October 25 2024 by Thompson Citizen

Nickel Belt News

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

Manitoba RCMP welcomes new commanding officer in ceremony of tradition and vision

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

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.

In a significant and solemn ceremony steeped in both rich history and cherished tradition, the Manitoba RCMP formally acknowledged the Change of Command. Although Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy officially assumed the role of Commanding Officer back in May 2024, the ceremony held on October 17, 2024, at the historic Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site held immense symbolic value. It served to mark the ceremonial and meaningful passing of command from the outgoing Commander to his successor amid an atmosphere infused with the deep-rooted values of the RCMP.

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.

after it had been officially relinquished by the outgoing Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill. This exchange underscored the abiding traditions of the RCMP and represented a pivotal moment in the history of the organization within Manitoba.

‘Oh, I’m just as bad, right?’ I have all these stories and I need to capture them for my grandchildren really because they will be lost if I don’t.”

She also has a reputation as a storyteller herself.

“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

In his inaugural remarks, Assistant Commissioner McMurchy articulated his ambitious vision for the future of the Manitoba RCMP. He expressed his commitment to developing concrete plans and strategies aimed at achieving the overarching goal of providing comprehensive wraparound care for the community.

During this prestigious event, Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy graciously accepted the RCMP D Division Ensign, a symbol of authority and responsibility, from the esteemed RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme,

“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,

“Police have a role to play in ensuring that frontline agencies are involved in providing all the supports people need, as it has been shown that this type of involvement can help reduce crime rates. Collaboration, at all levels, between all agencies and all leadership, is what is at the core of helping Manitobans and keeping

“I had such a varied history and I would tell people stories and they would go, ‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, ‘You didn’t do all that, did you? You’ve got to be really old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually I did all that before I was 27,’ and they went ‘What?’”

Looking back, some of those experiences are things she might not do again.

Continued on page 2

“I did some pretty bizarre stuff like fuel hauls into the high Arctic at -35,” said deMeulles. “It didn’t dawn on me until after. That was a very dangerous thing to do. Being on a plane full of fuel

For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Church-

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

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

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

Because of that, deMeulles ﬁnds it hard to your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

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

Friday, October 25, 2024

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960

Volume 64 • Issue 40

Photos

Matthias J. Johnson

Manitoba RCMP welcomes new commanding officer in ceremony of tradition and vision

Continued from page 1 them safe.” McMurchy asserted. He emphasized that the essence of his leadership would revolve around fostering collaboration at every level— among various agencies and their leaders—to effectively enhance the safety and well-being of all Manitobans.

In a heartfelt acknow -

ledgment of personal support, the new Commanding Officer took a moment to recognize and commend his wife and daughter for being his unwavering pillars of strength throughout his extensive career, which involved numerous relocations and long hours away from home. Their steadfast support has undoubtedly been instrumental in

his journey. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner McMurchy expressed profound gratitude toward his parents, who unwaveringly nurtured his aspirations to become a member of the Mounties. “When I was young, my family and I saw the Mounties in my community of The Pas –they were always front and centre. It inspired in me a

desire to serve.” he fondly recalled.

As he stepped into his new role as Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner McMurchy placed particular emphasis on the critical importance of Reconciliation with Indigenous communities. He made a firm commitment to uphold the principle of “nothing about us without us,”

Divisions asked to make class size info public

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

Manitoba school divisions have been given class size targets of 20 for kindergarten-to-Grade 3 and 25 for older elementary cohorts.

The department of education has asked public school leaders to submit data about teacher-to-student ratios and begin posting it this semester.

School leaders have until Nov. 30 to upload the first round of class sizes and ratios for the public.

The new accountability measure is part of a provincial initiative to lower class sizes. It stops short of formal caps.

“We are confident that this initiative will lead to enhanced in-class interactions between students and educators,” Mona Pan-

dey, assistant deputy minister of system performance and accountability, wrote in a memo to superintendents on Sept. 23.

Schools with average class sizes that surpass 20 for K-3 and 25 for grades 4 to 8 are required to report details about additional support that’s provided to students, Pandey said. Support can include, but is not limited to, the hiring

AuthorizedbytheCourtofKing’sBenchofManitoba NOTICEOFAPPROVEDSETTLEMENTAGREEMENT Regardingclassactionsfortherecover yof Children’sSpecialAllowances

IfyouwereaprovinciallyfundedchildinthecareofaChildandFamilyServices AgencyinManitobaatanytimebetweenJanuary1,2005,andMarch31,2019, yourlegalrightsmaybeaffected.Please readthisNoticecarefully.

SETTLEMENT

OnSeptember5,2024,theManitobaCourtofKing’sBenchapproved asettlementbetween theGovernmentofManitoba(“Manitoba”)andClassMembers. TheSettlementisin respectofManitoba’sactionsandpolicies relatingtotheadministrationof Children’sSpecialAllowanceBenefits(“CSABeneﬁts”)paidforchildreninthecareofChildand FamilyServicesAgenciesinManitoba(the“CFSAgencies"),excepttheMetisChild,Family andCommunityServicesAgencyInc.andMichifChildandFamilyServicesInc.(the“Métis Agencies”)betweenJanuary1,2005and March31,2019,inclusive(the“Flette/Lavallee ClassActions”).ThereisaseparatebutrelatedclassproceedingdealingwithManitoba’s actionsandpolicies relatingtotheadministrationofCSABenefitspaidforchildreninthe careoftheMetisAgenciesoverthatsameperiodoftime(the“LafontaineClassAction”). FormoreinformationabouttheLafontaineClassActionpleasecall1-877-835-4546orvisit www.metiscsaclassaction.ca.

AspartoftheSettlement,Manitobawillpay$445,200,000totheClasswith aportionofthose fundstobeusedtopaylegalfees,thecostsofadministeringtheSettlement,andfor acharitable purposeofanyfunds remainaftereligibleclaimsarepaid.TheSettlementApprovalHearing tookplaceonSeptember5,2024attheManitobaCourtofKing’s BenchinWinnipeg,Manitoba. BecausepaymentsundertheSettlementAgreementwillbebasedonthenumberofpeople whocomeforwardtomakeclaims,itisnotpossibletoestimatetheamountsthatEligible Claimantsmay receive.

MAKING ACLAIM

TheClaimsPeriodstartsonJanuary6,2025andendsonJanuary5,2027.IfyouareaClass Member,a legalguardianofa ClassMember, or apersonlegally responsiblefortheestateofa ClassMember,thenyoucanmake aclaimforindividualcompensationwithintheClaimsPeriod Individualcompensationamountswillbecalculatedbasedonthelengthoftime,andwhen, theClassMemberwasinthecareof aCFSAgencybetweenJanuary1,2005andMarch 31,2019. To receiveanindividualcompensationamount, aClaimsRegistrationFormmust besubmittedtotheClaimsAdministrator,alongwithnecessarysupportingdocuments.Ifa ClaimsRegistrationFormisnotproperlycompletedandsubmittedbeforeJanuary5,2027, thentheClassMembermaynotbeabletoparticipateinorshareinthebenefitsavailable undertheSettlement.

Adetailedinstructionpackageonhowtoobtain,complete,andsubmit aClaimsRegistration Formisavailablefrom theClaimsAdministrator,ExchangeSolutionsInc.,usingthecontact informationbelow.

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At ahearingona datetobedeterminedbytheCourt,ClassCounsel,SeveralIndigenous CFSAuthoritiesandAgencies,aswellastheSouther nChiefs’Organization,willseekCourt approvalthat aportionoftheSettlementFundsbeusedtopaythelegalfees,disbursements andapplicabletaxes relatingtotheprosecutionoftheFlette/LavalleeClassActions.

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TheCourtofficewillnotbeabletoanswerquestionsaboutthemattersinthisNotice.Ifyou haveanyquestions regardingtheSettlementAgreementormaking aClaim,informationis availablebycontactingtheClaimsAdministrator(ExchangeSolutionsInc.)at:

Mail: 1–554St.Mary’sRoad,Winnipeg,MBR2M3L5

Fax: 204-957-5195

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IMPORTANTDATES

ClaimSubmissionStartDate:January6,2025

ClaimDeadline:January5,2027

of educational assistants or rotational teachers, she noted.

The province allocated $3 million to hire more elementary teachers to lower ratios in 2024-25.

Winnipeg, Pembina Trails and Hanover were the recipients of the extra funding, receiving $1.5 million, $1 million and $500,000, respectively.

A provincial spokesperson said those three boards have some of the largest K-3 class sizes in the province.

PU BLICNOTICE

and assured his audience that under his leadership, the RCMP would continue to actively listen and collaborate with Métis, Inuit, and First Nation peoples throughout Manitoba. This pledge highlights an acknowledgment of the past and a dedication to fostering stronger relationships moving forward.

The officer tasked with preserving and promoting the treasured history and tradition of the RCMP in Manitoba, Sergeant Major Bettina Schaible, conveyed the significance of the Change of Command ceremony. She recognized that the RCMP operates as a modern police agency that employs cutting-edge technology and investigative methodologies, while simultaneously being deeply rooted in Canadian history. “It is important as it allows the officers under the command as well as the community at large to bid farewell to their outgoing Commanding Officer and welcome in their new Commanding Officer” observed Schaible. She further articulated the profound importance

2025Board ofRevision

of the ceremony, stating, “Ceremony is important to the RCMP. When we put on the iconic Red Serge, it means something special to each and every one of us. On this day, we wear it to honor the importance of a change in command and new leadership.”

The Change of Command ceremony for the Manitoba RCMP not only marked a transition in leadership but also reaffirmed the organization’s enduring commitment to its values, community collaboration, and inclusivity.

Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy’s vision for the future underscores the vital role of partnerships with various agencies and Indigenous communities, reflecting a progressive approach to policing that prioritizes the well-being of all Manitobans. As the RCMP embarks on this new chapter under his guidance, the ceremony at Lower Fort Garry stands as a testament to the rich history and ongoing evolution of a dedicated force, united in the pursuit of safety, reconciliation, and service to the public.

PublicNoticeishereby giventhatthe assessment rollsfor2025 forMunicipaland NorthernRelations(MNR) havebeendelivered andare openforpublicinspectionduring regularbusinesshours,8:30a.m.to4:30 p.m.Pleasecall204-599-9511ortollfreenumber1-888-677-6621toschedule anappointmenttoview theassessment roll

Below istheschedulefor theBoard ofRevisionforthefollowingcommunitiestohearappeals.Property ownerswhowishtosubmitanapplicationfor a revisiontotheir assessmentmaydoso by sending a letter, withthe requiredinformation onorbefore theﬁnaldatetothe correspondingmailing addressfortheir communityasoutlined below:

BoardofRevisionDate: November21,2024November21,2024December4,2024December4,2024 FinaldateforSubmissionofApplications: November5,2024November5,2024November18,2024November18,2024 SendApplicationsto: 330-800PortageAve WinnipegMBR3G0N4

Room428,27–2nd AveSW Dauphin,MBR7N3E5

112-59ElizabethDr Thompson,MBR8N1X4

Room428,27–2nd AveSW Dauphin,MBR7N3E5 IRNRtaxes@gov.mb.caIRNRtaxes@gov.mb.caIRNRtaxes@gov.mb.caIRNRtaxes@gov.mb.ca Aghaming(741)CraneRiver(727)Brochet(734) Baden(781) BerensRiver(744)DauphinRiver(748)CrossLake(707)Barrows(782) Bissett(746) Homebrook(754)Easterville(736)Camperville(783) Dallas/RedRose(747)Mallard(728) GodsLakeNarrows(704)Cormorant(784) FisherBay(750)MeadowPortage(729)HerbLakeLanding(738)DawsonBay(785) Harwill(752) RockRidge(730)Ilford (739)DuckBay(786) IslandLake(755)SaltPoint(731)NelsonHouse(706)MooseLake(787) LittleGrandRapids(760)SpenceLake(732)NorwayHouse(710)NationalMills(788) LoonStraits(761) Waterhen(733)Pikwitonei(712)PelicanRapids(789) Manigotagan(762)MNR(701) Sherridon(713)RedDeerLake(792) MathesonIsland(763) SouthIndianLake(714)MNR(703) PineDock(765) ThicketPortage(715) PrincessHarbour(766) Wabowden(716) Seymourville(708) MNR(700) MNR(702)

ApplicationforRevision: 42(1)apersoninwhosenamepropertyhasbeenassessed,amortgageeinpossessionofpropertyundersection114(1)of TheRealPropertyAct,anoccupierofpremiseswhois requiredunderthetermsofaleasetopaythetaxesontheproperty, ortheassessormaymakeapplicationforthe revisionofanassessment rollwith respecttothefollowingmatters: a)liabilitytotaxation; b)amountofanassessedvalue; c)classiﬁcationofproperty;or d)a refusal by anassessortoamendtheassessment rollundersubsection13(2).

ApplicationRequirements: 43(1)Anapplicationfor revisionmust: a)bemadeinwriting,inwrittenmailoremail; b)setoutthe rollnumberandlegaldescriptionoftheassessablepropertyforwhicha revisionissought; c)setoutwhichofthematters referredtoinsubsection42(1)are atissue,andthegroundsforeachofthosematters;and d)beﬁled by (i)deliveringitorcausingittobedeliveredtotheoﬃceindicatedinthepublicnoticegivenundersubsection 41(2),or(ii)servingituponthesecretary,atleast15daysbeforethescheduledsittingdateoftheboardasindicated inthepublicnotice.

MWF town meetings address moose tag reductions and wildlife conservation

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

Between October 14th18th, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation proudly held a pair of highly successful town hall meetings in the welcoming communities of Russell and Swan River. These gatherings served not only as a platform for discussion but also as a vital forum for community engagement, shining a spotlight on the pressing issue of moose tag reductions, among various other interconnected concerns that are currently affecting residents and hunters alike.

The meetings saw an impressive turnout, with a large and diverse participation from both communities, all eager to share their thoughts, insights, and heartfelt concerns regarding the potential impact of the moose tag reductions on their cherished hunting opportunities. Many attendees took the opportunity to enlighten others in the audience, offering hope and constructive solutions, and emphasizing the value of coming together in such challenging times. There were also meaningful dis-

cussions centered around the implications of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), sparking dialogue about how these initiatives might influence future access to hunting lands and shape the hunting landscape in the region.

Moreover, attendees raised significant concerns regarding the potential effects of IPCAs and forthcoming policies on Swan River’s forestry industry, an industry that plays an essential and critical role in sustaining the local economy. This intersection of wildlife management and economic livelihood emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach to preserving both nature and the community’s resources.

Individuals traveled from various corners of the province to attend these meetings, underscoring just how deeply these issues resonate within the broader Manitoba community. Many expressed a strong desire for similar gatherings in their own towns, indicating a growing need for dialogue and connection.

These alarming new regulations are causing

significant shifts not only in lifestyle but also in the way of living that many have adopted over generations. This pressing need highlights the demand for a collaborative and shared wildlife management system that serves the best interests of all Manitobans, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation openly expressed their amazement and gratitude at the sheer volume of individuals who attended, standing united in support of their shared passion for wildlife conservation. They wanted to extend their heartfelt thanks to the community members who contributed their wisdom and insight during these discussions. “We deeply appreciate the wisdom and concerns they shared regarding the importance moose has on their communities and traditional practices” stated the Federation. “We look forward to continuing our dialogue and building a bridge between all communities as we work together to protect these vital wildlife populations and cultural practices for licensed and non-licensed hunters.”

APPELD’OFFRES ENTRETIENEXTÉRIEURETTONTEDEPELOUSE

LaDDSFMdésireretenirlesservicesdecontractuelspour l’entretienextérieuretlatontedepelousedesécolesdelaDSFM etduBureaudivisionnairesitué àLorette.Ceserviceseraoffert pourunepériodede 3anscommençantl’annéescolaire20242025.

Touslesdocumentsnécessaires àlapréparationdel’offre pourrontêtreobtenusentéléphonantau204878-4424,poste 3632ouparcourriel eric.collette@dsfm.mb.ca.

RÉCEPTIONETOUVERTUREDESOFFRES

LessoumissionsserontreçuesauServicedutransportetde l’entretiendelaDSFMjusqu’à15h,le vendredi1ernovembre 2024

TheDSFMwishestoretaintheservicesofcontractorsfor exteriormaintenanceandlawnmowingatDSFMschoolsand theDivisionalOfficelocatedinLorette.Thisservicewillbe offeredfora periodof 3yearsstartinginthe2024-2025school year.

Toobtainpertinentinformation,pleasecontactthe Maintenance &TransportationDepartmentat204878-4424, 3632orbyemailat eric.collette@dsfm.mb.ca.

RECEIPTANDOPENINGOFOFFERS

SubmissionswillbereceivedattheTransportationand MaintenanceDepartmentoftheDivisionscolairefrancomanitobaineuntil 3p.m,Friday, November1st,2024.

ACommit teeoftheWholemeeting willbe heldon Monday, Oc tober 21 at 7p.m.inCity Hall.Thepubliciswelcome to at tend.The meeting willbelivestreamedonFacebook andYouTube.

Upcomingmeetingagendasare available ontheCit yofThompsonwebsitethe Fridaybeforethemeetingathttps://www thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previousmeetingsare alsoavailablethere.

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OPINION

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

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

NEWS

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The remainder of Manitoba’s $25-million fund for teacher-led initiatives to improve student mental health and academic outcomes is in limbo while the NDP conducts a review.

The Teachers’ Idea Fund began accepting applications in the spring of 2021.

At the time, teachers, school staff and other educational leaders could request up to $25,000 per one-year project.

The initiative was born out of a 2019 campaign promise made by the Progressive Conservatives under then-premier Brian Pallister. The PCs pledged to spend

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.

$25 million over five years.

“I would not have my program right now without it,” said Jennifer Tomanek, one of the inaugural recipients who won the highest lump sum available to launch a film program at Grant Park High School.

“(Ordering cameras and other equipment) was very exciting; it was like Christmas every time something was delivered to the school.”

Tomanek, who previously taught drama, is now delivering film courses full time because of the high demand for her elective.

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.

Tomanek said there were numerous delays and she had to repeatedly advocate to track down the funding.

The Winnipeg teacher finally secured her grant during the back-to-school season in 2022-23, more than a year after she was selected.

To date, $13.2 million has been doled out for 197 projects in 37 school divisions.

An additional $1.5 million has been earmarked to continue multi-year projects in the next two fiscal years.

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.

NDP pauses Tory-initiated Teachers’ Idea Fund

in Flin Flon to an inclusive after-school program for students with disabilities in Hanover.

providing funding to them,” said Tory education critic Grant Jackson.

One of the arguments

While the $25,000 grant enabled her to purchase a “starting kit,” she said it did not come without its challenges.

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

Many of the successful pitches in the most recent round focused on Indigenizing classrooms and student well-being.

They range from a motivational speaker series on mental health and resiliency

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?

Deputy education minister Brian O’Leary informed stakeholders that the province would not be accepting new applications in January.

“Government is reviewing the program in view of newly established priorities like nutrition and lower class sizes,” O’Leary wrote in a memo.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Education confirmed the review was ongoing this week.

“I’m shocked that the review has taken this long, because I don’t understand what could be bad about getting innovative ideas directly from front-line teachers and

The fund sought to reduce red tape and give teachers a direct line to government to pitch ideas, said Jackson, who represents Spruce Woods, adding there was never any shortage of applications for funding.

During the first round of submissions, which was overseen by his MLA predecessor and then-education minister Cliff Cullen, the province received more than 100 pitches.

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society has criticized the initiative since its inception.

“MTS welcomes any opportunity for teachers to explore new ideas and ap-

proaches that inspire learning. We just don’t want to see our members having to compete for grants to do that,” union president Nathan Martindale said in a statement. Martindale noted the previous government never consulted the society on the subject. The union would rather see the remaining dollars redirected to reduce class sizes and increase classroom supports, he added.

While noting a formal decision has not been made about the fund, the education minister’s press secretary said the NDP government has been giving schools “greater flexibility” with their funding since the 2023 election.

THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS TEAM

Noah Cooke Publisher

Matthias J. Johnson Staff Reporter

Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News: 2024 Office Closures and Deadline Changes

‘Light It Up!’ achieves historic participation across over 800 locations

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

On October 18, a remarkable and transformative event unfolded across Canada as over 800 locations in nearly 200 communities united to participate in “Light It Up” For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This initiative stands out as a uniquely expansive awareness event, representing the most extensive and distinctive disability awareness cause-lighting effort in all of North America, particularly during this significant month dedicated to recognizing and promoting the importance of disability employment awareness.

Jeannette Campbell, the visionary CEO of the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), took the helm in orchestrating this impactful event. She passionately articulated that each participating location symbolizes a vital conversation about the necessity and benefits of disability-inclusive hiring practices that have occurred. “This year, more of those conversations have happened than in any previous year, and it’s thrilling to see the result. The impact that this is having, is more than we ever imagined when ODEN started Light It Up! For NDEAM.” Campbell stated emphatically.

This pivotal event has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from a mere awareness campaign to a national movement that actively promotes ongoing discussions about disability inclusion among a diverse array of stakeholders across Canada. The ripple effect of these conversations is palpable, cultivating greater awareness and understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the realm of disability employment.

“The almost 800 locations are just the ones we know about.” Campbell remarked, emphasizing the profound breadth of participation.

“Light It Up! has become the over-arching flagship event that unites regional and local NDEAM campaigns across the country” remarked Dean Askin, the National Campaign Coordinator of Light It Up! For NDEAM. Some parts of Canada that had never celebrated NDEAM now do so, through Light It Up! For NDEAM. There’s excitement about it among national, regional and local community organizations in the disability sector every year. Everyone looks forward to it, and wants to be involved in it. Seeing the impact, involvement, engagement and excitement that’s happening on this huge scale, is rewarding.”

Since its inception in

2020, Light It Up! has experienced extraordinary growth and expansion, beginning with just 28 locations and escalating to include thousands of participating locations nationwide, showcasing the incredible momentum behind this important cause.

For the very first time, the initiative saw active engagement from businesses and organizations located beyond Thompson and stretching further North into the Yukon and Northwest Territories, thus shining a brilliant spotlight on the critical topic of disability inclusion across all provinces and territories. This expansion is not merely a numerical increase but represents a meaningful leap towards a more inclusive society.

In Nunavut, a noteworthy action was taken as the Minister of Family Services officially declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, thereby encouraging widespread community participation in various related activities, which further emphasizes the significance of this observance.

In spite of a commendable rise in the employment rate among working-age Canadians, it remains disheartening to learn that nearly 645,000 individuals with-

in the employable population of Canadians with disabilities are still facing unemployment challenges. This stark statistic illuminates the persistent barriers that continue to exist in the quest for equal employment opportunities.

ODEN plays a pivotal role in championing Light It Up! for NDEAM, driving the initiative forward through extensive collaboration with a multitude of organizations and government entities. Their overarching goal is to significantly increase awareness and foster inclusion in employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Campbell expresses her hope that this record-breaking event will serve as a catalyst for further encouraging meaningful discussions about disability inclusion across every province in the country.

“The path to equitable employment for people who have a disability is still fraught with barriers including attitudes about disability that stem from common myths and misconceptions, and a lack of awareness,” Campbell says. “This is why Light It Up! For NDEAM is so important.”

ODEN not only owns and leads the efforts of Light It Up! for NDEAM, but it also

thrives on a vast and collaborative scale through partnerships with organizations such as CASE, MentorAbility Canada, and Jobs Ability Canada, in addition to many other provincial, regional, and community-based organizations active in the disability employment sector. This synergy extends to the involvement of federal and certain provincial governments, further solidifying the impact and reach of this remarkable initiative.

The “Light It Up! For NDEAM” initiative has not only illuminated the importance of disability employment awareness across Canada but has also fostered a culture of inclusivity and understanding within communities. With the growing participation and engagement from various stakeholders, this movement stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when collective efforts are made to dismantle barriers and promote equal opportunities. As we move forward, it is imperative to sustain these conversations and actions, ensuring that the momentum gained leads to tangible changes in employment practices, thereby enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities and creating a more inclusive society for all.

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Shining a light on local sex trafficking: Street Reach advocates for vulnerable youth

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON

THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

At the Committee Of A Whole Meeting held on October 21st, a significant discussion took place regarding the pressing issue of local sex trafficking.

STREET REACH took this opportunity to shine a light on the alarming yet crucial awareness of sex trafficking that is occurring right in our own neighborhoods, just outside our front doors. This act of awareness is not just important; it is vital in understanding and addressing the grave realities that many individuals face daily in our community.

Street Reach North has aimed to serve the community since its inception in June 2020. Over the course of 2023, Street Reach has actively advocated for the pressing needs of youth while providing vital support to those who have experienced sexual assault. The organization has worked tirelessly to create a safer environment for vulnerable individuals by doing its utmost to address these urgent issues.

Street Reach operates with four key objectives that guide its mission: first, to Locate & Return individuals to safety; second, to Identify Offenders who perpetrate these crimes; third, to Work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders in the community to build a stronger capacity to better

support today’s youth; and lastly, to Identify appropriate resources and supports to meet the diverse needs of young individuals to help them stabilize their lives.

The Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking Act (CSEHTA) was enacted into law on April 30, 2012. This important legislation establishes a protection order for victims of human

trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Such protection is critical as it legally requires the perpetrator—the individual from whom the victim seeks protection— to stay away from the victim, thereby ensuring their safety. Moreover, the law empowers victims, allowing them to take legal action by suing their traffickers for financial compensation. This

dual approach of protection and accountability seeks to create a safer environment for those impacted.

It is distressing to consider that hundreds of children, youth, and adults fall victim to the visible sex trade on the streets of Thompson and in other cities every single year. However, the situation is even more concerning when we factor in the invisible sex trade, which unfolds in clandestine venues such as private homes and drug houses scattered throughout the province.

heinous activities. Billie-Jo stressed the crucial need for open communication, especially with our youth, so they feel safe discussing their experiences without the fear of overreaction from adults.

The existence of these hidden networks makes it imperative for community members to be vigilant and informed.

Street Reach is an integral part of the government initiative aimed at combatting the serious issues of sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and youth throughout the province. This strategy is known as Tracia’s Trust, named in honor of Tracia Owen, a young life tragically lost to suicide on August 24th, 2005. At just 14 years old, Tracia ended her life while illuminating the urgent need for attention to mental health and the protection of vulnerable youth.

One particularly alarming issue that has emerged in the digital age is financial sextortion, a form of blackmail wherein someone online threatens to distribute sexual images or videos of a person unless they pay a sum of money. This form of exploitation is trending and has become a prevalent concern in today’s society. However, it is crucial to understand that there are proactive steps individuals can take to protect themselves and combat this growing threat.

During the meeting, Billie-Jo, the Coordinator for Street Reach, shared a poignant message: “We want to raise the awareness that this is real. We certainly have a sex trade in Thompson and our best chance in combatting it is to raise awareness so that people can report it”

Her emphasis on the importance of addressing such a taboo subject highlights a common sentiment— many people find the topic uncomfortable to discuss. Indeed, this discomfort can inadvertently empower offenders to continue their

Tracia Owens’s life was examined during an inquest that revealed a narrative filled with abuse, instability, addiction, disconnection, and the dark realities of sexual exploitation. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within our society and the systemic failures that can lead to such tragic outcomes.

Sexual exploitation is a harrowing act defined as coercing, luring, or engaging a child under the age of 18 into a sexual act. This can encompass involvement in the sex trade or pornography, whether with or without the child’s consent, often in exchange for money, drugs, food, protection, or other basic necessities. Given the precarious situations many youth find themselves in, understanding this exploitation is essential to advocating for their protection and support.

Many of these young individuals have also faced periods of homelessness, which can be a direct re-

sult of running away from unsatisfactory home environments, challenging placements within Child and Family Services, or encounters with the justice system. During these vulnerable times, youth are at an even greater risk of becoming victims of sexual exploitation. Tragically, some may resort to exchanging sexual favors for fundamental necessities such as food and shelter. Without timely and appropriate intervention, these children and youth are placed in jeopardy, facing a multitude of risks including violence, which may manifest as abusive relationships, sexual assault, or even homicide. Other serious consequences include contracting sexually transmitted diseases, involvement in gang activities, early pregnancies, mental health challenges, and significant academic struggles that can haunt them for years to come.

The discussions at the Committee Of A Whole Meeting highlight the critical need for community awareness and action regarding the realities of sex trafficking and exploitation. Organizations like Street Reach play a vital role in advocating for vulnerable individuals and providing support systems to address these urgent issues. By fostering open dialogue, educating the public, and implementing protective measures, we can work together to combat these profound challenges and create a safer environment for our youth. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that stories like Tracia Owen’s are met with action, understanding, and a commitment to safeguarding the future of every individual within our community.

Thompson Citizen file photo

Minister Bernadette Smith

comes to Thomson to pave the

way for coming playground

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

On October 21, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith, accompanied by dedicated staff from Manitoba Housing, visited the designated site for an exciting new playground that is slated for construction in the year 2025.

The Manitoba government has officially announced plans to actively engage Thompson residents in a series of consultations concerning the playground’s design. This initiative invites community members to provide their valuable feedback to ensure that the project truly meets the diverse needs and desires of local families. These community consultations are scheduled to commence later this month, creating an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and ideas.

During her visit, Minister Smith underscored the vital importance of outdoor play for children’s development. “We went to visit there today and just looked at the value of why they need a new playground” Minister Smith stated, “I’m a former educator, I taught grades 3, 4, 7, and 8 as well as high school and kindergarten and I’m also a grandmother so I know the value and importance of play structures and having that place to gather as families”

Minister Smith announced with enthusiasm that the government is making a significant investment in the future of Thompson’s children by establishing a new playground at the housing complex. She urged residents to actively share their thoughts on the proposed designs, emphasizing the importance of shaping a facility that will benefit the community both now and for many years to come.

Currently, three thoughtful design options are under consideration for the playground, which will be located at 539 Princeton Dr., alongside plans for a new swing set and benches at 8 Brandon Cres. This playground will not only be fully accessible but will also incorporate Indigenous cultural elements, ensuring it reflects and honors the rich values and traditions of the community.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino articulated the shared aspirations of families in the region, stating, “Thompson families want the same thing all Manitobans want, the freedom to raise a healthy family in a safe community. The new playground reflects the values of our community and build relationships between youth and their families.”

The upcoming consultations will provide residents of Manitoba Housing with a unique opportunity to connect directly with staff,

allowing them to ask questions and share creative ideas. Additionally, children will have the delightful chance to engage in a playground-themed coloring and drawing station during these sessions, ensuring that their voices are heard in the process as well.

“Every year we’re always looking at what needs to be refreshed” Minister Smith noted “We knew there was a need in Thompson and we looked at what can be improved and we found that the playground is certainly one of them”

Manitoba Housing currently manages a total of 95 rental units in Thompson, with 55 of these units specifically designated for families residing in townhouse properties, and 40 units in apartment blocks available for families or tenants aged 50 and over. This demographic diversity underscores the importance of creating inclusive and appealing recreational spaces for everyone.

The consultation process is set to begin this month, with the ultimate aim of finalizing designs based on the community’s feedback before progressing into the construction phase. Minister Smith expressed optimism that the playground will be ready for children to enjoy by the end of the summer, allowing families to make wonderful memories in this new community space.

Russell RCMP lay charges in illegal bison hunt

On October 14, 2024, at approximately 1:55 pm, Russell RCMP received a report of 6 bison having been shot and removed from a farm property, located in the RM of Russell-Binscarth.

Officers attended and met with the victim who advised he noticed the locks to the gates of his pasture were removed and replaced with locks that did not belong to him. A further check of the pasture revealed that 6 bison were missing.

Prairie Mountain and Interlake-Eastern health workers vote to approve historic wage agreement

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

6,600 dedicated healthcare support workers from the Prairie Mountain Health and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authorities have triumphantly voted to accept the tentative agreement that was reached by their bargaining committees in conjunction with their employers on October 8, 2024. This significant decision reflects the collective voices and unwavering commitment of these workers, who play an essential role in our healthcare system.

These passionate individuals are proud members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU) and are actively engaged within the community support and facility support bargaining units of both esteemed health authorities. Their contributions are vital to the functioning of the healthcare ecosystem in Manitoba, underscoring the importance of their work and the recognition they deserve.

MGEU President Kyle Ross expressed heartfelt satisfaction at how united the members have demonstrated their solidarity in striving for essential wage increases that not only aim

to help them catch up but also to keep up with the growing demands of their profession. He asserted, “and will help address the health care staffing crisis. Their hard work and commitment to patient care are at the heart of our health care system, and this new agreement recognizes the value of their contributions.” His words resonate deeply, highlighting the essential role these workers play in ensuring quality care.

The new agreement includes a range of important contract improvements that are focussed on enhancing the overall working conditions for these essential workers. Concurrently, it ensures the continued delivery of high-quality public healthcare services to all Manitobans, reflecting a commitment to both employee welfare and community health.

On average, MGEU members will benefit from substantial wage increases of 27 percent over the fouryear duration of the contract. This remarkable increase underscores the recognition of their hard work and dedication, ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare sector.

Furthermore, the agree-

ment brings notable enhancements to various aspects of employee benefits, including improved sick leave provisions, enhanced vacation entitlements, and the introduction of wellness days aimed at promoting the overall health and well-being of workers. Such provisions are crucial in fostering a supportive and healthy work environment.

In particular, for home care workers, this agreement includes significant improvements to scheduling practices and the reimbursement of mileage rates, demonstrating a keen awareness of the unique challenges these workers face in their roles. These changes reflect a deep respect for their commitments and aim to make their jobs more manageable and rewarding.

The MGEU extends heartfelt gratitude to its members for their active participation in the voting process and for their steadfast dedication to supporting and improving Manitoba’s health care system. It is this collective engagement and commitment that strengthens the efforts to advocate for better working conditions and reinforces the essential role of these workers in providing quality health care to the community.

The following day, RCMP were notified by the victim that they had located a social media ad online which had been advertising a bison hunt for $1000 per animal at this location. The victims, who were the legal owners of the bison, did not place this ad. The victim did state that they had posted to social media advising of the theft and received numerous responses, including from several of those who had shot the bison. Investigators were contacted by the three parties, who had originally responded to the add and attended for the hunt, who

A review of the numerous trail cameras setup in the area revealed that four trespassers, who drove in with a pickup and several off-road vehicles, had shot the bison and removed them from the property.

advised they were under the impression that the hunt was legitimately organized by the suspect. All three witnesses are cooperating with police.

On October 16, 2024, Russell RCMP issued a Warrant of Arrest out for Gerald Sean Gebler, 52, from Portage la Prairie, who was charged with Theft over $5000 and Mischief over $5000 in relation to this incident. Additional charges are likely. Later that day, Gebler turned himself in to the Portage la Prairie RCMP where he was later released for court scheduled for January 22, 2025, in Russell. Russell RCMP continue to investigate.

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Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. launches mobile outreach van to serve those who are struggling with housing in Thompson

KATHYDORAULISKI

Itiswithgreat sadnessthat weannouncethepassingof KathyUliskionOctober20, 2024, at theSelkirkRegional HealthCentrewithherfamily byherside.

KathywasborninSaskatoon SaskatchewanonJuly12, 1960,toAlfredandGenevieve Uliski, andwas raisedin ThompsonManitobaalongside herthreesiblings.

In1995shemovedtoDauphinManitobawithherparents,shortly afterhermoveKathyexperiencedthelossofhermotherwho was alsoherbestfriend. Followingthis loss, Kathy transitionedto Parkland Residentialand Vocational ServicesInc.where shelivedfortwenty-six wonderfulyears.Duringthistimeshe brieﬂyworked intheworkshop, howeverhertruepassionwashelpinginthehome andmaintaining her own schedule.

In2023 Kathy moved toRiverdale Place Homes inArborgManitobato be closertofamily, althoughherstay at Riverdale Place Homes was short,sheleft a beautifulimpression, with herspiritedenergy, and compassionforothers.

Kathywasgenerouswithherkindness,thoughtful andalwayswilling tolend a helpinghand ShelovedlisteningtotheIrish Rovers,spending timewithfamilyandfriends,counting ﬁre hydrantsandsheadored kittens.Shehad a cleversenseofhumor andfoundjoy inmaking otherssmile.Shehad a feistyindependence andpossessedunique wisdomthat willbegreatlymissed.

KathyleavestomournhersisterMarieUliski,brother-in-law Neil Spencer, andsister-in law Dianna Fehrandnieces andnephews Mandy, Jason, Jennifer and Shawn as wellasgreat-nephews Dylan andGrayson

KathywaspredeceasedbyhermotherandfatherGenevieveand AlfredUliski,brotherGary Uliski,sisterSandraSpencer, andher close friend/mentorLiz Fournier

We wouldliketoextendourdeepestgratitude tothe staffof Parkland Residential VocationalServicesInc.andRiverdalePlaceHomesInc. fortheexceptionalcaretheyprovidedtoKathy Inleuofﬂowersdonationscanbemadeto: RiverdalePlaceHomesInc POBox968ArborgMBR0C0A0 or Parkland VocationalServicesInc. 424 1 AveNE,DauphinManitobaR791A5 A celebrationoflifewillbeheldinthe springof2025inDauphin Manitoba.

SUBMITTED BY KEEWATINOHK

INNINIW MINOAYAWIN INC

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM Inc.) launched its Minoayawin Mobile Outreach Program, also known as the Minoayawin van, on September 23. 2024. This transformative initiative aimed at providing critical primary care services and harm reduction to those who are struggling with housing in Thompson. Funded by the Province of Manitoba, this program is designed by the community for the community, representing a significant step forward in addressing the health care challenges faced by First Nations people in the region.

The heart of this project lies in its community-driven approach. Over the past two years, KIM Inc. has engaged

extensively with those struggling to find housing, to understand their needs and shape the services of the mobile unit. The bulk of the services envisioned within the van were suggested by the community residents themselves, reflecting their voices and experiences.

Dr. Barry Lavallee, CEO of KIM Inc., emphasized the importance of the program’s community-centered approach, “This program is not just about providing services; it’s about building relationships and trust within the community. We have worked closely with community members to ensure the van meets their specific needs, creating a pathway towards long-term health and well-being.”

role will be to connect individuals with the necessary services and support they require. “The social worker position is key,” says Dr. Barry Lavallee. “This role will ensure that people are not only receiving immediate care but also being connected to longer-term resources and support systems.”

Harm reduction is central to the Minoayawin van’s mission, embodying a philosophy of meeting people where they are and providing non-judgmental, compassionate care. By prioritizing harm reduction, the program acknowledges the realities faced by individuals and seeks to support them in respectful and empowering ways.

range of community organizations including health services, the City of Thompson, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Keewatin Tribal Council and law enforcement are already established, with ongoing meetings scheduled to ensure the program adapts to the evolving needs of the participants.

The initial phase of the Minoayawin van will focus on building relationships and establishing a predictable presence in the community. The van will provide general harm reduction services and materials, gradually expanding its service offerings as it becomes more woven into the community fabric.

TOMLINDSEY

REPRESENTING:BlackSturgeon Falls,Brochet,ColdLake/Sherridon, Cranberr yPortage,Crosslake,FlinFlon, HerbLakeLanding,LacBrochet,LeafRapids, LynnLake,NorwayHouse,Pukatawagan,SnowLake, SouthIndianLake, TadouleLake

ConstituencyOffice: 93MainStreet,FlinFlon,MB. HOURS:Mon–Fri, 9am– 4pm

PHONE:204-687-3246

FAX:204-687-5649

EMAIL:tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca

The Minoayawin van employs an all-First Nations team, including a social worker whose primary

Collaboration with local partners is another cornerstone of the Minoayawin van. Partnerships with a

Noticeof Tender

TheMayorandCounciloftheTownofChurchill willbe acceptingsealed,separatetendersupto 12:00noon, Tuesday,November 12,2024fortheprovisionofaudit servicesasdeﬁnedunderSections182to198ofThe MunicipalAct.

Interestedparties meeting thequaliﬁcationsoutlinedin Subsection184(5)oftheMunicipalAct may obtain atender packageattheaddressbelow.

Thelowestoranytender may notnecessarilybeaccepted

The TownofChurchill P.O.Box459

Churchill,MBR0B0E0 Tel:(204)675-8871 Fax:(204)675-2934

“KIM Inc. is excited to see the positive impact this program will have on the city of Thompson, the many stakeholders involved, and especially the people we support,” says Dr. Lavallee. “This is more than just a mobile clinic; it is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to design solutions that meet their own needs, and actions are taken to produce positive outcomes for First Nations people, their families and community.”

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. is committed to creating meaningful change and improving access to critical health and wellness services. The Minoayawin van is a significant milestone in the journey towards equitable health and wellness for First Nations people in Manitoba.

Photos by Noah Cooke

Story from late author Richard Wagamese to be released as new book

BY ODETTE AUGER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER,

WINDSPEAKER.COM

The gifts of Richard Wagamese continue to be shared.

That’s because a story from the late Indigenous author, titled The Animal People Choose a Leader, will be released on Oct. 12. Douglas & McIntyre is publishing the book.

The story is excerpted from Wagamese’s One Drum: Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet, which was published in 2019, two years after his death.

Wagamese was from Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in northwestern Ontario.

Anishinaabe author/ illustrator Bridget George, a member of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation in Ontario, has provided the illustrations, bringing Wagamese’s story about the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and connection to the land.

Douglas & McIntyre had also published George’s first children’s book and the company reached out for her Woodland-inspired illustrations for this new book.

“Even though it's technically a children's book,

it's a book that anybody can really sit with,” George said.

George is known for her glowing work, using organic textures and shapes to create digital artwork.

George said her work is not “the traditional Woodland style that people would think of, but it's very woodland inspired.”

It’s an art form she’s keen about.

“I'm super, super passionate about introducing kids to that Woodland style art and having questions asked about it because that there definitely could be a lot more understanding of Indigenous visual culture as their own languages,” George said.

“At the end of the day, it is a visual language, it's storytelling and it's record keeping in a specific way. When I'm illustrating in that style, I feel like I'm putting pieces of my spirit into that work and putting it out into the world in that way. I think it's important to do that with that same level of respect that you would treat any other cultural practice.”

George’s illustrations take inspiration from the natural world.

“So, there's lots of florals, there's lots of earthy kind of

JOBPOSTING

Counselor Level 1Casual

Thesuccessfulclientwillhave aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/orFamilyviolenceandrelatedissues.Haveoneormore yearsof counseling experience,preferablyintheareaofcrisisinterventionor domestic/familyviolence,withsomeprofessionaltrainingi.e.Applied CounselingCertiﬁcateand/orrelevantpost-secondaryeducation(Social work,Nursingorwork-related experience).

Have acurrentCPRandFirstAideorwillingtoobtainand recentChildabuse registry/Criminalrecordcheck. ValidDriver’slicenseorwillingtoobtain. Mustbeabletowork cross-culturally,theabilityto speak asecondlanguage isanasset.Haveanunderstandingandrespectof LGBTQ1issuesandthe vulnerablesectors.

Bewillingtoworkshiftwork:includingdays,afternoons,nights,weekends andstatholidaysasrequired.

Bereliable,dependable,ﬂexible,andpunctualand havea goodworkethic. Ifyouareinterestedinapplyingfor apositionpleasesubmitanupto dateresumetothe ProgramManagerChristineFenner/orExecutive DirectorHelen Trudeau.ApplicationsareduebyMarch15,2023by 4pm.

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Part-TimeCounselors Level1

Sixteen(16)hours/week(1)(Days)

We are a24/7facility,soshiftsincludedays,eveningsandweekends Thesuccessfulclientwillhave aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/or Familyviolence andrelated issues.Haveoneormoreyearsof counseling experience, preferably in the area ofcrisisinterventionor domestic/familyviolence, withsomeprofessionaltrainingi.e.Applied CounselingCertiﬁcateand/orrelevantpost-secondaryeducation(Social work,Nursingorwork-related experience).

Have acurrentCPRand FirstAide or willing toobtainand recentChild abuse registry/Criminalrecordcheck. ValidDriver’s licenseorwillingtoobtain. Mustbeabletoworkcross-culturally,theabilitytospeak asecondlanguage isanasset.Haveanunderstandingandrespectof LGBTQ1issuesandthe vulnerablesectors. Bewillingtoworkshiftwork(days,afternoons,andnights)onweekends andstatholidaysasrequired.

Be reliable,dependable,ﬂexible,andpunctualandhavea goodworkethic. Ifyouare interested in applyingfor apositionpleasesubmit anupto dateresumetothe ProgramManagerChristineFenner/orExecutive DirectorHelen Trudeau.Applications are duebyMarch15/2024by 4pm.

fall tones to it,” she said. “I like to throw as much texture and kind of organic shapes into my work as I can.”

Even though she illustrates digitally, George said, “I use a lot of brushes that kind of mimic things like crayons and pastels and pencils.”

George has a deep appreciation of Wagamese’s work. She said one of her all-time favourite books that he wrote is Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations, published in 2016.

“I use it as a pick me up, in my whole life pretty regularly,” George said.

She recalls first finding it in a bookstore, and reading a page, feeling “taken aback.” She read more, and took it home where it be-

came a guide if she is “ever having a bad day or looking for inspiration, I like to go to Embers specifically.”

And she fond of Wagamese’s others works as well.

“Richard's writing has this way of making you feel like you are sitting in the room listening to an Elder or a family member talk to you,” George said. “Like when you talk to an aunt or uncle and they're setting you straight, I feel like Richard's voice has that same kind of energy to it. The way that he tells stories, it just immediately grabs you and pulls you in.”

George hopes the new book will introduce more people to Indigenous visual storytelling and help foster greater understanding of Indigenous cultures.

PROF ES SIONAL

EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY

OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA

OFFICE:K EEWAT IN O/YATT HEGH E

FA MI LY ENHANCEMEN TC ENTR E

LO CATION:T HOMPSO N, MANI TO BA

Position: FamilyEnhancementSupervisor (Communitiestobeassigned)

One(1)Full-Time PermanentPosition

Reporting to theDirectorofFamilyEnhancement,asmemberofthe supervisoryteam,theFamilyEnhancementSupervisorcoordinates andimplementstheagency ’s preventativechildandfamilyservices fortheassignedunits.Thisincludesprovidingguidanceandsupport to Family EnhancementWorkers in avariety of communities Partneringwiththecommunitiesthatweserveto promoteand delivereducationandawarenessprogrammingonbehalfofthe agency,ina mannerwhichisculturallyappropriate.TheFamily EnhancementSupervisorcontributes to thedevelopment and improvementofthe FamilyEnhancementdepartment‘sactivities.

KeyResponsibilities:

•Superviseandmanage assigned FamilyEnhancementstaﬀ

• Communicate programdirectionandprovideguidancetoFamily EnhancementWorkers fromtheassignedunits

• Promotebestpracticesinpreventative childand familyservices whichadvancetheculturalandland-basedidealsofthenorthern FirstNations

•Compileanddeliver regularstatistical reports

• Deliver regularreportsabouttheunits’activitiestotheDirector of FamilyEnhancement

•Liaisewithexternalcollateralsonbehalfoftheagency

Qualiﬁcations:

•BachelorofSocialWork(BSW),orinprogressincombination with relevant experience

• Workingknowledge ofChildandFamilyServicesAct,Standards, andRegulations

•2+years of experienceintheﬁeldofchild welfare

•Child welfaresupervisoryandtraining experience

• KnowledgeoforworkexperienceinnorthernManitoba communitiespreferred

• Demonstratedunderstandingandrespect forIndigenousculture

•AbilitytospeaktheCreeand/orDenelanguage is considered anasset

WorkingConditions:

•Fast-pacedenvironment

• Conﬁdentialityenvironment withaccess to sensitive information

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately25%ofthetime

• Backgroundchecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards

•Maintaina validdriver ’s licenseandhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: AwasisAgencyendeavorstobeanemployerofchoice,and offersa competitivesalary, generouspaidtimeoff, andanexcellent employeebenefitpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducation andexperience.

ClosingDate:Openuntilﬁlled

AwasisAgencyprovidesservice to Indigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin thischallengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-117on your resume/coverletterandincludeitinthesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-117

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2

Fax:(204)778-8428Email:hr@awasisagency.ca We thankallapplicantswhoapply, however, onlythoseselectedforaninterviewwillbe contacted. Applicantsmayrequest reasonableaccommodationrelated to thematerialsoractivities usedthroughouttheselectionprocess

UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesforastrongerNorth.UCN provideslearningopportunitiestonortherncommunities anditspeopleofferingmorethanfortyacademicdegrees, diploma,andcertiﬁcateprograms.

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HUMANRESOURCES (HR)A DMINISTR AT IV E ASSISTANT

HumanResources

Full-Time,RegularPosition (mayconsiderPart-Time) ThePasorThompson,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-149

ClosingDate:November4,2024

Universit yCollegeoftheNorth HEREYOUCAN UCN.CA

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UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesfora stronger North.UCN provideslearning opportunitiestonortherncommunities anditspeopleoffering morethan fortyacademicdegrees, diploma,andcertiﬁcateprograms. We committoofferinga safe,welcoming,andinclusivework environmentwhereinnovationandcreativityiswelcomed. We are oneofManitoba’sTopEmployers andoffera generous TotalCompensationPackagewithhealthbeneﬁts, agreat pensionplanalongwiththeopportunityforpersonaland professionalgrowth.

LEARNIN GI NNO VATION S S PECIALIS T

ResearchandAcademicInnovation(RAI) Full-Time,RegularPosition ThePasorThompson,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-146 ClosingDate:November6,2024

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UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesfor astrongerNorth.UCN provideslearningopportunitiestonortherncommunities anditspeopleofferingmorethanfortyacademicdegrees, diploma,andcertiﬁcateprograms.

We committooffering asafe,welcoming, andinclusivework environmentwhereinnovationandcreativityiswelcomed.We offer agenerous TotalCompensationPackagewithhealth beneﬁts, agreatpensionplanalongwiththeopportunityfor personalandprofessionalgrowth.

DEANOFHEALTH

FacultyofHealth

Full-Time,RegularPosition ThePas,Thompson,SwanRiveror FlinFlon,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-148

ClosingDate:November4,2024

Universit yCollegeoftheNorth HEREYOUCAN UCN.CA

Pleasevisitourwebsiteformoredetailedinformation about UCNandthisemploymentopportunity.Athttp://www.ucn.ca select“UCNCareers”,andselectfromthelistofpositionsto view.ThankyouforyourinterestinUCN.

École Gabrielle-Roy hosts 40th anniversary celebration

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

On November 9, alumni of École/Collège Régional Gabrielle-Roy (Gab-Roy), their parents, members of the community members are invited to the celebration of a major milestone of this all-French school. The occasion? Gab-Roy is turnings 40.

The event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with tours of the school provided by teachers and administrators. For many of the earlier alumni and their parents, the tour will be of interest due to the many facelifts the school has undergone since it first opened in 1984.

At 7:30, the festivities will continue at the TC Energy Centre with a social that includes a dance, cash bar, and late lunch. Special addresses will be made by the four founding Île-desChênes (IDC) residents who are the key reason the school exists today.

“We’re hoping to have some memorabilia and some of the [school] clothing there on display,” says vice principal Roxanne Tétreault. “The school [also] has every yearbook since it opened.”

Over the course of the last 40 years, 1,911 graduating students have donned cap

and gown in a fully French setting thanks to Gab-Roy.

The school’s success, Tétreault says, has much to do with the dedicated staff who have taught here through the years.

“They teach not only the French language but the French culture,” says Tétreault. “We’re known for being proud of our francophone history and it’s a big part of our education here at the school.”

The community, too, can be proud of the hardwon battle that brought the school to IDC in the first place. It all began in the 1970s when a group of local parents started advocating for their children’s French education.

“It was deemed the white elephant of southeast Manitoba because the provincial government didn’t think that a French high school was necessary in our area,” Tétreault says. “The parents had to fight for years and years… but the province always kept saying, ‘You’re never going to fill up that school.’ And now we’ve had four major additions and we’re at 565 students and we’re still overflowing. It’s definitely a success story.”

The original school, built in 1984, began with students from Grades Seven

PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA UNIT:G OD’S RIVE R(MANTOS IP I)

SU B-OFFICE

LO CATION:G OD’S RIVE R, MB

Position: FosterCare Worker/DataClerk

One(1)Full-Time PermanentPosition

TheFosterCareWorker/Data Clerkisa memberoftheFosterCare andQualityAssuranceandDatadepartments.The incumbent develops relationships with foster parentsandchildrenincare, providingongoingsupportandlicensinghomes.Theincumbent receivesandentersdataonall casetypesandprovidesmonth-end reportsoncaseﬁles.TheFosterCareWorker/Data Clerksupportsthe workoftheAgencywithadministrative tasks,ensuringtheaccuracy ofdata inputwhile followingtheAgency’spoliciesandpractices

Theworkisdetailedand requiresthatconﬁdentialitybemaintained Qualiﬁcations:

•HighSchooleducationorequivalent

•1-2 yearsofexperienceintheﬁeldpreferred.

•Demonstratedorganizationalskills.

•Knowledge of fosterhomelicensingpoliciesand regulations

•FamiliaritywithMicrosoftOﬃce(MicrosoftSuite,Excel,Word, etc)

•Knowledge andunderstandingoftheChild,YouthandFamily ServicesAct.

•Validdriver ’s license

• Backgroundchecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards.

•Demonstratedknowledge ofNorthern communities

•AbilitytospeakCreeanasset.

WorkingConditions:

• Fast-paced,community-based,timesensitive,multi-disciplinary child welfareenvironment

•Independentworkwithlittledirectsupervision.

• Conﬁdentialenvironmentwithaccesstohighlysensitive information

•Repetitivecomputer work

•Overnight andremotetravelmay be requiredoccasionally

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience

ClosingDate:OpenUntilFilled(OUF)

AwasisAgencyprovidesservicetoIndigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-116on your resume/coverletterandincludeitinthesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-116 701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2 Fax:204-778-8428Email:hr@awasisagency.ca

We thankallapplicantswhoapply, however, onlythoseselectedforaninterviewwillbe contacted. Applicantsmayrequest reasonableaccommodationrelated to thematerialsoractivities usedthroughouttheselectionprocess

to Eleven. That first year, Grade Twelve students were transported to Collège Lorette.

But by 1986, Gab-Roy was already undergoing its first addition, making space this time to accommodate students from Kindergarten through Grade Twelve.

As an elementary student attending the nearby Île-des-Chênes School at the time, Tétreault recalls being among those kids whose parents wanted them to have an all-French education.

“I remember, because the schools were close together, that we actually walked to the new school with our [supplies] in our hands,” Tétreault muses.

Exactly ten years later, in 1994, another monumental event took place in Manitoba, and this one once again changed the face of French education forever.

“It was the year that the DSFM was formed,” Tétreault says. “We transferred from Seine River to the DSFM. I remember that very distinctly because we

PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA THOMPSONCENTRA LO FFICE (TCO) LO CATION:701 THOMPSONDRIV E, THOMPSON,M B

Position: AdministrativeSupportClerk One(1)Full-Time Term Position(to January2026)

TheAdministrative SupportClerk–ThompsonCentralOﬃce provides avarietyofadministrativesupportservices.Preparingand processing avarietyofdocuments,maintainingsuppliesandbeing themaincontact forvendors providingservice to theagency. The AdministrativeSupportClerkensuresthat roomsandequipmentare preppedand readyfortraining,andmeetings. Keepsconﬁdentiality, followsAgencypoliciesand procedures,and demonstrates initiative andsoundjudgment indeterminingworkpriorities

Qualiﬁcations:

• CertiﬁcateordiplomainOﬃceAssistantorBusiness Administrationpreferredoranequivalent combinationof experienceandtrainingmay be considered

•Minimumof 2years inadministrationrequired

• Astrongworkethicandreliable

•Provenabilitytoprioritize workloadsandmeet deadlines

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosoftWord,ExcelandOutlook

•Self-motivatedwiththeabilitytoworkindependently,aswell aspartof aunit/team

• Sensitivity to,andanunderstandingofFirstNationsculture andvalues

•Abilitytospeakand/orunderstandtheCreelanguage would beanasset

WorkingConditions:

•Fast-paced, community-basedchildprotectionoﬃce

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately5%ofthetime

• BackgroundChecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards

•Maintaina validdriver’slicenseandaccess to avehicle

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience

ClosingDate:Friday,September20,2024

AwasisAgencyprovidesservicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-115on your resume/coverletterandincludeitinthesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-115

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2

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

had a parade down IDC Main Street to celebrate the new school division. That year we were also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Gab-Roy, so we had a celebration in the gym with all of the students there and we had done little skits to compare 1984 with 1994.

The parents were invited and it was a huge deal.”

In 2003, another addition was built. This one added a full second floor to the building.

“They added a new library, a few classrooms, and a music room,” Tétreault says. “Upstairs we had home economics and woodworking.”

According to Tétreault, this is the first such celebration the school has seen in 30 years. The DSFM has also jumped on board, adding their own contributions as they celebrate their own 30-year milestone.

“We’re hoping that this will be like one big class reunion for all of the Gab alumni as well as former staff members who we’re inviting,” Tétreault says. Tickets for the social event are $20 per adult and available on the school website. To purchase tickets: https://dsfm. schoolcashonline....

PROF ES SIONAL

EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA OX FO RDHOUS E (B UNIBONIBEE)S UB-O FFIC E LO CATION:OXFOR DH OUSE,M B

Position: CaseAide/DataClerk One(1)FullTime Permanentposition

Summary of Position:

AmemberoftheQualityAssuranceandDatadepartment,theCase Aide/DataClerk receivesandentersdataonall casetypes.The incumbentprovidesmonthendreportson caseﬁlesandsupports theworkoftheAgencywithadministrativetasks.The workis detailedandperformedinanenvironment forwhich conﬁdentiality must bemaintained

Qualiﬁcations:

•HighSchooleducationorequivalent

•1-2 yearsexperienceinoﬃceadministrationpreferred.

•Demonstratedorganizationalskills.

•FamiliaritywithMicrosoftoﬃce(Excel, Word andOﬃceSuite) preferred.

•Demonstratedknowledge ofNorthern communities.

•AbilitytospeakCree/Deneanasset

•MustprovidesatisfactoryCriminalRecordcheck,ChildAbuse checkandPriorContactcheckprior to beginningworkand throughoutemployment as required

WorkingConditions:

•Fastpaced,timesensitive,child welfareworkingenvironment.

•Independentworkwithlittledirectsupervision.

• An environmentwhere maintaining conﬁdentialityisimportant

•Repetitivecomputer work

•Occasionalovernight travel

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience

ClosingDate:OpenUntilFilled

AwasisAgencyprovidesservice to Indigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-113on your resume/coverletterandinthesubjectlineof youremail in conﬁdenceto: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-113

315McGeeStreetWinnipeg, MBR3G1M7 Fax:204-790-4455Email:hr@awasisagency.ca

Brenda Sawatzky, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Student body of Gab-Roy, Grades 9 through 12.

Portage water wins prestigious taste test award

BY RENEE LILLEY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, PORTAGE GRAPHIC LEADER

In a stunning achievement, the city’s water has been awarded the title of best-tasting water in Western Canada.

During an annual competition held by the Western Canada Water Association from September 17-20 in Winnipeg, the prestigious award was announced at the association’s four-day “Ripples of Change” conference, where cities across the region entered their water for a blind taste test.

2024 marks a significant milestone for the city, which previously finished as a runner-up twice in previous years but has now secured the top spot. The competition, which includes entries from both major and smaller cities in Western Canada, is highly competitive, with the quality of water being evaluated by three judges from various locations, including California and Ontario.

“Winning this award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work put in by our water treatment plant team,” said Jared Smith, manager of the Water Treatment Plant.

“It demonstrates that even with some of the toughest

raw water to treat in the region, we can deliver high-quality, great-tasting water to our residents,” Smith said.

The process for the competition begins with cities applying through the Western Canada Water Association, providing samples for evaluation. Only the best samples are selected for final judging, with any that show signs of odor being disqualified immediately.

Interestingly, the city’s raw water has been described as some of the worst in Western Canada, making the award even more remarkable.

“It’s a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation in treating water to meet high standards,” Smith added.

In addition to celebrating their local victory, the city will represent Western Canada at the American Water and Wastewater Association taste test competition in Denver in June 2025. This opportunity further elevates the city’s status on a larger stage.

Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with local officials and residents expressing pride in the achievement. The recognition not only highlights

EmploymentOpportunity Receptionist

Full TimeThompson,MB

ManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanakInc.(MKO)isseekinganorganized, highlymotivated,experiencedindividualtoprovidereceptionand administrativesupporttoourThompsonoffice.Underthedirectionofthe OfficeManager,thereceptionistwillworkin afast-paced environmentand provideadministrativeandofficesupportforstaff.Beabletoleadaswell astakedirectionandbeingcomfortablewithcollaboration.Allworkwill becarriedoutin amannerconsistentwithMKO’s policyandIndigenous cultureandvalues.

RolesandResponsibilities

•Betheﬁrstpointofcontactforvisitorsandclients;

•Organizeboardroomandtrainingroombookings;

•ArrangemeetingsonMicrosoftTeam, ZoomandLifeSize;

•Orderofﬁcesuppliesandequipmentasneeded;

•Assiststaffandvisitorswithprinting,photocopying andfaxing;

• Receiveanddistributeincomingandoutgoingmail;

•Answerthemainphonelineandassistorforwardcallers;

•Otheradministrativedutiesasassigned:travel claims,bankdeposits, etc.;

• MKOispoliticaladvocacyorganizationthatworksto representthe leadershipandmember FirstNations. Allstaff at MKOmaybegiven otherdutiesasassignedthatenableMKOtofulﬁllthemandateand responsibilitytoitsmembercommunities.

EducationandExperience

•AdministrativeAssistanttrainingand/orminimum3 years’experience inanofﬁcesetting;

•Reliableanddependableinperforming job-relatedtasks;

•Excellentorganizationskills andtheabilitytosetpriorities;

•Abilitytoadaptto achangingroutine;

•Abilitytoworkindependentlyandaspartof ateam;

• ProﬁcientcomputerskillsincludingMicrosoftOfﬁce,Internet,and E-mail;

•Experienceusing AppleandWindowstechnology;

•Willingnesstolearndifferentcomputerprogramsandprocedures;

• Abilitytolift 20-40 pounds;

•Provide acurrent(within 3months)CriminalRecordCheck,including ChildAbuseScreening;

• Asensitivityandunderstandingofculture,languageandissuesrelevant toIndigenouscommunities.

•Preferred; avaliddriver’slicenseandbewillingtotravel,withaccess to areliablevehicle.

Salaryisdependantuponqualificationsandexperience Interestedapplicantsareinvitedtosubmittheircoverletteridentifying theposition applyingforandresume,alongwith 3professional referencelistings(include amostrecent employerreference) by 4:00 p.m.onNovember4,2024 to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com Wethankallwho applyandadvisethatonlythoseselected for further considerationwillbecontacted.Preferencewillbegiventoqualified FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedto self-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter.Nophonecallswillbeaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO) MKOis anon-profit,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovidesa collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKO FirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

the quality of water but also underscores the efforts of the staff at the treatment plant who work tirelessly to ensure safe and palatable drinking water.

“We often take for granted the water we turn on every day,” said Faron Nicholls, city councillor on the Waterworks Committee.

“This award serves as a reminder of the hard work

and commitment that goes into producing clean, quality water for our community,” Nicholls said, noting the water treatment team is not thought of without appreciation.

“We get up in the morning, we turn on our taps and we have water and we're happy, but the work that goes in to ensure that it meets all the standards and

EmploymentOpportunity

Medical TransportationDriver Full Time –Thompson,MB (4 Positions)

Full Time –The Pas,MB(2 Positions)

Underthegeneralsupervision ofthe Medical Transportation(MT)Program Supervisor,theMT Driver ensuressafe,timelytransportofpatientsto healthcarefacilitiesandadheretohealthsafety.Tasks involvedriving, navigation,basic supportanddocumentationof eachpatienttrip.

RolesandResponsibilities

• Transportpatients toandfrom medical facilitiesortodeparture location safelyand efﬁciently

•Maintain logbooks

•Assist and aid patients in andoutofthevehicleasneeded.Wheelchair lift or provide stooltoget into vehicle.

• Ensurethe vehicle is clean, well-maintained anddocumentvehicle maintenancethatisrequired.

•Assistwithvehicle maintenancearrangements.

•Coordinate with stafftoensure timely patientpick-ups anddrop-offs.

•Documentpatient information andtraveltimesaccurately

• While operating the vehiclefollowalltrafﬁclawsandregulations.

•Communicate withdispatch coordinatorsalong withotherdriversto ensure efﬁcient service is provided.

•CustomerServiceskills, treating all clientswithrespectand dignity

• Conﬂictresolutionskills.

EducationandExperience

• Completion ofGrade12or equivalent,and/orprevious workexperience will be considered.

•Mustposses avalid class 4driver’slicenceandbe willing totravel

•Mustproducea driver’s abstract.

•Knowledgeofmedicalterminologyanasset

•KnowledgeoftheMTRSNational Program.

•Shouldhavegoodcommunication andorganizationalskills.

•Knowledgeoftransportation systems within theprovinceofManitoba anasset.

• Knowledgeofhealthcare facilitieswithin theprovinceofManitoba anasset.

•Knowledgeof FirstNationsculture, lifestyles,andspiritualbeliefs.

•Ability tospeakCreeorDeneanasset.

•Knowledgeandproven proﬁciency in computersand various software programs (i.e. database, Word processingetc.).

•Workswellunderpressure in afast-pacedenvironment.

• Candidatemustbe willing to submit to acriminaland/orchildabuse registry check.

Salaryisdependantuponqualiﬁcationsandexperience

Interested applicants are invited tosubmittheircoverletter identifying the position applying forandresume,alongwith 3professional reference listings(include amostrecentemployerreference) by 4:00 p.m.onNovember1,2024 to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com

Wethankallwho applyandadvise thatonly thoseselectedforfurther considerationwill becontacted.Preferencewillbegiventoqualiﬁed First Nations applicants; applicantsareencouragedtoself-declare in their resumeorcoverletter.Nophonecalls will beaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO) MKOis anon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovidesa collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereignFirstNationswerepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

the quality and pressures, it's a true testament. This is a really nice recognition for the work that group does,” Nicholls said.

As the city prepares for the upcoming competition in Denver, the focus remains on maintaining the high standards that led to their victory. The water

Position: UnitSupervisor

treatment team plans to continue optimizing its processes to ensure it remains a leader in water quality.

— Renee Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA SPLI TL AK E(TATA SKWE YA K) SU B-OFFICE SPLI TL AK E, MANI TO BA

One(1)Full-Time PermanentPosition

Reporting to DirectorofServices(North)andinaccordance with Awasis Agencypolicies,procedures andstandards,theUnit Supervisoris responsibleforprovidingleadershiptoa teamof staff withinthespecificunitofBrochet inordertoensurestrongstaff andworkteams,aswellastodevelopandstrengthencommunity basedservices.Thispositionrequirescompetenciesintheareasof positiverole-modelleadershipabilities,anddemonstratedeffective interpersonalskills, communicationskills,timemanagement,results management,self-management,criticalthinkingandproblem solving.

Qualiﬁcations:

•BSW Degreepreferred

• 5+ yearsofexperienceinChildandFamilyServiceswith demonstratedpositiverole-modelleadershipability, previous Supervisoryexperienceispreferred

•WorkingknowledgeofCFS legislation,standardsandissues

•Strongcommitmenttocommunity-basedservicedelivery

•Assessment,planning,interviewing, andcounsellingskills

•Demonstratedwrittenand verbal communicationskills

•Experienceincrisisinterventionandconﬂict resolution

•Provenabilitytoprioritize workloadsandmeet deadlines

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosoftWord,ExcelandOutlook

•Mustbeself-motivatedwiththeabilitytoworkindependently aswellasa teamsetting

• Sensitivity to andanunderstandingandacceptanceofFirst Nationscultureand values

• Abilitytospeakand/orunderstandtheCreeand/orDene language wouldbeanasset

WorkingConditions:

•Fast-pacedenvironment

• Conﬁdentialityenvironment withaccess to sensitive information

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately10%ofthetime

• Backgroundchecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards.

•Maintaina validdriver ’s licenseandhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage.Salary will commensurate with educationand experience

ClosingDate:OpenUntilFilled(OUF)

AwasisAgencyprovidesservice to Indigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-112on your resume/coverletterandinthesubjectlineof youremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResourcesDepartment

AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-112

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2

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

Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The judges sampling Portage la Prairie's water. (City of Portage)

Neighbours upside down after trailer court rejigging

BY CONNOR MCDOWELL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN BOISSEVAIN

— Cheryl Nelson crosses her arms. There’s orange pylons near the end of her driveway. A manufacturing company has expanded onto the previously public road, and set up the pylons to keep people away. It’s a symbol of what’s to come. The company isn’t done expanding — soon it will move onto the land under Nelson’s mobile home.

The Nelsons live directly across the street from the wood manufacturing company Western Archrib, considered one of Boissevain’s

largest employers, but soon they won’t live there. The company has worked out a deal with the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton to expand onto the land currently home to the Buckingham East Trailer Court on Buckingham Street. Standing in her custom-built garage, Nelson and her husband are awaiting an eviction letter.

The retired grandmother who’s in her 60s tells the Sun she doesn’t know when the letter will come. The municipality told her it will send her a letter at some point, and once received she and her husband will have three months to vacate.

Help keep Thompson GREEN and CLEAN

PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA

OFFICE:L AC BROCHE T(NO RT HLANDS DENESULINE)S UB-O FFIC E LO CATION:L AC BROCHE T, MB

Position: FamilyEnhancementWorker

One(1)Full-Time PermanentPosition

TheFamilyEnhancementWorkerwillprovidechildrenand families withsupportservices to keepthemfromenteringthechildand family servicesprotectionsystembyprovidingpreventativeservice opportunitiesand resources, facilitating awarenessandeducation, advocacyandcounselling.Theoverallaimistoengageparents, extended family,and communitypartners inidentifyingproblemsand participatinginservicesandsupportsthataddressfamilyneeds.The FamilyEnhancementWorkerwillutilizea continuumof resources, developcaseplans,coordinatethe resourcesand supportsneeded andarrange linkages/connectionstoother communityresourcessuch asdayprograms, respiteservicesandotherculturallyappropriate resources.TheFamilyEnhancementWorkerwillpossessandutilize theinterpersonalskills to workwithchildren, families, staﬀ,and collaterals

Qualiﬁcations:

•BachelorofSocialWorkDegree(BSW)with experienceinchild welfare preferred,or acombinationofexperienceandtraining

• Commitmenttocommunity-basedservicedelivery

•WorkingknowledgeofCFS legislation,standardsandissues

• KnowledgeofChild &FamilyServicesInformation System(CFSIS) anasset

•Assessment,interviewing,and counsellingskills

•Demonstratedwrittenand verbal communicationskills

•Demonstratedcrisisinterventionandconﬂict resolutionskills

•A strong work ethicand reliable

•Provenabilitytoprioritize workloadsandmeet deadlines

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosoftWord,ExcelandOutlook

•Self-motivatedwiththeabilitytoworkindependently,aswell aspartof apreventionunitteam

• Sensitivity to,andanunderstandingofFirstNationsculture andvalues

•Abilitytospeakand/orunderstandtheCreelanguagewould beanasset

WorkingConditions:

•Fast-pacedenvironment

• Conﬁdentialityenvironment withaccess to sensitive information

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately5%ofthetime

• Backgroundchecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards

•Maintaina validdriver ’s licenseandhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage. Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience

ClosingDate:OpenUntilFilled(OUF)

AwasisAgencyprovidesservice to Indigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-114on your resume/coverletterandincludeitinthesubject lineofyouremail,inconﬁdence to: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-114 701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2

Fax:204-790-4455Email:hr@awasisagency.ca

“It’s the uncertainty,” Nelson told the Sun. “You can’t go on holidays. You can’t book nothing, because you don’t know when you’re going to get that letter.”

In August, the municipality announced it would sell the land at the east trailer court to Western Archrib. And, the impacted trailer court residents could move just 200 metres away to a new plot for mobile homes the city was installing.

Some feel the deal has been rushed. Nelson, and other neighbours, describe themselves as being stuck in “limbo” while their lives and homes are impacted.

“(If it comes in the spring), you’re whole summer’s going to be tied up moving,” said Nelson. “You don’t just move the mobile home over there and close your eyes and think that it’s done.”

She expects they will have to cut their custom garage from their mobile home and move it, re-install skirting around the bottom of the mobile home at its new location, set appointments with electricians and plumbers to re-connect their home to services, sleep in a hotel and write a cheque for potentially tens of thousands of dollars

to pay for it all.

“And then it might not even happen.”

“My grandchildren are in Montreal,” she says. “We usually like to go out there (for a month every summer).”

While she said the municipality hasn’t provided information on the timeline of the letter, staff said the municipality is considering financial or logistical support. But without a promise, an outline, or specifics, the Nelsons have to prepare for an expensive move.

Across the road, neighbours Shawn and Rhonda Kleebaum tell the Sun they believe the ordeal has been handled poorly. They live outside the trailer court, but say they will be impacted.

”We’re in limbo right now,” said Shawn. ”The biggest thing for me is it hasn’t been all that transparent … There was no consultation. No discussion.”

Living across the road, he said it’s unacceptable that he was never contacted or alerted.

“The decent thing to do is to let people know what’s happening.”

He and his wife attended council’s meeting on Sept.

CREENATIONCHILD &FAMILYCARINGAGENCY

OutofCommunity Worker–PermanentPosition OFFICE:LynnLakeOfﬁce LOCATION:Thompson,MB

CreeNationChild &FamilyCaringAgency(CNCFCA)isresponsible foradministeringandprovidingforthedeliveryofChildandFamily Services.CNCFCAisdedicated to providingcomprehensiveCFS Servicesthatarecommunity-basedandincorporatebothprotection andpreventionservices.

Ouragencywillstrive to maintainfamilyunity.

POSITIONSUMMARY:

Underthesupervisionofthe UnitSupervisor,theOutofCommunity Care WorkerisresponsibleforprovidingandadministeringCFS ServicesinaccordancewiththeChild &FamilyServicesAct. The candidatewill be required to work primarilyin theThompsonOfﬁce, aswellastravel to thecommunityofLynnLakeon aregularbasis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Responsibleforgatheringinformationandassessingchildand familyfunctioningproblems

§ Responsibleforthedevelopmentofcaseplansforchildrenand familieswithinprogramguidelinesandprovidereferrals,support guidance,andproblemsolving

§ Responsibleforallﬁledocumentation,referrals,ensuringservices areapplied

§ CaseMonitoring,RiskAssessment& Followup

§ Providescasemanagementandsupport forchildrenincare andfamilies

EDUCATIONANDEXPERIENCE:

§ WorkexperienceinChildand FamilyServiceswithdemonstrated knowledgeofchilddevelopment,familycenteredservice,early intervention,familysupport andcommunity-basedservices

§ BachelorofSocial Work(BSW)orrelatedundergraduatedegree inHumanServices(preferred)

§ AbilitytoconverseﬂuentlyinCree(preferred)

§ Excellentassessment,interventionandwritingskills

§ KnowledgeoftheChildandFamilyServicesActandprovincial standards

§ Abilitytouse avariety ofcomputerapplicationsincludingCFSIS andFACTS

CONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT:

§ Mustpass acriminalrecordscheck,childabuseandpriorcheck

§ Cannotbeactiveona protectioncase

§ Maintainabsoluteconﬁdentiality

§ Overnight& regulartravelis arequirement,workinginthe communityofLynnLake 2weeksofeverymonth.

§ Musthave avalidManitobadriver’s license

§ Mustbeable to provideownvehicleforwork

§ Required to provideon-callserviceson arotatingbasis

§ Otherdutiesrelated to thepositionmaybeassigned Deadline:November1,2024 @4:00pm

Submit coverletter& resumealongwiththree(3)referencesmarked “personal& conﬁdential” to:

HumanResourceManager Cree NationChild &FamilyCaringAgency Box10130, Opaskwayak,MB.R0B2J0 Fax:204-623-3847Email:hr@creenation.ca

We thankallwhoapplyandadvise thatonly thoseselected forfurtherconsiderationwillbecontacted.

“Pleasevisitourwebsite atwww.https://creenation.ca”

5 and shared their concerns.

Minutes from the meeting read, “Rhonda & Shawn would like to be included in any other updates as they feel the changes to this area of town affect them as well.”

A development plan for Boissevain-Morton released in 2023 labels the property as industrial land. The husband and wife say they got an advisory from a local real estate agent this year, predicting a 10 per cent drop “at least” in their property value.

”We’re going to be looking at the wall of a big building,” Shawn said. “Definitely it’s going to affect (our) property value.”

In September, head of council Judy Swanson said keeping the company happy and productive in Boissevain was one of the factors that the municipality accomplished through the deal.

Securing the manufacturer’s investment in the community means keeping jobs and economic factors intact.

Swanson was unavailable for an interview for this story before deadline, but had previously explained the decision-making.

“We really want them to maintain their footprint,” Swanson told the Sun in

September. “So if they want to expand their footprint, we are there. And this is one way that it would work … It helps lock in their investment in our community, which will help them continue to grow and provide.”

The announcement of the deal in August read, “While the municipality acknowledges the inconvenience and disruption this will cause to the tenants and the general area, the overall goals of the project is a win-win for the community.”

Nelson said the move is a lot of work that will take her husband out of his part-time retirement work as he will have lots to do at home. And without much information from the municipality, bills for all the service hookups and installing their mobile home are a big question mark hanging over their heads. She said they have no problem with a business expanding in the area, but it could have been handled better in a way that informed affected residents. The limbo period is their first concern, and the second is the worry that they won’t be compensated for cost, and will have to organize all the service connections themselves.

PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA THOMPSONSE RV IC E DELIVE RY OFFICE (TSD O)

LO CATION:701 THOMPSONDRIV E THOMPSON,M BR8N2A2

Position: FosterCare Worker

One(1)Full-Time PermanentPosition

TheFosterCareWorkerwillperform afullrange of foster care activities forAwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba;thisincludes recruitment,homeassessments,orientation,training,fosterhome licensing,placesofsafetyandsupportservicestofosterhomesand fosterparents.TheFosterCareWorkerprovidestemporary andlongtermplacements forchildrenasdirectedbytheChildandFamily ServicesActandtheProgramStandards.TheFosterCareWorker willalsoensure that servicesarebeingdeliveredinaccordancewith thepolicies,proceduresandspeciﬁcdirectivesofAwasisAgency. Qualiﬁcations:

• BSWDegreepreferredwith experienceinchildwelfare or combinationofeducationandexperienceina relatedﬁeldwith thecompletionof 2years intheBSW programmay be considered

•Strongcommitmenttocommunity-basedservicedelivery

• Workingknowledge ofCFSlegislation, standardsandissues

• KnowledgeofChild &FamilyServicesInformation System(CFSIS)

•Assessment,interviewing, andcounsellingskills

•Demonstratedwrittenand verbal communicationskills

•Strongworkethicandreliable

•Provenabilitytoprioritize workloadsandmeet deadlines

•ProﬁciencyinMicrosoftWord,ExcelandOutlook

•Self-motivatedwiththeabilitytoworkindependentlyas well as ateamsetting

• Sensitivity to andanunderstandingofFirstNationsculture andvalues

•Abilitytospeakand/orunderstandtheCreelanguagewould be consideredanasset

WorkingConditions:

•Fast-pacedenvironment

• Conﬁdentialityenvironment withaccess to sensitive information

•Overnight andremotetravelapproximately10%ofthetime

• Backgroundchecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards.

•Maintaina validdriver ’s licenseandhaveaccess to avehicle

Salary: AwasisAgencyoﬀersa competitivesalaryandemployee beneﬁtpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience

ClosingDate:Monday, October28,2024

AwasisAgencyprovidesservicetoIndigenouschildrenand families, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-111on your resume/coverletterandinthesubjectlineof youremail in conﬁdenceto: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-111

701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2 Fax:(204)778-8428Email:hr@awasisagency.ca

Thompson ordered to cover $40k legal bill in battle with councillor

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A Manitoba judge is blasting a northern municipality for the way it treated one of its councillors ordering it to pay more than $40,000 in legal fees she spent to get her job back.

“The conduct of a municipal council, interacting with its elected representatives, is critical to the health of the municipal government,” Manitoba Court of King's Bench Justice Chris Martin said in a written decision dated Oct. 10.

“It can foster communication, collaboration and compromise or, as it did here, it can unjustly and arbitrarily attempt to stifle an elected representative and thereby disenfranchise voters.”

Issues first arose in the RM of Thompson in October of 2022 soon after Donna Cox was elected to represent Ward 2 in the northern Manitoba community as council voted

to move most council and committee meetings from evenings to mornings.

Cox objected to the move because she worked a fulltime job, and said she could not get the time off in the mornings to attend all required meetings.

After Cox missed a total of three committee meetings, council voted in April of last year to disqualify her from council, but Cox fought the move in court, and in February of this year Martin ruled that she should be reinstated to her position on Thompson council.

The legal fees for the RM in their battle with Cox are adding up. In his Oct. 10 decision, Martin said the RM must pay 95% of Cox’s more than $45,000 in legal fees, while the RM also spent more than $65,000 for legal representation on what Martin called an “ill-conceived and failed venture.”

The judge added in his de-

EmploymentOpportunity(Repost)

YouthHealingLodge ProgramManager Full Time Position –Thompson,MB

The YouthHealingLodgeProgramManagerreportstotheExecutive Director.The YouthHealingLodgeProgramManagerisresponsible for themanagementandorganizationofall Youth HealingLodgeactivities. RolesandResponsibilities

• Develop astrategicplan,manageoperationsanddevelopanoperational planwhichincorporatesgoalsandobjectivesthatworktowardthe strategicdirectionsoftheorganization.

• WorkwithInternalandExternalStakeholdersonthe YouthHealing Lodgeoperations,policiesandproceduresandensurethesemeetthe expectationsofMKO,stakeholdersandsponsors.

• Ensureprogramsandservicesreﬂectthepoliciesrequiredof the organization.

• Overseetheplanning,implementationandevaluationofthe Youth HealingLodge’sprogramsandservices,ensurethattheseprograms andservicescontributetotheorganization’smissionandreﬂectsthe prioritiesofMKO.

•Prepare acomprehensivebudgetandprovidetheExecutiveDirector with amonthlybudgetreportontherevenuesandexpendituresof theorganization.

• Identify,assessand informtheExecutiveDirectorofinternalandexternal issuesthataffect theorganization.

• Maintainandbuildstrongrelationshipswithourmembershipand stakeholders,includingbutnotlimitedtosuchentitiesasour funders.

• Research funding sources,overseethedevelopmentoffundraising,plan andwrite funding proposalstoincreasethe fundsofthe YouthHealing Lodgewithgrants,sponsorshipstrategicdirection.

• Completereportsasrequestedby funders,stakeholders,andsponsors.

•Determinestafﬁng requirements for theorganization.

• Implement aperformancemanagementprocess forallstaff which includesmonitoringandmanagingthe performanceof staff onanongoingbasisandconductinganannual performance review

Educationand Experience

•Post-SecondaryDegreein arelatedﬁeld, acombinationofeducation andexperiencewillbeconsidered

•A minimumofﬁve(5)yearsinseniorexecutive andleadershiproles wouldbeconsideredanasset.

•Highlevelofﬁnancialliteracyincludingbudgetdevelopment,ﬁnancial monitoringandreporting.

•Provenexperienceinprojectmanagement

• Abilitytodevelopandimplementsuccessful culturallyspeciﬁcprograms.

•Superiorproblem-solving,negotiatingand facilitationskills.

• Abilitytocommunicateandpositivelyinteractwith avarietyof stakeholders.

•Mustbeabletoobtain asatisfactoryCriminalRecordCheck(including VulnerableSectorSearch), asatisfactoryChildAbuse RegistryCheck andasatisfactoryAdultAbuseRegistry Checkuponhiring.

•Mustposses avalidClass5FDriver’sLicenceandbewillingtotravel.

•Havingaccessto areliablevehicleis arequirement. Salaryisdependentuponqualiﬁcationsandexperience

Interested applicantsareinvitedtosubmittheircoverletteridentifying theposition applying for andresume,alongwith 3professional reference listings(include amostrecentemployer reference) to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com

ClosingDate:Open untilﬁlled

We thankallwho applyandadvisethatonlythoseselected forfurther considerationwillbecontacted. Preference willbegiventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedto self-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter Nophonecallswillbeaccepted. Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO). MKOis anon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKO FirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

cision that Thompson council members knew when they were changing their meeting hours that those changes would lead to Cox being forced to miss some meetings.

“She was bound to fail,” Martin wrote. “Ms. Cox’s absences were not a matter of neglect, irresponsibility, or intention to flout her obligations to attend meetings.”

Martin also ruled that after the meeting times were changed council made “no effort” to accommodate or assist Cox with council or committee schedules.

“Rather, it developed an obstinate posture where, as the Reeve conceded, ‘she had to decide between her job and fulfilling the duties of a councillor.’” Martin wrote.

When reached by phone on Thursday, RM of Thompson Reeve Brian Callum said that he was “surprised and disappointed” by Martin’s decision, but said he would

offer no further comment before reviewing the decision with RM lawyers.

Cox was reached by phone on Thursday and also offered no comment on the decision.

In a previous decision in February, when Martin first ruled that Cox should be reinstated to council, the judge also raised concerns about how Thompson council’s actions could suppress the will of voters.

“A municipality cannot, in a situation such as this, in effect, obstruct a councillor and disenfranchise voters, by taking actions it knows, or should reasonably know, will preclude the elected representative from fulfilling their function,” Martin wrote in February.

— 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.

EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY- Thompson,MB JordansPrincipleCaseManager FullTime

POSITIONSUMMARY:

Underthedirectionofthe HealthDirector,the CaseManager willplan,organize,implement, direct,supervise,coordinate andevaluateactivitiesrelated to theFamilieswithChildren with ComplexNeedsProject referred to theJordan’sPrinciple CFIprogram.

Thepurposeis to provideprogramsupports to familieswith childrenlivingwithspecialneedsand to helpenhancethechild’s life andfacilitatehealthcareinterventionsanddevelopmental stimulationwithoutdenial,delay ordisruption.Workwith stakeholders to providesupport,address gapsinservice, avoid jurisdictionaldisputesandimproveneededcare ROLESANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

• TheCaseManager,willensurethe well-beingofclientsinto the programandpromotestheirdevelopment.A keycomponent ofthisjobistoassistintheirphysical,social,emotionaland dailylifeskillsdevelopmentbasedonthesevendomainsof development. Thisincreasestheirindependenceandallows them to functionappropriatelyinthecommunity.

• Providessupporttofamilieswithchildrenwithcomplex needs. Servicesprovidedincluderespite care,crisisintervention, behaviourmanagement, andlifeskillstraining,whetheron aone-to-onebasisorin agroupenvironment.

• Plans, develops,implementsand evaluatesrecreational,social and/oreducationalactivitiesforchildrenandtheir families.

•Takingtheleadinsecuringeffectivedevelopment,delivery andreviewofservices.

• Ensuring workforcerequirements,traininganddevelopment needs,fundingarrangementsandoutcome/performance measures.

•Developinga strategythatensuresallchildrenarefulfilling theirpotentialandthatactionmustbetaken to improve thelivesofthesechildrenandtheirfamilieswhoneedhelp themost.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•RNorLPNfrom arecognizededucationinstitution;

•BachelorofSocialWorkdegree;

• CurrentRegistrationandingoodstandingwith respective regulatorybody intheProvinceofMB;

•Casemanagementexperience;

•ExperienceworkingwithFirstNationCommunities;

•CPRandFirstAide Certification;

•KnowledgeofFirstNationlanguageandculture;

• Ahighly-motivatedindividualwhoisinnovative andhas a provenabilitytoworkwitha veryhigh degreeofaccuracy andattention to detail;

•Excellenttimemanagementandfacilitationskills;

•Effective verbalandlisteningcommunicationsskills;

• Strongleadership,criticalthinking,decisionmakingand problem-solvingskills.

• ValidDriver’sLicense withdriver’sabstract.Travelbased onneed.

•Clearcriminal record check,childabuse registrycheckand vulnerablepersonscheck.

Please forwardyourresumealongwith 3referencesand acover letter,inconfidence, to:

LisaBeardy

Keewatin Tribal Council

Fax204-677-0255orEmail:lbeardy@ktc.ca

Deadline Friday,October25,2024@4:00pm

We wouldliketothankthosethatapplyforthepositionbut only thosebeingconsidered foraninterviewwillbecontacted.

HumanResources Administrative Assistant (FrontDesk)(FulltimePermanentPosition) CanadianKraftPaperislooking foramotivatedcandidate toﬁlla HR Administrative AssistantforourFrontdesk! If you’re aself-motivated,experiencedprofessionalwith excellentinterpersonalandcommunicationskills,then we wanttohearfrom you! You’llhandleclericalduties, manageschedules,assistwith recruitment,maintain employee records,andcoordinate recognitionprograms. You’llalso welcomevisitors,ensureaprofessionalfrontdesk experience,andcontributetoemployeeandcommunity engagementactivities.Applytodaytobeakey partof ourHRteam!

So,if youhavea Grade12educationwithsuccessful completionof apost-secondarybusiness/administrative programorhave anextensi ve backgroundinan administrative/HRrole,thengetyourresumereadyand applytoday!

To learnmoreaboutourcompanyandtoapply,please visitour website: www.canadiankraftpaper.com/careers before November4,2024,toapply.

EmploymentOpportunity

RegionalEmergencyCoordinator

Full Time TermuntilNovember2025

Location:Winnipeg,Thompson orThe Pas,MB

MKOisseeking aRegionalEmergency CoordinatoraspartoftheFirst NationEmergencyManagementStrategy, whichisthe partnershipofthe GovernmentofCanada,FirstNations,andEmergency Services Providers. FirstNationsof Northern Manitobalackcapacityand infrastructurefor emergencymanagementintermsofpreparedness,response,recovery andmitigation. This positionwillsupportandcoordinate hazard andrisk assessmenttasks withinthe MKO FirstNations and assistinthecompilation ofdataandresults.

The strategyaimstoprioritizeandempower FirstNations,providingdirect supportandservices thatensure they areprepared when anemergency eventoccurs. The RegionalEmergencyCoordinatorwillberesponsibleto maintain communications withtheFirst Nationsand developstrategiesand procedures thataresuitablefor the FirstNation. They willworkdirectlywith the FirstNationandprovidesupportin the developmentandimplementation ofemergency managementstrategiesensuringitisreﬂectiveof the First Nationsprioritiesandvalues.

RolesandResponsibilities

• Workdirectlywith the RegionalEmergency Managerandprovidesupport withongoingpreparednessandresponseefforts

•Establishand maintainpartnerships withstakeholdersandemergency serviceproviders.

• Support FirstNationEmergency Coordinatorsbysupportingemergency managementinitiatives.

• Coordinatecommunityengagementsessionstodiscussemergency managementandidentifygaps within the community

•Compilingandreviewing historical climatedatatoidentifyrisks.

• AssistprojectmanagerswithAllHazardsandRiskAssessmentProject •Assistin the developmentof aresource andcapacityinventorywithin eachoftheMKO FirstNations

• Assistwithintegratingtraditionalknowledgeintothe hazardassessment andresilience-buildingprocessestoenhance accuracyandestablish strategiesthatalignwithandrespectculturalvaluesandpractices

•Mustbe availabletotravelto the MKOcommunitiestoconductand support hazardassessmentsandengagementsessions.

• Assist FirstNationswithrecoveryplanning –workshops,support communitiesduringrecoveryplanningandmanagement

• Providesupportto the FirstNationtoincreasecapacityinpreparedness, mitigation,responseandrecover y, providingguidelinesand recommendations.

• Participateinregulartrainingandinformationsessionsrelevantto the job.

•Perform other relateddutiesandresponsibilitiesasrequired,directed byRegionalManagerandLeadership.

• Performallother dutiesasassignedtoengage and supportMKO programsandmembernations.

EducationandExperience

•MinimumGrade12Diplomaorequivalency

• Minimum 2yearsexperienceworking within emergencymanagement, withexperiencedevelopingandimplementingstrategiestailoredto risksand hazards.

•Strongverbalandwrittencommunicationskills.

• Stronginitiativeandabilitytoworkindependentlyandas ateammember

•Proﬁcientcomputerskillsand the abilitytouseMicrosoftOfﬁce, Word, Excel, Power Point,GISandOutlook.

• Abilitytotravelbyair,road,boat,skidooandothermeansasnecessary

•ExperienceworkinginIndigenousorNorthern Communities

•Possess avalidManitobadriver’slicenceand haveaccessto areliable vehicle.

•Produce asatisfactorycriminalrecord, child and adult abuse registry andvulnerablesector checks.

We thank all who applyandadvise thatonlythoseselectedforfurther considerationwillbecontacted.Preferencewillbegiventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedtoself-declare in theirresumeorcoverletter.Nophonecallswillbeaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO). MKOisanon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

BY RENEE LILLEY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, PORTAGE GRAPHIC LEADER

In a significant move towards urban revitalization, the City of Portage has awarded a demolition contract for the former Agassiz Youth Centre property, paving the way for future development.

The contract, awarded to 6304 Manitoba Limited, which totals $253,660 is

Portage takes next step in Agassiz property redevelopment

part of a broader strategy to enhance local quality of life through new residential and commercial opportunities.

City councillor Joe Masi announced the decision at the October 15th council meeting, highlighting the importance of the project in their long-term parks and development plans. The demolition is set to commence this fall and is

EmploymentOpportunity CommunityJustice Worker Full Time Position–MantoSipiCree Nation(God’sRiver)

Location:InCommunity

TheCommunityJustice Worker(CJW)willbeanemployeeof Manitoba KeewatinowiOkimakanakInc.(MKO)aspartofthe FirstNationsJustice Strategy(FNJS),whichis apartnershipbetweenMKO,theProvince ofManitobaandthe FederalJusticeDepartments.TheFNJSworksto improvethecurrentJusticeSystemforMKO FirstNationcommunities byprovidingalternativesandinitiativesto theimplementationofjustice. Thesealternativeswillbeprovidedthrough aRestorativeJustice approach whicharebothculturallysensitiveand appropriate.

TheCJWnetworkswith avarietyofinternal andexternalresourcesthat willpromote personal growth,healingandreconciliationforboththe individual(s)andvictim(s)ofcrime.TheCJWwillworkwiththeirrespective communityleadershipbyprovidingthesealternativesthat willhelprestore Balance,Harmony, and Peacewithinthecommunitybasedon Traditional IndigenousBeliefs,Values,Cultureand Teachings.

Roles andResponsibilities

• WorkunderthesupervisionoftheMKO JusticeProgramsManager ordesignate.

• ManagePreand PostChargeDiversions,ReferralsfromtheCourt, Crownor Police.

•Reviewandassessallreferrals/diversionsforsuitability/eligibilityfor ParticipationintheFNJS.

•RegularlyupdatetheCrown,Courtand/or Policewithregardstothe statusofthereferredmatter(s).

•AdvisetheCrown/Courtand/orPoliceofallsuccessful/unsuccessful diversioncompletions.

• Attendtraininganddeliverprogrammingintheareasof FamilyViolence, AngerManagement,peace-making, conﬂict resolution,mediationand anyotherasrequired.

•Performdailycasemanagementdutiesandmaintain aproperﬁling system

• ProvidewrittenreportstotheMKOProgramManageronthestatusofall clientreferrals/diversionsfortrackingandstatisticalrecording purposes.

•Networkwithlocalandexternalresourcesasrequired

•Adheretoconﬁdentialitywithregardsto clientrecordsandprograms, andadvisetheProgramManagerimmediatelyofanyconﬂictsof intereststhat mayarise.

• AttendCourtsittingsregularlyanddevelopon-goingworkingrelationships withtheCrown,Defenseand Policeandanyotherreferralsource(s)

• Participateinongoingprofessionaldevelopment andtraining asprovided byMKO.

• WorkwiththeJustice PortfolioCouncillorinmaintainingorestablishing aJusticeCommitteeandprovidingupdatesin theareaofJustice to ChiefandCouncil

•Follow throughwithanyrecommendationsoftheJusticeCommittee, elders,etc.,whichcanincludesharingcircles,sentencingcircles, peace-makingprocess,mediation,conﬂict resolutionandany other asrecommended.

•Compliancewithallpolicies,procedures,by-laws anddirectivesofthe FirstNationCommunity/Leadership.

•Performallotherdutiesasassigned.

Education and Experience

•MinimumGrade12Diplomaorequivalency.

•FluencyinCree,Dene,Anisininew,orany otherIndigenouslanguage withintheMKOregionispreferred.

• Stronginitiativeandabilitytoworkindependentlyandas ateammember

•Strongverbalandwrittencommunicationskills.

• KnowledgeofissuesrelatingtoJusticeand Policingrelatedto First Nationsaswellasrestorativejusticepractices.

•ExperienceworkinginIndigenousornortherncommunities

•ProﬁcientcomputerskillsandtheabilitytouseMicrosoftOfﬁce, Word, Excel, Power Point,GISandOutlook

• Abilitytotravelbyair,road,boat,skidooandothermeansasnecessary

•AbilitytotraveltovariousMKOcommunitiesandwork ﬂexiblehours asrequired.

•Possess avalidManitobadriver’slicenceandhaveaccesstoa reliable vehicle.

•Produce asatisfactorycriminalrecord,childandadultabuseregistry andvulnerablesectorchecks.

Salaryisdependantuponqualiﬁcationsandexperience

Interested applicantsareinvitedtosubmittheircoverletteridentifying theposition applyingforandresume,alongwith 3professional referencelistings(include amostrecentemployerreference)by 4:00 p.m.onOctober31,2024 to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com

We thankallwho applyandadvisethatonlythose selectedforfurther considerationwillbecontacted.Preferencewillbegiventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedto self-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter.Nophonecallswillbeaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO) MKOisanon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacy organizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

expected to be completed by early 2025.

“This is the final stage of preparing the Agassiz property for new development,” Masi said.

“With the asbestos removal already addressed, we are ready to move forward with demolishing the remaining structures, and we look forward to seeing new proposals from developers.”

The Agassiz Youth Centre property has a long

history, having served the community for 37 years before closing its doors a decade ago. According to the Manitoba Historical Society, the Agassiz Youth Centre’s original four-storey stone and brick building was first opened on 24 hectares of land near Crescent Lake in 1910. It was renamed the Manitoba Home for Boys in 1931 and then became the Agassiz Youth Centre in 1977.

City leaders emphasized

EmploymentOpportunity

CommunityReintegrationNavigator (MKOYouthJusticeInitiative)

Full Time Termuntil December2025 –The Pas,MB MKOisseeking aCommunityReintegrationNavigatortosupport,engage andfocuson the needsofyouthbeingreleasedfromcustody. Reportingto the Kakiskinawtahitonan YouthJusticeInitiative(KYJI) ProgramCoordinator the CommunityReintegrationNavigatorwillconnectyouthwithcommunity programsandresources thatwillsupporttheyouth,familyandcommunity on the pathtoreuniﬁcationandreintegration.Aspartof acollaborativeteam, the CommunityReintegrationNavigatorwillengagewithculturalsupports andservicesandfacilitate overallcoordinationofthe youth’sreintegration to their familiesandcommunitiesaspartof theirhealingpathway

The MKOKakiskinawtahitonan YouthJusticeInitiativedeliversinterventions andsupports thatareculturallyresponsivetotheuniqueandcomplex needsof youth, familiesandcommunities. AsManitoba’s Social Impact Bond(SIB)toaddressyouthjusticeinvolvement,KYJIaimstodecrease the numberofdaysManitoba’syouthspendincustody, whileincreasing connectionsto their cultureandidentity

RolesandResponsibilities

• Engageswith youth, families,andcommunitiestobuildtrustandrapport aspartoftheHigh-FidelityWraparound/HealingPathwayprocess.

• Buildspositiverelationships with youth, familiesandcommunities toidentifypersonalstrengths topromotegrowth,self-worth, and a senseofbelonging.

• Supportsnavigationof the youth’sreintegrationpathwithfamilies andcommunitiesbyfocusingandsupporting the needsoftheyouth.

• Navigatesandidentiﬁesculturallyresponsive strategiesandinterventions aspartofyouthhealingpathway

•WorkscollaborativelywithEldersand KnowledgeKeeperstosupport Indigenousculturalprogrammingtopassontraditionalknowledgeand culturalpractices,strengtheningthe youth’s bondand connectionwithin their familiesandcommunities

•Engagesin behaviourmanagement,interveningincrisissituationsas needed/required.

• Navigatesaccesstoexistingsupportsandresources inthe community, includingcultural/spiritualsupports,education,employment/training, housing,health, legaletc.

• Observes,evaluates,anddocumentsyouthengagementtoensure continuityandconsistency in healing planningandimplementation, and otherdocumentationasrequired.

•Maintainsaccurateandobjectivenotes,documentation,andﬁles.

• Transportsandaccompanies youth/parents/caregivers whenneeded.

• Demonstratesanactivecommitmenttowardsprofessionalgrowth andadvancement through participationintraining, workshops,etc.

• Performallother dutiesasassignedto engageand supportMKO programsandmembernations.

EducationandExperience

• KnowledgeofIndigenousteachings,cultureand historyincluding participatinginculturalactivities,practices,andceremoniesalongside youth.

• Demonstratedcasemanagementexperienceworkingwithand supporting youth, families,parents,andcaregivers.

• Experienceworkingfrom atrauma-informedperspectiveispreferred.

• Experienceincommunityserviceplanning,delivery, andcoordination.

• Experienceworkingcollaboratively within amultidisciplinary team and/orenvironment

•Experienceand/orknowledgeofthe WraparoundInterventionModel/ Processwillbeconsideredanasset(TrainingtobeprovidedforHighFidelityWraparound Facilitation).

•Demonstratedknowledgeandconﬁdencein rolemodelingpeerand familysupport.

• CompetencyinMicrosoft applicationsincluding Word,Excel, PowerPoint, andOutlook.

•ExperienceworkinginIndigenousorNorthern Communities.

•Abilitytotravelandworkﬂexiblehoursasrequired.

•Possess avalidManitobadriver’slicenseandhaveaccessto areliable vehicle.

•Produce asatisfactorycriminalrecord,childandadultabuseregistry andvulnerablesectorchecks.

We thank all who applyandadvisethatonlythose selectedfor further considerationwillbecontacted.Preference willbegiventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedtoself-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter.Nophonecallswillbeaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO). MKOis anon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNations werepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

that this redevelopment marks a transition from a site associated with closure to one poised for growth and revitalization.

Residents can anticipate seeing construction crews on-site in the coming months as the city works to clear the area and attract new investments. The future development aims to create more living spaces and business opportunities, ultimately enhancing the community's landscape.

“This is a positive step for Portage,” Massi added.

“We’re excited about the potential that this redevelopment brings, not just for the city, but for the quality of life for our residents.”

As the city moves forward, officials are optimistic about the prospects for the Agassiz site and the impact it will have on the community.

— Renee Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

EmploymentOpportunity

Non-InsuredHealthBeneﬁtsfor FirstNationsandInuit(NIHB)

ClientNavigator

Full Time –The Pas,MB

Underthe direction oftheSenior ClientNavigator,theNIHBClient Navigator will bebased in The Pas,MB.

TheNIHBClient Navigator willprovidequalityassuranceandassistance toeligible FirstNations and Inuit clientswhoareexperiencingchallenges accessing Non-InsuredHealthBeneﬁts in addition toprovincial andterritorial programsandservices.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Developand implementIndigenous culturallysafeservicesandstrategies thatassist in improving thehealthofIndigenouspatientsand their families.

•Serveas aﬁrst point ofcontactforcommunities, organizations,and individualsforthepurposeof facilitating accesstotheNon-Insured healthBeneﬁtProgramand provide supporttoaddressNIHB denials and appeals.

•Collaborate with NIHB regional ofﬁceonprograms/projects/initiatives thatwould improve awarenessandaccesstotheNIHBProgramand better integration ofhealthservices.

• Liaisewith FirstNation healthservices, professionalorganizations,and healthserviceproviders in orderto assisteligible clientstonavigate theNIHBProgramonrelatedbeneﬁtsaccess.

• Develop acommunication strategyand implementapproachesto improve FirstNation awarenessandunderstanding oftheNIHBProgram

• Promoteunderstandingoftheroleofthenavigatoramongcommunities, agencies, andhealthcare providersinthe region.

•Maintain anetworkofcontact in ordertostrengthenrelationshipswith stakeholders,heathcareserviceprovidersandpartners.

• Identifytrainingneedsand opportunitiesfor improving accessto health services andhealthoutcomes.

•Maintainconﬁdentialityofall clientsandrecords.

•Follow and maintain FIPPAandPHIAguidelines

•Liaisewithcommunityhealthservicesproviders.

• Maintain andtrack clientdataforreportingpurposestofunderandMKO.

•Maintaindailyjournallogs.

•Assist in public awarenessofNIHB.

• Addressserous issues and systemic complaints, workwithSenior Client Navigatortomakerecommendations for improvement.

•Assistwith reportpreparation as required by SeniorClient Navigator

• MKOispoliticaladvocacyorganizationthatworkstorepresentthe leadershipandmember FirstNations. Allstaff at MKOmaybe given other duties as assigned thatenableMKO tofulﬁllthemandateand responsibilityto its membercommunities

EducationandExperience

•Grade12 Diplomaor equivalent education andexperiencewouldbe considered.

•KnowledgeoftheNon-InsuredHealthBeneﬁtProgram is anasset

• Preference willbegiven to aFirstNationindividualwhohasknowledge ofMKO FirstNationcommunities andculture.

•The abilitytospeakDene,Creeor Oji-Cree is anasset.

•Musthaveprovenwell-developedverbalandwrittencommunication skills, staff/public relations, mustbe highly self-motivatedandableto workwell independently oras ateammember

• Musthave proﬁcient computer skills, provenexperiencewithword processing anddatabaseentryskills.

• Musthave validManitobaDriver’sLicenceandaccesstoreliable transportation.

• Mustbe innovative and decisivewithhigh-levelorganizationaland analyticalskills.

• Mustdemonstratetheability toworkwith ahighleveloftactand discretion.

• Musthavethe ability towork with the public in aprofessionaland respectfulway

•Candidatemustbe willing to submit to acriminal and/or child abuse registry check.

Salaryisdependantupon qualiﬁcationsandexperience

Interestedapplicants are invited tosubmit their coverletter identifying the position applyingforandresume,along with 3professional reference listings (include amostrecentemployerreference)by 4:00 p.m.onNovember1,2024 to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com

We thankallwho applyand advisethatonlythoseselectedforfurther considerationwill becontacted.Preference will be giventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedtoself-declare in their resumeorcoverletter.Nophonecalls will beaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO) MKOis anon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

Border community of Emerson fears surge in refuge seekers post election

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

“For myself and some of my councillors, and for the community there is a general belief that there will be an influx of people crossing after the election,” said Dave Carlson, the Reeve of Emerson-Franklin on Monday. Only 14 days remain before American voters go to the polls to determine whether current Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will serve as the next U.S. president.

Emerson-Franklin is home to the Pembina–Emerson Border Crossing. Carlson has been keeping a close eye on the battle for the White House because he said the results will have “real-world” implications on his community.

Carlson says there is now a real concern that former President Trump’s threats of mass deportation during his campaign could send those concerned about the possibility of being deported north to seek asylum. This could result in a sudden surge of refuge seekers at the border, should Trump take back the White House on Nov. 5.

“He is threatening deportation, and he’s been very clear about that, so I think it’s a given that if Donald Trump wins we will see a surge of crossings at the border,” Carlson said.

With Americans currently very politically divided, he believes there will likely be an uptick of people trying to leave the U.S. should Harris win the presidency.

“I really think we’re going to see a surge regardless of the outcome,” Carlson said.

Carlson also works as a volunteer firefighter in the community. With frigid Manitoba weather around the corner, he shared his concern about the risks refuge seekers could face and the stress such an influx could have on local emergency workers.

“When people come from a warmer climate they just can’t even comprehend or fathom this kind of cold, and you can fall victim to it very quickly if you aren’t prepared for it, or if you get lost,” he said.

“We will always help people, but there is that concern when you have something like a blizzard or really rough dangerous terrain and you have to send people out on a search and rescue mission, because it can turn dangerous very quickly.”

A tragic incident in Emerson in January of 2022 saw Jagdish Patel, 39, Vaishaliben Patel, 37, and the couple’s 11 and 3-year-old children freeze to death in a field just meters from the U.S border. The family, who were originally from India, attempted to enter the U.S. from Canada to seek asylum, walking in temperatures that reached -35 degrees Celsius.

“There are real and serious hazards that come with this,” Carlson said.

Carlson wants to hear more from the federal government and from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on

if the feds have a plan to assist border communities should migrant crossings into Canada increase after Nov. 5.

“As a council we have very little power other than to help those that need our assistance and to shelter them, which we will always do, we will always help people and show compassion,” Carlson said. “But I

hope that the federal government is aware of what might be coming, because it will certainly stretch our resources.

“We need to know if there is a plan because we are the ones on the frontlines of this issue.”

In an email, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) spokesperson said that the federal government “will not

TERMSOFREFERENCE

speculate on how foreign political outcomes may or may not impact irregular migration trends.”

“What we can tell you is that the CBSA is experienced in working with domestic and United States law enforcement partners in a joint effort to counter irregular migration and assist with investigations,” the spokesperson said.

KEEWATIN TRIBAL COUNCIL

KEEWATINHOUSINGASSOCIATION

EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY

FULLTIMEPROPERTYMANAGER

ThePropertyManagermusthave theability to ensure thesustainabilityofthe Keewatin Housing Association/AuthorityInc.(KHAI)andisaccountabletotheBoardorDirectors.TheProperty Managerisalsoresponsible forthe management ofseveralproperties,day-to-day operations of theorganization, workingandco-operatingwithMunicipal,ProvincialandFederalGovernments forHousingAgreements,staffmanagementanddevelopment.ThePropertyManagerisresponsible forthesuccessfulmanagementof aNon-ProfitHousingEntityinThompson,Manitobashouldbe familiarwiththeManitoba ResidentialTenancies Act.

DUTIES

To directandcontrolalloperations andactivitiesestablished by andfortheKeewatin Housing AssociationInc.andtheKeewatin HousingAuthority &tosupervisetheadministrativeaffairsof theorganization(responsible forallbookkeepingactivitiesincludingaccountspayable,accounts receivable,monthlybankreconciliationsandyearendauditactivities,allperformedintheSage 300 Accounting System).

PropertyManagement

•Identifysuitableapplicantsalongwith aSelection Committee forKHAIunits;

• Complete annualinspectionstoensurethe tenantsare maintainingtheunitsasper Tenancy Agreement;

•Monitorproperties to ensure they arewellmaintainedandinsafe,habitablecondition;

•Establishcaretakeragreementswith tenantsandestablishgoodworking relationships;

•Prepares tenders,hiresconstructioncontractors,and overseesallnewprojectconstructionor renovation work

•ToliaisewithCanadaMortgageand HousingCorporation to secure fundingfor: a)theadministrationandoperationoftheorganization b)the refurbishmentprojectoftheorganization

Accounting/FinancialManagement

•Monitorthecollectionofall rent’s receivable;

• Examineandassessappropriateactionwithregards to delinquentaccountsaftertheinitial collectionbythe Tenant RelationsOfficer –AccountReceivablehasprovenunsuccessful;

• To attendallsmallclaimscourtshearings to ensure that reasonableeffortismadeincollecting alloutstandingaccounts(includingtheuseofcollectionservices);

•Responsible forallbankdepositscompletedfor Keewatin HousingAssociationInc.;

•Ensure serviceproviderinvoicesare paidin atimelymanner;

•Reviewandapproveall renovationcontractsandensure work iscompletedproperlyprior to issuingcontractorpayments;

•Reconcileallmonthly bankstatementsincludingAccounts Payable/Receivable;

• Reviewallintercompanyentries &ensuremonthly bankbalances reflectaccountingbookbalances;

•Makesanyandalladjustmentspriortomonthendreports;

• Work closelywiththe Keewatin Tribal Council’sDirectorofFinanceandAdministrationwith respecttoOperatingandCapital Cost(Replacement Reserve)statementsandyearendaudit requirements;

• Maintainsthe HousingAssociation’sfinancial recordsinaccordancewiththepolicyofthe Keewatin HousingAssociationInc.

•Tomonitorthemaintenance requirements fortheorganization to ensure thatthecosts remain withintheestablishedbudget;

• Preparesbudgets,financial,andotherreportsas required by theBoard ofDirectorsandthe ExecutiveDirectorofthe Keewatin Tribal Council.

StaffManagement

•Responsible forsupervisingallKHAIStaff;

•Fillall vacantpositionsinaccordancewith KTChiringpoliciesandprocedures;

•Ensure staffreviewandareaware oftheJobDescriptionsandPersonnelPolicymanual;

•Ensuresallday-to-day accountingfunctionsare carriedout;

•Evaluatenewstaffontheirprobationaryperiodandreportany recommendations/deficiencies to theKeewatin Tribal CouncilOfficeManager to assistwiththefinal evaluation;

•Seektrainingopportunitiesasidentifiedinperformance evaluations;

Tenant Relations

• ReviewtheKHAITenancyAgreementwithtenants to ensure they areaware oftheirresponsibilities whenoccupyingunits;

• Respondtoallcomplaintsfromthetenantsandfromthecommunityatlargeensuringthat problemsarerectified;

Qualifications

• Adegree,diplomaorcertificate inaccountingor aBusinessManagementcoursewouldbeanasset.

•Experienceinthefieldofmanagement, preferably managementof ahousing rentalagency.

•shouldhave agoodknowledgeoftheUrbanNative HousingProgram.

• shouldhave agoodworkingknowledgeofgovernmentagenciesandothervariousorganizations.

•musthaveanunderstandingofthemechanicalfunctionsof ahouse.

•shouldhavestrongpublicrelationsskills.

•shouldhave goodcommunicationandorganizationalskills.

•shouldbeaware ofNative cultures,lifestyles,andspiritualbeliefs.

•ability to speakCreeorDenewouldbeanasset.

•musthaveown vehicleand avalidManitobadriver’slicense

•mustbebondable.

Awrittenapplicationwithdetailedresume;including atleasttwo (2)references withwrittenpermission to contactthe referencesof yourlatest immediatesupervisorsshouldbesubmitted to:

Attention: LisaBeardy,OfficeManager

23Nickel RoadThompson,ManitobaR8N OY4

Email:lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax:204677-0256

ClosingDate:FRIDAY October25,2024at4:00PM

Late applicationswillnotbeaccepted We thankallapplicants,however,onlythosecandidates selectedforaninterviewwillbecontacted.

“These partners include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), U.S Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Coast Guard, and other Canadian police agencies, as well as the provincial and territorial governments.

“We work closely on an ongoing basis to ensure border security with the goal to push the borders out and limit the activities of migrant smuggling and trafficking networks.”

EmploymentOpportunity

LandBasedHealing &WellnessMentor

FullTime Term Positionuntil December2025Thompson,MB

TheLandBasedHealing &WellnessMentorwilldeliverculturally appropriate trauma informed healingandwellnessopportunities for youthinvolvedin thejusticesystem.ReportingtotheKakiskinawtahitonan YouthJustice InitiativeProgramCoordinator, theLandBasedHealing& WellnessMentor willsupport youthinexploringtheircultureandidentitythroughtraditional land-basedteachings,activitiesandceremony. Aspartof acollaborative team,theLandBasedHealing &WellnessMentorwillworkwithlocal KnowledgeKeepersandElderstopromote apositiveself-identityandsense ofbelongingcontributingtotheirsuccessful reuniﬁcationandreintegration to family andcommunity RolesandResponsibilities

• WorkcollaborativelywithEldersandKnowledgeKeeperstosupportthe transmission of traditionalknowledge,ceremony,and healingbyplanning and facilitatingland-basedwellnessactivities for youth;strengthening theyouth’sconnectionto self,family,communityandnation.

• Participateinthecreationoftheyouth’shealing/wellnessplanand perform aleadroleinimplementation toensureconsistentcultural supportsandinterventions.

•Buildandmaintainpositiverelationshipswithyouthand families by attending,participatingandsupportingcommunityeventsandactivities with afocusonpreventionandholisticwellness.

•Utilize astrength-based approachtopromotea strongpositiveselfidentityandsenseofbelongingby focusing ontheculturalandspiritual needsoftheyouth.

• Supporttheyouthreintegrationpathwith family andcommunitybyrole modellingandsupportingpositivelifestyleandself-managementskills •Provideculturally appropriateguidance,counsellingandmentorship bysharingknowledgeoftraditionalculture,language,teachingsand practices

•Transportandaccompany youth/parents/caregiverstoactivitiesand ceremoniesasneeded.

• Engageinbehaviormanagement,interveningincrisissituationsas needed.

• Observe,assessanddocumentyouthengagementby maintaining accurateandobjectivenotesandﬁles asnecessary

•Demonstrateanactivecommitmenttowardsprofessionalgrowthand developmentthroughactiveparticipationintraining,workshops,etc.

• Performallotherdutiesasassignedtoengage and supportMKO programsandmembernations(MKOispoliticaladvocacyorganization thatworkstorepresenttheleadershipandmember FirstNations.All staff at MKOmaybegivenotherdutiesasassignedthat enableMKO to fulﬁllthemandateandresponsibilitytoitsmembercommunities).

EducationandExperience

• Knowledgeandexperienceintraditionallivelihoodactivities (i.e.ﬁshing, trapping,hunting,harvesting,canoeing,snowshoeing,etc.)

•Knowledgeoftraditionalteachings,ceremoniesandprotocols/cultural normsincludingexperienceparticipatinginor facilitatingceremony alongsideyouth,Elders,andKnowledgeKeepers

•Indepthknowledgeandunderstandingoftheimpactsofcolonization andintergenerationaltraumainIndigenous familiesand communities; includingtheabilitytorecognizeandrespondtosymptomsoftrauma inanysituationorsetting

•Demonstratedconnection/membershiptoaFirstNation community

•Training and experienceworking from atrauma-informed perspective.

•Experienceworkingwithandsupportingyouthand families.

• Experiencelivingand/orworkingin FirstNationornortherncommunities.

• Experienceworkingcollaborativelywithin amultidisciplinary team and/orenvironment.

• Casemanagementexperience from aholisticworldviewthatconsiders andincorporatesallaspectsofphysical,mental,emotionalandspiritual wellbeing.

• Education,trainingand/orexperienceinindividualandgroupcounselling.

•Proﬁcientcomputerskillsandtheabilityto useMicrosoftOfﬁce,Word, Excel, Power Point,GISandOutlook.

•Traveltonorthernandremote FirstNationcommunities,andtheability toworkﬂexiblehoursasrequired.

• Abilitytotravelbyair,road,boat,skidoo and othermeans asnecessary

•ExperienceworkinginIndigenousorNorthernCommunities

•Possess avalidManitobadriver’slicenceandhaveaccessto areliable vehicle

•Produce asatisfactorycriminalrecord,childandadultabuseregistry andvulnerablesectorchecks.

Salaryisdependantuponqualiﬁcationsandexperience

Interested applicantsareinvitedtosubmittheircoverletteridentifying theposition applying for andresume,alongwith3professional reference listings(includeamostrecentemployerreference) by 4:00 p.m.onOctober31, 2024 to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com

We thankallwho applyandadvisethatonlythoseselected forfurther considerationwillbecontacted.Preferencewillbegiventoqualiﬁed FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouragedtoself-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter.Nophonecallswillbeaccepted Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO) MKOis anon-proﬁt,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereignFirstNationswerepresent.The MKOFirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com

Manitoba signs onto federal school food program

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

More school fridges will be upgraded and stocked thanks to new funding from Ottawa that will bolster Manitoba’s expanding nutrition programs.

Manitoba has become the second province to officially join the federal government’s national school food program.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is also finance minister, and Premier Wab Kinew announced details at a news conference on Friday.

“A family with two kids will save as much as $800 a year on groceries,” Freeland told reporters who had crowded inside Winnipeg’s Marion School.

Flanked by a handful of elected officials, she noted the national initiative is only made possible with partners, such as Manitoba, “who share our commitment to Canada’s kids.”

The deal includes a $17.2-million commitment in federal funding for breakfast, lunch and snack programs over the next three years.

Local schools are being allotted $3.8 million this year, followed by $6.7 million in both 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Just over 19,000 children are anticipated to be fed annually with the additional dollars.

“We know that when a kid shows up to school hungry, it’s a barrier to learning. We’ve heard this loud and clear from teachers and educators across the province,” Kinew said Friday.

“On the flip side, when you put a carton of milk, a banana, a piece of bannock in the hands of a young person, it can boost the mood, help the engagement with other kids, help the engage-

ment with educators.”

The premier said the best economic plan is “a good education plan,” and the province will reap the benefits of nutrition investments in the decades to come.

Newfoundland and Labrador was the first to announce a bilateral agreement. The payments are part of the Liberals’ $1-billion plan to serve school meals over the next five years.

“Trudeau’s photo op promise will not feed kids, it will feed bureaucracies,”

Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri, shadow minister for families, children and social development, said in response to the announcement. In a statement, Ferreri

said the program falsely claims to be universal when it will only ensure about 10 per cent of children in Manitoba are fed, leaving out 9 in 10 families.

The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba did not respond to requests for comment Friday.

In Manitoba, the extra dollars will support the delivery of a new “universally accessible” nutrition program — a key plank in the NDP’s 2023 election campaign.

The province earmarked $30 million in this year’s budget to make healthy meals more widely available in kindergarten-to-Grade 12 buildings.

Benjamin Preteau said his children have been served eggs, pancakes and fruit on days where his family ran out of time to organize meals in the morning this year.

“I do my best as a parent, but it’s nice to have help from the school,” said Preteau, referencing both the free meals and nutrition-related lessons provided at Marion School, at 619 Des Meurons St.

The Louis Riel School Division, which operates the elementary site and 49 other schools, has received $1.5 million from the province and $336,000 from Ottawa to operate healthy food programs in 2024-25.

Chef Michael Erin said the funding has allowed him to purchase new mixers, jumbo choppers and takeout containers for the René Deleurme Centre’s community kitchen. The facility currently services about half of the division’s schools.

“The bottom line is, if you’re hungry, you can’t learn – so put something in the students’ bellies and then they’re going to learn,” Erin said.

Alan Campbell of the Canadian School Boards Association noted his organization studies best practices and shares them with school leaders across the country.

Asked about the future of the program should there be a change in leadership in Ottawa, Freeland said there’s no way to guarantee it.

“You can’t future-proof something with some kind of fancy political footwork, some kind of fancy legislation,” she said. “The way Canadians get the programs that they like and believe in, to continue to be in place, is to vote for the people who believe in those programs.”

Campbell called Manitoba’s school nutrition model, including its new partnership with the federal government, “a really good example… of what needs to happen in every province for the good of the kids.”

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Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press

MLA Tracy Schmidt (left), Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Premier Wab Kinew pack snack bins for Marion School classrooms Friday.