tone of his storytelling.

Little found that sound in memories of movie soundtracks from his youth that were peppered with upbeat, 1950s rock and roll.

“It's been a few generations since we've heard a feel-good song like on the end of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. “Twist and Shout” or “Great Balls of Fire”, some of these old movies we used to watch, the soundtracks on them, I remember being a kid and them grabbing me,” Little told Windspeaker.com.

In the movies that became his favourites, the live performance scenes, like when Michael J. Fox steps up to the mic at his parent’s prom in Back to

the Future, were the parts that really stuck with him.

“They always use this rock and roll sound, and I thought maybe it's time for even my kids, I have three kids, that they were introduced to a sound like “Johnny B. Goode”,” said Little, who was born north of Thompson, Man. and raised just outside Riding Mountain National Park farther south.

The message of “Just Make it Happen” is “100 per cent positive,” Little said: “If I could just ignore every negative thing in life. For you, for me, for the people to the left and right of me, behind me, in front of me, above me, below me. Wherever it is. For everybody.” To find a sound that was going to work with the positive and energetic story, Little said he started to feel “maybe we need to skip out on a standard country lick and just kind of bend the rules” and blend in some of that rock influence.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

UNIT/OFFICE: FOX LAKE SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: FOX LAKE, MB

Position: Foster Care Worker/Data Clerk

One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position

The Foster Care Worker/Data Clerk is a member of the Foster Care and Quality Assurance and Data departments. The incumbent develops relationships with foster parents and children in care, providing ongoing support and licensing homes. The incumbent receives and enters data on all case types and provides month-end reports on case files. The Foster Care Worker/Data Clerk supports the work of the Agency with administrative tasks, ensuring the accuracy of data input while following the Agency’s policies and practices. The work is detailed and requires that confidentiality be maintained.

Qualifications:

• High School education or equivalent.

• 1-2 years of experience in the field preferred.

• Demonstrated organizational skills.

• Knowledge of foster home licensing policies and regulations.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Suite, Excel, Word, etc).

• Knowledge and understanding of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Maintain satisfactory Criminal record, Child Abuse registry and Prior Contact checks prior to beginning work ad throughout employment as requested.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern communities.

• Ability to speak Cree an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, community-based, time sensitive, multi-disciplinary child welfare environment.

• Independent work with little direct supervision.

• Confidential environment with access to highly sensitive information.

• Repetitive computer work.

• Overnight and remote travel may be required occasionally.

Salary: Awasis Agency endeavors to be an employer of choice,

For Little, getting to this worry-free mentality captured in “Just Make it Happen” hasn’t been a straight and easy road. At 13, Little was shot in an accident with a shotgun, and four years later survived a tragic car wreck.

“That put fear into me, and I was unsettled as a youth,” he said.

“It's like all it did was prolong those hardships. And I always was looking for healing and a way to just feel good. Because it was always sorrow and mourning. I found a way through my song writing, even through some of the sad stories, to bring a positive vibe to the table.”

“Just Make I Happen” was produced by Dave Wasyliw of Manitoba country band Doc Walker, and features lead guitar from the Crash Test Dummies’ Murray Pulver.

The song was co-written by Little and fellow Portage la Prairie, Man.

songwriter, Dave Rodgers, one of the few times in his career Little has shared the writing process with someone else.

Normally content to keep the writing process private, mixed with a bit of apprehension that having too many people involved will pull the songs away from the life experiences at their core, the collaboration with Rodgers came about naturally, Little said, and helped expand his creative bubble.

“Whether it's a musician or new producer, I’ve always had this thing, like if it's not broken, don't fix it,” Little said.

“But with that being said, if your team runs out of steam with the ideas and the creativity and the ambition and all those good things…I guess I'm starting to finally believe that if I go to someone else that's on the same path, when we collaborate, like that energy starts right from

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WELLNESS COORDINATOR

Under the general direction of Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Director of Health, the Wellness Coordinator will assist member First Nations in developing their own Wellness Teams, supporting and participating in current Mental Wellness programming and capacity building, providing guidance and mentorship to community based workers. The Wellness Coordinator will provide assistance to all KTC member bands as requested by the KTC communities and will assist with developing of a cultural appropriate assessment and treatment approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-Secondary education / training / experience in the Social Services work field with a demonstrated ability in counseling skills; experience with First Nations, community health planning, policy development and ability to build capacity within the communities;

• Additional training or certification an asset i.e.: ASIST, Critical Incident Stress Management, Mental Health First Aid First Nations and/or Psychological First Aid. Effective interpersonal and critical thinking skills required. Ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients, and consultants preferred;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with maturity and poise to interact with executives at the highest levels of government, business, and academia;

• Knowledge of government policies related to selfdetermination of First Nations people and how these policies have affected them;

• Ability to work independently and take initiative;

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in management and supervision;

• Strong organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to set priorities;

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 2010 applications required;

• The incumbent must possess effective communication and conflict-resolution skills;

• Must be willing to travel on short notice to remote fly-in communities;

• Ability to speak Cree or Dene would be a definite asset;

• A valid Driver’s license required and access to a reliable vehicle;

• Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Checks;

• Child Abuse Registry Check.

• Active Member with the KTC Crisis Response Team. A written application with detailed resume, including at least two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor should be submitted to:

scratch. You're starting with a full battery.”

With Little’s responsibilities as a single dad and the numerous projects he and Rodgers have their hand in, finding uninterrupted time to write together proved difficult.

“Whenever him and I started talking about the song, someone's phone was ringing. Something was going on or we are distracted. So, we finally said let's just go for a drive,” Little said.

That drive became a regular Sunday getaway, with the two brainstorming stories and lyrics on their way to Wawanesa, or Riding Mountain National Park, or Winnipeg Beach.

“We would never plan it. We would just jump in the car,” he said. Eventually, the duo planned a trip to Exchange District Studios

in Winnipeg to finally record the song they’d worked out over months on Manitoba backroads.

Little will be taking the stage at music festivals throughout Manitoba this summer, and recently collaborated with social media dance duo, The Bégin Sisters, whose choreographed routine set to “Just Make it Happen” has already racked up hundreds of views online.

View a sample on Insta: https://www.instagram. com/p/C5f0x7sua7m/

“I find the industry has really changed over the last 10 or 15 years,” Little said, and that there are more paths open for artists to record and perform their music.

“It's a tricky market, but I just find there's a lot more needles in a bigger haystack these days.”

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE (TCO)

701 THOMPSON DR, THOMPSON, MB

Position: Street Reach Worker North

One (1) Full Time Permanent position

Summary of Position:

The Street Reach Worker is a member of a multi-disciplinary team whose purpose is to identify, intervene, and work with children who are at risk of, or are being sexually exploited.

With an understanding of the complex needs of sexually exploited children, the Street Reach Worker assists in the location of highrisk children and youth and returns them to safety. Working within the initiatives outlined in Tracia’s Trust, the incumbent coordinates case plans in a multi-system environment, consults with external collaterals regarding the unique needs of sexually exploited children and assists law enforcement and Child and Family Services (CFS) agencies in identifying and investigating suspected child sex offenders. Knowledgeable in the applicable legislation, the incumbent follows legislation, Agency policy and practices, to complete riskassessments, perform outreach work, and participate in protection investigations. Additional duties include delivering education and training to the Awasis Agency staff as well as collaterals on the topic of child sexual exploitation, interventions and prevention best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in child welfare preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be acceptable.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in the child welfare field.

• Demonstrated understanding of child sexual exploitation, health issues such as addiction, justice and social issues and the impact these factors have on a child.

• Research skills, oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to community-based intervention programming.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern Indigenous communities.

• Ability to speak Cree/Dene an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, community-based, multi-disciplinary child welfare environment.

• Confidential environment with access to highly sensitive information.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record, Driver’s Abstract, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position and throughout employment as required.

Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2024-034 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to:

Human Resources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2024-034

701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2

Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process

We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process

a golf course, a ski hill, numerous boating and fishing areas, two ice arenas, public library, indoor swimming complex, great schools, a university campus, a live theatre, and many more amenities to satisfy any lifestyle.

The Thompson Citizen is part of the Prairie Newspaper Group, which is a division of

QUALIFICATIONS

This editorial position requires an organized individual who works well on his or her own as well as with a team. They need to be dedicated and diligent with a strong work ethic. He or she must have a degree or diploma in journalism or have at least five years’ experience in newspaper journalism. Experience in photography is necessary. Candidates for this position must have a valid driver license and a reliable vehicle. Kilometers are tracked and the journalist will be reimbursed.

THOMPSON CITIZEN RESOURCE GUIDE