May 12 2023

Nickel Belt News

Red Dress Day a time for remembrance, awareness and action

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

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson residents marched through downtown on the afternoon of May 5, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day.

Starting and finishing at Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s office on Selkirk Avenue, the march proceeded down Mystery Lake Road, along Thompson Drive and up Public Road, with speeches, a barbecue and entertainment in the MKO parking lot on an unseasonably warm and sunny early May afternoon.

case.”

The inclusion of two-spirit people in Red Dress Day made Francis Budd get emotional during a speech to the crowd,

“It is so so important that two-spirit and gender-diverse people are included when we talk about disproportionate violence,” Budd said. “The most fundamental thing that we must remember is the way that we regard one another as human beings can sometimes be a matter of life and death.”

More than just a day to raise awareness, however, Red Dress Day is also a day to remind governments about their obligations, said MKO Vice-Chief Shirley Ducharme.

Boil water advisory for Thompson issued May 10

“I think about our young people,” said Heidi Spence, director of MKO’s MMIWG2S liaison unit. “We want them to grow up in a community that’s safe. We don’t want young girls to have to worry about what’s going to happen to them. We can’t let it be a normal occurrence.”

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

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Though she’s now written a book about her experiences growing up in Churchill, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles said writing wasn’t something she always thought she would do.

Some of those who walked wore shirts or carried signs with the names of missing and murdered people, including one adorned with the name of Leah Anderson, who was killed in Gods Lake Narrows in 2013 at the age of 15.

Ace Doran-Campbell said after the walk that she participated in memory of Anderson.

“This was someone my mom had grown up babysitting and was family to us,” said Doran-Campbell.

“To this day, there still haven’t been any arrests in her

“In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and confidence in my writing. I write very clear and that’s it. It’s there. Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend

to write things that you have to figure out. It’s pretty clear when I get through.”

DeMeulles said she wrote her book, titled Whispers in the Wind: Stories from the North - Life in Churchill for a couple of reasons.

“As we near the fourth anniversary of the final report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG and the second anniversary of the release of the subsequent national action plan, we remind all governments of the importance or implementing the 231 Calls for Justice,” she said. “They are not optional.”

I don’t.”

was not a very safe thing to do but I jumped at it. I thought that was exciting until the plane landed and they started throwing the fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy cats, I was probably sitting

The City of Thompson has announced that a boil water advisory is now in effect for its water system until further notice.

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

The advisory was issued in the late afternoon on May 10.

Until further notice, city residents are being asked to boil tap water for cooking or drinking for at least one minute prior to consuming it. Water to be used for brushing teeth or washing fruit and vegetables should also be boiled before use. Unboiled water can be used for washing, flushing toilets and showering or taking baths.

For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Churchill in a heartbeat.

The issue of MMIWG2S is affected by many factors that government can address, said Churchill-Keewatinook Aski NDP MP Niki Ashton, including housing, poverty and lack of access to educational, medical, addictions and mental health services.

“Our leaders must stop being part of the problem as we continue to see this tragedy unfold and must be part of the solution,” she said.

“I just sort of thought, you know what, this history, this stuff that’s in my head, it’s going to be gone if I don’t write it down,” she said. “My kids are not going to get it if I don’t do it and it’s something I’ve always wanted my mom to do. My mom’s an elder and she’s an artist, she’s got so many wonderful stories because she always tells her stories at Parks Canada in Churchill and I’ve always hounded her, ‘Please, just put it on tape, I will write it for you because your story is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,

very dangerous thing to do. Being on a plane full of fuel

Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill way suspended operations

“It used to be a really thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down to such a small population

Though she’s not there any longer, her parents and her sister and other family

“My cousin owns the hardware store there,” she

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite simplistic. It’s quite disrespectful. If we were in the same boat in another area I think we would scream about that so why don’t they have the option to do that?

I think right now they’re feeling like they’re pawns in a political game and that’s really sad for them because I think the people of Churchill really want to thrive. They’ve built their worlds there. How would we feel if someone came to you and said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to leave your home community and we’re going to displace you somewhere else and all your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

“Routine monitoring of the treated water supply indicates a failure in the filtration treatment process allowing poorly treated water to enter the distribution system,” said a notice from the provincial government. “A boil water advisory has been issued to ensure public health protection.”

Commercial, public and permitted facilities such as restaurants, health care facilities, day cares, personal care homes and private facilities that provide food and water services can remain open but must follow recommendations from the Boil Water Advisory Fact Sheet 33 — Boil Water Advisory for Commercial/ Public Facilities available on the provincial government’s website.

“I miss the shoreline, I miss the rock, I miss the polar bears even though they’re very dangerous and I really miss the Hudson Bay,” she says. “When I go back home, standing on the Hudson Bay looking out on the bay, it just gives you an incredible sense. You feel so small and you feel great.”

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

A notice will be issued when the boil water advisory has been rescinded and it is safe to drink unboiled tap water again.

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

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham

in Churchill.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960 Volume 63 • Issue

Thompson Citizen photos by Ian Graham Thompson residents marched downtown and gathered at Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak’s office to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People on May 5.

THOMPSON GAS BAR CO-OP THANK YOU!

The Board of Directors of the Thompson Gas Bar Co-op Ltd. invites you to Customer Appreciation Day

June 3, 2023 from 11 am - 2 pm

Bring the whole family and enjoy BBQ, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. Hourly prizes including $100 Co-op gift cards. Patronage cheques will be available starting at 11:00 am.

GRAND PRIZE: All expenses paid trip to Las Vegas for 2, includes flights, hotel and $500 spending cash!

Paint Lake Cottage Owners Association

Annual AGM

Thursday May 25, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Paint Lake Fire Hall

The following board positions are currently available: President – 2 year term

Vice President – 1 year term

Members at Large – 2 year term

We are always open to new members joining our board and would like to hear from you with any concerns, questions or suggestions. All are welcome to attend.

Public Notice

MANITOBA HYDRO 2023 PESTICIDE PROGRAM

Public notice is hereby given under Manitoba Regulation 94/88R that Manitoba Hydro intends to conduct the following programs:

Pole Maintenance on in-service wood poles: the application of supplemental wood preservation to reinforce protection against decay and insecticide, in order to control damage caused by carpenter ants. The period of application is from 05-01-2023 to 03-31-2024 on wooden poles for distribution, sub-transmission and transmission lines throughout the Province. Poles will be treated as required. Other individual poles may be treated as needed.

The proposed active ingredients are borate, meta sodium, sodium fluoride, and permethrin.

Herbicide Tree Control on power lines rights-of-way to discourage tall growing woody plant species from growing under power lines to ensure reliability, electricity supply and public safety. The period of application is from 05-01-2023 to 03-31-2024 in the following locations:

1) Ground Herbicide Tree Control for distribution lines rights-of-way in rural municipalities: Armstrong; Boissevain-Morton; Dufferin; Ethelbert; Gimli; Grandview; Grasslan; Harrison Park; Kelsey; Prairie Lakes; Riding Mountain West; Roblin; Rockwood; Rossburn; Swan Valley West; Thompson Victoria Woodlands and Yellowhead.

Ground Herbicide Tree Control on dykes of following generating stations: Brandon; Kelsey; Keeyask; Kettle; Laurie River; Limestone; Long Spruce; Notigi; Manasan; Missi Falls; Gillam, and Winnipeg River generating stations.

Ground Herbicide Tree Control for transmission lines corridors located in: RM of Ste. Anne, RM of East St. Paul, RM of Ellice-Archie, RM of Cornwallis, RM of St. Andrews, RM of Brokenhead, RM of Alonsa, RM of Portage la Prairie, Municipality of Westlake-Gladstone, RM of Grahamdale, RM of West St. Paul, RM of Reynolds, RM of Rosser, Prairie View Municipality, Waterhen-Northern Affairs Act, RM of Lac du Bonnet, City of Portage la Prairie, RM of Yellowhead, Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, Duck Mountains Provincial Park, Whitemouth Falls Provincial Park, LDG of Pinawa, RM of Springfield, RM of Dufferin, RM of Dauphin, City of Brandon, Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa, RM of Alexander, Mallard-Northern Affairs Act, Gilbert Plains Municipality, Municipality of Ethelbert, RM of Grey, Municipality of Glenboro-South Cypress, RM of Piney, RM of Woodlands, RM of St. Clements, RM of Rockwood, Town of Lac du Bonnet, Municipality of Norfolk Treherne, Rock Ridge-Northern Affairs Act.

2) Individual Stems Treatments where and as required using basal bark and cut stump treatments.

The proposed active ingredients are: triclopyr; picloram; 2,4-D; imazapyr, aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor and metsulfuron-methyl.

Pesticide Insect, Rodent and Pigeon Control in the facilities of the following generating stations: Brandon; Selkirk; Great Falls; Slave Falls; Seven Sisters; Pine Falls; Pointe du Bois; MacArthur Falls; Grand Rapids, Keeyask; Kettle; Kelsey Long Spruce; Limestone; Laurie River; Missi Falls; Jenpeg and converter stations: Dorsey; Riel; Radisson and Henday.

The proposed active ingredients are: brodifacoum; bromadiolone; avitrol; permethrin; diphacinone; dichlorvos; malathion; boric acid and pyrethrin.

Herbicide Weed Control in all electrical sub-stations; gas sites; yard sites; Manitoba Hydro district offices; Manitoba Hydro telecommunication sites for worker safety. In Converter Stations (Riel; Dorsey; Keewatinohk; Radisson; Henday). In Generating stations (Brandon; Seven Sisters; Selkirk; Kelsey; Laurie River; Wuskwatim; Notigi Missi Falls ; Grand Rapids; Jenpeg; MacArthur; Great Falls; Keeyask; Pine Falls; Slave Falls; Point Du Bois; Kettle Long Spruce; Limestone ; Gillam) and transmission rights-of-way in municipalities of Rosser; Winnipeg plus customer owned stations at 386 Industrial Park Road in St. Agathe to comply with the Manitoba Noxious Weed Act, as and where required. The period of application is from 05-01-2023 to 04-30-2024. The areas to be treated are located throughout the province and will be treated as required. The proposed active ingredients include: glyphosate, 2,4-D; dicamba, imazapyr, aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor, flumioxazin; pyroxasulfone; indaziflam; chlosulfuron and saflufenacil.

Landscape Care on Manitoba Hydro owned landscaped grounds, around buildings and facilities, for noxious weeds and insect control. The period of application is from 05-01-2023 to 03-31-2024. The areas to be treated are located throughout the province and will be treated as required. The proposed products are Allowable Herbicide Products in Manitoba under MR286/2014.

The public may send written submissions or objections within 15 days of the publication of the notice to the department below.

Manitoba Sustainable Development

Environmental Approvals Branch

1007 Century Street

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0W4

Fourth time a charm for Wapanohk gym teacher seeking donation

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Over a year after he was first nominated, Wapanohk Community School gym teacher Jerry Halcrow was finally successful in securing a donation from 100 Women Who Care Thompson.

Initially put forward as a candidate in May of last year, Halcrow recently found out he had been awarded $7,000 toward electrifying a shed on school grounds used for its land-based learning program. It came after his fourth time making a pitch to the group’s members, who vote for one of three nominees at each of their quarterly meetings.

“Each pitch was different,” said Halcrow as he received the money on May 8. “They said keep trying and I was surprised when I got it.”

Taking a little longer to get the payoff actually worked out well for Halcrow and Wapanohk, as a recent increase in group membership led to this being its biggest donation to date.

“We hope to obviously see it grow a bit more,” said Kim Rudolph of 100 Women Who Care Thompson.

Substantial though the donation is, it probably won’t be enough to cover all the cost of electrifying the shed in the back corner of the Wapanohk grounds.

'We still have to find some more money, but with the starting of this, it’s good to get the ball rolling,” Halcrow said.

Designated as The True Acimowan Akamik, according to a sign above the door, the outbuilding provides a much different educational atmosphere than a class-

room and a desk.

“I call it an organic learning experience,” Halcrow said. “The questions that come out of the learning, it’s really special and the learning comes from the students.”

Though it is usable without a permanent electrical connection, thanks to a generator donated by Jordans Principle, the system isn’t always flawless and it can be expensive during the winter, using up to 20 gallons of gas per week.

“It’s a lot of work to do, to bring it out and carry it back in, especially in wintertime,” said Halcrow. “We get troubles where it’s freezing, as well. “

Eventually, the plan is to extend the electrification to the powwow arbor to make it easier to set up microphones and speakers

for grad celebrations there without relying on either finicky extension cords or the noisy generator.

“We’ve got the powwow singers trying to go over that sound,” said Halcrow.

Although it took multiple attempts for the shed electrification project to convince a majority of the 100 Women voters, Rudolph says that doesn’t diminish the value of land-based learning to Wapanohk students and to the community.

“If that’s not taught, it’s forgotten,” she said. “I just think it’s very important.”

100 Women Who Care Thompson has given out $167,000 since it was formed. To find out more about the organization or to inquire about becoming a member, look for their Facebook page or get in touch with Kim Rudolph.

Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham

Wapanohk Community School gym teacher Jerry Halcrow, second from right, accepts a $7,000 cheque from Kim Rudolph, left, Cara Butler, second from left, and Kate Roth, right, on May 8.

Funding, infrastructure, human resources and public safety on priority list of Manitoba municipalities

The group that represents Manitoba’s 137 municipalities has released a four-point priority list for political parties to incorporate into their campaign platforms as a provincial election nears.

At a May 5 press conference in Winnipeg, the mayors of Thompson, Winnipeg and East St. Paul joined Association of Manitoba Municipalities president Kam Blight to outline what they’d like to see from a prospective provincial government in the areas of funding, infrastructure, human resources and public safety.

First on the list is simpler and predictable funding for municipalities that keeps pace with inflation.

“We’re glad the province lifted the operating funding freeze, but the next step is building in an annual escalator so municipalities can effectively plan for the future,” said Blight in a news release.

Municipalities would also like to get rebates for any provincial sales tax they pay, like the federal government does for GST they are charged, and for the province to streamline existing tax tools and to give greater flexibility and financial autonomy to local governments.

“With inflation pressure

on construction, fuel and labour costs, municipalities need strong, long-term provincial funding support – but we’re also calling on party leaders to commit to a new funding formula which would grow with the economy, so municipalities can be real partners with the province in delivering economic growth,” said Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.

The AMM also wants to hear how parties plan to address infrastructure, particularly expansion of rural cellular phone and broadband internet coverage and increased Manitoba Water Services Board funding for water and sewer infrastructure. Also on the wish list is a commitment to a permanent federal and provincial infrastructure fund and more co-ordination between economic development officers and agencies for the sake of efficiency and responsiveness to municipal economic development needs.

The municipal organization says that the government needs to ensure an adequate number of licensed professionals in all regions of the province, particularly in the health care field, by accelerating a comprehensive provincial recruitment strategy and increasing regional

settlement incentives for foreign-trained doctors and other professionals.

“We need care closer to home – doctors, nurses, and paramedics in all our communities, and the local training opportunities to get them there,” said Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook.

The fourth priority for

the municipalities concerns public safety. The AMM feels there needs to be more police funding to combat crime and drug trafficking, a provincial push for the federal government to reform the bail and conditional release system, and a refusal to let police reform costs get downloaded onto local governments. Muni-

cipalities also want predictable police resourcing and more flexibility to assign certain enforcement and social service functions away from police and onto separate, provincially funded agencies. Last on the public safety wish list is the expansion of community safety and well-being plans like the one developed in

Thompson a few years ago

“Rural crime is going up, violent crime is going up, and drug crime is going up,” said rural municipality of Wast St. Paul Mayor Carla Devlin. “We need bail reform for violent offenders, and we need enhanced police resources to keep our communities safe.”

CITY OF THOMPSON BUILDING PERMITS & INSPECTIONS NOTICE OF IMPROVEMENT

The City of Thompson is pleased to offer residents, builders and business owners in our community an online system to apply for and track your building permits.

So if you are in the works of planning your new project whether it is an addition, alteration, conversion, repair, improvement to your principal building or accessory building (commercial or residential) we have made it simple and easy to apply.

The Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your applications anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, and receive email updates on the status of your permit application. You can even request building inspections with results sent immediately to your email!

To get started, create your Cloudpermit account by visiting https:// ca.cloudpermit.com/login.

Any questions or assistance with the system please go to https://www. thompson.ca/p/permits or give us a call or email:

Danny Haywood, Building Inspector 204-677-7953

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Association of Manitoba Municipalities

From left to right, Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook, Association of Manitoba Municipalities president Kam Blight, East St. Paul Mayor Carla Devlin, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and AMM vice-president and Thompson city councillor Kathy Valentino during a May 5 announcement of the AMM’s provincial election priorities.

Keep fighting tuberculosis

is a highly contagious disease, Each year, TB claims the lives people worldwide. TB is not only a World countries, but also here in higher prevalence in the north. vaccination, disease prevention

Additionally, some TB bacteria the years, giving rise to forms resistant TB, which means treatment complicated and accompanied by severe one in four people in this world is World TB day, raising awarean opportunity to mobilize funds elimination. I am glad to see Canada as global fund to fight tuberculosis. commitment continues in the future our goal to stop TB.

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

Thomplocal bodies prothe representathem made not numbers, trustagainst trustee only reof seven to earlier, than a Thompsonvoice prowould from to the of people for-

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

Belected bodies have considered proposals to reduce the number of representatives comprising them and one of them made a choice March 13 not to shrink its numbers, as school board trustees voted 6-1 against a resolution by trustee Ryan Land (the only vote in support) to reduce the number of trustees from seven to five.

With real spring, the type indicated by the lack of snow on the ground and the visibility of actual grass for the first time since last October and not just by an arbitrary date on the calendar, having arrived in Thompson, along with this week’s surprise of positively summer-like weather, the city has shifted from coping with winter mode to cleaning up after winter mode.

It’s been a dusty few days, with boulevards being brushed and street cleaning equipment out to wash and scoop up a winter’s worth

are the regular critics of council who attend meetings and ask their elected officials questions week after week, their opinions may not be enough to dissuade the majority from forging ahead, especially since the number of people who care about this one way or another doesn’t even reach double digits.

of dirt off the edges of Thompson’s roads.

Now, if only something could be done about the garbage.

One night earlier, slightly more than a half-dozen Thompsonites showed up to voice their opinion on a proposed bylaw that would see council shrink from eight councillors to six, not including the mayor. Only one of that handful of people with an opinion – for-

Whether or not the number of councillors or school board trustees should be reduced is not the sort of question for which there is a right or wrong answer. On the pro side of keeping the current numbers, the option that all but one of the school board members opted for, is the argument that it spreads the

It can, of course, with the City of Thompson set to launch its annual community cleanup campaign later this month, lasting until about the first day of summer, more notable around these parts for being National Indigenous People’s Day and also, this year, the kickoff of the annual Nickel Days summer fair. Anyone who chooses to participate deserves kudos for making the effort to help Thomp-

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

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

son deal with its annually recurring litter problem, even if the ones who are motivated to do so are almost certainly not the ones who are responsible for so much garbage being tossed on the ground and then accumulating in snowbanks until warmer temperatures get rid of the lingering snow and the only thing left is the trash.

Many people who live in Thompson cite the easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities as one of the attractions of living in this remote northern community. Unfortunately,

One of the arguments

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

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

Critics of the proposed reduction say that it will prevent “new blood” from being elected and, theoretically, reduce the diversity of opinions, but that would only be true if

not everyone acts as if they truly appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. Undoubtedly, some of the problem is related to a lack of garbage cans where they are needed, or accessibility to those garbage cans as a winter’s worth of snow piles up over the course of several months, making it difficult for pedestrians on the street to access them or for public works crews to do the same in order to empty them so they can be used some more. Truthfully, however, it is the result of literally thousands of individual choices made every

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

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

day by people who live in or visit the city, with some contributions from ravens digging through insecurely closed dumpsters or residential garbage bins.

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

Need for spring garbage cleanups a testament to the problem of people behaving badly

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

One of the arguments

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

Like many problems, Thompson’s litter issue can’t be solved by enforcement. Bylaw inspectors can’t be everywhere all at once to issue fines to everyone who drops a piece of garbage on the ground. Even if they could, the damage is already done by that point. The real key is education. Modelling respectful behaviour by putting trash where it belongs and not

Critics of the proposed reduction say that it will prevent “new blood” from being elected and, theoretically, reduce the diversity of opinions, but that would only be true if

Your Thompson Citizen News Team

just wherever you happen to be at the time helps to demonstrate to those who may not know any better that this is what you are supposed to do with your garbage. The sad reality, however, is that it is probably impossible to inspire everyone to care. That said, there are certainly other communities in this province and across the country whose citizens have a superior record when it comes to keeping the places they live clean. Hopefully Thompson can someday do a better job of emulating them.

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

Assault with shopping cart sends security guard to hospital in

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A security guard in Thompson is recovering from horrific injuries, after a man allegedly threw a shopping cart at her while she was trying to defend her colleague from an attack, leading some to say the main entrance to the Walmart in Thompson is so dangerous its doors should be closed permanently.

Thompson RCMP said that on April 26 they got a call about an incident outside of the Walmart in the northern Manitoba city and when they got to the store they found two security guards had been injured.

One of the victims, a 63-year-old woman, was discovered with what police described as “serious injuries” to the head, which caused massive bleeding and she was taken to hospital where she received 17 staples to repair the injury.

In an email sent to the Winnipeg Sun, a police spokesperson said “the suspect did throw a shopping cart at the female victim leading to her serious injuries.”

The injured woman was assaulted, police said, after attempting to assist a 35-year-old security guard that police say was being attacked by the same suspect “with his fists” after the suspect allegedly tried to steal items from the Walmart and was confronted.

Police have arrested the man, and are now praising several witnesses who were at the scene who helped RCMP to arrest the suspect, and who helped the injured victim after she was hit in the head with a shopping cart.

According to police, when they got to the scene, witnesses pointed out the suspect, and he then fled the scene, leading to a brief foot pursuit.

An officer caught up to the suspect, but while trying to arrest him, police allege that officer was kicked several times, and a bystander stepped in to help the officer, who was eventually able to arrest the suspect.

“I would like to thank all the people that helped during this violent incident,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Shane Flanagan said in a media release.

“Several people provided assistance to the injured victims, and helped officers identify and arrest the suspect.”

Police say the suspect was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was “yelling, swearing and causing a disturbance” after his arrest, and allege he also “threatened an officer.”

The suspect has been charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated assault, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and uttering threats.

Some in Thompson now say the entrance to the community’s Walmart has become so dangerous and uninviting that people don’t feel safe when they enter the

store, and a petition that already has more than 1,000 signatures is asking for the store’s main doors to be permanently closed, and for customers to instead enter from an interior mall door.

The petition, which was started on April 30, is now online at Change.org, and had 1,075 signatures as of the afternoon of May 3.

“We all know how dangerous the Thompson Walmart has become,” a statement on the petition’s main page reads. “Security guards who are stationed there are being attacked, hurt, and seriously assaulted.

“You cannot walk in through the main entrance without passing a crowd of people who are sometimes fighting, drinking, arguing, asking you for money etc.

“It is a general consensus that Walmart has become a ‘party’ at the entrance every day.”

The petition states it would be “beneficial to close these main doors and open the mall entrance once again, and station security in the mall to ensure there is no violence, drinking, and loitering.”

The Winnipeg Sun reached out to Walmart Canada for comment on the incident, and about safety concerns at the Thompson Walmart.

“The incident that took place at our Thompson Walmart store last week is deeply disturbing and we continue to communicate with the store, our third-party secur-

Thompson: RCMP

ity provider, the mall landlord, and local police as this is investigated,” a Walmart Canada spokesperson said in an email.

“Walmart uses a variety of security and asset protection procedures in-store to keep our associates and customers safe.

“Walmart is very concerned about the appalling

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and frightening act of retail violence, and we’re committed to doing what we can to prevent incidents in our stores.”

— 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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Public libraries face accusations of promoting pornography

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

For nearly a year, a battle has been waging in the city of Winkler, and the local public library is at the heart of it.

On the offensive is a group of passionate parents who are facing off with their city council, demanding that they deny funding to the South Central Regional Library, which oversees branches in Altona, Manitou, Miami, Morden, and Winkler.

The reason, they argue, is that the SCRL has declined to remove children’s books from their shelves that fall into the category of sexual and gender education.

The parent group claims that their motive is not censorship but rather to have the books removed on the basis that they represent pornography.

The books and the arguments

The specific books under fire include two written by award-winning Canadian author Cory Silverberg called What Makes a Baby and Sex

Is a Funny Word. The first is written and illustrated with young children in mind and the topic of intercourse is not discussed in its pages.

The second, illustrated in comic book style, is intended for a slightly older audience and covers topics such as gender differences and establishing boundaries for touching.

Finally, the third book, called It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health, was written by award-winning children’s author Robie H. Harris for pre- and early teens.

First released more than 25 years ago, Harris’s updated version now includes current topics such as abortion, sexual abuse, and how to stay safe in an online world.

Winkler resident Karin Banman has been a vocal advocate for the parent group from the beginning. Frustrated with the SCRL’s decision to keep the books on their shelves, even though they are kept in the age-appropriate sections, Banman attended Winkler council’s budget public hearing on March 14 to plea for a SCRL defunding.

She also presented a petition with over 1,700 signatures from local residents who concur with her resolution.

“To keep books such as these in the library is to cre-

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ate an unsafe environment for children and to place them at undue risk,” Banman told council.

A second resident, also referencing the books as porn, took to the podium presenting council with an alternative to defunding.

“Withholding money in order to achieve a purpose creates conflict,” he said. “The library that we have here in Winkler is a very valuable place for a lot of people… I do want all of us to be careful when we demand something that maybe will come back to haunt us.”

An alternative, he said, would be to require the local library board to implement a policy change so that books containing sexual content need to be signed out by an adult. Encouragement to do so would need to come from council.

According to one news source, Winkler’s mayor took that to heart, sending a request to the SCRL board to review their policy on how books like these are displayed. The board has until the end of this month to respond.

A local regional library and HSD weigh in Without a doubt, library directors across southern Manitoba have been watching the spectacle with rapt attention, wondering if the movement will come this way.

The Ritchot library director declined comment to the Niverville Citizen on the subject. But Chrystie Kroeker Boggs, library director for the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach, had a few things to say.

“I haven’t personally seen or read the books that are being challenged in Winkler, so I won’t make a statement on those three specifically,” says Boggs. “However, I wholeheartedly support the Canadian Library Associ-

ation’s statement on intellectual freedom and believe it to be imperative that public libraries make information of all legal forms available to patrons. I support SCRL’s similar stance and the effort they’re putting in to ensuring the members of their community have pertinent resources available to them. Freedom and access for one group means freedom and access for all groups.”

Boggs adds that the books being challenged in Winkler aren’t stocked at the JEL but would be considered, like any other special request, if someone were to ask for them. Other age-appropriate materials pertaining to the human body and sexuality are carried in their juvenile non-fiction section, aimed at readers from eight years old and up.

An administrative team looks after the acquisition of new books for the library shelves. To help guide their decision-making process, Boggs says they consult reviews from verified sources and other libraries as well as take into consideration the reputation of the publisher who stands behind the written material.

They also adhere to a collection development policy created specifically for the JEL.

“The presence of an item in the Jake Epp Library’s collection is an affirmation of the principle of intellectual freedom,” the policy states. “The following will not cause an item to be removed or excluded from the collection: race, religion, nationality or political views of an author, frankness or coarseness of language, controversial content, endorsement or disapproval from an individual or group.”

The superintendent of the Hanover School Division, Shelley Amos, says that the

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

4033515 Manitoba Association Inc., also known as the Thompson Regional Airport Authority, will be holding an Annual General Meeting via Zoom conference call:

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Time: 5:30 PM

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Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Lion’s Manor 510 Station Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N 0N4

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responsibility of book selection for school libraries in the division falls to the personnel within each school, although the division may look to the public or the division for recommendations.

Even so, she says, significant care is taken to make sure that materials are presented in ways that will match the child’s age and emotional maturity, among other factors.

“The selection of learning resources on controversial issues is directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views,” Amos says. “The input of parents in these matters is welcomed. However, no parent has the right to determine reading, viewing, or listening matter for students other than their [own] children.”

The protection of intellectual freedom in Canada

Endorsed by the JEL and libraries across the nation are the principles laid out by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations in its statement on intellectual freedom and libraries.

The statement states: “Libraries have a core responsibility to safeguard and facilitate access to constitutionally protected expressions of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, including those which some individuals and groups consider unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, in accordance with their mandates and professional values and standards, libraries provide, defend and promote equitable access to the widest possible variety of expressive content and resist calls for censorship and the adoption of systems that deny or restrict access to resources.”

What local parents say

The Niverville Citizen put out a call to local parents to share their opinion regarding public library availability of children’s books on sexuality and the human body.

Some parents voiced support for the decision made by the SCRL.

Another agreed but felt restrictions on books pertaining to sex and the human body were needed. This parent requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the subject. She is the mother of middleschool-age children.

“In my opinion, these books should be in the adult section of a library, where an actively curious preteen would still be able to find them but would remove the chance of a child who is not ready to be exposed to them,” this mom says.

She admits to not appreciating books on sexual education targeted at children but doesn’t believe in banning them either. Their placement in a library, she says, is crucial so that children who aren’t ready won’t be unnecessarily exposed.

“These books teach one perspective, and it is not one that is accepted by all,” she adds. “I personally want to be able to have open conversations with my kids about sex and relationships and I don’t want them to read a

book like this without being aware [first].”

Rebecca Bilsky says that she wants sex education for her kids to be different than it was for her as a child. For Bilsky, sex education focused primarily on warnings not to get pregnant.

“I have a nine-year-old boy,” Bilsky says. “I would absolutely prefer that my kid secretly went to the library and read one of those books without me knowing than secretly went on the internet to find God knows what. Or talked to other kids on the playground.”

Bilsky borrowed the book It’s Perfectly Normal from her public library about a year ago and used it as a tool to discuss sexuality with her child.

“As well as consulting experts in health, the [author] consults other voices in the sex ed conversation [too], including religious leaders,” says Bilsky. “I was surprised and impressed. That seemed to me like a very accommodating inclusion.”

Another benefit of using the book as a parental tool, she adds, is that it opened up conversations about things she’d never thought about, or was experienced in, like risk management of sexually transmitted disease.

Jessica Galli is a mom to three children under four years of age.

“I think it is extremely important for children to learn all parts of the body and how it functions,” Galli says. “These ‘sensitive’ topics need to be shared with our children so they are aware. It is better that they have literature they can understand along with parent-provided information rather than finding out this information through different channels that may not provide accurate details. The alternative channels do not educate on the relationships and do not provide information on consent and healthy bodily habits and relationships.”

Sara Dacombe’s kids are 11 and 14. She’s been following the news regarding what’s happening in Winkler and has heard that similar parental requests for the removal of books from public libraries are growing in this area as well.

“The book-banning requests that have escalated in southern Manitoba are very concerning to me,” Dacombe says. “Censorship of regional public libraries is wrong.”

She says she understands that many parents are just struggling to try and maintain their child’s innocence in a world with overly sexualized messaging all around them.

“Learning about sex does not make children less innocent,” she argues. “It does, however, keep them [from being] naive and unsuspecting.

To that point, there is an overwhelming amount of research supporting how sex ed keeps kids safer from exploitation, reduces the age of first sexual experience, and drastically reduces teen pregnancy.”

Dacombe says that, by the time a child encounters these kinds of books within their age-appropriate section of the

Three escapees from The Pas jail arrested without incident: RCMP

BY ERIC WESTHAVER FLIN FLON REMINDER

It appears the Mounties have gotten their man.

The third and final inmate who escaped from a jail in The Pas Monday night has been found and arrested.

RCMP have arrested all three inmates that escaped a jail in The Pas on May 8, including one facing a second-degree murder charge.

Police in The Pas were notified around 6:45 p.m. Monday of three inmates having escaped from The Pas Correctional Centre. The trio were last seen at 6:40 p.m. and had apparently escaped the jail on foot. RCMP members, along with Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services, set out on a search, locating one of the inmates shortly after 8 p.m. and taking him back into custody.

Two of the inmates remained at large that night. The fugitives were identified as 19-year-old Xander William Tardiff and 21-year-old Kelly John Castel.

According to police, Tardiff was found by police and arrested May 9 by The Pas RCMP.

"Xander Tardiff has been located and was arrested without incident. He is now in police custody," reads an RCMP announcement made around 2 p.m. that day.

Castel was located early Wednesday morning in The Pas and was arrested after attempting to flee on foot once more. RCMP Emergency Response Team members spotted Castel around Halcrow Avenue in the community and chased after him, along with police dogs

and an aerial surveillance drone. The dogs were the key to the search — one found Castel hiding, leading to his arrest.

"Emergency Response Team officers, who were brought in to assist with the search for the escaped inmates, were conducting patrols in The Pas earlier this morning and located Kelly Castel near Halcrow Avenue. Castel fled on foot and additional police units including Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (drone) and The Pas detachment members immediately responded to the area," reads a Manitoba RCMP update issued May 10.

"A police dog led officers to Castel who was hiding a short distance away. He was arrested and is now in custody."

Mayor of The Pas Andre Murphy announced the arrests before RCMP did Wednesday morning, thanking police for their efforts and the community for their assistance.

"Thank you to the RCMP for their efforts and long hours dealing with the escaped inmates. It is good news to hear this morning, May 10, that all three individuals have been captured," reads an online post from Murphy.

"Thank you to our citizens for looking after each other and reporting

all suspicious activity."

Police have also thanked community members for their assistance during the search.

"The Manitoba RCMP recognizes that this was a difficult time for the affected communities and thanks the residents for their understanding and assistance," reads the May 10 statement.

Tardiff was arrested in 2022 and faced several charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of 26-year-old Catherine Morin in Flin Flon January 2022. Tardiff was the subject of a manhunt by police following the killing of Morin and a second shooting incident in Creighton, leading to his arrest after hiding out at the Aspen Grove apartment complex. Tardiff was in The Pas awaiting trial on charges relating to the attacks.

An Alert Ready message was sent to residents in Flin Flon, The Pas, Creighton and surrounding communities late on the night of May 8 about the escape of the two men, particularly Tardiff. At one point during the search, RCMP said that Tardiff may attempt to harm individuals known to him — no evidence has been released to show that either man ended up leaving the area around The Pas while on the lam.

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Knights of Columbus indoor track meet returns May 12 after three-year hiatus

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

After a three-year hiatus, the Knights of Columbus indoor track meet is back today, with hundreds of students from Thompson’s seven elementary schools taking part.

The event was last held in 2019, when the École Riverside School Rams ended a 16-year run of Westwood School collecting the most overall points at the meet, which is open to students from Grades 3 to 8.

“COVID obviously put a damper on everything,” said Riverside gym teacher Martin Vermette.

Riverside is in charge of

organizing this year’s event in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus.

It’s Vermette’s second time being part of the organizational team.

“I’ve been here quite a few years,” says Vermette, adding that the students and staff at Riverside are happy to be part of the event’s long-awaited return.

“They’re very excited and pumped. It’s a big community event that brings everybody together in the arena.”

Running for about 12 hours, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing into the evening, when the finals of many of the running events are held and the overall champion

crowned, the track meet will take place in the C.A. Nesbitt Arena.

At their May 8 meeting, city council granted a request from the Knights of Columbus to waive half of the $1,438 cost to rent the arena for the whole day.

“The games have been an active part of the community since the 1970s and provide many students with a very good experience of sportsmanship, and a chance to meet students from other schools in Thompson,” said Knights of Columbus indoor games chairperson Mario LeClerc in a letter to the city requesting the 50 per cent

fee waiver.

“It’s nice to start to get those extra events happening and getting back to normal,” said Riverside principal Jonathan Wamboldt. “There’s lots of volunteers to make it happen. We’re thankful for al the volunteers and the support of the Knights for promoting and actually funding the event.”

For those who can’t make it to the arena in person for either the daytime events and heats or the evening finals, which start at 7 p.m., the track meet will be livestreamed on YouTube at https://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=VToL44iU8L8.

Four teams competing at provincial mine rescue competition in Snow Lake this month

Hudbay Minerals is hosting the 60th-annual Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition at the Chisel North Mine in Snow Lake May 26-27.

In addition to the host team, the other competitors include a team from Vale Manitoba Operations in Thompson and one from Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada in Bernic Lake, as well as a Manitoba

Mutual Aid Team, led by a host-mine captain and director of operations with four members from the other participating mine operations.

This is the first time that a mutual aid team has been part of the competition.

“The concept of ‘Mutual Aid’ is fundamental to a safety-focused mine rescue culture,” said Stacy Kennedy, co-chair of the

Mining Association of Manitoba’s mine rescue committee and the head of Vale’s operations in Thompson. “We’re excited to see how this new element contributes to the spirit of competition and lessons learned by all our participants.”

The mine rescue competition consists of written exams, first aid challenges and a firefighting test,

followed by a simulated rescue mission conducted by presiding judges Neil Spencer of Sling-Choker Mfg. (Thompson) Ltd. and Jamie Mortson of Alex MacIntyre & Associates Ltd., who are both highly experienced certified independent Manitoba mine rescue instructors.

The mine rescue competition is intended to help members of participating mines’ rescue teams sharpen their lifesaving skills.

“More than an important industry competition, this annual event is an opportunity to inform our communities and Manitobans about our mining operations’ reliance upon effective mine rescue teams,” said Kennedy. “Mining operations cannot and do not operate without the presence of experienced and well-trained mine rescue workers on site at all times.”

This year’s edition is spe-

cial because it is the 60th anniversary of the competition, said the mining association’s mine

“Our participants are equally as excited to contribute to our province’s deep mine rescue legacy as they are to compete!” he said.

rescue committee co-chair Richard Trudeau.

Thompson Citizen file photo

The École Riverside School Rams will attempt to defend their title as the Knight of Columbus indoor track meet champions on May 12 at Thompson’s C.A. Nesbitt Arena. The event was last held in 2019, when the Rams ended a 16-year run of the Westwood School Vikings capturing the overall title.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of the Mining Association of Manitoba Manitoba mine rescue teams will test their skills against each other in the 60th-annual provincial mine rescue competition at Snow Lake’s Chisel North Mine May 26-27.

Province grants greater control to municipalities for law enforcement

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

Justice Minister Kelvin

Goertzen made a special announcement in Portage la Prairie last week, highlighting significant amendments recently made to the Police Services Act which will provide a wider range of options for rural and urban municipalities to address crime in their communities.

As of June 1, municipally appointed community safety officers will be granted greater authority over lowrisk law enforcement.

“Crime is a concern across Manitoba and there are unique challenges in rural Manitoba, particularly when it comes to the staffing of policing positions,” said Goertzen. “Local municipalities need more options and more control to improve community safety. Municipalities have long asked for the ability to have community safety officers enforce additional provincial laws.”

Goertzen calls it a layered approach to law enforcement, giving municipalities more flexibility in addressing their own specific needs while still receiving services from the local police authority.

He admits to recruitment challenges that the government is having in filling RCMP vacancies across the country.

“We’ve been working at how to have layered policing options so that municipalities can find a way to have other types of enforcement and relieve some of the pressure off the RCMP,” said Goertzen.

Additionally, he adds, the province is working together with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to determine whether CSOs can be implemented across larger regions.

AMM president Kam Blight also addressed those gathered, indicating that almost every municipal council across the province has shared concerns over the lack of RCMP visibility in their communities as of late.

Partly at fault, he says, are the administrative duties RCMP officers are responsible for as well as the significant amount of time they must spend in court dealing with offenders.

“CSOs can handle less significant incidents that often take up significant police resources and time,” Blight said. “The AMM has been urging the provincial government for more than 10 years to grant local coun cils the authority to enforce specific sections of the Highway Traffic Act with the aim of safeguarding municipal infrastructure.”

According to the Police Services Act, a CSO must be appointed by council and have prescribed training in crime prevention and public

safety.

Working in collaboration with the local policing authority, they must work at implementing crime prevention strategies and initiatives, connect persons in need with the appropriate social service providers and maintain a visible presence within the community.

While the new legislation announced by Goertzen could go a long way to addressing RCMP officer shortages, it offers nothing by way of additional funding supports for municipalities that want to create a local CSO program.

To address the matter of cost assistance, Goertzen proposed another strategy that would require the cooperation of the federal government.

Working together with Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith, Goertzen says he has been pressing the federal government to take responsibility for the back pay they promised to the RCMP union and take the pressure to do so off municipal taxpayers.

“We appreciate and value the work of the RCMP in Manitoba,” said Goertzen. “However, municipalities were not consulted nor

“With some municipalities across Manitoba, it’s $5.1 million that they’re

going to have to absorb,” Blight said. “In some cases, that’s a five to ten per cent

tax increase just to cover the retroactive costs [of RCMP services]. Never mind the

cost going forward for the increased salary to these RCMP officers.”

Friday, May 19 th

◼ Departure from Thompson 8  am

T hompson B us D epoT

◼ First Grand Entry 7  pm to midnight m aniTo a hBee pow wow grounDs

Bus leaves grounds for hotel @ 10  pm

Saturday, May 20 th

◼ Second Grand Entry 12  pm m aniTo a hBee pow wow grounDs

Bus leaves hotel for grounds @ 11   am Bus leaves grounds for hotel @ 9  pm

Sunday May 21 st

◼ Check-out of hotel 10:30  am and Shopping stop at Polo Park

◼ Departure from Winnipeg 2  pm p olo p ark parking loT

Winnipeg

Blight concurred, stating that policing and public safety already exceeds 20 percent of fiscal spending in many municipalities. This figure will go up, he says, with the back pay promise made to the RCMP union by the federal government.

Scan for Pow Wow Events

Thompson Citizen photo by Brenda Sawatzky, Loxcal journalism Initiative Reporter, Niverville Citizen Association of Manitoba Municipalities president Kam Blight and Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

Canadian Labour Congress wants more ambitious climate goals from Ottawa

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

Canada's largest labour organization passed two resolutions May 8 vowing to address climate change, a just transition to clean energy and green industrial policy in a way that's fair for workers.

Both resolutions appeared on the affordability agenda at the Canadian Labour Congress’ 2023 constitutional convention in Montreal. The first pledges to tackle the climate crisis while ensuring workers aren’t left behind in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The second deals with industrial policy, including expanding clean energy and creating good union jobs in the process.

“There are no jobs on a dead planet, period,” said Tiffany Balducci, CUPE Ontario second vice-president and chair of the union’s climate justice committee. During debate on the climate resolution, she urged delegates to think of catastrophic environmental events unfolding at home.

Disruptions like floods and wildfires will cause an increased need for child care, rising temperatures will put outside workers at risk, and “our pension investments will be worthless,” said Balducci.

“Not only our jobs are at risk, our lives are too. We need a mass movement of working people rising to tackle the climate crisis and create a just and equitable future for all,” she said.

“In the labour movement, we say: ‘Solidarity forever.’ But we don't have forever. What about solidarity now with our planet, for our lives, for our future?”

This week, nearly 2,200 voting delegates and 230 observers representing local, regional and national unions are gathered to debate various action plans and resolutions that aim to make life fairer for workers. This convention sets priorities for Canada’s largest labour organization, representing more than three million workers. The policy directives decided this week will shape what the CLC and its 51 affiliates lobby govern-

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ments and campaign on.

Monday’s topic of discussion was affordability, with Indigenous justice, climate change, health care and infrastructure slated for the following days. But as several delegates pointed out, these issues are interconnected.

Coal was a focus of the resolution aimed at tackling the climate crisis and ensuring a just transition for workers. It included opposition to both expanding coal export facilities in British Columbia and creating new coal power plants abroad, as well as advocacy for replacing coal power with “clean, affordable alternatives.” Lobbying the federal government to increase its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, assume “primary responsibility for preventing a climate disaster” and invest in the transition to a green, equitable and sustainable economy were also included.

The resolution recognized “that climate action cannot be limited to measures that are ‘profitable,’ nor can 2030 reduction measures be based on technologies that are not currently viable at scale.”

Rob Ashton, national president of the International Longshore Warehouse Union of Canada, spoke against the resolution, saying: “All I read in this resolution was … a ban on expansion of coal terminals. That's my people’s work.”

Ashton said a blanket statement about coal, without differentiating between coal used for power generation and steel production, hurts his members, many of whom work at coal export facilities in British Columbia.

Also against the resolution was Galen Crampsey, an electrical worker and rank-and-file member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local

353. He said it’s “simply not acceptable” for any workers to be left behind, and pointed to the need for a “concrete and concise plan” on how to transition workers into new jobs with new benefits and acceptable wages.

“I don't see any language in this resolution that identifies the root of the problem,” said Crampsey, who identified the ruling class as the source of the cost of living and climate crises.

“For decades, their leaders in the fossil fuel industry spent millions and millions of dollars and resources lying to the public, convincing us that fossil fuels and coal and natural gas and oil were not a problem, were perfectly fine and good for the environment, and look where we're at now,” said Crampsey. “These people still hold an immeasurable amount of power in our society … we have to start utilizing our powers as the

working class.

“I would suggest first and foremost, we push for the government to nationalize the energy sector completely, and stop giving money in tax rebates and subsidies to these private-sector oil corporations and energy corporations that are just using that money to profit from the need that we have for energy,” Crampsey added. The second climate-related resolution on the affordability agenda advocated for the development of a “comprehensive green industrial policy,” which includes expanding clean energy and creating good union jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the resolution focuses on forestry, steel and critical minerals, for example, calling for governments and employers to invest in mines and ensure the use of “lower-carbon Canadian steel in infrastructure projects.”

Public libraries accused

Continued from page 6 library, those conversations should already be happening at home.

“If our children encounter information outside of what they are developmentally ready to understand, which is unavoidable in any healthy societal context, it is a parent’s responsibility to facilitate a relationship with their children in which the child can ask questions and receive good information,” she concludes. “If the parent relationship is insufficient to provide this, I am in full support of children asking questions and receiving good information from another appropriate role model.”

The book-banning phenomenon south of the border

Since the summer of 2021, the demand to ban books in American libraries and schools has grown into a fullon movement that’s sweeping across states like Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina.

This literary culling, dubbed “wholesome bans,” began as a grassroots movement led by parent groups.

PEN America is an advocacy group established in 1922 to protect literary freedom of expression.

“We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world,” PEN America’s website states. “Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.”

Alarmed by this recent drive to ban books, PEN America has been closely tracking how the movement has affected America’s literary world over the past two years.

From July 2021 to June 2022, PEN America lists 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles. In the six-month cycle following, they say, that number has climbed exponentially.

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.

COMMUNICATIONS & EVENT COORDINATOR

Communications

Full Time, Permanent Position

The Pas or Thompson, Manitoba

Competition No: 23-044

Closing Date: May 26, 2023

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

Not surprisingly, 22 per cent of the book titles removed from library shelves in the first wave were those containing sexual content of one form or another. These included stories containing details on sexual experiences, stories about teen pregnancy, sexual assault and abortion, as well as non-fiction books on puberty, sex, or relationships.

Battle cries have echoed out over what these groups were calling “pornography geared towards children.”

Another 41 per cent of the books banned during that period had LGBTQ+ themes or characters in the story who identified as LGBTQ+ or transgender.

Books with themes revolving around race or racism, or feature characters of colour, are also among those being culled from many public libraries in some U.S. states. These include memoirs and autobiographies.

According to BBC News, a Florida school removed 16 books pending review,

including award-winning novels such as The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Beloved by Toni Morrison, citing obscene content.

A school district near Seattle removed Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird from the curriculum for its racial themes and use of racist language.

“The full impact of the book ban movement is greater than can be counted, as ‘wholesale bans’ are restricting access to untold numbers of books in classrooms and school libraries,” the PEN America website states. “This school year, numerous states enacted ‘wholesale bans’ in which entire classrooms and school libraries have been suspended, closed, or emptied of books, either permanently or temporarily. This is largely because teachers and librarians in several states have been directed to catalog entire collections for public scrutiny within short timeframes, under threat of punishment from new, vague

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.

MAINTENANCE LEAD HAND

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.

Missing Split Lake woman found dead May 4

A Split Lake woman reported missing May 3 was found dead by searchers the following day, police say.

The body of Catherine Dumas was located in a wooded area in the Muskrat Bay section of Split Lake on May 4.

The 42-year-old had been reported missing the previous day, after last having been seen in the Muskrat Bay area early on the morning of April 27. It was reported that she was believed to be disoriented when she was last sighted.

The cause of Dumas’s death has not been determined and an autopsy will be conducted, RCMP said.

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.

HOUSING COORDINATOR

Facilities, Ancillary Services and Workplace Safety and Health

Full Time, Permanent Position

The Pas, Manitoba

Competition No: 23-043

Closing Date: May 17, 2023

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

HERE

EDITOR/REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER THOMPSON CITIZEN

Location: Thompson, Manitoba

Deadline for applications: May 8, 2023

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

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

University College of the North

FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

DENTAL WORKER AIDE

The community-based Dental Worker Aide will work in partnership with the Dental Hygienist and other Community Health Professionals to provide community –based preventive dental services for children aged 0-7 years enrolled in COHI.

DUTIES:

• Administration of forms, records, and supplies

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM ASSISTANT

FULL TIME POSITION

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the Director of Education & Training, the Training & Employment Program Assistant will be required to maintain accurate financial records and provide support to the Training & Employment Coordinator and Employment & Training Workers in KTC Communities. Provide regular financial reports to the KTC First Nations and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak ISET Program on the Employment & Training budgets for KTC. (Includes Consolidated Revenue Fund & Employment Insurance Programs).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Formal training in the area of Business Administration.

• Experience in maintaining financial records, individual files, financial reports (monthly, quarterly and annual).

• Knowledge of the various programs and guidelines under the Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Program (ISET).

• Knowledge of the eligibility and reporting requirements of the ISET.

• Ability to work independently.

• Must have experience in working with Excel Programs, ARMS/ PRIME Database and be computer literate.

• Must be able to travel to remote northern communities to work with Training & Employment Workers.

• Valid driver’s license for the Province of Manitoba is an asset.

• Ability to speak either Cree or Dene is an asset. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is provided. A complete job description can be obtained by calling (204) 677-2341 or Aggie Weenusk, Director of Education & Training at (204) 677-0399. Interested candidates are invited to submit in confidence a resume with references and a letter of application stating salary expectations before 4:00 p.m., FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023 to:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager

23 Nickel Road

Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4

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

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in employment with Keewatin Tribal Council, however; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

NATION REBUILDING PROGRAM

PROJECT COORDINATOR

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Ltd., a COR certified leading supplier of building materials and construction products, is proud to be 100% Canadian owned and operated since 1971. McMunn & Yates is committed to and believes in hometown values and doing business with our friends and neighbours.

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Ltd., a leading supplier of building materials & construction products, is currently accepting applications for the positions of Sales Associate in our Thompson location.

Sales Associate – Thompson Branch

• Distributes and collects consent forms and medical information from families

• Educates and promotes good oral health habits to children and pre/postnatal families

• Establish and manage community toothbrush program

Reporting to the Program Managers, the Nation Rebuilding Project Program Manager and the Community Safety & Well Being Program Manager–the Project Coordinator will support project in general areas of organization, communication, documentation, reporting and scope of work.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Program Managers to identify areas of support and to address issues.

Get ready to build your career as we continue to build our company. We are currently recruiting for an individual to add to our team. Your duties will include:

Our staff help us to provide the best customer service experience in the building supply industry and we believe its this commitment to building strong, honest relationships that is the foundation upon which McMunn & Yates rests.

• Guide customers through their purchase process for lumber & building materials in a friendly and knowledgeable manner

• Assistance in application of fluoride varnish to children’s teeth

• Assisting the dental professional while preforming COHI services such as dental sealants

• Schedules and manages appointment bookings for children for future COHI dental services such as fluoride and sealants

• Collaborate with the Program Managers to address stakeholder requests.

• Disseminate/communicate all relevant data to the Project Teams and all stakeholders.

• Organize and provide all project reports and summaries.

• Provide estimates to customers in timely manner

• Accurately records sales transactions into point of sales system

Join our team and be part of the excitement as we build our team to serve our contractor and retail customers. We are currently accepting applications for the position of Class 3 with Air Delivery Driver in Thompson, MB.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide oral health sessions for pre/postnatal women, parents/caregivers, children up to the age of 7, and infants

• Recording dental chart information under the supervision of the dental professional

• Develop and maintain all document retention and record keeping including project decision logs and process tracking.

• Collaborate with the Program Managers to capture discussions and outcomes.

• Show a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service

• Have great organizational & time management skills

Class 3 with Air Delivery Driver – Thompson Branch

• Previous experience is preferred and knowledge of building materials is an asset but not required

As a valuable member of our team your duties will include:

• The ability to work in a fast paced team environment is essential

• Picks merchandise as per customer orders and documents order changes and files appropriately

Displays a desire to expand their knowledge & skill set

• Loads and unloads merchandise in a manner that suits space requirements and eliminates any damage to merchandise

• Monitors community dental inventory

• Others as deemed necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have excellent oral and written skills

• Must be computer literate

• Knowledgeable of local First Nations language is an asset

• Able to work independently

• Manage project administrative functions and organize project meetings.

• Collaborate with staff and Project Teams to organize travel planning and project materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a project or executive setting.

• Guides customers through their purchase process in a friendly and knowledgeable manner

We offer a competitive salary & benefit package. If you would like to build your career with our company, please forward your resume with cover letter, in confidence to:

• Delivers merchandise to destination following safe job site procedures

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies

• Operates forklift in a safe manner

Thompson Branch | 44 Station Road Thompson, MB R8N 0N7

• Performs general yard cleanup and maintenance as required

Attn: Dave Krobel | Email: dkrobel@mcmunnandyates.com

The successful candidate will:

• Show a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service

• Display a high level of self-initiation

• Child Abuse Registry Check

• Criminal Record Check

• Must be willing to travel to communities

• Valid Manitoba Driver’s License

• Experience: Business communications, managing and prioritizing multiple activities and adhering to deadlines and budgets.

• Skill set: Excellent written and oral communication, excellent attention to detail, proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Must have a valid Driver’s License

• The ability to speak Cree or Dene is an asset

• Be physically able to repeatedly lift/carry over 50lbs

We thank all candidates in advance; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• The ability to work in a team environment is essential

• Previous picking experience is preferred and knowledge of building materials is an asset but not required

• Must enjoy a fast paced environment

• Valid Class 3 Drivers License with Air

• Must be available for a variety of shifts including Saturdays

We offer a competitive salary & benefit package. If you would like to build your career with our company, please forward your resume with cover letter, in confidence to:

McMunn & Yates Building Supplies Thompson Branch | 44 Station Road Thompson, MB R8N 0N7

Attn: Dave Krobel | Email: dkrobel@mcmunnandyates.com

We thank all candidates in advance; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

A written application with a detailed resume, including at least two references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor, should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager Keewatin Tribal Council Inc. 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N 0Y4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2022. We wish to thank those that apply for this position but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

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

Closing Date: TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023

Late applications will not be accepted

Please Forward Resumes to the Attention of: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager or Dion McIvor, Referral & MTS Supervisor 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4

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

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Winnipeg hosting 20th-anniversary edition of National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

BY SAM LASKARIS LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

Jeff Spencer is counting down the days.

Spencer is the chair of the hockey committee for the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the national governing body for Indigenous athletics. The ASC annually organizes the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, which attracts elite Indigenous players, both female and male, representing their provinces, territories and regions.

This year’s event began May 7 and continues until May 13 in Winnipeg. All matches are being staged at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex.

This marks the 20th time the national tournament, featuring many of the country’s top Indigenous teenage players, has been held.

The first tournament was in 2002 at Akwesasne, Ont. The tourney should have actually celebrated its 20th anniversary a couple of years ago. But because of the

COVID-19 pandemic, the event was not held in 2020 or in 2021.

Following a two-year hiatus, the 2022 NAHC took place in Membertou, N.S.

“I’m pretty excited,” said Spencer, who has been the ASC’s hockey committee chair since the inception of the tournament. “After all these years I’m excited to get to this year’s milestone event.”

Winnipeg has staged the NAHC once before in 2009.

Tournament co-chair Mel Whitesell is thrilled the event is returning to the province’s capital.

“We’ve been waiting for many years to have the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships back in Manitoba,” said Whitesell, who is also the executive director of the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council. “We are so happy to have been awarded the 20th anniversary championships.”

A total of 15 squads will participate at this year’s event.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Human Resource Generalist–Permanent Position LOCATION: Regional Office 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:

The Human Resource Generalist facilitates and provides a full range of HR services to CNCFCA and all employees in various locations. Provides guidance, support and direction regarding all Human Resources matters to all CNCFCA.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

§ Employee Attendance

§ Training and Development

§ Benefits Administration

§ Compensation

§ Recruitment and Selection

§ Employee Communication

EDUCATION & TRAINING

§ Human Resources Management Diploma or related equivalent education (preferred)

§ Minimum three years human resources management experience is required

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

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

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

§ Knowledge of customer service (preferred)

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

§ Excellent oral and effective communication skills (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a child abuse registry check and prior contact check

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ Varied amounts of travel required

§ Must have a valid Manitoba’s driver’s license

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

Deadline: May 22, 2023 @ 4:00 PM

SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3)

REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO:

Human Resource Manager

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

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

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

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

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

The seven-team female division will feature entrants from Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Eastern Door and the North (represented by First Nations and Inuit from Quebec) and Team Atlantic, made up of players from the country’s most eastern provinces.

There will be eight teams competing in the male division. The same seven clubs that have female clubs are also in the boys’ division. And Nunavut is also icing a male squad.

Teams for the Winnipeg tourney are ranked based on their performances at the 2022 NAHC.

Manitoba is the top seed for the female division while Ontario is the topranked entrant in the male category.

The event features players ages 14 to 17.

The tournament moves around to different locations across Canada each year. Cities submit applications if they are interested in hosting and ASC officials

select the annual site.

Current National Hockey League players that competed in the NAHC during their youth careers include Ethan Bear (Vancouver Canucks), Zach Whitecloud (Vegas Golden Knights) and Brandon Montour (Florida Panthers).

Former NHLer Micheal Ferland also participated in the event during his teen years. Ferland is still involved with the tournament now. He will serve as head coach for the Manitoba male squad.

Ferland was an assistant coach with the Manitoba side at last year’s tournament.

Some female NAHC players who went on to crack the roster of the Canada’s top women’s team also took part in previous tournaments. This list includes Jocelyne Larocque, Brigette Lacquette and Jamie Lee Rattray.

The number of participating clubs in the NAHC has varied.

“We had 20 teams some

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Child & Family Service Worker (2 positions)–Permanent Position

OFFICE: Regional Office – Unit B 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.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Responsible for gathering information and assessing 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

Deadline: May 12, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

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

Human Resource Manager

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

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

“Please visit our website at www.https://creenation.ca” Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

years,” Spencer said. “But we’ve also had 12 and 13.”

Spencer is not focusing on the number of competing clubs this year. Instead, he said it should be noted how the NAHC no longer has just a couple of teams that are favoured to win their

categories.

“It’s gone from having maybe two teams competing for the championship to everybody being able to compete for a medal now,” he said. “For me, our event has become a really highlevel hockey event.”

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

CRISIS RESPONSE ADVISOR

FULL TIME POSITION

Under the general direction of Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Director of Health and the Wellness Programming Team Leader, the Crisis Response Advisor will assist member First Nations in Crisis situations in collaboration with the Crisis Response team and KTC according to Crisis Response protocol. They will respond to requests for assessments, support or consultation regarding community members in crisis due to community trauma/emergent situations, mental health, suicide or addictions concerns. They will provide on-site support to youth, caregivers and community members, provide referrals or linkage to resources and provide informational resources based on a case management model.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-Secondary education / training / experience in the Social Services field.

• Demonstrated counseling skills with First Nations and ability to facilitate the transfer of skills to community-based resources.

• Understand of crisis intervention and experience working with people with mental illness, substance related concerns etc.

• Providing trauma and grief/loss support to individuals, families and community as a whole;

• Community Crisis Response experience or suitable amount of experience or education.

• Knowledgeable of government agencies and various organizations.

• Should have good communication and organizational skills.

• Computer skills are needed for various input of reporting requirements.

• Ability to work well as a team member.

• Ability to speak Cree/Dene would be an asset.

• A valid Driver’s license would be an asset.

• Must be prepared to travel to communities extensively for Crisis Response calls

A written application 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:

Closing Date: Friday, May 12, 2023

Late applications will not be accepted

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

Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by providing a Government of Manitoba issued QR code and photo identification or providing proof of an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Government of Manitoba.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, Friday, May 12, 2023. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Government needs to do more to protect Indigenous women: Crown-Indigenous Relations

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A Winnipeg MP says it is time for the federal government to call a national state of emergency and to mobilize funding and resources across the country to keep Indigenous women and girls safe and prevent them from being harmed, going missing, and being murdered.

“This is a crisis,” MP for Winnipeg Centre Leah Gazan said during a May 2 media conference in Ottawa.

“Women are being murdered or going missing every day.”

The House of Commons unanimously backed a motion by Gazan on May 2 seeking to declare the deaths, disappearances and abuse of Indigenous women and girls in Canada a na-

tion-wide emergency, and that called for funding for a new Canada-wide “Red Dress” alert system to alert the public when Indigenous women and girls go missing.

Gazan said she is also calling on the federal government and on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue an official emergency proclamation that would see “immediate” steps taken by the Liberal government.

“I join today with women and with two-spirit people across the country calling on Canada to immediately recognize what is happening as a Canada-wide emergency,” Gazan said. “We are precious, we are valuable and we are loved.

“We are not disposable.”

Gazan is calling for an immediate state of emergency and implementation of the Red Dress alert

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Family Enhancement Worker –Permanent Position Sapotaweyak Sub Office Shoal River, 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(s), the Social Worker is responsible for providing and administering CFS Services in accordance with the Child & Family Services Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

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

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

§ Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up;

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

QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred);

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills;

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

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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

§ Cannot be active on a protection case;

§ Maintain absolute confidentiality;

§ Varied amounts of travel required;

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license;

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work;

§ Required to provide on-call services on a rotating basis;

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: May 12, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

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

Human Resource Manager

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

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

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

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

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

system.

She also wants to see more funding, programs and services to help women and girls who grow up involved in the Child and Family Service system and are aging or have aged out of care.

“Immediately implement housing and social supports for those children aging out of care, so they are not aging out onto the streets,” she said.

Gazan said she and many of her colleagues have no plans to back down from their demands.

“We are not going anywhere,” Gazan said. “We are powerful, and we are not going anywhere.”

During the May 2 media conference, Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, the chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle, and a long-time advocate for the rights and safety of Indigenous women

and girls, mentioned that in 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accepted the findings of a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, which said the crisis amounted to “genocide.”

But she said despite that recognition from the prime minister in 2019, she has not seen the type of urgency from the Liberal government to help to deal with the ongoing issue.

“Canada has a responsibility to support immediate, sustained, and impactful action,” Anderson-Pyrz said.

“But instead what we see is a lack of political will and inaction.”

She is also calling for more attention to be focused on the “systemic racism” that she and many other Indigenous leaders say is causing so much harm to

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELL-BEING PROGRAM (CSWBP) PROJECT MANAGER

The federal CSWBP Program is designed to revive the communal approach to safety and well-being to affirm the holistic view of encompassing safe, secure and resilient communities. Reporting directly to the KTC CEO, the CSWBP Program Manager will develop a detailed three (3) year Work Plan involving the KTC Eleven Nations citizenships from start to finish.

ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES

• Create and implement an Action Plan that adheres to project and organizational objectives.

• Establish a small Project Team extending to each KTC memberships.

• Maintain organizational standards communication, collaboration and quality deliverables.

• Coordinate all internal resources of the Project Team to maintain quality deliverables.

• Record all consultations for comprehensive documentation.

• Manage all required budgets and schedules, project progress and deliverables.

• Conduct timely program reviews to create program and outcomes reports to KTC Executive Staff.

• Analyze and evaluate the CSWBP to address Program risks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Postsecondary education in business, Indigenous Studies, Community Relations, Social Services or a related discipline.

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in Project Management Leadership or 2 plus years in a related field.

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Able to manage various program elements simultaneously.

• Knowledge of: social and marginalized group issues, federal and provincial areas of focus related to marginalized populations, federal government legislation and programs related to Indigenous issues, self-determination and northern living parameters.

• Policy analysis experience to develop written responses to government policies and programming.

• Able to disseminate government policies in “user friendly” language so the KTC Eleven Nations can apply for Government Programs .

• Must have a valid Driver’s License

• The ability to speak Cree or Dene is an asset

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

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

Closing Date: TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023

Late applications will not be accepted

Please Forward Resumes to the Attention of:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager or Dion McIvor, Referral & MTS Supervisor 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Indigenous women and girls across the country.

“In this country, when you are born female and Indigenous your rights are denied from birth,” Anderson-Pyrz said.

“Every day is a fight for survival, and we are exhausted from fighting the systemic and structural racism that is killing us.”

A spokesperson for the office of Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller said the federal government would not yet commit to that kind of proclamation, because of the “complexity” of the issue.

“Addressing the Calls for Justice and putting an end to the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people is not a linear process,” the spokesperson said in an email.

“It is clear that we need to do more. We need to do more in the short-term to protect Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people who are not safe, and we need to do more to influence long-term, sustainable progress.

“The inherent complexities involved in changing fundamental structures and institutions take time, and some will require sustained action over many generations.

“As long as Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people are unsafe and at risk, the work will be ongoing.”

— 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.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

UNIT/OFFICE: FOX LAKE SUB-OFFICE

LOCATION: FOX LAKE, MB

Position: Foster Care Worker/Intake Stats Clerk

One (1) Full Time Permanent position

Summary of Position: Foster Care Worker/Intake Stats Clerk identify, recruit and approve short and long-term foster homes for placement in culturally appropriate/customary care whenever possible. The Foster Care Worker/Intake Stats Clerk trains foster parents on agency policy and procedures with respect to children in care and builds ongoing relationships with foster families to ensure they are equipped for their role. The Foster Care Worker/Intake Stats Clerk is the contact person for Intakes by which the community can express its concern for children who may be in need of protection. The Foster Care Worker/Intake Stats Clerk is responsible for statistics, to maintain and administer up-to-date records of activities regarding children in care and services to families. The incumbent is knowledgeable in, and follows applicable legislation, program standards, directives and agency policy. The work environment is fast-paced and requires confidentiality, empathy, and cultural sensitivity while carrying out their responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• BSW preferred.

• 1-year of work experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Knowledge of, or work experience in northern Manitoba communities preferred.

• CPR & First Aid an asset.

• Valid drivers license required.

• Effective, well spoken communication skills.

• Speak and understand the Cree or Dene languages an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, community-based, multi-disciplinary child welfare environment.

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

• Attend home visits in the community.

• Overnight and remote travel required occasionally.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry, Prior Contact checks as well as a Drivers’ Abstract required 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: Friday, May 19, 2023

Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2023-044 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to:

Human Resources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba

Competition #2023-044

701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process

**Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

Lynn Lake senior robbed, assaulted during April 30 home invasion

Lynn Lake RCMP are investigating an April 30 home invasion in which a senior citizen was robbed and assaulted.

Police were called to a Sherritt Avenue residence shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday night. A 69-year-old man had been at home alone when his house was broken into and he was robbed and assaulted by two male suspects.

The victim was hurt during the attack but his injuries were not life-threatening and he was taken to the hospital for treatment.

One of the suspects police be -

lieve was involved in this incident is described as short and overweight, dressed in a grey hoodie and black pants. The other suspect was dressed all in black, including a black mask and a black bandana.

Lynn Lake RCMP say it is possible that one of the suspects goes by the nickname “Sly.”

Anyone with information about this incident can call Lynn Lake RCMP at 204-356-8862 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Secure tips can also be submitted online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Intake Supervisor

– Permanent Position Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Pukatawagan, Manitoba

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

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Intake Supervisor will work together with the MCCN Service Manager to ensure that all aspects of agency services meet the requirements of the Child and Family Services Act, the First Nations mandate, provincial licensing and service standards, as well as the agency’s mandatory policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Leadership

§ Service Delivery

§ Workplace Safety and Health

§ Human Resources

§ Training & Development

§ Unit Activity and Performance Reports

§ Financial and Operational Requirements

§ General Supervision

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with 3 to 5 years experience in child welfare or;

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

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

§ Minimum 3 years supervisory experience within an aboriginal child welfare environment

§ Workplace Safety and Health

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

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

§ Understanding of child development theory and practice

§ Knowledge of available resources within the community (formal and informal)

§ Knowledge of Family Systems theory

§ Working knowledge of child abuse

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and data base systems

§ CFSIS and FACTS information systems (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ 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: May 12, 2023

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

“personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

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

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

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

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

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

NATION REBUILDING PROGRAM (NRP) PROJECT MANAGER

The federal Nation Rebuilding Program (NRP) is designed to develop a collective Framework Agreement for the KTC Eleven Nations memberships on its continuing path of selfdetermination and self- government. A Project Manager is required to take the lead.

Reporting directly to the KTC CEO, the Project Manager will construct the NRP into a detailed action plan with the assistance of the KTC Eleven Nations leaderships and its citizens. This collaborative approach will lead to the development and implementation of the KTC NRP Action Plan that is its own strategically-phased initiative of its inherent self-government.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create an Action Plan adhering to project and organizational objectives with achievable outcomes.

• Create standards of communication and collaboration for quality performance and deliverables.

• Create a project team to fit internal resources to ensure program participation and deliverables.

• Report to the KTC Eleven Nations leadership and its citizens in a timely fashion.

• Ensure all consultation and participation is documented.

• Report all budget managements, project progress, schedules and deliverables.

• Ensure all deadlines and targets are met.

• Manage all relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Oversee all incoming and outgoing project documentation.

• Conduct/Create all project reviews and submit all reports to the KTC Executive and Leaderships.

• Evaluate and solve all program risks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Studies, Community Relations, Social/Political Science or a related discipline.

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in Project Management/ Leadership or 2 plus years’ experience in a related field.

• Experience in helping First Nations on projects with tight deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Able to manage various project elements simultaneously.

• Knowledge of policy analysis as per Indigenous selfgovernment at both levels of government.

• Excellent computer skills.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License

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

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

A written cover letter with detailed resume, including at least two

(2) references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor should be submitted to:

Closing Date: Tuesday, MAY 23, 2023

Late applications will not be accepted

Please Forward Resumes to the Attention of:

Lisa Beardy, Office Manager or Dion McIvor, Referral & MTS Supervisor 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4

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

Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by providing a Government of Manitoba issued QR code and photo identification or providing proof of an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Government of Manitoba.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Help keep Thompson GREEN and CLEAN

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.

MANITOBA PUBLIC INSURANCE (MPI) PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Community and Industry Solutions

Full Time, Term, Position ending March 31, 2024

The Pas, Flin Flon, or Thompson, Manitoba

Competition No: 23-032

Closing Date: April 28, 2023

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

HERE YOU CAN

UCN.CA

University College of the North

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

CIC Supervisor – Perm Position

OFFICE: Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Sub Office Pukatawagan, Manitoba

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

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child in Care Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of the effective day to day supervision of agency social workers and others assigned to the unit as well as all aspects of related service and program delivery activities. The Child in Care Supervisor will ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the Child and Family Services Act, the Adoptions, Act, related Regulations and Standards, as well as CNCFCA policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ General Supervision

§ Supervision of Unit Service Delivery

§ Workplace Safety and Health

§ Human Resources

§ Training & Development

§ Unit Activity and Performance Reports

§ Financial and Operational Requirements

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

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

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

§ 5 years supervisory/management experience within an aboriginal child welfare environment

§ Knowledge of AJI-CWI Devolution

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

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

§ Understanding of child development theory and practice

§ Knowledge of available resources within the community (formal and informal)

§ Knowledge of Family Systems theory

§ Working knowledge of child abuse

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and data base systems

§ CFSIS and FACTS information systems (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ 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 may be assigned.

Deadline: May 12, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL