July 7 2023

Nickel Belt News

Thompson junior golfer brings home first tournament win

RCMP team takes tug-of-war top prize in Canada Day festivities

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

Canada Day was full of excitement at the Thompson Recreational Community Centre. Lots of people came out to enjoy the Pancake Breakfast and all the fun events planned for the day. There was Laser tag and the Children’s play place that were filled with non stop fun. Unfortunately, to everyones dismay, the bed races were canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. But will possible be back for a future event. So make sure to keep your beds made and ready to race.

sung by Natashia Moody. This year marks the 156th year since the Constitution act was signed. With that, the Canadian national anthem is a beautiful poem written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier and actually has four verses in total. Although arguably the most popular version was written in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir.

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.

Norman Northstars players drafted into the MJHL

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

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 a couple of reasons.

“I just sort of thought, you know what, this history, this stuff that’s in my head, it’s going to be gone if I don’t write it down,” she said. “My kids are not going to get it if I don’t do it and it’s something I’ve 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,

Other activities were junk in your trunk sale, the bring your bloomers plant and flower competition and a tug of war competition. Three teams were entered into the tug of war competition. Team Awesome, team Media and team RCMP and the crown office. The competition was fierce. But in the end, there can be only one.

Weir’s lyrics, having undergone very minor changes from the original poem and became the official English version of Canada’s national anthem 1980. The official French version of the anthem featured the original French lyrics, which have remained unchanged since 1880. We are all familiar with the first verse of our national anthem, but do you know the others? The poem reads “ O Canada!

Our home and native land!

and lordly rivers flow. How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western Sea, Thou land of hope for all who toil! Thou True North, strong and free! God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise, To keep thee steadfast through the years From East to Western Sea, Our own beloved native land! Our True North, strong and free! God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our dominion within thy loving care; Help us to find, O God, in thee

a book about her experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill.

‘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 She also has a reputation tory 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

Team RCMP and the crown office took home the trophy. Their team consisted of Olivier Godin, Mathieu Lavoie, Travis Hobbs, Samuel Laganière, Crown Dave Mudge, Crown Cole Gagne.

As part of the Canada Day Celebration you can’t miss the national anthem. This year the national anthem was

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

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada! Where pines and maples grow. Great prairies spread

A lasting, rich reward, As waiting for the Better Day, We ever stand on guard. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.”

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

“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite simplistic. It’s quite disrespectful. If we were in the

your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

To top off all the excitement and to finish of the festivities, we had to end it off with a bang. Quite literally! As the fireworks were outstanding. What a way to close out another Canada Day.

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.

“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.”

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written

Friday, July 7, 2023

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960

Thompson Citizen photos submitted by Glenn Laycock Two Norman Northstars from Thompson were drafted in the Manitoba Junior Hockey league draft on June 4th. Isaac Mcleod Catcheway (left) went in the 3rd round 30th overall to the Winkler Flyers and Reed Scadden (right) was selected 6th round, 84th overall to the OCN Blizzared.

Thompson Citizen photo submitted by Glenn Laycock Thompson Junior golfer Ethan Portey won his first tournament on Maple leaf Junior Tour at Steinbach fly-in Golf Club shooting a 74, 72 for a two-stroke win. The local product won the tournament on June 10th and 11th.

Manitoba ups efforts to recruit French-speaking teachers

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Manitoba’s new “all hands on deck” approach to staffing French classrooms with fluent and trained teachers — which is not always possible at present due to a chronic shortage of professionals — will rely on efforts to recruit local teens to pursue teaching.

Nearly two years after beginning consultations on challenges related to enlisting and retaining bilingual teachers, the education department has released a road map to address the growing demand for francophone

and immersion education.

“It should’ve happened 20 years ago — if not more than that,” Education Minister Wayne Ewasko said Tuesday. “But I can’t reverse the clock so we’re getting going with this and we’re going to continue working with all those education partners, K-12 and post-secondary partners to get this done.”

Ewasko noted enrolment in the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine has grown 15 per cent over the last decade while French immersion programs, which are currently offered in just over half of all public school

divisions, have surged 23 per cent.

It is not uncommon for DSFM schools, especially in rural and northern areas, to hire French-speaking community members to fill teaching positions via temporary certifications.

In a bid to address the issue, the province’s latest strategy involves encouraging more people to enter a career teaching in French, scaling up university training seats, updating certification practices that support newcomers, and bolstering orientation for early career educators.

“The main strategy has to be building through the draft. The students we need are in our own classrooms. We just need to get them to Grade 12 in French and then we need them to do their teachable in French and then do a (bachelor on education),” said Peter Dorrington, vice-president, academic and research, at l’Université de Saint-Boniface, home to Manitoba’s only francophone teachers college.

Roughly 62 per cent of members of the class of 2023 who entered kindergarten in either a francophone or immersion classroom, stuck with it until Grade 12.

Dorrington said language insecurity is a huge issue that contributes to the dropout rate and requires French teachers of all kinds

to spend a great deal of time encouraging and building confidence among students.

While acknowledging it’s a time-intensive project, focusing on local students to grow the French teaching workforce is critical because they understand the context of minority language education in Manitoba and are more likely to want to stick around after graduation, he added.

The province is anticipated to announce an expansion of USB’s education program in the coming weeks.

Over the last seven years, USB has doubled its average admissions into the program. The francophone university has gone from accepting roughly 35 teacher candidates every year to roughly 80.

Despite the welcome expansion, superintendent Alain Laberge said it continues to be a challenge to find francophone music teachers, phys-ed teachers, resource teachers and other specialists who are fluent in French.

“Good year or bad year, we always end up not being able to cover all positions,” said Laberge, who oversees the education of approximately 6,000 students in DSFM.

The division leader said his schools rely on limited teaching permits, but the province has denied requests to allow franco-

phones with temporary certificates to work more days than their English counterparts regardless of the scarcity of French teachers.

“We need to sit down altogether…and say: ‘OK, how can we make sure we have as many good candidates as possible and where are the hurdles? And if it’s certification, maybe we can come up with ideas, change a couple of things, make it easier, knowing that there’s a shortage everywhere,’” he added.

There are no signs the growth of French language education is going to slow down any time soon, said Joel Martine, interim executive director of Canadian Parents for French – Manitoba. Martine noted the benefits of being bilingual, including the job and travel opportunities it provides, and a wave of immigration from French-speaking

countries.

As far as he is concerned, building a healthy francophone teaching workforce will require employers to ensure they increasingly find ways to support staff well-being so the profession appeals to graduates within the province and beyond.

Martine added there is an urgency to addressing the shortage, citing boards in other provinces that have resorted to rolling out lottery systems for immersion enrolment.

The education minister indicated his office is not considering implementing a game-of-chance or firstcome-first-served model for accepting students into French programs.

Ewasko said the strategy requires an “all hands on deck” approach to recruit Manitoba high schoolers and others to pursue teaching in French.

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.

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.

JUNIOR CLERK – R.C.M.P.

The City of Thompson invites qualified applicants to submit a resume for consideration as Junior Clerk for the R.C.M.P. detachment:

The successful applicant will possess the following qualifications: Grade 12 graduate, ability to obtain R.C.M.P. security clearance, typing speed of 50 w.p.m. (minimum), familiar and competent with computers and WordPerfect word processing software, dictaphone experience (audio and digital) required, previous policing experience would be an asset, previous computer experience with the Police Information Retrieval System (PIRS), the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and the Police Report and Occurrence System (PROS) will be considered an asset, ability to communicate effectively with the general public, previous secretarial/clerical experience would be an asset, ability to work shift work (days, afternoons, evenings, graveyard and weekends).

Duties include researching, transcribing, preparing and typing reports, documents and correspondence, operates telephone, 2-way radio, answering queries, relaying messages and recording complaints. Receives visitors, directs them to proper officer and gives out authorized information.

The City of Thompson offers a comprehensive benefits program and competitive salary, with an hourly rate between $27.56–$33.73.

Detailed resumes outlining experience, education, qualifications and references will be received by the undersigned until the position is filled. Those interested may apply in confidence to the address below:

The public is welcome to attend.

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.

Monday, July 10 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.

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.

Photo by Generistock via Getty Images

Sioux Valley bringing back grassland

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Environmental staff at Sioux Valley Dakota Nation are on a mission to return traditional native grasses to the area on the reserve.

In June, the reserve’s land advisory committee visited John Skinner of Skinner Native Seeds, who specializes in growing the traditional Prairie grasses that grew in southwestern Manitoba in the past. With his help, the committee plans to reseed pastures where bison graze, creating a rich, diverse ecosystem that will benefit not only the bison but other flora and fauna that call the Prairies home.

Sioux Valley’s lead environmentalist, Cheyenne

Ironman, is working closely with gardening experts Jennifer McIvor and Ainsley

Tacan, as well as with land staff, to help restore and protect the Prairie grasslands within the reserve by re-establishing the traditional diets of bison directly on Sioux Valley pastures.

Sioux Valley is located 50 kilometres west of Brandon.

After European settlers came to the Prairies, they began to farm, and their practices replaced the native Prairie grasses with crops such as wheat, barley and canola. They also hunted the bison to near extinction in the 19th century.

“They were almost killed off, and obviously that changed the whole landscape,” Ironman said. “They were free roaming.”

Bison have always been sacred to the Dakota people, Ironman said, pointing to the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, who brought the canupa (sacred pipe) and the ceremonies that would guide the Dakota people in their roles as individuals and instruct them on

how to relate to one another.

The overall health of the bison, soil quality and biodiversity that other species of plants, animals and insects depend on need to be protected and nourished with native Prairie grasses. The benefits grazing bison bring to the land also cannot be understated, Ironman said.

“They’re a critical part of the whole grassland ecosystem, for sure. The weight of the bison’s hooves … helps everything decompose and regrow faster. Their weight also aerates the soil.”

Skinner has spent the last 24 years of his life perfecting the process of turning agricultural land back into native Prairie grassland. He advised the committee to start with a three-grass blend made up of the traditional grasses that were native to the area before crops and invasive species were planted. He also showed the committee the types of equipment they can use in their seeding.

“We had a wiener roast and a visit, and since then, I’ve been back to Sioux Valley to look at the bison paddocks,” Skinner said. “It’s kind of ongoing and evolving, and hopefully, they will keep going and we’ll be able to help them with some restoration.”

Sioux Valley leadership has also issued a ban on all sprays, such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides and the planting and growing of canola and other related crops.

Since conversion to agricultural land is one of the biggest threats to Prairie grasslands, Ironman said that was the reason the First Nation decided to terminate leases or not renew leases with producers on its land.

Currently, close to 60

per cent of the land on the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation is Prairie grasslands.

The rest of the land is made up of residential areas and buildings, marsh and wetlands. The grassland itself is made up of 65 per cent pasture land for forage, hayfield and intact grassland and 35 per cent crop land.

“It’s that 35 per cent we are aiming to restore to natural grassland,” Ironman said.

The main goals of the bison and grassland projects are to enhance biodiversity and increase the productivity of natural grasses that are optimal for bison; to identify areas of the reserve for restoration and habitat enhancement for grassland species; to decrease or remove invasive, non-native or less desirable plant species in the pasture and other areas of the community;

and to inform and engage the community in decision making processes and involving youth in training.

With the help from Skinner, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada and Birds Canada, which is helping with the project as well, Ironman hopes the situation will continue to improve.

It will, however, take dedicated time and effort, she added.

Eventually, Sioux Valley hopes to be able to supply bison meat to community members on a regular basis.

“It’s the best thing that’s available to our people be-

cause it’s leaner than beef. Its healthier, and it’s just a lot better for people. We can

return to our own traditional diets and everything,” Ironman said.

NOTICE TO ALL HOMEOWNERS

Stittco Utilities Man. Ltd. in conjunction with Cathodic Protection Service, will be conducting their annual cathodic protection survey on properties in Thompson MB from July 10, 2023 to July 21, 2023.

Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact the Stittco office at (204) 677-2304

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Thompson Citizen photo by Local Journalism Initiative

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation's bison herd graze on a sunny pasture.

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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

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-

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

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.

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!

Rolling River First Nation celebrates graduates

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Graduates from Rolling River First Nation were celebrated for their accomplishments and reminded of the importance of upholding their cultural traditions at a convocation ceremony and luncheon at the Victoria Inn in Brandon on June 30.

Ten Rolling River First Nation (RRFN) students graduated from Erickson Collegiate Institute this year, and five graduated from other off-reserve high schools. The community celebrated seven of their members who received their mature student high school diplomas this year, and four post-secondary graduates as well.

Derek McKay is the band councillor who holds the education portfolio with the First Nation, located 76 kilometres north of Brandon. He’s been working with youth on the reserve for nearly 10 years, and says it’s important to encourage young people to graduate from high school and post-secondary institutions because of the opportunities an education will afford them later in life.

“Being Indigenous people, we really strive

for them to get their education, because it gives them a sense of guidance in their life coming up, as well as being able to get a job,” McKay said.

The entire community feels a sense of pride in the graduates of 2023 and their accomplishments, he added.

“We have some graduates that are 40-plus years old that have made that commitment and have graduated. We’re pretty proud of our people here today,” McKay said.

Elders and married couple Dennis and Elaine McKay say it’s important that entire communities rally around people who are trying to achieve their education goals so that they feel loved and supported and can go on to follow their paths confident that their community will always be there for them.

“You’re always there for them. You make that commitment,” Dennis said.

When young people are raised with the love and guidance of their communities, after they go on to achieve their education, they often want to come back to their community to share their gifts and work for their own people, Elaine

said.

“I’m extremely proud of our graduates. I know how hard they worked to get on the journey here, and now I’m encouraging them to start another journey for their future profession, and to come back and work with us back home, because we need our nurses to come home, our electricians, carpenters and so on.”

The sense of happiness that filled the banquet hall at the Victoria Inn was palpable, Elaine said, and due in large part to seeing not only the success of the young people that were being celebrated but the promise that lies ahead of the community’s children that have yet to embark on their own educational journeys.

“I highly respect all the children, because they are our future leaders. They don’t realize it now, but they’re already leaders,” she said.

One of the keynote speakers for the event was Aaron McKay, the Indigenous Relations Officer with Riding Mountain National Park, and owner and photographer of Giiwe Media, a multi-media company. Addressing the assembled graduates, their families

and friends, McKay told the graduates to keep moving forward while keeping their community in their hearts.

“You have so many people who love you, who care for you and want to see you succeed,”he said.

McKay also encouraged the graduates and all the community members to connect to their culture, traditions, and the Anishinaabemowin language.

“Do your best to find that language,” he said. “Keep that language alive and strong.”

AUCTIONS

Thompson Citizen photo by Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun Melanie Cameron graduated from Yellowquill University College in Winnipeg this year with a rehabilitation assistant diploma. Cameron was celebrated with other graduates from Rolling River First Nation at a luncheon at the Victoria Inn in Brandon on Friday, June 30.

Bear sightings prompt safety warning

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

After receiving numerous reports of a bear wandering around the town of Rivers over the weekend, the Rivers Police Service shared information on what to do upon encountering a bear.

Police in Rivers, located 41 kilometres northwest of Brandon, shared a tip line for reporting bear sightings on its Facebook page. Residents are urged to call 1-800-782-0076 if they’ve seen a bear.

Sgt. Dan Gaignard told the Sun that Manitoba Conservation was contacted about the bear over the weekend when it was wandering through town streets. Since then, he said he believes the bear has retreated to the river in search of food.

“There’s a bunch of saskatoon [bushes] down there that are all ripe and ready to be eaten, so we’re pretty sure that’s what’s attracting them to the area,” Gaignard said.

Jocelyn Beever, a cattle producer who owns a farm just outside Rivers, told the Sun that more and more bears and other wildlife are being seen in and around town in the past few years. She thinks this is because they are moving out of Riding Mountain National

Park, located 93 kilometres northeast of Rivers.

“Whether because there’s an overabundance [of animals] and they’ve moved out, or whether they’ve always been around the park but their habitat is decreasing … they’re following the waterways, where there’s trees and food,” Beever said.

Beever has spotted bears on her property before over the last two or three years, usually near the river that runs through her land. Having grown up with an outdoorsman for a father and going on fishing trips to northern Manitoba, she’s not too perturbed by the idea of a bear wandering through her property, she said. However, she is concerned that with the exception of avid outdoorspeople who enjoy hiking and camping, many people in town aren’t sure what to do if they spot a bear — or, worse yet, encounter one face to face.

“We need to educate people in our community about how to dispose of your garbage, and what to do if you come across a bear,” Beever said. “Maybe we need to get some [bearproof] garbage disposal.”

Although Manitoba Conservation is the organization that deals with wildlife, Gaignard said that the police still respond to

calls while also informing Manitoba Conservation about the whereabouts of any wild animals.

“We’d be having that conversation to try and get them to come deal with the bear,” he said.

And while a bear strolling through town might not be an everyday sight in Rivers, Gaignard said the community is taking it in stride. The plentiful berries down by the river will should be enough to satiate the bear and keep it from wandering back into town looking for food, he said.

“As long as he stays and gorges himself on some berries, we’ll probably be OK.”

Black bears are found throughout Manitoba, and are most likely to be encountered in wooded areas of the province, the Manitoba government’s “Coexisting with Black Bears” handbook says.

Bears are always in search of food, motivated by sights, sounds, memories and particularly odours. When bears find an easy source of food at a residence or campsite, they begin to associate this food source with people and dwellings. When bears discover that humans can be intimidated, they can get bold in acquiring this food. Bears that learn food is available from

residences or campsites become nuisances. This results in people asking for them to be removed. However, relocating or destroying bears does not resolve the problem, the province says, since other bears will take their place. The better solution is to remove food sources from residences and campsites, which will reduce the attraction for them to visit in the first place. Black bears should never be approached or fed, whether intentionally or inadvertently. When walking, situational awareness is important, and the

province’s handbook encourages carrying bear deterrents. Dogs should be kept on a leash as they may provoke a bear attack, and walkers, hikers and campers should make plenty of noise to keep bears away.

Home and cottage owners should secure garbage where bears can’t access it, in a bear-resistant container or building with electric fencing. Garbage containers should be cleaned regularly with bleach or ammonia. Garbage should not be burned, and food should not be composted outside. All bird feeders should be removed

between April and November, and barbecues should be thoroughly cleaned after every use, including the grease trap. Pet food dishes should be kept indoors, and all fruit from trees should be picked and removed from yards as it ripens.

In a recent interview with the Sun, Riding Mountain National Park human wildlife interaction expert Tim Sallows said black bears are not comfortable around humans and do not seek out interactions with them.

“It’s best to just observe bears from afar,” he said. “They certainly don’t want to deal with people.”

Guide aims to assist educators in age of eco-anxiety

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Amid a season of heat waves and wildfire smoke, a new curriculum is urging Manitoba teachers to normalize climate change conversations in classrooms, and it provides tips on how to do just that in 2023-24.

Green Minds has released Climate Hope, a free e-book (online at wfp.to/climatehope) that aims to help educators overcome fears about the planet’s future and build confidence to introduce the anxiety-inducing topic in a way that empowers students to take action.

“If we don’t have experiences out in our community or outside, it’s going to be really challenging — and I would say, impossible — for kids to care for it,” said Scott Durling, a teacher who edited the eco-anxiety guide published last week. Given teachers often do not know where to start when it comes to acknowledging the environment has changed, and continues to change, his advice is to start by simply spending more time outside with students throughout the year.

Winnipeg’s H.C. Avery Middle School and Green Minds, a group of researchers, educators and mental health professionals in the city, partnered last year to study how human consumption and growing carbon emissions are not only taking a toll on Earth, but students’ well-being.

The duo received a $70,000 grant via the Manitoba Teachers’ Idea Fund to pilot various climate change education initiatives and create a related curriculum.

The 79-page guide, a living document, notes the complex and, at times, distressing feelings that come along with climate change discussions. It includes coping mechanisms, introductory activities, holistic lesson plans and multimedia resources to explore the subject and all the emotions

that come with it.

In early-years grades, teachers are encouraged to expose students to the natural world, teach them about the Indigenous lands they live on, undertake small-scale action items and actively listen to questions and concerns.

Harold the Iceberg Melts Down, a picture book about eco-anxiety, and All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal With Climate Change are among the age-appropriate resources highlighted in the guide.

The living document calls on middle and high school teachers to build on elementary practices and teach the politics of climate change, participate in ecological acts of community service, and normalize conversations about the topic.

“Conversation is climate action. Don’t underestimate the power of conversation,” states an excerpt from the newly-released curriculum.

Durling said it is only when people talk about the issue that they can begin to question the norms — relat-

ed to everything from travel to water depletion — that led to it, and start challenging those norms.

“What we really wanted to do was broaden what we believe climate action to be,” he said, noting it does not only come in the form of protests or “going garbageless.”

“I think it begins with conversation and it begins with some of this internal activism, which is really starting to think about your own identity and your own abilities and how you

can plug that into physical (action).”

Undertaking a school waste audit, harvesting rainwater, and organizing a community clean-up are all listed as “take-action” projects in the guide.

While noting corporations and governments are responsible for many unsustainable practices and supporting them today, Durling said citizens need the tools, skills and self-efficacy in order to mobilize to hold them accountable and demand change.

Manitoba Education has significantly pared down its website on education for sustainable development in recent months.

Until mid-way through the school year, the page listed grant opportunities, recognized “eco-globe schools” — buildings it recognized for exceptional commitment to environmentalism — and promoted the Green Action Centre and Prairie Climate Atlas, among other ecological advocacy groups and projects.

A government spokesperson said the province continues to value and incorporate outcome and learning experiences related to sustainable development, many of which are in science and social studies curricula.

The department is currently “renewing (online) resources to ensure they are up to date and accurate,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Photo by Local Journalism Initiative

A black bear was spotted wandering through the community of Rivers over the weekend.

Photo by Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images via Getty Images

Photos courtesy of Ian Graham

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023

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THOMPSON CITIZEN: EDITOR/REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Location: Thompson, Manitoba

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

Prairie entomologist helps producers’ pest problems

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Climate change is creating new environments for opportunistic insect pests like grasshoppers, army worms and certain species of moths to thrive and cause more damage to crops across the Prairies.

Meghan Vankosky and her team of research scientists at the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre are using historic and current pest monitoring data to help farmers get ahead of their pest problems.

Vankosky, a field crop entomologist, is using historic and current pest monitoring data to model the impacts of climate change on insect pest species in the Prairies. The information her team gathers is then distributed to farmers in the form of high-quality insect distribution maps.

“As we continue to see changes in the climate, we can also see very important changes in the pests

that we’re dealing with,” Vankosky said.

The data generated by the project can also validate new models and project areas that are at risk of pest damage between 50 and 100 years into the future.

From grasshoppers, and bertha armyworms to diamondback moths and cabbage seedpod weevil, pest insects across the Prairies can cause devastating damage to field crops by feeding on leaves, flowers and seeds, and are also expensive enemies. Managing an infestation comes with significant costs, and damage also impacts a producer’s bottom line through reduced crop yields.

The flea beetle, a notorious canola pest, can cause crop losses in North America that are likely to exceed $300 million annually, Agriculture & AgriFood Canada’s (AAFC) website says. Another offender, the wheat stem sawfly, can cause up to $450 million in economic

losses in grain crops in the same region.

Field crops are highly dependent on weather and climate, and so are pest insects. Increased temperatures, longer growing seasons, shifting rainfall patterns and increased extreme weather — all hallmarks of climate change — create new environments for opportunistic pests in Western Canada, AAFC says. Longer, warmer summers and milder winters will result in greater overwinter survival of pests as well as a northward expansion of pests not currently found in Canada.

“Different insects that we work with respond differently to temperature and precipitation. They have different requirements for temperature and for soil moisture, and so we see some insects responding in a very positive way to dry conditions, like grasshoppers, while we see other insects that are responding negatively to drought

conditions with their populations decreasing,” Vankosky said.

While farmers and agronomists can manage pest insects using a variety of controls, such as pesticides, weed management, irrigation practices or natural enemies, early detection of climate change impacts and risks to field crops is critical in making informed decisions. That’s why Vankosky, who is also the Chair of the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN), is investigating both current and historical data to find out how climate change impacts Prairie pest populations. Vankosky’s research draws from decades of work by the PPMN and builds on its legacy, she said.

The network, a group of field crop entomologists who conduct research and actively monitor insect pest populations to support crop protection programs on the Canadian Prairies, was established in

1997. Since then, it has developed a vast database of pest insect activities in the region with contributions from volunteers, including agronomists, researchers, industry commissions and provincial experts.

The network also uses models to predict when insect pests will be active and to help farmers time their own on-farm scouting during the growing season. New models for other pest insects that require more investigation are currently in development.

Vankosky and her team are conducting field and lab experiments to create detailed profiles of the cabbage seedpod weevil, the pea leaf weevil and other pests. Even though species like the grasshopper are more well-documented, lesser-known pests can also make a big impact on farmers’ bottom lines, she says.

“Our goal is to provide as much information as we can about the biology of the pest, how the insect

responds to the different conditions, and to put all that together into an information package that farmers can use to manage the pests that they have,” Vankosky said.

The information Vankosky and her team collect includes examining pest behaviour, growth and population dynamics as well as how the pests interact with other insects and factors in their surroundings, such as temperature and rainfall. These clues are necessary to identify the cycles and patterns of pest species and to create models that predict their next moves.

“Annual in-field insect monitoring and research to understand pest biology and population dynamics is necessary to forecast insect outbreaks from year to year and into the future,” Vankosky said. “Our goal is to conduct research that can be used to help farmers and agronomists stay a step ahead of insect pests on the Prairies.”

Probation Officer

Regular/Full-Time

Manitoba Justice, Probation Services and Restorative Justice, Thompson, MB

Advertisement Number: 41361

Closing Date: July 26, 2023

Salary Range: $ 59,160.00 - $ 82,102.00 annually, 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 Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. Preference will be given to those who live in Thompson, Manitoba area; but encourage all to apply.

Duties:

Probation Officers contribute to the protection of society by administering sentences imposed by the courts, writing court ordered reports, working with community agencies, government departments and other levels of government to support crime prevention, restorative justice, interventions and programs to reduce recidivism. Probation officers provide support and services to help adults and youth offenders deal with the issues that bring them into conflict with the law.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/govjobs/

Apply to:

Advertisement No. 41361

HR Business Services

1130-405 Broadway

Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6

Phone: 204-945-3204

Fax: 204-948-7373

Email: govjobs@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.

People. Purpose. Progress.

manitoba.ca/govjobs

Any personal information provided including employment equity declarations will be used for employment and/or statistical purposes and is protected by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Alternate formats available upon request

Community Corrections Worker

Regular/Full-Time

Manitoba Justice, Probation Services and Restorative Justice, Thompson, Swan River and Norman areas, MB

Advertisement Number: 41398

Closing Date: July 26, 2023

Salary Range: $49,628.00 - $58,894.00 annually, 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).

This is a preference competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however first consideration for this competition will be given to Indigenous people. Applicants are requested to self-declare at the time of application. Preference will also be given to those who live in Thompson, The Pas and Swan River, Manitoba.

As the largest division of the Department of Justice in Manitoba Government, Correctional Services contributes to the protection of society by administering sentences imposed by the courts, the humane care, control and reintegration of inmates and youth offenders into the society. The Division works with community agencies, government departments and other levels of government to support crime prevention, intervention and programs to reduce recidivism.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/govjobs/

Apply to:

Advertisement No. 41398

Service Centre 1

Human Resource Services

1130-405 Broadway

Winnipeg, MB , R3C 3L6

Phone: 204-945-3204

Fax: 204-948-7373

Email: govjobs@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.

manitoba.ca/govjobs People.

Wild Westman weather worries producers

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

The wild weather Westman has been experiencing lately — from downpours of rain to thunderstorms producing hail to tornado warnings — has some farmers concerned about their crops.

Water ponding — when a deluge of rain oversaturates the ground and causes standing water — is very bad news for canola crops, said Chuck Fossay, president of Manitoba Canola Growers.

“When you have water for two, three or four days at a time, it will kill the plant,” he told the Sun. “The roots die off and then the plant just rolls up and disappears, so you’ll see a lot of big bare spots in fields where water is damp.”

As the Sun previously reported, a thunderstorm swept through Brandon late Tuesday afternoon, temporarily flooding streets and causing a power outage. On Wednesday, much of southern Manitoba and the Interlake — including Brandon, Neepawa, Melita, Killarney and Boissevain — was placed under tornado watches and warnings.

Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed

one tornado touched down near Arden, west of Gladstone, on Tuesday.

The latest crop report from the province of Manitoba stated that storms brought 134 millimetres of rain to parts of southwestern Manitoba and the Interlake in just one day.

Hail is another risk that producers on all types of farms are hoping won’t affect them this summer. On June 9, hail ranging in size from ping pong balls to softballs fell in Rivers and Oak River. And while hail can occur anywhere across North America, it most often happens in the central United States and the Canadian Prairies. Reports were also received of golf ball-sized hail in Neepawa, MacGregor and near Fork River this week.

Depending on how mature a crop of canola is, hail can have devastating effects, Fossay said. Although hail is never what any producer would hope for, if it has to happen, the earlier into the growing season, the better.

“If you get the hail when the plant is flowering, especially near the end of the flowering period, then you have really impacted its yield capability,” Fossay said.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Child & Family Service WorkerPermanent Position Winnipeg Office Winnipeg, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor(s), the Child & Family Service Worker is responsible for providing and administering CFS Services in accordance with the Child & Family Services Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Responsible for gathering information and assessing child and family functioning problems

§ Responsible for the development of case plans for children and families within program guidelines and provide referrals, support, guidance and problem solving

§ Responsible for all file documentation, referrals, ensuring services are applied

§ Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up

§ Provides case management and support for children in care and families

QUALIFICATIONS

§ Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred)

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

§ Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS and FACTS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check

§ Cannot be active on a protection case

§ Maintain absolute confidentiality

§ Varied amounts of travel required

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

Deadline: July 6, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked

“personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at www.https://creenation.ca”

Cattle producers are always on guard against inclement weather, said Melissa Atchison, a rancher and research and extension specialist with Manitoba Beef Producers.

Hail damage on silage crops — crops such as corn, legumes and grasses that are used for animal feed — can have an impact on beef producers. Rain on hay, which needs dry, sunny conditions to properly aerate — can negatively affect its quality.

“Rain on hay bales defin-

itely degrades that hay crop and [it starts to] leak out water-soluble nutrients,” Atchison said.

Wind can also blow swaths of hay away, and lightning strikes are a very real danger for cattle, which often stand together in groups during storms. In July of last year, a family from Saskatchewan lost 28 cattle to a lightning strike. Cows don’t understand that they need to move to lower ground, so they have no way of protecting

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE (TCO) THOMPSON, MB

Position: Finance Officer

One (1) Full Time Permanent position

Summary of Position:

Responsible for the day-to-day financial management, including; preparing financial reports, processing invoices and overseeing all activity related to the Agency’s transactional financial activities. The Finance Officer works independently to solve problems and make decisions in the best interest of the Agency. The work is moderately complex and requires the incumbent to have strong mathematical skills and the ability to appropriately prioritize competing tasks.

Qualifications:

• Post- Secondary Education in Accounting (Diploma or BBA)

• Certification from the Canadian Payroll Association an asset

• 2-5 years direct work experience preferred

• Working knowledge of Microsoft office (Office Suite)

• Class 5 Driver License

• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern communities

• Ability to speak and write Cree/Dene preferred

• Demonstrated organizational skills

Working Conditions:

• Fast paced, confidential, and time sensitive working environment

• Professional office environment

• Maintain satisfactory Criminal Record check, Child Abuse check and Prior Contact check

• Independent work

• Repetitive computer work

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

Closing Date: Friday, July 14, 2023

Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2023-060 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to:

Human Resources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2023-060 701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2

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

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

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

themselves when a thunderstorm rolls in. Producers are unable to do much either, owing to how fast storms appear in Manitoba, Atchison said.

“Although lightning strikes are rare, it is common enough over the course of the season that you’ll know a couple of people who have lost an animal to lightning.”

In a perfect world, both Atchison and Fossay say the ideal summer for Manitoba would be made up of warm

sunny days that cool down in the evening and rain showers that are regular but not too close together or heavy.

“That’s asking a lot but you know, that’s what we all hope for,” Atchison said.

Stephen Berg, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Winnipeg office, told the Sun earlier this month that Manitobans can expect above-normal temperatures for the duration of the summer.

Job Opportunity

Thompson Settlement and Immigrant Services Coordinator

North West Immigrant Services are opening a new office in Thompson and are looking for two coordinators to start the service. Individuals will need to be innovative and organized to start this service from scratch. Preference will be given to individuals with immigration experience or understanding. Training and support will be provided.

Commencing: July/August 2023

Compensation: $25/hr plus benefits

Hours: 35 hours per week: Flexible hours including evenings as needed.

Position Description: Thompson Settlement Coordinators will provide settlement assistance to eligible newcomer immigrant families and individuals in order to help them integrate into the Thompson Community. The Coordinator will conduct ongoing needs assessments of eligible newcomer families and will facilitate access to community resources, programs and services.

The Coordinator works with eligible newcomer families and individuals in the community seeking services and supports, in addition to answering online enquiries for relocation information and settlement related information.

Required and Preferred qualifications:

• Related experience - personal or professional with immigration processes preferred

• Completion of post secondary education (or related experience) in social work or related area of studies preferred.

• Previous experience working with community groups, government and non-profit agencies and organisations

• Understanding of the settlement process and of issues relating to the refugee and immigrant experience

• A positive outlook with a belief in the ethic of caring and inclusion

• Strong understanding of the public school system

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent English language ability both written and spoken is essential

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently, to set goals and measure achievements

• Strong computer skills including with word processing, spreadsheets and email

• High degree of initiative, organizational skills and time management skills

• Valid Manitoba Drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle

Application Procedure

Please send a resume, and a DETAILED cover letter (at least a page long) explaining how you fit the job requirements to: gill@nwris.ca - Attention: Thompson Coordinator

For further information and a job description contact Gillian McGrath

Email: gill@nwris.ca

Application Deadline: 10 am on Friday July 14, 2023

We thank all candidates for their interest; however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Photo by Local Journalism Initiative Storm clouds move east over a field of canola south of Brandon.

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.

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.

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

• Standards in meals and accommodation

• Being the point of contact for issues and complaints

• 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:

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

• Should have excellent communication and organizational skills;

• 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.

St. Andrews lock and dam reopens: Lockport community shines as a beacon of resilience amidst dual challenges

In the face of unprecedented adversity, the remarkable business community of Lockport has emerged stronger, showcasing unwavering resilience and determination. Despite the hardships inflicted by the global pandemic and the prolonged closure of the vital St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge, our community stands tall, united in overcoming these dual challenges. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone as the bridge reopens, symbolizing hope, progress, and a brighter future for Lockport, MB.

The reopening of the bridge signifies a collect-

ive sigh of relief for Lockport. Local businesses will thrive with increased vehicular and foot traffic, as the bridge now offers a widened pedestrian pathway. This surge in economic activity promises to invigorate our community and restore vitality to our local economy. Residents can anticipate easier commutes, improved connectivity, and a return to their daily routines. The reopening of the St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge is a testament to our community’s resilience and determination in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

To celebrate this mile -

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Training Coordinator – Full Time

Permanent Position

OFFICE: Regional Office

LOCATION: The Pas, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Human Resource Manager, the Training Coordinator will be responsible for designing, organizing, scheduling, and directing a wide range of training activities for the organization. The Training Coordinator will collaborate with the Unit Supervisors and Coordinators to identify training needs for all employees. The overall goal of the Training Coordinator is to provide and have confident and highly trained front line workers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Program Design

§ Program Implementation

§ Monitoring and Documentation

§ Reviews

QUALIFICATIONS

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred)

§ Must have a minimum of five years child welfare working directly with clients

§ Must have supervisory experience

§ Knowledge of Manitoba CFS Act and CFS Standards

§ Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare theory and practice and demonstrated experience in the development and provision of education and training within child welfare environments

§ Experience in providing and leading training or educational sessions, including being comfortable presenting to large groups

§ Computer skills is a definite asset: Microsoft (Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel)

§ Experience in curriculum development

§ CFSIS is an asset

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior contact check

§ Cannot be active on a protection case

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license

§ Must be willing to travel

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

Deadline: July 7, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3) REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

stone, we invite you to join us at the Lockport First Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm at Heritage Park, located on the North-East Corner of the bridge, adjacent to A&W. Come and rediscover Lockport, its rich history, and its exceptional amenities. Enjoy local eats, groceries, fishing, and the breathtaking sights of Lockport’s famous pelicans.

As we commemorate this achievement, we must acknowledge the sacrifices made and the losses endured along the way. Our hearts go out to those affected by the pandemic or impacted by the prolonged

bridge closure. However, as a resilient community, we stand together, ready to rebuild, recover, and embrace a future filled with possibilities.

Lockport’s journey is far from over. With the reopening of the St. Andrews Lock and Dam, we shift our focus towards healing, rebuilding, and charting a path towards a stronger, more prosperous future. This moment serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines our community—a spirit that will guide us through the exciting changes that lie ahead. Stay tuned as more announcements are on the horizon.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Intake Worker –Term Position

Designated Intake Office

The Pas, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the DIA Service Manager and as required under the Child and Family Services Act, the Intake Worker assesses requests for service with reference to risk of children, functioning of families and service needs of families, provides crisis intervention, initiates child protection investigations, apprehends children at risk and places them in appropriate and/or available placements, initiates referrals to other community collaterals as required, and completes written reports, file recordings, forms and correspondence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Receive & Assess Requests For Service

§ On-Site Risk Assessment

§ Determine & Implement Service

§ Documentation, Practice & Relationship Building EDUCATION AND TRAINING

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services

§ Work experience in Child & Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, child abuse, family-centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services

EXPERIENCE

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

§ Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards

§ Understanding of child development and child abuse theory and practice

§ Knowledge of available resources within the community

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as CFSIS and FACTS

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred) CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check.

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Varied amounts of travel required within this position.

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license.

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work.

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: July 6, 2023 @ 4:00 PM

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency

Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Canada’s climate adaptation plan gives a nod to Indigenous knowledge as wildfires burn

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

Indigenous communities remain on the front lines of the climate crisis, suffering the worst effects of climate disaster and tragedy.

Take the current wildfire season: earlier this week, there were over 6,000 Indigenous people evacuated due to wildfires, with 17 First Nations impacted by one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, according to Indigenous Services Canada.

On Thursday, those numbers dropped to 3,732 evacuees, with 10 First Nations impacted, mostly in remote, rural areas.

Indigenous communities represent only five per cent of the population in Canada, and yet they represent 42 per cent of wildland fire evacuations, according to Ottawa’s National Adaptation Strategy,

an action plan that addresses worsening climate outcomes alongside the provinces, territories and Indigenous partners.

Colonialism has historically curtailed and even criminalized Indigenous fire stewardship. Now, through the adaptation strategy, Ottawa says it is committed to several fundamental initiatives that may invest in Indigenous knowledge systems like fire stewardship.

It’s still unclear how much of the $1.6 billion allocated for the adaptation strategy will be earmarked for Indigenous communities. However, it does put weight on Indigenous methods to reduce the impacts of the climate crisis, which some critics have linked to colonialism and environmental racism.

Here are two actions related to the adaptation plan to note moving forward: Wildfire Resilient Futures

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.

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

• 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.)

• Train and provide indirect supervision of the Dental Worker Aide

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

• Travel within our Tribal area is essential.

• Others as deemed necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

Initiative and Good Burns

The Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, announced last November, will create a centre of excellence for wildland fire innovation and resilience. Innovation will be fostered by sharing knowledge across borders and supporting Indigenous fire stewardship.

It’s still unclear how this initiative will support Indigenous fire stewardship when laws and mandates still restrict when a community can burn for themselves. For example, in Ontario, First Nations often must obtain a permit from the province and work with provincial

firefighting crews before conducting a burn. Meanwhile, California stripped away liability risk in 2021, which criminalized Indigenous burning methods. The law made it easier for Indigenous Peoples and private citizens to burn “good fires” before the wildland season begins. The burning method can be used to remove flammable brush or to nurture the growth of harvestable flora.

It’s still unclear if similar laws will emerge, given the provinces control the majority of Crown land. It’s also unclear if Ottawa would support a law similar to California’s.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Family Enhancement Supervisor – Permanent Position

Mathias Colomb Sub Office

Pukatawagan, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Family Enhancement Manager, the Family Enhancement Supervisor will be responsible for providing supervision to the Family Enhancement Workers. This will include overseeing the case management portion, monitoring their outgoing emails, attendance, training and evaluation process. The FE Supervisor will receive the FE Workers financial requests via email and send to finance reception for processing; the incumbent will receive, review and approve the Service Agreement/Case Plan for all families receiving prevention support and ensuring the case lists fall under the prevention category. The FE Supervisor will ensure the delivery of a prevention stream of services for families in First Nation communities. The FE Supervisor will monitor the FE Worker’s travel budget and provide support to the FE Workers in their respective communities. The FE Supervisor will provide quarterly reports to the FE Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ General Supervision

§ Supervision of Unit Service Delivery

§ Workplace Safety & Health

§ Human Resources

§ Training & Development

§ Unit Activity and Performance Reporting

§ Financial and Operational Requirements

§ Other duties related to the position and as assigned by the Service Manager

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with 3 years’ experience in child welfare or; Bachelor of Arts (BA) with relevant experience in counselling and child welfare experience

§ Prior supervisory experience in a child welfare agency

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree

§ Experience in Aboriginal Child and Family Services

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

§ Knowledge of the theory and practice of social work with particular emphasis on risk assessment, case management and file documentation

§ Understanding of First Nation traditions, history, values and family systems

§ Proven supervisory skills to direct, plan and organize service delivery and evaluate staff.

§ High level communication skills to maintain effective communication with agency staff, clients, service providers and community agencies.

§ Analytical and conceptual skills to evaluate and deliver services to families.

§ Ability to resolve difficult and contentious case management and service issues.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check.

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ Varied amounts of travel required within this position.

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license.

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work.

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: July 6, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Natural Resources Canada did return Canada’s National Observer request for an interview by the time of publication.

Creation of Canadian Water Agency and clean water for Indigenous communities

The Canada Water Agency was given an $85-million runway to develop its role to ensure clean, fresh water across Canada. Clean water is considered a vital piece of Canada’s implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the climate adaptation strategy.

Funding also includes $650 million over 10 years to clean up the largest freshwater lakes and rivers, like the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg and the St. Lawrence. It was also given a $22.6-million runway to better co-ordinate efforts to protect freshwater.

Fresh water is essential for clean harvesting outcomes within Indigenous communities. Ancestral foods such as fish and animals can be a source of contamination, such as what happened in northern Alberta following a major tailings pond leak last year.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Administrative Assistant –Permanent Position

Pukatawagan Sub Office

Mathias Colomb Cree Nation

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Service Manager, the Administrative Assistant serves as the first point of contact for Agency clients, guests, visitors or others. The Administrative Assistant serves to receive and direct people, correspondence and contact/calls to the appropriate Agency personnel or department. The Administrative Assistant provides a professional and pleasant point of entry for the Agency and will maintain strict confidentiality in performing all duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Types, edits, formats and transcribes reports, forms, correspondence, files, recordings, minutes, case planning notes and other material as assigned by the Unit Supervisor. Composes routine correspondence and maintains templates;

§ Receives, screens, assesses, transfers telephone calls and takes messages;

§ Maintains daily attendance records, monitors, records, and relays information regarding staff whereabouts;

§ Assists with photocopying, faxing and other administrative duties as assigned;

§ Manages incoming and outgoing mail;

§ Provides information about administrative procedures for all unit staff;

§ Coordinates meetings and meeting spaces. Takes minutes at meetings as required;

§ Enters information on CFSIS;

§ Monitors and operates office equipment;

§ Provides support to other administrative staff as needed;

§ Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the agency policy and procedures;

§ Petition documents;

§ Apprehension papers;

§ File court documents;

§ Attend court when required;

§ Order birth certificates.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

§ Post Secondary Diploma or equivalent;

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred);

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and database systems;

§ Ability to deal effectively with a variety of visitors and circumstances;

§ Knowledge of customer service (preferred);

§ Good organizational skills and working knowledge of office and administrative procedures and related equipment (preferred);

§ Excellent oral and effective communication skills (preferred).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check;

§ Cannot be active on a protection case;

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements;

§ May be assigned to provide coverage or support for other office locations from time to time and as required;

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: July 7, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130 Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL

COUNCIL