July 12 2024 by Thompson Citizen

Nickel Belt News

UCN Convocation 2024: celebrating resilience and achievement

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

BY JASRAJ KULLAR VALEDICTORIAN

Good afternoon, fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, family, and friends. My name is Jaz; as this year’s 2024 Valedictorian, I am honored to welcome you all to this prestigious occasion, our graduation ceremony.

Today marks the end of a chapter in our lives and the beginning of a new one. I cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia for all the memories we’ve made and a sense of commitment to the future that lies ahead of us. In the past four years, we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown together. We’ve experienced moments of triumph and moments of

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

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.

defeat. But we learned from our lessons and defeats, and succeeded, which has brought us together at the end of each of our journeys.

“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, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and conﬁdence in my writing. I write very clear and that’s it. It’s there. Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend

We were just a bunch of frst years, some of us having no clue what we were doing, trying to fnd our way through this maze; which classes to sign up for, how to sign up for classes, which friends to choose, which study groups to join, and fnally counting how many hours of sleep we were going to get tonight.

Some of us, including myself, entered university at the beginning of COVID. It was a scary time both academically and personally. All of the classes were online. We

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.

‘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.

“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 always wanted my mom to do. My mom’s an elder and she’s an artist, she’s got so many wonderful stories because she always tells her stories at Parks Canada in Churchill and I’ve always hounded her, ‘Please, just put it on tape, I will write it for you because your story is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,

had no human interaction, we did not know how our peers looked, how they talked, and how our professors looked in person. On top of all that, it was pretty nerve-wracking writing our exams online and not in person, as it was many of our frst times writing any exam online. But like everything in life, we learned, adapted, and succeeded. We never gave up hope even when times seemed tough. We all carried our weight and pushed through to the end of the tunnel because we all had one common dream: fnishing university and getting a degree in the profession we chose for ourselves.

The best part is, none 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 I did all that before I was 27,’ and they went ‘What?’” Looking back, some of those experiences are things she might not do again.

“I did some pretty bizarre stuff like fuel hauls into the high Arctic at -35,” said deMeulles. “It didn’t dawn on me until after. That was a very dangerous thing to do. Being on a plane full of fuel

us had a normal life. We all had unique and individual life paths. The things you’ve gone through, nobody on the planet has gone through. You lived certain experiences: the school you went to, the time you failed a test, the time you discovered ChatGPT. Every single thing is unique like a fngerprint, a completely unique life that belongs to you. The one thing to understand is it’s just you; no one else can do the work for you. No one else can go through all the challenges life has in store for you. Nobody but you. But the beautiful thing about that is when you fnally make it, the glory on the other side will be all yours, so never let anyone take that

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.’” Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill since the Hudson Bay Railway suspended operations north of Gillam last spring.

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

away from you.

“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?

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.

“It used to be a really thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down to such a small population now,” deMeulles says. Though she’s not there any longer, her parents and her sister and other family members still are.

“My cousin owns the hardware store there,” she says. Because of that, deMeulles ﬁnds it hard to

We all know good times don’t last forever, nor do the bad times. They’re gonna come and go, and you just have to be ready and ride that storm, and enjoy it for what it is. A quote that really struck me goes like this: “Sometimes we’re so focused on the future that we don’t realize we’re in the midst of what we used to pray for.”

I think right now they’re feeling like they’re pawns in a political game and that’s really sad for them because I think the people of Churchill really want to thrive.

They’ve built their worlds there. How would we feel if someone came to you and said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to leave your home community and we’re going to displace you somewhere else and all your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

The one thing I’ve learned over the past four years is there is only one thing on the planet you actually have control over. You can’t control the weather. You can’t control your health. You can’t control other people. The only thing you can real-

“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 small and you feel great.”

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

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

ly, truly control is what you think. That is the only thing you can change in real time. You can be thinking of red and change it to blue. So take control of your mind and start living the life you want. Or, at least, it’s a good place to start. So, to my fellow graduates and everyone who has come here to support us, let us celebrate our accomplishments. As we close this chapter, let us remember that our greatest accomplishments are not just the degrees we earned today, but are the keys to unlocking our full potential.

Thank you, and congratulations to the graduating class of 2024.

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960

Photo courtesy of UCN

UCN Convocation 2024: Valedictorian Jasraj Kullar delivers an inspiring speech, celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of the graduating class.

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill.

Thompson RCMP search leads to seizure of cash and drugs

On June 28, 2024, as a result of an ongoing investigation, RCMP offcers with the Thompson General Investigation Section (GIS), along with assistance from the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Police Dog Services (PDS), North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST) and Thompson Detachment, executed a series of search warrants at four separate locations within the City of Thompson, in relation to the traffcking of cocaine.

As a result of the search warrants, offcers seized approximately $250,000

in cash, a small quantity of crack cocaine, numerous cell phones and other drug-related paraphernalia.

Juqjuan Darling, 28, of Mississauga, ON, Nathaniel Evans, 28, of Toronto, ON, and John Miffin, 37, of Thompson, were remanded into custody on several charges including Possession for

the Purpose of Traffcking.

A 32-year-old female, from Thompson, was arrested and later released for court scheduled for August 23, 2024, in Thompon, where she will face a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Traffcking.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

TOMLINDSEY

MLA FOR FLIN FLON CONSTITUENCY

REPRESENTING: Black Sturgeon Falls,Brochet,ColdLake/Sherridon, Cranberr yPortage, Cross lake,Flin Flon, HerbLake Landing, LacBrochet, LeafRapids, Lynn Lake, Norway House, Pukatawagan, SnowLake, SouthIndian Lake, Tadoule Lake

ConstituencyOffce:

93 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB.

HOURS: Mon–Fri, 9am– 4pm

PHONE: 204-687-3246

FAX: 204-687-5649

EMAIL: tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca

COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICERS

TheCity of Thompson invites qualiﬁed applicantstosubmit aresume for consideration for the full-time position of Community Safety Ofﬁcer.

The Community Safety Ofﬁcer (CSO)isresponsible forenforcing theprovision of bylaws passed by Council and of appointed statutes. The CSO assists andworks cooperatively with the RCMP and other stakeholders,using acollaborative enforcementmodel.The CSO is responsible for enforcement, prevention, inter vention, and education of applicable legislation, with an emphasis on the Downtown area.

Duties include conducting patrols withinthe community,investigating andresponding to by-law complaints, ensuring resolution either byeducationand redirectionorticketing, explainingand interpreting policies and regulations to public andAdministration, maintenance of documentsand ﬁles, preparation of notices, summonses, and legal documents,maintainingthe conﬁdentiality of allinformation.

In addition to the minimum qualiﬁcationslisted on theCityofThompson website, the right candidate will have superior interpersonal skills, with emphasis on effective communication and conﬂict resolution,excellent oral and written communication with afocusoncustomerser vice andpublic relations, demonstrated ability tomaintain aprofessional manner and make sound decisions under stressful public conditions,demonstrated knowledge of issues facing hardto-ser ve populations, including but notlimitedto: homelessness, addictions, crime prevention, andpublic safety,demonstrated understanding of thesocial rootsofcrime, and knowledge of communityresources

The City of Thompson offersacomprehensivebeneﬁtsprogram andcompetitive salar y. Please review the detailed list of qualiﬁcationsatwww.cotjobs.ca

Applications outlining education, experience, qualifications andreferences will be accepteduntil the position is filled. Applications areavailableonline at www.cotjobs.ca or at City Hall. Those interested may apply in confidence to:

HR Manager

City of Thompson -226 Mystery Lake Road Thompson, Manitoba RSN 156 FAX: {204) 677-7981 E-Mail: osalau@thompson.ca

We thank all applicantsfor their interest,however,only thoseselectedfor an inter view will be contacted. Those requiring assistancewith the application processshould call 204-677-7924

Thompson RCMP respond to collision

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 2:55 am, RCMP responded to a collision on Baffn Crescent, in Thompson. It was reported that a vehicle had driven into the front of a home.

Offcers attended and located the vehicle which had caused signifcant damage to the home. The occupants of the vehicle had fed. There was no one inside the home at the time of the collision.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

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

The successful candida teswill ha ve Grade 12 or higher and hold aValid Class 3MBDriver’sLicense with Air Brake Endorsement and have the ability to operate all equipment as per the job description.

Thesuccessful candidates require demonstrated experience operating avariety of equipment, with speciﬁc emphasis on trucks, loaders, rollers and sweepers.

The CityofThompson offers an extensive beneﬁts package for thisfull-time position,witha starting rate of $27.63 perhour

Pl eas es end detailed res umes out lining experience, education, qualiﬁcations and references by Friday,July 19, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. to:

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

FAX: (204) 677-7981

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

Applications are available at City Hall or onlineatwww.thompson.ca

We thank all applicants fortheir interest, ho wever,only those selected for an inter view will be contacted. Those requiring assistance with the application process should call204-677-7924

The City of Thompson is committed to providing asuperior quality of life and unlimited opportunities. We are dedicated to supporting healthy growth and our northern urban lifestyle while providing our residentswithhigh quality municipal ser vices and facilities.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

ThompsonCit yCouncil is currentlyonits summer schedule.Thereare no Commit tee of the Whole meetingsorRegularMeetings of Council forthe remainder of July.The next scheduledCommit teeofthe Whole meeting is on Tuesday,A ugust 6at7 p.m. in Cit yHall. The public is welcome to at tend. The meeting will be livestreamedonFacebook ,YouTube andX andisalsobroadcastonRogersT V Channel 11.

Upcoming meeting agendasare available on the Cit yofThompsonwebsitethe Friday beforethe meeting at ht tps://www thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previousmeetingsare alsoavailable there.

Stay informedonthe go through ThompsonConnect

To get impor tant notices about thingslike road closures ,boil wateradvisoriesand watershutof fs sent direc tlytoyour phone register forour direc tcommunication sy stem ThompsonConnect

Not the first time city has tried to run urban highway through neighbourhood–Resident’s group considering legal action

BY PATRICK HARNEY LEAF FILES, LOCAL JOURNALISM

INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE LEAF

The Executive Policy Committee (EPC) meeting on June 18th saw more comments on the proposed Transit Master Plan from Wolseley residents. Despite a further round of delegations, the EPC has put the Master Plan through with no changes.

Among the delegations at the June 18th meeting was Molly McCraken, a Wolseley Resident living on Arlington Street. She reiterated the concerns the Wolseley residents voiced at the previous public works meeting, such as the tension between the Wolseley Street Greenway and increased transit and the effects of the #10 bus’ cancellation.

She discussed concerns regarding Arlington Street’s ability to manage an increased load of buses. McCraken brought up statistics from the City’s Transportation Manual which states that minor collector streets must have a 22 metres of right of way with 10 metres of road curb-to-curb. Arlington, in its current state, has a 17 metres of right of way with 9 metres curb-to-curb.

Additionally, the street is currently in ‘fair’ condition and the City has not set money aside in their budget to repair the streets.

McCraken says she whole-heartedly supports public transit, but that for this plan to be successful “it has to be sustainable.”

She also pointed out that this is not the frst instance of the City of Winnipeg attempting to turn Arlington into an urban highway.

In a 2022 article for the Winnipeg Free Press, local historian Christian Cassidy discussed the 1906 unifcation of Arlington Street, Brant Street and Brown Street to create the Arlington as seen today, and develop a thoroughfare,

alternative to Main Street.

The plan called for a bridge at the north end of the route, and a second that would cross the Assiniboine river at its southern end.

The construction of a south Arlington bridge was intended for street car access but local politicians and citizens opposed rendering the street an urban highway.

“100 years ago, when this portion of the city was being built, the population around Arlington south of Portage organized regarding the consideration of street cars. At that point, the local councillors rejected this street being used as a traffc thoroughfare,” McCraken said. “I’m asking you to uphold this decision.”

At the EPC, McCraken said that Arlington residents are considering legal action.

Residents Greg Wilson and Anne McConkey also raised their concern with children using the greenway on their bikes, skateboards, or travelling in strollers with the increased traffc the buses would bring.

“Kids don’t always listen and follow the rules. As an elementary school teacher I know that students often run out to meet their parents,” said Wilson.

Chair of the EPC Janice Lukes asked Wilson if he knew that Transit could make adjustments after a one year trial, if there were any safety needs.

“So then it would only be one year of an unsafe situation,” Wilson replied.

“Arlington and Wolseley are narrow congested streets. When people cross at Wolseley and Maryland at rush hour often takes 10 to 20 minutes to turn at the corner, said McConkey.

“One of the real issues here is the lack of fnancial investment in public transit. Its very unfortunate, a tragedy really, that transit has been asked to revamp

UCN is buildingbetterfutures fora stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northerncommunities andits people offering more than fortyacademicdegrees, diploma, andcertiﬁcateprograms.

We committoofferinga safe,welcoming,and inclusivework environment whereinnovation andcreativityiswelcomed. We offera generousTotal Compensation Package with health beneﬁts,a greatpensionplanalong with theopportunity for personal andprofessional growth

HE ALTH CAR EA ID E

CO LLE GE IN ST RU CTOR

FacultyofHealth

Full-time,TermPosition

August19, 2024,toJuly4,202

Thompson,Manitoba

CompetitionNo: 24-09

ClosingDate: July 19, 2024

the entire system with no increase in funding. Meanwhile the city is considering spending hundreds of millions expanding Kenaston.”

“If even a small portion of this money was invested in public transit more people could be served in a way that is environmentally sustainable… a smaller transit bus would cost about a million. To put that into perspective, it is less than 0.2% of the Kenaston proposal,” McConkey added.

Throughout this process, Councillor Cindy Gilroy has been trying to advocate for Wolseley residents within the city council. Now, with the transit plan going through, Coun. Gilroy will be doing her best to gain some ground for concerned Arlington residents.

“I’ll have to fght to try to get that road fxed,” Coun.

Gilroy says. “I have asked EPC through email, if they are going to let this go through, at least look at the road.” While the Council still has to vote on the Master Plan, it looks unlikely that any major changes to the route will be made at this stage.

The response of Wolseley residents shows the importance of public consultation in major works like transit and may be an indication of future challenges for Winnipegger along the new transit line, especially those on Morley Avenue and Cathedral Avenue which have similar issues.

“I wish there was better consultation and I wish that the community had a little more voice, understanding the impacts on the greenway,” Coun. Gilroy says.

“I feel that was really lack-

UCN is buildingbetterfutures fora stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northerncommunities andits people offering more than fortyacademicdegrees, diploma, andcertiﬁcateprograms.

ing and lost from the public service.”

On June 27th, Council passed the transit plan 15 to 1, but councillors spoke up against the quality of consultation, the absence of independent assessment and the lack of funding to expand the route rather than just make it more effcient.

“Residents will see this as a cut in service,” Coun. Wyatt said. “I don’t think

the homework has been done here properly and we’re rolling out a plan and we’re going to be doing a lot of damage control, especially in the frst winter of 2025.”

“Residents were really concerned … and I still share their concern,” Coun. Gilroy said in council. “However, this overall plan for the city is going to be valuable.”

NOTICE

In the matter of the Estate of George Oscar Anderson, late of Nelson House, in the Province of Manitoba All claims against the above estate,dulyverifed byStatutory Declaration, must be fled with the undersigned at their offces at 154 FischerAvenue, P.O. Box 3772, The Pas, Manitoba,R9A 1S4, on or beforethe 28th day of August, A.D. 2024.

Dated at the Town of The Pas,inthe Provinceof Manitoba, this 8day of July,A.D. 2024.

Zaharia LawOffce Solicitor for theExecutor

UCN is building better futures for astrongerNorth. UCN provides learning opportunities to northerncommunities andits people offering morethan forty academic degrees, diploma, andcertiﬁcate programs.

We commit to offering asafe, welcoming, andinclusive work environment whereinnovation andcreativityiswelcomed. We offera generousTotal Compensation Packagewithhealth beneﬁts,a greatpensionplanalong with theopportunity for personal andprofessional growth

ALTH CARE AI DE

CO LL EG EI NS TR UCTOR

FacultyofHealth

Full-time,TermPosition August19, 2024, to January 1,202

The Pas, Manitoba

CompetitionNo: 24-09

ClosingDate: July 19,2024

Please visitour websitefor more detailedinformation about UCN andthisemploymentopportunity.Athttp://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”,and select from thelistofpositions to view.Thank youfor your interest in UCN

Please visitour websitefor more detailedinformation about UCN andthisemployment opportunity.Athttp://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”,and select from thelistofpositions to view.Thank youfor your interest in UCN

We commit to offering asafe, welcoming, and inclusivework environmentwhereinnovationand creativity is welcomed.We offer agenerous Total Compensation Package with health beneﬁts, agreat pension plan along with the opportunityfor personaland professional growth.

ALTH CAR EA ID E

CO LLE GE IN ST RU CTOR

FacultyofHealth

Part-Time, Term Position

The Pas, Manitoba

CompetitionNo: 24-077

ClosingDate: July 19,2024 (extended)

Please visit our website for moredetailedinformation about UCN and this employment opportunity.Athttp://www.ucn.ca select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positionsto view.Thank you for your interest in UCN.

Photo by Sean Ledwich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Number 10 bus to be cut in transit plan that will run

OPINION

board opts for status quo, way will city council go?

many of the people opposed to the plan are the regular critics of council who attend meetings and ask their elected officials questions week after week, their opinions may not be enough to dissuade the majority from forging ahead, especially since the number of people who care about this one way or another doesn’t even reach double digits. Whether or not the number of councillors or school board trustees should be reduced is not the sort of question for which there is a right or wrong answer. On the pro side of keeping the current numbers, the option that all but one of the school board members opted for, is the argument that it spreads the

SHOAL LAKE — Riding Mountain MLA Greg Nesbitt is inviting Manitobans to submit their designs for the new Manitoba parks specialty licence plate.

“Manitoba is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful parks and many incredible artists,” said Nesbitt. “This is an exciting frst step in a collaborative process to create what will surely be Canada’s most beautiful licence plate.”

The specialty licence plates are being developed after Bill 211, sponsored by Nesbitt, received Royal

ing 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.

Assent in the Legislature in June. Proceeds from sales of the plates will support Manitoba’s Provincial Parks Endowment Funds, which were established in 2021 to encourage philanthropic contributions and enable the province to follow the wishes of donors who want to leave a legacy of support for Manitoba’s provincial parks.

These funds generate as much as $1 million annually for local projects that improve trails, open accessibility, build new playgrounds, restore habi-

One of the arguments

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.

tats, protect cultural sites, and invest in other critical park infrastructure to enrich visitor experiences.

Artwork for the specialty plates can be created using a variety of mediums, including photography, graphic design, paintings, or a combination of styles, Nesbitt said.

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

Designs can be submitted electronically at pcmbcaucus.com/parksplate or by emailing Parks.Plate@leg. gov.mb.ca. The deadline to submit is August 16, 2024, with a winning design selected and announced

themselves with any particular side, because right now, the number of opinions on council is generally two – for and against.

Help design Manitoba’s new Parks licence plate

out 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?

later this fall.

YOUR THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS TEAM

Nesbitt says he is committed to working with

Manitoba Public Insurance, stakeholders, and the public to launch the new licence

plates in time for the 2025 camping and summer tourism season.

Noah Cooke Publisher

Matthias J. Johnson Staff Reporter

RCMP bust child exploitation ring and warn of others

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

On July 9, RCMP informed the public of a series of arrests made in Portage la Prairie involving drug and human traffcking as well as possession and production of child pornography. Police say that at least three female victims were exploited ranging in age from 13 and 15.

The RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) has made seven arrests with a total of 65 charges between them.

Authorities also warn there are likely many more such human trafficking rings around the province and ask the public to be vigilant.

“If you think this is not happening in your community, you are wrong,” says Constable Kirandeep Hira with the ICE unit. “This is human traffcking and it is happening all over Manitoba. We all need to do our part to protect those victimized by traffckers. If you see something, say something. Those engaged in the production or exchange of child pornography are also throughout our province and we are dedicated to enforcing against anyone who exploits children.”

Investigation of the crimes began on February 2, 2024 when the RCMP was notifed by a suspicious observer that a young girl was spotted in Portage accompanied by older men.

Officers were able to locate the 15-year-old girl along with an additional female of the same age and confrmed that they were victims of sex traffcking.

Over the course of the next four months, ten search warrants were carried out.

A full investigation revealed that the two young women had been befriended by an adult female who had invited them to hang out with some of her friends. Trusting the female, the girls were taken to a variety of residences between June

to December of 2023.

At each location, an adult male was present, offering the girls drugs in exchange for sexual acts. On many occasions, the girls were locked in the building by the adult female, preventing their escape.

The adult female received payment from the male perpetrators in the form of drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine.

“The exploitation included the adult males sending nude photos to the two youth and requiring photos of the two youth,” the RCMP release states. “As well, telecommunications between several of the males and the adult female took place via Snapchat or Facebook Messenger to groom or procure services from the youths.”

During the search warrants, RCMP seized a large quantity of illegal drugs as well as 13 frearms, including rifes and shotguns.

Charged is 43-year-old Chasity Nicole Assiniboine for child luring, traffcking, and beneftting from sexual services provided by someone who is under 18.

Six men were arrested, ranging in age from 34 to 44. They include David Guy Howard Taylor, Scott Joseph Taylor, Wesley Clayton Roulette, Frank Peter Justin Tecza, Alexander Paul Lidster, and Sean Michael Boak.

Charges for the latter two men include possession of child pornography and the printing, publishing, or making of child pornography. All of the accused are known to each other.

“Investigators do believe there are more victims and survivors,” says Inspector Shawn Pike, Investigative Services Offcer for RCMP Major Crime Services. “Information has led offcers to know that a currently unidentifed 13or 14-year-old female was also exploited by this group. We ask anybody who knows anything about this operation, or is a survivor of it, to please call the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 204-984-3129.”

In the meantime, the investigation continues.

RCMP media relations offcer Tara Seel says that this crime ring was stopped and the victims saved thanks to a couple of vigilant Portage citizens who reported what seemed like a suspicious sight.

She strongly urges residents everywhere to not stay silent when such circumstances are observed.

“I really think knowing the signs to look for include anything that seems out of the ordinary,” Seel said at a July 9 press release. “If anything’s raising your suspicions and just doesn’t seem right, there’s no harm in calling and just saying, ‘This is what I saw. This is what I feel.’”

For anyone in need of resources, Klinic Community Health has a 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631 or toll free at 1-888-292-7565. Klinic can also help those wishing to make a third-party report of sexual assault, meaning that survivors can report the sexual assault to a recognized third party, such as Klinic, and that crime is then reported by Klinic to the police without the survivor’s identifying information. Reporting can also take place through Cybertip.ca.

NOTICE

OF BY-ELECTION

OF THOMPSON AND SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MYSTERYLAKE

Notceisherebygiven that avoteofCityofThompsonand School District of MysteryLakewillbetaken to elect1 City Councillorand 1School Trustee.

VOTING PLACES:

Votngplaceswillbeopenfor votngonTuesday the10thday of September2024 between 8:00 a.m. and8:00p.m.atthe Bill Comaskey WellnessCentrelocated in theThompsonRegional Community Centre

IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE BEINGALLOWED TO VOTE Apersonwill be requiredtoproduce onepiece of government issued photoidentfcaton (for example– driver ’s license or passport) or at leasttwo otherdocuments that provide proof of identty.

ADVANCEVOTING:

For thepurpose of accommodatngpersons whoare qualifed to vote, but whohavereasontobelieve that they will be absent or otherwiseunabletoatend theirpropervotng placeonelecton day, an advancevotng opportunity will be locatedatthe Bill Comaskey WellnessCentrelocated in theThompsonRegional Community Centre andwillbeopenSeptember 4between 8:00 a.m. and8:00p.m

NormaHowit

SEO City of Thompson andSchool District of MysteryLake Phone: (204) 679-4848

NO PERSON OR CHILDUNDER THEAGE OF 18 YEARSWILLBE ALLOWEDATTHE VOTING PLACES

“Hyper energetic,” “Energetical” -Young DJs bring their inspiration to Sakihiwe festival

BY PATRICK HARNEY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER,

THE LEAF

On the weekend of June 29th, and 30th, three of Winnipeg’s youngest DJs took the stage at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre and Central Park outdoor stage as a part of Sākihiwē festival.

Going by their pseudonyms, DJ Und3adrat, DJ Fallen and DJ Sierra, these three DJs have been honed their skills, scratching, mixing and matching tracts, in workshops hosted by Spence Neighbourhood Association.

The workshops have given them access to equipment as well as guidance from leaders, including 2016 DMC DJ championship winner DJ Brace and local legend Mama Cutsworth.

For the past couple years, they have had the opportunity to perform at community barbeques and spring

clean ups, but Sākihiwē marked their first time playing outside of community centres.

“My life revolves around music,” DJ Fallen says. When discussing their infuences, DJ Sierra emphatically replies “Skrillex” and says that their set will be “hyper energetic” which DJ Fallen coins as “energetical.”

“It’s fun learning, it’s experimental,” DJ Fallen says. “Like you gotta mix different vials of chemicals together, BPMs and keys.”

These workshops have not only taught them how to mix tracks as a DJ, but also taught them the ins and outs of being a professional performer, such as how to work out contracts and collect invoices.

The idea to purchase a turntable and begin developing young DJs came from Apid Gurung, a Youth & Family Program Manager at Spence Neighbourhood

THOMPSON CENTRALOFFICE (TCO)

79 MCGILL PLACE, THOMPSON,MB

Positon: Awasis EmergencyPlacement Resource (EPR) House Manager(HM)

One(1) Full Time Permanentpositon

Summary of Positon:

Reportng to theDirectorofFosterCare, theAwasisEmergency PlacementResources (EPR)House Manager(HM)isresponsible forthe overallsupervisionand management of theagency’sEPR program. TheEPR-HMwill ensure that thesafetyand needsof childrenplacedinthe home aremet in aculturally appropriate manner. TheEPR-HMisresponsible forthe scheduling of staﬀ and ensuresproperstaﬃngratos areinplace.The EPR-HM maybe requiredtoworkeveningsand weekends

Qualiﬁcatons:

•Mustbe18years of ageorolder

•MustbeCPR/First AidCertﬁed.(will train)

• 2+ yearsworking knowledge of Childand Family Services Standardsand Regulatons

•Child Welfaresupervisoryand training experience

•Experienceworking with childrenand youth.

• Possession of avalid driver ’s license andaccesstoa private vehiclefor day-to-day jobperformance duetorunning errands requiringoccasionaltofrequentlocal travel

• Experience supervisingstaﬀ, including but notlimited to scheduling, managing performance, andproviding directon

• Abilitytoworkcollaboratvelyaspartofa mult-systemicteam.

•Excellent problemsolving andconﬂict resolutonskills

•Eﬀectve interpersonalskills

•Strongorganizatonal andtme management skills

•Excellent writen communicatonskills

•Excellent verbal communicatonskills

•Proﬁcient with Microsof (Wordand Outlook).

WorkingConditons:

• Demonstrated understanding andrespect forIndigenousculture

•Fast-paced, community-based,mult-disciplinarychild welfare environment.

• Conﬁdental environmentwithaccesstohighlysensitve informaton

• SatsfactoryCriminalRecord, Driver ’s Abstract,Child Abuse Registry andPrior Contactchecksprior to startngthe positon andthroughoutemploymentasrequired.

• Abilitytospeak Cree or Dene is an asset.

Salary: Awasis Agency oﬀersa compettvesalaryand employee beneﬁt package. Salary will commensurate with educaton and experience

ClosingDate: Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Awasis Agency provides servicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewill be giventoIndigenous applicants Applicants areencouragedtoself-identfy. Individuals interested in this challengingopportunity please reference CompettonNumber 2024-070 on your resume/cover leterand in thesubjectlineof your email in conﬁdenceto: HumanResources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competton#2024-068

701 Thompson Drive, Thompson,MBR8N 2A2

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

We thank allapplicants whoapply, however, only thoseselectedfor an interviewwillbecontacted Applicants mayrequest reasonableaccommodatonrelated to thematerials or actvites usedthroughout theselectonprocess

Association and former Youth & Family Program Manager Mungala Londe, who is a member of the hiphop group Lytics.

Gurung says that most youth are pushed towards sports, but there weren’t many free, community programs for youth interested in music.

As a result, they ordered the equipment and hired instructors to help individuals learn about how to be a DJ.

“Our end goal is to create local youth superstars,” Gurung says.

However, the young DJ's journeys are diffcult as Gurung says they do not have the money to get the DJs equipment to bring home.

Additionally, there is a lack of funding for music programs and the workshops will have to end after this month.

“The federal government and provincial government see more benefts in sports rather than music programming, I guess,” Gurung says.

“This June will be the last classes and then after

Patrick Harney, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Sakihiwe means “love another” in Cree and the festival helps to promote new talent and bring people together. DJ Fallen works on mixes at the SNA studio space Photo Patrick Harney

that, we have to stop until we get the funding to hire another instructor.”

Despite this being the end, the young DJs are excited to perform.

“I am kind of building anxiety while at the same time we’re also getting hyped,” DJ Sierra says.

WI NNI PEG, MB

Positon: AccountngClerk-Transiton Program(TP)/ Post Majority Support Services (PMSS) One(1) Full-TimePermanent Positon

TheAccountng Clerk-TP/PMSSperformsaccountng dutesrelated to youngpersons whoare/havetransitoned from care with Awasis Agency.The AccountngClerk-TP/PMSS is responsiblefor allﬁnancerelated actvites,including,managingthe PMSS budget forProgramming,Operatons,and IndirectServices. TheAccountng Clerk-TP/PMSSisresponsible forenteringdataand issuecorrect payments to youthaged18-26 approved forAYA extensions and/ or Post Majority Support Services.The AccountngClerk-TP/PMSS is responsiblefor maintainingmonthly spreadsheets andensuring accurate informaton in both theaccountng database FACTSand CFSISdatabase.

Qualiﬁcatons:

•A diplomainaccountng,orBusinessAdministraton

• 1yearofexperiencesupervisingothersinanaccountng department preferable

•3+years of experience workinginanaccountng department; preferably in achild andfamily services environment.

•Demonstratedsuperior skills in usingMicrosofsuite

•Demonstratedabilitytomanageemotonally chargedpeople.

•Abilitytospeak Cree or Dene languages an asset.

WorkingConditons:

•Fast-paced, community-based,mult-disciplinarychild welfare environment.

• Conﬁdental environmentwithaccess to highly sensitve informaton

•Occasionalovertme required in emergencysituatons

• SatsfactoryCriminalRecord, Driver ’s Abstract,Child Abuse Registry andPrior Contactchecksprior to startngthe positon andthroughoutemploymentasrequired.

•Travelapproximately5%oftme

Salary: Awasis Agency oﬀersa compettvesalaryand employee beneﬁt package. Salary will commensurate with educaton and experience

ClosingDate: Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Awasis Agency provides servicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewill be giventoIndigenousapplicants Applicants areencouragedtoself-declare. Individuals interested in this challengingopportunity please reference CompettonNumber 2024-073 on your resume/cover leterand include it in thesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competton#2024-073

701 Thompson Drive, Thompson,MBR8N 2A2 Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

Winnipeggers should look out for DJ Und3adrat, Fallen and Sierra as they have dreams of being the city’s youngest ever DJs and eventually becoming professionals, producers and playing at massive festivals like Tomorrowland in Belgium.

Wethank allapplicants whoapply, however, only thoseselectedfor an interviewwill be contacted. Applicants mayrequest reasonableaccommodatonrelated to thematerials or actvites usedthroughout theselectonprocess PROF ES SI ON AL EM

CENTRALOFFICE (TCO) 701THOMPSONDR, THOMPSON,MB

Positon: FinanceFile Clerk One(1) Full Time Permanentpositon

Summary of Positon:

TheFinance File Clerkworks in theFinance department

Responsibilitesinclude filingfinancialdocuments,matchinginvoices to purchaseordersfor paymentverificaton, openingnew files and labellingcorrectly,and maintainingall files up to date.The Finance File Clerkisdetailoriented, canworkindependently,and workswell in afast-pacedenvironment

Qualiﬁcatons:

•HighSchool Educaton or equivalent

•Somefamiliarity with Microsof oﬃce(Excel, Word andOﬃce Suite)

•1 year experience workinginanoﬃcese ng an asset.

•Class Driver icense

•Demonstratedknowledge of orthern Communites.

•Abilitytospeak andwrite Cree/Deneanasset.

WorkingConditons:

• arge,fast-paced, childwelfare agency

•Professionaloﬃceenvironment

•Access to conﬁdental informaton

• SatsfactoryDriver’sAbstract, Criminal Record,Child Abuse Registry andPrior Contactchecks, priortobeginning work and throughout employment as requested

Salary: Awasis Agency oﬀersa compettvesalaryand employee beneﬁt package. Salary will commensuratewitheducatonand experience

ClosingDate: Tuesday, July 2 , 202

Awasis Agency provides servicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewill be giventoIndigenousapplicants

Applicants areencouragedtoself-identfy. Individuals interested in this challengingopportunity please reference CompettonNumber 2024-07 on your resume/cover leterand in thesubjectlineof your email in conﬁdenceto: HumanResources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competton#2024-07

701 Thompson Drive, Thompson,MBR8N 2A2

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

We thank allapplicants whoapply, however, only thoseselectedfor an interviewwill be contacted. Applicants mayrequest reasonableaccommodaton relatedto thematerials or actvites used throughoutthe selecton process

Manitoba farmers hoping for hot, dry weather to help with rain-soaked fields

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

This growing season has been a frustrating and diffcult one so far for Manitoba farmers, and one producer says he and others are just hoping that there will be enough hot and dry weather in the coming weeks to turn their fortunes around.

“It’s kind of crazy that we went from one extreme to the other in the course of a year,” Jake Eyre, a Minto-area farmer, and current vice president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) said on Friday.

“We saw two years of drought throughout the province, and now it’s safe to say everywhere in the province has received more precipitation this growing season than in the last two years combined.”

Eyre said he grows a wide variety of crops at his farm, but this spring and summer’s relatively wet

weather combined with cool days has created some big issues for farmers across the province, including saturated felds that, in some cases, are so wet they can’t be seeded, as well as crops not growing as well as many had hoped so far.

“It’s not just the precipitation, because we also haven’t really had many days that have been 30 degrees or higher. I think it’s pretty safe to say farmers want some hot and dry weather and any hot and dry weather in the forecast would be a very welcome thing,” Eyre said.

“We would all welcome that.”

He added moisture in the ground is also an issue for farmers, because it makes crops more susceptible to diseases.

“What you see with this kind of moisture is the increased disease pressure with the feld crops, because

UNIT:THOMPSONSERVICE DELIVERY OFFICE (TSDO)

LOCATION:THOMPSON, MB

Positon: Child &Family Services Worker

One(1) Full-Time PermanentPositon

TheChild &Family Services (CFS)Workerimplementsthe policies, procedures andspecific directvesofAwasisAgencyofNorthern Manitoba when workingwithfamiliesand childreninthe field of child protecton. Thedutes includeresponding to community service requestsand carrying acaseloadofprotecton andvoluntary family files.Working collaboratvelywithFamilyEnhancement, andFoster Care,the CFSWorkerconducts interviews andassessments,follows up on allegatons of child protectonissues,maintains regularvisits with clients, ensuresaccurate andtmely documentaton,develops case plans, andpartnerswithcollateralresources

Qualiﬁcatons:

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in childwelfare preferredoranequivalentcombinatonofexperienceand training maybeconsidered.

•Commitmenttocommunity-based servicedelivery.

•Knowledge of CFSlegislaton, standards, andissues an asset.

•Experienceusing Child &Family Services Informaton System (CFSIS)preferred

•A desire to servethe community andworkaspartofa team to keep childrensafe.

•Experienceofdoing assessments,interviews, andcounselling anasset.

•Acceptable writen andverbalcommunicatonskills

• Abilitytoprioritze workloadsand meet deadlines.

• Workingknowledge of Microsof Word,Excel,Teams,and Outlook

• Sensitvity to,and an understanding of FirstNatonsculture andvalues.

• Ability to speakand/orunderstandthe Cree language an asset.

WorkingConditons:

•Fast-pacedoﬃceenvironment

• Access to sensitve informaton forwhich conﬁdentalityis required.

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately 30% of thetme

• Maintain asatsfactory PriorContact check, Child AbuseRegistry Check, Criminal Record Checkand Driver ’s Abstract priorto startngthe positonand throughoutemploymentasrequired.

•Maintaina valid driver ’s license andhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: Awasis Agency endeavorstobeanemployerofchoice, and offersa compettvesalary, generous paidtme off,and an excellent employee benefit package. Salary will commensuratewitheducaton andexperience.

ClosingDate: Wednesday,July24, 2024

Awasis Agency provides servicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewill be giventoIndigenousapplicants Applicants areencouragedtoself-identfy. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompettonNumber 2024-066 on your resume/cover leterand includeitinthe subject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competton#2024-066

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson, MB R8N2A2 Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

things like disease, bacteria, fungus, they like these kinds of wet conditions.”

But if the province continues to see wet weather and consistent rainy days in the coming weeks, Eyre said the issues producers are dealing with now will likely persist.

Eyre said KAP, an organization that advocates for agricultural producers in the province, is also asking farmers to be mindful of their own mental health and to reach out for support if they feel they need to, because he said the unpredictability of weather is one of the reasons farmers often deal with issues of stress, anxiety and depression.

“The thing we depend on the most is the one thing we can’t control, and I have had conversations recently and a lot of people are really feeling it, especially with going from one extreme to

the other,” he said. “So we continue to raise awareness of how mental health has to be at the forefront.

“There has been a lot more acceptances in the industry in the last few years of mental health, and we are seeing more and more conversations around it and willingness for farmers and their families to share their stories and be open about it, because people are realizing maintaining your own mental health is part of your life as a farmer, and an important part of the viability of your operation.

“We expect tractors and combines to run and they need maintenance and they need downtime, but a lot of the time we forget about ourselves, so we need to remember that we also need to replenish and make sure we are looking after ourselves.”

Any agricultural producer or family member that feels

LOCATION:YOR LANDING,MB

Positon: Family EnhancementWorker

One(1) Full-Time PermanentPositon

TheFamily EnhancementWorkerwill providechildrenand families with support services to keep them from entering thechild and family services protectonsystembyproviding preventatveservice opportunitesand resources, facilitatng awarenessand educaton, advocacy andcounselling. Theoverall aimistoengageparents, extended family,and community partners in identfyingproblemsand partcipatnginservicesand supportsthataddressfamilyneeds.The Family EnhancementWorkerwill utlizea contnuum of resources, developcaseplans,coordinatethe resourcesand supportsneeded andarrange linkages/connectonstoother communityresources such as dayprograms, respiteservicesand otherculturally appropriate resources. TheFamily EnhancementWorkerwillpossess andutlize theinterpersonal skills to work with children, families, staﬀ,and collaterals

Qualiﬁcatons:

•BachelorofSocialWorkDegree(BSW) with experience in child welfarepreferred,ora combinaton of experience andtraining

•Commitmenttocommunity-based servicedelivery

•Working knowledgeofCFS legislaton,standardsand issues

• KnowledgeofChild &Family Services Informaton System (CFSIS) an asset

•Assessment, interviewing,and counsellingskills

•Demonstratedwritenand verbal communicatonskills

•Demonstratedcrisisinterventon andcon ict resolutonskills

•A strong work ethicand reliable

•Provenabilitytoprioritze workloadsand meet deadlines

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosofWord, Exceland Outlook

•Self-motvated with theabilitytoworkindependently,aswell as part of apreventon unitteam

• Sensitvity to,and an understandingofFirst Natons culture andvalues

•Abilitytospeak and/or understandthe Cree language would be an asset

WorkingConditons:

•Fast-pacedenvironment

• Conﬁdentalityenvironment with access to sensitve informaton

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately % of thetme

• Maintain asatsfactory PriorContact check, ChildAbuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Checkand Driver ’s Abstract andthroughoutemployment

•Maintaina valid driver ’s license andhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: Awasis Agency oﬀersa compettvesalaryand employee beneﬁt package. Salary will commensuratewitheducatonand experience

ClosingDate: Tuesday, July 2 , 2024

Awasis Agency providesservice to Indigenous children andfamilies, thereforepreferencewill be giventoIndigenousapplicants

Applicants areencouragedtoself-identfy. Individuals interested in this challengingopportunity please reference CompettonNumber 2024-074 on your resume/cover leterand include it in thesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competton#2024-074

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson, MB R8N2A2

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

they need support or someone to talk to can access a variety of mental health services and resources though the not-for-proft Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program at manitobafarmerwellness.

ca, or can contact the Manitoba Farm Rural and Support Services program by contacting 1-866-367-3276. — Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Employment Opportunity

CommunityJustice Worker

Full Time Position –Misipawistik Cree Nation

The Community Justice Worker (CJW) will be an employee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) as partofthe First NationsJustice Strategy(FNJS), which is apartnershipbetween MKO, the Province of Manitoba and the Federal Justice Departments. The FNJS works to improve the current Justice System for MKO First Nation communities by providing alternatives and initiatives to theimplementation of justice. These alternatives will be provided through aRestorative Justiceapproach which are both culturally sensitive and appropriate.

The CJW networks with avariety of internal and external resources that will promote personal growth, healing and reconciliation for both the individual(s) and victim(s) of crime. The CJW will work with their respective community leadership by providingthese alternatives that will helprestore Balance, Harmony, and Peace within the community based on Traditional Indigenous Beliefs, Values,Culture and Teachings.

Roles and Responsibilities

•Work under the supervision of theMKO Justice Programs Manager(s) or designate;

• Manage Pre and Post Charge Diversions,Referralsfrom the Court, Crown or Police;

•Review and assess all referrals/diversionsfor suitability/eligibilityfor Participation in the FNJS;

•Regularly update the Crown, Court and/or Police withregardstothe status of the referred matter(s);

•Advise the Crown/Court and/or Police of all successful/unsuccessful diversion completions;

• Attend training and deliverprogramming in the areas of Family Violence, Anger Management, peace-making, conﬂict resolution,mediation and any other as required;

•Performdaily case management dutiesand maintain aproper ﬁling system;

•Provide written reports to the MKO Program Manager(s) on the status of allclient referrals/diversionsfor tracking andstatistical recording purposes;

•Network with local and external resources as required;

•Adhere to conﬁdentiality with regards to clientrecords and programs, and advise the Program Manager(s)immediately of anyconﬂicts of interests thatmay arise;

• Attend Court sittings regularly and develop on-going working relationships with the Crown, Defense and Police and anyother referral source(s);

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training as provided by MKO;

• Work with the Justice Portfolio Councillor in maintainingorestablishing aJustice Committee and providing updates in the area of Justice to Chief and Council;

•Follow through with anyrecommendations of the Justice Committee, elders, etc., which can include sharing circles, sentencing circles, peace-making process, mediation, conﬂict resolution and anyother as recommended;

•Compliance with all policies, procedures, by-laws and directives of the First Nation Community/Leadership;

•Nations. All staff at MKO maybegiven other dutiesasassigned that enable MKO to fulﬁll the mandate and responsibility to its member communities.

Education and Experience

•Minimum Grade 12 Diploma or equivalency;

• FluencyinCree, Dene, Oji-Cree,orany otherIndigenous language within the MKO region is preferred;

• Strong initiative andability to work independently and as ateammember;

•Strong verbal and written communication skills;

•Experience working in Indigenous and/or northern communities;

•Proﬁcient computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Ofﬁce, Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook;

• Knowledge of issues relatingtoJustice and Policingrelated to First Nations as wellasrestorativejusticepractices;

• Possess avalid Class 5F Manitoba Drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle;

• Must have the ability to travel to various MKO communitiesasrequired, and to work ﬂexible hours;

•SatisfactoryCriminalrecord, child abuseand vulnerable sector checks are required.

Salaryisdependent on qualiﬁcationsand experience

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume,alongwith3 professional referencelistings(includeamost recentemployer reference) to:

Human Resources atemployment@mkonorth.com

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). MKO is anon-proﬁt, political advocacyorganization thatprovides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty,Indigenous, and human rights for citizens of the 26 sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatorytoTreaties 4, 5, 6, and 10. Please visit our website at mkonation.com

High achievements mark graduation ceremony

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

It was only this past week that RD Parker Collegiate celebrated not only the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new journey. The path that has led the students to this moment has been flled with hard work, dedication, and countless moments of growth.

In a display of academic excellence, the recent graduation ceremony at RD Parker saw 36 students graduating with Honors with distinction, with an additional 16 graduating with honors. The event was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the graduating class, with several outstanding individual achievements highlighted.

Anirudh Chhabra was awarded the prestigious School District Trustee Academic Award for his remarkable academic performance, boasting an exceptional average of 99.16%. This accolade acknowledged Chhabra's outstanding performance in specifc grade 12 academic courses, which included English, Math, as well as Physical Education (PE). Notably, the PE credit was a requirement for consideration, despite not being factored into the average calculation due to its pass/fail nature. In addition to these core subjects, Chhabra's next four best grade 12 course marks, taken in any year, were also integral in securing this remarkable achievement.

Alanna Saskowski, another accomplished student, was honored with the School District Trustee Vocational Academic Award in Hairstyling, achieving an impressive average of 90.3%. This award recognized Saskowski's exceptional performance in specifc grade 12 vo-

cational courses, comprising English, Math, and Physical Education (PE), with the additional requirement of having received a technical vocational major certifcate. Notably, as with Chhabra's award, the four best grade 12 vocational course marks taken in any year were taken into account for this award.

Anirudh Chhabra's exceptional academic prowess was further recognized by his receipt of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal, with an outstanding average of 99.06%. This award, with a rich history dating back to 1873, signifes one of the most prestigious accolades attainable

by a student in a Canadian educational institution. The award is based on the student's performance across all grade 11 and grade 12 courses, as listed on the student's offcial transcript of grades issued by the ministry of education. Overall, the graduation ceremony was a testament to

the talent and dedication of the graduating students, with special recognition given to these outstanding academic achievements. As a refection of the commitment to academic excellence, the event served as a source of pride for the school community and an inspiration for future students.

Mayor congratulates 139 graduates at RDPC ceremony

BY COLLEEN SMOOK MAYOR

Congratulations, grads. There are 139 of you. Wow. I had children who graduated between 1988 and 2002. And I went to my grandchild’s kindergarten graduation today at Juniper, so I’m not done yet. We’re still here.

I wanted to talk about the program.

A lot of you are third- and fourth-generation Thompsonites. I was looking at Genevieve’s name and thinking about when her dad, Grandpa Augustino, came to Thompson in the middle

of winter to work in the construction industry from the beautiful country of Portugal. Seeing his granddaughter graduating tonight is absolutely wonderful.

I also have a niece graduating— Miss Amy—she’s third generation. Tom is here tonight, too. This definitely shows that Thompson is growing.

But I think what we really have to acknowledge is the Grand Chief sitting over to my left. This is their territory, and for all you kids from

outlying communities, your parents, grandparents, and guardians entrust you to come to RD Parker. It is truly an honor for us to have you in the city of Thompson.

I also want to acknowledge Councillor Lundmark, a fellow councilor who is also here tonight, with a nephew graduating. It’s just cool.

So, on behalf of all the staff at TRCC and the City of Thompson, my fellow councillors, and myself, congratulations, grads. It’s going to be a great day. Thank you.

Photo by Matthias J. Johnson

Valedictorian

BY DION RYAN VALEDICTORIAN

Good afternoon, everybody. I’ve been told that long valedictorian speeches are boring and repetitive. So I’ll try to keep this short and sweet, just like me. And I’ll leave Parody’s hairline out of it.

There are a lot of people in my life I’d like to thank. Thank you to the premier for the lovely video he sent, thanking all the staff and faculty who made this year one worth remembering. Thank you to all of my teachers who put up with the nonstop talking. Thank you to all my coaches for taking time out of your day to provide guidance. Sports were my favourite part of high school, and none of it would have been possible if Mr. Alcohol hadn’t taken a chance on me. I’d also like to thank all of my friends, the people who have pushed me to become a better person, been there when I needed them most, and given advice I might not have wanted to hear.

But the most important people I want to thank are my parents. They have raised me to become the person I am and have sacrifced so much in their lives to make mine better. My mom is probably somewhere out there crying right now. My dad’s probably wondering how I’m going to wrap this up.

Since the start of the year, I kind of knew I had valedictorian locked in, and I’ve been constantly thinking about what I would say up here. I looked up the best graduation speeches and best valedictorian speeches on YouTube, but found that most of them have the same formula, same monotone voice, same jokes. I want to say something that people remember as they go on with their lives. Maybe if I’m lucky enough, the

speech will be on TikTok, with little games being played underneath it.

My dad told me the only thing he remembered from his graduation was a teacher saying, “Life is like toilet paper; it goes quicker the closer you get to the end.”

So I’m hoping I can give a few pieces of advice worth remembering. In life, a lot of people like to say things like, “I want to be Elon Musk. I want to be LeBron James,” which I can admit, I wanted to be LeBron, but I don’t need to explain why. I ask that you all change your way of thinking. Look to become you. Take that risk, experience something new, and conquer that fear. Life is too damn short to be worrying about if people can see your insecurities. The most valuable thing in the universe is taken for granted all the time, and we only notice when it’s too late.

I’m incredibly proud of what this graduating class has accomplished. During the last COVID year, even lying in bed during all the online classes was easy; it was still a new learning curve and a diffcult change in a lot of our lives. I understand that some people don’t see how hard things can be for you sometimes, but just by being here, it shows perseverance and resilience. Life does not wait for you to get up and keep going. There is no happiness in life without sadness, just like there is no success without failure. We are entering a new, more unpredictable AI-supported world. But everything in our lives has been unpredictable, so I’m sure that you will all stay on your feet and keep striving. That being said, there’s so much more that I could talk about here. I hope I was able to make an impact. Thank you all for your time. Congratulations, RD Parker Class of 2024.

Principal Rempel bids farewell to RDPC at graduation

BONNIE REMPEL RDPC PRINCIPAL

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Class of 2024’s graduation ceremony. I can’t begin without frst expressing my joy at seeing so many loved ones in this room to celebrate the accomplishments of this amazing group of young adults.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this graduating class over the past four, fve, and even six years, and now together, we will be closing the RD Parker door and opening another. For some, they’ll be heading into postsecondary education; for others, right into the workforce. Some may

decide to take a year off, and as for me, retirement is in the cards. With that being said, I wanted to take a moment to thank the graduating class of 2024 for being so kind and respectful over the years, even when their visits to my offce were not the warm and fuzzy kind. They understood that those hard conversations with me came from a place of genuine care and concern for their well-being.

I did receive a little payback this year when the grad prank was to gift wrap my entire offce. Each and everything in my offce was wrapped up. Then I saw there were three or

four presents on my desk and I got a little excited, thinking how thoughtful. But no, it was just my own stuff all wrapped up as presents. Just so you know, it took me well over an hour just to unwrap my desk as I sat beside the twinkling lights from a Christmas tree decorated by my side. Nice job, super prank. Before I end this evening, I want to express how truly honored and grateful I am to have been given the privilege to serve the community of Thompson for the past 32 years in education. My husband and I are moving south, not because we do not love the north, but to be closer to our children.

So, graduating Class of 2024, wherever you may end up in this life, always remember where you came from. Thompson is strong. Thompson is a family. Thompson is resilient. And Thompson is the quiet community that has provided many unbelievable opportunities for so many and will continue to do so for many more years. Speak kindly about where you came from because it’s an important part of who you are. I wish you all that is good in this lifetime. Believe in good things. Believe in people. Believe in yourself, and always choose kindness. Good luck.

Two graduates from Indigenous student transition program celebrate success

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

As the academic year comes to a close, the Brandon University community celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating students, among them, two exceptional individuals who successfully completed their degrees after participating in the university's Indigenous Student Transition Program. This program, introduced in 2020, aims to facilitate a smooth transition for Indigenous students as they embark on their post-secondary education journey at Brandon University (BU).

Lauren Letexier, a proud Métis student from Fisher Branch, was among the graduates who completed her Bachelor of Science, specializing in Psychology, under the supportive guidance of the Indigenous Student Transition Program. Refecting on her time at BU, Letexier emphasized the impactful role played by Deidre Gregory, the program coordinator, in providing unwavering support and

encouragement. The nurturing environment created by the program and the friendships formed with fellow students, particularly those she met through the residential community during her frst year at BU, have been instrumental in shaping Letexier's academic journey.

Letexier expressed her

placement as an Articling Accountant at MNP.

gratitude for the consistent support she received, noting that the program's infuence had been pivotal in helping her achieve her academic goals. Looking towards her future, Letexier revealed her plans to continue her studies at BU, pursuing a Bachelor of Education (After Degree). Her success stands as a testament to the effectiveness of programs designed to offer tailored support to Indigenous students, empowering them to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Enoch Ouskun, hailing from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and a Brandon resident since 1999, also reached a signifcant milestone as he proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Business Accounting. Ouskun praised the dedicated faculty and staff at BU for their consistent support and accessibility, which contributed signifcantly to his academic success. He provided special recognition to Cora Dupuis, the Co-op Coordinator, for her instrumental support in guiding him through the professional landscape and offering valuable advice that ultimately led to his successful

Emphasizing the impact of the Indigenous Student Transition Program, Ouskun expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received during his academic journey. He attributed much of his success to the program's coordinator, Deidre Gregory, emphasizing her role in providing guidance and invaluable assistance during his initial year of higher education, which laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements. Sharing her sentiments, Deidre Gregory, the Coordinator of the Indigenous Student Transition Program, underlined the program's commitment to supporting and empowering Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education. Gregory acknowledged the signifcance of completing a university degree and applauded the resilience and determination exhibited by Indigenous students in reaching their academic goals. She highlighted the collaborative effort involving the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre (IPC), Knowledge Keepers, staff, and fellow students in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for Indigenous students as they embark on their academic endeavors.

The success stories of Letexier and Ouskun underscore the positive impact of programs tailored to support Indigenous students in their transition to post-secondary education. Their achievements serve as a testament to the potential for success when students receive dedicated support and guidance throughout their academic journey. As the university continues to champion programs designed to offer tailored support to Indigenous students, it remains committed to nurturing an inclusive and supportive academic environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Photo courtesy of Brandon University

Lauren Letexier

Experts address risks of social media on youth

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the years following the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed a lot of diffcult things about human nature. Not the least of these insights is the negative role social media now plays in the lives of many young people.

Driven to physical isolation during the frst two years of the pandemic, youth naturally turned to social media to maintain relationships and stay connected.

But experts say that this screentime obsession hasn’t tapered off much since the restrictions were lifted.

“Emerging evidence published since the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 2019 position statement on digital media use by school-aged children and adolescents correlates social media use and adverse mental health impacts—effects that have magnifed since the onset of the pandemic,” says the Canadian Paediatric Society’s (CPS) website. “Evidence gaps exist on the long-term impacts of social media use and overuse due to novel technologies, but there are enough red fags to warrant action. We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis that demands meaningful and conscientious mitigation measures.”

Long before the pandemic, parents and experts alike were already recognizing the detrimental effect of social media on children in terms of broad content exposure and online behaviours such as sexting and cyberbullying.

According to the CPS, though, screentime remains a defning factor in the research of healthy media use among kids.

Based on a study of students across Ontario and Alberta, the CPS says that the average high school student spends more than 7.5 hours per day on various screens. For a good many of them, much of that time is spent on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

However, it’s not just

older teens who are overly engaged in screentime.

“Three-quarters of Canadian parents are concerned about how much time children spend using media, reporting that 36 percent of their 10- to 13-year-olds spent 3 hours or more per day using digital devices for reasons unrelated to school work,” says CPS.

Emma Duerden, the Canada Research Chair in neuroscience and learning disorders at Western University, says that some of the statistics paint an even more dire picture.

According to Duerden’s research, screentime today is down only slightly from what some parents were reporting as the norm during the early months of the pan-

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 aminimum of oneeveningper week of programming. Also,please note that in ordertomeet theneedsofclients, ﬂexibleshiftsare 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. Theposition will also involveworking closely with the Counselors on both the E-ﬂoor and Transition ﬂoor in the scheduling of the individualand groups sessions

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

If youare interested in applying forthispositionorrequire further information with respect to nature of the position, qualiﬁcations, required knowledge, educationand skills*, please contact HelenTrudeau (Executive Director) or Christine Fenner (Program Manager) by March 15/2024by4pm.

demic. At that time, reports indicated that 13 hours a day on screens for six- to 12-year-olds was common.

Using brain imaging to study the impacts of social media on children’s brains, Duerden has found that obsessive use is increasing the levels of childhood depression, anxiety, and aggression.

“Absolutely, I think this is a public health issue,” Duerden told the CBC.

In response, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, put out a call in May recommending that social media platforms include health warnings on their sites and apps similar to those found on cigarette packs.

Murthy has been said to criticize tech companies for unleashing powerful technology without providing adequate safety measures or accountability.

Shortly after, Canada’s Minister of Health, Mark Holland, also went public on this subject—although he didn’t agree with Murthy’s conclusion. Warning labels wouldn’t be helpful, he said. Instead parents should be having these conversations with their kids.

What Locals Think One parent, Jennie Rempel, agrees with Holland. She has three children between the ages of 11 and 16.

“Warning labels will do

JOB POSTING

Counselor Level 1Casual

Thesuccessfulclient will have aworking understandingofDomestic and/or Family violence and relatedissues. Haveone or more years of counseling experience,preferably in the areaofcrisis intervention or domestic/family violence,with someprofessionaltrainingi.e.Applied Counseling Certiﬁcateand/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have acurrent CPR and First Aide or willing to obtainand recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. ValidDriver’slicense or willingtoobtain Must be able to work cross-culturally,the ability to speak asecond language is an asset. Have an understanding andrespect of LGBTQ1 issues andthe vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work:includingdays, afternoons,nights, weekends and stat holidays as required

Be reliable,dependable,ﬂexible,and punctual and havea good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for aposition 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 4pm.

nothing,” Rempel says. “It’s up to parents to set limits.”

It’s no easy task for any parent to manage, she admits, but it begins with open conversations with your kids.

“As parents we have to be on top of it,” she says. “Blocking them, monitoring, checking their phones and laptops.”

As well, Rempel believes that parents should be researching safer alternatives, such as Messenger Kids, which doesn’t require a Facebook profle and can be monitored by parents.

Putting a shutoff timer on the Wi-Fi router, she adds, is a good way to manage screen use for the entire family.

Another parents, Ricki Harms, agrees that there’s little beneft to a warning label on a social media site.

“I’m very thankful I grew up without social media,” says Harms. “It’s terrible for kids. Added peer pressure, more opportunities for bullying… and ridiculous beauty standards for girls to try and achieve. But a warning label wouldn’t really fx any of that. If you are on it, it will affect you.”

Elizabeth Legault says that warning labels on social media may actually have the opposite effect of what they intend.

“Warning labels just make kids want something more,” says Legault. “[Teaching] abstinence instead of sex education is a really good example of this. Lack of education causes kids to not understand what they need to do to prevent certain things and also to hide those things from their folks.”

From Jazmin Dobson’s viewpoint, kids have no business being on social media at all. But since they are, warning labels may pose some beneft.

“The warning labels on my cigarette packs don’t stop me from smoking,” Dobson says. “But at least I am fully informed about the choice that I’m making. Warning labels are a way to inform the general public of the dangers of something. Even adults should be

aware and informed of the dangers of social media.”

Insights from a Child Psychologist

Dr. Jo Ann Unger is a Winnipeg-based child and family psychologist. She and a colleague have set out to write a book on the subject of the effects of social media and screentime on children.

Almost more importantly, she says, the book will provide useful tools to help parents manage the healthy use of screens and apps. Unger says that research on the subject is certainly imperative in helping set standards that can protect kids. Parents need to understand, though, that the research is based on averages. Recognizing that, they should know that it is possible for them to develop healthy family practices which in turn create healthier kids.

It’s all about context. How well are children being supported, how full is their life with other distractions, and what challenges are they facing that might make them more vulnerable?

“When we’re looking at these different types of research studies, what we’re often seeing is the averages,” Unger says. “In that regard, having a warning that’s up to date is useful [on average]. There is reason to believe that we are not doing a good job of making the internet or social media platforms set up in such a way that it supports adolescent mental health.”

While she doesn’t deny that social media screentime can have adverse affects on adults, too, without question youth and children are exponentially more vulnerable. This is due to their immaturity in terms of brain development, identity development, and social and emotional development.

“All [adolescents] have these elements of really being sensitive to rejection, really being sensitive to the approval of others, and fguring out where they belong in terms of their friend groups,” says Unger.

Continued on page 12

JOB POSTING

Part-Time Counselors Level 1

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

We are a24/7 facility,soshifts includedays, eveningsand weekends

Thesuccessfulclient will have aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/or Family violence and related issues.Have one or moreyears of counseling experience, preferably in the area ofcrisis interventionor domestic/family violence, with some professional trainingi.e.Applied Counseling Certiﬁcate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience)

Have acurrent CPR and First Aide or willing to obtainand recentChild abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willingtoobtain Must be able to work cross-culturally,the abilitytospeak asecond language is an asset. Have an understanding andrespect of LGBTQ1 issues andthe vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work (days,afternoons, andnights) onweekends and stat holidays as required.

Be reliable,dependable,ﬂexible,and punctual andhavea good work ethic.

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

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

Experts address risks of social media on youth

Continued from page 11 “They’re differentiating from their parents, appropriately so, and they’re looking to their peers more than they ever have before for information, for validation, and for support.”

As well, she adds, the fear of missing out is much stronger in adolescents than in adults.

“For adolescents it’s like, ‘If I’m not online, I’m going to miss something that’s very important socially and that will have a negative impact on my relationships or my sense of belonging,’” Unger says.

We are by nature, after all, fock creatures. Social connection is where we derive a sense of security and love. So a sense of separation or not belonging can activate a survival instinct, making isolation feel bigger than it actually is.

Unfortunately, Unger adds, social media is only pseudo-social in nature. It gives the appearance of engagement but leaves out a key element that only person-to-person contact can achieve: nonverbal communication. Facial and body cues tell us so much.

“It gives you a social hit but not enough of the real stuff to keep you [mentally] healthy,” Unger says. “To me it’s just a nice supplement to a real relationship, but it can’t replace it.”

Another problem with extended screentime, she adds, is that it provides constant distraction from real life.

While it’s an effective boredom prevention tool, she reminds parents that boredom breeds creativity, making it an essential part of life in terms of personal growth.

But what is it that makes social media an obsession in the frst place?

According to Unger, it provides an instantaneous fx and it’s with you all the time. The reinforcement patterns which are built right into social media platforms—the use of symbols indicating “likes” and “loves”—are mechanisms for approval, something we all crave.

“That, I think, is what we need to be addressing,” Unger says. “How these social media algorithms and reinforcement patterns are set up to actually keep people engaged. That’s where the changes and regulations need to come in. Right now, they’re set up to beneft the app and their advertisers. They’re there to make money, but the cost is coming at our children’s mental health.”

The use of algorithms, Unger says, also adds to the addictive quality of social media. Designed to keep users engaged and scrolling longer, they can have a polarizing effect.

“It’s tailored to you,” Unger says. “What you’ve clicked on before, it will give you more of that. And that’s actually infuencing the polarization of our world right now. Because it pulls you more and more

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

FULLTIMEPOSITIONS AVAILABLE

CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

DENTAL WORKER AIDE -WINNIPEG, MB

Thecommunity-based Dental Worker Aide will work in partnershipwiththe Dental Hygienistand otherCommunity Health Professionalstoprovide community –based preventive dental services forchildrenaged0-7 yearsenrolledinCOHI.

DUTIES:

•Administrationofforms,records, andsupplies

• Distributesand collectsconsent formsand medicalinformation from families

•Educatesand promotes good oral health habits to children and pre/postnatalfamilies

•Establish andmanagecommunity toothbrush program

• Assistance in applicationoffluoridevarnish to children’s teeth

• Assistingthe dental professional whilepreformingCOHI services such as dental sealants

•Schedules andmanages appointmentbookingsfor children forfutureCOHIdentalservicessuchasfluorideand sealants

• Provideoralhealthsessionsfor pre/postnatalwomen, parents/caregivers,childrenuptothe ageof7,and infants

• Recordingdentalchart informationunder thesupervision of thedentalprofessional

•Monitorscommunity dental inventory

•Othersasdeemednecessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Musthaveexcellent oral andwritten skills

•Mustbecomputerliterate

•Knowledgeable of localFirst Nationslanguageisanasset

• Able to work independently

•Display ahighlevel of self-initiation

•Child AbuseRegistryCheck

•CriminalRecordCheck

•Mustbewilling to travel to communities

•Valid Manitoba Driver’s License

Awritten applicationwitha detailed resume,including at least

tworeferenceswithwritten permission to contactthe references andyourlatestimmediate supervisor,shouldbesubmitted to:

LisaBeardy, Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal CouncilInc

23 Nickel Road

Thompson,ManitobaR8N 0Y4

Email: lbeardy@ktc.caFax:204 677-0256

Applications will be accepted untilpositionisfilled. We wish to thankthose that applyfor this position butonlythose selected foraninterview will be contacted.

in one direction, away from the average, toward one end of a pole.”

It’s this external curation of our interests that prevents us from fnding the balance that comes from perspective. One has to be very intentional in their search for a wider spectrum of information to fnd balance.

Children rarely do that.

Responsibility

But where does the responsibility lie—big tech, the regulators, or parents? In Unger’s mind, the onus falls on all three.

“Even we as adults struggle with self-regulation,” she says. “But teenagers’ brains don’t fnish developing till they’re 25, so to expect them to self-regulate something that is very re-

inforcing and is designed to be so, is not realistic.”

That doesn’t mean they can’t be coached, she adds, but it would serve parents well to enforce screentime rules. These might include switching off the Wi-Fi or turning in cellphones at a certain time of day.

Without question, the best way to reinforce any family policy is to model it.

“There’s research to show that high use [of screens] in parents equals high use in kids,” Unger says. “And high use with parents affects the parent-child relationship as well.”

Another question many parents struggle with an answer to is when their child is ready to own their own cellphone device. In Un-

TRIBAL COUNCIL

FINANCECLERK II

PERMANENT,FULL-TIME

Reportingtothe Director of Financeand Administration,the FinanceClerk II is responsiblefor performing data entryand relatedduties. TheFinance ClerkIIisresponsible forproviding financialand clerical services in ordertoensureeffective,efficient and accurate financialand administrative operations.The Finance ClerkIImustcomplywithestablished policies andprocedures.

DUTIES:

•The FinanceClerk II is responsiblefor accounts receivable, stafftravel, bank reconciliations, visa statementprocessing, andother monthlyfinancial processing activities as re uested.

• Calculate, prepareand issuedocuments relatedtothese activities usingcomputeri edand manual systems.

• Code,total,batch,enter,verifyand reconcilerelated transactions in asubledger or computer system

•Prepare period reports.

•Act as support forother financepositions when re uired

•Perform otherrelated duties as re uested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Diploma in Accounting,Finance or usiness Administration andtwo yearsoffinance experience,oranacceptable e uivalent combinationofeducation andexperience.

•Mustbebondable.

• Experience with SA E 00 ACCPAC modules, MicrosoftOffice programs with emphasis in Excelspreadsheets.

•Excellent oral andwritten communication skills

• Must have ahighlydeveloped senseofdiscretionfor handling confidential informationand monetary transactions

•Ability to work undersporadicstressand/orpressure

•Ability to work independentlyand in ateamenvironment

Awritten applicationwithdetailedresume, includingminimum two references with writtenpermissiontocontact the references andyourmostrecentimmediatesupervisors should be submittedto:

Lisa Beardy,Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal Council 23 Nickel Road

Thompson,ManitobaR8N OY4

Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204677-0256

ClosingDate: 4:00 p.m. Friday, uly, 2,2024

Late applications will notbeaccepted

We wouldliketothank thosethatapplyfor thepositionbut only thosebeing considered foraninterview will be contacted.

ger’s opinion, this shouldn’t happen before they turn 12.

“For some parents, if the child is independently transporting themselves, like walking to school, they might want to have a cellphone for safety and that sort of thing,” says Unger. “But I would challenge parents to think about why their child would need their own device. So if there is a need that it meets, that’s what I would use as my parameter as opposed to, ‘Well, their friends have one.’”

It’s a tricky dance, though, when parents don’t want to be the reason their child becomes socially ostracized.

One strategy to address that, she says, would be to collaborate with the parents of your child’s friend group in order come to a mutual agreeable age in which the majority feels their kids will get cellphones.

The prohibitive cost of

giving every member of the family their own cellphone also needs to be considered for many families.

Signs to Watch For Unger says there are a few signs parents can watch for when it comes to determining if their children are struggling due to social media overuse.

Parents should pay attention to how engaged their child is when trying to converse with them face to face. Are their marks at school suffering? Do they tend to isolate in their rooms or become quiet in public? Do they get anxious when you suggest they put the phone away in order to do an activity with you?

Finally, how much time are they spending in person-to-person connections with friends and how much physical activity are they engaged in on a regular basis?

PART TIME JANITOR

This position takesdirection from andreports to theOffice Manager. Theprimary role includes performing Janitorial duties, andother miscellaneousdutiesinorder to ensure that Tribal Councilbuildings andfacilitiesare maintained in ahealth, safe andsanitarymanner.

KEYRESPONSIBILITIES

• Cleanand care forall KTCbuildings andfacilitiesinorder to ensure they aremaintainedina safe andhealthy manner

•Sweep,vacuum,shampoo, wax, andmop thefloors/rugs

•Sanitizerestrooms

•Empty trash, recycling, andcompost

•Washwindows,inside

• Make sure theestablishment is cleanand meetsall safety requirements

•Washwalls,ceilings, andlight fixtures regularly

QUALIFICTIONS

• Knowledgeofstandardcleaningprocedures, andequipment

• Knowledgeofthe WorkplaceHazardous MaterialsInformation System

• Abilitytoreadand understand labels andinstructions particularly on theuse andapplication of cleaning chemicals andproducts

•Understandhealthand safety regulations

•Ability to work independentlyand underlittlesupervision

•Reliableand takesdirection well.

Awritten applicationwithdetailedresume, includingatleast tworeferences, with writtenpermission to contactthe references andyourlatestimmediatesupervisorshouldbesubmitted to: Lisa Beardy,Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal CouncilInc 23 Nickel Road

Thompson,ManitobaR8N 0Y4

FaxNo.:204-677-0256

Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca

Applications will be accepted until4:00p.m., Friday,July12, 2024.

We wouldliketothank allthose that applyfor theposition, but only thosebeing considered foraninterview will be contacted

Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

KEEWATIN

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

Muralist’s art “weapon of mass creation”–Winnipeg artist estimates has created 11 acres of mural art across the world in his career

BY BEV SOLOMON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE LEAF

Charlie Johnston has been at it again. This time in the West End.

Whenever he strikes, a colorful menagerie of characters, action and story, usually one of huge proportions, is left behind.

Think back, have you ever driven or walked by the Hydro Building depicting two children gazing at a blue sky with fuffy clouds in the Polo Park area? Charlie.

The massive street car in a 1930’s scene at St. Regis Hotel downtown, Charlie.

A horse race (Portage and Simcoe), Lionel L. Fitzgerald (Portage and Maryland), Italian soccer, Valour Road veterans, dancers, wolves, race cars, bees, soldiers, local celebrities and historical fgures. Charlie, Charlie, Charlie, Charlie.

He has over 50 murals in Winnipeg alone.

He has hundreds scattered on buildings all over Canada, the US and even in China.

He’s created roughly 11 acres of mural art in his career.

All this was unknown to me, as I stood one day contemplating one of his most recent fanciful works on a Sargent Ave. brick building, I decided there that I would make it my mission to get ahold of him.

I had questions…. a curiosity that grew every time I saw this mural…a sleepy gigantic mouse in pj’s, a tiny freaked out purple striped cat, a complicated machine coming out of cheese holes, and a wacky looking lean man in pointed shoes, green jacket, goggles, wild white hair under a top hat ringed with random items.

His hands are holding the handle that would manipulate the machine to lower a tiny mouse trap hanging above the mouse. Crazy! Looney tunes! A page out of a children’s book by a master illustrator, but WHAT was it about?

Charlie Johnston shows off his own Madd Hatter hat.

(Photo provided)

I pulled open the offce door on the other side of the mural…of Five Stones Inc. and chatted to the owners, Stephanie and Travis Unger. Do you know what this is about? No, they said, the artist is Charlie Johnston though. Look him up! So I did. And I found out who that man was on the mural, the one with the intense eyes looking through those goggles, pointed shoes and top hat. It was Charlie.

“Coffee?” he offered, after sweeping up dry pine

needles off the foor, bare socks making headway up the stairs. I had dropped by for a chat, and was familiar with houses like these. I live in one similar…the style from 100 years ago, a two story Winnipeg century house. Lots of story here, memories, character. Like the owner, although Johnston isn’t 100 years old.

I spied another mouse in the room. Did I mention he also sculpts?

“This mouse is part of my Wonderland series sculptures,” he said. “I have a rabbit I’ll show you later in the other room.”

Wonderland, ah yes. Now I realized what I was getting into. The world of Charlie Johnston, the brain behind the paint and brush.

He started mural craft in his 20’s, breaking into the world and work of silk screen billboards after graduating from the Fine Arts program at the University of Manitoba. Construction jobs followed after that. Electrical work. Painting. Installing steel structures.

“This was not my calling and I was left wondering what I was doing this for.

I realized later, I was learning fundamental skills of my life work,” Johnston remembers.

The 90’s saw him shift into more designing and setting up scaffolding for painting bigger and bigger murals on outdoor buildings.

“A Better Mousetrap,” the mural on Sargent Ave is the second mural of a three part series of his ‘Wonderland’ theme. Sponsored by West End city councillor Cindy Gilroy and West End Biz, he spent four Saturdays in a row, painting and chatting with those stopping to watch.

The frst in the series,

“Fractal Tea Time,” can be found on a building in Selkirk.

“One man stood to watch for a while, and then went home to bring his son. They both stood there to watch!” he said. “It’s all about attitude,” he continues, ”I’d like to think the murals bring that feeling of life and vibrancy to the streets. It invigorates

the streets with creativity for anyone to experience. It’s kind of like setting a tension trap out there…it grabs your attention away from whatever you are thinking about and puts you in another place, puts you in Wonderland.”

“Real art is about transformation” he says, “I like to take the thought process

CREE NATION CHILD &FAMILYCARINGAGENCY

Child &Family Services Worker–Permanent Position LOCATION:Thompson, MB OFFICE:Thompson, MB

Cree Nation Child &Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible foradministering andproviding forthe deliveryofChild andFamily Services.CNCFCAisdedicated to providingcomprehensive CFS Services that arecommunity-based andincorporate both protection andpreventionservices.

Ouragencywill strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Underthe supervisionofthe Unit Supervisor(s), theChild &Family ServiceWorkerisresponsible forproviding andadministering CFS Services in accordance with theChild &Family Services Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Responsiblefor gatheringinformation andassessing child and family functioningproblems

§ Responsiblefor thedevelopment of case plansfor childrenand familieswithinprogram guidelines andprovide referrals, support, guidance andproblem solving

§ Responsiblefor all ﬁledocumentation,referrals,ensuringservices areapplied

§ Case Monitoring,RiskAssessment& Followup

§ Provides case management andsupport forchildrenincare andfamilies

QUALIFICATIONS

§ Work experience in Childand Family Services with demonstrated knowledgeofchild development, family centered service, early intervention,family suppor tand community-based services

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)orrelated undergraduatedegree inHuman Services (preferred)

§ Abilitytoconverseﬂuently in Cree (preferred)

§ Excellent assessment, intervention andwriting skills

§ Knowledgeofthe Child andFamily Services Actand provincial standards

§ Abilitytouse avariety of computer applications includingCFSIS andFACTS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass acriminalrecords check, child abuseand priorcheck

§ Cannotbeactiveona protection case

§ Maintain absolute conﬁdentiality

§ Varied amountsoftravelrequired

§ Must have avalid Manitoba driver’s license

§ Must be able to provideown vehiclefor work

§ Otherdutiesrelated to thepositionmay be assigned

Deadline: July 24, 2024@ 4:00

SUBMIT COVERLET TER& RESUMESALONG WITH THREE(3)

REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL& CONFIDENTIAL”TO: HumanResourceManager Cree Nation Child &Family Caring Agency Box10130, Opaskwayak,MB. R0B2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

We thankall whoapplyand advise that only thoseselected for furtherconsideration will be contacted. “Pleasevisit ourwebsite at www https://creenation.ca

to another level. The power needed to create is greater than that to destroy. Like my logo, of atoms spinning around protons and neutrons at the center. Art is the weapon of mass creation."

His weapon of mass creations around the city, province and the country are set to last for at least 75 years, with the type of paint available these days.

That is enough time to inspire many generations of artists old and new. One of his favourite jobs is to collaborate with other artists or children in school projects.

650 children in a science school in Calgary were guided by Johnston through a project that each one saw an ugly building they walked by everyday to their playground, transformed into a multi level colorful “Urban

Universe.”

He is sure they will never forget their experience, and hopes they realize the world around them as a canvas (or brick wall) just waiting for the creative touch of their creative minds and hands. Driving home after meeting Johnston, I passed at least fve murals that I now knew as his.

The mystery was solved in “The Better Mousetrap,” and I was discovering my mind was a whirl, kind of like his signature logo… of atoms, neurons and protons…the creative process humming.

To check out Johnston’s many murals in Winnipeg you can fnd a listing in themuralsofwinnipeg.com (Charlie Johnston C5 Artworks), or follow his Instagram account (c5charlie).

Thompson, Manitoba

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. is seekinganorganized, motivated individual to work under the supervision of the Mental Wellness Manager The successful incumbent will be responsible forproviding administrative support to the Mental Wellness Managerand keep the programcoordinated and provide additional supports with the Mental Wellness Program in the areasdevelopment andimplementationofofﬁce procedures andsystems and assist with monitoring and maintainvariousﬁlingand databases. Roles andResponsibilities

• Provides technical and administrative support to theMental Health Wellness Manager regarding service agreements of Mental Health WellnessProgram with independent contractorsorother contracted service providers.

•Tracking, monitoring and followupof quarterly reports and payments with Wellness Team serviceproviders.

•Maintain adatabase of capacity developmentneeds for Mental Health WellnessProgram.

•Maintaining adirectory of key stakeholders andcommunity resources withinManitoba First Nation communities.

• Facilitates travel expense claims, invoices, andpaymentsinconjunction with the ﬁnance department.

• Facilitates bulk correspondence on behalf of the Mental Health Wellness and Mobile Crisis Response Team members.

•Preparation of materials for conferences, assemblies, meetings, and training events.

• Maintaining the ﬁling system and current electronicforms for the Mental HealthWellness Teams and the Mobile Crisis Response Team.

• Ordering and maintaining supplies and promotional items for the Mental Wellness Program.

• Must maintain astrict adherence to MKO policies regarding thehandling of sensitiveand conﬁdential information at alltimes.

•Assists other team members and carries outother duties as needed and assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum 3years of experience in an ofﬁce/administrative environment.

•Post-secondary education in business administrationorequivalent.

•Ability to set priorities, handle multiple taskssimultaneouslyand meet deadlines

•Demonstrates strong initiative with theability to work independently while functioning as part of ateam.

•Proﬁciencywith MS Ofﬁce, Internet, E-mail and other business-related computersoftware is required.

•Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail andfollowthrough.

• Asensitivity and understanding of culture,languageand issues relevant to First Nation communities.

• Advanced organizational and time managementskillsincluding theability to manage multiple priorities whileworking in afast-paced environment

•Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and work witha variety of people,groups, and organizations.

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosoft Ofﬁcesoftware

•Must posses avaliddriver’slicence andbewillingtotravel

• Must be able to obtain asatisfactory Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable SectorSearch), asatisfactory Child Abuse RegistryCheck andasatisfactoryAdult Abuse Registry Check upon hiring. Salaryisdependent upon qualiﬁcations andexperience. Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume, alongwith 3professional reference listings (include amost recentemployerreference) by 4:00 p.m.onJuly 19, 2024 to:

Human Resources at employment@mkonorth.com

We thank all who apply and advise thatonlythose selected for further consideration will be contacted. Preference willbe giventoqualiﬁed First Nations applicants; applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their resume or cover letter.Nophonecalls will be accepted Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) MKOisanon-proﬁt, political advocacyorganization thatprovides a collective voice on issues of inherent,Treaty,Indigenous, and human rights for citizens of the26sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatorytoTreaties 4, 5, 6, and 10. Please visit ourwebsite at mkonation.com

Photo by Bev Solomon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter What is it? asked reporter Bev Solomon. The mural had the effect its creator wanted; "It puts you in another place, puts you in Wonderland.” Photo Bev Solomon

Recreation means Art City, means inner city programming, 24-hour safe spaces, says councillor–Winnipeg city council puts off cuts

BY PATRICK HARNEY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE LEAF

On June 18th, Winnipeg’s Executive Policy Committee unanimously approved a shift to the community and neighbourhood grants program.

Among the changes is a $2 million cut to the grant program from $3.4 in 2024 to $1.3 million in 2025. Additionally, the changes will force community organizations to apply for grants on a program-to-program basis, meaning that grant money can no longer be used for operating budgets.

Five delegations made up of representatives from community organizations came to the executive policy committee meeting to express their concern over the long-term effects of these changes. The delegations focused on the impact that a loss of community spaces would have on crime in the city. Michele Wikkerink, executive director at Spence Neighbourhood association, says that investing in community organizations is a stronger alternative to reducing crime than increasing police spending. “[Police]

respond to crime, they do not prevent crime. What does prevent crime, at least for youth, is activity,” Wikkerink said. “Activity is shown time and time again to reduce youth crime and gang participation. It increases school participants, you can not fnd a study that says this is not true.”

Wikkerink mentioned how important community services are for getting youth employed and creating future taxpayers.

“Our youth job creation program trained and employed 320 youth over the last 5 years, an average of 64 youth per year,” Wikkerink said.

In addition to comments on crime, Kate Kehler, executive director at Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, highlighted the hypocrisy of framing the cut as fscal responsibility as the city continues to miss revenue on frozen business taxes and spend on road expansions.

“Trickle Down economics do not work,” Kehler said. “Poverty is the main driver of crime and poor health. Here in the city of Winnipeg, where you are born can

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- THOMPSON WELLNESSCOORDINATOR

Underthe generaldirection of Keewatin Tribal Council(KTC) Director of Health,the WellnessCoordinator will assist member FirstNations in developing theirown Wellness Teams, supporting andparticipating in currentMentalWellnessprogramming andcapacitybuilding, providingguidanceand mentorship to community basedworkers.The WellnessCoordinatorwill provideassistancetoall KTCmemberbands as requestedbythe KTCcommunities andwillassistwithdevelopingofa cultural appropriateassessmentand treatmentapproaches QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-Secondary education/ training /experienceinthe Social Services work fieldwitha demonstrated abilityin counseling skills;experiencewithFirst Nations, community health planning,policydevelopment andability to build capacity within thecommunities;

• Additional training or certificationanasseti.e.: ASIST, Critical Incident Stress Management,MentalHealthFirst AidFirst Nationsand/orPsychologicalFirst Aid. Effective interpersonaland critical thinking skills required.Ability to interact professionally with culturally diversestaff, clients, andconsultants preferred;

• Excellent verbal andwritten communication skills,with maturity andpoise to interact with executives at thehighest levels of government,business, andacademia;

• Knowledgeofgovernmentpoliciesrelated to selfdeterminationofFirst Nationspeopleand howthese policies have affected them;

•Ability to work independentlyand take initiative;

• Minimumof2 yearsofexperienceinmanagementand supervision;

• Strong organizational skills with greatattention to detail and theability to setpriorities;

•Knowledge of MicrosoftOffice 2010 applications required;

•The incumbentmustpossess effectivecommunication and conflict-resolutionskills;

• Must be willing to travel on shortnoticetoremotefly-in communities;

•Ability to speakCreeorDenewould be adefiniteasset;

• Avalid Driver’s licenserequiredand access to areliable vehicle;

•CriminalRecordCheck andVulnerableSectorChecks;

•Child AbuseRegistryCheck

•ActiveMemberwiththe KTCCrisisResponseTeam.

Awritten applicationwithdetailedresume, includingatleast two (2)referenceswithwritten permission to contactthe references andyourlatestimmediatesupervisorshouldbesubmitted to:

Lisa Beardy,OfficeManager

23 Nickel Road

Thompson,ManitobaR8N OY4

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

Closing Date:Friday, July 12, 2024at4:00pm Late applications will notbeaccepted

We wouldliketothank thosethatapply forthe position butonly thosebeing considered foraninterview will be contacted. For furtherinformation or afulljob descriptioncontact Lisa Beardy, KTCOffice Manager.

mean as much as an 18 year difference in life expectancy.”

Stephen Wilson, Executive Director at Graffti Art Programming recalled the effects that the covid-19 pandemic had on Winnipeg youth suggesting that the cuts could lead to similar impacts in the future.

“All support for young people shut down. Schools were closed, youth centres were closed, sports and recreation were closed,” Wilson said. “Since the pandemic closed and reduced many of our services, we’ve seen youth crime increase year by year by 47% and youth addiction increase by 24%.”

Councillor Janice Lukes justifed the change in the grants program as a move towards greater equity, allowing more organizations to access funding than before.

“Did you know that the city of Winnipeg has never publicly advertised the opportunity to access this funding at all,” Councillor Lukes said. “This funding that is for grants has never been publicly offered to many groups throughout the city.”

Cuts might have saved the city a tiny amount of money in the short term, explained

Eddy Ayoub, artistic director at Art City, who said the organization has received city funding since 2003. “It's innovative, highly effective brand of barrierfree art programming has played a major role in transforming West Broadway.”

“Winnipeg receives a tremendous bang for its buck by supporting art city, and other community organizations,” he said. He also highlighted that although they receive funding from different sources, city funds were some of the few that can be used for operational costs, leaving only the United Way of Winnipeg as a future source of core funding for staff.

“The moment one of our citizens loses access to a program or service that they depend on, we will all pay in another way and believe me, it will not be cheaper,”

Ron Brown, President and CEO of BGC Winnipeg (The Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg), that operates 12 locations across the city, said. Studies undertaken on their programming showed “that children and youth that participate in our programs have better health outcomes and are much less likely to

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

THOMPSON,MB

TRAUMA INFORMED CULTURAL SUPPORTWORKER TICSW

Keewatin Tribal CouncilHealthDepartmentiscurrently seeking aTraumaInformedCulturalSupport Worker to providedirect support services to Indian ResidentialSchools Survivors, (IRSS) IDSS, 0’sScoop Survivors, MMIW Survivors,families, and those impacted inter-generationally by ResidentialSchoolsin Canada.

Rolesand Responsibilities:

• Liaise/network with the11NorthernKTC affiliated communities andother stakeholders in raisingawareness aboutthe Indian ResidentialSchools, Truthand Reconciliation andCommemoration events;

•Conduct informationsessions, presentationsand workshop on theHistory of ResidentialSchools,

•Develop wellnessplans with theclientele providefor these needsand referasnecessary to theappropriate resourcesas well as existing community services andsupports;

• Preparemonthly activity reportsand participateindeveloping ayearlyIRS workplan

• Providecrisisresponsesupportsasrequested by the11KTC communities

•Facilitatetraumainformedand griefrecoveryworkshops

• Providelandbased handsonculturaland traditionalhealing/ activities

Qualifications:

•TraumaInformedorequivalenteducation andexperience;

• Knowledge sensitivityofeachcommunity’s cultural practices;

• Knowledgeofall SettlementAgreements whichinclude Indian ResidentialSchools,Day Schools 0’sScoop,MMIW

•Knowledge of theIRS,IDS, 0’sScoop,MMIW Survivors and intergenerationalimpacts;

•Musthavecomputerskills;Microsoft Office,Word, PP,Excel

• Must have Excellent verbal andwritten communication skills

•Ability to speakCreeorDenewould be an asset

• Must have strong organizational skills,timemanagement, abilitytoworkindependently,self-motivatedand be astrong team player;

•Beknowledgeable of the11Keewatin Tribal Council(KTC) geographical communities andberespectfuloftheir customs andtraditions

•Possess validdriver’slicence,own or haveaccess to vehicle;

•Willingness andability to travel extensively;

• Willingness andability to work afterhours and/or weekends when required

Position will be sub ecttoa ChildAbuse Registry Check

CriminalrecordCheck

ClosingDate: Friday,July12, 2024 at 4:00PM

Please ForwardResumes to theAttention of:

Lisa Beardy,Office Manager

23 Nickel Road Thompson,ManitobaR8N OY4

Fax: 204677-0256

Email: Lbeardy@ktc.ca

Wethank allapplicants,howe er,onlythose candidates selected foraninter iew will be contacted.

be involved in the justice system.”

Councillor Cindy Gilroy said that the justifcation she has heard for the cut is to prevent ‘scope creep’ and move some of the responsibility for community funding to the province. However, she argues that these services should be a city responsibility and especially in the inner city where they are a vital resource.

“Our job is recreation and recreation means Art City, recreation means inner city programming,” Coun. Gilroy says. “If recreation in the middle of Spence means a 24-hour safe space, that’s the recreation they need in that area at the time. You’re meeting people where they’re at.”

“[The cuts] would be detrimental to the city in terms of everything that we’re trying to accomplish, in terms of homelessness, addiction, and mental health,” Coun. Gilroy says. “The other suburban areas don’t have the issues that we have.” Council was set to cast their fnal vote on the grant changes on June 27. However, shortly before the meeting, community organizations arranged an impromptu rally outside of city hall to protest the decision.

The rally showcased the work of community organizations frst hand, with music, a group of youth breakdancers, a patchwork dragon and signs adorned with slogans including ‘These cuts are nuts’ and ‘de- fend not defund’.

The tone of the rally was as much a condemnation of the cuts as it was a celebration

of community and artistic expression.

During the rally Leah Gazan, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, spoke imploring City Council to not “play politics with our kids.”

Midway through the rally, Ayoud took the microphone to announce that Mayor Gillingham heard the community’s voices and would vote to send the grants shift back to the EPC for further discussion.

“It feels fantastic that Winnipegger expressed themselves and actually got the Mayor and City Council to reconsider this proposal,” Ayoub said after the decision. “Winnipeggers gave them something to think about, with all their personal messages and perspectives.”

Crowd responses were joyous, as individuals embraced and shouted in celebration. One of Art City’s founders, Wanda Koop, even began to chant “double the money.”

During the council meeting, Wikkerink expressed that she felt like she “won the lottery.”

The crowd chanted "double the money" to city councils' plan to cut half the inner city's budget for recreation for youth

“[Council] are very receptive, They’re our partner here. There’s no adversarial relationship and it’s a very valuable relationship,” Ayoud said. “We’re gonna come back to this thing and hopefully with more open communication and consultation.”

The next EPC meeting will be held July 8.

TRAININ ANDEMPLOYMENT

PRO RAMASSISTANT

FULLTIMEPOSITION

Underthe supervisionofthe Director of Education Training, theTraining Employment ProgramAssistantwillberequired to maintain accurate financialrecords andprovide support to the Training EmploymentCoordinator andEmployment Training WorkersinKTC Communities.Provide regularfinancial reports to theKTC FirstNations andManitobaKeewatinowi Okimakanak ISET Programonthe Employment Trainingbudgets forKTC (IncludesConsolidatedRevenue Fund EmploymentInsurance Programs).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

•Formaltraininginthe area of Business Administration

•Experienceinmaintaining financialrecords, individual files, andfinancial reports(monthly, quarterlyand annual).

• Knowledgeofthe variousprogramsand guidelines underthe Indigenous Skills EmploymentTrainingProgram (ISET)

•Knowledge of theeligibility andreporting requirements of theISET.

•Ability to work independently.

• Must have experience in workingwithExcel Programs,ARMS/ PRIMEDatabaseand be computer literate

• Must be able to travel to remote northern communities to work with Training EmploymentWorkers

• Validdriver’slicense forthe Province of Manitoba is an asset.

•Ability to speakeitherCreeorDeneisanasset.

Salary is dependentuponqualificationsand experience.A comprehensivebenefitspackage is provided.A complete job descriptioncan be obtained by calling (20 ) -2 1 or Aggie

Weenusk, Director of Education Training at (20 ) - 0 . Interested candidates areinvited to submit in confidence a resume with references anda letter of applicationto: Lisa Beardy,Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson,ManitobaR8N OY4

Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0257

POSTIN DEADLINE: UNTILPOSITIONISFILLED

We thankall applicants in advancefor theirinterestin employment with Keewatin Tribal Council, however; only those selected foraninterview will be contacted.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

Niverville’s high achievers take home prestigious awards

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

Twenty-six awards were presented to a cross-section of 21 graduates at Niverville’s June 26 grad convocation.

Among the most prestigious, the Governor General’s bronze medal, was given to class valedictorian Jack Grantham. Grantham also took home the Manitoba Credit Unions Award for $2,000.

The Kevin James Reid award for $1,500 was presented to Jace Woytowich for his interest in training as a heavy-duty equipment operator.

The Town of Niverville and Niverville Credit Union each sponsored a $1,000 award this year. Recipients included Llexci Wiebe and Emma Ginter.

Also for $1,000, the Wiens Young Leader award

went to Landon Nickel. Emma Ginter, Reese Rosetti, Dani Santos, Josh Smeltz, and Owen Unrau were recipients of $1,000 awards. These included the HTA award, the Chown Centennial Scholarship from the University of Manitoba, the Lana Dyck JOY award, the Andrew Grant Memorial Scholarship, and the David Alan Grant Memorial Scholarship.

The Niverville Firefghters Award of $500 was presented to Sylvie Maynard for her future plans to enter a feld related to frefghting, ambulance, or policing.

Niverville Family Chiropractic and One Insurance also provided $500 awards which went to Logan Wolfe and Ella Hunt.

Two MCC Thrift Store Awards of $500 were given to students who demonstrated an interest in volunteer

Public Notice

work. They included Kate Neufeld and Kade Peters.

Two more recipients, Emma Ginter and Reagan Friesen, were granted the Springfeld-Ritchot MLA’s Citizenship Award for $500 each.

The $500 Future in Trades Award went to Trinity Funk while Piper Trippier received the Ivy Friesen Memorial Award for $500.

Two Niverville Physiotherapy Athletic Awards of $500 were presented to Nate Leslie and Ginger Fast.

The Niverville Guardian Pharmacy Chemistry Award was granted to three students: Jack Grantham, Logan Wolfe, and Josh Smeltz. Each of them received $250.

Finally, two PAC Awards of $200, provided by the NHS parent advisory council, went to recipients Julia Kresniak and Kalie-Lynn Kyle.

You’re Invited

to share your views about the rate application fled by Manitoba Public Insurance

The Manitoba Public Insurance Corpor ation (MPI) has filed the 2025 General Rate Applic ation before the Public Utilities Board (Board) for approval of Basic Autopac vehicle insurance rates and premiums ef fective on April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026

For further details, please cont ac t MPI at inquiries@mpi.mb.ca or visit the Board’s website at www.pubmanitoba.ca

A public hearing on the proposed rate application will be held beginning: Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9 a.m.

Please view the hearing via the PUB website link

If you are interested in learning more about this rate applic ation, you are encour aged to at tend the hearing, observe the hearing via live streaming, or provide your perspectives through the Board’s online comment tool

If you wish to speak at the hearing or make a writ ten submission, please cont ac t the Board

Secret ar y, Dr Darren Christle at 20 4-945-26 38 or toll free 1-866-85 4-3698, no later than October 8, 2024

For more information, visit w ww.pubmanitoba.ca

Manitoba Public Utilities Board

400-330 Port age Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0C 4

Phone: 20 4-945-26 38

Email: publicutilities@gov.mb.ca

Project Manager

Regular/Full-Time

Consumer Protection and Government Services, The Pas, MB

Advertisement Number: 42688

Closing Date: July 28, 2024

Salary Range: P8 $82,385.00 – $103,322.00 per year plus remoteness allowance (if applicable)

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures identities languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to women, Indigenous people and persons with disabilities.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for 12 months. Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

This position will remain open until filled.

Introduction

The Asset Management Branch with the Department of Consumer Protection and Government Services is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to work in The Pas, Manitoba The Asset Management Branch is responsible for operating and maintaining safe quality and sustainable working environments and to ensure the efficient operation and good stewardship of government buildings and assets

Located 625 km north of Winnipeg, The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey are three diverse and interconnected communities within 25 km of Clearwater Lake Provincial Park All of which are signature destinations for outdoor adventure, rich culture, museums, and festivals. There are numerous nearby lakes and rivers with world class fishing and nearly 400 km of groomed snowmobile trails Learn more about living and working in The Pas/OCN at www.discoverthepasocn.ca.

The Manitoba government is recognized as one of the top employers within the province and provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package for its employees which includes extended health care health spending account dental care vision care, long term disability insurance, group life insurance, maternity/paternity and parental leave, family related leave and a defined pension plan The Manitoba government is also committed to supporting the development of its employees through training and career development opportunities

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Must provide and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Security Check

• Must have a valid Class 5 Driver ’s license

• Must be able to travel throughout the province with overnight stays for extended periods as required

Qualiﬁcations:

Post-secondary degree or diploma in a field relating to construction project management including architecture engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

• Project management experience delivering projects from inception to completion

• Experience planning and administering significant budgets

For the full listing of qualifications, please visit http://www.manitoba.ca/govjobs/.

Duties:

The Project Manager is responsible for the concurrent management of numerous projects for client departments, special operating agencies and other agencies of government from inception through to satisfaction of the need The Project Manager is a highly complex managerial work with overall responsibility requiring broad encompassing decisions, extensive planning, co-operation with inside resources and professional disciplines and other related services This position is responsible for overseeing and monitoring outside consultants and contractors. The Project Manager is required to work closely at the most senior level with industry and government departments, boards, agencies, etc.

Apply to:

Advertisement No 42688

Talent Acquisition - Executive Recruitment

Human Resource Services

608-330 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0C4

Phone: 204-945-6892

Fax: 204-945-0601

Email: PSCExecutivejobs@gov.mb.ca

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

When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications

Please be advised that job competitions may be grieved and appealed Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor’s representative or the grievor, if unrepresented Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Find out about other current job opportunities click on the Jobs button at manitoba.ca.

Photo by Brenda Sawatzky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sandy Wallace presenting the Manitoba Credit Unions Award to Jack Grantham.