June 3 2022

Nickel Belt News

Volume 58 Number 11

Friday, March 16, 2018

Thompson, Manitoba

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Friday, June 3, 2022

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Volume 62 • Issue 22

Exploratory drilling program and surging demand for nickel are positive indicators for Vale, says Manitoba Operations boss

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

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Gary Annett, the head of Vale’s Manitoba Operations, spoke to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce on June 1, highlighting the exploration work currently going on as well as the company’s moves to take advantage of increasing demand for nickel as a key component in the production of electric vehicle batteries.

Now in his second stint as head of Manitoba Operations, Annett grew up in the Sudbury area and started his mining career as an underground miner before attending university and then returning to work in the management side of the industry.

Thompson’s mines currently produce about 15 per cent of the nickel for Vale’s North Atlantic operations, but Annett said that ongoing exploration could lead to as much as 30 per cent growth in production, depending upon what the drilling program finds.

As much as $260 million could be spent on drilling and exploration of

the Thompson ore body in the next five years, said Annett, during which time the demand for nickel is expected to grow as more and more consumers switch from gas- and diesel-powered vehicles to electric models.

Thompson is in a good position to benefit from that transition due to the quality of its ore, although that does have drawbacks as well.

“What’s good about the Thompson mine or is it’s primarily nickel, and there’s not much other impurities in it,” said Annett. The lack of other minerals does introduce some instability, however, when the demand for nickel is down, as it has been for the past decade or so, because there aren’t other metals present in significant quantities to help make up for sluggish nickel demand.

Vale recently signed a long-term deal with Tesla to supply nickel for production of electric vehicle batteries and anticipates that segment of the market rising from about five per cent of its nickel sales now, to as much as 30 to

40 per cent over the next five years. Not all of that represents increased overall demand, however, as some may be accounted for by shifting from producing for other uses.

“People are starting to notice that there’s only so much class one nickel in the world to develop this technology,” said Annett.

At present, about eight to 12 drills are operating at any given time as the company seeks to prove if there is sufficient ore to justify expansion of mining in the Thompson area, which could prompt investment of somewhere around a billion dollars.

“It is one of the biggest programs I’ve seen in my 24-year career,” Annett said, which is a positive indicator. “You always want to be drilling in mining.”

Whether the exploration will lead to higher employment levels at the Thompson operations depends on what the results show, as Canadian operations are competing for capital investment with the company’s other divisions.

Currently, there is about one contractor working

Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham Gary Annett, head of Vale’s Manitoba Operations, speaks to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce June 1. in the local operations for every 1.5 permanent employees, though Annett said that doesn’t necessarily mean that most of the money they earn is flowing out of the community, as Thompson residents are among those employed

by contractors that Vale works with.

Vale is also shifting to using more electric vehicles itself, having recently purchased seven of them for use underground, with plans to invest in more.

The company is already

in a good position because it is a low-carbon producer, which is an advantage when marketing its nickel to customers who want to source products in a way that does as little harm as possible to the environment.

Council approves higher water rates in 5-4 vote than 14 cubic metres in a though water breaks, as water rates bylaw said it three-month billing period. higher rates lead to lower wasn’t easy to do.

Thompson city council Councillors Les Ells- consumption, which then “It’s difficult to have a approved new water and worth, Earl Colbourne, leads to higher costs again. rate increase of this magsewer rates in a 5-4 vote Duncan Wong and Jeff The PUB noted in April nitude anytime,” said Coun.

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham after more than half-an-hour Fountain opposed the deMeulles that waterhas use written in Thompson Braden McMurdo, growing who up, mostly in Churchill.

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele a book about her experiences of debate at their May 24 increase. has steadily declined since hopes that the replacement BY IAN GRAHAM For all the harsh weather to “I write things you have I’m water just asbilling bad, right?’ not aand verysewer safe thing meeting. can’t do itthat in good con- ‘Oh, metered began was of water lines swallow when people say EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET these the stories and figure out.

It’s Ellsworth, pretty clear Iinhave do the but next I jumped it. I that Churchill residents and the dangers of polar The new rates, which to science,” said 2011,allthough usage in to over few atyears Though she’s by now written needwas to capture them that will was partially exciting should just find somewhere bears, deMeulles said if it were approved the Pub- when similar to whatfor it thought that the rates notingI get thatthrough.” people won’t I2020 a book about her experienDeMeulles said she wrote my grandchildren really until the plane landed anda easier to live. had been viable she would lic Utilities Board in April, even be able to water their was in 2019, which may be fund can help the city get ces up inJuly Churchill, book, titled will Whispers in because they that will the be lost if they started throwing “To say, ‘Those people have moved back to Churchwillgrowing take effect 1 and her lawns, which hinder an indication usage handle on utility costs. the Addictions of the Wind: Stories from the Ihas don’t.” off and I realized, include an Foundation 8.5 per cent efforts to beautify the city. stabilized. However, fuel Coun.

Andre Proulx‘Holy was choose to live there. They ill in a heartbeat.

Manitoba northern director North - Life in afford Churchill for 2020 She and also has a reputation I wasreluctant probablybut sitting “I miss the shoreline, I increase in the minimum “No one can what similarly said should just leave,’ is quite 2021 were the cats, Gisele deMeulles writ- a couple of reasons. as storyteller bomb.’” quarterly rate to said $100.53, we’re doing.” firsta years sinceherself.

Thompson on he adidn’t see any better simplistic. It’s quite disre- miss the rock, I miss the ing wasn’t something she “I justsaid sortthat of thought, “I had such varied his- choice.

Another thing that spectful. If we were in the polar bears even though up from $92.76, and a 13.5 anda businesses Wong the costs residents always thought she in would know what, thisgoing his- tory andbeing I would tell people hertoon was the same boat in another area they’re very dangerous and per cent increase the you for residents are only started charged for spurred “It needs be balanced do. tory, this stuff that’s in my hard times facing Churchill stories and they would go, combined consumption to continue getting higher water by usage that rates or else we’ll just get taxed in I think we would scream I really miss the Hudson “Infrom my$4.93 youth I never it’s city going to be out gonea ‘That’s not true, it?’ previI’d go, since theway,” Hudson Bay Rail- about that so why don’t they Bay,” she says. “When I go rate, to $5.60 per head, until the figures didn’t rise fromisthe another he said.

Thompson fileon photo felt at The writing,” she if I don’t write it down,” she ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, way home, Citizen standing the operations cubicgood metre. consumpway to cut costs and reduce ous year.

Thesuspended PUB requires water have the option to do that? back said.

“But when I moved ‘You didn’t do all that, did said.

“My kids are not gonorth of Gillam last spring.

I think right now they’re Hudson Bay looking out on A Neptune water meter like those used in Thompson to tion fees begin to apply the amount of treated water Even those who sup- and sewer utilities to plan to Thompson get more into ing get to it if I don’t do it you? to beof really used tobudgets. be a really feeling they’re the usage. bay, it just gives you an once a customertouses that to goes waste, mostly portedYou’ve third got reading the for“It balanced measurelike water utilitypawns customers’

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

the school of social work, and it’s something I’ve alat that point I had to write ways wanted my mom to for university and realized, do. My mom’s an elder and ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, she’s an artist, she’s got so right?’ I certainly developed many wonderful stories bea lot of skill in university cause she always tells her and came out of there with stories at Parks Canada in a very strong skill in my Churchill and I’ve always POWER SWEEPING, LAWN MOWING, AERATION, writing and confidence in hounded her, ‘Please, just DETHATCHING & SPRAYING, my writing. I write very putLICENSED it on tape, I will write it FERTILIZER AND WEED clear and that’s it. It’s there.CONTROL for you SERVICES because your story Some people say it’s kind of is going to be lost,’ and she’s blunt or direct. I don’t tend never done it and I thought,

“Weeds on your lawn?

Gotta be gone.”

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

thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down to such a small population now,” deMeulles says.

Though she’s not there any longer, her parents and her sister and other family members still are.

“My cousin owns the hardware store there,” she says.

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

in a political game and that’s really sad for them because I think the people of Churchill really want to thrive.

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

incredible sense. You feel so small and you feel great.”

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

“I have another book in me,” she says. “It’s a darker story, more about personal growth and struggles.

Maybe in the next five years it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”

CALL NELSON: 204-307-0281 npruder@live.ca

Page 2 • News

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, June 3, 2022

NDP candidate in Thompson byelection discloses past criminal charge as campaign passes the midway point

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Eric Redhead, the NDP candidate in the June 7 Thompson byelection to pick the successor to the late Danielle Adams, disclosed a past criminal charge during an interview with the Thompson Citizen May 26.

Redhead, a former chief of Shamattawa First Nation, said he had been charged with assault about 15 years ago as a result of an incident with his former partner, who is the mother of his children. He received an absolute discharge after being referred to a restorative justice program and completing counselling.

Although he and his former partner have a “really good relationship” now as co-parents to their children, the candidate says it is important for him to acknowledge this past mistake.

“What I did was wrong,”

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Eric Redhead/Facebook Eric Redhead, the NDP candidate in the June 7 byelection for Thompson MLA, poses with fellow train passengers during a recent campaign trip to Churchill. he said. “And I do own that.

It’s important to acknowledge wrongs that anyone has done.”

Redhead says his ex-

perience with the justice system shows that people can do better when they are given a second chance — “I think I’m a prime ex-

ample of that” — and that he is proud of his accomplishments and the work he has done to become a better man since then.

“I’ve learned skills to handle myself in different situations,” he said.

Redhead was in Thompson May 26, the cool, rainy weather dampening plans to knock on more doors, something he has done a lot of since the campaign began.

With advance voting having started on May 28 and running through June 4, Redhead said he planned to continue to work hard over the last 12 days of the campaign.

“We’re still going to be going to communities right up until election day,” he said, with York Landing on his itinerary as the only one he hasn’t visited at east once already The candidate recently spent some time in Church-

ill, where he heard about the port town’s need for an assisted living facility for elders, as well as concerns about health care access.

From his conversations with residents all over the Thompson riding, Redhead says the top issue for voters is health care, as it’s the first or second thing mentioned by everyone he’s talked to.

In Thicket Portage on May 25, Redhead heard from residents about how the community doesn’t have a full-time doctor or nurse and that medical staff have to call doctors in Thompson for treatment advice when faced with an emergency. Getting to where there is care quickly is also a concern.

“They have a difficult time getting a medevac in because of the runway situation,” he said.

Travelling throughout the riding has exposed

the candidate to how life is for residents of various communities. His trip to Churchill was his first time riding a Via passenger train on the Hudson Bay Railway, the only land link to the community. Redhead said he also learned this week that it was possible to get to Thicket Portage in an aluminum boat.

“I said to my campaign manger, ‘This is the best day I’ve had on the campaign trail,'” he recalled.

From now until election day, Redhead plans to knock on more doors in Thompson and in other communities, many of which he has already totally or mostly covered, being cognizant of the fact that byelection turnout tends to be low.

“We’re not going to take any votes for granted,” he said “It’s really important that the constituents get to the polls.”

PC candidate in Thompson byelection pays visit to Churchill to hear community’s concerns and priorities

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Like her NDP rival in the race to become the next Thompson MLA, Progressive Conservative candidate Charlotte Larocque spent time in Churchill during her campaign to hear the concerns of residents and potential voters there.

Speaking to the Thompson Citizen June 1 from the Hudson Bay port town, which is where her parents met, Larocque said the community has common concerns with much of the rest of the riding, such as education and health care, as well as some specific to it, like the lack of child and family services.

“The children that are being put into the system, if they can’t be placed here, they’re actually being sent to either Thompson or Winnipeg,” said

Larocque, who was due to travel back from Churchill later on Wednesday. “That is one major concern and, of course, health care.”

Highways are not a concern in Churchill, since its only land link to the rest of Manitoba is the Hudson Bay Railway, but transportation is an issue, with train and flight schedules dictating when people can leave and come back. Because of the town’s small size, residents may sometimes have to leave and spend days out of town in order to accomplish something that a person in a larger community can do in the space of a couple of hours.

“There’s no dentist up here,” Larocue said, recounting a conversation she had with a resident who broke a tooth in March. There is a dentist that periodically comes to the community but no vis-

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its were planned anytime soon when the resident broke her tooth back in March.

“She actually was one of the privileged people that had the money to take the train down to Winnipeg and got her tooth fixed, but a lot of them can’t afford that,” Larocque said.

As she’s spoken to residents of the Thompson electoral division over the course of her campaign, the PC candidate has heard many examples of how services are harder to obtain in the north. Larocque recently spoke with representatives of Manitoba Possible, which advocates for and provides services to Manitobans with disabilities.

“One part of their program is they fix and supply wheelchairs,” Larocque says. However, all the wheelchair repairs are done in Winnipeg, which means that someone who needs to get their chair fixed has to ship it south, wait for it to get fixed and then to get shipped back.

“We know what three weeks begin locked up and not being able to move does to people’s morale and their mental health,” Larocque said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to make that more accessible, because that’s a program that’s out there, we just need to extend it.”

With only about a year between the June 7 byelection and the next Manitoba general election, currently scheduled for the fall fo 2023, Larocque feels that having a Thompson MLA on the government side of the house would be a benefit, noting that some PC MLAs are coming up

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Charlotte Larocque Charlotte Larocque, the Progressive Conservative candidate in the June 7 byelection to vote in Thompson’s next MLA, stands on the shores of Hudson Bay during a campaign stop in Churchill earlier this week. the community this week. the campaign period will she has genuinely enjoyed “This is a bylelection, be on getting out the vote the sometimes hectic it’s not going to change by contacting people who experience. the party in power,” she said they planned to vote “I thoroughly enjoy said, “It’s just giving us for her or had not yet de- talking to people and the opportunity to position cided and encouraging hearing their stories, their ourselves strategically to them to get out and cast concerns,” she said. “It continue having our voice a ballot. One vote could doesn’t matter what party heard louder. It would be count for more in a byelec- you’re from, this role is advantageous for us to tion, as turnout is usually to represent all people. have someone at the de- lower than in a general You have to know what’s cision-making table right election. going on and what people now.”

The PC candidate has al- are thinking. And not Larocque plans to visit ready struck voting off her just one demographic, all Gillam sometime between to-do list, having done so demographics. You need to now and election day on in an advance poll May 31. know what’s going on on June 7. Most of the rest Though the campaign a personal level and how of her efforts over the has passed in a “blink of people are feeling about last half-dozen days of an eye,” Larocque says it.”

Friday, June 3, 2022

www.thompsoncitizen.net

News • Page 3

Residential and commercial property mill rates basically equal to last year’s in upcoming budget

BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The City of Thompson’s overall residential mill rate for calculating property taxes will be marginally higher this year than in 2021, while the overall commercial mill rate will be slightly down, according to the levy bylaw, which passed first reading at council’s May 24 meeting.

Residential property taxes will be calculated using a total mill rate of 46.708, about one-tenth of one per cent higher than last year’s 46.652.

Commercial property taxes will be assessed using a mill rate of 55.421, compared to 55.429 last year, a decrease of less than 1/100th of one per cent.

The residential mill rate consists of the School District of Mystery Lake education portion, which rose less than 0.5 per cent to 20.558, compared to 20.470 last year, and the municipal portion of 26.15 mills, just a smidgen less than the 26.182 it was last year.

Commercial properties also pay a provincial education support levy of 8.713 mills this year, down about one per cent from

PSON G

8.809 mills in 2021.

The impact that the change in mill rates will have depends upon the assessed value of a property.

The mill rate is multiplied by every $1,000 worth of value a residential property is assessed at and 45 per cent of that total is used to calculate the property’s tax bill. For a house assessed as being worth $200,000, property taxes would be $4,203.72 before the education property tax

rebate this year. The same house would have had a total pre-rebate tax bill of just over $5 less in 2021.

In addition to taxes calculated based on the mill rate, Thompson residential taxpayers will also have to pay $83.75 per property for the special water and sewer levy this year, up from $62.59 last year.

That levy is based on the actual amount the city spent in the previous year repairing water and sewer

line breaks on private residential property that are more than one metre from the building itself.

The overall value of taxable property in Thompson declined by about four-tenths of a per cent since last year, according to revised assessment rolls, while the total value of taxable business properties went down about half of one per cent.

Council passed first reading of the levy bylaw

with virtually no debate.

Coun. Duncan Wong, one of four councillors who voted against it, requested a recorded vote but said he wasn’t going to spend much time talking abut what he called, at this point, “a formality.”

One of the other votes in opposition, Coun.

Earl Colbourne, said he wouldn’t support a tax increase of any kind.

Councillors Jeff Fountain and Les Ellsworth

also voted against the levy bylaw.

The same four councillors voted against second and third reading of the 2021 levy bylaw.

A public presentation of the city’s 2022 budget is scheduled for June 9. The city asked for and was granted an extension for submitting its budget to the provincial government this year. Normally, the deadline for submitting an approved budget is May 15.

CITY OF THOMPSON UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE PLANNING ACT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On the date and at the time and location shown below, a PUBLIC HEARING will be held to receive representations from any person(s) who wish to make them in respect to the following matter: CITY OF THOMPSON BY-LAW NO. 2025-2022 Being an amendment to the City of Thompson Zoning By-law 1891-2012, as amended.

HEARING LOCATION City of Thompson Council Chambers, 226 Mystery Lake Road,Thompson, MB DATE & TIME June 13, 2022, 7:00 pm GENERAL INTENT To add “Commercial School” as a Conditional Use in the C-MU Zone. Current bulk regulations are to be utilized for all future developments.

AREA AFFECTED C-MU Zone FOR INFORMATION CONTACT Lyle Safronetz, Director Development & Technical Services City of Thompson Ph: (204) 677-7922, Email: lsafronetz@thompson.ca A copy of the above proposed By-law may be inspected at the location noted above during normal office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE 2022 FINANCIAL PLAN PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 162(2) of the Municipal Act that the Council of the City of Thompson intends to present its financial plan for the fiscal year of 2022 at a public hearing to be held: DATE: Thursday June 9, 2022 TIME: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: City of Thompson Council Chambers, Thompson, MB Copies of the Financial Plan will be available at City Hall on Friday May 20, 2022 for anyone wishing to pick up a copy prior to the above meeting. The financial plan will also be available on the City of Thompson website.

226 Mystery Lake Road Thompson, MB R8N 1S6 Phone: 204-677-7910 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB communications@thompson.ca

www.thompson.ca

226

Council will hear any person who wishes to make a representation, ask questions, or register an objection to the financial plan, as provided. Please contact 204-6777938 to register to attend the public hearing.

Jenny Krentz, Chief Financial Officer R8N 1S6 City of Thompson, May 20, 2022

BID OPPORTUNITIES 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:

Page 4 • Opinion

2018

Wednesday, March 2018 Wednesday, March 21, 21, 2018

ditor

Letter the Editor Letter to to the Editor

Opinion Opinion Opinion OPINION www.thompsoncitizen.net

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, June 3, 2022 Thompson Citizen Thompson Citizen Thompson Citizen 141 Commercial Place, Box 887 141141 Commercial Place, Commercial Place, BoxBox 887887 Thompson Citizen Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1T1 Thompson, Thompson, Manitoba R8N Manitoba R8N 1T11T1 Commercial Place, 887 Phone: 677-4534 • Fax 677-3681141 Phone: 677-4534 •Box Fax 677-3681 Phone: 677-4534 • Fax 677-3681 Thompson, MB R8N 1T1 e-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net e-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net e-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net Phone 204-677-4534 Fax 204-677-3681 Page 4 www.thompsoncitizen.net Page www.thompsoncitizen.net Page 4 4 generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

p fightingKeep Keepfifi ghting ghting tuberculosis againsttuberculosis tuberculosis against Editor: To To thethe Editor:

is a highly contagious disease, Tuberculosis (TB) a highly contagious disease, Tuberculosis (TB) is ais highly contagious disease, Each year, caused TB caused claims the lives Each bacteria.

Each year, claims lives by by bacteria. year, TB TB claims thethe lives le worldwide. ismillion not only a worldwide. of million people worldwide. is not only of TB 1.71.7 people TB TB is not only a a orld countries, but also here in problem Third World countries, also here problem in in Third World countries, butbut also here in in er prevalenceCanada, inCanada, the north. with a higher prevalence in the north. with a higher prevalence in the north. vaccination, disease to the lack of vaccination, disease prevention DueDue to prevention the lack of vaccination, disease prevention Additionally,is some TB bacteria Additionally, is most important.

Additionally, some bacteria most important. some TB TB bacteria the years, giving rise to forms have changed over years, giving forms have changed over thethe years, giving riserise to to forms ant TB, which means treatment multi-drug resistant which means treatment of of multi-drug resistant TB,TB, which means treatment ted and accompanied bycomplicated severe is lengthy, complicated accompanied severe is lengthy, andand accompanied by by severe side effects. side effects. t one in four people inyou this world know that in four people in this world DidDid you know that oneone in four people in this world is World TB have day, raising awarehave TB? March is World day, raising awareTB? March 24 24 is World TB TB day, raising awarean opportunity to mobilize fundsan an ness and providing opportunity to mobilize funds ness and providing opportunity to mobilize funds ion. I am glad to seeTB Canada as towards TB elimination.

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I am glad to see Canada as as lobal fund toa fight tuberculosis. a top donor to the global fund to fight tuberculosis. top donor to the global fund to fight tuberculosis. mitment continues in that the future I hope this commitment continues in the future I hope that this commitment continues in the future our goal to stop TB. that meet goal to stop so so that we we cancan meet ourour goal to stop TB.TB. Karolin Klement Calgary

Karolin Klement Karolin Klement Calgary Calgary

Editorial Editorial

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EDITORIAL

Getting meters and thethe difference: higher rates. hen itof comes to many intomany something fitthe tothe drink. the ultimate authority that extra water ismembers, getting mer councillor Luke of water the people workload around and forhasreducing members, the citizens of Thompof Thompmer councillor Luke many people workload aroundand and for reducing members, the citizens Thompothoth Thompmer councillor Luke of of people workload around for reducing citizens of of Thompquarterly bills wasn’t exactits water and Foropposed practically all Thompfor allows setting water utility ratesdisplitwhether upwhether among all the taxable At son theson same time, more themore popuRobinson, who served opposed to the plan allows for greater diwhether they belong son elected more truly son’s local Robinson, who served opposed theplan plan allows greater dithey belong elected truly son’s local Robinson, who served tooftothe forfor greater they belong elected truly a made-in-Thompson son’s are history, apart fromcritics theversity city’s municipalities. properties in Thompson.

It’sboard sewer utility, lation is shrinking, there are one term on council arely the regular critics versity viewpoints, to forthe school board independent-thinking elected bodies termon oncouncil council regular viewpoints, schoolboard independent-thinking elected bodies oneone term are of thethe regular critics versity of ofviewpoints, to tothetheschool independent-thinking PUB also that candidates the City oftoThompson and of plan.

The city knew it had a though just theRyan past few years, Valeattend another when you’llaren’t be billed more unoccupied houses andaren’t from 2010 2014 becouncil who Land was orThe council, is requires that Land it who haveconsidered considered profrom 2010 to 2014 be-of of council who though Ryan wasor orcouncil, council, that itcandidates candidates who profrom 2010 toattend 2014 council who attend though Ryan was is isthat who aren’t its have residents remain in an sewage treatment plant thatbeoperated the water treatment water utilities plan Land for baldirectly. Since water meters itfewer overall customers to fore being defeated by meetings and ask their mostly correct in saywill save money.

The married to aligning posalsto toreduce reducethethefore fore being defeated bymeetings meetings and theirmostly mostly correct say-willwill save money. married to to aligning aligning posals being defeated byplant and askask their correct in in saysave money.

TheThe married almost diabolically perfect no longer met provincial and sold the city potanced budgets, meaning were installed in Thompson, cover the costs.

It’s difficult Mayor Dennis Fenske elected officials quesing elected that, in officials terms ofquesamount is that, notin in large themselves with any number representaMayor Dennis Fenske elected officials ing terms ofamount amount notlarge themselves withanyany number of of representaMayor Dennis Fenske that, terms ofwater is isnot with catch-22. environmental standards. able water for residents toquestheing money coming in from use has gone down by large to themselves quantify but certainly in the race to become tions week after week, class and ethnicity, the overall – about $20,000 particular side, because tives comprising them in the race to become tions week after week, class and ethnicity, the overall – about $20,000 particular side, because tives comprising them in the race to become tions week after week, class and ethnicity, the overall – about $20,000 particular side, because Up until 2011, Thomp- It also knew, because the drink and wash with, water the sale of water and sewer about 30 per cent. In theory, there are instances of at least headand of council lastmade theirhead opinions not last aren’t innotcouncillors’ salar-really rightinnow, the numbersalarand one them head ofmay last their opinions may trustees aren’t incouncillors’ councillors’ right now, the number one of of them of it council their opinions may not trustees right now, the number their gardens, etc. really Unfortuson residents didn’t pay formade province told so,council that un- trustees services has toaren’t equal whatreally that should mean the watersalarsome people who moved out time that Thompsonites be enough to dissuade a microcosm of the ies per year plus apof opinions on council a choice March 13 not time that Thompsonites be enough to dissuade a microcosm of the ies per year plus apof opinions on council a choice March 13 not time that Thompsonites be enough to dissuade a microcosm of the ies per year plus apof opinions on council water. Well, actually they less the city started charging nately, the agreement made providing those services treatment plant can produce of Thompson in order to rewent to the polls about the majority from forSchool District of Mysproximately half that is generally two – for to shrink its numbers, went to the polls about the majority from forSchool District of Mysproximately half that is generally two – for to shrink its numbers, went to the polls about the majority from forSchool District of Mysproximately half that is generally two – did, but they didn’t feel like for water by consumption, between Inco, the precursor costs. As costs got higher less, which would reduce the locate somewhere where lifefor three-and-half years ging ahead, especially tery Lake’s population onLake’s average, as school board trustthree-and-half years ging ahead, especially population average, against. school board trustyears ging ahead, especially Lake’s population amount, average, andand against. to Vale, which operates the amount, thethree-and-half provincial government duetery totery inheriting the water and costagainst. ofamount, runningon theon utility a is more affordable. theyasdid because they didn’t ago –ees was in favour of since the of asince whole.

If you’ve travel Maybe the low turnees voted 6-1 against ago –number was of sincethe thenumber number ofannual aplant whole.

If you’ve annual travel Maybe low turnvoted 6-1 against ago – was in in favour ofThompson oftreatment as as a whole. you’ve forfor annual travel Maybe thethe low turnwasn’t going to pay forfavour any as nickel mines for andIfand buildlittle, but in reality aboutandandWork being done over the know how much water they reducing the numbers, people who care about been to many school expenses.

For the city, out of people with a how resolution trustee reducing numbers, people who care about been many school the city, outof ofpeople with used muchby ofby their portion of a new one.

That these days, and the provincial ingbeen a new sewage treatment 40 expenses. perexpenses. cent of treated water next five years topeople replace a or resolution trustee reducing thethe numbers, people who care about to tomany school ForFor the city, out with with theRyan other seven opthis one way or other another board meetings which has ameetings budget of (and opinions onhas how property taxLand bills water and new sewage treatment plant government, reached back plant, the system basically never makes it ato budget water and sewer pipes, Land (the only with seven opthis way or another board meetings (and which ameters. budget ofopinions opinions how Ryan (the only with thethe other seven opthis oneone way or(and another board which has ofmetal on on how posed.

Although coundoesn’t even reach apart from members around $30 million, many councillors there sewer services necessarily has had more than its share in 1956, said that, although ensured that costs for water Some is used for firefightwhich corrode over time in vote in support) to reposed.

Although coundoesn’t even reach apart from members around $30 million, many councillors there vote in support) to re- posed. Although coun- doesn’t even reach apart from members around $30 million, many councillors there Since then, in the years ingthat or that hydrant flushing, butprobacidic soil, with PVC ones mining company had to that consumption would have toyou cilrepresented. hasn’t yet voted on double digits. of the the media, well, you probshould be represents isn’t an ex-probduce number hasn’t yet voted on double digits. of media, well, you represents should isn’t an duce thethe number ofofofproblems cil cil hasn’t yetfew voted on double digits. ofrepresents thethe media, well, should be be isn’t an ex-exhowever, they have been that it’s been inreading operation, build Whether a water treatment plant, much of of it just flows out of inthat don’t, should eventugethaven’t), higher. second reading of seven that or not the haven’t), you would ably less than a you drop pression apathy trustees from seven tosecond second that Whether or not the haven’t), youin would ably less than a drop inpression pression apathy trustees from toWhether reading of of that or not the would ably less than abut drop of of apathy butbut painfully the ac- number andbylaw, although the provincial it could unilaterally turn over the Compounding these realpipes when water allyofreduce the amount of bylaw, theaware nextofstage of the councillors know that they don’t proverbial bucket, of broken pragmatism.

Experifive. bylaw, the next stage number councillors know that they don’t proverbial bucket, of pragmatism.

Experifive. next stage number of of councillors know that they don’t thethe proverbial bucket, pragmatism.

Experitual effect on their wallets and federal governments its ownership and operation ities are two other factors, breaks occur.

To say that treated water that goes to quite towards it becoming ofor school board trustoften feature nearly as though it is about a ence has shown quite One night night earlier, earlier,towards towards it becoming school board trust-often often feature nearly thoughit itis isabout abouta aence ence shown One it becoming of-of-or or school board trustfeature nearly as asthough hashas shown quite because they have water mecovered two-thirds of its $36 to the city anytime it wanted. one of them directly relatmoney just goes down the waste in Thompson, but the ficial, there’s at least a ees should be reduced much debate or divfifth of the overall cost often that this council slightlymore morethan thana aficial, ficial, there’s least should reducedmuch muchdebate debateor ordivdiv-fifth fifth overall costoften often that this council slightly there’s at at least a aeesees should be be reduced of of thethe overall cost that this council ters and geteven quarterly bills is million price tag, the water Whenas thatnot finally took placequestomayor water, and and the drainothers would be symbolicalutility –also has to cover its it – better than chance not the sort ofeven quesision city council of ed the coun– and before itand – counhalf-dozen Thompsonbetter than even chance is sort ision cityother council of the mayor others before half-dozen Thompsonbetter than chance is not thethe sort of of quesision as ascity council of the mayor and coun– andand others before it – which tellbe them precisely utility iswhich responsible forapproved. tak- meetings, in 2016, the city inherited one not, though perhaps it isnot ly true,cil. though in fact it just portionisofgoing those costs, which that it will approved. tion forthat there is atfor least not cil. ites showed to voice it will be tion which there meetings, least what the ites showed up up to voice that it will be approved. tion for which there is ismeetings, at at least not going cil. to do what the is going to to do do what much water they have a ing care of new the staffing costs, as well Critics could partially be, indirectseeps into the If the are mostly funded by feder-the Ashow watchers of council right orongoing wrongoperating anover past couple of the promajority of its ground. members their opinion on a proAs watchers of council a right or wrong an-over over the past couple Critics ofthethepropro-majority majority of its members their opinion on a proAs watchers of council a right or wrong anthe past couple Critics of of its members used, provided theythe used swer. costs,On which, aspro it turns out, as those toBut maintain the fa- posed ly. The reduction moment Thompson percentage seemsregardhigh, that’s al and provincial grants. So, will posed have noticed, the side of years. they’ve say thinkposed isposed right, reduction posed bylaw that will have noticed, swer.

On the pro side years.

But they’ve think right, regardbylaw that would have noticed, swer.

Onpay the pro side of of years.

But they’ve is is right, regardmore than 14 cubic metres inwould arewill higher than the costs ofthethe cility and to for capital residents started having to because it is.reduction The PUB sayssaysay likethink gas, bacon and everyproposals that shrink make of keeping the current madeof of their decision that made itmade willtheir prevent less that of that what the most see council shrink from proposals that make keeping the current their decision it will prevent less of what the see council from proposals that make keeping the current decision it will prevent less of what the most three months. For those who the old one it replaced. upgrades as parts of it wore pay for water based on how water utilities should aim for thing else, the cost of water most it toeight the council floor numbers, the option and it numbers, there “newand blood” from beingthere vocal“new taxpayers think. eight councillors to it to the council floor the and itappears appears there “new blood” being vocal taxpayers think. councillors to it to the council floor the option it used, being taxpayers think. haven’t, it doesn’t matter At the other end of the out.numbers, All appears those costs have tooption much they naturally wastage ofblood” about 10from perfrom cent. willvocal rise this year and there have a tendency to be that all but one of the will be seven school elected and, theoreticIf that is the case, does not including have a tendency beincluded that all but willbe be seven elected and, theoreticIf that is the case, does six,six, not including have athere’s tendency to to bebe that allin but oneone of of thethe will seven theoreticthat is the does anyways, since it’s impos-thethe spectrum, the water estimates prothey started using less.school It’sschoolIfelected costs stayand, about the same isn’tIfmuch reason tocase, hold out approved

by Only least board board trustees at Utilities least ally, reduce the diversit really matter mayor. oneschool ofapproved approved atleast least school board members board trustees at least ally, reduce the diversitreally really how mayor. one oftreatment by byattakes school members least ally, reduce thehow diversit that matter how sible for them toatOnly spend less plant,members which vided to the board Public oneboard thing totrustees hose downatyour but usage goes down, there’s hope the trend ismatter going to two-thirds of its memopted for, is the arguuntil 2022. ity of opinions, but that many of them there that handful of people two-thirds of its memopted for, is the arguuntil 2022. ity of opinions, but that many of them there that handful of people two-thirds of its memopted for, is the arguuntil 2022. ity of opinions, but that many of them there on their household water. river water and converts it Board of Manitoba, which driveway when the cost of only one way to account for change anytime soon. bers with and, that that itand, spreads the that One of the arguments would only true if are? would with an opinion –ment for-bers bers and,given given that ment that it spreads the One One of the arguments would only true are? angiven opinion – forment that it spreads the ofbe the arguments only be be true if ifare?

Your Thompson Citizen News Team YOUR THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS Your Thompson CitizenNews News TeamTEAM Your Thompson Citizen Team Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News: 2022 Office Closures and Deadline Changes

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Etiquette tips: responding to invitations

BY THOMPSON SENIORS COMMUNITY RESOURCE COUNCIL Etiquette is defined as the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Synonyms can include “good manners” and “social niceties.”

We will be taking a look at several “etiquette rules” that were once taught at home, in schools, and in youth groups. Today, we look at RSVPing. The acronym is French for “repondez s’il vous plait,” which means “please reply.”

At one time, invitations to meetings, birthdays and other special events were delivered as a card or letter. It was normal to reply to the invitation in like manner, or

in the manner indicated on the invitation.

But since social media, invitations have become casual, and people tend not to reply, or to reply at the last minute.

This is more rude and a breach of basic humanity. The person sending the invitation may have to buy food, plan entertainment, book a venue, etc. That job is made terribly difficult if the replies are late or not sent.

If you are not able to attend and are uncomfortable sending a negative reply, remember that a polite “unable to attend” is much nicer and more appreciated than no reply at all.

Please give this little article your consideration. Thank you.

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2022-05-30 1:26 PM

Page 6 • News

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Friday, June 3, 2022

Health care for northern First Nations in a state of emergency, leaders say Chiefs and councillors from 23 Northern Manitoba First Nations said May 24 that health care in the region is in a crisis as they declared a state of emergency regarding medical services.

The declaration came after the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council met for two days in Brokenhead Ojbiway Nation to discuss and make important decisions regarding health care transformation.

One of the topics was what the elected leaders called a critical nursing shortage at Manitoba’s 21 federally operated nursing stations.

The statement said that nursing stations were open to emergencies only from May 16-23 as a result of lack of staff.

“Who would bring their family member there knowing that the services are stretched that thin?” said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias, interim char of the KIOC. “To protest, we should gather a busload of patients from our communities and bring them south all at once to access services. We are calling on the government to come to a roundtable and discuss solutions immediately.”

The leaders said nursing stations rarely if ever actually have the amount of full-time equivalent staff that they are supposed to. A spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada told

Thompson Citizen file photo A federal nursing station that opened in Red Sucker Lake First Nation in 2019. Such stations are frequently understaffed, said a group of Northern Manitoba First Nation chiefs and councillors who declared a state of emergency in northern health care on May 24. the Thompson Citizen that non-emergency care dur- ent of health care for First their health care providers, over time,” Lavallee said. as of May 26, all of the ing the regular operational Nations people in remote created a wisdom council “System leaders have Manitoba communities. and expanded spiritual nothing to be proud of and nursing stations it operates hours of 9 a.m. to 5 pm.

“This will help those who “They are part of a multi- care to include access to should really hang their in the province were operating at or slightly below need to access urgent care disciplinary, inter-jurisdic- Indigenous practices like heads in shame. Many will their minimum staffing lev- after-hours for emergen- tional team that includes: smudging. A social worker try to lay blame on the panels and that for the week cies. Health care workers health professionals such position has been added to demic but that is only one of May 30, only one com- at the nursing station are as physicians, paramedics, support indigenous patients of the contributing factors. munity was expected to be doing all they can to ensure dental therapists or hy- in the Thompson General The truth is that although operating at just below min- everyone receives the care gienists; community health Hospital emergency depart- the pandemic has shed new imum staffing levels. The they need in a timely man- workers in areas such as ment and cultural training, light on gaps in care and department spokesperson ner,” said ISC spokesperson home care, addictions and including First Nations-in- really, the ‘Jordan’s Prinsaid that residents of First Nicola Moquin, who also diabetes; and access to ter- spired land-based education ciple’ of health services for Nations served by nursing pointed out that nursing sta- tiary care facilities in urban for NRHA staff and board First Nations people overstations are urged to seek tions are only one compon- centres such as Thompson, members, has also been all – it is time for systems The Pas and Winnipeg.” expanded. to stand in discomfort and “We understand, and we take the hits for their negThe state of emergency declaration pointed out de- all want these solutions lect due to racism.” ficiencies with the provin- implemented without delay KIOC members hope cial health care system in but it will take work and the emergency declaration Northern Manitoba as well. time to solve this very com- will lead to roundtable “Thompson General Hos- plex, multifaceted issue,” discussions with the fedpital has become a triage the spokesperson said. “We eral government to address centre,” said Pimicikamak are committed to working immediate, short-term, Coun. Donnie McKay. “We with all of our partners, medium-term and longneed to look at ways to take especially our indigenous term solutions to issues control — make our own communities and leader- such as nurse shortages, policies, services and fa- ship, to find and implement on-reserve health care cilities up north instead of sustainable solutions that infrastructure in need of sending them down south.” meet the health needs of the modernization and improvCoun. Cheyenne Spence people we serve in support ing the provincial and fedof Nisichawayasihk Cree of our vision of healthy eral integrated response Nation said the differences people, healthy north.” system for urgent or emerin health care services beDr. Barry Lavallee is gent crises tween the province’s north chief executive officer “More and more we are and south are stark. of KIM, which was cre- being called to advise fed“When we got to Thomp- ated after MKO signed a eral and provincial systems son there is nothing to memorandum of under- on solutions however, we look after patients that standing on health trans- know that we cannot let need special care,” said formation with the federal the systems call the shots Spence. “When we travel government in 2018, with anymore,” said KIM chief to Winnipeg or Brandon, the goal of giving First operating officer Moriah the care is available. Why Nations more control over Davis. “They have done a can’t we get the same care federal government func- poor job and it is time for tions respecting health care Indigenous people to take in Thompson?”

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A spokesperson for the for Northern Manitoba back control. We cannot Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and Northern Regional Health First Nations. He says the give up on the collaborative foundation will improve your home’s comfort Authority, which oversees under-resourced health care possibilities, even while we and help you reduce energy costs. provincial health services system in First Nations is call out the systems workand facilities across the systemic racism. ing with us. It is better that Get rebates up to 100% of insulation material costs. north, apart from in Church“Nursing shortages and they move from a place of ill, said the organization is shortages in physician-led shame to one of allowing Find out if you qualify today making efforts to provide care, limited access to diag- equal footing by First Nabetter care for Indigenous nostic care, lack of appro- tions in decision-making efficiencyMB.ca/homeinsulation northerners, including priate health infrastructure while they take appropriApproval is required before you start your project. Work with a registered supplier to qualify. those who live on-reserve. in communities, and the ate responsibility for health So far, the health author- lack of a co-ordinated sys- care services. We also exity has worked on a joint tems-based response for ur- pect that systems will constatement with MKO and gent and emergent issues tinue to support us as we Natural gas efficiency programs Keewatinohk Inniniw like the nursing shortage begin taking steps to lead are funded in part by the Low Minoayawin (KIM) to end – all of this is racism, full from a stronger platform Carbon Economy Fund. anti-Indigenous racism in stop, and has been worsen- with the northern First health care, added elders to ing instead of improving Nations.”

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News • Page 7

Country music artist Nelson Little emerges from pandemic stress and struggle with new single

BY CRYSTAL ST.PIERRE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE RE­ PORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

“Hold my head up, so I don’t fall,” a line from Nelson Little’s newest single “High Road,” captures how most of society felt during the past two years while living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Little, a Métis country music artist, had originally written the lyrics based on his experiences with his 10-year-old son, who was struggling during that time and looked to his dad for guidance.

“It was a heavy year,” said Little. “That’s how the song came about, from the emotions and the stress.

From that I was like, ‘How can I give this boy advice?

I don’t even have it for myself’.”

During that time, Little took time off work and spent his afternoons homeschooling and emotionally supporting his son.

Like “High Road,” Little said the lyrics for his songs come from his own real life experiences and emotions.

Born near Thompson, Little was raised on a farm just north of Riding Mountain with his aunt and uncle.

When he was 15 years old, Little was in a car accident in which his cousin, Keith Little Jr., died.

“From there I guess I just felt lost because now I was on their farm without my male cousin, who I felt like the farm belonged to in their family. Music just took me away from there,” a source of therapy for the surviving teen.

“That would have been from the age of 15 to 18.

The guitar probably stayed in my hands from there on.”

During those years, Little’s uncle recognized his nephew’s musical ability and began taking him to talent shows and various community events. Little would perform cover songs, but never any original music.

“For the most part it was 10 years of just hauling my guitar around,” he said, singing at weddings, funerals, graduations and many other social events.

He also joined a cover band called the 100 Years Rising.

“After a little experience with that band, probably 10 years, I figured it was time to write because I carried a lot. So in 2004 was when I started writing,” he said.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Mike Latschislaw Manitoba country music artist Nelson Little has released a new single titled “High Road.”

His first single “I Won’t Fall Down” was about how when you make mistakes you need the strength to get back up. His second original song, “Whiskey Devil,” told the story of the lifestyle of his early years in a band.

“There was a lot of partying going on in our 20s, early on in our band years,” Little said. “I wrote a positive twist to a possible negative outcome, which

was if we kept drinking someone was going to end up dead.”

It was after Little saw the response to his original song lyrics that he realized he could combine his passion for playing guitar with writing.

“After those two songs, they had a bit of success around home, I realized I could write, and I just started writing song after song.”

During the past two decades Little has been a threetime Manitoba Country Music Association award nominee and winner of the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Award.

Another single, “Keep Me Close,” earned Little the number one spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown in 2020. His track “Lost and Found” was added to SiriusXM’s Indigiverse and

was played regularly for two years while his song “Only You” was selected to be used in the Canadian film “Road of Iniquity,” directed

by Mark Ennis.

On May 20, “High Road” was released. Little said he’s looking forward to performing it for his fans.

He believes the song will be very relatable to his audience no matter what age or walk of life they come from.

During the pandemic there was so much separation between people, families and marriages because of the different views everyone held about the various protocols put in place, he said. In such a strange time, many people felt isolated in their own opinions because they didn’t want to argue with their loved ones.

“I was writing about how we could just neutralize that.

(The best way) was to take the high road, turn away and walk away. Keep your head up,” Little said.

“One of the strong lines in the song is ‘Let those sleeping dogs lie in someone else’s bed,’ (meaning) just to leave a small problem alone.

There’s no point (arguing).

There’s no point.”

‘This has to stop:’ We have to look out for each other, says mother of murder victim at vigil

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A family and a community came together this week to grieve for a woman who was murdered, while this city comes to grips with news that three Indigenous women have been victims of homicide in just the last three weeks alone.

A vigil on Marlow Court in the Maples neighbourhood of Winnipeg on May 31 brought hundreds together to mourn and remember the life of 31-year-old Tessa Perry, who police say was the victim of a homicide on May 28.

A large memorial for Perry grew during the vigil, as hundreds laid down flowers, candles and other mementos to remember her life, while many at the vigil, including family members, wept and consoled one another.

Perry’s mom Angie Perry, who spoke to the crowd at the vigil, said through tears that she is still finding it hard to process that her daughter is gone, and that she was a victim of violence and murder.

“When the RCMP came to my door and told me that Tessa had passed, I didn’t expect to hear homicide, no parent expects that,” Angie said. “It’s the hardest thing for someone to die from domestic violence, because it took away someone dear to us, a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a friend, and

she was just an awesome woman.”

And while she mourns the loss of her daughter, Angie is also asking that anyone that is being abused or mistreated, or who knows someone they think may be in an abusive situation immediately reach out for help, and reach out before it’s too late.

“To the ones that are still on this Earth today, just get help and get to a safe place,” she said. “And I just ask that people look after each other, and look out for one another.

“This has to stop.”

Winnipeg Police said Perry, who is a mother to four children, died after being assaulted on Marlow Court near Inkster Boulevard. She was discovered unconscious by police in the area on May 28, and Perry later died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

Justin Alfred Robinson, 29, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to Perry's death, and also on a count of failing to comply with a probation order.

Perry is now the third Indigenous woman to be killed in Winnipeg in just the last three weeks, as on May 16, Rebecca Contois, 24, was found dead in North Kildonan, and then on May 19, Doris Trout, 25, was found dead in an apartment lobby on Kennedy Avenue, in downtown Winnipeg.

A long-time advocate for the safety of Indigenous

Thompson Citizen photo by Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun Angie Perry, right, the mother of homicide victim Tessa Perry, struggled to contain her emotions while she spoke to a crowd that gathered May 31 for a vigil to honour and remember her daughter. women and girls, Hilda An- secure pathway for her chil- are not being properly im- do not take more steps to derson-Pryz, who helped to dren, her children meant the plemented and acted upon keep Indigenous women and organize the May 31 vigil, world to her,” she said. here in Manitoba or across girls safe immediately, more said she is an aunt of Perry Perry is sadly now one the country. will fall victim to violence and hopes that her niece is of thousands of Indigen“It diminishes hope that and murder. remembered for much more ous women in Canada that there has been change,” An“We have the right to than being a murdered In- has been murdered or gone derson-Pryz said. “We had safety, and change must digenous woman. missing in the last few the national inquiry, and we come,” she said. “Govern“She was a bright, beauti- decades. have 231 Calls for Justice ments have an obligation ful light,” Anderson-Pyrz Anderson-Pyrz said the that it is imperative that to act, and to stop the onsaid. “Her smile was three recent homicides in governments now act on, going genocide of Indigencontagious.”

Winnipeg of Indigenous and three years later we are ous women and girls in this She said she is also sad for women show that the 231 still seeing violence against country.” the four children that Perry individual Calls for Justice Indigenous women.

— Dave Baxter is a Lonow leaves behind, because that were directed at govern“We need all govern- cal Journalism Initiative she knows how much their ments, institutions, and all ments, including Indigenous reporter who works out of mom loved them, and cared Canadians in the final report governments to act on the the Winnipeg Sun. The Loabout them. of the National Inquiry into 231 calls.” cal Journalism Initiative is “She went to university, Missing and Murdered InAnderson-Pyrz said she funded by the government she wanted to build a really digenous Women and Girls believes that if governments of Canada.

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 8 • News

Friday, June 3, 2022

Flin Flon team takes top place in last mine rescue competition before Hudbay shuts down 777 mine The mine rescue team from Hudbay Flin Flon took home top prize in their final appearance at the Manitoba Mine Rescue Competiton in Thompson May 27-28.

Hudbay plans to close its 777 mine for good later this summer but the mine rescue team will have the right to represent the province at the

biannual National Western Region Mine Rescue Competiton in Fernie, B.C. in September 2023.

The team representing host Vale Manitoba Operations finished second overall in the first mine rescue competition in the province since 2019.

“It was our honour to host the event this year,” said Stacy

OBITUARIES LEONARD DALE FERRON

March 20, 1973 - May 8, 2022 It is with crushed hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dearly beloved, Leonard Dale Ferron, better known as Len or Lenny. He tried very hard to ditch his childhood nickname of “CB” derived from “ce bébé” (what baby?) as he got older, but it was just not happening! Len had a heart of gold that radiated love and light everywhere he went. He always was first to lend a helping hand, always laughing and always smiling. His silly antics and humorous personality will be missed dearly. Len was born in Thompson on March 20, 1973, and suddenly left us on May 8, 2022, in Winnipeg, MB. Len leaves to mourn his two children Cheyanne and Michael. His parents, Lorna and Frank Ferron, and his brothers Frank (Hilma), Jason (Felicia), and Matthew (Miranda). His nieces are Kayla, Heather, Vanessa, Lexie, Luella, and Chloe. His nephews are Frankie, Brendan, and Greyson. His great-nephews are Vinny, Isaiah, Dominic, Tommy, Jimmy, Ian, and Kaiden as well as his great-niece Taylor. Len will truly be missed by both his Bloomfield and Ferron aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins with even more nieces and nephews! Len was generous with his love, he cared for many children loving them as though they were his own.

Len was predeceased by both his maternal grandparents, Mary, and William (Bill) Bloomfield, and Cousin Adam Bloomfield. His predeceased paternal grandparents are Leoni and Alexis Ferron, of New Brunswick.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Boardman Funeral Home, 28 Nelson Rd. THOMPSON, MB R8N 0B4. Phone: 204-778-7982 Friday, June 3, 2022, from 1 pm -4 pm. Cremation to follow.

JEFFREY LEE HUNT

April 9, 1954 – May 3, 2022 Jeffrey (Jeff) Lee Hunt of Winnipeg, MB passed peacefully at the age of 68 with his wife and son at his side at St. Boniface Hospital. Jeff had preexisting conditions complicated by COVID. Jeff will be greatly missed by his wife Cheryl Ann Slack and son Dylan Jeffrey Hunt. Also left to mourn are his sister Liza Hunt and her two children Daniel (Danny) Hunt and Corrine (Corrie) Hunt, and his bother Wayne Hunt with his wife Dolly and their daughters Debbie Paguandas, Gail Hunt, and Dawn Hunt. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Katherine Slack (Koenning), Cheryl’s siblings, their spouses and partners, as well as their children and grandchildren. His father-in-law Milton Slack predeceased him.

Jeff was born in Sudbury, Ontario, and in 1960 he, his sister Liza, and his parents Ronald (Ron) Hunt and Marion Hunt (Bricker) (both predeceased) became Thompson, MB pioneers. Jeff attended Number 1 School where he met his wife-to-be Cheryl, in 1961 when she moved to Thompson with her family. They did not date at the time, that happened in high school.

Jeff discovered playing guitar at a young age and fell in love with the instrument. He became a very proficient player of blues and rock guitar and was a lover of music. Eric Clapton will miss his number one fan! He also took time to learn guitar building and was working to perfect his skills.

Scuba diving was another of his passions. He enjoyed several dive trips to the Caribbean with his wife and son after attaining his PADI certification in the icy cold waters of West Hawk Lake in Manitoba.

Jeff was a quiet man, but his great sense of humour would shine through to all who knew him. He liked to cook for his family and would BBQ in the summer. Every Halloween he would cook a spectacular seafood filé gumbo with homemade cornbread for Cheryl, Dylan, Nina Slack (Cheryl’s sister), and Todd Pluchinske (Nina’s Husband).

After Jeff graduated from R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson, he went on to study at Red River Community College in Winnipeg. He repaired televisions for several years and then furthered his knowledge and built a career in technology and project management. His last places of employment were Direct Focus Marketing and IC Group where he made many good friends and enjoyed working with his brother-in-law Todd Pluchinske.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and his family plans to scatter his remains in the Thompson, MB area at a later date.

Our family would like to thank the PD Unit and all the healthcare staff at the St. Boniface Hospital and the MICU staff at the HSC. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jeff’s memory to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (website: https://kidney.ca).

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of Chris Sundevic Gary Annett of host Vale Manitoba Operations (back row, left) and Stacy Kennedy (back row, second from left) and Richard Trudeau (back row, right), co-chairs of the Mining Association of Manitoba mine rescue organization, pose with the 2022 Manitoba Mine Rescue Competition winning team from Hudbay Flin Flon, which includes, Tracy Knutson, Dustin Patterson, George Warman, Rob Johnson, Trevor Thurstan in the back row and Joel Chupik, Rian Bayless, Steve MacArthur, Darren Lyhkun and Marshall Manns in front.

Kennedy of Vale, who is also competitions are a vital part the co-chair of the Mining As- to keeping our personnel safe sociation of Manitoba mine and a valuable opportunity rescue organization, which for teams to learn from one puts on the event. “These another.”

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Hudbay Snow Lake won From left to right, Stacy the firefighting award at the Kennedy of the Mining As- competition, while Vale won sociation of Manitoba mine the first aid and written exam awards. rescue organization, Bernard Bernard Fourie of Hudbay Fourie of Hudbay Snow Lake, Snow Lake was the winner winnerCLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET of the technician’s of the technician’s award, award at the 2022 Manitoba presented to the technician 510 • RETAIL/ Mine Rescue Competition in who demonstrates the highest 201 • SERVICES of proficiency in preThompson May 27-28, and level OFFICE SPACE the BG4 breathing apRichard Trudeau, also of the paring 7 SELKIRKfor main floorinoffi ce area 1990 STRUGGLING WITH DEBT? paratus use emergency mine rescue organization. sq ft, will sub-divide. 79 Selkirk lower LET OUR FAMILY situations. level office area, 4112 sq ft. J.B Johnston HELP YOUR FAMILY The competitors, who also Understand the options Ventures Limited, call 204-679-0915 available to assist with 39-TFN-nb a team from Tantaincluded your financial situation OFFICE SPACE in FORLac LEASE 500-5000 lum Mining du Bonnet, (Arrangements with sq ft available.underground Cameron/Hoe building completed and Creditors or Bankruptcy) 83 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. first aid mine rescue missions FREE CONSULTATION 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306and the written 477-5668.

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“We are proud of how the Manitoba mining industry continues to move forward with ongoing improvement 183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 regarding emergency preFAX: 204-677-4087 paredness, crisis management Looking for full and part time and risk prevention,” said housekeepers starting wage Richard Trudeau, the other $13.00/hr co-chair of the mine rescue Apply at the front desk organization. “Without mine rescue teams that meet stringent standards and training requirements, underground mines can not operate.”

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www.thompsoncitizen.net

�ank You for re-electing your President & Cabinet

�anks to the confidence of our Red River Métis Citizens, the Manitoba Métis Federation has experienced a historic and unprecedented election result with all incumbents returning through acclamation.

Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand and Cabinet are grateful for this clear mandate from our Nation, and are ready to continue working on behalf of Citizens across the Red River Métis Homeland.

Let’s continue to build on our next steps together.

Stay connected with the National Government of the Red River Métis at www.mmf.mb.ca

Page 9

Page 10 • News

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, June 3, 2022

‘They’re targeting the wrong people:’ Shooting clubs, business owners worry over gun legislation’s potential impact on sport

BY JOSHUA FREY-SAM LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Westman firearms organizations are concerned over new federal gun legislation they say could end a popular form of sport shooting and unfairly targets legal gun owners.

The proposed legislation allows handgun owners to continue to possess and use their pistols but freezes their ability to import, buy, sell or transfer them. That’s a concern for people who shoot competitively and for the longevity of the sport.

“The next generation is not going to have the opportunity to enjoy shooting handguns,” said Mark Michie, president of the Melvin Road Gun Club, near Austin. If new people can’t get into the activity, it will die out, he said.

The new rules are aimed at keeping Canadians safe, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau May 30, and includes other measures, such as increasing criminal penalties for gun trafficking and requiring long-gun magazines to be altered to hold a maximum of five rounds.

But Michie said the part of the legislation aimed at handguns will have consequences for legal gun owners and the gun clubs of which they are members.

“You can’t get anyone new into it. As a gun owner, part of the gun community … part of our goal is to educate on what our gun laws actually are and how safe we actually are as law-abiding firearm owners so that we can get (people) involved and get them interested,” he said.

“This just — pardon the pun — shoots that down.”

The legislation includes some exemption to restrictions on transferring handguns, including for businesses selling to movie companies, museums and exempted people. Exempted individuals would include those who transport valuable goods and elite sport shooters who compete or coach in handgun events recognized by the inter-

Thompson Citizen photo by Tim Smith/Brandon Sun/Local Journalism Initiative Shells are ejected as a competitor fires his gun during the 2012 International Practical Shooting Confederation Canadian National Championships at the Brandon Wildlife Association firing range. national Olympic or Paralympic committees.

Brandon Wildlife Association president Brad Kirkpatrick said he is still waiting for more details on how the exemptions will be managed and who will be exempted. He also shares concerns about the impact on sport shooting, such as through the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

“Effectively, we’re one generation away from handguns or at least competition shooting being extinct in this country … certainly that’s a big fear,” he said.

“There are people, including myself, in this who are very avid shooters, enjoy the organized competition a great deal.”

There are approximately 1,000 members of the Brandon Wildlife Association, Kirkpatrick said, and many own handguns.

Pistols aren’t as high profile as other firearms, but many people take part in competitions.

Despite the federal government’s focus on reducing handgun crime, Kirkpatrick

said he doesn’t believe the new rules will have an impact as many illegal guns are smuggled into the country.

“They’re targeting the wrong people,” he said.

“It is very concerning and [there are] still a lot of questions up in the air.”

In a statement, Brandon police public information officer Sgt. Kirby Sararas said the City of Brandon has not seen the same level of gun violence as larger Canadian cities in recent years.

The majority of handgun-style weapons police seize in Brandon are imitation or pellet guns, she said, which can still pose a problem.

“As criminals, especially those in the drug subcultures find it difficult to get their hands on real handguns, they turn to imitation firearms, which they use to threaten and intimidate victims. It is incredibly difficult to tell the difference between a real weapon and a replica.

“Depending on the specifics of the new legislation, we anticipate that the number of replica guns police

encounter could diminish significantly; this will be a welcome change.”

Despite the proposed legislation targeting the Canadian market, handguns can still be bought in neighbouring jurisdictions, which means criminals will turn to the black market “While it might not have a significant impact on Brandon’s current gun climate, it has the potential to mitigate any future gun activity,” Sararas said.

Those in opposition of the proposed bill are questioning how effective it will be in preventing gun violence.

Dauphin–Swan River– Neepawa Conservative MP Dan Mazier criticized the plans May 31, asking what will be banned next after handguns.

As he and other members of his party have said before, he believes a more prudent approach to fighting gun violence would be to give the Canadian Border Services Agency the resources to tackle the flow of illegal guns coming in across the border.

“I don’t know why

they’re picking on legal gun owners,” Mazier said.

“It’s a progression this government seems to be fixated with, they can’t get it out of their DNA … it’s the legal gun owners they’re attacking and I don’t understand it.”

The proposed legislation is a missed opportunity for the federal government, said Tracey Wilson, vice-president of public relations for the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights.

Wilson, an owner of three handguns, hoped to see a bill that focused on reducing street crime, intervened in gang violence and mitigated smuggling illicit guns into the country, she said.

“After seven years of beating the crap out of licensed gun owners, crime is still going up and [Trudeau] is looking at us wondering why. It’s because you’re going after the wrong people.”

While the new rules would place a freeze on legal handguns across the country, Wilson claimed the vast majority of gun crimes are committed with firearms that are illegally purchased

or smuggled and aren’t being targeted in the proposal.

There is currently little information available to determine the source of firearms used in crime, according to Statistics Canada.

However, the same page shows handguns were the most serious weapon present in the majority of firearm-related violent crimes both between 2009 and 2014 and between 2015 and 2020 (59 per cent).

Wilson said she wants the federal government to invest in communities, atrisk youth, gang intervention and technology at the border to prevent smuggled weapons before handcuffing law-abiding gun owners.

“Why don’t we try focusing on crime and, if all else fails, then come talk to me about my guns,” she said.

“Are Canadians safer after this legislation passes?

The answer is no, we’re just more divided.”

A freeze on handguns would also largely impact gun distributors, according to Matthew Hipwell, owner of Wolverine Supplies in Virden.

“It’s a significant piece of our market,” he said. “It will absolutely affect my business.”

Hipwell’s shop also sells airsoft guns, which would also be frozen if they closely resemble a real gun.

Hipwell said he’s unsure if he can do anything to challenge the new bill should it pass, but is set on supporting the shooting community to the best of his ability.

“Like every business, you need to adapt and move forward.”

Social problems, mental health issues and addiction are all issues that plague the country, yet the May 30 announcement focused on those who are legal firearms owners, Hipwell argued.

“They need to focus on the root causes of these problems.”

The new regulations are expected to come into force in the fall.

- with files from The Canadian Press and Colin Slark

‘Exceptional’ community leaders honoured by U of W

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Two “exceptional” community leaders, who have both spent years advocating for social change and for the rights of Indigenous people, received honorary degrees this week when the University of Winnipeg (U of W) held its annual Spring Convocation.

In a media release, the U of W announced that Diane Redsky and Dr. Alex Wilson would receive Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees at the university’s downtown campus during a ceremony June 2.

“UWinnipeg is proud to recognize Diane Redsky

and Dr. Alex Wilson for their lifelong dedication to advocating for social change,” U of W Chancellor Barb Gamey said in the release.

“Their leadership has had a profound effect on the individuals they work with, and is foundational in our work as a society to move towards reconciliation.”

Gamey said that Redsky, who is a member of Shoal Lake First Nation 40 and the executive director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, works to empower and support Indigenous women and families in Manitoba, and that work has been “instrumental in strengthening the

health and well-being of Winnipeg’s Indigenous community.”

“Thanks to Redsky’s leadership, professionally and as a volunteer, there are innovative programs to support Indigenous women and children, safe havens for survivors, and recovery programs for people in need,” Gamey said.

“She is a well-spoken advocate for ending violence against women. Her commitment to creating safe spaces to support women and girls affected by sex trafficking has led her to gather data, lobby policy-makers, and develop programming for survivors.”

Redsky previously led a National Task Force on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada, when it delivered a comprehensive strategy to end sex trafficking in Canada, and U of W said she was also “instrumental” in the creation of UW’s Sex Trafficking: Global to Local course.

The U of W said Wilson, who is an on-reserve member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, will be honoured for the work she does to develop land-based programming for Indigenous people, and for the work she has done for years to support and empower Indigenous women, and members of the LG-

BTQ2S+ community.

“A champion of the rights of queer, trans, and two-spirit people, Wilson’s work addresses some of the most pressing issues facing Indigenous communities; chronically insufficient housing, record-high suicide rates, and missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people,” Gamey said.

“Dr. Wilson is an acclaimed educator, scholar, and researcher whose commitment to building and sharing knowledge about land-based learning and two-spirit identity, history, and teachings has influenced educational policy at regional, national, and

international levels.”

Wilson is also the first Canadian First Nations woman to receive a doctorate from Harvard, and U of W said her experience as a teaching fellow in Harvard’s first interdisciplinary course on First Peoples and governance led to the formation of two courses that the U of W says “now serve as a foundation for training curriculum in communities throughout Canada and the United States.”

— 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.

Friday, June 3, 2022

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Short Story • Page 11

Bright Stone Editor’s Note: The following is the second part of a fictional short story by John Ginsburg, who grew up in Flin Flon and now lives in Winnipeg. Check out his website at johnginsburg. com.

See last week’s Thompson Citizen for the first part.

BY JOHN GINSBURG ARTWORK BY SHEILA FINE

And dropping out of school? Well, that would have been the worst thing that could possibly happen to anyone, my parents would have thought. Education was everything to them.

Their kids’ education. We were all going to university, no matter what. And we all had to do well in school, all the time.

‘That’s awful Steven’ said my mom. ‘The poor thing.’

‘The thing is, she has nowhere to stay right now. I wonder if we can help her?

Can she stay with us for a while? Until she gets things sorted out? I don’t think she has anyone to turn to.

Maybe we can make a bed for her in the basement?’

We had a very small house. One story, with three small bedrooms on the main floor. There had only been two bedrooms at one time, but my dad created a third bedroom when I was born, by walling off part of the living room. The basement was just a bare, uneven, cement floor, with a washing machine, a sink, the furnace and the hot water tank. And a bunch of stuff piled up that we never used. My brother and I were in one bedroom; my two sisters in another.

‘The basement?’ my mom answered, doubtfully. ‘On the cement floor? She’d freeze down there, Steven.

And it’s damp and smelly.

It’s no place for anyone to sleep. Let’s wait till your father gets home to talk about this. He said he’d be back in about an hour.

Where is she now? Where are you calling from?’

‘We’re at the bus depot.

She’s sitting in a booth.

She’s got nowhere to go.

Maybe she could go to a school here or something.

It’s not fair that she had to quit school and leave home.

She’s really nice. You’ll really like her.’

‘Can you come home and we’ll talk about this with your dad?’ ‘You mean right now?’

‘Yes.’ ‘I’ll bring Bright Stone so she can meet you and Dad.’ ‘I think you should wait, sweetheart. We should talk about it first, before we meet her. It would be very awkward for everybody– especially her–if we didn’t talk about it first.’

‘Okay. I’ll head home right now.’

I went back into the restaurant. Bright Stone was sitting with her back to me.

She seemed so small and so alone.

‘I just talked to my mom’ I said. ‘I asked her if you could stay with us for a

while. You know, until you know what you want to do. She said we just have to figure out a place for you to sleep. She wants to talk about it, me and her and my dad. So I’m going to head home for a few minutes. I won’t be long, I promise.

And then I’ll come back and pick you up. Do you want to meet at the Community Hall?’

How could the prospect of staying at my house seem anything but daunting to her? Scary. She must have wondered if my parents would really want her there.

And for how long? How would my siblings make her feel? Would she feel like some kind of charity case or outcast? It would be incredibly awkward for her no matter what. I tried to sound as hopeful and positive as I could, and not make her feel worse than she already was feeling. Maybe she wrongly interpreted what I said. Maybe she thought I’d asked my mom and she’d said no. Maybe she thought I was going home to try and change my mom’s mind. Maybe it just sounded like someone else telling her what to do, and where to go, like her mom and her cousins.

‘Okay’ she said, managing a smile.

‘Okay. I won’t be that long. Maybe an hour or so.

I’ll meet you right in front of the building.’

‘Are you sure your mom and dad want me in your house?’ she asked.

I wanted to race home and get everything arranged as fast as I could, so, as heart-wrenching as her words were, they didn’t land so heavily. ‘For sure’ I said. ‘It’ll work out fine. I’ll meet you over at the Community Hall.’

‘Okay.’

‘If you get bored and decide to go for a walk or something, I’ll just wait there for you, okay?’

I walked out the back of the bus depot and over to the corner of First Avenue.

It was a standard corner for hitchhiking. I stuck out my thumb and got a ride almost immediately, with an old guy who had a big handlebar moustache, right to my house on Green Street.

Everyone was home, except for my older sister Clara, who was over at a friend’s place.

Everyone was in the living room, my brother and sister on the sofa beside my mom, and my dad in his big green chair facing the television set. I explained the situation again, speaking mainly to my dad, providing all the information I had about Bright Stone and her difficult circumstances.

‘So maybe she can stay with us for a while’ I said, in conclusion. ‘Until she figures things out or–‘ ‘I’m not even sure if it’s legal to take someone in like that, Steven’ my dad said. ‘Not indefinitely, anyway. How old is she? Your age? If the wrong people found out about it, you

never know who they’d talk to. The police? The Children’s Society? There could be some trouble over it. Maybe the best thing to do is to contact her parents, and drive her back to The Pas.’ My dad’s words landed with a heavy thud. ‘But her mom doesn’t want her’ I said. ‘She told her that.

She said she wanted her out for good.’

Then my mom spoke. ‘I think it’s wonderful that you want to help her, Steven’ she said. ‘I’m so proud of you. And we want to help too. Even if it is legal, we really have nowhere to put her. There’s no room in the girls’ bedroom. Maybe she can sleep on the sofa for a night or two, but that’s no way for her to live. She has to have her own bed and some privacy.’

‘Can we just let her stay for a while?’ I asked, looking at each of my parents in turn. ‘Until she can figure out what she’s going to do?

Please? Maybe she could go to school here?’

My brother and sister didn’t say a word. They just sat there the whole time, looking from me to my mom to my dad and back.

To my parents’ eternal credit, they said yes. They went off and spoke privately in their bedroom for a few minutes and when they came back, my dad said she could stay. ‘She’ll have to sleep on the sofa tonight, Steven. Tomorrow I’ll set something up in the basement. We’ll have to get a portable heater for down there and a bed for her.

Mom said she can drape up some sheets to give her a little privacy. But it’s not going to be very comfortable for her. We’ll try and make the best of it. In the meantime, I’m going try to contact someone in The Pas. As for school, I’m not sure how that will work.

Steven, along with everything else she has to deal with, remember, she’s a native girl. I know she’s your friend. It’s not going to be easy for her to walk in her and feel okay about everything. But we should do our best to help her. Where is she now?’

I explained that we had arranged to meet at the Community Club. Just before my dad and I left the house to drive uptown, my dad spoke to my brother and sister. ‘I know you kids are going to do your best to make her feel welcome.

Remember, this is a very tough time for this girl.’

I hadn’t said anything yet about the birthmark on her face. I didn’t think I needed to. People could accept her for who she was, just as I’d done. Even just thinking about telling people felt like selling her short. But at that moment, I was convinced I had to say something. It wouldn’t have been fair to her not to. I thought it was best to prepare everyone, to soften the extra layer of scrutiny and inspection she would face from these total

strangers. She already had so much awkwardness and uncertainty to deal with.

‘Um’ I said, looking first at my mom and then at my brother and sister. ‘She has kind of a big birthmark on her face. Like, a blotch. Just so you know.’

When my dad and I pulled up in front of the Community Club, twenty minutes later, Bright Stone wasn’t there. I told my dad that I had promised to wait for her there. He parked the car and then the two of us stood in front of the building, waiting. After a half hour, instead of both of us waiting, my dad left to do some shopping. When he returned, not long after, she still hadn’t made an appearance.

By then, alarm bells were ringing in my head. I didn’t know if she knew anybody else in Flin Flon, or if she’d headed off somewhere with a stranger, or what might have happened to her. But it didn’t feel right and I was worried. My dad and I walked in and out of all the shops on Main Street, looking for her. When we came to the Maple Leaf Café, we exchanged a quick, nervous look and then walked in.

As bad as this sounds, the Maple Leaf was the place on Main Street where indigenous people went.

That’s how it was known.

I had never been inside the place. Neither had any of my friends. We lived our lives comfortably ignoring the place and simply passing it by. It was a pretty intimidating place for a kid, that’s for sure. Anyway, we just walked in. There were a number of customers there, perhaps twenty or so, all adults, all indigenous; people sitting at tables or standing around near the entrance. We couldn’t have been more conspicuous.

I’ll never forget how deeply embarrassed I felt, and how ashamed. My life was just so completely disjoint from this life, from these lives. Except for the Chinese-Canadian proprietors, everyone in the place, except my dad and me, was indigenous. ‘Do you see her?’ my dad said, jolting me back to the reason we were there. I looked around, as carefully as I could in the dim light. I couldn’t see her. ‘No’ I said to my dad. ‘Has anyone seen a girl named Bright Stone?’ he said, in a firm but polite voice, addressing the small group of men gathered near the front of the place. No one answered. We looked around once more and then walked out. After we checked the remaining few shops on Main Street, we walked up and down the adjacent streets and lanes.

There was no sign of her.

We returned to the Community Club, where we waited for another hour before we decided to give up the ghost. We just drove home, in silence. I was crestfallen. Where was she? Where could she have gone? I felt totally respon-

sible. I should never have left her on her own. I should have brought her home with me when I went to talk to my parents.

‘We’ll drive back after dinner’ my dad said, when we pulled into our driveway. ‘Maybe she ran into someone she knew.’

She wasn’t there that night and she wasn’t there the next morning. She wasn’t at the bus depot or anywhere else we looked.

Over the next few days, after a number of phone calls, we learned Bright Stone’s last name–Ballantine–and her mother’s address and phone number. My dad spoke to Mrs. Ballantine, Bright Stone’s mother. It was a very short conversation. She didn’t know where her daughter had gone and had no other information to share.

After we’d spoken to Mrs. Ballantine, we assumed that Bright Stone hadn’t gone back to The Pas. So where had she gone/? Had she run into someone she knew, or maybe someone she didn’t know, who offered to get her out of where she was?

An opportunity that seemed better than any other options she had? Maybe she headed down to Winnipeg with someone, or out the Hanson Lake Road into Saskatchewan, maybe to Prince Albert. It had to be something like that, I thought. All we could do was hope she was all right.

For my part, it was a very painful time, especially in the days right after her disappearance. Why hadn’t she waited for me to come back with my dad and get her?

She had to know I genuinely cared what happened to her. Did she think staying with us would have been accepting charity from non-indigenous people?

Was that just impossible for her to take on? Did she think she would have to accept a new set of rules, a new way of life, something worse than what she had already experienced?

I’m sorry to say I never saw or heard from Bright Stone again. And I never learned anything more about what became of her.

No one I spoke to, no one who knew her, heard anything either. I made whatever inquiries I could, for some time after. But after a year or so, I stopped trying.

I hoped that maybe someday she’d just show up, or I’d hear news of her somehow. But I never have.

My family left Flin Flon three years after that episode in my life. We moved to Toronto, where my grandmother had been living, after she died. It was a new start for my mom and dad, and it worked out pretty well. I’ve lived in Toronto ever since.

I haven’t been back to northern Manitoba in over twenty years, since I was in my early twenties. My wife and I have never taken our kids there, although we’ve talked about it from time to time. It would be such

a long trip and there have always been so many other places to go and things to do. Muskoka, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Disney World....

And where would we stay if we went there? What would we do? Excuses...

I feel defensive whenever I talk about Bright Stone, whenever I tell this story. Somehow I think I have to shield her in the telling of the story, mostly shield her from pity. Because the best thing about her was her strength and her dignity, even as a thirteen-year-old. And her good will and her cheerfulness, despite her very difficult circumstances.

There’s another reason I’ve always been reluctant to share this story. The reaction I almost always get from a listener is a generalized one: about the plight of indigenous children; about being attentive to the difficult conditions facing many indigenous people.

Such fundamental issues actually obscure what is most important to me in my memory of Bright Stone.

That she was an individual. With her own unique strengths and ambitions and perspectives. To me, her story is not a story about indigenous people, or how non-indigenous people, like me, relate to them. It is not a story showing how I was able to bridge the gap, in growing up in northern Canada. In fact, I never did anything of the sort. And that’s the main reason I feel defensive about telling this story. Because I tend to come off as a great guy; someone who was able to overcome stereotypes and cultural differences and care about someone with a much different background from my own. As flattering as that might be, it is only true to a very limited degree. But that’s not what the story is about. The story is simply about two individuals, two teenagers–Bright Stone and me–and the particular way our paths briefly crossed.

I always tell my own children that people are individuals, and that if we all treated each other that way, the world would be a much better place. We don’t have to first see each other in relation to the groups other groups say we belong to.

My children roll their eyes.

It’s a different time, they say.

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 12 • News

Friday, June 3, 2022

Communities across Canada organize to challenge far-right rhetoric of ‘freedom convoy’

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

The streets of downtown Ottawa are no longer blocked with trucks and peppered with hate symbols, but residents are not ready to rest while the extreme rhetoric of the socalled “freedom convoy” permeates Canadian politics and society.

“This will emerge again,” said Andrea Harden, an Ottawa resident who participated in many counter-protests against the month-long occupation. “The question for me is when and where?”

Recent events support Harden’s assertion that similar hateful and divisive actions are inevitable.

Less than one month ago, a convoy of motorcyclists continued the work of the “freedom convoy” by protesting public health measures in Canada’s capital, but unlike the demonstration that inspired the motorcycle convoy, they did not linger.

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancelled plans to attend a fundraising dinner after two speakers at the event said protesters hurled racial slurs at the mostly South Asian attendees entering a convention centre in Surrey, B.C. One protester carried a noose attached to two flat sticks printed with the words "treason" and "Trudeau." Trudeau says the safety of Canadians participating in democracy should never be jeopardized by the kinds of racist insults and threats of violence witnessed at the fundraiser.

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh faced verbal abuse in Peterborough,

Ont., earlier this month when protesters shouted expletives at him and called him a "traitor."

The freedom convoy’s extended stay in the nation's capital and police inaction led many citizens to push back with counter-protests, a class-action lawsuit and mutual aid. When a protest in solidarity with the freedom convoy rolled into Vancouver, it was met by a group of cyclists who blocked the road to try to keep the convoy from disrupting access to hospitals.

Harden believes that if armed with the right tools, communities can come together to challenge the rise of the far-right exemplified by the freedom convoy. She recounts a successful counter-protest in Ottawa — dubbed the “Battle of Billings Bridge” — where a few dozen neighbours decided to block an intersection to prevent more trucks from joining the convoy. Over the course of the day, a small but determined group of 30 grew into a community-wide resistance of over 1,000 frustrated people saying “enough is enough,” Harden said. Throughout the roughly 10-hour event, counter-protesters managed to turn trucks away and got protesters to give up their flags, jerry cans and other “various paraphernalia.”

The community’s spontaneous resistance to the convoy inspired a national project seeking to arm communities with tools to challenge individualistic far-right rhetoric and long-standing systemic issues. In Ottawa, organizers were teaching people how to conduct themselves peacefully and how to be legal observers during rallies to make sure folks

are protected, said Diwa need an alternative mesMarcelino, national or- sage to rally around, said ganizing lead of the Com- Harden, who got involved munity Solidarity Project with the Community Soliand member of the Coun- darity Project as a senior cil of Canadians board of strategist with Emdash, a directors. progressive strategic com“Looking at the experi- munications firm. ences of folks in Ottawa, The slogan “together Toronto (and) Winnipeg, we can” cuts to the root we have found ways that causes of why people are we can peacefully talk to struggling and acknowfolks … across the div- ledges that while there are ides,” said Marcelino. “We problems in our society, have more in common with the answer isn't hate or the people protesting on the putting folks in a position other side of the street than where the vulnerable are folks like Elon Musk, who sacrificed to the COVID-19 is promoting the convoy.” pandemic, she said.

By coming together to At the Battle of Billings Bridge, Harden and com- demand economic justice, munity members were able climate justice, health care to engage with members for all, affordable educaof the convoy and discov- tion or reconciliation, ered many were apparently communities can challenge shocked at the frosty recep- the individualistic narration. Many expected to be tive of movements like welcomed with open arms, the freedom convoy, said which lends insight into the Marcelino. social media echo cham“There's been years of bers where the convoy was underfunding of our social organized, said Harden. safety net that's left milThe national project lions of Canadians feeling will seek to provide com- unheard, unsupported and munities with resources to forgotten,” said Marcelino.

A goal of the national directly respond to events and address underlying sys- project is to make sure temic issues that contribute people aren't left in the farto the rise of the far right. right echo chambers, said chair of TheDistemper Council of is aCanadians potentially le­ John vousCartwright, and respiratory systems. thal virus that grassroots attacks dogs and theIf Council your pet isof infected, it could is supporting Canadians. other domestic animals like Giving exhibit some of the following organizing in communpeople who are ferrets. It can also af­ frustrated symptoms:about the panitiescats byand sharing contacts fect wild animals like raccoons. and Ifoffering and to demic, cost of living or you havewebinars a dog or want • Aggression other forms political issues a space to put adopt one inofthe future, you other • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) education.

There are also their energy into hopeful should know about distemper.

• Pacing • Diarrhea ready-made templates for and inclusive work instead TRANSMISSION Nasalhe discharge posters to be used at rallies is •key, said.

Distemper is a highly conta­ • Rash Cartwright says the curso grassroots groups can gious disease. It can be trans­ • Fever tailor the message to the rent situation is “a huge mitted through respiratory dro­ • Lethargy ideas” and that event. organizers pletsOttawa expelled from the nose and battle • Loss of of appetite mouthposters by coughing andthe snee­ the• Excessive put these around coming salivation years will be a It can also spread • Spasms or convulsions cityzing. in anticipation of through the time of “deep uncertainty” contactThunder” with eye secretions.

Coughing “Rolling motor- in •Canada.

• Vomiting Creating spaces where cycle convoy.

SYMPTOMS can voice ToThe speak across the div-vary people symptoms of distemper Many infected dogstheir don’t unexhi­ ide from andanimal penetrate those and work toward to animal because happiness bit any symptoms but are still virus targets both the ner­ real contagious. echothechambers, people solutions without div-

What you need to know about canine distemper

iding and scapegoating is paramount, he said. The Community Solidarity Project lays the groundwork to pursue systemic solutions.

The national project is uniting countless social justice groups, from healthcare coalitions to student groups to unions. “It's very inspiring to see all these groups coming together of all faith backgrounds, of all demographics, to work together towards this,” Marcelino said.

Ariel Troster is an Ottawa resident who took part in the Battle of Billings Bridge and other local events.

“It felt incredibly empowering to hold those trucks back from entering our downtown neighbourhoods for a day,” said Troster, who intends to run for Somerset Ward city councillor. After three weeks of complete police inaction, this spontaneous citizen movement stepped up when the city, police and all levels of government failed to, she said.

At the Battle of Billings Bridge, Troster felt “very worried” because there were “violent and criminal elements associated TREATMENT Unfortunately, there’s no anti­ with the convoy” and “a viralof cure for distemper.

How­ lot white supremacist ever, your veterinarian may extremism.” prescribe antibiotics, anticon­ As aor intravenous queer Jewish vulsants fluids to woman, was deeptreat yourTroster pet’s symptoms. ly uncomfortable seeing PREVENTION swastikas and Confederate Veterinarians recommend all flags on display in the city. dogs should be vaccinated ag­ “We know that racism is ainst distemper. The sad truth is very much alive and well that many unvaccinated dogs in Canada,diebut this just needlessly from theisinfec­ tion or develop serious and ir­ this extreme explosion,” reversible she said. side effects.

Though the convoy is You can protect your faithful long departed, communcompanion by following the ad­ ities with revice ofare yourdealing veterinarian. sidual trauma, said Troster.

“My daughter's school

Can you give your cat milk?

SURPLUS

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Bids will be accepted until 4:00 pm Tuesday June 14, 2022 and must ESSENTIAL ENZYMEoff at the Thompson Airport Office in the Main Terminal be dropped Kittens can digest their mother’s milk because they’re born with a specific Building at the Airport between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Items must enzyme that allows them to break down lactose, a form of sugar, efficiently. be paid for by Friday June 17 at 4:00 pm or will be awarded to the However, as they get older, most cats lose this enzyme and can no longer successful bidder. properly next digest milk.

Items may be viewed Tuesday, June 7 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Wednesday, June 8 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. For further VARIOUSand HEALTH PROBLEMS information to view items outside these times, contactit If an adult cat eats or high­quality food and of gets plenty ofplease fresh water, doesn’t need drink Drinking this fat­rich substance can trigger a Chris to Stacy at milk.

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Milk is especially har­ ITEMS including ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE IS. NO WARRANTIES ARE IMPLIED mful if your furry friend is allergic to milkMUST proteins or can’t properly di­ OR OFFERED. SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS REMOVE ITEMS NO LATER gest lactose.

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“Despite my name, I’m not from Guinea!”

If it could talk, your guinea pig could teach you some amazing things.

Even though we live under the same roof, there suitable for my body type and could make me are probably some things about my species you panic and hurt myself. The same applies if you don’t know. For example, did you give me an exercise wheel or a know that I’m a strict herbivore ball designed for a hamster; using and must eat fresh fruits and ve­ them could hurt my back. getables every day? But be ca­ reful not to feed me the same Unlike my name implies, I’m not thing all the time, and don’t feed related to pigs and don’t hail from (that’s the sound me just anything. Learn which Guinea. There are many theories I make to get ones best suit me, and then sur­ as to how I got my name. For your attention)! prise my taste buds. example, guinea pigs were likely brought to Europe by Spanish Something else you should know is that I don’t explorers in the 1500s. Around this time, the sleep as much as you think. According to ex­ word guinea was often used to describe things perts, I only sleep an average of four hours a day that came from across the sea. in total. Although you may see me lying down, that doesn’t mean I’m asleep. When I’m awake, Thank you for giving me everything I need, in­ I like to be active, so I need a large cage and cluding your affection. plenty of outings.

SQUEAK SQUEAK

While we’re on the subject, don’t take me for walks on a leash or harness. These items aren’t

Doudou XX

was right in the middle of where the convoy was gathering. There were people parking trucks and carrying jerry cans of fuel right behind her school. There were people yelling at kids in the schoolyard, and it was terrifying for her,” said Troster.

She added that schoolchildren in the area — many of whom are immigrants, refugees or have disabilities — were terrified by protesters hurling hateful slurs at them on their way to school.

Her nine-year-old daughter, Daphne, had a “really significant” panic attack after hearing the convoy was going to target schools, said Troster.

It was “incredibly upsetting” to see her daughter’s mental health deteriorate so profoundly, and Troster had to pull her from school for a few days.

It took weeks for Daphne to feel safe walking down the street again.

“I hope that this is a lesson for other communities to stand up to and stop white supremacy when you see it, to not welcome it into your communities, to not allow it to fester and take up residence,” said Troster. Citizens took care of each other, both on the front lines at counter-protests and behind the scenes.

“There was a lot of queer and trans people and disabled people and people of colour who were taking care of each other, delivering meals, checking in, doing safe walks,” she said.

This “hate-filled, conspiracy-filled movement” is deeply concerning, Troster said, pointing to the federal Conservative leadership campaign as an example of “racist dog whistles being adopted by mainstream politics.”

The recent verbal attacks on NDP leader Singh are just one example of the temperature heating up, but we can cool things down by fighting for better social safety nets so people are supported and less likely to be driven to extremes, she said.

Part of this is fighting the simplistic Conservative messaging that promises freedom for all and one-off rebates to put a few hundred dollars in our pockets, said Troster. She said a few bucks here or there means nothing compared to an actual pharmacare program, dental care program, paid sick days and investment in other social supports for people.

Although the convoy was a “horrible experience,” Troster said gathering at counter-rallies and solidarity picnics was “really comforting because it was nice to be together in the community again, and in a community that was opposed to this kind of extremism.”

— with files from The Canadian Press

Friday, June 3, 2022

www.thompsoncitizen.net

KEEWATIN Housing Association GROUNDS MAINTENANCE FULL-TIME SUMMER STUDENT POSITION (2 Positions Available) Under the supervision of the Keewatin Housing Association Property Manager & Lead Maintenance, the Grounds Maintenance will be responsible for assisting maintenance staff with daily monitoring of KHAI units. In addition, the Grounds Maintenance will provide overall assistance in addressing work orders as they are issued.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be 18 years of age or older; • Must be recently graduated or returning to school in Fall of 2022; • Should have some knowledge of operating a lawn mower and other small power tools; • Able to lift up to a maximum of 50lbs; • Must be comfortable working on a renovation site; • Must be able to work as a team member; • Valid MB Drivers License will be considered as an asset; • Ability to speak fluent Cree/Dene also considered an asset.

The successful candidate will be at paid at a rate of $13.00 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.

Deadline for applying is at 4:00pm on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume with cover letter to: Office Manager – Lisa Beardy 23 Nickel Road, Thompson, MB, R8N 0Y4 Fax: (204) 677-0256 E-mail: Lbeardy@ktc.ca Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by providing a Government of Manitoba issued QR code and photo identification or providing proof of an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Government of Manitoba We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in employment with Keewatin Tribal Council, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Heritage North Museum, Inc.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Job Summary Reporting to the Museum’s Board of Directors, the Manager/ Curator works as full-time employee, who oversees the dayto-day operations of the Museum. The successful candidate will work with staff and Board Members to facilitate public programs, school-based programs, and events as well as working on the Museum’s collection, grant writing, and any other projects deemed necessary.

Duties • Participates in the planning and coordinating of all aspects of development, operation, policies, security, and maintenance of the Museum.

• Develops staff requirements and personnel for the Museum (permanent and seasonal) • Initiates, organizes and supervises the installation of exhibits • Prepares publicity for exhibits and other Museum events and programs • Ensures that collections are properly researched, documented, and catalogued. Establishes requirements for handling and storage of artifacts and ensures these are followed • Establishes and implements the annual budget. Budget must be presented and approved by the Board of Directors.

• Attends monthly Board meetings and provides updates on the day-to-day operations of the Museum • Researches public and private funding opportunities and prepares grant applications • Other duties as required Qualifications: • The successful candidate will have experience in dayto-day operations in museums or cultural facility. Have a related post-secondary degree in Museum studies, Curatorial studies or a related field.

• The individual selected will be comfortable with groups of all ages and backgrounds and have strong presentation skills • The individual selected will have experience with nonprofits, grant writing, and facility management • A specialization in Manitoba history considered an asset.

The Heritage North Museum provides equal opportunities and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, and/or disability.

Those who are interested in applying please submit your cover letter and resume to: Hiring Committee – Heritage North Museum, Inc. 162 Princeton Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A4 Or via email to: tlynn2282@gmail.com Receipt of applications closes on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

KEEWATIN Housing Association

Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (TNRC) is hiring for an Administrative Assistant that will assist in the dayto-day operations of the TNRC. The mandate of the TNRC is to facilitate community development in the City of Thompson based on its areas of focus that currently includes community safety, beautification, housing, and youth and cultural programming.

The duty of the Administrative Assistant under the supervision of the TNRC’s Executive Director includes: • Communicating with stakeholders and partners.

• Gathering information for TNRC’s services and programs.

• Maintaining TNRC’s social media.

• Maintaining the TNRC’s filing system.

• Building and maintaining stakeholder and client relations.

• Program and service research for external program providers.

• Conducting day to day office personal duties including answering phone calls and addressing queries from the public.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma and: • Post secondary education in office administration or any related education and work experience in a related field would be considered an asset.

• Proficient in office related software and effective communication skills.

• Experience and knowledge of the City of Thompson and surrounding area.

• Experience in social media would be considered an asset.

Interested applicants are to provide a resume and cover letter to the following: Oswald Sawh - Executive Director Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation Email: sawhsupportservices@mymts.net Mailing Address: Unit B - 117 Commercial Place, Thompson MB R8N 1B5 The TNRC thanks all those applies but will be contacting only individuals that they wish to interview.

is seeking applications for the position of Manager/Curator The Museum seeks an energetic, motivated, responsible, innovative and culturally-aware Manager/Curator.

Responsibilities include financial management, business planning, fund raising, programme development and implementation, human resource management, external relations/community engagement, performance measurement and facility management.

Careers • Page 13

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT FULL-TIME SUMMER STUDENT POSITION Under the supervision of the Keewatin Housing Association Property Manager, the Accounting Assistant will be responsible for assisting the Account Payable & Accounts Receivable Clerks in reconciling monthly invoice payments & rent revenues received.

In addition, the Accounting Assistant will also assist staff in developing and organizing accounting filing system for the office to assist with Audit preparation.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Must have Post-Secondary in Accounting or Business Administration; • Must be recently graduated or returning to school in Fall of 2022; • Proven competency in the use of computers in Microsoft Office and Excel; • Must be knowledgeable of AccPac Sage 300; • Ability to operate various types of office equipment • Should have good organizational skills • Must have good communication skills and pleasant telephone manner • Ability to speak fluent Cree/Dene a definite asset

The successful candidate will be at paid at a rate of $14.00 per hour based on a 40 hour work week.

Deadline for applying is at 4:00pm on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume with cover letter to: Office Manager – Lisa Beardy 23 Nickel Road, Thompson, MB, R8N 0Y4 Fax: (204) 677-0256 E-mail: Lbeardy@ktc.ca Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by providing a Government of Manitoba issued QR code and photo identification or providing proof of an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Government of Manitoba We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in employment with Keewatin Housing Association, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Residential on call and Weekend Support Staff Position PURPOSE OF POSITION: The On-Call and Weekend Support Staff Position will oversee the evening/ over- night/weekend operations of MAPS Phoenix House #1 and #2. This position will be on call during the evenings and will work during the days on the Weekends. If we need an Over-Night and Weekend On-Call Staff member, it may be on short notice. Hours could be in the evening, weekend and holidays.

This position must maintain the security and confidentiality needed for this type of specialized program. The On call and Weekend staff person must be available to intervene in conflict or crisis situations and is responsible for maintaining documentation, ensuring the smooth operation of the house during the assigned hours. The Person will work with other staff to create a supportive community, helping to meet the needs of each resident.

RESPONSIBILITES include, but are not limited to: Direct Services Support: Resident Concerns: Respond to residents’ questions and needs.

Facilitate the communication of client needs to housing supervisor as well as keep a nightly log of activities.

Crisis and Conflict Resolution: Assess and respond to resident crises or conflicts. Independently assess the need for external assistance, such as contacting any on-call staff. Manage conflicts as they occur, document conflicts, and monitor resident incidents.

Safety and Security: Assess and manage emergencies according to MAPS House’s emergency protocol. Identify appropriate responses to emergency protocol triggers. Identify when external assistance is needed and contact appropriate party (i.e. supervisor, law enforcement, medical assistance, etc.). Monitor the safety and security of the house, including the operation of the alarm system. Participate in the ongoing development of safety and emergency protocols.

REQUIREMENTS: • Must be calm, supportive, mature, and understand how to work with residents in a communal living environment • Have a deep commitment to the empowerment of shelter residents • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written • Knowledge of and experience in supportive or peer counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution techniques. Ability and willingness to intervene in and resolve resident disputes. Appreciation of sensitive confidentiality issues with demonstrated commitment to resident-centered practices.

• Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude at home and in interactions with other volunteers, staff, and residents.

• Be available on short notice • Candidates must have own car, proof of current auto insurance and provide a valid driver’s license Other organizational requirements require a successful background check, including finger-printing, and the ability to meet physical requirements of the position.

To apply: Send resume, references and a letter of interest to maps@mymts.net

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT/OFFICE: GOD’S LAKE NARROWS SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: GOD’S LAKE NARROWS, MB Position: Security Officer/Custodian One (1) Part Time Permanent Position (night shift/weekends) Summary of Position: Reporting to the Unit Supervisor, the Security Officer/Custodian is responsible to maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and clients by patrolling and monitoring the premises and personnel and provide office maintenance and custodial services for the Unit.

The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed, and action to be taken on unusual matters.

Qualifications: • Minimum of 1 year experience in related field • A combination of education and experience in a similar work setting can be considered • Ability to adhere to confidentiality when working around sensitive information • Analytical problem solving skills • Must have good verbal and written communication skills Working Conditions: • Maintain confidentiality • Maintain a satisfactory Prior Contact check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle • Weekends (Saturday & Sunday), 11:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.

• Additional hours may be required Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary. Salary will commensurate with education and experience Closing Date: Friday, June 17, 2022 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 2022-043 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 #2022-043 701 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. **Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

AD PROOF & ESTIMATE Media

Northern RHA has a Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to selfdeclare. Criminal Record, Child Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required. We thank all 2205-42 D Thompson Citizen candidates for applying. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

www.nrha.ca

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER Glacier Media Group is growing.

Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

Fire and flood evacuees at risk of exploitation, drug addiction when relocated to Winnipeg, Parliamentary committee hears Email or drop off only

Heritagea North Museum Got job to advertise?

As another wildfire seaAs Crown-Indigenous Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre son in Manitoba approach- Relations Minister Marc 107 Edwards Avenue, The Pas es, Noreen at leastSingh, in areas of the Miller told the House of Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth. province that aren’t water-ca or Commons standing commitlogged, smoke flamesLead, teewcook@tribalhealth.ca on the status of women Wilma Cook, and TNO/Team approaching remote First May 20, drug dealers and Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL” Nations aren’t the only those who seek to exploit note that only those selected threats toPlease their residents. women posefora an danger to

Summer Employment

call us at 204 -677- 4534 or email ads@thompsoncitizen.net

Are you looking for summer employment and enjoy working with people? We are looking for two motivated, dependable individuals to join our team.

interview will be contacted

These positions are being generously funded by the Manitoba Metis Federation. To qualify you must currently be a student and returning to school in the fall of 2022 and, be Metis, non-status or Inuit.

University College of the North (UCN) is committed to building a workforce that is representative of the populations we serve. Applications are invited from individuals who have a demonstrated interest and ability to work with Indigenous learners and mature students. Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.

Please apply, with your completed resume, in person: Heritage North Museum 162 Princeton Drive, Thompson, Manitoba.

Or via email to: tlynn2282@gmail.com

SCHEDULING ASSISTANT Enrolment Services Full-Time, Regular Position The Pas or Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 22-057 Closing Date: June 10, 2022

Should you require further information regarding these opportunities please call (204) 307-2014.

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.

Heritage North Museum, Inc. is seeking applications for the position of Administrative Assistant – Part-time The Museum is seeking applications for the part-time position of an Assistant. If you are capable of handling administrative duties and other tasks as needed, the Museum has a great opportunity for you. You will have the opportunity to put your talents to the test in a challenging and friendly environment.

University College of the North

How you will make an impact: • Assist with preparation of projects; • Scheduling management; • Instruct and direct other support staff and customer relations; • Facilitate the smooth operation of the gift shop; • Assist with fund raising events; and • Possess excellent organizational and computer skills.

Applications will be accepted up to Friday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. by sending your resume to:

Intake Officer SP4, Social Services Worker 4

Heritage North Museum, Inc. 162 Princeton Drive, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 2A4 Or via email to: tlynn2282@gmail.com

Regular Term until March 31, 2023, with possibility of extension Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth Thompson, MB Advertisement Number: 39217 Salary(s): SP4 $56,040.00-$77,714.00 per year Closing Date: June 17, 2022

We thank all applicants, however only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

For more information and how to apply: https://jobsearch.gov.mb.ca/search.action

Intake Officer Manitoba Advocate ad Thompson Citizen Ad size: 3 col. = 4.84” x 120 lines

HAPPY EASTER!

CEDF Attn: Chris Thevenot, CEO 15 Moak Crescent, Thompson MB R8N 2B8 Phone: 204-778-4138 Ext 294 or 1-800-561-4315 Fax: 204-778-4313 Email: admin@cedf.mb.ca

Duties: The Intake Officer will provide access to the complaint process and advocacy assistance that both the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth office and the Manitoba Ombudsman’s office provide. This role will be an integral part in connecting complainants/clients from the City of Thompson and the surrounding communities to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) and the Office of the Ombudsman head offices, located in Winnipeg. This unique position will work under the mandates of both offices and will assess for risk and needed service, prioritize requests, and determine level of required intervention for all clients/complainants.

thompsoncitizen.net/covid-19

CEDF is a Manitoba Crown Corporation. Its legislative mandate is to encourage economic development in Northern Manitoba. CEDF offers a competitive compensation and benefit package with salary to be determined on education and work experience. Interested applicants can submit a cover letter and resume to the following:

About the Ombudsman: The Ombudsman is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman investigates complaints from the public, or on his or her own initiative, and reviews administrative decision-makings in support of principles of fairness, openness, and accountability; investigates complaints or, on his or her own initiative, investigates any decision, act or omission relating to a matter of administration by provincial government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, municipalities and other public bodies; makes public reports when deemed in the public interest; and provides informational and educational services to the public, public bodies, and the Legislative Assembly.

ING DEADLINE

The successful candidateJANUARY will have a creative communications HELPER BETWEEN 1ST & MARCH 31ST. diploma or equivalent combination of marketing related education and/or experience. Experience in marketing TOcommunications, BE ELIGIBLEproficiency FOR THIS PROGRAM ALL and in Microsoft Office Suite TRAINEES MUST BE 18 OR OLDER AND: (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher). Knowledge and/or experience in Adobe Creative Studio (InDesign, UNEMPLOYED, UNDER EMPLOYED Photoshop, Illustrator), graphic design, web systems, OR SOCIAL databasesRECEIVING and Google Analytics andASSISTANCE. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) would be considered an asset. The FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FISHER TRAINING PROGRAM CALL: successful candidate will also have a high level of written CEDF THOMPSON, MB. (204)778-4318 OR TOLL FREE: 1-800-561-4315 and oral communication skills. Educational background in business and/or equivalent experience in working with northern communities in the area of economic development would be considered an asset.

About MACY: MACY is an independent, non-partisan office of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. It represents the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children, youth, and young adults throughout Manitoba who are receiving or entitled to public services, including child and family, adoption, disability, mental health, addictions, education, victim supports, or youth justice. The office does this by advocating directly with children and youth, or on their behalf with caregivers and other stakeholders. Advocacy also involves reviewing public services after the death of any young person when that young person or their family was involved with a reviewable service as defined in The Advocate for Children and Youth Act (the ACYA). Additionally, the Manitoba Advocate is empowered under provincial law to make recommendations to government and other public bodies, conduct child-centred research, disseminate findings, and educate the public on children’s rights and any other matter under the ACYA.

e to Easter the deadline for rtising in the April 10 edition of the Nickel Belt News is pm Monday, April 6, 2020.

FISHER HELPER 2 WEEK WINTER TRAINING PROGRAM

Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF), lead entity for the delivery of the Look North Initiative is recruiting a Communications Officer to be based out of our Thompson office. will THAT develop marketing strategies, • AREThis YOUposition A FISHER NEEDS A TRAINEE ? objectives and targets, as well as analyze the success of • WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAIN TO BE A FISHER ? marketing campaigns and advertisements. The successful candidate will build brand awareness, support marketing tools,WE facilitate events and networking, social media support, OFFER EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUALS A as well as other duties assigned by management. $1,500.00 SUBSIDY TOWARD TRAINING A FISHER

**This is a preference competition for Indigenous people. First consideration will be given to candidates who declare as Indigenous. Please clearly indicate within your cover letter and/or on an equity declaration form if you are part of this equity group.

UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CORONAVIRUS UPDATES AT

Communications Officer

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

Please forward a resume with 3 references along with

evacuees. cover letter, in confidence, to: their members were offered “During wildfire and free samples of methamor drop off only by drug dealers, during some of theEmail floodphetamine Noreen Singh, …

Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth.ca which created a drug crisis ing evacuations where communities were evacuat- ORin the area, which is home Wilma Cook, TNO/Team wcook@tribalhealth.ca to four First Nations. ed to Winnipeg, there wasLead, According to Ma Mawi sex trafficking and we had Deadline to Apply: Open until filled. to fund a number of com- Wi Chi Itata Centre execumunitiesOnly to go and provide tive director Diane Redsky, successful applications will be contacted perimeter security for within it happens every time First further interview.

Winnipeg to keep the pimps Nations members are evacufrom going in and exploit- ated to the city. ing the vulnerable,” said “Criminals get excited Miller, who was appearing about the opportunity to before the committee as it increase their drug sales studied the effects of re- and to see how many girls source extraction industries they can lure,” she told the on violence against Indigen- Free Press. ous woman.

NDP MP Niki Ashton, Pauingassi First Nation whose Churchill-KeewatiChief Roddy Owens told the nook Aski riding includes Winnipeg Free Press that many First Nations that are security had to be posted not accessible by all-seaat multiple hotels where his son roads and are frequentmembers were staying as ly threatened by smoke or evacuees from the commun- encroaching wildfires, told ity for over three months the Free Press that securin 2021. ity should be provided to The Free Press also re- evacuees, along with much ported that in 2018 officials more, noting that federal from Island Lake region government supports for First Nations testified be- First Nations members fore Parliament that some of displaced due to natural disasters are slow and inadequate.

l Belt News

Docket

PROOFED standing with CRNM; or Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Social Work ESTIMATED • Supervisory and case management experience; Applications Must Include: SENT of Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative; • Knowledge • Child development backgroundFriday, or equivalent www.thompsoncitizen.net June 3, 2022 • A cover letter that clearly indicates how you meet All prices exclude in taxes • Experience working First Nation Communities; Prices do not include 5% GST the position requirements • CPR and First Aide Certification; • Resume Section Insertion Date Ad Size Price • Excellent computer skills • Copy of credentials (licenses, training, education) • Knowledge of Cree language and culture; Careers June 3, 2022 2 col x 3.5604” • Three references (colleague, supervisor or manager) • A highly-motivated individual who is innovative and Internet and contact information has a proven ability to work with a very high degree • Criminal record check & child abuse registry checks of accuracy and attention to detail; (or indication that they have been applied for) • Excellent time management and facilitation skills; • Personal contact information (phone & email) • Effective verbal and listening communications skills; • Strong leadership, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills.

Your application will not proceed to interview without the • Valid Driver’s License, with ability to travel weekly. above information. To obtain a complete job description, TOTAL PRICE • The position is subject to satisfactory criminal and for additional information or to apply for this position other checks, and is subject to terms and conditions please contact or submit your application to: in a proposed written agreement.

submissions will be accepted.

Please submit resume by February 2, 2018 to: Lori Rasmussen, Recruitment Officer 867 Thompson Drive South Thompson, MB R8N 1Z4 Fax: (204) Page 14 •778-1477 Careers Email: recruiteast@nrha.ca $BMM VT UPEBZ -PDBM PS 5PMM 'SFF

Friday, June 3, 2022

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Careers • Page 15

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY ON-CALL/AFTER HOURS WORKER–CONTRACTED POSITION Lynn Lake, MB

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Tataskweyak Security Inc. is looking for

LICENSED SECURITY GUARDS

Competitive pay rates and benefits.

Driver’s license is an asset.

Contact: Josh Howell at 431-354-0283 or Peter de Beer at 204-670-1238 Or drop off Resume at 244 Deerwood Dr.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT: BUNIBONIBEE SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: OXFORD HOUSE, MB Position: Administrative Support/Case Aide One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Summary of Position: Reporting to the Unit Supervisor the Administrative Support/Case Aide is responsible for facilitating case-related activities (on behalf of their unit) when working with families and children in the field of child protection and must follow all guidelines related to clients’ safety and privacy. The duties would include, but not limited to assist with case management administration, provide administrative support to case workers/Unit, including developing strong relationships with clients, acting as a liaison for Agency and clients, preparing reports, check progress and reports about cases, conducting interviews, assisting with compiling case particulars for Court, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, assist with developing long/short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services.

Qualifications: • Combination of education and experience in related field • Commitment to community-based service delivery • Working knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) an asset • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills • A strong work ethic and reliable • Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree or Dene language would be considered an asset Working Conditions: • Fast-paced environment • Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information • Maintain a satisfactory Prior Contact check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 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 2022-041 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2022-041 315 McGee Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1M7 Fax: 204-790-4455 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 **Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

Under the general direction of the Lynn Lake Unit Supervisor, the OnCall/After Hours Workers will provide On-Call/After Hours services for Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency. On-call/After hours services are defined as responding to all crisis situations. These requests arise outside of the regular office hours. Services are limited to assessment of risk and crisis stabilization, safe guarding children/families until the next working day.

DUTIES: § Responding & investigating all incoming calls § To ensure safety of child (ren) at all times § To document and record all information § To liaison with all resources in the community as required by child/family’s immediate needs § To apprehend/ensure place of safety of child (ren) § Travel will be required and valid Manitoba Driver’s license § Provide daily on-call reports QUALIFICATIONS: § Knowledge of computer programs § Ability to work independently. § Good interpersonal skills and organizational skills § Must clear Child Abuse Registry, Criminal Records and Prior CFS Checks § Ability to speak one of the Cree Dialects is an asset CLOSING DATE: Until Filled SUBMIT RESUME WITH THREE REFERENCES TO: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca Marked “Personal & Confidential” “We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted”

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT: BUNIBONIBEE SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: OXFORD HOUSE, MB Position: Child & Family Services Worker One (1) Full-Time, Permanent Position Reporting to the Unit Supervisor the Child & Family Services Worker is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific directions/directives of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in the field of child protection. The duties would include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/ follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services.

Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in child welfare preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered • Strong commitment to community based service delivery • Knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Good organizational and time management skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree and/or Dene language would be an asset Working Conditions: • Fast paced environment • Strong work ethic and be reliable • Adhere to confidentiality when working with sensitive information • Willing to travel • Satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle

Bicycle Pilot Job Posting

Do you like cycling? Do you like the outdoors? Do you like working with people? If you want to drive the coolest bicycles in Thompson, then you may want to be a bicycle pilot for our Let All Seniors Cycle program this summer.

Actually, your clients may include more than just Seniors and Elders, as we will be opening up the program to anyone with mobility challenges.

Our bicycles are specially designed for people with mobility challenges. One will accommodate wheelchairs. One is a rickshaw style. Another is a side-by-side style. Training will be provided for the safe loading and unloading of these vehicles, as well as basic maintenance. There will also be first aid/ CPR training.

Bicycle pilots will be required to keep ‘ride logs’ and must be capable of conscious riding, that is, able to perceive hazards, navigate according to the traffic laws, and have a high degree of common sense.

They must also be able to manage the safety of their passengers, socialize with their passengers and be good communicators.

A criminal record check and vulnerable persons record check will be required and paid for by the program.

Applications are available through the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council.

Email thompsonseniors55@gmail.com or pick up a hard copy at 4 Nelson Rd.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT/OFFICE: KEEWATINO/YATTHE GHE FAMILY ENHANCEMENT CENTRE LOCATION: UNIT 5-90 THOMPSON DRIVE, THOMPSON, MB Position: Cultural Services Coordinator One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Summary of Position: The Cultural Services Coordinator will provide culturally appropriate services in regard to community and family history, language and customs to staff, children in care and families. The Cultural Services Coordinator will provide the following services: ongoing support and counselling to staff in regard to personal development and cultural awareness; support with crisis intervention and debriefing; grief support counselling services; as well as opportunity for cultural ceremonies for staff.

The Cultural Services Coordinator will assist in developing ideas/ programs in providing opportunities for families that want to utilize cultural ceremonies as part of the case plan; accept referrals from Unit Supervisors to enhance the support network for families in the community. This includes accessing preventative/social/cultural and medical programs in their community; provide Family Enhancement Workers with the outline of the planned sessions and provide contact notes and reports on the scheduled sessions with the family; act as a facilitator to promote self-help opportunities and capacity building in the community; and will possess and utilize the interpersonal skills to work with children, families, staff, and collaterals.

Qualifications: • Working knowledge of CFS legislation, issues, and standards • Assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Demonstrated crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills • Oral communication skills • Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills • Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak Cree or Dene language would be considered an asset Working Conditions: • Fast-paced environment • Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information • Overnight and remote travel approximately 25% of the time • Maintain a satisfactory Prior Contact check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle

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

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

Closing Date: Friday, June 17, 2022

Closing Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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 2022-042 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2022-042 315 McGee Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1M7 Fax: 204-790-4455 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. **Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

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 2022-040 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 #2022-040 701 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 **Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 16 • Resource Guide

Vigil held May 31 for former Thompson resident killed in Winnipeg May 28

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Friday, June 3, 2022

For the second time in less than a week, a vigil was held in Winnipeg for a female Indigenous homicide victim with ties to Northern Manitoba.

A gathering was held May 31 in The Maples area of Winnipeg in memory of Tessa Perry, 31, who died in hospital from injuries sustained in an assault around 10 p.m. May 28.

Perry was unconscious when Winnipeg police responded to an assault call and they administered first aid while waiting for an ambulance, which transported her to hospital in critical condition.

Justin Alfred Robinson, 29, is charged with second-degree murder and failure to comply with a probation order in connection to Perry’s death and was remanded into custody.

A member of a First Nation in Treaty 6 territory in Alberta, Perry also had family roots in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and

JUNE 15 is WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY You’re invited to an information event with speakers covering topics important to Seniors and Elders. There will also be information pamphlets and a door prize. Coffee, tea and bannock will be served.

Wednesday, June 15, 1:30 pm Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre OPEN TO ALL AGES!

lived much of her life in Thompson and had only recently moved to Winnipeg looking for a fresh start, according to her brother Lyle Perry. She was the mother of four young children.

“It is clear Tessa had many friends who loved her. She had a big smile and was loved by all who knew her,” said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee in a statement of condolences May 31.

Perry is the third Indigenous woman to be killed in Winnipeg in a span of three weeks and the second in less than two weeks with ties to the north.

Doris Trout, 25 who was found dead in Winnipeg on May 19, was a member of God’s Lake First Nation.

“We are seeing an increase in deadly violence impacting First Nations women in the City of Winnipeg,” said Settee. “The homicide of a third young Indigenous woman in a span of three weeks is extremely concerning.”

As a person impacted by gender-based violence, the director of MKO’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls liaison unit said Perry’s death hit close to home and urged people to talk abut the issue of domestic violence in order to build awareness of associated behaviours and indicators.

“Increasing knowledge in this area can be potentially life-saving for a loved one or friend,” said Heidi Spence. “Everyone has a duty to prevent and take action to end gender-based violence.”

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Hilda Anderson-Pyrz/ Facebook Tessa Perry, 31, a mother of four who lived much of her life in Thompson, died May 28 in Winnipeg from injuries sustained during an assault. A 29-year-old man is charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.

ESOURCE GUIDE THOMPSON CITIZEN RESOURCE GUIDE

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145

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D.R. Including Knight Law cebear and wildlife Direct: (204) 948-0406 FIND US... N55 43’38.61St. W97 as you enter, or last right 202-900 Harrow E.52’18.45. Or first left Bus: (204) 948-0400 as you leave �ompson - 216 Hayes Rd. Pete & Ray are just two old farts with Winnipeg, Manitoba Fax: (204) 948-0401 big hearts who will gladly look after you.

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Including wolf, polar bear and wildlife related souvenirs.

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