LindahasreMARKableexperiencein issuesthatmattertotheNorth: HealthCare,Education,Business, Agriculture,Leadership,Volunteerism
“VoteformeformoreeconomicdevelopmentandjobsfortheNorth!” “VoteformeformoreeconomicdevelopmentandjobsfortheNorth!”
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 remarkable display of determination, the All For One Run successfully completed their run from Tataskweyak Cree Nation to Winnipeg. This challenging 900 kilometre run led by Tamara Beardy, who organized the event, Clifford Grieves from Oxford House and Nelson Beardy who is 71 years old and from York Factory First Nation, made their way through Thompson on Au-
“In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and confidence in my writing. I write very clear and that’s it. It’s there. Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend
to write things that you have to figure out. It’s pretty clear when I get through.”
DeMeulles said she wrote her book, titled Whispers in the Wind: Stories from the North - Life in Churchill for a couple of reasons.
gust 14. After making their way through Thompson they navigated various terrains and weather conditions while promoting diabetes awareness. Because at the heart of this journey was the mission to promote healthy living and the prevention of diabetes. The route took the runners through several communities along the way, allowing them to engage with local residents and
‘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.”
share valuable information about diabetes prevention, management and healthy lifestyle choices.
She also has a reputation as a storyteller herself.
emotions really take energy out of you.”
Tamara is very passionate about this run as the subject of diabetes hits close to home, with many of her family members having to live with diabetes and face all the challenges that come with it. While on the run, it’s not just physical exertion that makes you tired, “The
“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.
LindahasreMARKableexperiencein issuesthatmattertotheNorth: HealthCare,Education,Business, Agriculture,Leadership,Volunteerism
“Voteformetosupportlowerfreightcoststoourremotecommunities.”
“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,
“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
was not a very safe thing to do but I jumped at it. I thought that was exciting until the plane landed and they started throwing the fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy cats, I was probably sitting on a bomb.’”
But when the emotions become high, Beardy is very thankful for the opportunity to stop and enjoy church services along the way.
swallow when people say that Churchill residents should just find somewhere easier to live.
The All For One Run has raised over $1,400 on their Go-Fund-Me and will remain open until the end of November with the goal to rain $20,000 to install a walking track. If the goal
Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill since the Hudson Bay Railway suspended operations north of Gillam last spring.
“It used to be a really thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down
of $20,000 isn’t reached, Beardy will be using the funds raised for the community kids and education. With The diabetes Prevention for Youth and Indigenous Youth mentorship Program being at the forefront of her priorities.
“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite simplistic. It’s quite disrespectful. If we were in the same boat in another area I think we would scream about that so why don’t they have the option to do that?
The runners completed their remarkable journey with smiles of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment on September 2, 2023.
I think right now they’re feeling like they’re pawns in a political game and that’s really sad for them because I
For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Churchill in a heartbeat.
Throughout the run multiple people joined in for support and to walk/run alongside the main runners, a total of around 80 people joined in along the way. Crossing the finish line in Winnipeg, friends and family along with well-wishers and supporters gathered to cheer them on, celebrating their incredible achievement and the important cause they championed.
“I miss the shoreline, I miss the rock, I miss the polar bears even though they’re very dangerous and I really miss the Hudson Bay,” she says. “When I go back home, standing on the Hudson Bay looking out on the bay, it just gives you an incredible sense. You feel so small and you feel great.”
Now that she’s got one book under her belt, deMeulles says she may try
Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to
your loved ones and your history is gone?’”
“I have another book in me,” she says. “It’s a darker al growth and struggles. Maybe in the next five years it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”
The Chief of one of Manitoba’s largest First Nations says health care services are in a dire and deteriorating state in his community, and if things don’t improve, he believes it will continue to lead to more harm and more “unnecessary deaths.”
“We are sick and tired of bringing our people home in a box, and that’s what is happening here,”
Pimicikamak Cree Nation (PCN) Chief David Monias said during a media conference held this week. “Many unnecessary deaths have happened and will continue to happen, because the health system in First Nations is broken.
“It’s a broken system.”
Monias held the media conference, as he said underfunding and understaffing by both the federal and provincial governments are leading to ongoing issues at the nursing station in PCN, a northern community also commonly referred to as Cross Lake that is home to approximately 8,200 on-reserve residents.
Monias said because of nursing staff shortages, the ER at the nursing station is continually being forced to close its doors, and when the ER is closed, those with an emergency health situation must call ahead and be
triaged over the phone, and then depending on how serious the emergency is, have to be sent more than 250 kilometres to Thompson, or in some cases, more than 530 kilometres to Winnipeg to receive care.
“We feel that if anyone walks into a hospital they should be seen,” Monias said. “You may wait, but you will be seen.
“But that’s not what we have here, and I think we could prevent a lot more deaths when people can be seen at home, and when we can catch these health issues earlier.”
Monias said he is placing blame on both the province and the federal government for the issues, and he accused both levels of government of not adequately funding or staffing health care services in PCN.
“We feel that Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the province are failing our people, because health is a Treaty right, but it’s also a human right,” he said.
“There are pillars under the Canada Health Act, and we feel they are being violated.”
Monias added he now plans to request meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu and Premier Heather Stefanson, as he wants to ensure that PCN is being properly funded by both the feds and the
province for health care services.
“We are one of the largest First Nations communities in Canada, and we feel we are being neglected,” he said.
In a statement released this week, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said they believe that issues with health services in PCN are similar in many other Manitoba First Nations, and accused both the province and the federal government of “perpetuating ongoing
injustices, and endangering the health and well-being of First Nations Peoples.”
A spokesperson for the provincial government said they could offer no comment for this story because the province is currently in an election cycle.
In an email, a spokesperson for ISC said the federal government is aware of the health care staffing issues in PCN.
“The recent news from Manitoba is concerning,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to work closely with First Nations organizations, health professionals and the provincial government to strengthen access to quality care to improve nursing recruitment, and ensure integrated health services.
“In 2021, ISC established a Nursing Health and Human Resource Framework. The framework is designed to respond to nursing shortages and address the potential for nursing station closures in remote and isolated
First Nations communities.
“We know that there is more work to do, and we remain committed to ensuring that First Nations communities have access to the high-quality, culturally-appropriate primary health care services they need.”
— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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RCMP announced Tuesday they have arrested and charged three men for the death of a Brandon man whose remains were found in the trunk of a car that was set on fire last October.
During a Tuesday morning media conference at RCMP headquarters in Winnipeg, RCMP Supt. Rob Lasson said police have charged two men with first-degree murder and another man with second-degree murder in the death of James Vernon Giesbrecht, 37, whose charred remains were found in the trunk of stolen 2007 Honda Accord in the rural municipality of Cornwallis last October.
Because of the condition of Giesbrecht’s body when he was discovered in the burnt-out vehicle, police said he was not identified until January of this year, but they are now saying the car fire was not the cause of his death, and that he was dead before being placed into the vehicle and before it was set on fire.
Police also say that Giesbrecht and the three suspects knew each other before his death through the “drug subculture” in the Brandon area, and said two of the men were charged with first-degree murder because the victim was “lured to his death” in a “calculated and planned” murder.
Police say the third man arrested was charged with second-degree murder because he played a less active role in the killing.
RCMP added the vehicle that Giesbrecht was discovered in was stolen, and a fire was set in
an attempt to destroy evidence.
Investigators believe Giesbrecht was killed at a home in Brandon in the early hours of Oct. 13, 2022, the same day his remains were found.
RCMP said however they could not comment on how Giesbrecht died, or on what the motive was
for the killing.
No further individuals are being sought in relation to this homicide, according to RCMP.
“From a policing perspective, this is a strong result,” Lasson said. “First-degree murder charges are very serious and carry a heavy burden of proof.
Pursuant to Section 41 of the Municipal Assessment Act, NOTICE is hereby given that the 2024 Assessment Rolls for the City of Thompson will be open for inspection starting on September 6, 2023 at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, Manitoba during normal office hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The public is also advised that the Board of Revision will sit to hear applications for revision on:
DATE: October 6, 2023
TIME: 5:00 pm
PLACE: Council Chambers, City Hall 2nd Floor, 226 Mystery Lake Road Thompson, Manitoba
A person in whose name property has been assessed, a mortgagee in possession of property under subsection 114(1) of The Real Property Act, an occupier of premises who is required under the terms of a lease to pay the taxes on the property, or the assessor may make application for the revision of an assessment roll with respect to a) liability to taxation; b) amount of assessed value; c) classification of property; or d) refusal by an assessor to amend the assessment roll under subsection 13 (2).
An application for revision must:
a) Be in writing;
b) Set out the roll number and legal description of the assessable property for which a revision is sought;
c) Set out which of the matters referred to in subsection 42(1) are at issue, and the grounds for each of those matters;
d) Be filed by delivering it or causing it to be delivered to the office above or by serving it upon the secretary, at least 15 days before the scheduled sitting date of the board (By September 20, 2023).
Anthony McInnis
City Manager August 22, 2023
• 1 Westwood • 2 Burntwood • 3 Riverside/Deerwood
•
“We couldn't have got here without the assistance of the Brandon Police Service and the public. The investigation would not have been solved without the public's assistance because they got involved, they offered tips, and provided statements. Also, our investigators never wavered
REGARDING THE 2023 FINANCIAL PLAN
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 162(2) of the Municipal Act that the Council of the City of Thompson intends to present its financial plan for the fiscal year of 2023 at a public hearing to be held:
DATE: Monday September 25, 2023
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: City of Thompson Council Chambers Thompson, MB
Copies of the Financial Plan will be available at City Hall on Friday September 8, 2023 for anyone wishing to pick up a copy prior to the above meeting. The financial plan will also be available on the City of Thompson website.
Council will hear any person who wishes to make a representation, ask questions, or register an objection to the financial plan, as provided. Please contact 204-677-7938 to register to attend the public hearing.
Lynn Taylor Chief Financial Officer City of Thompson September 8, 2023
The automated carts must be placed along your curb no later than 8 am on the day of scheduled pickup AT LEAST one metre apart from other cart/objects. No Parking on residential streets between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm during Garbage/Recycle days for that area. Example: if it is Westwood’s Garbage/Recycle day there is to be no parking on the residential streets in the Westwood Area. This is to aid in the safety for both the residents of Thompson as well as City crews. Vehicles found parked on the streets will be ticketed.
in their dedication to tracking down those who committed a brutal and planned murder.”
— 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.
The regular council schedule of two committee of the whole meetings and two council meetings per month resumes in September.
The next committee of the whole meeting is Monday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. Committee and council meetings are livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Upcoming meeting agendas are available on the City of Thompson website the Friday before the meeting at https://www. thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previous meetings are also available there. Stay informed on the go through Thompson Connect
To get important notices about things like road closures, boil water advisories and water shutoffs sent directly to your phone, register for our direct communication system Thompson Connect.
Sign up for email, text and voice message notifications at: www.thompson.ca/p/connect
contagious disease, TB claims the lives worldwide. TB is not only a countries, but also here in prevalence in the north. vaccination, disease prevention
Additionally, some TB bacteria giving rise to forms which means treatment accompanied by severe people in this world day, raising awareopportunity to mobilize funds glad to see Canada as to fight tuberculosis. continues in the future stop TB.
Karolin Klement
councillor Luke Robinson, who served term on council from 2010 to 2014 bebeing defeated by Mayor Dennis Fenske the race to become head of council last that Thompsonites went to the polls about three-and-half years – was in favour of reducing the numbers, the other seven opposed. Although counhasn’t yet voted on second reading of that bylaw, the next stage towards it becoming official, there’s at least a better than even chance it will be approved. watchers of council have noticed, the proposals that make to the council floor have a tendency to be approved by at least two-thirds of its memand, given that ment that it spreads the One of the arguments would only be true if are?
The Manitoba RCMP is seeking the public's assistance in locating two suspects wanted in connection to a homicide that took place in Thompson on August 30th, 2023.
- Glen Harper, a 16-year-old male from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, is charged with Manslaughter. He may be in Thompson or Bunibonibee Cree Nation.
- Ashley Clipping, a 34-year-old male from Winnipeg, is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm (x2). He may be in Thompson or Winnipeg.
Both suspects are considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The former Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is being sued by a former AMC employee who is now seeking more than $400,000 in damages, after she alleges she was a victim of sexual battery at the hands of Arlen Dumas on multiple occasions.
On Aug. 30, a former AMC employee, who the Winnipeg Sun is not naming, filed a statement of claim at the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench seeking $426,000 in damages from Dumas, who was ousted as AMC Grand Chief back in August 2022, after facing accusations of sexual battery and sexual harassment.
The lawsuit states the alleged victim is seeking the damages after experiencing mental suffering, and loss of dignity, and due to needing medical and therapeutic care because of the alleged assaults.
In the statement of claim, the victim alleges she experienced at least eight nonconsensual sexual encounters with Dumas while he was Grand Chief between January and March 2022 while she was working in an executive position at AMC.
“The Defendant committed sexual battery against the Plaintiff on at least eight occasions,” the statement of claim says.
No allegations against Dumas have been tested in court.
According to the lawsuit, Dumas created a hostile work environment for the alleged victim at AMC, and sent her multiple inappropriate texts while the two were working together.
The lawsuit alleges numerous incidents including an incident in January 2022 where it is alleged Dumas sexually assaulted her at his home, and restrained her until she nearly lost consciousness.
The lawsuit also alleges that Dumas made several inappropriate and uninvited comments about the alleged victim’s appearance, and made several attempts to be with her alone, including at his home and in his car.
It also alleges the woman had sex with Dumas on four occasions because “she felt she could not say no because of the Defendant’s position of authority over her.”
Winnipeg Police (WPS) have also previously said that they had received a criminal complaint against Dumas, as in March of 2022, WPS confirmed in an email sent to the Winnipeg Sun they received a complaint against the former Grand Chief, and that an incident number had been created.
WPS said on Monday they could not comment on whether or not a criminal investigation has been
opened against Dumas. No criminal charges have been laid against Dumas.
The AMC Chiefs-in-Assembly voted to officially remove Dumas as Grand Chief of AMC in August 2022, after an investigation was conducted into the alleged victim’s claims.
The sexual assault allegations are not the first allegations of misconduct levelled against Dumas since he was elected Grand Chief of AMC back in 2017.
In 2019, Dumas took a temporary leave of absence from the position after being accused of sending unwanted text and social media
messages to a woman who says she received numerous unwanted messages from Dumas including one that asked if they could “meet up.”
At the time those messages were sent, Dumas was in his mid-40s, while the woman was 22 years old.
Lawyers for both the alleged victim and for Dumas did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.
— 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.
After being approached several times in recent years, Linda Markus decided she wanted to run as the Progressive Conservative candidate in this upcoming provincial election. Her dedication, interest and love for the North began to propel her to enter the battle to become the next Member of Legislative Assembly–MLA for the Thompson Constituency. The North is often left out when business and government decisions are made in Winnipeg. Many people in our rural and northern regions understand what “perimeteritis” means. Markus has dealt with this in the past, so she decided she could get better results by being elected.
Markus was chosen as the PC candidate in June 2023. She started to put her team together this summer while also completing her Educational Leadership Doctorate coursework at the University of Saskatchewan. This EDD program focuses on social justice and equity, Indigenous perspectives and international contexts, making this focus an excellent fit for representing the interests of Northern Manitoba in the Manitoba Legislature. During this same time, Markus was assisting her aging parents as they transitioned off the family farm and into appropriate senior care facilities in Winnipeg. Once those important matters were taken care of, Linda was able to concentrate full time on the campaign here in the Thompson Constituency.
Volker Beckmann had known Markus for decades, and knew that the skill sets and experience she has in many areas would be needed to be an effective MLA. When she asked him to be her Campaign Marketing Manager, he agreed. Beck-
mann said, “I’ve never belonged to a political party in my life, but when Linda wanted support, I agreed to help. I have belief in her ability. She has critical experience that outweighs any competitor or incumbent.”
Markus’s background is lengthy. She was President of the Thompson Chamber of Commerce which included promoting a Safer Highway 6,some 12 years ago. Markus lobbied for that issue again to the current government in May 2022, with the same message. The
North needs safer passing lanes, wider shoulders, and rest stops to reduce accidents, deaths and improve the overall safe, healthy travel experience in the North. “Safer roads are a non-political issue, and I will continue to strongly advocate for northern issues regardless of which party is in power”, stressed Markus.
Markus served a six-year term on the UCN Governing Council. She was Chair and Vice-Chair of several committees, over the years. She was chosen due to her
extensive experience and demonstrated leadership abilities in a range of public and post-secondary education areas. Markus worked as a teacher, resource teacher, vice-principal, divisional student services administrator and even served as a Manitoba Education Commissioner.
Markus was appointed to the Northern Regional Health Authority Board and chaired the Indigenous Health and Human resources committee. Markus has bold ideas and wants to
bring the focus of healthcare provision back up to the North. She strongly supports a focus of improving health care delivery for Northerners.
With such a multi-experienced background, her team feels she is the best candidate to be the MLA that could lead to a Cabinet appointment thereafter. “Being an MLA in Power will accomplish much more than an MLA in Opposition” is a message the Markus team is using to differentiate themselves from the incumbent.
The Markus Team is finding that people may be
specifically party loyal, but realize they can vote for the better qualified person who can represent them, regardless of political party, to get more things done. The North needs to gain more influence down south and bring more effective prosperity to the north. The best way to overcome these challenges is by putting in power an experienced, educated, and smart person who is not afraid to make courageous moves that advocate for our collective prosperity.
The Markus Team is confident they will succeed.
Dear readers,
Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.
And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.
Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta — the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.
Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.
This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.
Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.
We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:
1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same.)
2. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices
3. Consider becoming a member if you aren’t already. Your support will help us continue to cover local stories, by locals.
4. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.
With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source. In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.
Thank you. We appreciate you.
Sincerely,
The Thompson Citizen teamIt’s been a cruel summer for animal shelters and rescue organizations across Westman, with facilities at capacity and fosters, volunteers and adoptions running dangerously low.
The dire situation facing pet rescues and shelters is nothing new, with veterinarians and shelter workers calling it a crisis just over a year ago. An update given to the Sun by two local pet rescue organizations, indicates it’s only gotten worse.
“The lack of fosters this summer killed us, and the lack of adoptions,” said Sherril Creasy, who runs A Tail to Tell Frontline Rescue, a non-profit organization based out of Ste. Rose du Lac and Carberry. “People have given up on adopting dogs.”
Brittany Bergwall, a volunteer at Paws Crossed Animal Shelter, located in Brandon, says the rescue has been at capacity all year long.
“We don’t have any space available, and trying to find things like fosters and vetting is becoming increasingly difficult with the increasing numbers.”
Because Paws Crossed also provides animal control services to some rural municipalities surrounding Brandon, they don’t have an option of declining to take
animals because they are at capacity, Bergwall said.
Recently, Paws Crossed was called into a community to deal with its feline overpopulation.
“In less than 24 hours, we took in 30 cats. That’s not even the beginning of what’s out there, and what we need to bring in in the next month or so,” Bergwall said.
The financial burden of taking all of those animals in and taking them all to the veterinarian has been a huge issue for the rescue, she added.
Because of the lack of space at shelters, Creasy has had to deal with the fallout from people dropping off dogs and leaving them on the highway, or out in the countryside to wander.
“We’ve had so many calls of people saying, ‘This dog wandered into my yard, and it’s got a collar around it’s neck,’” she said. “The owners don’t want anything to do with it anymore.”
Manitoba has extremely lax laws around breeding dogs, especially when it comes to “backyard breeders,” Bergwall says. Those breeders, who are often amateurs with substandard breeding methods, don’t pay attention to ethical, selective breeding.
“The big issues are that there is very, very lax laws on animal care and keeping in
Manitoba. Our Animal Care Act is not strong enough to prevent people form backyard breeding … [and] compared to other provinces, our rescues and shelters are horrifically under-supported.”
After taking in a neglected beagle, an animal rescue in Steinbach, Man., put out a call for the regulation of backyard breeders, the CBC reports, calling on the province to reinstate its breeder licensing requirements. Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue said that this lack of regulation is leading to uncontrolled backyard breeders and puppy mills — commercial dog breeding facilities characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions — across Manitoba.
A Tail to Tell has even had such breeders come to them to see if they would take in the dogs they were unable to sell.
“People that are backstreet breeders want to get rid of their dogs,” Creasy said. “One guy called me from Portage [la Prairie] … and he said, ‘I can’t keep her [the dog]. And I need to get rid of her. If I can’t, I’m going to euthanize her.’”
Creasy was quick to tell the backyard breeder that taking such a step would be wrong, and that it’s not the dog’s fault it was not purchased.
People are also surrendering their dogs when they find out that they take a lot more time and effort to raise and take care of than the owners originally thought they would. Pets shouldn’t be seen as something people are entitled to, but that’s not the case, Creasy said.
TO: JEREMY ANGUS BIGHETTY
FATHER OF:
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RODERICK GENE BURT, late of the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, deceased: All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration, must be filed with the undersigned at Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro, 101 – 83 Churchill Drive, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 0L6, on or before, October 20, 2023. Dated at the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, this 8th day of September, A.D. 2023.
Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro
Solicitors for the Executor
Attention: ROBERT G. PELLIZZARO
“People just get a dog and think they’re entitled to it, and then it runs free and gets pregnant, and they don’t know how to take care of puppies.”
On Aug. 28, a volunteer with a Tail to Tell’s Ste. Rose du Lac location visited Ebb and Flow First Nation, located 205 kilometres northeast of Brandon, and found a puppy, which was so young it could not even open it’s eyes, abandoned on the side of a road.
“She took it in, and bottle fed it, and we reached out to other rescues one at a time to see who was going to take it, because some have a bunch of bottle-fed puppies right now, and that’s the best thing for it, to get socialized,” Creasy said.
Some people are also not willing to adopt dogs and cats from shelters, instead turning to breeders — backyard and otherwise — because they believe that all shelter animals will have behavioural problems that would make them difficult to train and live with at best, and dangerous at worst.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, which has been rebranded as Humane Canada, says on its website that dogs end up in shelters for many reasons — sometimes their owner has died or had to move overseas, they were lost or born homeless, they were seized from an owner who wasn’t taking good care of them and more.
Most of the reasons that animals are surrendered have nothing to do with the personality or behaviour of the dog itself, and minor behavioural issues can be addressed. All
NOTICE
KAYLIE CATHERINE LINKLATER, Born the 20th day of July, 2020 TAKE NOTICE that the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Services has made an application for a permanent order of guardianship under The Child & Family Services Act respecting your child, namely, KAYLIE CATHERINE LINKLATER, born the 20th day of July, 2020.
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the application will be heard in the Provincial Court (Family Division) Thompson Centre, on Friday, the 13th day of October, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon at the Provincial Building, 59 Elizabeth Drive, in the City of Thompson, Manitoba.
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you do not appear at the time and place stated, an order respecting the said children may be made in your absence.
GRAY & COMPANY 301 – 386 BROADWAY WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3C 3R6 PER: SCOTT P. GRAY
TELEPHONE: 204-943-3040
SOLICITOR FOR: NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
responsible humane societies and rescue groups also give their dogs a temperament test, and those with serious behavioural problems, such as aggression, are not put up for adoption.
If animals aren’t adopted, dogs and cats may have to be euthanized, because there is no place for them. Although
Crossed doesn’t euthanize dogs, with most organizations at capacity, dogs that fall into the hands of pounds or kill shelters will meet an untimely end, Creasy said.
“They’ll be euthanized — perfectly good dogs that have been dropped off because some goddam idiot won’t take care of them. They’re supposed to be committed to them and the dogs aren’t at fault.”
Canada’s years-long veterinarian shortage, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, doesn’t help the problem of overrun shelters and feral animals. The Canadian Veterinary Association’s website says that across the country, veterinary professionals are increasingly concerned with the current state of the veterinary profession and its future.
Some communities do not have access to veterinary care, and some people simply can’t afford that care, Bergwall said.
“Vet care nowadays is a lot more expensive than it used to be, with advances in veterinary medicine. They’ve taken on a lot of extra costs … and so that’s reflected in the vet costs.”
One thing that Creasy says would exponentially help A Tail to Tell and other fosters in the area is if more people were willing to become fosters for pets until their forever homes are found and they can be adopted out permanently to individuals or families who will take good care of them. Unfortunately, many people seem intimidated by the idea of welcoming an animal into their home that they’ll eventually have to part with, she added.
“Yes, it breaks your heart for the first time, but you know what? You have been a page in their journey,” Creasy said.
Anyone who does become a pet owner should also do the responsible thing and spay and neuter their pets.
According to the Prince Edward Island Humane Society’s website, spaying and neutering pets can control the pet population, reduce unwanted behaviours, prevent reproductive diseases and aids in public health and safety.
Since one female cat can give birth to up to 25 kittens in one year and one female dog an give birth to 21 puppies in that same time frame, spaying and neutering animals will also lift a huge intake burden from local shelters and rescues, Creasy says.
“We are busting our asses out here,” she said. “We’re suffering in every department I can think of.”
When it comes to what people can do to help their local shelters, Creasy says, even if people cannot foster or adopt, anything they can offer will help.
“I know there’s people that do want to help dogs. They always say they do. Well, you know what? Put your money where your mouth is. Can you afford to give us $40? Can you buy us a bag of dog food?”
Bergwall says that unless the Manitoba government provides more support for shelters and recues like A Tail to Tell and Paws Crossed, they’ll continue to fight a losing battle.
“Anyone can backyard breed dogs and cats, with absolutely no consequences,” she said, “unless the animals are being horrifically abused.”
Until such time as the province puts in care and control of breeding measures in the province, Bergwall says, the problem will continue.
The Humane Society of Winnipeg’s website encourages people to report evidence of harm or neglect of animals directly to local humane societies and to the Animal Care Line of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
It also recommends people adopt animals instead of buying them from breeders, cautions against buying animals on the internet, encourages those who do choose to buy from breeders to ensure the business is a reputable one, to ask to see the breeder’s licence, to ask to see where the animals live, and not to fall pressure to sales tactics in pet stores.
The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA). Who has a storied history of providing critical search and rescue services, relies heavily on the dedication and expertise of its volunteer force. As the demand for its services continue to grow, CASARA is looking to expand the reach in Northern Manitoba. CASARA is a civilian, volunteer, non-profit association that supports the Canadian Search and Rescue (SAR) and SAR Awareness Programs. They operate in all 10 provinces and 3 territories. But in Manitoba they have three main zones that provide assistance for search and rescue, with the North being the largest area by far. CASARA is seeking fresh faces to join their ranks, as volunteers are the heart and an integral part of the organisation’s mission with “That others May Live” being their motto.
CASARA welcomes individuals from all walks of life who are willing to undergo training and commit their time and energy to search and rescue efforts. “We’re looking for something far more valuable than money or donations;
we are looking for people willing to invest their time.” said Colleen Bennett, who is a commander for zone 1 in Manitoba. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a tech-savvy individual, a retired professional or someone with a passion for helping others, CASARA encourages you to consider becoming apart of their life saving team. The organisation is known for its inclusive and supportive community, making use of any and all skills someone may possess. It’s an ideal opportunity for those looking to give back to their community.
For those interested in volunteering with CASARA, they offer comprehensive training programs designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for search and rescue operations. September 23 being the target date for some of the training to take place here in Thompson.
CASARA’s commitment to safety is reflected in their thorough training, ensuring volunteers are prepared and ready for any situation.
CASARA is also continually embracing ad -
vancements in technology to enhance their search and rescue capabilities. They employ s wide array of tools, including radar systems, thermal imaging cameras and drones equipped with advanced sensors and programming. These tools enable CASARA teams to quickly locate and assist individuals in distress, even in challenging weather conditions and remote locations. So how do you get involved? If you are interested in becoming a CASARA volunteer and contribute to their lifesaving mission, you can use the QR code and visit the official CASARA website for more information on the recruitment process and how to apply. CASARA encourages everyone to consider joining their ranks and helping ensure the safety and well –being of fellow citizens in their time of need.
As CASARA looks forward to a future with an expanded volunteer force, the organization remains committed to its mission of being at the forefront of search and rescue operations, always ready to answer the call when lives are at stake.
We are a national search and rescue volunteer organization, funded by the military. CASARA Manitoba is coming to Thompson
Why?
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of nowhere? hurt? needing help? lost? Can you imagine what that must feel like?
Our future, and the future of those who will need help, is dependent on you. We’re not looking for money, we're looking for something far more valuable. We're looking for people willing to invest time and talent.
In order “That Others May Live”, we need you as a volunteer member of CASARA in Thompson. Civil
Kenny Benson is one of a kind.
And while kids, their parents and his colleagues may, indeed, hold him in high esteem, his singularity is the product of an inescapable truth about elementary school teachers just about everywhere on the continent.
Benson, a man, is a kindergarten teacher at Winnipeg’s St. George School. In fact, since a former male colleague’s retirement several years ago — who jokingly referred to him as “the other one” — he’s the last man standing in a kindergarten class in the entire Louis Riel School Division.
“As the only male, I do think I have a responsibility to be more present in the building,” said Benson.
“I don’t stay in my room when I have chances to (get out). I’m out talking… at recess, in the hallways, talking to all the boys.”
There will be about a dozen kindergarten teachers who identify as men working in city public schools this year.
In the Winnipeg School Division, Manitoba’s largest, five of 89 kindergarten educators (just under six per cent) are men. In St. James-Assiniboia, there are none.
Teacher-training institutions have long recorded an overwhelming gender gap among applicants and graduates, although binary identifiers were recently phased out in the University of Manitoba’s education faculty.
Citing the “boy crisis,” concerns about everything from declining post-secondary enrolment rates to worrying school suspension and suicide figures within the demographic, researchers who study masculinity are questioning why there are minimal efforts to encourage men to pursue teaching careers.
U.S. author and scholar Richard Reeves, who founded the American Institute for Boys and Men this summer, has been among the loudest voices calling for a “massive, urgent recruitment effort” to bolster representation and lead the way for academic intervention.
In contrast, earlier this year the Winnipeg School Division deleted a policy that indicated it strives to reflect the composition of men within its schools where gender equality is an issue.
The decision was made in response to a newly released employment-equity audit that recommended the employer remove the reference because “there is no evidence that (men) experience systemic and persistent discrimination in the labour market.”
Given the education workforce is primarily female, men are over-repre-
sented in leadership roles across the sector in Manitoba.
It is noteworthy that men are often tapped for administrative positions and able to pursue those opportunities, said Cameron Hauseman, an assistant professor of educational administration at U of M.
Hauseman indicated misconceptions about poor pay, unfair beliefs that society holds about men who want to work with children and a lack of male role models in schools all discourage men from wanting to work at the front of a classroom.
“It’s entirely possible for students to go through kindergarten through Grade 8 and not have a male teacher at all,” said the academic and trained elementary school teacher. “Without targeted recruitment, I don’t see how we’re going to solve this problem.”
Hauseman noted the findings of Thomas Dee, now a professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education, in his 2006 research paper entitled The Why Chromosome.
Dee analyzed student achievement in science, social studies and English, and concluded students who were taught by a teacher of the same sex performed better than their peers. “Simply put, girls have better educational outcomes when taught by women, and boys are better off when taught by men,” he wrote at the time.
While acknowledging the paper was controversial because it called co-educational schooling into question, Hauseman said it also highlighted just how important representation is in schools.
“It gives them a sense of what’s possible and without that, we end up with these disparities in achievement and engagement that we’re seeing right now — really across the board, with a number of groups,” he
added.
Manitoba’s on-time graduation rate was 83 per cent in 2021-22, the most readily available data online. Among girls, that figure was 85 per cent. It was 81 per cent for boys.
The gender gap is wider — more than six percentage points — among students who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.
Provincial assessment data show the only time boys are consistently outperforming their peers is in Grade 3 mathematics, and by the time all students get to Grade 7, average numeracy scores are on par.
Meanwhile, boys’ lagging literacy levels are failing to keep pace with their female peers.
Last year, the difference between the percentages of girls and boys achieving Grade 8-level expectations for reading and writing was 13 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively. When those cohorts’ literacy levels were tested five years earlier, the discrepancy was just under eight per cent.
“I recommend any parent or guardian to read daily to their very young children and encourage boys to read,” said Doug Gosse, an education professor at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ont.
A decade ago, Gosse sought to understand why boys often enter school and progress throughout levels with poorer reading and writing skills than their sisters.
It turns out parents and guardians read less to their sons than their daughters, and take girls to the library more often than they do boys, he said, noting the gendered expectations and activities that are ingrained in North American society.
Gosse said all children benefit from exposure to diverse reading materials, active lessons that especially humour boys’ ener-
getic nature in contrast to restrictive seatwork and words of encouragement. Reading clubs and mentorship programs that ensure young boys mingle with older boys are incredibly impactful, he added.
Benson is hyper-aware of the gendered expectations of all of his children, both biological and those on his kindergarten-class list, and the reality that many do not have a father figure at home.
“We need to be more conscious of the different ways that we raise the children and even interact with them — not to remove gender from the equation, but (to recognize) our rewards system,” he said. “At a young age, we do tend to value different attributes in boys and girls.”
He said girls — his only daughter included — tend to get praised for being smart and tidy versus the reinforcements boys get related to being strong, fast and sporty, he said, adding he has never once heard one of his sons be called “pretty or handsome.”
“I make sure I’m wearing pink and purple in September,” he said. “I make a huge point of that and doing things that (challenge) gender norms because we do have boys who think they can’t play dollhouse.”
He is not exempt from blatant pre-judgments; he is used to being subject to a scoff or laughter after telling other dads what he does for a living while mingling with adults at a children’s birthday party.
Benson worked in a shipping-and-receiving warehouse after Grade 12. He entered teachers college later in life, after his nowwife noted he seemed to be happiest when coaching kids sports and working at summer camps.
As St. George’s only male classroom teacher, he said he is often called to the school door when young
Métis and Inuit pupils. Ryan Cook has outfitted his vice-principal’s office with colourful student artwork, hockey pucks and printed-out lyrics from some of his favourite Indigenous artists.
Unreconciled, Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies and Resurgence are among the titles stacked on his bookcase. In one corner sits a massive drum — a sacred instrument he plans to use to launch a drum circle at Maples Collegiate this fall.
The Cree administrator, whose family hails from Misipawistik First Nation and Matheson Island, wants students to immediately know where he comes from and what he cares about most.
“All I do is come to work and just be myself,” Cook said. “That’s a breath of fresh air for (Indigenous teens) because they finally can sit down and see themselves and be like, ‘OK, I can relax here; he’s just like me.’”
boys in any grade are experiencing “big emotions” and do not want to come inside.
“And they melt into my arms with a hug like I’m their dad, and I really think they weren’t going to come into the building until they saw me.”
In Boys: What It Means to Become a Man, journalist Rachel Giese argues there has been too little critique of the demands masculine stereotypes place on boys and questions the “pervasive belief” that women’s gains come at the expense of men.
“Perhaps the boy crisis isn’t about brain difference or an anti-male culture at schools. Perhaps ideas about school and masculinity are what’s causing boys to fail,” Giese wrote in her 2018 book in a chapter on academics.
The mother, who adopted an Anishinaabe son with her wife, discusses in-depth how the most vulnerable boys — with an emphasis on children from poor families and who are Black — are grappling far more than their peers who are white and from suburban, middle-class households.
A long-term study of North Carolina’s public schools found having at least one Black teacher in elementary school significantly increased the chances of a low-income Black student graduating high school and attending college, she noted.
Starting in 2020, Manitoba’s Newcomer Education Coalition and Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle started issuing annual reports to call attention to the urgent need to increase representation among teaching rosters.
The groups estimate upwards of 600 Indigenous teachers need to be hired across city school divisions in order to reflect the population of First Nations,
In addition to the pressures on Indigenous boys to be tough and stoic, which may lead to getting involved in gangs and violence, the reality is their present is linked to the past, he said, noting the legacy of the residential school system and other colonial policies that have left enduring scars.
“If we look at anybody who’s extremely successful in school, it’s — 99 per cent of the time — because there’s so much support at home,” Cook said.
“And even though we have lots of Indigenous families who really value school and support their kids at home and things like that, we still also have a lot where that relationship and that support and those opportunities just aren’t there and that is why we see students struggling in school.”
He often works with First Nations students who fly into Winnipeg to complete high school, and does not shy away from having frank conversations about colonialism’s impact on his students, their families and social issues in their communities.
Cook also makes a point of ensuring every student knows they are in no rush to finish high school in four years.
The six-year graduation rate among Indigenous students in Manitoba was 63 per cent in 2022 — up 12 per cent from the on-time figure.
While the vice-principal said it is “more than 100 per cent” worthwhile to put effort into recruiting more male teachers, he said the numerous land-based learning teachers who are men in Indigenous communities should not be overlooked.
“We really have to look at what education is and analyze if we’re doing it any justice by excluding (activities outside a school, such as hunting and fishing),” he said.
On September 6, 2023, at approximately 8:20 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a convenience store located on Thompson Drive.
Officers arrived and located a 33-year-old-female, from Thompson, with visible non-life-threatening physical injuries. The victim advised officers that she had been held against her will and repeatedly assaulted at a camp site located in a forested area near UCN Drive and Riverside Drive in the City of Thompson.
A search of the identified area led to the discovery of the camp site where officers arrested the suspect, a 28-year-old male from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
The accused was taken into police custody and will be remanded on charges including Aggravated Assault, Forcible Confinement, and Fail to Comply with Release Order (x2).
Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA
UNIT: THOMPSON SERVICE DELIVERY OFFICE (TSDO) LOCATION: THOMPSON, MB
Position: Child & Family Services Worker
One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position
Reporting to a Unit Supervisor, the Child & Family Services Worker (CFS) is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific direction of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in child protection. Duties include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, providing accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW) with experience in child welfare preferred, or a combination of experience and training.
• Commitment to community-based service delivery.
• Working knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues.
• Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) an asset.
• Assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• A strong work ethic and reliable.
• Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, as well as part of a child protection unit team.
• Sensitivity to, and an understanding of First Nations culture and values.
• Ability to speak Cree and/or Dene an asset.
Working Conditions:
• Fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information.
• Overnight and remote travel approximately 20% of the time.
• Provide satisfactory Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position, and throughout employment as required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle.
Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.
Closing Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2023-088 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email in confidence to:
Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba
Competition #2023-088
701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2
Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca
We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process
UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
We commit to offering a safe, welcoming and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Facilities, Ancillary Services and Workplace Safety and Health
Full Time, Permanent Position
Thompson, Manitoba
Competition No: 23-103
Closing Date: September 20, 2023
Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.
University College of the North
HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA
Your application will not proceed to interview without the above information. To obtain a complete job description, for additional information or to apply for this position please contact or submit your application to: Email or drop off only
Keewatin Tribal Council Health Department is currently seeking a Cultural Support Worker to provide direct support services to Indian Residential Schools (IRS) Survivors and their families in Northern Manitoba.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Liaise/network with Northern Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders in raising awareness about the Indian Residential Schools, Truth and Reconciliation and Commemoration events;
• Conduct information sessions, presentations and workshop on the History Of Residential Schools,
• Identify Survivor support needs, provide for these needs and refer as necessary to the appropriate resources as well as existing community services and supports;
• Respond to calls from all stakeholders involved in the IRSSA and IRSRHSP;
• Prepare activity reports and participate in regular IRS program planning activities;
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Applied Counselling Certificate or equivalent education and experience;
• Knowledge & sensitivity of each community’s cultural practices;
• Knowledge of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) Program
• Knowledge of the IRS Survivors and intergenerational impacts;
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office, Word, PP, Excel etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to speak Cree or Dene would be an asset
• Must have strong Organizational skills and ability to work independently or in a team environment;
• Knowledge of the Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) geographical communities and demonstrated respect of the Cree and Dene culture and traditions
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Possess valid driver’s licence, own or have access to vehicle;
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively;
• Willingness and ability to work after hours and/or weekends when required.
• Position will be subject to a Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal record Check Closing Date: Friday, September 22,
We believe that our Frontier Family is our most significant and valuable resource. Our dedicated administrative staff work behind the scenes to create an environment that leads to improved learning and work environments for our students and staff.
Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre 107 Edwards Avenue, The Pas Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth. ca or Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca
Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL”
If you a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced environment we invite you to apply for the following position:
Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Area Maintenance Supervisor
Full-Time, Permanent Area Four Office – Cranberry Portage, MB
This position will maintain an effective Area wide maintenance program, including preventive maintenance for all facilities, buildings, building systems and grounds utilizing the Divisional Maintenance Management Program
The Division provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes a Pension Plan, Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, reimbursement for approved courses and more!
To apply, visit our website at www.fsdnet.ca and select “Careers”
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA TADOULE LAKE (SAYISI DENE)
SUB-OFFICE
LOCATION: TADOULE LAKE (SAYISI DENE) OR THOMPSON, MB
Position: Child & Family Services Worker (Possible Regional)
One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position
***Preference to Local Applicants***
Reporting to a Regional Unit Supervisor, the Child & Family Services Worker (CFS) is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific direction of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in child protection. Duties include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, providing accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW) with experience in child welfare preferred, or a combination of experience and training
• Commitment to community-based service delivery
• Working knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues
• Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) an asset
• Assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• A strong work ethic and reliable
• Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, as well as part of a child protection unit team
• Sensitivity to, and an understanding of First Nations culture and values
• Ability to speak and/or understand the Dene language would be an asset
Working Conditions:
• Fast-paced environment
• Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information
• Overnight and remote travel approximately 20% of the time
• Maintain a satisfactory Prior Contact check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle
Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and
experience
Closing Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2023-087 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email in confidence to:
Human Resources Department
Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba
Competition #2023-087
701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca
We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process
Please cover Noreen Wilma
DESCRIPTION
Location: Thompson, Manitoba
The Thompson Citizen has an immediate opening for an Editor/Journalist in Thompson, Manitoba. Thompson, known as the “Hub of the North” in Manitoba, is a vibrant city in the middle of an outdoor paradise. The 15,000 residents of Thompson enjoy an excellent airport, a golf course, a ski hill, numerous boating and fishing areas, two ice arenas, public library, indoor swimming complex, great schools, a university campus, a live theatre, and many more amenities to satisfy any lifestyle.
The Thompson Citizen is part of the Prairie Newspaper Group, which is a division of Glacier Media. This position would be a great starting point for an enthusiastic graduate as well as a great opportunity for an experienced reporter looking for an exciting change from the regular day to day workload. The successful applicant will be expected to cover a wide range of topics. He or she will find himself or herself reporting on current events, writing Q&A’s, business features, personal interest and taking lots of photos.
QUALIFICATIONS
This editorial position requires an organized individual who works well on his or her own as well as with a team. They need to be dedicated and diligent with a strong work ethic. He or she must have a degree or diploma in journalism or have at least five years’ experience in newspaper journalism. Experience in photography is necessary. Candidates for this position must have a valid driver license and a reliable vehicle. Kilometers are tracked and the journalist will be reimbursed.
Please send resume with cover letter to:
Noah Cooke, Publisher Thompson Citizen
P.O. Box 887, Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1N8 or E-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net
