Thompson reels from devastating school
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
In the early hours of July 24, 2024, a destructive fire tore through Westwood School in Thompson, prompting a swift response from the RCMP and local
believed that no individuals were inside the building at the time of
Despite the tireless efforts of the Thompson Fire Department and Vale Manitoba Operations Mine
and is currently under investigation by Thompson RCMP and the
The gravity of the situation led the City of Thompson to issue a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Mallard Crescent, Teal -
with a section of Westwood Drive
The aftermath of this devastat-
of the importance of solidarity and support within the community dur-
In light of the evacuation, community members were urged to come together to support seniors and elders who may require
Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham
Friday, August 2, 2024
Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960
Volume 64 • Issue 28
fire
Photos by Matthias J. Johnson
Aquatic Center Ceremony welcomes the community
Photos by Matthias J. Johnson
Aquatic Center Ceremony welcomes the community
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
On July 26th, the Thompson Regional Community Center (TRCC) buzzedcial ceremony marked the upcoming launch of the highly anticipated Aquatic Center. The event, which kicked off at 1:00 PM, provided members of the local community with an exclusive opportunity to engage with the construction team, gain insights into the center's design blueprints, and get a glimpse of the ambitious plans for the aquatic facility.
Local community members received an exclusive preview of the center's designs and ambitious plans, engaging with the construction team and delving into the latest updates on fundraising efforts.
The event buzzed with enthusiasm as attendees immersed themselves in 3D-designed pre-visuals and interacted with board members, envisioning the transformative impact the Aquatic Center will have on the community. Amidst this excitement, the provision of delectable refreshments created a convivial atmosphere, with attendees networking and sharing their anticipation for the future
of aquatic activities in the community. The decision to close the
necessary one to protect the well-being of the children and staff who used it. However, the groundbreaking for the Thompson Aquaticcant milestone for the community, offering a safe and healthy environment for children and families to play and learn. Moreover, the new facility will create employment opportunities and serve as a gathering place for community events,
and the surrounding MKO First Nations.
Although Premier Wab Kinew was unable to attend as originally planned, the community gathered at the TRCC to hear about the progress of the Aquatic Centre. The event offered attendees a chance to express their appreciation to the hardworking Thompson Fire & Emergency Services members and included a tour of the construction site with representatives of the pool designer Stantec and aquatic center builder Penn-Co Construction Canada. The afternoon culminated in showcasing images of the completed Aquatic Centre and offered a mo-
ment to enjoy a free BBQ. Notably, the recent presence of the dedicated members of the Thompson Fire & Emergency Services at the Thompson Regional Community Centre was a heartening sight. Thiscant opportunity to extend gestures of appreciation to these remarkable individuals for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts throughout the week as they valiantly battled the destructive Westwood
The construction site with representatives of the pool designer Stantec and aquatic center builder PennCo Construction Canada. The afternoon culminated in a showcase of images of the completed Aquatic Centre and provided a moment for everyone to enjoy a free BBQ. The Thompson Regional Aquatic Centre, upon its anticipated completion, will not only be an impressive addition to the architectural landscape, but also a symbol of community strength and resilience. This event served as to extend gestures of appreciation to the remarkable individuals who have contributed tirelessly to the realization of this important project.
FACILITY ATTENDANTS
The City of Thompson invites qualified applicants to submit a resume for consideration for the part-time position of Facility Attendant for the Thompson Regional Community Centre (TRCC).
This position is responsible for receiving visitors, giving out authorized information, patrolling the change rooms, public areas and entrances, providing assistance to customers and general public by answering questions and providing directions regarding the facilities and equipment, and performing light cleaning duties. The Facility Attendant will be greeting user groups, ensuring meeting room set-up for meetings and events, relaying messages and recording complaints, handling dressing room keys and assignments.
Candidates will be enthusiastic and promote a positive image of our facilities and programs. Additional qualifications include: excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, ability to work independently with little supervision, and a general knowledge of the facility operations and equipment. The rate of pay is $15.30 per hour and there are no minimum hours guaranteed.
Detailed resumes outlining experience, education, qualifications and references will be received by the undersigned until Friday, August 9, 2024, at 4:30 pm. Those interested may apply in confidence 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.
Thompson City Council is currently on its summer schedule. A Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 6 at 7 p.m. in City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. The meeting will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Upcoming meeting agendas are available on the City of Thompson website the Friday before the meeting at https://www. thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previous meetings are also available there.
Stay informed on the go through Thompson Connect
To get important notices about things like road closures, boil water advisories and water shutoffs sent directly to your phone, register for our direct communication system Thompson Connect.
Sign up for email, text and voice message notifications at: www.thompson.ca/p/connect
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OPINION
board opts for status quo, way will city council go?
UCN celebrates 20 years with history book project
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
University College of the North is celebrating its 20th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the history of the University College of the North (UCN) and its profound impact on the northern region is being chronicled by three of its professors. Dr. Keith Hyde, Dr. Greg Stott, and Dr. Hendrik Warnar-Brown are in the development stages of a book that delves into the origins and evolution of UCN. Their dedication to capturing the essence of this esteemed institution's jour-
ney is laying the foundation for an invaluable resource that will preserve the rich history of UCN for generations to come.
“Over the course of decades, many Indigenous and northern Manitobans advocated for the creation of an independent degree-granting institution to be located in the north,” said Dr. Hyde. Hyde is the Associate Professor Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science.cant undertaking that is still in its early phases of development.
Stott stated that; “Stories about the creation of UCN
are incredibly valuable, and we want to ensure that those experiences are documented before that history is lost,”
Dr. Stott obtained his Doctorate in History and possesses a wealth of teaching experience across several esteemed institutions in both Ontario and British Columbia. He brings a deep sense of dedication and unwavering focus to his work, particularly in the realms of community and social history, aiming to imbue his current academic pursuits with the vast reservoir of expertise he has garnered over the years.
Dr. Warnar-Brown con-
curred, articulating that "capturing UCN’s journey from a passionately held and long-sought-after idea into a bricks-and-mortar contribution to the history of northern Manitoba." Warhis doctoral studies in Canadian Studies and holds a position as an assistant professor within the Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science.
Doug Lauvstad, UCN’s President and Vice-Chancellor expressed also that, “The decades-long pursuit of an institution that offered degree programming as well as college-level program-
ming culminated on July 1st, 2004 when the University College of the North Act was proclaimed, The importance of having an institution of higher education in the north, for the north cannot be understated. Ensuring that future generations understand this history and have access to information about the north, its peoples, languages and culture helps to achieve UCN’s mandate. It recognizes the hard work of many people who dedicated themselves to ensuring that Indigenous and northern Manitobans have access to higher learning in the north.”
The diligent efforts of Dr. Keith Hyde, Dr. Greg Stott, Dr. Hendrik Warnar-Brown, and others involved in chronicling the history of the University College of the North (UCN) are truly commendable. Their dedication to capturing the essence of this esteemed institution's journey and preserving its rich history for future generations is of immense value. As we look forward to the completion of this comprehensive book, we eagerly anticipate the invaluable resource it will become, shedding light on the journey ofpact on the northern region.
YOUR THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS TEAM
Noah Cooke Publisher
Matthias J. Johnson Staff Reporter
Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News:
Manitoba Wildlife Federation battles for hunting rights
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) is currently embroiled in a battle to protect the hunting and angling rights of non-Indigenous hunters in northern Manitoba. The controversy stems from the Manitoba government's decision on July 11th to sigresident Manitoba licensed moose hunters, a move that has sparked outrage among hunters and anglers in the province.
Chris Heald, Senior Policy Advisor for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, expressed strong concern over the decision, stating, “The scary thing is that if it’s allowed to happen in Northern Manitoba, what’s going to stop it from happening in central Manitoba or Southern Manitoba."
The decision, reportedly made in response to pressure from MKO, a non-profit, political advocacy organization representing 26 First Nation communities in the North, has been met with skepticism. The MWF contends that the decision lacks contrary to the principles of conservation and reconciliation. In response, the organization has consulted legal counsel and intends to proceed with an applito potentially overturn the government's decision.
The MWF, in its efforts to rally support against the decision, has called for personalized emails and letters
to be written to Minister Jamie Moses and Premier Wab Kinew. Furthermore, the organization is seeking backers to fund its legal and advocacy efforts.
“The fear is that the and there will be further restrictions on hunting and fishing province-wide,” said Heald “When political organizations like the MKO start to manage conservation, rather than the biol -
ogists, all Manitobans will lose as our natural resources will simply be depleted,”
“Reconciliation is about uniting not dividing,” said Carly Deacon, Managing Director of the MWF. “The sustainability of the which is why we are alerting Manitoba's 350,000 hunters and anglers to the growing threat from the Province.”
tion in tags were revoked
for resident Manitoba licensed moose hunters has been implemented. The MWF, representing licensed hunters in the province, has consulted legal counsel and -
response. This application seeks to challenge the decision on the grounds of arbitrary or unreasonable government action.
The MWF staff and Executive Committee emphasized their belief that if
this decision remains unchallenged, it could pave the way for further limitations on licensed anglers and hunters' access to public lands across the province. They have also provided relevant information, timelines, media releases, and communications to date, urging support from clubs to protect the rights of hunting and fishing. The documents reveal that MKO and the First Nations Chiefs have advocated for
an end to licensed hunting and angling in the North. The issues at play encompass not only the immediate impact on moose hunting in northern Manitoba but also the broader implications for provincewide. The MWF's battle to protect these rightscerns of Manitoba's hunting and angling community and the determination to uphold these traditions for generations to come.
BY LOCAL JOURNALISM
INITIATIVE REPORTER
NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS
Eleven young entrepreneurs participated in Car-ness Fair, setting up booths around the Carberry Hall on
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Carberry’s First Children’s Business Fair a Success Help keep Thompson GREEN and CLEAN
Saturday and selling products ranging from lemonade
Tamara Flett, Administrative Arts Director with the Carberry Plains Arts Council, said that she got the idea from a parent of one of the young entrepreneurs, and while organising the event also reached out to Neepawa EDO Marilyn Crewe who organised a similar event in Neepawa last summer.
"It's turned out great," said Flett. "What the kids do is they make a business plan, they make a business name, they design their product, and then they sell it. It's all their work." Young entrepreneurs aged 6 to 15 were encouraged to design their own business and put
their product or service on sale during the fair.
component for the business with the Highest
award went to 12-year-old Enrico Prudnikov and his business Enrico's Custom Woodworking which sold signs, planters, and other
The day was rounded out by a Mother's Day stepping stone craft for the kids and a hot-dog lunch provided by the new Child Care Development Committee.
Fair originated with the Acton Academy in Austin, spread to over 20 countries and almost 600 towns and cities all over the world.
MPDA Golf Tournament Tees Off on August 14th
Winnipeg, Manitoba–July
Prospectors and Developers Association (MPDA) is excited to announce its annual Golf Tournament, set at Kingswood Golf Course. This event brings together professionals from the mineral and development sector for a day of friendly competition and networking.
About MPDA
The Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association (MPDA) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development sector in Manitoba. Our -
cient ways of working with our industry and community partners, so that Manitoba becomes one of the most attractive places to invest in the mineral business. MPDA is a champion of “The New Green Economy” and is focused on improving the state of exploration and development of Critical Minerals in Manitoba.
For additional information please contact: mpdaca@gmail.com
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Time: 12:00, sharp
Location: Kingswood Golf & Country Club
Participants will enjoy a 18-hole round of golf, followed by a dinner and awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded for top teams, longest drive, closest to the pin, and other exciting categories.
Registration
• Single registration MPDA Member (Course, Cart and Dinner): $165
• Team registration MPDA Member (Course, Cart and Dinner): $650
• Single registration non Member (Course, Cart and Dinner): $185
• Team registration non Member (Course, Cart and Dinner): $740
• Prospectors (Course, Cart and Dinner): $85
• Dinner only: $50
Email us at mpdaca@gmail.com after registration with the Full name, Company & email address of all 4 team members
Sponsorship Opportunities
Various sponsorship packages are available, ofering businesses the chance to gain visibility. To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact mpdaca@gmail.com.
Photo by Ivars Krutainis on Unsplash
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Crisis: Nurses and Patients in Desperate Need of Assistance
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
In a powerful and urgent plea for help, Lynda Wright, a representative of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, spoke out about the dire situation at the community's nursing station during a recent press conference. The community, with a
population of 3500 people and an additional 2500 living off reserve, has been grappling with a healthcare crisis since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wright revealed that the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation's Nursing Station (NCN Nursing Station) has been in an ongoing state of emergency since September
2023, when it was forced to close its doors and provide services for "emergencies only." This harrowing development has left the community in a perilous situation, with residents and healthcare professionals alike bearing the brunt of the repercussions.
One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is the severe lack of nursing staff at the NCN Nursing Station. It was disclosed that, instead of the necessary 12 to 14 permanent nurses, the station only has an average of 2 to 3 nurses available at any given time. This woeful overwhelming workloads for the nurses, who are being stretched to their limits and beyond in their efforts to care for the community. Beyond the shortage of nursing staff, the living conditions for the nurses are also a cause for great con-
cern. Wright spoke about the inadequate and unsafe living quarters for the nurses, citing a recent break-in at the head nurse's residence. Despite repeated requests for security upgrades, such as the installation of security cameras, these pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The lack of support from the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) has only exacerbated the already dire situation.
The repercussions of the nursing station's closure and
the broader healthcare crisis have been gravely felt by the community. Wright recounted the heartbreaking story of a councilor's granddaughter, who was initially provided with inadequate care for a persistent fever at the nursing station. Subsequent treatment at the understaffed and underfunded Thompson General Hospital revealed a urinary tract infection and an ear infection, highlighting the life-threatening consequences of inadequate healthcare provision.
Furthermore, the community has been plagued
by a surge in violent incidents, including attacks with deadly weapons such as machetes. These disturbing events have left individuals with severe injuries and have further strained the capacity of the nursing station to provide essential medical care to those in need.
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The situation reached a distressing climax on June 24, 2024, when the nursing station in Chemawawin Cree Nation was deliberately set ablaze, a tragic act of arson that has only added to the turmoil and challenges faced by the community and its healthcare providers. Just weeks later, on July 13, the residence of the head nurse in NCN was broken into, with valuable items stolen. This pattern of security breaches has contributed to an environment of fear and unease among the nurses, who are being denied the basic security measures necessary for their protection and well-being.
In light of these deeply troubling developments, urgent and critical intervention is imperative to address the multifacetedwayasihk Cree Nation. The failure of ISC and FNIHB to adequately fund the nursing station and provide essential support and resources has had disastrous consequences for the community and its frontline healthcare workers. It is clear that without immediate action, the health and safety of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation will continue to be in jeopardy. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Crisis: Nurses and Patients in Desperate Need of Assistance
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Norway House RCMP seize large quantity of drugs and cash
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.
On June 27, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, the North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, along with Norway House RCMP, the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services, executed a warrant at a residence on Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.
paraphernalia.
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.
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of over $30,000.00 in Canadian currency, 771 grams of crack cocaine, estimated to be worth over $77,000.00, and other drug
Two males from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, 29-yearold Darnel Muswagon and 22-year-old Richard Ducharme, along with 22-year-old DeShawn Whyte of Brampton, Ontario, were charged with Possession for the Purposesion of Property Obtained by Crime.
They were remanded into custody.
Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.
PUZZLE NO.
PUZZLE
PUZZLE NO.
PUZZLE
NCN calls for urgent action amid ongoing healthcare crisis and nurse shortages
Treaty Five Territory, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Mb – A state of emergency is being called due to a shortage of nurses in our nation.
Since September 2023, NCN has had to close its nursing station doors and open services for “emergencies only.”
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is a community with a population of 3500 people and another 2500 living off reserve—three thousand treaty and human right to adequate health care.
Ongoing state of emergency in NCN Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has been in a state of emergency regarding health, violence, housing, and other critical and emergent issues affecting our nation.
As First Nations citizens and governments, we have made countless pleas to all levels of government to alleviate the multi-faceted crisis that NCN and other Manitoba First Nations are facing- to no avail. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has made numerous visits to the legislature and multiple lobbying trips to Ottawa to seek support for our nation.
Thus far, the only change we have seen is that the situation has worsened exponentially. At the same time, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch continues to ignore its mandate to promote better access to healthcare and improve the overall level of health for First Nations and Inuit peoples.
What are the
Our people are suffering due to a severe shortage of nurses, nurses being overworked, and our NCN nursing station being inundated with alcohol and drug-fueled violence-related injuries.
Compromised quality and quantity of care for NCN citizens
The severe, persistent, and seemingly permanent nursing shortage and “emergencies only” situation has led to a situation where the vast majority of our NCN citizens, a large proportion of which are infants, Elders, and people with chronic health conditions- are unable to access medical care.
This is an extraordinarily burden to place on overworked nurses, burnt out, and constantly subjected to verbal and physical violence in the form of swearing, threats, and assaults. However, the nurses are not to blame. First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) are to blame for creating an impossible situation for nurses and healthcare providers. They cannot see all patients who require medical care and are forced to see
only the most urgent and life-threatening emergency cases.
As an example, one of the Councilors took her infant granddaughter to the NCN nursing station with a persistent fever of 40 and was advised to give the baby Tylenol to control the fever. The fever persisted; however, when the baby was still irritable and crying uncontrollably, she decided to get a second opinion by going to emergency at the Thompson General Hospital, where the baby was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and an ear infection. These are severe and potentially life-threatening conditions when left undiagnosed and untreated in a young infant. Endangering the lives of NCN citizens and jeopardizing the lives and safety of Nursing Station nurses
On June 24, 2024, the nursing station in Chemawawin Cree Nation was burned down due to arson by a disgruntled client. On July 13, 2024, the residence of the head nurse in NCN was broken into, and a TV, among other items, was stolen. Sadly, this is residence has experienced a break-in.
Incredibly, our NCN health department has reached out to FNIHB to ask for security cameras, only to be told that “NCN is not a priority”, even after the recent break and enter
Yet, ISC and FNIHB dare to discuss the importance of safety. If nurses are afraid to come live and work or even visit First Nations communities, we will eventually have to close our nursing station permanently.
To improve the safety of nurses and doctors who occasionally visit, several immediate measures are required. We need proper lighting around the nursing station for nurses, a fence around their living quarters, camera systems, and additional security. We desperately need to update conditions for doctors and nurses. We greatly require new furniture and cable, yet the shortfall in funding from FNIHB/ISC poses a severe impediment.
Our First Nations people are suffering, and the lives of others are being jeopardized, as well as the health, safety, and lives of nurses and other front-line healthcare providers- and where is the government? Where is the response to this provincial and nationwide healthcare crisis?
The incidents outlined above are far too frequent and contribute to a “twoway street” situation where some community members are becoming violent, aggressive, and abusive toward nursing station staff, and some nurses have become short and hostile to-
ward patients due to frustration. The nurses have been placed in an impossible situation where they cannot see the high volumes of patients and the emergency and non-emergency medical situations they face daily- including on evenings, weekends, and at all hours of the night and day. Additional pressures shortages and underfunding of the NCN Nursing Station Medical transportation and security have become a severe aggravating factor due to a lack of staff and funding. Lack of consistent to added vulnerability to violence and severe injury for patients, nurses, and nursing station staff.
size should have at least 12 to 14 permanent nurses, but instead, on average, NCN has 2 to 3 nurses at any given time.
Moreover, the NCN Nursing station often has no housekeeping or maintenance staff and only two front desk clerks. While funding exists for these positions, it is so low that low salaries lead to high staff turnover. Our support staff need higher wages and retention purposes, and chronic underfunding seriously impedes hiring and retaining desperately needed support staff.
NCN has submitted proposals for additional security and public health, but we have been repeatedly rejected. For example, a public health proposal was submitted in 2015, yet NCN received funding for only one additional public health nurse, just once. The proposal application was recently denied again—this is a ten-year-old proposal.
NCN medical transportation is primarily responsible for transporting patients to Thompson General Hospital for medical procedures, dialysis, and prenot have the staff, vehicles, begin transporting patients to Thompson to see a doctor or for routine medical appointments. Not to mention that the Burntwood Medical Clinic and Thompson Hospital Emergency are consistently inundated with patients and do not need the added strain of hundreds of patients coming in from NCN every week.
Moreover, the current situation is putting expectant mothers and their unborn babies at risk. Due to the current crisis, expectant mothers should be sent out funding and support must be made available for the same. The emergency-only situation prevents citizens from accessing medical prescriptions and much needed over-the-counter medications. We do not have a pharmacy in NCN, and most NCN citizens do
not have access to private transportation to go to Thompson to access medical services.
Agency Nurses versus FNIHB-funded nurses
In addition, the NCN nursing station cannot afford to compete with agency nurses, who are paid approximately $65 per hour for an RN, whereas FNIHB-funded RNs receive about $45 per hour. Why would a nurse choose to come and work in a First Nations community permanently under these hazardous conditions for $20 less per hour? Moreover, agency nurses can decide when and where they want to work (and for how long) and thus are afforded greater choice hand, permanent nurses are told when, where, and how long they will work. This creates a very unfair situation, whereas if provided with adequate funding, NCN could practice wage parity with nursing agencies.
Alcohol, drugs, and violence as contributing factors
The ever-escalating levels of alcohol, drug, and violence-related incidents are compounding the situation, as many “emergency” situations are related to violent and belligerent individuals who are under the drugs.
Although NCN, MKO, and AMC made repeated pleas to the past provincial government to address the issue of the sale of machetes, bear spray, and other weapons being used to perpetrate violence daily in First Nations, we see no end in sight and our concerns continue to fall upon deaf ears.
Machete and other deadly-weapon incidents are on the rise in NCN. Recently, a young man was attacked with a machete, which resulted in severe injury and required 48 staples to his head. In the last few weeks, another man and a young woman were also the victims of violent, severe attacks involving machetes. These are the types of incidents that the nurses are attending to while others, such as infants and Elders, are being denied critical medical care.
-
ship has advocated tirelessly to all levels of government to work with our nation to address issues pertaining to health care, addictions, poverty, violence, justice, etc. We will not be ignored any longer. The current situation is a disgrace and is expediting the genocide of our people. Case in point: NCN has been waiting for Indigenous Services Canada to fund a desperately needed healthcare facility that has been shovel-ready since 2019- and we are tired of waiting. The Governments of Manitoba and Canada must act now!
Prairie Mountain RCMP search for missing tubers
On July 28, 2024, at approximately 11:50 pm, Prairie Mountain RCMP received a report of four missing youths, aged 16 and 17. Police responded immediately and were able to determine that the four youths, three females and a male, had gone tubing down Shell River, north of Inglis, Manitoba, without telling anyone, and had not yet returned.
RCMP located one of the youth’s vehicles at Inglis Beach and one of the other youth’s vehicles on Provincial Road 589 at the bridge. It was believed they would have started tubing at Provincial Road 589 with the goal being to end up at Inglis Beach. The youths had not been heard from since 2:00 pm on July 28, 2024.
Searchers with RCMP andgency Medical Services. Local crop planes circled the area, local department had their boat in the water, RCMP divers, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Search
the Fire Commissioner were en route, and the RCMP drone was up in the air.
At approximately 4:00 am, the drone located three youths along the river through thermal
imaging. They were not physically injured. The fourth youth, a 16-year-old female, was still missing. The drone found the de-
the river from where the others were located.
in the air, the boat targeted the department began a ground search where the tube was loarea with sirens on, and the fourth missing youth came out of the bush to the sound of the siren at approximately 9:30 am. She had minor physical injuries and was transported to hospital.
None of the youths had been
that alcohol was involved.
“This ended much better than it could have,” said Corporal Brett Church of the Prairie Mountain RCMP. “If you are heading out on the water, you need to tell someone where you are going to be is also important to recognize that water is unpredictable and that a will not save your life if you get into trouble on the water. Please be careful out there.”
Manitoba RCMP investigation leads to significant seizure of drugs
On July 25, 2024, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, officers from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET) and the East District RCMP Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), arrested three individuals at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
The three individuals, all from Winnipeg, were attempting to board a flight to Island Lake, Manitoba,
when they were arrested.
A search of the suspects resulted in the seizure of 203 grams of cocaine, 148 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of fentanyl and Canadian currency.
Christopher Lima, 19, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Breaching his Release Order. He was remanded into custody.
Robert Victor Felix,
34, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Fentanyl. He was remanded into custody.
A 26-year-old female is facing a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2. She was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
RCMP continue to investigate.
“Such a large amount of drugs destined for
the small community of Island Lake could have had severe impacts on the people there, both in terms of addictions as well as violent crime that comes hand-in-hand with drugs,” said Corporal Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. “We’ve seen first-hand how drugs destroy lives and communities, and we are committed to disrupting the flow of these drugs to our communities.”
Selkirk RCMP respond to motorcycle struck in a hit and run collision
On July 29, 2024, at approximately 12:45 am, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a motorcycle collision on Highway 44, located approximately one kilometer east of Highway 59.
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Investigators have determined that the motorcycle, being driven by a 24-yearold male from Winnipeg, was travelling westbound on Highway 44 when he was struck from behind by a pickup truck which failed to remain at the scene of the collision.
Information obtained on
Officers responded to the scene and located the motorcycle driver with life-threatening injuries who was transported to hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Blue Hills RCMP respond to fatal collision
On July 25, 2024, at approximately 10:30 pm, Blue Hills RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle fatal collision on Highway 1, just west of Brandon in the SUV was on its roof with one person remaining in the vehicle and one person having exited.
Investigation has determined that a Manitoba Motor westbound on Highway 1 through the red light at 18th
stop. The SUV sped up and then struck the rear of a westbound semi-trailer, causing the SUV to roll onto its roof.
The 37-year-old male driver from Thunder Bay, Ontario was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The 55-year-old male passenger from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation was pronounced deceased on scene.
The investigation continues with the assistance of the RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstruction team and the Criminal Collision Investigative Team.
dress located on Henderson Highway where the suspect vehicle was located with the driver asleep at the wheel.
RCMP arrested the 30-year-old male driver for Impaired Driving Causing Bodily Harm and transported him back to the Selkirk RCMP Detachment where he provided samples of his breath for analysis.
The 30-year-old male was later released from police custody for a court date scheduled for November 8, 2024, in Selkirk, where he will face charges of Operation while Impaired over 80 mg% Causing Bodily Harm and Failure to Stop after Accident resulting in Bodily Harm.
Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.
RCMP photo
Nutella brings Pisew Falls to breakfast tables across Canada
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN
This summer, Nutella is bringing the beauty of Canada right to your breakfast table with its “Savour the Beauty of Canada” campaign. This year, Nutella is celebrating Canada's “hidden gems”, featuring 13 stunning landscapes on limited edition jars, and we're excited to share that Manitoba's Pisew Falls, has been featured on one of these special jars.
To honor this beautiful landscape, Nutella has created a special recipe inspired by Cookies Topped With Nutella®. You can
interactive map showcasing all 13 jars and their corresponding recipes at Nutella.com. for its breathtaking natural beauty and its off-the-beaten-path locales some Canadians the Beauty of Canada” campaign aims to highlight these lesser known, yet stunning, locations across the country, encouraging Canadians to appreciate the diverse beauty found in every province and territory. Pisew Falls perfectly embodies the spirit of this campaign with its awe-inspiring scenery and serene atmosphere”
“Pisew Falls came to our attention through extensive research, since ally looking for locations that were lesser known but rich in natural beauty and cultural sig due to its majestic waterfalls, rich natural surroundings, and the sense of
natural splendor and truly felt like a ‘hidden Canadians”
“The jars will be available in stores across Canada for a limited time only, while supplies last. Be sure to grab your jar featuring Pisew Falls before they're gone!”
Nutella has featured 13 locations in total on their limited edition jars this year, including Manitoba's Pisew Falls. Each location was carefully chosen for its unique
Skerwink Trail, NL: Renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and rugged cliffs, and stunning coastline.
Cameron Falls, NT: Features a beautiful waterfall set in the tranquil wilderness of the Northwest Territories, showcasing the Blue Rocks, NS: A charming coastal village with unique rock formations, Blue
maritime charm.
Island offers a glimpse into the majestic and untouched wilderness of Nunavut.
Cheltenham Badlands, ON: Notable for its striking red clay formations, the Cheltenham Badlands are a unique and fascinating geological feature in Ontario.
Thunder Cove Beach, PE: Known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and sandy shores, Thunder Cove Beach is a picturesque location on Prince Edward Island.
Castle Butte, SK: A prominent landmark in the prairies with rich geological history, Castle Butte stands as a testament to Sas-
Carcross Desert, YT: The smallest desert in the world, this unique landscape in the Yukon offers a surprising and captivating sight.
Isle-Aux-Grues, QC: Features scenic views and rich biodiversity, Isle-AuxGrues is a beautiful island in Quebec known for its natural beauty and eco-
“This is the second year for Savour the Beauty of Canada with Nutella, which was originally adapted from a global brand campaign. The campaign is meant to encourage Can-
while discovering new ways to enjoy focused on well-known, iconic Canadian destinations, this summer, our 13 limited-edition jars showcase our are off the beaten path – pairing them with uniqueness”
