July 14 2023

Nickel Belt News

Firefighters limit damage from McMunn & Yates fire

Although they weren’t able to save the main store building, Thompson firefighters prevented the July 8 fire at McMunn & Yates Building Supplies from consuming the lumber stored outside or spreading to nearby buildings.

The fire was reported around 9:15 p.m. by Thompson RCMP officers on patrol who saw smoke. Thompson Fire & Emergency Services was on the scene within minutes and quickly called in all available personnel as well as firefighters from Vale Manitoba Operations and the Paint Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

“Unfortunately the loss of the property was something that we could not control,,” said TFES Deputy Chief Ashling Sweeny. “As big an incident as this was, everybody was safe. No one got hurt.”

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

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Firefighters attempted to enter the building to determine the extent of the fire but were unable to on account of heavy smoke, indicating that the flames had spread from where they started and prompting firefighters to adopt a defensive, containment strategy.

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.

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.

In addition to extra firefighters, the effort was aided by Twin Motors providing space for firefighters to rest and by Manitoba Hydro staff, who avoided turning off power to a large part of Eastwood by isolating the McMunn & Yates property.

‘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.

For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would

Firefighters were at the scene until the afternoon of July 9.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner.

Mayor Colleen Smook, who attended the scene after seeing smoke from the Miles Hart Bridge on her way into town, stayed there for nearly 12 hours until early Sunday morning. She is sad to see another Thompson business shut down by a fire but appreciative of the work done that limited the damage.

“It’s definitely a blow to the community, especially right in the middle of our building season. It’s definitely going to affect not only Thompson but our northern neighbors and partners.”

The mayor praised the work of firefighters in preventing the blaze from spreading to encompass the store’s lumber yard.

“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

“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,

“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.

“The fire department did an amazing job of keeping that safe,” Smook said. “They were able to contain it to the actual building.”

“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

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

“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

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

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

Friday, July 14, 2023

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960

Volume 63 •

Thompson Citizen photos by Noah Cooke.

‘I’M TANYA’S VOICE’: Murder victim’s aunt stands with Brady Road Landfill protesters

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Sue Caribou has believed for more than a decade that her niece’s remains lie

somewhere in the Brady Road Landfill, and that is why she said it was so important that she join other protesters this week to hold the line on a blockade and

CONCRETE ACTION

Against Violent Crime

protest that the city has ordered be shut down.

“I’m Tanya’s voice, and without that she doesn’t have a voice, and she’ll be forgotten,” Caribou

Tackling violent crime begins with the proper funding of police in communities large and small throughout Manitoba.

It’s all part of the Manitoba government’s $50 million Violent Crime Strategy that:

• bolsters police with an historic 28% increase province-wide

• adds 29 new prosecutors to our courts

• expands the GPS ankle bracelet program

• doubles the number of criminals monitored while out on bail

CONCRETE ACTION. REAL RESULTS.

said on Monday about her niece Tanya Nepinak, while standing defiantly at the Brady Road Landfill in Winnipeg.

Protesters first began blockading the main road into the landfill on Thursday, as they continue to ask that the facility, as well as the Prairie Green Landfill near Stony Mountain, be searched for human remains of missing Indigenous women.

As of Tuesday, the blockade remained in place despite orders from the city of Winnipeg that it be dismantled by Monday at noon, a deadline that has now come and gone, and according to some who remained on the scene on Tuesday afternoon there had still been no police presence at or near the landfill, although they are aware that the city is now seeking a court injunction.

On Monday, as Caribou stood with protesters, she said she wants people to remember that she was told more than 10 years ago by police that her niece’s

remains are likely in the Brady Road Landfill, and that is why she believes the blockade should remain in place.

“I would ask what anyone would do if this was their niece, or their wife, or their daughter,” Caribou said. “The pain never subsides, because we’ve never had the remains found, so we can’t properly lay Tanya to rest.”

Tanya Nepinak has not been seen or heard from since Sept. 13, 2011, when she stepped out of her Winnipeg home where she lived with her mom, and told her mom she was heading to a nearby restaurant to get pizza.

And while Nepinak’s remains have not been recovered in the more than 10 years she has been missing, police have told her family that they believe she was a victim of serial killer Sean Lamb and that there is a good chance her remains are in the Brady Landfill.

In 2012, Lamb was charged with second-de -

gree murder in the death of Nepinak, as well as the deaths of 18-year-old Carolyn Sinclair, and 25-year old Lorna Blacksmith. But while Lamb was convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of both Sinclair and Blacksmith and is currently serving a 20-year sentence, charges against him in the case of Nepinak’s death were stayed.

Caribou said she believes it is now time for the landfill in Winnipeg to be completely shut down and searched for human remains, and that many of the protesters now at the scene won’t move unless a search is agreed upon.

“I’ve been fighting for Tanya for a long time, and I’m not going to give up now,” she said.

The blockade began Thursday after the Manitoba government’s decision against searching Prairie Green Landfill, where the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to have been dumped.

Jeremy Skibicki faces first-degree murder charges in their deaths, as well as for the death of Rebecca Contois, whose remains were found last year at Brady Road, and the death of an unidentified woman that Indigenous leaders are calling Buffalo Woman, and whose remains have not been found.

— 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.

Thompson Citizen photo by Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sue Caribou, seen here at the Brady Road Landfill protest and blockade on Monday, July 10, 2023, has believed for more than 10 years that the remains of her niece Tanya Nepinak lie somewhere in the Brady Landfill, and that is why she said it was so important that she join other protesters this week to hold the line on a blockade and protest that the city has ordered be shut down.

Thompson RCMP respond to multiple fires; woman faces serious charges

On July 5, 2023, at approximately 10:10 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report that threats had been made at Thompson General Hospital by a female who said she was going to start a fire. The female left the hospital. Officers had a description and began to patrol the area.

At 10:22 pm, police received a report of a female lighting a fire at a local gas station. The female walked up to the gas pump and put a cigarette in the nozzle of the gas hose, starting a fire.

The female then attempted to light several other fires at other pumps. Fortunately, the gas pumps had all been turned off before her arrival, so there was only residual gasoline from the pump line there to ignite. The fires were extinguished quickly by an employee. The female then left.

Police attended the scene immediately, got information, and then began to patrol the area looking for the female. A short distance down the road, at the corner of Thompson Drive, Oak Street, and Juniper Place, officers saw a fire in an area where several pieces of heavy equipment and construction material are stored.

When officers approached the fire, they saw a female sitting on top of the excavator. Police called for fire assistance. Officers were able to get the female down safely from the machinery and in custody without incident. Police determined this was the female who had been at the hospital and the gas station.

The Thompson Fire Department attended immediately and were able to extinguish the blaze at the construction site. Nobody was physically injured at any of the scenes.

The 22-year-old female, from Thompson, is charged with Arson with Disregard for Human Life. She remains in custody at this time.

"We take this situation very seriously," said Staff Sergeant Shane Flanagan, Operations Officer for Thompson RCMP. "If those pumps had been turned on, this incident would have been much more serious, and there very likely would have been fatalities. The charge reflects the gravity of what occurred here."

The investigation continues.

RCMP arrest Boissevain man for drug trafficking

On July 7, 2023, at approximately 5:30 pm, Manitoba RCMP West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), with the assistance of the Turtle Mountain RCMP, executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at a residence on Aikman Street in Boissevain, Manitoba.

When the warrant was executed, the resident of the home, a 26-year-old male, fled on foot from police. After a short foot pursuit, he was arrested.

As a result of the search, police seized cocaine, an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency derived from the proceeds of trafficking illicit drugs, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

The male was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, and

Resisting Arrest. He has been released from custody. The investigation continues.

Those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities. The RCMP

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.

CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC NOTICE

Bulk water sales are not currently available as a result of vandalism to the keypad of the City of Thompson’s bulk water station on Seal Road.

Public Works is awaiting word on whether the damaged unit can be repaired or if it will have to be replaced. An update will be provided once that information is received and a timeline for when bulk water sales may resume is established. Contact Public Works at 204-677-7970 with any questions or concerns.

CITY OF THOMPSON PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Thompson facilities, including City Hall, the Thompson Regional Community Centre and the Waste Disposal Grounds will be closed on Friday, July 14 as city employees have King Miner Day off. There will be no garbage and recycling pickup.

PAYROLL CLERK - TEMP

The successful candidate will have Grade 12 or higher, have completed a recognized Payroll Course with two years’ experience in Payroll processing, and completion of a recognized accounting course or equivalent experience. This position requires demonstrated working knowledge of Employment Standards Code and CCRA policies related to compensation. The successful candidate must possess computer skills (including proficient use of Excel), be able to operate a variety of office equipment, and be able to work accurately under pressure and within tight deadlines. Working knowledge of Great Plains software would be an asset.

The duties for this position include preparing and balancing payroll bi-weekly, reconciles payroll accounts to General Ledger, compiles data for pay, balances and issues T4’s, correspondence with Receiver General, selects data and applies to records and statistical reports. The City of Thompson offers an extensive benefits package. This position involves a 35 hour work week at a current rate of $28.41 per hour.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Those interested may apply in confidence to:

Human Resources – City of Thompson 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1S6 FAX: (204) 677-7981 Email: oonigbogi@thompson.ca and: jmelanson@thompson.ca

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

226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB R8N 1S6 THOMPSON

Council has switched to its summer schedule, with one committee of the whole meeting and one council meeting per month. The next committee of the whole meeting is Tuesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. Upcoming meeting agendas are available on the City of Thompson website the Friday before the meeting at thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previous meetings are also available there.

www.thompson.ca

Bids will be received by the Purchasing Agent at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB. R8N 1S6. Bid details and closing dates are as follow:

RCMP photo

contagious disease, TB claims the lives worldwide. TB is not only a countries, but also here in prevalence in the north. vaccination, disease prevention

Additionally, some TB bacteria giving rise to forms which means treatment accompanied by severe people in this world day, raising awareopportunity to mobilize funds glad to see Canada as to fight tuberculosis. continues in the future stop TB.

Karolin Klement

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

councillor Luke Robinson, who served term on council from 2010 to 2014 bebeing defeated by Mayor Dennis Fenske the race to become head of council last that Thompsonites went to the polls about three-and-half years – was in favour of reducing the numbers, the other seven opposed. Although counhasn’t yet voted on second reading of that bylaw, the next stage towards it becoming official, there’s at least a better than even chance it will be approved. watchers of council have noticed, the proposals that make to the council floor have a tendency to be approved by at least two-thirds of its memand, given that

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.

We want to start by expressing our sincere gratitude for your loyal readership. Your ongoing support has allowed us to continue providing timely, relevant and local news to you every week.

Our newspaper has always been a reflection of the community we serve, and we find ourselves in a unique position that allows us to strengthen and build

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

on that connection.

Our long-time editor Ian Graham, who has guided our newsroom with his unwavering dedication for the past sixteen years, has stepped away from his role.

As we continue our search for a new editor, we want to take this opportunity to invite you, our readers, to play an essential part in shaping our local news coverage.

During this transition-

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

al period, we are actively encouraging community members to submit articles, photos, and stories about events or happenings around our city. Do you have a unique perspective on a recent city council meeting, or photos from a community event? Has your school or business achieved something worth celebrating? If so, we would love to hear from you.

One of the arguments

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

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

Your community, your newspaper: We have a special announcement as we have some changes coming for the Thompson

By participating, you’ll help to ensure that our newspaper continues to be a true representation of our diverse, dynamic community. We believe that by sharing the stories that matter most to you, we can continue to create a more vibrant and engaging experience for all our readers.

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

Please send your submissions to our email submit@ thompsoncitizen.net, along

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

with your name and contact details. Submissions may be edited for clarity or brevity.

Thank you for joining us in this exciting new chapter for our newspaper.

We can’t wait to share your stories!

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Manitoba's “non-funded” independent schools — which do not have to employ certified teachers or use provincial curriculum — are eligible for funding and the province spent more than $100,000 on them in 2022-23.

Manitoba Education’s budget to reimburse private schools for “curricular materials” has been on the rise, along with the number of academies eligible for taxpayer support, in recent years.

Non-funded schools, many of them akin to largescale homeschools, can apply for $60 per attendee annually to pay for workbooks, manuals, copyright fees, and other expenses.

The province spent $69,028 in total five years ago. That figure was $100,200 during the latest school year.

The number of eligible private schools has nearly doubled over the last decade, to 61 in 2022 from 35 in 2012. In the last year, nine schools, including seven colony schools that shed their public school designations, have come on board.

Asked about what curriculums are green-lit for their use, a government spokesperson indicated the department does not maintain a list of lesson plans because each school’s programming is unique and varied.

“Non-funded independent schools use curriculum of their choice and the department determines if the combination of educational materials and curricu lum meets the standard of equivalence (of a public school education),” the spokesperson said.

“The public has a right to know what people are being taught and they have a right to know how their money is being spent,” said John Wiens, a retired pub lic school superintendent and dean emeritus of the largest faculty of education in Manitoba.

Wiens said he was sur prised to learn non-funded schools can apply for prov incial funding. A self-de scribed public schools ad vocate, he called the notion of supporting families to keep their children separ ated from the rest of soci ety for private interests “a problem.”

Private school adminis trators and their supporters hold a different view.

As far as independent

school consultant Bruce Neal is concerned, $60 is a small price to pay per student and homeschoolers should be able to tap into the grant. The grant would cover the price of a single science textbook, he noted.

The consultant, who recently retired from St. John’s-Ravenscourt School after a lengthy career at the Winnipeg institution, said the most popular reasons parents opt out of public education are related to faith, a private academy’s prestigious academic reputation, and concerns about a child’s safety and security.

“(Manitoba’s school system) is a good compromise. If you live in a multicultural society that values inclusion, then having respect for the cultural and religious values of people is a good thing,” he said, noting other provinces fully support Catholic schools, but not other faith-based classrooms.

Last year, about 212,000 Manitoba children were registered in public schools — in which nearly nine in 10 students are enrolled — funded independent schools, non-funded independent schools and homeschools. Non-funded schools recorded the largest enrolment increase of

all categories in 2022-23 — 11 per cent. The public school population grew by three per cent.

To achieve funded status, a private school must register as a non-funded entity, hire certified teachers, implement local curriculum, follow other provincial regulations and undergo monitoring for two years.

Fort Richmond’s Avicenna Academy, a new Islamic elementary school with two dozen attendees, is in the process of obtaining funded status. Principal Mohamed Ramadan said a provincial officer visits the school about once every three months to observe teaching practices and ensure the building is aligned with government laws and policies.

Historically, the majority of non-funded schools have embraced limited government oversight.

The NDP education critic said the province’s “hollowed out” education department does not have enough resources to adequately monitor this growing group.

“It’s the wild west out there… That’s why these liaison officers have their work cut out for them,” said Nello Altomare, a retired principal. “They have

to ensure you’re getting an equivalent education that you’re getting in a public school.”

Wiens suggested the province should consider funding public school divisions to take on inspections and oversee the lessons in non-funded schools.

Education Minister Wayne Ewasko was not available Monday. In a statement, a spokesperson said non-funded independent school families, much like homeschool parents, have the freedom to choose programming.

Over 300 new healthcare providers recruited.

A successful overseas recruitment mission is bringing more nurses and health care aides to live and work in Manitoba.

Healing Healthcare: A Recovery Plan

Thompson RCMP respond to stolen ambulance

On July 8, 2023, at approximately 9:00 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a male jumping in front of traffic and punching vehicles on Princeton Drive in Thompson. A few minutes later, police were notified that an ambulance had crashed into a tree near that location.

Police attended and located a male in the driver's seat of the ambulance. It was the same male who had been jumping in traffic. A minivan was also damaged at that location, after being hit

your heart needs an escape

by the ambulance.

Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and were able to extract the driver from the ambulance. The driver of the ambulance and the five occupants of the minivan were all transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation has determined that Draven Beardy, 20, from York Landing, Manitoba, stole the ambulance when EMS were on the scene to attend the call related to punch-

ing vehicles. When he attempted to leave the scene, the ambulance collided with the minivan and crashed into a tree in front of Assiniboine Place.

Once in the hospital, Beardy threatened medical staff. He was treated and released into police custody. Beardy is charged with Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm x 5, Utter Threats, Theft of a Vehicle, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. He remains in custody. Further charges may be pending.

RCMP Photo

and Instagram.

You’re going to lose access to local news on

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news stagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing with our parent company, Glacier Media.

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta — the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

1. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.

2. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news day’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.

2. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

Thank you. We appreciate you.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source. In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

The Thompson Citizen team

The Thompson Citizen team

Facebook and Google.

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the result.

Rolling River artist tells stories through poetry, photography

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Mashikaydun, also known as Aaron McKay, has been on a homecoming journey. Turning to his culture, his ancestors and their history and spirituality, he has come to peace with who he is and what he wishes to do with his life.

The Rolling River First Nation member, who recently started a multimedia business called Giiwe Media, is now passionate about documenting the beauty and richness of Indigenous culture and other people who are on their own journeys home – home to their tradition, home to their culture, and home to themselves.

Mashikaydun was born to a mother from Swan Lake First Nation and a father who served with the Dakota Ojibwe Police Service. Shortly after he was born, he received his traditional name, which loosely translates to “the sound of a storm in the distance approaching.”

He remembers growing up in a home where he heard anishinaabemowin spoken at the kitchen table. The fond memories are punctuated by the intergenerational trauma that residential schools placed on his family — something he said is common in many Indigenous families.

“You have these two halves that are sort of guiding us — there’s that trauma, and then there’s that little bit of culture. And the culture sort of kept me personally from going to one side,” he said.

Although his family did face some difficult challenges, Mashikaydun said he and his siblings always had what they needed. When he was 10

or 11, and attended his first sweat with his grandfather, his father, and his uncle, it made a big impression on him. Unfortunately, when he hit the often-turbulent teenage years, Mashikaydun began to move in a direction that didn’t align with who he was on the inside, he said.

“When you hit those teen years, you’re going through all these changes. I had been living with things that hadn’t been quite dealt with yet, and I found that release in other avenues. I started to kind of leave the culture. It was still there, but its presence wasn’t as big.”

Dealing with intergenerational trauma led to Mashikaydun facing some mental health challenges of his own, which also had him turning to things that would eventually have a negative impact on his life, he said.

Still, the ambitious young man had big plans for his life. After graduating from Erickson Collegiate in 2009, he enrolled at Brandon University with the goal of becoming a teacher.

“The reason for that is because there was actually another teacher who inspired me and showed me that they cared for me and that they saw potential in me,” Mashikaydun said. “I decided you know what, maybe I can be that person for another youth.”

But going to university and leaving his home community straight after graduating proved a challenge for Mashikaydun. Calling it a huge “reset” in his life, he remembers not having access to things that felt familiar and the people that had supported

him.

“I was just by myself. I was isolated. And so that first year was really rough on me. I was working a lot of stuff out of my system,” Mashikaydun said.

After struggling with his grades during his first year of university, he received correspondence stating that if he did not start improving, he would face suspension. Mashikaydun remembers feeling angry when he got the letter — an anger he directed at outside sources before finally looking inward.

“I remember, I just said, ‘How come you didn’t try hard enough? What could you have done differently?’ So, at the time, I was like 18 or 19, and that started my path to being responsible for my own actions,” he said. “Instead of being angry at the world … the only way that my situation was going to get better is if I pulled myself up.”

After that turning point, Mashikaydun applied himself with new zeal towards his studies. What was immensely helpful, he says, is when he ended up talking to an academic advisor who could tell he was struggling. Setting aside his worries about his grades and school performance, the advisor, who had a background in counselling, asked Mashikaydun how he was truly feeling.

“As cliché as it sounds, that opened up the floodgates,” Mashikaydun remembers. “I started sharing all this stuff.”

Mashikaydun’s positive experience with his university advisor led him to take the step of undergoing therapy — two sessions every week at first, and then, as he pro-

gressed in his healing, less frequently. As a result, his grades improved.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in History and a minor in Native Studies, Mashikaydun went on to earn a bachelor of education, specializing in teaching senior high school students.

But soon after that, Mashikaydun felt as though something in his life was missing. He had been helping out here and there with different ceremonies but felt as though he wanted more.

“I’d sit around the sweat lodge and listen to the older guys talk and talk about the old days, or talk about spirituality and culture, and I started thinking that maybe that’s the piece I was missing,” Mashikaydun said.

Even though he wanted to fully embrace and enmesh himself in his culture, there was something holding him back — a feeling of being unworthy or unclean because of some of the choices he’d made to cope with his trauma, Mashikaydun said.

“Despite everything I had gone through, all that healing process, I still felt like I was a dirty person.”

One day when Mashikaydun was around 25 years old, he attended a sweat with his brother.

“I was talking to him, and he’s very blunt. I told him I want to go in [to the sweat lodge] but I didn’t feel clean. I felt like a dirty person. He said, ‘Well, that’s why you go in there — to get clean.’”

Once he found the courage within himself to enter the sweat lodge that day, Mashikaydun experienced another turning point in his life — one that would irrevocably reconnect him with the land, his culture, his family, his ancestors and his own spirit.

“That experience really encouraged me to share with others,” he said.

And while he acknowledges that it’s wonderful that people in today’s society are celebrated for achieving great things, Mashikaydun says he felt a calling to share the stories of people who were still on — or just starting out on — their journeys.

“I feel like that’s a colonial view, that you’re only worth celebrating if you’ve managed to accomplish something big,” Mashikaydun said. “What I’ve seen is even if you’re just waking up in the morning, for some people, that’s an accomplishment.”

To start, Mashikaydun decided it was time he told his own story, which is all about home. He began sharing his thoughts and feelings through poetry, something he always had a love for. Through that, he realized how many other homecomings he had been making throughout his life.

“My story is home. I am my own home. This land is my home. My culture, my spirituality is my home,” he said.

In 2020, Mashikaydun began telling the story of himself and others through photography, opening up Giiwe Media. Much like poetry and writing, he had always been interested in his photog-

raphy. He remembers his grandfather and grandmother buying him a Polaroid camera when he was in kindergarten, and Mashikaydun recalls being absolutely enamoured with the idea of being able to capture a moment in time forever through a photograph.

“As a kid I remember thinking that the world was stopping when I had a photograph, a physical memory,” he said.

Mashikaydun began to attend sweat lodge ceremonies and spoke to elders, learning as much as he could from them. It was a bittersweet thing, he remembers, especially when he realized that many of his elders, who carry a wealth of knowledge about their culture, spirituality, and way of life, wouldn’t be around to share their stories forever.

“I was attending a ceremony that one of my grandfathers was holding, and he stood there in the circle with us. There were quite a few guys that he was standing in a circle with. He held an eagle feather, and he was addressing us, saying that this would be his last year. At the time, he was the only one I knew who would host that kind of ceremony, and my immediate thought was, it’s disappearing. It’s leaving. And this may very well be the last one I ever attend,” Mashikaydun said.

That experience and his grandfather’s words made Mashikaydun ponder on the future of the youth of his community — the students in elementary and high school. In his late 20s, he didn’t see any people younger than himself attending the ceremonies, which made him worry about the future of his community.

“It scared me, honestly,” he said. “I started wanting to learn as much as I could, so that way I could pass information down to the next generations.”

That is what Giiwe Media is all about, Mashikaydun says. During the pandemic, he focused on building his photography skills and building his brand. He added various cameras to his collection.

Since then, Mashikaydun says he has been inspired by the stories he’s heard from other people — especially from young Indigenous people that are beginning their healing journeys, and on the reconciliation that individual stories point to on a larger scale throughout the country.

“I definitely think that there is a healing that’s starting to take place. It’s the start of something. Something big is coming. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I feel it’s a good thing,” he said.

What Mashikaydun hopes that non-Indigenous Canadians will come to understand — and one of the messages he hopes to convey through his poetry and photography — is that Canada is not just the physical home of Indigenous people but the home of their history, identities, language and culture.

“We have our bloodlines and memories attached to this land. This is our home — and that’s not to exclude anyone who is of European or settler

descent — but people have to understand that this is somebody’s home,” he said.

Reminiscing on the powwow that took place on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, in his home of Rolling River First Nation, Mashikaydun said he was pleased to see how many people of different cultures and backgrounds came to experience Indigenous culture, and how welcoming his community was of people at the event, regardless of where they came from or what they looked like.

While no First Nation is the same, and experience can vary from community to community, Mashikaydun says inclusivity is a big part of how Indigenous people are raised.

“I remember a few years ago, an elder speaking, and he pointed out to the highway to the cars that were driving by. He said ‘Someday, our brothers and sisters will come here, and they will want to learn from us. They will come here both for help and also just to learn. I hope that they come soon. We will welcome them with open arms.’”

In addition to his work with Giiwe Media, Mashikaydun has partnered with Izzeddin Hawamda, the founder of Gaser-Bridge, an interfaith dialogue group that works to promote awareness, dialogue, and empathy-building regarding Israel and Palestine. “Gaser” means bridge in Arabic and Hebrew.

Together, Hawamda and Mashikaydun are working on a series called “Unbound Stories,” which builds empathy by connecting stories from two different worlds, unearthing the commonality shared by people and bringing humanity and empathy towards all people through the exchange of stories.

Mashikaydun met Hawamda, whom he calls his brother, through a mutual friend who had a goal of bringing a meaningful and impactful event to the public.

“I shared my experience as an Indigenous man displaced from my ancestral home and how I was viewed and treated as a lower being. There were commonalities in our stories, with Izzeddin being a Palestinian man displaced from Palestine,” he said.

As Mashikaydun and Hawamda’s journey progressed, they eventually had other storytellers join them and brought a storytelling event to the public in early 2022 via Zoom. Their latest event together was in February 2023 at the University of Manitoba.

Mashikaydun says he and Hawamda have plans to bring another Unbound Stories event and workshop to the public in September under Gaser-Bridge and Giiwe Media.

Whether it’s through his photography, poetry or through working with his friend on Unbound Stories, McKay looks forward to continuing to tell the stories of Indigenous people across the country, bringing awareness to their unique lived experience and the richness of their culture.

Province promises more Niverville-style senior care campuses

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

On July 7, dozens gathered on the lawn of the Niverville Heritage Centre’s aging-in-place campus for a new senior’s housing announcement from the provincial government.

According to Seniors and Long-term Care Minister Scott Johnston, the province will invest $15 million into the planning and design of six new personal care home (PCH) facilities across Manitoba.

This initiative, scheduled for Stonewall, Arborg, Lac du Bonnet, Oakbank, and Winnipeg, is expected to add 670 long-term care beds to the system.

The new PCHs will follow the model of those found in Niverville, Steinbach, and Carman. This model has been studied by other jurisdictions and recognized for its innovative approach to creating spaces that feel like home while providing a full continuum of care.

“Throughout our comprehensive consultations and engagement that helped shape our senior’s strategy, we’ve heard that Manitobans want accessible and affordable housing options close to home so that they can stay connected with their communities and their families for as long as they can,” Johnston said.

In addition, the province

will pilot a second initiative called Community Supportive Living, which will act as a bridge for seniors who require more advanced care but are not yet ready for long-term care.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Manitoba has the highest percentage of long-term care residents who could have been cared for in the community had they had the appropriate supports.

In phase one, 105 supportive care units will be constructed in three health regions, including Southern Health-Sante Sud, totalling 288 units by the end of phase two.

“This new housing-with-supports program will provide safe, supportive care to seniors with chronic and complex needs in a home-like environment, preventing premature placement in a PCH,” Johnston said.

The province will use a standardized rate for accommodation and services and provide subsidy assistance to maintain affordability for all.

Finally on the government’s upcoming agenda is the introduction of 42 behavioural beds. These will be constructed in Brandon and Winkler and provide highly specialized care for seniors with complex mental health or behavioural needs.

Also speaking at Friday’s

event was Connie Newman, director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities and member of the provincial senior strategy panel of experts.

“The World Health Organization and United Nations launched the Decade of Healthy Aging in 2021 and Manitoba is on the right track,” Newman said. “We’re following the outline of the WHO, which stated we need to change how we think, feel, and act towards age and aging.”

According to Newman, this includes helping communities develop ways to foster the abilities of their seniors while delivering person-centred integrative care at home.

Indicating to the backdrop of the Niverville’s Heritage Life PCH behind her, Sue Vovchuk of the Long-term and Continuing Care Association said she was pleased with the province’s decision to move on this aging-in-place model.

“I’ve had the good fortune of coming out to Niverville about three times in the last couple of months and I always leave here feeling so hopeful and so happy,” Vovchuk said. “It’s just so encouraging to see what is possible.”

Allowing seniors to live out all their years in their home community, she adds, will help them maintain the support networks of family, friends, and neighbours

right to the end.

“This is essential for seniors to live a positive, productive and health life,” said Vovchuk. “In all journeys of care, it truly takes a village.”

Invaluable lessons were learned, she says, as a result of events that unfolded in personal care homes during the years of pandemic.

Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck remembers the early stages leading up to Niverville’s aging-in-place campus and the hard work and vision it took to get there.

“When I joined council in 2004, seniors were having to leave, even though they raised their families here, worked at and owned businesses here, coached

kids teams, and volunteered in the churches and local fair,” Dyck says. “And then [they get sent] 60 to 80 miles away. It’s heartbreaking. So to see mayors and reeves and community members here today based on a model that we were fortunate enough to partner with the province on, it’s a great day and we’re very thankful for what we have here.”

Niverville’s model includes senior options from independent-living life lease units to assisted and supportive living options and finally the PCH. They’re all under one roof.

To build on this village-like model, the campus also provides social enterprise and retail space, medical and dental facilities, a restaurant, and a daycare facility.

Johnstone added that the seniors strategy, developed collaboratively by many partners, will pave the way for many more such announcements in the coming years.

“The seniors strategy is a living document,” said Johnstone. “We didn’t just put it together and put it on the shelf. It will continue to be implemented and enhanced. Why is that so important? Because we all know that our senior population is increasing significantly… People are living longer and therefore the demands that we have to meet are substantial.”

THOMPSON CITIZEN: EDITOR/REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Location: Thompson, Manitoba

DESCRIPTION

The Thompson Citizen has an immediate opening for an Editor/Journalist in Thompson, Manitoba. Thompson, known as the “Hub of the North” in Manitoba, is a vibrant city in the middle of an outdoor paradise. The 15,000 residents of Thompson enjoy an excellent airport, a golf course, a ski hill, numerous boating and fishing areas, two ice arenas, public library, indoor swimming complex, great schools, a university campus, a live theatre, and many more amenities to satisfy any lifestyle.

The Thompson Citizen is part of the Prairie Newspaper Group, which is a division of Glacier Media. This position would be a great starting point for an enthusiastic graduate as well as a great opportunity for an experienced reporter looking for an exciting change from the regular day to day workload.

The successful applicant will be expected to cover a wide range of topics. He or she will find himself or herself reporting on current events, writing Q&A’s, business features, personal interest and taking lots of photos.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Please send resume with cover letter to:

Noah Cooke, Publisher Thompson Citizen

P.O. Box 887, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1N8 or E-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

Thompson Citizen photo by Brenda Sawatzky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Dignitaries gathered in Niverville last Friday for a major announcement at the Heritage Centre.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK

FULL TIME

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

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

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

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

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal Council

23 Nickel Road

Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4

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

Closing Date: Open until position filled

We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Thompson Community Development Corporation

Thompson Community Development Corporation

Position Overview

Position Overview

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

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

BUSINESS INSTRUCTOR

Faculty of Arts, Business, & Science/Community Based Training

Full Time, Term Position

(September 11, 2023 - June 14, 2024)

Norway House, Manitoba

Competition No: 23-060

Closing Date: July 28, 2023

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

HERE YOU CAN

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

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

BUSINESS INSTRUCTOR

Faculty of Arts, Business, & Science/Community Based Training

Multiple Casual Positions

Remote within Manitoba

Competition No: 23-062

Closing Date: July 28, 2023

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

HERE YOU CAN

University College of the North

UCN.CA

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

FULL TIME

PATIENT SUPPORT LIAISON-CASE MANAGER

The goal of the Patient Support Liaison Case Manager is to ensure Non-insured Health benefits are delivered in accordance with the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Transportation program policy and guidelines to eligible clients in Keewatin Tribal Council Inc Region.

University College of the North

UCN.CA

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

DENTAL HYGIENIST – FULL TIME POSITION

Under the direction of the Director of Health, the Dental Hygienist will be responsible to implement and deliver the “Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI)” program, which focuses on children from ages 0 – 7 years of age. COHI is a community-based initiative to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health among the 11 KTC First Nations children.

Position Announcement: MANAGER

Position Announcement:

Executive Director

Thompson is a city on the move. Located 750 km north of Winnipeg in Canada’s Boreal Forest it provides incredible opportunities for the person who loves the outdoors and can seize the potential it provides. Thompson serves a trading area of over 50,000 as the Hub of the North.

Thompson is a city on the move. Located 750 km north of Winnipeg in Canada’s boreal forest it provides incredible opportunities for the person who loves the outdoors and can seize the potential it provides. Thompson serves a surrounding population of over 50,000 as the hub of the north. The city of Thompson recently saw the revival of the Thompson Community Development Corporation (TCDC) and as such we now seek an Executive Director to lead the TCDC.

Reporting to the Thompson Community Development Corporation (TCDC) Board of Directors, the position will be responsible to help develop people, business, and capacity in Thompson and the surrounding region. The position will build relationships with surrounding community economic development organizations, systems, and individuals to the benefit of northern Manitoba. The TCDC will support and develop areas to make Thompson a great place to live.

Reporting to the board of directors the position will be responsible to build on the work currently underway and seek and develop new economic opportunities for our region. The position will build relationships with surrounding community economic development corporations and individuals to the benefit of northern Manitoba. The position will continue to fully operationalise the organization and manage the implementation of various project initiatives.

The position will work with the Board of Director to implement the strategic plan of the TCDC and to manage the implementation of various projects.

Under the general direction of Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Medical Transportation and Referral Supervisor and Director of Health of Keewatin Tribal Council, the Patient Support Liaison Case Manager will provide, client centered service and maintain liaison between the authorized service providers of transportation and accommodations and First Nation and Inuit Health.

DUTIES

• This position inspects service providers by attending/ arranging regular site visits

• Meeting and interacting with clients

• Discussing and documenting the client experience

• Researching the issue including:

• Verifying appointment availability/client arrival

• Denial of service

• Standard of service including medical facility experience

The overall goals of the COHI are: To reduce and delay dental decay among First Nation children; to reduce the need for children to undergo extensive dental treatment involving general anesthetic; to work with community partners such as Aboriginal Head Start and Maternal Child Health programs and schools to bring proven early interventions to First Nations communities, and to improve families’ understanding of their role in promoting oral health as part of a healthy lifestyle.

DUTIES (SUMMARY):

• Ensure the collection of appropriately completed permission/ consent forms

• Provide dental screenings and surveys to determine the oral health status and preventive treatment needs of each child

• Provide pit and fissure sealants for children

• Apply as required, fluoride varnish to children

• Painless procedures used in cavities to limit further decay

• Refer children who require urgent care

The TCDC is looking for a great communicator who can bring people together and form partnerships and initiatives to grow the northern region that it serves. In addition, the TCDC would be looking for an individual who is creative, a critical thinker, a problem solver, with a can-do attitude.

An experienced development professional provides mentorship and coaching to the TCDC team. Routinely demonstrates effective communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills and attitude.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Standards in meals and accommodation

• Being the point of contact for issues and complaints

• Provide one-on-one oral hygiene instruction

• Oral health education and promotion activities

• Collect, complete and submit data in a timely fashion (ie. Dental Screening forms and Dental Services Daily Records)

• Maintain appropriate records (ie. COHI lists, referral lists, etc.)

• The successful candidate, with support from the TCDC Board of Directors will

• Be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Thompson Community Development Corporation.

Responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Thompson Community Development Corporation including overseeing of office staff, project coordination, customer service and administrative function/services

• Documenting issues and advocating within current structure of KTC, would check accommodations and verify and support the client and complaint/issue being rectified immediately with hotel manager/owner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Train and provide indirect supervision of the Dental Worker Aide

• Develop, implement, coordinate, evaluate and maintain preventive and health promotion programs

• Help make TCDC a household name as an economic driver in northern Manitoba.

Manages business advisory services that provides our clients with the information they need to achieve economic growth

• Establish a table to coordinate regional economic development.

Responsible for maintaining existing projects and their budgets and development of new projects

• The incumbent should have completion of Grade 12 or equivalent;

• Travel within our Tribal area is essential.

• Others as deemed necessary

• Manages business advisory services that will first access the needs of entrepreneurs in the region and help path find the information they need to achieve economic growth.

• Should have excellent communication and organizational skills;

Develops and maintains relationships with other Economic Development offices

Undertakes special projects and assignments as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Assesses staffing needs, leads in the recruitment process

Manages staff, coordinates work of staff including prioritization of work - Works with partner agencies

• Responsible for existing projects and their budgets and identification and development of new projects. This will include but not limited to assessing staffing needs, recruitment of staff and leads, managing staff and coordinating and prioritization of work.

• Develops, maintains relationships, and work with other Economic Development offices and partner agencies.

• Ensure adherence to all administrative and financial aspects of the TCDC and that the corporation is managed in accordance with its bylaws, policies, and regulations and that the Board of Directors are fully informed of activities.

• Manage budgets and ensure a plan of actions is executed to safeguard the sustainability of the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• TCDC is looking for a people person who is outgoing and a demonstrated strong communicator with leadership abilities.

• Proven ability to execute a strategic plan.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build relationships, but also be decisive and act independently.

• Have related experience and or academic credentials that best suit the economic development area.

• Experience in positions related to public administration, and/or business administration, and/or tourism/hospitality, and/or community and economic development, grant writing experience, with applied knowledge in project management would be an asset.

• Experience in management and or supervisory role, experience in a similar organization would be an asset.

• Experience with proposal development and implementation.

• A valid driver license.

• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.

• Ability to maintain relationships with local partners including the City of Thompson to ensure coordination of development efforts.

A competitive salary of $63,000–$82,000 based on successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised the TCDC uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.

Send resume and cover letter along with salary expectations to Thompson Community Development Corporation at info@thompsoncdc.ca

Applications first review will occur July 25, 2023, with interviews to follow.

Position will remain open till filled.

Thompson CDC • 15 Moak Cres, Thompson, MB R8N 2B8 • P:1-431-354-2225

• Knowledge and proven proficiency in computers and various software, programs, ie: word processing, email, client records software, Excel – creating and use of spreadsheets.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment;

• Should have thorough knowledge of transportation systems within the Province of Manitoba;

• Should have thorough Knowledge of health care facilities within the province;

• The knowledge of medical Terminology is an asset;

• Should be aware of native culture, lifestyles and spiritual beliefs;

• The ability to speak Cree or Dene is an asset;

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and access to vehicle.

• Provide a currently clear Criminal Records Check and Fingerprints, Child and Vulnerable persons checks. Prior to commencement of employment.

A written cover letter with detailed resume, including at least two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor should be submitted to:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager or Dion McIvor, Referral & MTS Supervisor 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca or DMcivor@ktc.ca

Fax: 204 677-0256

Closing Date: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023

Late applications will not be accepted

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

• Knowledgeable of First Nations cultural practices, traditions, and customs would be an asset.

• Experience working in a First Nation community would be an asset.

• Must have excellent oral and written skills.

• Must be computer literate and have experience working with computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access Database, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Knowledge of Federal/Provincial Health Care Systems.

• Must be a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba

• Must be listed on the Registered Dental Hygienists–College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba

• Current CPR certification

• Must have a valid Manitoba Driver’s License at all times.

• Criminal Record check and Child Abuse Registry Check to be submitted.

Salary ranges between: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually

A written application with a detailed resume, including at least two references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor, should be submitted to:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager

Keewatin Tribal Council Inc.

23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 0Y4

Fax: (204) 677- 0256

Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. We wish to thank those that apply for this position but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Winnipeg mayor supports move to end Brady Road Landfill blockade, open garbage dump

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

The mayor of Winnipeg said on Tuesday he supports efforts to get the Brady Road Landfill reopened as soon as possible, and supports efforts

SHIRLEY MABEL BOYECHKO

now in the works to seek an injunction that could legally force protesters to stand down and end their blockade.

As of Tuesday, a blockade remained in place at the Brady Road Landfill in Winnipeg despite orders

OBITUARY

On July 7, 2023 at the Riverview Health Centre, Shirley Boyechko, aged 79 years, passed away after a brief illness.

Shirley was predeceased by mother Florence Mae McIvor; father James MacDonald; and brothers Allen McIvor and Frank McIvor. She is survived by her husband Harry Boyechko of Thompson; two daughters Pearl Roberts and Bea (David) Boyechko; grandchildren Jennifer (Kerry) Boyechko, Jeffrey (Amanda) Boyechko, Adam (Brandi) Roberts and Derek (Ashley) Roberts; great-grandchildren Kye, Victoria, Lux and Brynley.

Shirley was born in Norway House on April 28, 1944 and raised in Cross Lake Manitoba. In 1963 she met her husband Harry Boyechko in Thompson, Manitoba. They married in 1964 and raised two daughters in the rugged beauty of the northern mining town. She worked at various jobs including at Trappers Restaurant as a cook, and most recently at the YWCA as the front desk clerk. In March 2022 her health would decline and she was admitted to the Thompson General Hospital. In February 2023 she transferred to the Riverview Health Centre. The staff at the Riverview Medical Centre were exceptional and tirelessly worked to make her last days as comfortable as possible.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s memory to the Diabetes Foundation. Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

from the city of Winnipeg that it be dismantled by Monday at noon, a deadline that has now come and gone.

The blockade began Thursday after the Manitoba government’s decision against searching Prairie Green Landfill, where the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to have been

dumped.

Jeremy Skibicki faces first-degree murder charges in their deaths, as well as for the death of Rebecca Contois, whose remains were found last year at Brady Road, and the death of an unidentified woman that Indigenous leaders are calling Buffalo Woman, and whose remains have not been found.

Many protesters taking part in the blockade at the Brady Landfill this week say they are now demanding both the Prairie Green and Brady Road landfills be shut down and searched for the remains of Indigenous women.

But the situation could soon be coming to a head, as on Tuesday afternoon Winnipeg Mayor Scott

Gillingham said during a media conference he is in favour of the decision made on Monday to seek an injunction to remove protesters who continue to block the main road into the landfill.

“I think it's important that we don't run into a situation where we could have garbage collection interrupted,” the mayor said during the media conference. “We have to keep the garbage trucks moving in the city of Winnipeg.”

The City of Winnipeg filed notice Tuesday that it will seek a court injunction to force an end to the landfill blockade.

In an application to the Court of King’s Bench, the city is seeking an order for the protesters to leave and an authorization to arrest and remove anyone who refuses to do so. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

“An ongoing blockade … poses serious risks of irreparable harm to the city, residents of, and businesses in Winnipeg, and the environment,” the notice of application read.

— 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.