March 8 2024

Nickel Belt News

Volume 58 Number 11

Friday, March 16, 2018

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Friday, March 8, 2024

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Volume 64 • Issue 9

Manitoba Hockey League: The battle to stay competitive

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The Manitoba Hockey League, which features teams from various regions, is possibly on the brink of change. The league has been struggling with low scores, player retention, and competitiveness since 2008 causing recent conflict.

A letter from Mayor Smook was issued to Hockey Winnipeg and Sport Manitoba, against the proposal of removing the bottom-listed teams from the league.

“In speaking with both Levi Taylor and Don McIntosh, it’s all about the ‘win’ and developing quality, competitive hockey players” Stated Smook in the letter, “It appears that what U18AAA Hockey development means to them and myself are quite different, and this is what I got from their calls is that Manitoba needs to up their game so we are more competitive against other provinces, Hockey players on teams such as Northern Region, Parkland, Central Plains, and Kenora drag down the profile of U18AAA Hockey, Players and parents are more interested in hockey academies to boost their chances of progressing to a higher caliber and that Hockey Winnipeg is on

board with this proposal as are other regions” Stated Mayor Smook’s letter, “This town hall will become the start of a negative media outcry within the Province and become a political nightmare for those involved” The league president, Don McIntosh, believes that occurring issues with the league need to be solved to make it better for the players of Norman. While some of the players from Norman are opting to enroll in sports schools, leading to a decline in the team's overall competitiveness.

“Some various options were put on the table, and what we’re trying to do is strengthen the league and we’re trying to make it better for the players of Norman. Players are leaving Norman to go to sports schools, the team hasn’t been competitive for quite some time, and unfortunately didn’t even make the playoffs this year” Said McIntosh, “Those are the issues we were trying to grapple with of what makes the kids of Norman better” The proposal to remove some teams from the league and change its boundaries was rejected by a vote of the league, resulting in letting the Norman Northstars continue as before. However, questions remain about

ried about their future. The teams are awaiting the decision from Hockey Manitoba before March 4th.

The league's struggle to stay competitive is not unique. Many regional sports leagues across the country face similar challenges. The need to balance competitiveness and player development is a constant challenge for sports leagues.

The Manitoba Hockey League's proposal to remove some teams and change the boundaries has caused a lot of controversy.

Many people believe that this is not the solution to the league's problems. Some suggest that the league needs more investment in player development and better coaching to improve player skills.

The proposal to change the league's boundaries would mean that some regions would no longer have a team in the league. This could be devastating for the communities that support these teams.

The controversy surrounding the proposed changes to the Manitoba Hockey League highlights the challenges faced by regional sports leagues.

These leagues play a vital role in developing young players and providing them with opportunities to play at a higher level. However,

they also face challenges in maintaining competitiveness and balancing the needs of players and teams.

The debate over the Manitoba Hockey League's proposed changes is far from over. The league's future is uncertain, and many teams are anxiously awaiting the decision from Hockey Manitoba. The outcome of this decision will have a significant impact on the future of the league and the communities that support it.

In conclusion, the Manitoba Hockey League is facing significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness and providing opportunities for young players.

The proposal to remove some teams and change the boundaries has caused controversy and anxiety among the league's teams.

While some believe that this is the solution to the league's problems, others argue that more investment in player development and coaching is needed. The future of the league is uncertain, and the decision from Hockey Manitoba will have a significant impact on the league's future. ~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Book a way to preserve and pass on memories of growing up in Churchill whether this is the final decision.

League commissioner Levi Taylor explains that the motion to establish the league still needs to be approved by Hockey Manitoba. Taylor clarifies was quoted as saying that nothing was “concrete” as of yet.

“Our league doesn’t have the authority to just implement what’s voted on, Hockey Manitoba is the authority” McIntosh added.

Taylor also suggests that removing the teams with the lowest score ratings is only one of four options they had in improving the league and giving higher

opportunities for players.

He believes that if there's a way to strengthen the program that doesn't involve amalgamation with other regions, someone needs to tell them what that is.

“I’ve said all along that if there’s a way to strengthen the program that doesn’t involve amalgamation with other regions then someone needs to just tell us what that is, but from what we could see this was the only way” Stated Taylor.

The proposed changes have caused concern and anxiety among the teams in the league. The possibility of being removed from the league has many teams wor-

Conference highlights harmful effect of Crime Severity Index on small municipalities THOMPSON, MB – Mayor Colleen Smook and City Manager Anthony McInnis travelled to Saskatoon to attend a February 29 conference of municipal and Indigenous leaders Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham from acrossFoundation Western Canada focusing on Statistics Addictions of Manitoba northern director Canada’s Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill. annual Crime Severity Index (CSI) and the harm it does to BY GRAHAM For all the harsh weather to write things that you have ‘Oh, I’m just as bad, right?’ was not a very safe thing swallow when people say theirIAN communities.

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET to figure out. It’s pretty clear I have all these stories and to do but I jumped at it. I that Churchill residents and the dangers of polar Organized by the City of North Battleford, Saskatchewan Though she’s written when I get including through.” Portage la I need to capture them for thought that was exciting should just find somewhere bears, deMeulles said if it and attended bynow representatives of cities a book about her experienDeMeulles said she wrote had been viable she would Prairie, Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Lloydminster, the confer-my grandchildren really until the plane landed and easier to live. ces in Churchill,by Statistics her book,Canada, titled Whispers in because they will be lost if they started throwing the “To say, ‘Those people have moved back to Churchencegrowing featuredup presentations Saskatchewan Addictions of athe Wind: Stories from the I don’t.” fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy choose to live there. They ill in a heartbeat.

RCMP and Foundation Timothy Kang, University of Saskatchewan Manitoba northern director North - Life in Churchill for She also has a reputation cats, I was probably sitting should just leave,’ is quite “I miss the shoreline, I Assistant Professor of Sociology.

Gisele deMeulles said why writ-hubacities couple ofsmaller reasons. on a bomb.’” simplistic. It’s quite disre- miss the rock, I miss the Participants learned that communitiesas a storyteller herself. ing something “I just sort of thought, Another thing that spectful. If we were in the polar bears even though rely wasn’t on for services areshe over-represented in the rankings for “I had such a varied hisalways thought you knowFactors what,affecting this his-them tory and I would tell people spurred her on was the same boat in another area they’re very dangerous and communities withshe the would highest CSI scores. do. tory, this stuff that’s in my in stories and they would go, hard times facing Churchill I think we would scream I really miss the Hudson include large numbers of temporary residents not included “In my youth never head, going tohigh be gone census numbers usedI to calculate indexit’s scores and volumes‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, since the Hudson Bay Rail- about that so why don’t they Bay,” she says. “When I go felt good at writing,” if I don’t write it down,” she ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, way suspended operations have the option to do that? back home, standing on the of low-severity offences,she like disturbing the peace or mischief. said.

“But when I moved ‘You didn’t do all that, did north of Gillam last spring. I think right now they’re Hudson Bay looking out on said.

“My kids are not go- on After the conference, participating municipalities called to Thompson to to getstop intoranking ing to get it if I don’t it you? You’ve got to be really “It used to be a really feeling like they’re pawns the bay, it just gives you an Statistics Canada communities withdo 10,000the of social work, would and it’s I’velower al- if old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually thriving large community in a political game and that’s incredible sense. You feel so plusschool residents.

The rankings besomething considerably at that point I hadproduced to write a ways my mom to in I did all that before I was and it’s just dwindled down really sad for them because I small and you feel great.”

Statistics Canada list ofwanted every police service for university realized, do. My mom’s an elder and 27,’ and they went ‘What?’” to such a small population think the people of ChurchNow that she’s got Canada, sinceand some communities with smaller populations ‘Holy, I’m not at this, she’s an artist, she’s got so Looking back, some of now,” deMeulles says. ill really want to thrive. one book under her belt, have higher CSIbad scores.

Photo courtesy of thesays City of Thompson right?’ many wonderful Though she’s not there They’ve built their worlds deMeulles she may try “ThisI certainly arbitrarydeveloped number of reporting data at stories 10,000bepeoplethose experiences are things L-R, Front Row: Prince George City Councillor Trudy Klassen, Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook, North Battleford a lot of skill in university cause she always tells her she might not do again. any longer, her parents and there.

How would we feel to produce another. or more is not an indicator of a community’s overall safety,” Mayor David Gillan, Yorkton Hippsley, Sweetgrass First came Nation Lori Whitecalf, Mayor and of there Mayor with David storiesGillian at Parks in “I did some pretty bizarre herMayor sisterMitch and other family if someone toChief you and “I haveWetaskiwin another book in said came Northout Battleford in aCanada press release a very strong skill in my Churchill and I’ve always stuffTyler like fuel hauls into the members still are. said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to me,” she says. “It’s a darker Granam (attached). writing andofconfi dence in hounded her,virtual ‘Please, just of highL-R, Arctic -35,” said City“My cousin owns the Lloydminster leave your home community story, more about personBackatRow: Langley Councillor Paul Albrecht, Mayor Gerald Aalbers, Langley City Councillor The City Thompson will host the next meeting my writing.

I writethat very put itthe onconference tape, I willand write it deMeulles.

“It didn’t dawn hardware store there,” she and we’re going to displace al growth and struggles. the 11 municipalities attended oversee Delaney Mack, North Battleford Councillor Thomas “Bill” Ironstand, Portage La Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox, Portage clear andphase that’s of it. lobbying It’s there. efforts. for you because your story on me after.

That wasColin a says. you somewhere and all Mayor Maybe in the next five years the next Launtil Prairie Councillor Doyle, North Battleford Councillor Kelli Hawtin,else Cold Lake Craig Copeland.

Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend

is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,

very dangerous thing to do.

Being on a plane full of fuel

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”

Page 2 • News

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 8, 2024

Formation of new procurement organization may muddy the waters for Indigenous businesses

BY SHARI NARINE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

The newly created First Nations Procurement Organization (FNPO) aims to make the federal government live up to its 2021 commitment of awarding a minimum of five per cent of the value of contracts from government departments and agencies to Indigenous managed or owned businesses.

That target was set to be reached by 2024.

However, currently less than one per cent of about $22 billion the federal government spends every year procuring goods and services from businesses across Canada goes toward Indigenous businesses.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is an exception. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, ISC awarded close to 18 per cent, or almost $44 million, of the total value of its contracts to Indigenous businesses.

ISC is now undertaking engagement sessions to “inform the co-development of procurement policies and process with Indigenous partners that will better support Indigenous business development and participation in federal contracting,” said Jennifer Cooper, spokesperson for the department.

That work has been done

by Indigenous organizations over the past three years culminating in the launch of FNPO, launched earlier this week.

FNPO brings together the expertise of its founding members—the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, First Nations Finance Authority, First Nations Financial Management Board, and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada.

FNPO is “an institute that can live and breathe, advocate and lobby to ensure that the government lives by its mandate and (can) make sure that the organizations are supporting Indigenous businesses on the ground that can align with those targets and see opportunity from

the federal government,” said NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin.

Notably absent from the FNPO founding organizations is the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), which for years has championed and advanced Indigenous procurement with all three levels of government, as well as non-Indigenous corporations, institutions and organizations.

CCAB was an original member of an Indigenous procurement working group coordinated by NACCA that included the other four FNPO founders, as well as the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, Assembly of First Nations, and the Métis Voyageur Development Fund. The group worked for three years toward transforming procurement as undertaken by the federal government.

CCAB was fully committed to the working group and the process, says CCAB CEO Tabatha Bull. CCAB believed that using the foundations of all of the organizations could provide access to more opportunities at a faster rate for Indigenous businesses.

But starting a new organization for something already being undertaken by CCAB, she says, wastes the “many years of work, investment and relationship-building that CCAB has done to advance Indigenous procurement” and CCAB wasn’t willing to do that by signing on to FNPO. In 2018, CCAB launched Supply Change, an Indigenous procurement program and marketplace platform. In that time, relationships have been developed with government and corporate Canada to advance Indigenous procurement, says Bull.

Supply Change has grown to more than 1,300 certified Indigenous businesses and more than 150 buyers using a two-way procurement platform to connect. Indigenous businesses are certified by CCAB if they are 51 per cent or more owned or controlled by an Indigenous person.

“Starting from scratch will only delay progress and create confusion. No one benefits when you duplicate work

or efforts and put resources into building something that already exists,” said Bull.

That’s not an assessment Metatawabin agrees with.

He points to the resolution he advocated for and was passed by the Assembly of First Nations in July 2023 that mandated NACCA “to immediately initiate the development of a new First Nations-led procurement organization…that will increase First Nations and First Nations businesses’ success in securing procurement opportunities no matter where they reside.”

“When you do something on the side of your desk, it never gets done right. So we need an organization to really live and breathe it,” said Metatawabin.

He says there is no certification in place for Indigenous businesses and he wants to ensure “the Indigeneity of the individual so that the citizenship is there, (so) that the business structure is set up to be a true Indigenous business.”

Metatawabin says NACCA, which is a network of more than 50 Indigenous financial institutions having provided 50,000 loans totalling $3 billion to Indigenous-owned businesses over 35 years, makes sure there’s “no contrived applications” for financing because loans have a social impact on the ground.

FNPO is embracing six definitions for the Indigenous procurement process: Indigenous sole proprietorship, Indigenous (for profit) corporation, Indigenous non-profit organization, Indigenous charitable organization, Indigenous cooperative, and Indigenous micro-enterprise.

With exception of the sole proprietorship, which must be 100 per cent owned by an Indigenous person, the rest must be at least 51 per cent controlled or owned by Indigenous people.

Metatawabin emphasizes that the definitions, which were determined through consulting with Indigenous organizations, are a “live document” that is open to modifications.

He says these are the def-

initions they want the federal government to use when practising procurement.

“And that's exactly what you saw with the ArriveCan app scandal that's going on right now. It was an Indigenous set-aside by a group that claimed Indigeneity and they weren't Indigenous. So we're losing opportunities for our communities with the different barriers and problems with procurement,” said Metatawabin. ArriveCan tracked travellers during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Dalian Enterprises received $7.9 million for the app. According to a report in The Globe and Mail, Dalian presents itself as an Indigenous-owned company, regularly winning federal contracts under the Indigenous business procurement program.

Dalian has two staff members and often operates in joint ventures with Coradix, a larger company that does not bill itself as Indigenous.

Dalian company president and founder David Yeo has claimed Alderville First Nation in Ontario as the community to which he is connected, telling Parliament, according to CBC, that his great-grandfather was Chief Robert Franklin. He is accused of using a distant ancestor to claim Indigeneity for the benefit of other non-Indigenous-owned companies who partner with him to access Indigenous procurement opportunities.

The situation with ArriveCan is under RCMP investigation, said ISC Minister Patty Hajdu.

Cooper says the co-development process at ISC will include a review of the definition of an Indigenous business “for the purposes of federal Indigenous procurement.”

Presently the government requires Indigenous businesses to be registered in the federal Indigenous Business Directory. At the time of registration, they must provide information on the Indigenous status of the business owner as well as corporate structure and governance. ISC is to review that information to ensure the Indigenous partner maintains

majority control of the business. Regular audits are also to be undertaken.

“We (will) continue to advocate and lobby to ensure that (the federal government) take economic reconciliation seriously, because we will not see any support or success in the Indigenous community unless the federal government makes substantive changes in the processes,” said Metatawabin.

While FNPO’s definitions are for Indigenous businesses, the institute at this point is focused solely on First Nations.

Metatawabin said it was made clear during the planning process that the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami “were going to create processes for their own people…But the NACCA network provides loans to many Métis, Inuit and First Nations so we're hoping that the Inuit and the Métis will come together with their own processes and their own databases and share into an umbrella-type organization like this institute.”

FNPO is also looking for federal funding for the first five years of operation to build its membership and structure. Metatawabin did not provide a dollar figure.

In 2021, ISC set aside $35.2 million over five years to modernize the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business.

“I don't know what they included within that $35 million, but I do know that they have a short-term strategy which is internal to government and their bureaucracy, and the long-term strategy that includes an organization like ours,” said Metatawabin.

Once operational, the process of supporting First Nations businesses to participate in procurement opportunities will switch to fee for service, which Metatawabin says will be paid by the various government departments in order to meet their five per cent Indigenous procurement mandate.

That money will be used to support Indigenous businesses on the ground to scale up and add capacity, and to ensure Indigenous businesses are reaching out for govern-

ment opportunities.

“There’s a cost to ensuring that you're hitting a target, and that's what this procurement organization is going to do,” said Metatawabin.

However, he does point out that right now NACCA, which receives more than 90 per cent of its operational dollars through the federal government’s Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program, has yet to know if funding will continue in the next federal budget.

“I think the ask we have of the federal government to support us in Budget 2024 is integral so that we can fully support this procurement initiative,” said Metatawabin.

CCAB is funded through a variety of sources, including membership fees, revenue from events, donations, and project-based funding from various partners. While Ottawa doesn’t contribute to operational funding, a portion of CCAB’s research, procurement and entrepreneurship programs does receive federal dollars on a project-by-project basis.

The organization’s current procurement strategy and marketplace includes businesses owned by First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

CCAB hosts webinars to educate non-Indigenous businesses and organizations wishing to do business with Indigenous companies, as well as assists Indigenous businesses in learning how to best leverage opportunities.

“Indigenous businesses accessing that marketplace are making deals and connections every day. We have to keep this momentum going, because it is changing the lives of Indigenous families and communities across the country,” said Bull.

CCAB does not track the business conducted between the Indigenous businesses and the non-Indigenous suppliers through Supply Change.

“We believe that a solution that includes all Indigenous businesses will be most beneficial to the Indigenous economy. Splintering procurement opportunities will do a great disservice to Indigenous businesses and economic reconciliation efforts,” said Bull.

This eye in the sky is a methane-tracking champion

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

A new satellite that will track methane emissions is set to launch as early as this week.

MethaneSAT’s data will be publicly available and can be used by researchers to understand the global picture of methane emissions, including the expanding liquified natural gas industry on the West Coast.

The project was co-developed by the Environmental Defense Fund, Harvard researchers, the New Zealand Space Agency, and

others.

MethaneSAT is a “game changer” because of the type of data it will provide, as well as the speed it will be able to provide it to the public, said Katlyn MacKay, a scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund whose research focuses on tracking oil and gas emissions.

Most satellites that track emissions are global mappers, meaning they can measure the entire Earth in a single day. However, those satellites sacrifice resolution for coverage.

Other satellites are considered local mappers, meaning they have high

spatial resolution and accuracy, but have limited geographic coverage, MacKay explained.

That’s where MethaneSAT steps in with high spatial coverage and resolution, meaning the satellite will be “filling an important data gap in the current ecosystem,” she added.

MacKay also notes that the satellite will be able to measure about 80 per cent of global oil and gas production at frequent intervals. Other satellites and on-the-ground emissions reporting will also be needed for a complete picture of methane emissions, she said.

“When it comes to this methane problem, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. We need a suite of technologies and tools,” MacKay said.

Once the satellite launches, there will be an initial commissioning phase centred on calibrations and tests that will last a few months. But the Environmental Defense Fund expects the satellite to publish publicly available data later this year, MacKay added.

One group of researchers that plans to use the satellite data to track the impact of LNG is a joint research project out of Simon Fraser University and the

University of British Columbia. Researcher Laura Minet and physician Tim Takaro, alongside other collaborators in different countries, will study the air quality and potential health risks of LNG. Minet told Canada’s National Observer that the study will be split into two sections, with the first using satellite data to track flaring at facilities around the world, particularly export facilities in Australia, the United States and Norway.

The purpose of the study is to measure how much flaring is happening compared to the self-reporting occurring at the facilities.

In the past, there has been more flaring at facilities than reported, Minet explained.

The second part of the study will look at the proposed Woodfibre LNG project in Squamish, B.C. as a test case for applying scenarios around air quality monitoring. Minet points to other pollutants beyond emitting carbon dioxide as harmful to human health.

Higher concentrations of benzene, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds that accompany natural gas can lead to cardiovascular diseases and asthma and impact pregnancies, Minet explained.

Friday, March 8, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

News • Page 3

Fire and Ice: Northstars challenge the Thompson Emergency Services to a match!

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

Thompson RCMP and Thompson Fire & Emergency Services members put on their hockey gear and took to the ice on February 27th, all for a good cause. The charity game was organized to collect donations for the MKO Food Bank, and it turned out to be a huge success.

The game was held at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena, as the police and firefighters had built up a four-goal lead in the third period, but the Northstars made a late push, and the game ended with a 10-9 scoreline.

The event was coordinated to bring the community together, and it certainly did. “From the ice, it looked like there was someone in every seat,” said Dakota Dawson, a class four firefighter who participated in the game. “I was definitely not expecting that kind of crowd. I just thought it would be a little fun game between the Northstars. I wasn’t expecting an arena full of people!”

Dawson went on to explain that many of the members who played in the game

had a background in hockey.

“Like I know I played hockey,” he said. “It’s something I do to stay in shape, and I enjoy doing it. We worked well together as a team because the Fire Department and RCMP work together on various calls to better assist the community, so it was pretty easy. The chemistry was really good for a hockey team.”

Last year, the RCMP held a similar event to mark their 150th anniversary. This year, however, the event was much bigger, with the Fire Department joining in

for the first time. And when asked about the event, Dawson said he hopes this becomes a regular tradition.

RCMP officer Dave Michaud echoed Dawson's sentiment, saying that the game was an opportunity to engage with the community and show first responders in a positive light.

“This was more so for community engagement, and getting a partnership with the Fire Department this year, and just giving a good community event for Thompson where they see first responders in a positive

light and engage the kids as well,” he said.

Michaud also highlighted the importance of teamwork in both sports and emergency services.

“I think there’s a correlation of working as a team in emergency services and team sports,” he said. “And I think it’s healthy to learn to work as a team in sports so you can automatically work as a team when you get into professional work.

I do work as a team with my members here, so as far as hockey in some ways it felt like a normal thing.”

As for the game itself, Michaud was quick to point out that the most important thing was bringing the community together. “And we did win,” he added, teasingly. “Nah, I know that's not important. I have to make sure you put that in there.

But we did have a Northstars goalie.”

The game was a great success, not just in terms of the funds raised for the food bank, but also in terms of the community coming together. It was heartening to see so many people turn out to support their local

TRADESMAN I–MECHANIC

FIREFIGHTER / PARAMEDICS

Are you a skilled mechanic who is team-oriented and is interested in making a Contribution to our community?

The City of Thompson’s Fire and Emergency Services Department is seeking those unique individuals with a passion for both firefighting and paramedicine. Our department provides EMS and fire protection to Manitoba’s fourth largest City. The City of Thompson offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits package. Join our team for a challenging and rewarding career in emergency services, with the ability to make a difference.

The City of Thompson requires a Mechanic at the Public Works Department. The successful candidate will be a Grade 12 graduate or equivalent, possess a valid Interprovincial Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Red Seal) and hold a valid Manitoba Class 3, preferably Class 1 Manitoba Driver’s License with air endorsement. Experience in welding, diesel equipment repair and hydraulic systems is an asset. The duties include overhauling, repairing, installing, dismantling, modifying, adjusting, testing, inspecting, lubricating, cleaning and maintaining City vehicles and equipment. Other duties as per the job description.

The City of Thompson offers an extensive compensation and benefits package, with an hourly rate between $35.86-41.71. Please send detailed resumes outlining education, experience, qualifications and references to: Human Resources City of Thompson 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1S6 FAX: (204) 677-7981 E-Mail: osalau@thompson.ca or jkaur@thompson.ca

Qualifications: • Firefighter Level 2 (NFPA 1001).

• Current registration with the College of Paramedics of MB • Valid Class IV MB driver’s license with air brake endorsement.

• Proven ability to make decisions, initiate appropriate action and perform safely and effectively in stressful, demanding and hazardous situations and ability to deal and communicate effectively with the general public.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to a teamoriented approach.

• Excellent physical health, mentally able to fulfill the Fire/Medics duties. Applicants must be able to pass a medical examination meeting department standards.

Preference will be given to those applicants who, in addition to the foregoing, hold: field experience in EMS and firefighting, current ACLS, NRP, BTLS and proven EMS skill progression and performance; NFPA 1031, NFPA 472, NFPA 1006, and NFPA 1035.

The City of Thompson offers an extensive benefits package for this full-time position, with a starting rate of $28.84 per hour.

Posting will remain until all positions are filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an in-person Recruitment Process, including interview, written test and physical testing in Thompson.

Please send detailed resumes outlining experience, education, qualifications and references to: Human Resources City of Thompson 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1S6 FAX: (204) 677-7981 E-Mail: osalau@thompson.ca or jkaur@thompson.ca

NOTICE Registration and payment for City of Thompson Recreation Department workshops can now be completed online at https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/trcc/home

emergency services and have fun while doing it.

The fact that the event was organized by emergency services personnel also highlights the importance of community involvement in these services. It's not just about responding to emergencies; it's also about building relationships and trust with the people they serve. It's about showing them that you care about their well-being and that you're there to help them in any way you can.

In the end, the game was a great success, and it's clear that the Thompson RCMP and Thompson Fire & Emergency Services have a strong bond. This bond is essential in their work, and it's heartening to see it extend beyond the workplace and into the community.

Hopefully, this charity game will become an annual tradition, and we can look forward to seeing the community come together again next year. ~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

The next Regular Meeting of Council will be held on March 11 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. The meeting will be livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and X and is also broadcast live on Rogers TV Channel 11.

Upcoming meeting agendas are available on the City of Thompson website the Friday before the meeting at https://www. thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previous meetings are also available there.

Stay informed on the go through Thompson Connect To get important notices about things like road closures, boil water advisories and water shutoffs sent directly to your phone, register for our direct communication system Thompson Connect.

Sign up for email, text and voice message notifications at: www.thompson.ca/p/connect

Follow us to stay informed! @CityofThompson

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www.thompson.ca

Opinion Page 4 • Opinion

www.thompsoncitizen.net

www.thompsoncitizen.net Thompson Citizen 141 Commercial Place, Box 887 Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1T1 Phone: 677-4534 • Fax 677-3681 e-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 8, 2024 Thompson Citizen 141 Commercial Place, Box 887 Thompson, MB R8N 1T1 Phone 204-677-4534 Fax 204-677-3681 generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

OPINION Page 4

rd opts for status quo, y will city council go?

NEWS

Manitoba First Nations community clears final hurdle in $200M 'cows and plows' settlement with feds to right century-old wrong

of the people workload around and for reducing members, the citizens of Thomped to the plan allows for greater di- whether they belong son elected more truly he regular critics versity of viewpoints, to the school board independent-thinking uncil who attend though Ryan Land was or council, is that it candidates who aren’t ngs and ask their mostly correct in say- will save money. The married to aligning settlement agreement as of ceived $5,000 early payouts serve and 2,912 off-reserve

BY DAVE BAXTER d officials ques- ing that, in terms of amount is not large themselves with any LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE Feb. 27,” Nepinak said in a as part of the process, and members. week after week, class and ethnicity, the overall – aboutcan $20,000 particular side, because video statement. now expect the rest of Back in November, the REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN opinions may not trustees aren’t really in councillors’ salarright now, number announced they “And what that does is the money owed to them tothecommunity A northern Manitoba First ough to Nations dissuadecommunity a microcosm of thea 45-day ies per year plus ap- asof opinions council window be coming soon as chief onhad come to an agreement has kick-start majority from School of Mysthat can is begin generally forfeds over what is the timeproximately of signing to half and council to dis- two with–the clearedforthe final hurdleDistrict in a from ahead, especially tery Lake’s amount, on tribute average, and against. commonly referred to as a the dispersal of the proceeds it. massive legal settlement that population the number of than as a$200 whole. you’ve annual travel and willMaybe the low turntrust, sofor by mid-April “Council be meeting ‘cows and plows’ claim. will see more mil- Ifto our e who care about been to many school expenses.

For the city, out of people withis part of Treaty it should be completely to decide how to best expedPCFN lion injected into the comdone.” ite this process, so that by on4, and according to the ne way ormunity, another board meetings (and which has a budget of opinions how and each individual Legal documents we receive federal government when receive a $30,000 n’t evenmember reach apart from members aroundfound $30 mid-April million, when many councillors there on theyou Indigenous the money, everyone promises e digits. payout, because of of the media, well, that Services represents prob- then should be isn’ttheanTreaty ex- was originally Canada website on Monday can begin to receive a timesigned in 1874, they prommade more than a century ether or not the haven’t), you would ably less than a drop in pression of apathy but confirm the federal governly deposit through EFT or ised to supply agricultural ago that were not kept. er of councillors know that they don’t the proverbial bucket, of pragmatism. Experiment didas sign though the agreement if that equipment Thursday, Pinefeature Creek nearly hool boardLast trustoften it is through about cheque, a ence haswas shown quite and livestock to 27. fifth of the overall requested,” and individuals, to Nation (PCFN) hould be First reduced much Chief debate on orFebdivcost Nepinak often said. that thisfamilies council According to Nepinak, “Bear with us, we are assist them Derek Nepinak took to Facethe sort of ques- ision as city council of the mayor and coun- – and others before it – in adjusting to an once they receive the money, looking at a way of admin- agricultural-based economy to announce that Chiefat least or whichbook there is meetings, not cil. is going to do what the and council now expect to they will also begin work- istering the payments that and society. ht or wrong an- over the past couple Critics of the pro- majority of its members The federal government have the entire amount of ing to pay out per capita includes an independent adOn the pro side of years. Butpayments they’ve that posed say of those thinkproceeds is right,now regardare partreduction of ministrator admits however, that $205,519,700 from a ‘cows eping theand current made their decision it see will onprevent less of what the most settlement,that and will our behalf.” they did not supply the agriplows’ settlement in the ers, thetheir option andsometime it appears there “new blood” beinga community vocal taxpayers think. every band member who fromPCFN, locat- cultural equipment and livepossession all but one the will be sevenlives school elected and, If that isnorth the case, on or off-reserve re- theoreticed about 110 kilometres stockdoes that was promised in thisof spring. l board members board trustees at least ally, reduce the diversit really matter how of Dauphin on the shores of Treaties including Treaty 4, “Confirmed by our lawyer ceive $30,000. for, is the until itymany of opinions, but Winnipegosis, that manyis home of them there Nepinak said band Lake and is now working to comthis argumorning is that 2022.

Canada that it spreads the off on One the arguments would only true if are? members have already re- beto approximately 648 on-re- pensate communities with fihas signed ouroffinal

nancial settlements adjusted to today’s currency in several First Nations in Canada.

“The Crown is not offering us oxen, or cattle, or farming tools,” Nepinak said when the agreement was confirmed in November. “The Crown is instead offering financial instruments of exchange, so that we can decide for us what works best for us in today’s economic realities.”

In 2020, PCFN became the first Manitoba First Nation to file a ‘cows and plows’ claim, and the federal government later agreed to work with the community to seek a negotiated settlement.

Nepinak says the community has now reached a “milestone” since filing the lawsuit, as they inch closer to the full settlement being paid out.

“We now have a strong

sense of the finish-line, so this news is a major development in the timeline, and that’s good news,” he said.

As part of the agreement, all PCFN youth will also receive $30,000, but that money will be put into a trust they cannot access until they turn 18 years old.

The remainder of the money that doesn’t go to individual band members will go into a trust fund, and PCFN said in a media release last November that the community hopes to retain some of the money for “future education and business opportunities.”

— 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.

mpson Citizen News Team YOUR THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS TEAM Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News: 2024 Office Closures and Deadline Changes

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Louisiana chicken coming to the North

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

Robin’s Donuts in Thompson, Manitoba is undergoing a transformation, as the popular donut shop is being converted into a Popeyes Louisiana Chicken restaurant. The renovation process has been ongoing for nearly a month and a half and is expected to be completed by May 15, with the restaurant opening for business in June.

The building that houses Robins Donuts was originally a gas station before being converted into a donut shop. It was later used temporarily by Maple Bus Lines as a waiting and booking office to schedule arrivals and departures until early this year. Now, with Maple Bus Lines having moved to its own official location at 43 Weir Rd, the building is being transformed into a Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken restaurant.

Jonathan Enright, the lead franchisee, expressed his excitement about the

Classified • Page 5

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new restaurant, stating, “I think Thompson is a great community for our product offering, and we operate in places like Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Thunder Bay, and we do well there.

Thompson is such a joining city of the North that we felt like it’s past due to pursue and station in that hub.”

Enright has been with the franchise since 2018 when they opened their first Manitoba Popeyes in Winnipeg. Before joining Popeyes, Enright was heavily involved in opening many of Manitoba’s Boston Pizza locations, including the one stationed in Thompson.

With 10 Popeyes locations currently operating in Manitoba, the new Thompson location will be the eleventh.

The first Popeyes restau-

rant opened in New Orleans in 1972 and has since expanded to over 2,600 locations worldwide. Started

by Al Copeland opened a small restaurant and a great idea, Copeland introduced the New Orleans-style fried chicken titled; ”Chicken on the Run". His restaurant failed after several months.

Copeland reopened the restaurant four days later as Popeyes Mighty Good Chicken, and by 1975, the company had been renamed as Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken and started franchising his restaurant in 1976, beginning in Louisiana. The chain expanded to Canada in 1984 and opened its 500th restaurant in 1985.

The conversion of Robins Donuts into Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken restaurant is just one example of the evolution of Thompson’s

business community. As the city grows, new businesses are emerging, and established businesses are finding new ways to serve their customers.

The addition of a Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken restaurant is sure to be a hit among Thompson’s residents and visitors alike, as it provides a new dining option for those looking for a delicious and unique fast-food experience. With an opening date in June, locals and tourists alike can look forward to enjoying some tasty Louisiana-style chicken in the heart of Thompson. ~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

MISC WANTED

Yuk Yuk’s head comes to defence of controversial comedy act accused of using anti-Indigenous racism, misogyny to get laughs

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE RE­ PORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

The CEO of Canada’s largest comedy club chain says he believes that comedy and comedians should never be censored no matter how low they go, even if they go so low as to make light of the actions of an infamous serial killer, who committed some of the more heinous acts this county has ever seen.

“I have no morals,” Mark Breslin, the co-founder and CEO of Yuk Yuk’s said. “If I did I couldn’t do my job.”

On Thursday, Breslin spoke to the Winnipeg Sun about recent controversy surrounding Alberta-based touring comedy act the Danger Cats, a three piece act made up of, according to their website, Sam Walker, Brett Forte and ‘Uncle Hack.’

The group is being accused of using anti-Indigenous racism and misogyny to get laughs, and recently had a slate of shows cancelled at the Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg location at the Fort Garry Hotel after strong backlash from many, including those in Winnipeg’s Indigenous community.

Breslin said despite calls for show cancellations and boycotts, specifically from members of the Indigenous community in Winnipeg and in other parts of Canada, he has no plans to stop booking the Danger Cats at any of his clubs, as

long as people’s safety is not threatened, and he said it was safety concerns and not any “moral decisions” that forced the cancellations in Winnipeg.

The Danger Cats in the past have made jokes in their shows regarding suspected graves of Indigenous children at former residential schools, but have also recently been selling a shirt on their website depicting Robert Pickton, who is believed to have killed as many as 49 women at his B.C. pig farm, many of them vulnerable and Indigenous.

The shirt features a cartoon-style image of what looks like Pickton and another man seemingly clinking pieces of bacon in celebration, along with the phrase ‘Pickton Farms, 50 flavors of Hookery Smoked Bacon.’

Pickton was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 2007 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years, after remains and DNA of 33 women were found on his pig farm in Port Coquitlam, B.C. He once boasted to an undercover police officer that he believed he killed 49 women.

A Danger Cats show was also recently cancelled at Rick Bronson's House of Comedy in B.C., a venue not associated with Yuk Yuk’s, after the shirt sparked outrage, and that venue said in a social

media post that was later deleted that the cancellation was "in light of recent concerns."

Breslin said he took issue with anyone referring to the Danger Cats act or other similar acts as “low brow.”

“If you’re saying low brow, well then you're being classist, because that would be associated with groups that are uneducated, or blue collar, and why should they not be able to laugh at what they want to laugh at?”

Breslin was also asked if he believes comedy acts can be dangerous if they perpetuate long-running stereotypes against certain groups or individuals, including Indigenous women.

“No,” he said. “Because for a long time comedians were acting like what they said was very important, but the more I watch now I see that their words don’t carry weight once people leave the club, it doesn’t affect the way people live, or vote, or behave.

“It carries no weight.”

But Peter Ives, a professor of political science at the University of Winnipeg who has spent years studying issues of freedom of speech, said he disagrees, and thinks that comedy acts like the Danger Cats could actually be putting Indigenous women’s lives in danger, by attempting to turn their pain and their deaths into punch lines.

“It perpetuates colonial-

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Ives said if any comedy 301 • HELP WANTED club did chose to cancel shows on moral or ethical grounds that they would have every right to do that, and those decisions have 183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 nothing to do with taking Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 FAX: 204-677-4087 away anyone’s freedom of Lookingorforrights. full and part time speech housekeepers starting wage is “Freedom of speech $13.00/hr something written into the Apply at the front desk constitution so it’s a political concept and a government concept, and these are private businesses that would beRd,making 183 Cree Thompson MB,their R8N 0C2 own Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 204-778-8387 decisions, so wePH:really need FAX: 204-677-4087 to stop conflating those two Looking for 1 full time and 1 things,” Ives said. part time cook starting wage “Anyone who doesn’t $14.00/hr with experience want to bepreferred. associated with Applyevery at the front desk this has right to say Call 204-677-4534 no.”

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Friday, March 8, 2024

Training program aims for safe, sustainable drinking water for Interlake First Nations

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BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER,WINNIPEG SUN

An organization fighting for the rights of Indigenous communities to have safe drinking water has announced

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/publicmeeting for the link to join the meeting.

Available in accessible formats upon request.

they are bringing an education and training program to Manitoba.

This week, Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First) announced they have formed a partnership with the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) that will see members from several First Nations communities given the opportunity to enrol in the Drinking Water Internship Program.

Water First works as a not-for-profit, with the goal of bringing sustainable access to safe and clean water to all Indigenous communities in Canada, and one of the ways they do that is by offering First Nations people opportunities to build careers in the fields of watersheds, water treatment and distribution, and water science and chemistry.

“Infrastructure and technology alone cannot solve the water crisis; having enough skilled people to operate and maintain the systems is also critical,” reads a statement on the organization’s website.

“Drinking water challenges are complex: in some communities, local concerns may be around infrastructure, for others, source water contamination. And numerous communities have challenges recruiting and training young

Indigenous adults to join the drinking water field.”

The program, according to Water First, is expanding into Manitoba for the first time, as it only ran previously in Ontario, and is part of what the organization said is their “commitment to help develop these critical projects with communities across the country.”

Interns from the seven IRTC communities can participate in a 15-month program that will allow them to pursue “valuable provincial certifications, which help trainees to begin their careers in the water field.”

“We’re excited that the planning and collaboration with Interlake Reserves Tribal Council will result in further education and careers in the water sciences. We hope the success of this program leads to many more collaborative projects in Manitoba,” Water First executive director John Millar said in a media release.

“Local, skilled people are critical in maintaining sustained access to clean water.”

Water First said they are also taking steps that would allow more women to take part in the program in Manitoba.

“The Internship also encourages increased par-

ticipation of women in the water sciences and offers wrap-around supports to reduce barriers to participation, including childcare services and transportation,” Water First said.

The program officially launched in Manitoba on Feb, 12, when 12 interns from several First Nations communities attended an Introduction Week in the Pinaymootang First Nation, and those participants will now work their way through the course.

Each intern will accumulate 1,800 hours of on-thejob experience, according to Water First.

Participants in Manitoba will tour the Lake St. Martin First Nation water treatment plant, a 4,600 square-foot facility that includes an underground concrete reservoir, 14 km of underground piping, a raw water pumphouse and sewage lift station.

More information on the program and on the work done by Water First Education & Training Inc. can be found by visiting waterfirst. ngo.

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

THOMPSON CITIZEN: EDITOR/REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Location: Thompson, Manitoba DESCRIPTION The Thompson Citizen has an immediate opening for an Editor/Journalist in Thompson, Manitoba.

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

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS This editorial position requires an organized individual who works well on his or her own as well as with a team. They need to be dedicated and diligent with a strong work ethic. He or she must have a degree or diploma in journalism or have at least five years’ experience in newspaper journalism. Experience in photography is necessary.

Candidates for this position must have a valid driver license and a reliable vehicle. Kilometers are tracked and the journalist will be reimbursed.

Please send resume with cover letter to: Noah Cooke, Publisher Thompson Citizen P.O. Box 887, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1N8 or E-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 8, 2024

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News • Page 7

History of Canada’s largest national park reveals exclusion of First Nations people and injustice

BY SHARI NARINE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation tells a story from the 1990s about how he had received some moose meat from a friend who had hunted the moose in Wood Buffalo National Park.

Adam fried it, boiled potatoes and served the meal to his grandmother, who was thrilled to be eating moose meat. That is until she found out where the moose had been shot. She stopped eating and pushed her plate away.

“I couldn't understand why she did that. When I asked what was wrong, she didn’t say nothing at first.

But then finally she came out and told me and she said it all in Dene and it was hard for me to understand our fluent language at the time. But she spoke it clearly and I understood the majority,” said Adam.

His father filled in the rest.

Granny’s family was from Birch River in the park. They were kicked out and never allowed to return.

It turned out Granny Helene Piché’s story was not unique for the Elders of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN).

It’s the history of the park that Parks Canada never tells. But it’s being told now in the new book Remembering Our Relations: Dënesųłıné Oral Histories of Wood Buffalo National Park.

“Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) was the heart of the Dene homelands, and when it was removed, Dene people suffered,” states the book. The Dene community’s homelands were divided and taken up for the establishment and subsequent expansion of the park in the 1920s.

Chief Adam wrote the Foreword for the book.

He spoke passionately to Windspeaker.com about what he learned of his grandmother’s story when he was 34 years old.

“I didn't even know my granny resided in Birch River and the House Lake area.

I didn't even know she had a

two-story cabin. She had a garden and everything and all this stuff. I didn't know she had all that stuff whatsoever,” said Adam.

The book, released late last year, began as a research project for a report entitled “A History of Wood Buffalo National Park’s Relations with the Dënesųłıné.” The 2021 report documented the harmful intergenerational impacts of removing the Dene people from their land to create Canada’s largest national park.

The report was intended to inform negotiations for a formal apology and reparations from the federal government.

However, Lisa Tssessaze, director of Dene Lands and Resource Management Department with ACFN suggested the report be made into something more to highlight and honour the oral history and testimony of the community.

So, the untold story of the origins of the park in northern Alberta came to be captured by the heartbreaking and powerful accounts of leaders and Elders of ACFN. “Oral history,” reads the book, “highlights the exclusions and injustice at the heart of the WBNP history as it is remembered by the Dënesųłıné people.”

Wood Buffalo National Park extends nearly 45,000 square-kilometres of northern boreal plains and forest, encompassing vast wetlands, grasslands, and salt plains, the Caribou and Birch Mountains and several key river systems in the region. It crosses the border of Alberta into the Northwest Territories.

The park is also located in the heart of the traditional territories and homelands of at least 11 Dene, Métis, and Cree communities, who have inhabited the region for generations and whose lands and waterways were taken up for the creation of the park despite clearly voicing their dissent.

The park was established in 1922. The borders were expanded south of the Peace River in 1926 as the 6,673 plains bison, imported from Wainwright in 1925,

pushed past the original park boundaries.

After the annex, a strict permitting system regulated access and land use in the expanded park, including for the Indigenous peoples whose rights were protected under Treaty 8. While treaty harvesters had been permitted to remain in the original park boundaries from 1922 to 1926, only those living or actively harvesting within the expanded boundaries in 1926 could apply for permits to continue harvesting there or even to visit family in the park.

The Dene community was split between those with and without access to the park as many Dene families who had resided and harvested primarily south of the Peace River saw their rights and access to their homelands eroded and restricted.

Wardens and their supervisors worked with the RCMP to revoke Indigenous individuals’ permits to hunt, trap, and travel the land and had the power to fine and jail land users should they be found breaking the rules.

In 1944 half the Chipewyan Band population still living in WBNP was transferred to the treaty annuity payment list of the Cree Band, who had for the most part been granted permits to remain in the park. Numerous Dënesųłıné residents and families were denied access to the park or evicted from their homes after this transfer. If they refused to transfer bands, they had to abandon their land-use areas and homes in the park.

Dene people denied access to the park faced severe hardship and sometimes starvation, especially from the 1930s to 1980s.

“In effect,” says the book, “the Park became an instrument of colonial power in Dënesųłıné homelands after 1922.” Indigenous peoples were expelled from the park in the name of conservation and tourism.

After learning his granny’s story, Adam says he went to the park and started hunting.

“I wanted to deliberately get caught, which never happened. (I wanted) to prove to them that this was

our homeland and that I decided to go home. But it never happened,” he said.

“But instead what transpired (was) that we end up telling the story about what they've done to our people and what they've done to my grandmother because my grandmother was 21 years old when it all happened,” he said.

The oral histories collected in this book talk about the alienation from community, family and homelands. They talk about loss of culture and homes and ways of doing things.

They talk about forced displacement, evictions and the criminalization of their way of life.

Adam says it was difficult for some Elders to talk about what happened to them.

“Some of them said they wanted to bury it. They didn't want it to be told because they didn't want the history to come back,” said Adam. “But you have to tell the story about what happened, because only then people will understand why we are in the situation that we are in today. And the only way that we could correct it is that we have to tell the story about what put

us here in the first place.”

However, once the Elders started speaking, it didn’t take long for the stories to be collected.

“These (stories) go back a long ways… and to conclude (the book) in three years tells you that the people still have it freshly buried in their mind,” said Adam.

Issues remain unresolved between the ACFN and Canada, he said. Those issues include recognition of the land and the people and historic grievances.

“We want to return to the place where we were and pay homage to the dead that we left behind when we were removed from that settlement…not only one, but two settlements,” said Adam.

He urges Canada to “to put this issue to rest” because ACFN will not stop talking about it, both nationally and internationally, and “it remains a black eye to Canada.”

As the book concludes, “Members of ACFN suggest that the new co-management and reconciliation agendas (for the park) must do more to acknowledge and amend the past and work toward genuine, trans-

formative efforts that centre Indigenous governance and self-determination.”

Adam wants Remembering Our Relations to “open the eyes of every traveller that will pick up a book and read it and find out the history about this area.”

However, he doesn’t want that to be the only message this book delivers.

“I think that they would look towards the Nation about how resilience really pans out when you are determined to survive the outcome of being displaced time and time again, and how we came to be who we are today, and what our ambitions are to look forward for the future,” said Adam.

Researcher Sabina Trimble and Peter Fortna, coowner of Willow Springs Strategic Solutions, at the direction of the ACFN, compiled the oral histories of the Denésuliné in Remembering Our Relations: Dënesųłıné Oral Histories of Wood Buffalo National Park, which was published by the University of Calgary Press.

Remembering Our Relations can be purchased online at https://press.ucalgary. ca/books/9781773854113/

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AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP CAN! Get a rebate on a qualifying air source heat pump.

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INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONER SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON MLA PAY An independent commissioner of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has been appointed to make decisions about the appropriate salary, allowances and retirement benefits for all MLAs. The commissioner, Michael Werier, K.C., would like to hear from you before April 15, 2024.

Your submission may be sent to: Public Input for Independent Commissioner 302-386 Broadway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3R6 E-mail: commissioner@legassembly.mb.ca

thompsoncitizen.net

Current MLA pay, allowances and retirement benefit information can be found at www.reviewcommissioner.mb.ca Independent Commissioner Seeks Public Input on MLA Pay ad

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Page 8 • News

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 8, 2024

Manitoba's Indigenous youth expect discrimination in health-care system: report

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Manitoba’s health minister is concerned that Indigenous youth expect to be discriminated against when they seek health care which may cause treatment avoidance until their situation becomes critical.

“I am very concerned when I hear Indigenous youth say that they are hesitating in accessing health care when they need to, or even delaying until they’re very sick,” Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said while speaking to reporters earlier this week about a report released on Monday. “We can and must do better in health care in Manitoba.”

On Monday, results and recommendations were released from a recent roundtable event that saw Indigenous youth in Manitoba share their thoughts on the current state of health care in the province and how the system could improve when caring for the needs of young Indigenous patients.

The roundtable was conducted as part of the OurCare survey, a national project seeking input from Canadians on “how to rethink the future of primary care.”

According to the report, one of the consistent complaints was fear and ex-

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pectation of anti-Indigenous racism in all corners of Manitoba's health-care system. “’We walk into a hospital and expect to be discriminated against,’ was a typical experience echoed again and again throughout the Roundtable session, with youth expressing a deep mistrust of the mainstream health-care system,” the report reads. “Indigenous youth also reported often delaying seeking medical care until it becomes an emergency.”

One recommendation from the report calls for an “Auntie Style” of health care to be delivered where it is needed.

That style would, according to the report, ensure that systems and workers are “rooted in the concept of kinship and can provide culturally-safe care.”

Findings from the report also show a need for more Indigenous staff across all sectors of the health-care system, including as nurses and as primary-care physicians and for more Indigenous-led care and spaces.

It is also asking for “accountability” for what the report says are ongoing issues of systemic racism.

“This includes holding all staff accountable for the way they treat patients, especially Indigenous people, so that all patients are treat-

ed with dignity in hospital and other medical settings,” the report reads.

Asagwara said the province is now taking the recommendations made in the report “very seriously.”

“When I hear Indigenous youth say they want more representation in our healthcare system that is exactly aligned with what our government’s approach to health care is, making sure that no matter who you are in our province, that you see yourself reflected in the health care workforce.”

Asagwara said the recommendations also align with what the province hears “consistently” from Indigenous leaders and organizations in Manitoba.

The head of the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) agrees action is needed to eliminate racism in Manitoba’s health-care system, but added the MNU believes the health-care system is currently “abysmal” for people of all backgrounds, because of a severe lack of staff in many areas including nursing.

“Unfortunately, the current state of affairs for health care in Manitoba is abysmal and has manifest shortcomings for Manitobans of all backgrounds,” MNU president Darlene Jackson said.

“We are desperate for nurses period, we have

more than 2,800 nursing vacancies. It would be our wish that we would have a spectrum of ethnicities and backgrounds on the frontline to deliver the best possible patient outcomes. But as we all know, this takes time.”

Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) president Jason Linklater, says he wants to see more steps taken by the provincial government to get more Indigenous people working in the health care system.

“Engaging more young Indigenous people to pursue health-care careers is not only the right thing to do, it is absolutely necessary in order to address the staffing crisis we are facing in health care,” Linklater said in an email.

“MAHCP is recommending that the provincial government work with federal partners to actively recruit Indigenous youth into high-demand allied health professions like medical laboratory and imaging technologists and rural paramedics. We want to see a commitment in the next budget.”

— 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.

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Friday, March 8, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Indigenous advocates find controversial comedy act no laughing matter

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

News • Page 9

Well Located Commercial Property Two unit building located just off of Thompson Drive with ample on-site parking.

mat for these bigots and Breslin told the Winnipeg racists, so to be honest I Sun the Danger Cats shows am kind of disgusted this in Winnipeg were cancelled almost happened.” only due to concerns for the She said she also feels safety of patrons and staff at for the relatives of victims the venue, but a representwho died at the hands of ative with the Fort Garry Robert Pickton, one of this Hotel where Yuk Yuk’s is country’s most notorious located is now saying they serial killers, and a man do not “support” the Danger who preyed on women who Cats shows or their content, were vulnerable and often and have no plans to book Indigenous. the act.

“I can’t even imagine “Danger Cats shows how they are feeling, be- were cancelled on Februcause now their pain is ary 7,” Fort Garry Hotel being used to sell t-shirts? Director of Food & BevMy condolences to each erage Janet Harder said in and every one of their vic- an email. “They will not be tims and their families, they performing at Yuk Yuk’s don’t deserve this.”

Winnipeg.

Building 7,200 SF “The Fort Garry Hotel Winnipeg-based advocate and Assistant to the does not support Danger Frontage of V.P. Indigenous 150.0 ft Cats content.”

Director at the University of ManiThe Winnipeg Sun Title Sadie Number 3227585 reached out to the Danger toba Lavoie slammed the Danger Cats and their Cats for comment, but has Possession Negotiable act in a Thursday Facebook received no response. post writing “their garbage — Dave Baxter is a LoProperty Tax (2023) or$9,127.41 ‘comedy’ expresses pro- cal Journalism Initiative motes colonial violence reporter7,200 whoSFworks out of Building against Indigenous IRS the Winnipeg Sun. The Losurvivors and MMIWG2S.” cal Journalism Frontageproperty.

150.0 ft Initiative is • Two unit commercial On Thursday Yuk Yuks funded by the Government Title Number 3227585 of Canada.

CEO and founder Mark • Overhead loading door servicing larger

For Sale by Tender 141 Commercial Place Thompson, MB

An advocate for the safety of Indigenous women Presented by Mike Walch and girls and residential Daniel Celis-Arnusch school survivor says she Charles Mulvenna believes no one in Winnipeg should be welcoming Accelerating success. the Danger Cats to town, because she says the controversial comedy group is spreading hate and misBuilding 7,200 SF ogyny with their act, and Frontage 150.0 ft could be putting Indigenous lives in danger.

Title Number 3227585 “This is about the safePossession Negotiable ty of women, because this will tell others it’s ok to $9,127.41 BuildingProperty Tax (2023) 7,200 SF harm Indigenous women, it’s just a joke. That’s the Frontage 150.0 ft • Two unit commercial property. message this sends,” Vivian • Overhead loading door servicing larger Ketchum said.

Title Number 3227585 unit, and double loading doors servicing “Every day there are smaller unit.

Indigenous women going Possession Negotiable • Additional area at rear of building for missing and women being employee parking or potential compound murdered and this just perProperty Tax (2023) $9,127.41 space. petuates the belief that we • Seller would be willing to negotiate up to are somehow disposable.

Regina a one (1) year leaseback for any owner“We are not disposable; • Two unit commercial property. users that are not ready to move their ± 175 km our suffering is not a joke.” operations immediately.

• Overhead loading door servicing larger Alberta-based touring comedy act the Danger unit, and double loading doors servicing Cats, a three piece act smaller unit. made up of, according to • Additional area at rear of building for their website, Sam Walkunit, and doublePossession loading doors servicing Negotiable Jaw employee parking or potential compound er, Brett Forte and ‘Uncle CREE NATION CHILD smaller unit. space.

Hack, is being accused of km Property Tax (2023)CARING $9,127.41 & FAMILY AGENCY using anti-Indigenous ra- • Additional area at rear of building for • Seller would be willing to negotiate up to cism and misogyny to get & Familycompound Services Worker employee parking Child or potential a one (1) year leaseback for any ownerlaughs, and recently had a Position • Two unit–Term commercial property. space. users that are not ready to move their slate of shows cancelled at (CFSIS File Closure) • Overhead loading door servicing larger operations immediately. the Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg • Seller would be willingOFFICE: Regional to negotiate up Office todoors servicing unit, and double loading location at the Fort Garry LOCATION: Opaskwayak, MB a one (1) year leaseback for any ownersmaller unit.

Hotel after strong backlash Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible users that are not ready to move their from many, including those • Additional at of rear of and building foroperations administeringimmediately. and providing for the area delivery Child Familyfor in Winnipeg’s Indigenous employee parkingcomprehensive or potential compound Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing CFS community. space. and incorporate both protection Services that are community-based The Danger Cats in the and prevention services.

• Seller would be willing to negotiate up to past have made jokes in Our agency will strive to maintain family unity. a one (1) year leaseback for any ownertheir shows regarding susPOSITION SUMMARY: users that are not ready to move their pected graves of Indigenous Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor, the CFS Worker is operations immediately. children at former residenresponsible for providing administrative and service functions within a tial schools, but have also child welfare service unit. The CFS Worker will assist with a variety of recently been selling a shirt tasks inclusive of support to children in care and services to families. on their website depicting RESPONSIBILITIES: Robert Pickton, who is § Conduct home visit with identified family/child believed to have killed as § Review intakes and issue management screens in CFSIS for the family/child many as 49 women at his Bidders shall submit their offers directly to February 28, 2024 to April 17, 2024 § Complete necessary forms B.C. pig farm. The shirt feaMcClocklin Real Estate Corp.

Bidders Colliers shall submit their offers directly to February 28, 2024 to April 17, 2024 § Provide general support to other front line workers • Property and building tours held subject to tures a cartoon-style image February 28, 2024 to Colliers McClocklin Real Estate Corp.

QUALIFICATIONS of what looks like Pickton • Property and building tours held subject to availa 1. This is a sale of assets of 446065 B.C. Wednesday, April 24, 2024 April 17, 2024 § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated and another man seemingly LTD Glacier Media Inc. (the “Seller”). knowledge of child development, family centered service, early 1. This is a sale of assets of 446065 B.C. 24, 2024 • Wednesday, Property andApril building toursdeadline held by 2:00 pm (CS clinking pieces of bacon in • Tender submission LTD 2.

Glacier Media Inc. (the the “Seller”). intervention, family support and community-based services subject to availability The Seller reserves right to accept celebration, along with the • Tender submissionMay deadline by 2:00 pm (CST) § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree Wednesday, 1, 2024 or reserves reject anythe and all offers at the Seller’s phrase ‘Pickton Farms, 50 2. The Seller right to accept in Human Services (preferred) Wednesday, April 24,Tender 2024 Wednesday, May 1, 2024 flavors of Hookery Smoked or rejectsole anydiscretion. and all offers at the Seller’s • Award of successful § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred) • Tender submission deadline Bacon.’ sole discretion. § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills • Should a Bidder be awarded, the closing da 3. All offers must be submitted to Mike nusch KetchumMike • Award successful Tender Walch byof2:00 pm (CST) § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial said she beand Seller Walch at mike.walch@colliers.com and • Should a Bidder be awarded, the closing date can 3.

All offers must be submitted to Mike standards lieves the Sales fact that Yuk Associate Daniel Celis-Arnusch at daniel.celis. and Seller Walch at mike.walch@colliers.com and All dates are subject to change Wednesday, May 1, 2024the sole discretio to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS Yuk’s even arnusch@colliers.com and Charles +1 considered 306 716 1147 § Ability Daniel Celis-Arnusch at daniel.celis. and FACTS of subject successful Tender bringing the Danger Cats All• Award dates are to change the sole discretion of th Mulvenna at charles.mulvenna@colliers. @colliers.com mike.walch@colliers.com arnusch@colliers.com by 2:00 pm (CST) • Should a Bidder be awarded, the CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT to town to put on their act, com by 2:00 pm (CST) on Wednesday, closing date can be agreed to by the on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check and that there was demand April 24, 2024.

Buyer and Seller § Cannot be active on a protection case for tickets before the can4. Applicants shall inform themselves to all § Maintain absolute confidentiality 4.

Applicants shall inform themselves to all cellation shows that “raaspects of the Property.

All dates are subject to change the sole § Varied amounts of travel required aspects of the Property. cism is alive and well in discretion of the Seller. § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license 5. Once a bid is accepted and a 5% deposit View Online Listing Winnipeg.” § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work 5. Once a bid is accepted and a 5% deposit is received, the Buyer and Seller will She said when the shows § Required to provide on-call services on a rotating basis is received, the Buyer and Seller will agree to a Purchase and Sale contract. § Other duties related to the position may be assigned were first announced she agree to a Purchase and Sale contract. would have also liked to Deadline: March 13, 2024 @ 4:00 pm 6. The Buyer shall be granted thirty 6. The Buyer shall be granted thirty hear more from politicians SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3) (30) days due diligence to complete (30) days due diligence to complete in Winnipeg condemning REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: inspections. inspections. collierscanada.com the act and making it clear Human Resource Manager “they are not welcome in 7. Closing and possession to be negotiated.

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency 7. Closing and possession to be negotiated.

Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Winnipeg.”

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca “I would have liked to .

Charles Mulvenna Daniel Celis-Arnusch Mike Walch hear a whole lot more, beWe thank all who apply and advise that only those selected Senior Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate for further consideration will be contacted. cause it’s like we’re just +1 204 515 7109 +1 306 535 6945 +1 306 716 1147 “Please visit our website at www.https://creenation.ca” pulling out the welcome charles.mulvenna@colliers.com daniel.celis.arnusch@colliers.com mike.walch@colliers.com

Property Overview

Property Overview

Property Overview

Property Overview

Bidding Bidding Instructions Instructions

Projected Projected Timeline Timeline

Page 10 • Careers

www.thompsoncitizen.net

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE (TCO) 701 THOMPSON DR, THOMPSON, MB Position: File Clerk One (1) Full Time Permanent position Summary of Position: The File Clerk is responsible for the day-to-day filing requirements for the office. This includes sorting, receiving, and organizing documents for filing, copying, assembling, and preparing records for storage. The job requires a keen attention to detail. The incumbent has access to sensitive information for which confidentiality must be kept.

Qualifications: • 6 months to 1 year of office experience preferred.

• College certificate or diploma in Office Administration or Computerized Business an asset.

• High School education or equivalent.

• Basic ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Office Suite).

• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern First Nations communities.

• Ability to speak Cree/Dene an asset.

Working Conditions: • Fast paced, time sensitive, child welfare working environment.

• Professional office environment.

• Access to sensitive information for which confidentiality must be maintained.

• Lifting up to 11.5 kg (25 lbs).

• Maintain satisfactory Criminal Record check, Child Abuse check and Prior Contact check prior to beginning work, and throughout employment as required.

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

Closing Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 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 2024-016 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 #2024-016 701 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

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY HARM REDUCTION COORDINATOR THOMPSON, MB Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Health Department is currently seeking a Harm Reduction Coordinator to work in a respectful and collaborative approach on Harm Reduction initiatives with the KTC communities.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Consult with community leadership, attain buy-in for harm reduction initiatives/programs.

• Conducting community consultations and readiness assessments for the development of harm reduction programs as required.

• Engage and collaborate with internal and external partners • Conduct health promotion information sessions and capacity building initiatives in communities.

• Maintain awareness of community program needs and opportunities.

• Working with other First Nations and other health care agencies and service providers to ensure adequate communitybased health services are developed and supported.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Licensed Practical Nurse or post-secondary education in a related field, or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of community health and/or social services • Knowledge of the KTC communities and demonstrated respect of the Cree and Dene culture and traditions.

• Knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal organizations and communities in a health field capacity • Knowledge of harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies • Experience working with youth and people who use drugs • Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and networking ability • Current BLS certification • Must have valid class 5 Manitoba Drivers’ License at all times and be willing to travel A written application including a cover letter, a detailed resume and two (2) letters of reference from immediate supervisors should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256 Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Are you ready for a career where you can truly make a difference? Have you longed to contribute to positive change in your community? If the answer is yes, consider pursing a professional degree by joining the University of Manitoba Northern Social Work Program where you will develop the skills to create meaningful change and a tangible difference in people’s lives!

The University of Manitoba, Northern Social Work Program is dedicated to equity and diversity within its community and welcomes applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The program is delivered in Thompson bringing postsecondary education within reach of northern residents.

The program is especially suitable to those who have been denied a university opportunity due to financial, social, and cultural reasons, lack of formal education or residence in remote areas; we strongly encourage you to apply.

The Northern Social Work Program provides a four-year Bachelor of Social Work Degree. Students can choose full or part-time studies and there are two eligibility requirements. Applicants who apply through ACCESS must be 21 years or over and have 27 credit hours or less of successfully completed university level courses. Those who apply through the EXTERNAL route must have 30 credit hours or more of successfully completed (C+) university level courses.

The Faculty of Social Work will be providing information sessions January through to April for anyone who is considering applying to the Northern Social Work Program.

For information about the program and to sign up for upcoming information sessions, contact the Faculty of Social Work at 204-677-1450 or email nswp@umanitoba. ca or visit the website: https://umanitoba.ca/explore/ programs-of-study/social-work-northern-programthompson-bsw#how-to-apply

Friday, March 8, 2024

MPI appointments cancelled due to weather, road conditions Due to weather and road conditions in the Westman region, Manitoba Public Insurance has cancelled some driver testing services, including road tests, and estimating appointments at locations in the area.

Affected locations include: Brandon Service Centre: All scheduled road test appointments have been cancelled. Customers with scheduled knowledge test and estimating appointments should attend the location as scheduled.

Dauphin Service Centre: All scheduled road test and estimating appointments have been cancelled. Customers with scheduled knowledge test appointments should attend the location as scheduled.

Winkler Service Centre: All scheduled driver testing and estimating appointments have been cancelled.

Swan River Claim Centre: All scheduled estimating appointments have been cancelled.

Impacted customers have been contacted and their appointments will be rescheduled. Front counter services remain available at all locations.

Service updates will be shared at mpi.mb.ca, as available.

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

Deadline extension for applications is April 15, 2024.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FULL TIME Under the direction of the CEO of Keewatin Tribal Council, the Economic Development Officer will lead a collaborative approach to develop, implement and monitor an actionable economic growth and development strategy with annual planning/review that considers short and long-term objectives and groundwork.

The economic growth and development strategy is twofold: • Tribal Council membership-led initiatives and opportunities (Eleven Nations) • Tribal Council-led initiatives and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS • Degree/Certificate in Post secondary education in business, community and economic development or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years experience in economic development and planning.

• Developing, implementing and managing economic growth and development strategies and projects • Developing and maintaining business relationships • Identifying and analyzing business opportunities and industry trends • Interpreting policies, legislation, procedures, regulations, reports, and correspondence • Crafting correspondence, reports, business development plans.

• Experiencing in developing, implementing and managing economic growth and development strategies and projects • Experiencing in development and maintaining business relationships • Identifying and analyzing business opportunities and industry trends • Should be aware of Indigenous culture, lifestyles and spiritual beliefs; • The ability to speak Ininew or Dene is an asset; • Must have a valid Driver’s License and access to vehicle.

• Provide a currently clear Criminal Records Check and Fingerprints, Child and Vulnerable persons checks.

A written cover letter with detailed resume, including at least two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256 Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE (TCO) 701 THOMPSON DRIVE, THOMPSON, MB Position: Receptionist One (1) Full Time Permanent position Summary of Position: As a member of the administrative team, the Receptionist is the important first contact for clients, visitors, and the public. The incumbent uses good customer service skills to manage calls, visitors, and admin related requests. The Receptionist is responsible for administrative support to staff and assists with projects and events for the Agency. This includes coordinating and communicating office activities, preparing correspondence, and maintaining office, and equipment supplies. The Receptionist is well organized and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with a variety of people in an environment where confidentiality is required.

Qualifications: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Experience living/working in northern First Nations communities an asset.

• 1-2 years office experience preferred.

• Demonstrated time-management skills.

• Good understanding of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).

• Dene or Cree language preferred.

Working Conditions: • Child welfare office environment.

• Highly emotional situations may occur occasionally.

• Provide satisfactory Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position, and throughout employment as required.

• Travel, overtime, and on-call responsibilities may be required occasionally.

• May be located in a remote community office or in an urban office.

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

Closing Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 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 2024-017 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to: Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2024-017 701 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

Phone: (204) 525-2479 Ext. 2104 Fax: (866) 678-5969 e-mail : lorraine.schneider@lpcorp.com

JP-CFI Case Manager (Full-Time Term Position) Home Care Nurse- External Posting Marcel Colomb First Nation Health Authority is seeking a www.thompsoncitizen.net qualified individual to fulfill the role of Home Care Nurse.

Friday, March 8, 2024

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Job Summary

Cree Nation Tribal Health Center Inc. is seeking applications for a full-time term position of Case Manager (Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of 11 Careers • Page Social Work), funded under the Jordan’s Principle- Child First Initiative Project for Marcel Colomb First Nation The purpose of the newly funded Jordan’s Principle Child First Project is to implement a comprehensive and integrated approach of coordinated services to help Marcel Colomb First Nation Health to provide support and respond to children with complex and special needs and their families, in partnership with other health and to several decades ago and workers. social professionals and agencies.

These services should that’s notcantly a signcontribute of peaceful co-wrote a signifi to quality The of lifeacademic ensuring that labour relations – it’s a signare enabled letter totothe province with children and their families experience a life is as full and as normal ascolleagues possible. thatthat workers’ bargaining to lobby for a

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Operating end a two-week strike. of dental then-imminent Room (OR).

This will require expertise in developing and maintaining excellent The Manitoba GovernThe use of temporary working relationships with a broad range of individuals and organizations. The ment and General Emworkers the barOR Dental Assistant will function within the provisions of“sours” the Vision, Mission, Values, policies and procedures of the Northern Health Region (NHR)and and “inployees’ Union announced gaining process will incorporate NHR core competencies into working practice (Customer/ Wednesday that Diversity flames” staff, said MGEU Client Focused, afternoon Initiative & Pro-activity, Awareness, Teamwork, and Collaboration, Development of Self and Others, and Adaptability).

Local 143 representatives president Kyle Ross. had reachedmusta fulfill tentative “Itthemakes your members The incumbent the requirements of Criminal Records/Vulnerable Person, Child Abuse Registry check AbuseIt Registry check, adhereto agreement with theirand Adult angry. makes it and harder to all Northern Health Region policies and procedures. employer. get them back in. It makes it Qualifications: results of orthe vote harder to accept a contract,” t The Grade 12 education equivalent completion a recognized Dental Ross, Assistant who Programrepresents required aret Successful anticipated to ofbe re- said t Current active practicing registration with Manitoba Dental Association leased late Tuesday. the 47 school support t Excellent knowledge of Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel,staff The jobandaction, Outlook, Internet) which in Seine River who have t Minimum three (3) years’ experience as a Dental Assistant required entered its third week on been working with an ext Previous experience working with Pediatric cases preferred Monday, has renewed calls pired contract since July t Ability to speak Cree an asset to ban replacement workers 2021.

For complete list of qualifications please visit our website www.nrha.ca. in Manitoba.

Since the strike began in Please submit resume February 2, 2018 to: River, MGEU indiJanitors and by maintenSeine Lori Rasmussen, Recruitment Officer ance staff set up a pick- cated it has received reports 867 Thompson Drive South et Thompson, line outside MB R8Nthe 1Z4 Seine of replacement workers’ Fax: (204) 778-1477 River School Division’s hourly wages being higher Email: recruiteast@nrha.ca headquarters in Lorette on than those of its members, $BMM VT UPEBZ -PDBM PS 5PMM 'SFF

Feb. 12 in protest of their and of an elementary school Northern RHA haswage a Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to selfemployer’s proposal. being left open accidentally declare. Criminal Record, Child Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required. We thank all One day earlier, in aselected let-for interview candidates for applying.

Only those will bethe contacted. during long weekend. ter alerting all employees Superintendent Ryan Anwww.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

Got a job to advertise?

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Child & Family Services Worker –Permanent Position OFFICE: Shoal River, MB call us at LOCATION: 204 -677-Shoal 4534 River, MB

Reporting to the Home Care Manager, the Home Care Nurse is responsible for promoting, protecting & preserving the health of Marcel Colomb community members services directed to home care needed,” he added. derson notedthrough the division clients. The Home Care Nurse provides holistic care & is paying outside agencies There have been four practices nursing as defined by the Registered Nurses through fee-for-service MGEU local strikes since Act & in compliance with the College of Registered contracts and did not dis- the summer and during all Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice & Canadian close how Association much the standbut one offor them, employNurses Code of Ethics; cares & directs in staff are earning. ers have hired replacement the overall care of clients; is responsible for advocating, Inproviding an email, Anderson workers. information, educating & supporting clients to provided vague details ensure that the highest possible Labour standardresearcher of service isAdam King said ending temporary about a discovery that provided; follows Marcel Colomb policies & procedures; in a multidisciplinary & may be called Parcworks La Salle School was team hires during bargaining disupon to assist with other duties withinisthe of the step unlocked. putes anscope important department.

“Had there been any ac- to address an imbalance

tivity at the school of any in union-employer relaPosition Requirements: kind, the maintenance co- tions across Manitoba and ordinator would have been Canada.

• Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical notified and further action “We have very low levels • CRNM or CLPN – Active Registration would have been taken as of strikes now compared • Valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License • • • • •

Daily access to a vehicle Criminal record & child abuse registry checks 2 years of related nursing experience Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Immunization record up to date

Closing Date: January 5, 2018 at 4pm. No late JOB POSTING submissions will be accepted.

Full-Time Day Care Worker

Applications Must Include: While hours are anticipated to be typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., there will be a minimum of one evening per week of programming. Also, please • thatAincover letter clearly indicates how you note order to meetthat the needs of clients, flexible shifts aremeet required. the position requirements This position involves working in close collaboration with the Children’s • Resume Counselor in providing/assisting in child-minding services for emergency, • Copy ofoutreach credentials (licenses, training, transition and the program.

The position will alsoeducation) involve working • with Three supervisor or manager) closely the references Counselors on(colleague, both the E-floor and Transition floor in the andofcontact information scheduling the individual and groups sessions.

• includes Criminal record check child abuse registry checks This providing a safe and&healthy environment, planning and (or indication they havei.e. been applied for) and play implementing on-site andthat off-site activities crafts/music/baking • Personal contact information (phone & email) therapy.

Must be able to provide nutritious snacks.

Other responsibilities include cleaning/sanitizing and inputting stats into HIFIS. Your will notforproceed toorinterview without the If you areapplication interested in applying this position require further information above information.

To obtain a complete job description, with respect to nature of the position, qualifications, required knowledge, for additional information or Helen to apply for this position education and skills*, please contact Trudeau (Executive Director) please contact or submit your application to: or Christine Fenner (Program Manager) by March 15/2024 by 4 pm.

Email or drop off only

CREE NATION CHILD Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre 107 Edwards Avenue,CARING The Pas AGENCY & FAMILY Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth.

Human ca orResources Assistant – Position Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead,Perm wcook@tribalhealth.ca Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL” Regional Office Opaskwayak, Manitoba

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

Please note that only those selected for an will Agency be contacted Cree Nation Child &interview Family Caring (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

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

POSITION SUMMARY: The Human Resources Assistant provides a full range of HR services to the CNCFCA and all employees in our various locations and offices.

Responsible for assisting in the maintenance, implementation, development and consistent application of HR policies and procedures agency wide.

or email ads@thompsoncitizen.net

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Responsible for gathering information and assessing family functioning problems § Develop and implement intervention plans within program guidelines for families within program guidelines and provide referrals, support, guidance and problem solving § Provides for the placement, case management and ongoing support for children in care § Responsible for all file documentation and ensuring services are applied § Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up QUALIFICATIONS § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred) § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred) § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards § Ability to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS and FACTS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check § Cannot be active on a protection case § Maintain absolute confidentiality § Varied amounts of travel required § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work § Other duties related to the position may be assigned

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Employee Attendance; § Recruitment and Selection; § Performance Management; § Training & Development; § Employee Communications; § Compensation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE § Diploma or certificate as an Administrative Assistant or equivalent skills and knowledge; § At leave three (3) years of Administrative experience; § Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and database systems with demonstrated accuracy and a speed of 60 WPM; § Good organizational skills and working knowledge of office and administrative procedures and related equipment; § Self-motivated, able to work as part of a team or independently; § Excellent oral and written communication skills.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check; § Cannot be active on a protection case; § Varied amounts of travel required within this position; § Must have a valid Manitoba’s driver’s license; § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work; § Other duties related to the position mat be assigned by the Human Resources Manager.

Deadline: March 13, 2024 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (please state position and office/community applying for), along with three (3) professional references and their contact information, including a most recent employer reference to: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

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

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

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

Deadline: March 13, 2024 @ 4:00 PM

power has been serious- ban on behalf of their facPosition Summary: ly undermined,” said the ulty association. assistant professor at the The NDP government The Case Manager position provides a comprehensive University ofhealth Manitoba. is currently community service in conjunction with its undertakhealth King said the current seting consultations to draft care team. The Case Manager will provide supervision up &undermines workers’ legislationWorkers, to ban the use peer support to the Child Development last-resort in Manager bar- ofand replacement staffin durAssistantleverage to the Case Respite Workers, each and SCTC community to provide model of service gaining research shows ing awalkouts.

Legislative delivery for childrenaffects with complex needscould and their it disproportionately changes be tabled as families.

Provide elements in which services have a session. low-wage and racialized early as the spring particular responsibility to take the lead in securing effective development, delivery and review of services.

Recognize the deficits with service systems and the need to protect children through early intervention, sharing of information, effective co-ordination of services and appropriate training.

JOB POSTING Part-Time Counselors Level 1 RN or BN preference for someone with a nursing Sixteenin(16) hours/week (1) (Days) background rehab care and must be in good

Qualifications: •

We arestanding a 24/7 facility, shifts include days, evenings and weekends withsoCRNM; or Bachelor of Education or The successful client will haveWork a working understanding of Domestic Bachelor of Social and/or Family violenceand and case relatedmanagement issues. Have one or more years of • Supervisory experience; counseling experience, the area Child of crisis intervention or • Knowledge of preferably Jordan’s in Principle First Initiative; domestic/family violence, with background some professional training i.e. Applied • Child development or equivalent Counseling Certificateworking and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social • Experience in First Nation Communities; work, or work-related • Nursing CPR and First Aideexperience).

Certification; • a current Excellent computer Have CPR and First Aide skills or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse • Knowledge ofcheck.

Cree Valid language culture; registry/Criminal record Driver’sand license or willing to obtain.

• be A highly-motivated individual who is innovative and Must able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language hasHave a proven ability to and work with of a LGBTQ1 very high degree is an asset. an understanding respect issues and the of accuracy vulnerable sectors. and attention to detail; • Excellent time management and facilitation skills; Be willing to work shift work (days, afternoons, and nights) on weekends • Effective verbal and listening communications skills; and stat holidays as required.

• Strong leadership, critical thinking, decision making Be reliable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic. anddependable, problem solving skills.

If •you are interested in License, applying for a position submit an up to Valid Driver’s with ability please to travel weekly. date to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or • resume The position is subject to satisfactory criminalExecutive and Directorother Helenchecks, Trudeau. and Applications are due Marchand 15/2024 by 4 pm. is subject to by terms conditions in a proposed written agreement.

Please forward a resume with 3 references along with CREE NATION CHILD cover letter, in confidence, to:

& FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Email or drop off only Training Coordinator – Full Time Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth.ca Permanent Position OR Wilma Cook, TNO/Team OFFICE: Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca Regional Office

LOCATION: The Pas, Manitoba

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible Only successful applications will beofcontacted for administering and providing for the delivery Child and Family for furthertointerview.

Services. CNCFCA is dedicated providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Human Resource Manager, the Training Coordinator will be responsible for designing, organizing, scheduling, and directing a wide range of training activities for the organization.

The Training Coordinator will collaborate with the Unit Supervisors and Coordinators to identify training needs for all employees. The overall goal of the Training Coordinator is to provide and have confident and highly trained front line workers.

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Program Design § Program Implementation § Monitoring and Documentation § Reviews QUALIFICATIONS § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred) § Must have a minimum of five years child welfare working directly with clients § Must have supervisory experience § Knowledge of Manitoba CFS Act and CFS Standards § Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare theory and practice and demonstrated experience in the development and provision of education and training within child welfare environments § Experience in providing and leading training or educational sessions, including being comfortable presenting to large groups § Computer skills is a definite asset: Microsoft (Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel) § Experience in curriculum development § CFSIS is an asset CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior contact check § Cannot be active on a protection case § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license § Must be willing to travel § Other duties related to the position may be assigned Deadline: March 11, 2024 @ 4:00 pm SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3) REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 12 • Careers

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

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE / GARDENER

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Facilities, Ancillary Services and Workplace Safety & Health Full Time, Permanent Position Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 24-013 Closing Date: March 13, 2024 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.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Technology Full Time, Permanent Position Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 24-032 Closing Date: March 7, 2024 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.

University College of the North

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA KEEWATINO/YATTHE GHE FAMILY ENHANCEMENT CENTRE LOCATION: THOMPSON, MB

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY Intake Worker – Permanent Position Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Shoal River, Manitoba Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Receive & assess requests for service; § On-Site risk assessment; § Determine & implement service; § Documentation, practice & relationship building.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services; § Work experience in Child & Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, child abuse, family-centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services; § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills; § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards; § Understanding of child development and child abuse theory and practice; § Knowledge of available resources within the community; § Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as CFSIS and FACTS; § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check; § Cannot be active on a protection case; § Varied amounts of travel required within this position; § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license; § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work; § Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: March 12, 2024 @ 4:00 pm Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

Position: Family Enhancement Program Facilitator (Communities to be assigned) Four (4) Full Time Permanent positions Summary of Position: A member of the Family Enhancement department, the Family Enhancement Program Facilitator provides children and families with preventive support services; facilitates programs, and interventions by using a differential response structure and culturally appropriate resources. The incumbent identifies community trends and needs to engage families by offering programs and interventions that build on participants’ knowledge, skill, and capacity. The work is performed in a manner which maintains confidentiality, is respectful, cooperative, and empathetic to participants, collaterals, community members including Leadership and Elders.

Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree or a combination of education and work-related experience.

• 2+ years of experience working in child welfare or a related field.

• Experience in facilitating community-based groups.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel, Work, Outlook, TEAMS, and PowerPoint).

• Experience working in the CFSIS database an asset.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication skills.

• Valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Experience of working in or living in Northern First Nations communities an asset.

• Ability to speak and write Cree/Dene an asset.

Working Conditions: • Community-based, child welfare and independent living environment.

• Access to highly sensitive information for which confidentiality must be preserved.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record, Driver’s Abstract, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position and throughout employment as required.

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

Closing Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (1) Interim Position Available Titles: Unit Supervisor

Location: NCN CFS Amalgamated Sub-Office, Units 12-15, 436 Thompson Drive, Thompson, Manitoba Job Summary The Unit Supervisor reports to the Director of Operations and provides support, direction, leadership, and guidance for a team of case managers and administrative support. The Supervisor ensures compliance with CFS Act, standards and regulations within the visions and mission of NCN FCWC. The incumbent delivers services in a culturally appropriate manner congruent with Indigenous values and beliefs with focus on Family strength, preservation and reunification.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: • Responsible for the Supervision of case managers of Children in Care and Family Services files by complying with the Child and Family Services Act and Program Standards.

• Provide direction and leadership to workers in assessing family functioning and risk factors to children’s safety and implement intervention plans to address the child protection and family support issues and permanency planning.

• Provide direction and leadership to workers in support, and preserving family unity.

• Provide service delivery congruent with Indigenous ways of being.

• To work cooperatively and effectively with internal and external collaterals.

• Oversee a team of workers in various capacities of employment.

Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work or other combinations of education and experience will be considered • Must have 3-5 years experience working in Child Welfare/ Child Protection • Must have experience working with CFSIS database • Knowledge and experience in applying therapeutic approaches with children and families • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Excellent crisis intervention skills • Proficient in computer literacy • Proven ability to work as an integral member of a team • Strong time management skills and ability to work effectively under pressure • Demonstrated experience and skills in working with various ethnic/racial backgrounds with a specific focus on First Nations issues.

• Must possess a valid Manitoba Driver’s License & be able to provide a clean Child Abuse Registry/Prior Contact & Criminal Record Check upon hire Salary: Starting $73,964.00 Annually Closing date: March 12, 2024 Submit all Applications to: Anna N. Spence Director of Human Resources anspence@ncnwellness.ca NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Inc. 14 Bay Road, Nelson House, Manitoba Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351

Help keep Thompson

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 2024-018 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 #2024-018 701 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

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

GREEN and CLEAN

Friday, March 8, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Alberta Energy Regulator facing lawsuit over handling of tailings leaks

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has served the Alberta Energy Regulator’s president with a notice of a lawsuit.

The lawsuit focuses on the regulator’s failure to notify the nation about two large leaks of toxic tailings from Imperial Oil’s Kearl site in northern Alberta, according to an ACFN press release.

ACFN Chief Allan Adam served the regulator’s president and CEO Laurie Pushor with papers at a tumultuous meeting between community members and AER representatives on Tuesday evening in Fort Chipewyan, Alta.

The lawsuit, filed in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, seeks a declaration that the province’s regulations and policies for managing oilsands tailings are deficient and unconstitutional, and enabled tailings leaks to go unreported for months, according to

ACFN. Back in September, Adam told Canada’s National Observer the AER should “prepare for court,” after a third-party review commissioned by the regulator on how the tailings leaks were handled concluded the regulator acted responsibly.

On March 5, Adam made good on that threat.

“The AER is supposed to regulate the energy sector in Alberta to ensure safety and environmental responsibility,” said Adam in his press release. “They have spectacularly failed on this front.” He added that the AER neglected the nation’s constitutional right to be consulted and accommodated.

In an emailed statement to Canada’s National Observer, AER media relations said the regulator “will be seeking legal advice.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to visit Fort Chipewyan and to meet and speak with the community,” the AER’s short statement said.

The lawsuit also seeks

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY THOMPSON, MB TRAUMA INFORMED CULTURAL SUPPORT WORKER (TICSW) Keewatin Tribal Council Health Department is currently seeking a Trauma Informed Cultural Support Worker to provide direct support services to Indian Residential Schools Survivors, (IRSS) IDSS, 60’s Scoop Survivors, MMIW&G Survivors, families, and those impacted inter-generationally by Residential Schools in Canada.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Liaise/network with the 11 Northern KTC affiliated communities and other stakeholders in raising awareness about the Indian Residential Schools, Truth and Reconciliation and Commemoration events; • Conduct information sessions, presentations and workshop on the History of Residential Schools, • Develop wellness plans with the clientele provide for these needs and refer as necessary to the appropriate resources as well as existing community services and supports; • Prepare monthly activity reports and participate in developing a yearly IRS workplan • Provide crisis response supports as requested by the 11 KTC communities • Facilitate trauma informed and grief recovery workshops • Provide land based hands on cultural and traditional healing/ activities

QUALIFICATIONS: • Trauma Informed or equivalent education and experience; • Knowledge & sensitivity of each community’s cultural practices; • Knowledge of all Settlement Agreements which include Indian Residential Schools, Day Schools 60’s Scoop, MMIWG • Knowledge of the IRS, IDS, 60’s Scoop, MMIW&G Survivors and intergenerational impacts; • Must have computer skills; Microsoft Office, Word, PP, Excel • Must have Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to speak Cree or Dene would be an asset • Must have strong organizational skills, time management, ability to work independently, self-motivated and be a strong team player; • Be knowledgeable of the 11 Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) geographical communities and be respectful of their customs and traditions • Possess valid driver’s licence, own or have access to vehicle; • Willingness and ability to travel extensively; • Willingness and ability to work after hours and/or weekends when required.

• Position will be subject to a Child Abuse Registry Check & Criminal record Check Closing Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 at 4:00PM

Please Forward Resumes to the Attention of: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: Lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256

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

financial compensation for the impacts the tailings leaks had on ACFN members’ ability to exercise their treaty rights and way of life.

Early last year, it came to light tailings were seeping from Imperial Oil’s Kearl site in northern Alberta for nine months, and apart from one email, downstream communities were not notified. It took a massive spill of 5.3 million litres on Feb. 4 2023 for the long-term seepage — which Imperial Oil first noticed in May 2022 — to be made public through an environmental protection order, sparking outrage from Indigenous communities, the public and politicians.

The issue made international headlines and a federal committee spearheaded a study on the tailings leaks and questioned Imperial Oil executives, the Alberta Energy Regulator and affected groups and communities, including the ACFN and Mikisew Cree First Nation, about the

incidents. Imperial Oil and the AER characterize the issue as a communications breakdown.

Adam and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro described how their community members are afraid to consume the water before the parliamentary committee and emphasized the importance of hunting and gathering.

Imperial Oil continues to say there is no indication of adverse impacts to human life, wildlife, vegetation or fish populations in nearby river systems from the incidents.

The Kearl leaks shone a light on the ever-growing volume of toxic tailings — a byproduct of processing bitumen from the oilsands — being held in man made lakes near the Athabasca River. These massive ponds hold more than 1.4 trillion litres of toxic waste and are set to hit capacity in 2025 at which point the tailings will be treated and dumped in the river, unless a different solution is found.

Careers • Page 13

Application Intake and Assessment Clerk

Thompson, Manitoba Full time/Term Position Legal Aid Manitoba is seeking an individual to provide administrative, reception and general office duties The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Adult Abuse Registry Check and pass an Enhanced Security Check.

Deadline for applications: March 18, 2024 Hourly rate of pay: $20.00/Hour Please submit a resume with references to via email to: dalun@legalaid.mb.ca

JOB POSTING Counselor Level 1 Casual

The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain.

Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work: including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and stat holidays as required.

Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Applications are due by March 15, 2023 by 4 pm.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY Out of Community Worker – Permanent Position Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Regional Office – Opaskwayak, MB Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor, the Out of Community Care Worker is responsible for providing and administering CFS Services in accordance with the Child & Family Services Act. The candidate will be required to work primarily in the Regional Office, as well as travel to the community of Shoal River on a regular basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Responsible for gathering information and assessing child and family functioning problems § Responsible for the development of case plans for children and families within program guidelines and provide referrals, support, guidance, and problem solving § Responsible for all file documentation, referrals, ensuring services are applied § Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up § Provides case management and support for children in care and families QUALIFICATIONS § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred) § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred) § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards § Ability to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS and FACTS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check § Cannot be active on a protection case § Maintain absolute confidentiality § Overnight & regular travel is a requirement, working in the community of Shoal River 2 weeks of every month. § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work § Required to provide on-call services on a rotating basis § Other duties related to the position may be assigned Deadline: March 12, 2024 @ 4:00 pm Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (1) Full-time Position Available Position Title: Jordan’s Principle – Child Development Worker

Location: Nelson House, Manitoba Jordan’s Principle Office Summary: The Jordan’s Principle CDW position reports to the JP Case Manager and is responsible for providing services to Jordan’s Principle clients.

Must be aware of participants’ health and safety in home or in the community and providing assistance as needed.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: • Enabling personal choice and treating Participants with dignity and respect, provide a caring approach to Participants needs (emotional, physical) • Follow the instructions given by the office, family, and Participants unless there is a safety issue.

• Provide personal care that may require like feeding and dressing.

• Prepare meals during the respite period • Care for a maximum of one sibling during respite.

• Is able to work in Participants home, in the community, school and with variety of families within a variety of time frames • Is able to work with children, youth, and adults with physical and intellectual challenges (both in challenging and non-challenging situations) • Is flexible around scheduling changes/ is able to pick up shifts on short notice • Is flexible to work in all areas in the community, school and home • Arrive at scheduled shifts and be on time • Arrive 15 minutes before shift when meeting a new family for interview • Fulfill agreement on declaration of availability and give two weeks’ notice for changes • Confirm with families and confirm schedule with office • Have pertinent medical consent and family information file with you at all times while providing respite and follow instructions in the family information office • Clean up after your respite so you leave the property of the respite recipient the same condition that you found it Qualifications: • Grade 12 • Knowledge of children from ages 0-18 years of age • Commitment to and knowledge of culturally competent/sensitive delivery issues • Well-developed oral and written communication skills • Excellent organizational skills • Must have a high level of personal integrity and professional initiative • Ability to speak an Aboriginal language would be an asset • A valid Manitoba driver’s license would be an asset • A criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check are requirements of all FCWC employment positions Hourly Rate: $38,319.00 to $40,652.00 Closing date: March 6, 2024 Submit all Applications to: Anna Nadine Spence Director of Human Resource anspence@ncnwellness.ca NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Inc. Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351

Page 14 • Careers

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 8, 2024

Municipalities welcome expanded power for Community Safety Officers

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

The NDP plans to give more power and authority to community safety officers and the head of an organization that represents Manitoba municipalities says that’s good news for rural communities.

“This is positive news, it’s a step in the right direction, because it’s another resource for our communities to tap into,” Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) President Kam Blight said. “And in some cases it will be a complementary step to offset some of the well-known challenges that officers and police services are facing.”

On Monday, the province announced they have enacted new regulations to expand the role of both Community Safety Officers (CSO) and First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO).

Once new training is completed, those officers will have the same powers as peace officers, including more powers to detain individuals.

Blight said the AMM has been hearing for several years about growing fear of crime and fear for public safety in rural communities in Manitoba, and the new powers could give some an increased sense of safety and security.

“One thing we hear a lot is that people just want to see an increased presence that can provide a greater sense of security, because there is just another set of eyes and ears out on the streets,” Blight said. “And with increased powers that could act as an increased deterrent to would-be criminals.”

But Blight added new powers for safety officers likely won’t lessen fears of

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

crime in rural Manitoba any time soon.

In 2023, AMM commissioned an independent poll

by Probe Research which reported only 5% of Manitobans felt safer in their communities than they did three years ago, while 56% of Manitobans felt “decidedly less safe.”

“It’s not the be-all-endall, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Blight said.

Last year the province passed Bill 34, which expanded the role of community safety officers to provide an initial response to safety threats and detain individuals posing a safety threat, and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the new regulations announced Monday gives those officers even more enforcement powers and powers to detain.

“Updated safety officer regulations will expand the scope and authority of

safety officers to respond to safety threats, enforce provincial and First Nation laws, and assist law enforcement, freeing up Manitoba’s police services to respond to complex crime,” Wiebe said.

Community safety officers will be required to receive what the province is calling “advanced training,” which will include searches and seizures, detentions and arrests, crisis response tactics and strategies, road safety and traffic enforcement, as well as Indigenous awareness and community diversity.

Wiebe added the updated regulations will also help First Nations communities to respond to public safety concerns and to “more effectively enforce band bylaws.”

The province’s current CSO program allows municipalities to hire CSOs, and

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY THOMPSON, MB RESOLUTION SUPPORT WORKER (RSW)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY THOMPSON, MB INDIGENOUS HEALING & WELLNESS WORKER

Working under the general direction of the Director of Health, the Resolution Health Support Worker (RHSW) provides services and support to Indian Residential School Claimants who are involved in the Independent Assessment Process (IAP).

Keewatin Tribal Council Health Department is currently seeking an Indigenous Healing & Wellness Worker to help provide direct support services to the (IRSS),(IDSS),60’s Scoop Survivors, MMIWG, Survivors, their Families and those impacted InterGenerationally.

The RHSW provides for the broad needs of a caseload of individuals through a process of direct contact, situational evaluations and needs assessments, and the formulation of remedial strategies to meet the overall constituent needs in an effective and respectful manner, and the objective monitoring of the overall effectiveness of these activities.

THE (RHSW) shall take a leadership role in initiating and facilitating community outreach designed to increase awareness of the Independent Assessment Process in the Northern Manitoba region. The RHSW shall ensure that all activities are undertaken in a manner that is consistent with, and complementary to, the Vision Statement, the Principles and Values and the policies and procedures of Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC).

QUALIFICATIONS: • Must have experience providing mental health services.

• Possess a current Province of Manitoba Driver’s License and a suitable vehicle for work-related transportation. Ability to travel extensively in the Province of Manitoba and nationally, as required. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

• Efficacy in the operation of a personal computer, including the use of word processing software and spreadsheet applications and other general office equipment.

• Demonstrated proficiency in general program or project management, financial management and control.

• Ability to write monthly and quarterly program activity reports.

• Excellent communication, both written and oral skills as well as interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting individual / group counseling, leading group presentations and dealing effectively with situations of conflict and stress.

• Demonstrated capacity to function effectively in a working team environment as well as be self-directed and able to work independently.

• Demonstrated ability to develop a holistic personal wellness plan.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to plan, perform, and assess independent fieldwork development and maintenance of effective direct constituent relations and maintaining accurate case records.

• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently within a fast-paced, high stress environment.

• Ability to communicate in an Aboriginal language(s) and/or previous exposure to Aboriginal communities and cultures would be a definite asset.

• Position will be subject to a Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal record Check

Under the supervision of the KTC Director of Health and the IRS Team Lead, the Indigenous Healing & Wellness worker will work collaboratively with the IRS team providing support to the 11 KTC member bands as requested by the KTC Chiefs and communitybased staff. The IRS Indigenous Healing & Wellness Worker shall help in assisting in the development and implementation of a holistic First Nations approach to assessments, interventions and post-vention activities traditionally and culturally appropriate.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • To provide ongoing supports as requested by all KTC Health Program Services and the KTC IRS Team collectively • Establishing and capacity building with multi-layered partnerships such as the NRHA, Health Canada, CMHA, UCN, Manitoba Treatment Centers, NADAP, Manitoba Justice, the Mystery Lake School Division, Frontier School Division • Assisting in the planning and participating of communitybased wellness activities • Facilitate and co-facilitate workshops/informational sessions on the history of residential schools in Canada in the 11 KTC communities as needed or requested • Foster interest and knowledge of Cree/Dene History Language and Culture • Facilitate and co facilitate cross cultural communication training as requested

officers are considered municipal employees.

The city of Portage la Prairie announced last month they were inviting applicants to apply for CSO positions, and Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox said this week they plan to have safety officers patrolling city streets by June.

“We have believed for a long time that we really need that second tier of policing in our city, because we are dealing with more and more of these issues,” Knox said.

Knox admitted there have been growing complaints recently in Portage la Prairie from residents and business owners who don’t feel safe in the city’s downtown area, because of more people living on the streets.

“I believe the program will evolve and adapt in each community, and it will be important to work closely with RCMP to know how

officer’s efforts can be best utilized,” she said.

Knox said municipalities that want to take part in the CSO programs will also have to make room in their budgets for new employees and other resources involved with it, but she said she believes residents will get behind those expenses if they believe the money is being put to good use.

“For our community, public safety is one of our major pillars, and we have made that clear as a council,” Knox said. “I believe that as long as we are transparent with our citizens that this type of budgeting goes to public safety they will accept that, and accept those added costs.”

— 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.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY DIA Intake Screener – Permanent Position Designated Intake Office The Pas, Manitoba Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Intake Supervisor, the DIA Screener Worker is responsible for screening all referrals for service with reference to safety and risk to children, functioning of families and service needs of families. The Intake Screener provides crisis intervention services, initiates referrals to other community collaterals as required and completes written reports, file recordings, forms and correspondences as required under the Child and Family Services Act, CFS Provincial standards and Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency Policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Receive and assess requests for Service § Transfers § Prior Contact Checks § Documentation, Practice and Relationship Building § Other duties related to the position may be assigned EDUCATION AND TRAINING § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, child abuse, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills. § Excellent interpersonal skills § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services ACT and provincial standards. § Understanding of child development and child abuse theory and practice. § Knowledge of available resources within the community (formal and informal) § Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and database systems. § CFSIS program knowledge § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

Closing Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 at 4:00PM Late applications will not be accepted

QUALIFICATIONS: • Must have a trauma Informed training and/or counseling certificate, this would be considered an asset or/ 3-5 years’ experience of in counseling individuals, groups and families • Self-motivated with an ability to work independently in a team environment and with minimal supervision • Be Proficient with Microsoft, Word, Outlook, Power-point, Excel • Must have good organizational skills/ verbal and written communication skills, time management and strong interpersonal communication skills • Knowledge of cultural/traditional and wholistic practices • Ability to speak/understand Cree or Dene would be an asset • Must have a Class 5 Manitoba driver’s license or willing to obtain • Knowledge of the KTC geographical communities • Must be willing to travel extensively • Willingness and ability to work after hours and or/weekends when required • Ability to communicate in an Aboriginal language(s) and/or previous exposure to Aboriginal communities and cultures would be a definite asset.

• Position will be subject to a Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal record Check Closing Date: Friday, March 15, 2024

SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3) REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted

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

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

Please Forward Resumes to the Attention of: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: Lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256

Please forward resumes to the attention of Lisa Beardy 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N0Y4 Email: Lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204-677-0256

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check. § Cannot be active on a protection case. § Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements. § Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: March 11, 2024 @ 4:00 PM

Friday, March 8, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

St. James-Assiniboia school division identifies 4.1% tax hike, e-sports in budget

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

St. James-Assiniboia School Division trustees want to raise property taxes 4.1 per cent to maintain programs and make minor investments in vocational education, student services and e-sports.

Elected officials revealed the details of their $130-million draft budget for 202425 at a public meeting on Thursday.

The board will receive $51.9-million extra in baseline operating funding from the provincial government — an overall increase amounting to 0.7 per cent — to run its 26 schools next year.

Budget documents show its expenses, owing to growing student needs, aging infrastructure and inflation, are slated to rise 5.5 per cent.

“This means that we need to come to you, the ratepayers, to make up the difference,” board chairwoman Holly Hunter told a packed meeting room at division headquarters at

2574 Portage Ave. The NDP government announced earlier this month it was reinstating school boards’ powers to raise property taxes in consultation with their respective communities to balance budgets.

On average, boards will receive 3.4 per cent more in provincial funding for next year. The allotments were decided based upon on student population size, enrolment fluctuations and the wealth of their property tax bases.

SJASD’s increase is the smallest of all metro boards due to declining enrolment and a higher-than-average assessment value among residences and businesses within its borders.

The current student population is 8,360. It is projected to decrease by 300 over the next five years.

Hunter said the percentage of students with additional needs, including mental health-related challenges, has been on the rise in the past three years.

“We have seen a three-fold increase in the number of students with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis,” said the East Ward trustee.

There are more kindergartners entering the school system with “profound needs,” while the number of young adults with disabilities who access programming until age 21 is growing, she said.

At the same time, Hunter noted there are shrinking options for school-aged children and youth seeking specialized day programs in their community.

The 2024-25 budget includes the addition of a single student services co-ordinator, increasing a team of two to three.

This staff member is expected to assist teachers with violence prevention and crisis response training and consult

with stakeholders, including external therapeutic services and medical practitioners.

Trustees endorsed a $30,000 allotment to introduce vocational programming at John Taylor Collegiate and $15,000 to bolster an e-sports pilot program across the division.

“E-sports is a boundary-breaker, allowing students who are non-traditional athletes as well as traditional athletes to participate in a competitive environment, learning game skills as well as social, team-play, leadership skills,” Hunter said, adding participants are exposed to coding, design and other-tech related skills.

More than 50 people arrived at the board office to hear the budget breakdown.

Elected officials are anticipated to approve the final budget on March 5.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (1) Full-time Position Available Position Title: Jordan’s Principle Case Manager

Careers • Page 15

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

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

BACHELOR OF ARTS INSTRUCTOR Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science Stipend York Factory Competition No: 24-007 Closing Date: March 8, 2024 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.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (1) Full-time Position Available Position Title: Jordan’s Principle Case Manager

Location: Nelson House, Manitoba Jordan’s Principle Office

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Sub-Office 1450 Wellington Avenue, R3E 0K5

Summary: Under the supervision of the Jordan’s Principle Services Coordinator, this position is responsible for planning, assigning, reviewing, supervising, and managing work of day-to-day activities of the Jordan’s Principle Case Managers.

Summary: Under the supervision of the Jordan’s Principle Services Coordinator, this position is responsible for planning, assigning, reviewing, supervising, and managing work of day-to-day activities of the Jordan’s Principle Case Managers.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: • Provides day-to-day guidance and direction to the Jordan’s Principle Case Managers on case related issues, and best practices; ensures acceptable levels of quality and quantity in the delivery of services; plans caseloads, assigns cases and reviews case files and case assessments.

• The supports will include in-person, phone-based, and electronic communications contact with Case Managers in Winnipeg and Churchill offices requiring direction and guidance in areas such as assessment, service access, and the coordination of support services.

• Establishes priorities for the completion of work according to time sensitive orders. Attends and maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines, events and hold group meetings with Case Managers.

• Organizes and directs the work and activities; Advises staff on difficult issues and makes decisions on how best to manage and implement appropriate services and assistance.

• Support service delivery: by monitoring work to ensure adherence to policy and procedures; implement and provide feedback on new policies and procedures. Keep up to date on trends and changes, provide program input on team building and develop communication networks to enhance service delivery • Supervising, building and maintaining a positive work team; providing feedback on performance and identifying and fixing performance issues.

• Provides navigation services with a cultural safety and humility lens, using a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach.

Understands the importance of working with First Nations protocols when working with children and families.

• Other duties as assigned

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: • Provides day-to-day guidance and direction to the Jordan’s Principle Case Managers on case related issues, and best practices; ensures acceptable levels of quality and quantity in the delivery of services; plans caseloads, assigns cases and reviews case files and case assessments.

• The supports will include in-person, phone-based, and electronic communications contact with Case Managers in Winnipeg and Churchill offices requiring direction and guidance in areas such as assessment, service access, and the coordination of support services.

• Establishes priorities for the completion of work according to time sensitive orders. Attends and maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines, events and hold group meetings with Case Managers.

• Organizes and directs the work and activities; Advises staff on difficult issues and makes decisions on how best to manage and implement appropriate services and assistance.

• Support service delivery: by monitoring work to ensure adherence to policy and procedures; implement and provide feedback on new policies and procedures. Keep up to date on trends and changes, provide program input on team building and develop communication networks to enhance service delivery • Supervising, building and maintaining a positive work team; providing feedback on performance and identifying and fixing performance issues.

• Provides navigation services with a cultural safety and humility lens, using a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach.

Understands the importance of working with First Nations protocols when working with children and families.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: • Proven experience as IT Technician or relevant • Willing to travel to engage in ongoing training • Excellent diagnostic and problem solving skills • Excellent communication skills • Strong understanding of diverse computer systems and networks • Good knowledge of internet security and data privacy principles • Certification as IT Technician will be an advantage • A valid Manitoba’s Driver’s License would be an asset • A criminal record check and Child Abuse Registry is a requirement of all FCWC positions

Qualifications: • This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a human servicerelated discipline such as social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, or education and over 1 year of experience working with children and youth and have demonstrated successful leadership.

• Two years management experience preferred • Supervision–Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

• Thorough knowledge of case management techniques, principles and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to First Nation Children and their families.

• Well-developed organizational, oral and written communication skills • Knowledge of relevant legislation such as CFS Act, Vulnerable Persons Legislation.

• Ability to speak an Aboriginal language would be an asset • A valid Manitoba driver’s license would be an asset • A criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check are requirements of all FCWC employment positions

Qualifications: • This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a human servicerelated discipline such as social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, or education and over 1 year of experience working with children and youth and have demonstrated successful leadership.

• Two years management experience preferred • Supervision–Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

• Thorough knowledge of case management techniques, principles and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to First Nation Children and their families.

• Well-developed organizational, oral and written communication skills • Knowledge of relevant legislation such as CFS Act, Vulnerable Persons Legislation.

• Ability to speak an Aboriginal language would be an asset • A valid Manitoba driver’s license would be an asset • A criminal records check and Child Abuse Registry check are requirements of all FCWC employment positions

Salary: Starting at $69,505.00 Closing date: March 12, 2024 Submit all Applications to: Anna Nadine Spence Director of Human Resource anspence@ncnwellness.ca NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Inc. Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351

Hourly Rate: $71,141.00 to $85,602.00 Closing date: March 6, 2024 Submit all Applications to: Anna Nadine Spence Director of Human Resource anspence@ncnwellness.ca NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Inc. Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351

Hourly Rate: $60,974.00 to $81,526.00 Closing date: March 6, 2024 Submit all Applications to: Anna Nadine Spence Director of Human Resource anspence@ncnwellness.ca NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Inc. Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (1) Full-time Permanent Position Available Position Title: Senior Information Technologist (IT) Location: Nelson House Head Office

Summary: The information technologist reports to the Director of Human Resource and provides essential services to all FCWC Sub-Offices.

Must be a qualified professional in charge of designing, implementing, managing and supporting a variety of IT system components. IT focuses and specializes in software, computer hardware, databases, security systems or communication networks. IT ensures that the organization has efficient and up-to-date technology to facilitate the continuous flow of information data. The IT also creates and shares security standards to secure the networks they manage.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities: • Assisting in the installation, testing and maintenance of carious computer systems, software, hardware, communication networks and other devices • Creating databases for data storage • Conducting frequent database audits • Monitoring and supervising data migrations • Planning and organizing network security settings, user rights and authorization and system firewalls • Coming up with new strategies, methods and procedures to improve technical efficiency levels • In charge of establishing and configuring computer networks in all FCWC Offices • Responsible for system security and troubleshooting if a problem develops • IT department may design and enforce rules and practices that ensure effective IT systems that are run in accordance with the demands of a company • IT department is in charge of maintaining the firm’s computers and providing staff assistance • Installing new software, diagnosing issues and teaching staff how to use a software product properly.

• In charge of configuring and maintaining the company’s IT equipment, such as phone systems, personal computers, laptops, routers and servers.

• Creating dependable data retrieval techniques and backing up data on servers • Troubleshooting and debugging system faults • Offering technical assistance and support to users

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 16 • Resource Guide

Friday, March 8, 2024

THOMPSON CITIZEN RESOURCE GUIDE Including wolf, polar bear and wildlife related souvenirs.

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