AHN MAY 4, 2023

Site C reservoir could fill this fall

filling as it could start as soon as the fall of 2023.

The first sessions were held in Fort St John on May 2, and on May 3, from 6pm till 8pm at the Hudson’s Hope Community Hall.

For anyone who can’t make either one of those sessions, a

virtual session will be held Tuesday May 9, 2023, from 7pm till 8:30pm

BC Hydro filling the reservoirs of Site-C will bring everlasting change to the Peace River with water levels set to rise over

the course of approximately 4 months.

The Peace River will be widened by about 2 to 3 times on average with the depth close to the dam set to be around 52 metres.

The reservoir is going to be around 83 kilometres long and will cover 5,550 hectares of land with the entire surface area being about 9,330 hectares.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

RCMP canine Hamer chases down sexual predator suspect

Rob Brown Managing Editor

Last week the RCMP got a little more bark for their bite.

After FSJ RCMP put out the call for public help in finding Anthony Collins wanted for sexual assault, sexual interference, make/publish/possess child pornography, and more the man was reported to be at a residence in Dawson Creek on April 25.

Dawson Creek RCMP attended and the man fled from police - and Police Service Dog, Hamer, was released into duty.

The suspect was located, and arrested. He remains in custody pending court.

editor@dcdn.ca

Fairy Garden Path planned for Fish Creek Forest

Rob Brown Managing Editor

The Fort St. John Public Library has plans to add all kinds of fairies to Fish Creek Community Forest.

Starting May 5 at the library pick up a Fairy Garden kit beginning and display your creation along

Notice of Intent to Consider

our Fairy Garden Path on Saturday May 13.

“Create your fairy garden house using kit material and natural found objects, and then display it along our Fairy Garden Path in Fish Creek Community Forest,” say officials.

The projects are suitable for children ages 6+, some

small pieces require adult supervision. Craft kits are available for pickup the main desk of the Fort St. John Public Library, while supplies last.

Meet in Fish Creek Forest on May 13 at 11 am to display your creations along the Fairy Garden Path.

editor@dcdn.ca

Canadian health care workers want out, says new HR survey

Rob

Brown Managing

Editor

A new human resources health survey released by HEAL,Organizations for Health Action, reveals some health-care providers who responded to the survey are considering leaving the field.

They cite mental health and well-being as well as working conditions and resource shortages as their main points of concern.

Five thousand Canadian health-care providers across all provinces and territories took part in the questionnaire. Fifteen per cent identified as being close to retirement; 40 per cent of the 15 per cent are considering leaving their field in less than five years. Meanwhile, 30 per cent indicated they are considering leaving their profession for reasons other than retirement.

“We launched this survey to understand why our health-care system is in crisis and why more and more health-care providers are leaving,” said Hélène Sabourin, co-chair of HEAL.

“We now know what we need to do — we must act now to provide the necessary support and resources to retain our health-care workforce and ensure that they can continue to provide the high-quality services that Canadians rely on.”

The results reveal alarming retention concerns, with almost 80 per cent stating the need more workplace support and resources, better leadership, better compensation and benefits, and adequate staffing, to remain in their field.

The results of the survey highlight the urgent need for action to address the concerns of our healthcare providers, added Fred Phelps, co-chair of HEAL in a statement.

“Failure to do so will result in a significant loss of highly skilled and experienced professionals from the workforce, exacerbating the current health care crisis.” editor@dcdn.ca

Traffic was down to one lane in either direction at 96 St. and 98a Ave. with utility repairs. BUCK

Northern B.C. hunter produces wildlife documentary

Hanna Petersen Reporter/Photographer

A Prince George-based filmmaker has produced a short film called “Through Our Eyes,” which illustrates the lifestyle of a hunter, but through a wildlife documentary.

Tanner Dannish, who grew up in Dawson Creek but now lives in Prince George, always had the idea to show the nature and beauty of how a hunter tracks on the landscape through a documentary style-film.

He had a limited entry tag to go caribou hunting in northern B.C. and took the opportunity to finally make the film.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to highlight the magnificent of that area in and the caribou that really need a lot of effort to help recover.”

The nearly 30-minute film follows Dannish and his friend Jeff Augustino as they traverse the landscape near Atlin, B.C.

Dannish funded the film through his handmade sporting goods company called Frontiersman Gear, with the support of a conservation organization called Blood Origins and the Wild Sheep Society of B.C.

“As hunters we are conservationists first,” said Dannish.

“We as hunters, we use a resource which is this land and the waters on it, and because of that we want to conserve it.”

Dannish said the film attempts to show the way of life as hunters, interactions with animals, and the beauty of nature and how conservation and hunting can work together.

“We all have to work together to make sure that this planet is even around in the next 50 to 100 years, and that there’s animals on it and a healthy place for us to live.”

Dannish said he hopes the film can provide some education and insight into hunting.

“Growing up in Dawson, and even a lot of the smaller communities, hunting is pretty commonplace. If you don’t hunt, you know somebody that does,” said Dannish.

Dannish said he was pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback from the film.

“My biggest thing is that we all need to work together for a bigger cause.”

In March we had a meeting and it went well. Everyone's projects are doing very well, the leading is a slow process but everyone is having fun with it. Some have even started introducing their animal to the show stick.

Sadly the weather hasn’t been that great, a little cold and a little windy but that hasn’t stopped us from working with our animals. We are working very hard to get ready for the show. We even have some adorable baby calves and one left to be born.

On April 14th the clover buds in the horse club learned helmet safety with a little help from the older members, they even decorated their own helmets, and they look really good guys! Keep up the good work.

This year Green Valley helped sell 50/50 at the spring rodeo in Dawson Creek, The selling went great and everyone had fun. We sold a lot of tickets and raised a lot of money, so thanks to all that helped. The clover buds even got to meet Miss Rodeo Canada Mackenzie Skeels. Our next meeting is May 10th. We will be weighing our animals and I am so excited to find out how much my own animal weighs. Thank you for taking the time to read my report and also thank you to our page sponsor. Until next time.

Katelynn Bueckert Club Reporter Green Valley 4-H Club

Notice of Public Hearing

Tumbler Ridge takes the Sledtown Showdown title

Rob Brown Managing Editor

Tumbler Ridge is the 2023 SledTown champion community - with the Peace region coming through with nearly 3,000 votes for the win.

Voting wrapped up late Sunday with Tumbler coming from behind and taking the title over Thompson, MB. More than 5,800 votes were cast, with Tumbler garnering 2,985 for 50.9 per-

cent of votes compared to 2879 or 49.1 percent of votes for Thompson.

In the semi-finals: Tumbler Ridge (912 votes, 54%), defeated Swan Hills (769 votes, 46%), while the Manitoba Provincial Champion Thompson beat vs. Saskatchewan Provincial Champion Hudson Bay (1,185 votes, 55%) to 984 votes, 45%).

editor@dcdn.ca

PRRD to write letter to Province about Old Fort access

The PRRD will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure about the status of sustainable access for the residents of Old Fort.

Last year, during a May 26 meeting, ministry officials presented the PRRD with their Old Fort Road Option Analysis Study findings.

The decision at that time was to maintain the existing road access.

“The Regional Board has not received any further updates since May 2022,” said PRRD director Brad Sperling in correspondence to the PRRD.

PRRD directors voted that a letter be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure inquiring about the status and timeline of providing sustainable access for the residents of Old Fort. editor@dcdn.ca

Peace region court docket: April 13-19, 2023

- Melissa Noel McGhee (born 1991) was sentenced to an 18-month conditional sentence order, issued a 10-year firearms prohibition, ordered to provide a DNA sample and assessed $800 in victim surcharges for three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance, all under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, committed in Fort St. John.

- Jason William Werle (born 1988) was ordered to pay $993.20 restitution and issued a six-month $500 peace bond after an allegation of causing fear of injury or damage in Fort St. John.

- Charles Richard Calahasen (born 1975) was sentenced to 30 days in jail for uttering threats, 27 days for assault with a weapon and 15 days for breaching probation and to 18 months probation on all of the counts, all committed in Dawson Creek.

- John Michael Sammon (born 1970) was sentenced to one year probation and fined $2,500 plus a $750 victim surcharge for willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, committed in Charlie Lake.

- Spencer Tayler Thompson (born 1993) was issued a nine-month $500 peace bond after an allegation of causing fear of injury or damage in Fort St. John.

tody for 57 days prior to sentencing.

- Dale Cameron Christie (born 1965) was prohibited from driving for two years and fined $1,500 plus $300 in victim surcharges for one count of driving while prohibited licence suspended, committed in Prince George, two counts of the same offence and one count of driving without reasonable consideration, committed in Vanderhoof, all under the Motor Vehicle Act. Christie was also sentenced to one year probaiton on the reasonable consideration count.

Huntington Disease (HD) is a brain disorder that’s inevitably fatal and completely incurable. Passed through generations, every child born to a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate.

- William James McWhirter (born 1979) was sentenced to one year probation for five counts of theft $5,000 or under, committed in Fort St. John. McWhirter was also ordered to pay $135 restitution on one of the counts and was in custody for 24 days prior to sentencing.

- Terri Lynn Wolfe (born 1978) was sentenced to two years in jail, issued a lifetime firearms prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample for assault with a weapon and to time served for assault, theft $5,000 or under, mischief $5,000 or under and breaching a release order. Wolfe was in cus-

HD strikes in the prime of life. Symptoms include uncontrollable movements, depression, loss of ability to recall information and difficulty with decision making. From there, it gets worse. The disease eventually leads to incapacitation before it ultimately leads to death.

But there is new reason for hope. In 2006, for the first time in 135 years of study, Canadian researchers successfully cured HD in a mouse.

Huntington Disease (HD) is a brain disorder that’s inevitably fatal and completely incurable. Passed through generations, every child born to a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate. HD strikes in the prime of life. Symptoms include uncontrollable movements, depression, loss of ability to recall information and difficulty with decision making. From there, it gets worse. The disease eventually leads to incapacitation before it ultimately leads to death.

We’ve never been closer to eliminating this disease. All we need is your support to take the final step. The next dollar donated truly could be the difference. Will it be yours?

But there is new reason for hope. In 2006, for the first time in 135 years of study, Canadian researchers successfully cured HD in a mouse.

We’ve never been closer to eliminating this disease. All we need is your support to take the final step. The next dollar donated truly could be the difference. Will it be yours?

Donate online at curehd.ca or call 1-888-4-CURE HD.

With Huntington disease, the future holds no surprises.

With Huntington disease, the future holds no surprises.

Northern B.C. screenwriter pens feature length horror movie

Hanna Petersen Reporter/Photographer

Growing up in Fort St. John, movies were such a huge part of Meg Turner’s life that they decided to pursue a career as a screenwriter. Now a film they wrote is playing in select theatres across the U.S. and about to be released on Paramount+ this May.

The now Vancouverbased screenwriter wrote the horror film Organ Trail, which tells the story of a young Abigale Archer who is alone in the Montana winter during the 1870s who must fight for her survival as she tries to retrieve her one earthly possession, a family horse, from a gang of bloodthirsty bandits.

“It was inspired by a typo of all things. I was googling the original 1985 video game and forgot the e in Oregon. So, in my usual scatterbrained manner, I laughed that it would be a great title for a horror movie, wrote it down, and ideas started flowing,” explained Turner.

“All I could imagine was, what if Quentin Tarantino wrote ‘The Little House On the Prairie?’ and here we are.”

Turner said the most bizarre part of this is how they sold the script.

“I tweeted about it in April 2021, and Michael Patrick Jann (director of “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Reno: 911”) randomly saw

it and asked to read it,” said Turner.

He optioned it in May, sold it to Paramount Pictures in October, and filmed it in February 2022.

“It rarely happens this quickly, so I’ve been spoiled from the get-go.”

Turner explained that once Paramount Pictures purchased the script, that’s where their direct involvement ended.

“It was filmed in Montana in February 2022 when the state was a COVID-19 red zone, so I wasn’t able to visit the sets. I lived vicariously through the cast and crew’s posts on social media,” said Turner.

However, they did have the opportunity to watch the film with the cast and crew on the Paramount Studios Lot in Los Angeles.

“It’s hard to describe how it feels to watch something I’ve written come to life. It’s a surreal experience,” said Turner.

“My parents attended the screening with me, and they were beaming with pride the entire time. I did have to warn Mom about the gory/ scary parts though.”

Turner is a prolific writer that has written two features and two shorts which have been produced, but in terms of their catalogue of unproduced work they’ve

written more than 15 features and eight shorts.

“I can’t pinpoint an exact moment when it started but I remember seeing Shane Black’s name as the writer of several different films and realizing that I could pursue screenwriting as a career,” said Turner.

“It was a light bulb moment.”

They said they begin a script by free association writing, knowing the beginning, middle and end of an intended story but letting the characters guide them through it.

In terms of genre, Turner said horror movies are their passion and doesn’t think

they will ever stop writing them.

“Horror movies are a controllable fear,” said Turner. “It’s fun to scare and be scared in a safe environment, and with all the nonsense in the news, it’s an escape to a reality where the nightmare can be stopped with the push of a button. As for writing horror stories, it’s cheaper than going to therapy.”

Organ Trail will be released for streaming on Paramount+ on May 12.

Turner said they have a few other projects on the back burner but can’t talk about them just yet.

BC Energy Regulator provides PRRD an update

1. Speak to your audience and no one el S e. Attempting to connect with everyone will only weaken the message you’re trying to convey.

2. c raft a powerful headline to capture the attention of your target audience.

Contact your newspaper sales representative for additional tips on how to make your next ad campaign a S ucceSS ! 250-785-5631

3. Select one main image for your design, and make sure that it ties in with the ad’s overall message.

4. o ptimize your copy. Choose the right words to clearly communicate why the product or service you’re selling is exactly what your audience needs.

5. e mbrace white S pace. Don’t let superfluous clutter distract your audience from the key points in your ad.

6. l imit your offer S to two. Less is more when it comes to advertising. Including too much information will only confuse your audience.

7. m ake your ad vi S ually appealing by grouping similar elements together, limiting the number of typefaces you use and choosing colours wisely.

8. Stand out with colour. A full-colour ad on an otherwise black-and-white page is sure to draw the eye, and the opposite — monochromatic in a sea of colour — is equally true.

9. a lway S include a call to action. What do you want people to do after they’ve read your ad? Sign up for your service? Visit your showroom? Let them know!

10. k eep contact information cry S tal clear. Potential buyers need to instantly know how and where to reach you.

Rob Brown Managing Editor

Michelle Carr, Commissioner & CEO of the BC Energy Regulator was on hand at the PRRD board of directors meeting for an update on matters related to the area.

BC Energy Regulator is formerly the BC Oil and Gas Commission. The Regulator oversees activities from exploration and development, to pipeline transportation and reclamation.

“Our role includes refineries, value added gas and liquids manufacturing processes, aspects of geothermal power, and recently expanded to include carbon capture, hydrogen, ammonia and methanol,” said Carr.

Ensure we are proactively addressing community-specific needs,

interests and values through policy development, quality engagement, and responsive decision making.

Carr spoke to the expanded role of the organization’s mandate to support a low-carbon energy economy in BC – and a one stop shop for the industry.

“We provide regulatory clarity and certainty for potential hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia projects,” added Carr.

It was noted there are 819 decommissioned well-sites in BC, with 656 located in the PRRD.

“22 percent within the PRRD have been restored and reclaimed.”

Youth learn to walk on the wildside with museum project

TW Buck Reporter Photographer

The Fort St John North Peace Museum is handing out animal footprint kits - shining a light on the biodiversity of the Peace Region in BC.

The kit, designed for kids aged 3-12, is being supplied for no cost, to help families familiarize themselves with local wildlife we find in the Peace Region including Beaver, Lynx, Wolf, Elk, and Mule Deer

Families can discover fun facts about local wildlife, learn what different animal ‘footprints’ look like and how

to recognize them while out exploring, and even get the opportunity to create their own animal footprint using salt dough.

Children are encouraged to use their knowledge to pair animals to corresponding footprints in a matching game that is supplied with the take-home kit.

100 kits were distributed, and the last kit was handed out on April 17 with the next event of this nature taking place in November 2023 which will be focused on marine dinosaurs.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Death rate after major surgery improved, says Northern Health

Christine Dalgleish

The death rate after major surgery in Northern Health hospitals has improved since 2021-22, a spokesperson for the health authority says.

Northern Health saw 58.8 per cent more hospital deaths following major surgery in 2021-22 than the provincial percentage and 49 per cent more than the national average, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

The data showed that the Dawson Creek & District

Hospital had the highest rate of hospital deaths after major surgery in Northern Health at 5.3 per cent, while the University Hospital of Northern BC located in Prince George had a rate of 3.6 per cent during that time period.

“So our statistic folks have taken a look at the more current 2022-2023 data that indicates that post-surgical mortality has dropped from the 2021-2022 numbers that CIHI has recorded and it’s returning closer to the numbers seen prior to the pandemic,” the spokesperson said. “So regionally, for Northern

FSJ RCMP want to locate Jeanine

Jacqueline Joe

Health, including UHNBC and Dawson Creek, those all have appeared to have fluctuated within normal range historically. UHNBC and Dawson Creek demonstrated those aboveaverage levels uniquely in 2021-2022.”

The Citizen could not verify the 2022-23 data as it is not publicly available at this time.

The Northern Health spokesperson also pointed to a poorer health status of the Northern B.C. population, which could have affected the 2021-2022 results.

COVID-19 was also having its greatest impact in the region during that time period.

“There were relatively high rates of COVID-19 infections, and hospital admissions and critical care needs,” the spokesperson explained.

Northern Health looks at long-term statistical trends that would indicate ongoing problems, rather than reacting to short-term results.

“So when we are looking at a single data point, like a single year, it can be some-

what informative but we run into some challenges around the context,” the spokesperson said.

“There are smaller, rural or northern sites with lower volumes of whatever indicator we’re talking about, in this case, mortality post surgery, but those lower volumes of cases can lead to much wider year-to-year fluctuations so a small number of cases either way can mean the difference between a normal or an unusual result.”

42-year-old Jeanine

Jacqueline Joe is currently wanted by the Fort St John RCMP - and has a warrant out for assault.

Jeanine Joe is described as:

Indigenous female, 5 feet 3 inches tall (160 cm),

130 lbs (59 kg), Brown hair, Green eyes.

The RCMP are now asking the public for assistance in locating Jeanine Joe, as well as anyone with information conc

editor@dcdn.ca

Kendal Crook and Alex Beckerton recreate the Lynx ‘footprint’ using salt dough, supplied in kits that were handed out by the Fort St John North Peace Museum. BUCK

BC Hydro wants to leave

Site C construction debris at bottom of Peace River

IRIS MICHELLE JEAN BURGHER

BABY BOUQUET WALL

THANKYOUFOR RECYCLINGTHIS NEWSPAPER.

ARIES – MAR 21/APR 20

Aries, even though you have been making great progress, you have some more work ahead of you this week. Overcome any distractions that get in your way.

TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21

Taurus, you may want to avoid crowds this week. Use this opportunity to enjoy some quiet, alone time to recharge. There will be time for socialization in the weeks ahead.

GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21

You may be called in as a mediator this week, Gemini. It may be challenging to remain impartial, as you are friendly with both people involved. Tread carefully.

CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22

Cancer, there are a few decisions that you will need to make in the days to come and they are not to be taken lightly. Give each ample time and consider all angles.

LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23

An opportunity all but falls into your lap, Leo. Make sure you jump on this because opportunity may not knock again. The benefits are too big to pass up.

VIRGO – AUG 24/SEPT 22

There is not much more help you can lend to a situation, Virgo. This week you may have to accept that you have simply done all that you could do. Move on and focus on the future.

LIBRA – SEPT 23/OCT 23

Expect some strange things to happen to you this week, Libra. The unexpected could be the breath of fresh air you need, especially if your schedule has been stagnant.

SCORPIO – OCT 24/NOV 22

Scorpio, assist a loved one as much as you can this week. You may need to be a devoted caregiver or a listening ear. Whatever the case, handle it with undivided attention.

SAGITTARIUS – NOV 23/DEC 21

Sagittarius, a deep focus on health may compel you to get around to making some changes you’ve been planning. Embrace this newfound resolve.

CAPRICORN – DEC 22/JAN 20

Capricorn, allow others to take the lead when a project ends up coming across your desk.You could learn something from the expertise of others if you emulate their actions.

AQUARIUS – JAN 21/FEB 18

Aquarius, you have left no stone unturned in a situation that involves relocation. Now it is just a matter of wait and see. Give it a few weeks, then move on.

PISCES – FEB 19/MAR 20

Pisces, others have very positive things to say about you, especially during the course of the next few days. Relish in their attention.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 30 Dianna Agron, Actress (37)

MAY 1 Jamie Dornan, Actor (41)

MAY 2 Dwayne Johnson, Actor (51)

MAY 3 Cheryl Burke, Dancer (39)

MAY 4 Lance Bass, Singer (44)

MAY 5 Adele, Singer (35)

MAY 6 George Clooney, Actor (62)

Hanna Petersen Reporter/Photographer

B.C. Hydro wants to leave 45 pieces of structural construction debris used for the Site-C project at the bottom of the Peace River.

In a submission to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office, B.C. Hydro said it has assessed several locations throughout the project where removal of temporary structures within the future reservoir may result in greater potential harm to fish or fish habitat than retaining them in place.

It is requesting the ability to leave temporary structures in place where removing them may result in greater harm, as assessed by a qualified environmental professional.

The current Environmental Assessment Certificate requires that BC Hydro remove temporary structures as soon as they are no longer required.

B.C. has identified 45 temporary structures within the reservoir footprint.

These structures consist of portions of causeways, gravel pads, concrete abutments and riprap from bridge construction, diversion channels with rock-filled gabions, a large barge pad, a boat ramp, access roads, and giant concrete anchors.

The total area of the temporary structures to potentially remain underwater is expected to be about

20 hectares of the 9,300 hectare reservoir or .21 per cent.

However, 20 hectares is enough to cover about 37 football fields.

B.C. Hydro states that many of the temporary structures are made of gravel that has been sourced from the Peace River itself and riprap that has been sourced from the Portage Mountain Quarry.

It says leaving the structures may be better for fish and fish habitat if, for example, removing the causeways which are made of gravel and riprap, increases the risk of sedimentation and fuel spills from having equipment work on the river and that removing large structures may result in large amounts of sediment suspended in the river resulting in undesirable changes to fish habitat.

In these cases, an environmental professional would determine whether or not retaining the structures underwater would be the best environmental practice.

Public comment for B.C. Hydro’s application closed on April 22 after being openend on March 23.

Site-C is the largest infrastructure projects in B.C. history costing $16 billion, and filling of the reservoir may begin in later in 2023 or early 2024.

Construction started in 2015 on the Peace River and Site-C is expected to become fully operational in 2025.

Saugstad: Treaty Land Entitlement Agreements

Evan Saugstad Columnist

On April 15/23, Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Marc Miller, Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and five BC Treaty 8-member nation had resolved the Nations’ claim that not all lands had been transferred to them at the signing of Treaty 8. This after 25 years of negotiations

Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN), Doig River First Nation (DRFN), Halfway River First Nation (HRFN), Moberly Lake First Nations (WLFN) and Saulteau First Nations (SFN) all claimed each had not received all lands promised to them by virtue of their signing or adhering to Treaty 8. The Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) claim was based on not all members were counted at the time of signing. Each nation that signed the Treaty was to receive 128 acres (51.8 hectares) of land per member/person.

“This is an agreement that will address a 100-year-long injustice that was committed when Nations were cheated out of thousands of acres of land that they were entitled to,” said Premier Eby. “To make this right, we have to build a future in B.C. that’s based on respect and reconciliation.”

Only a politician could turn a “good news story” and make it sound like the punch line from a dime store novel.

The Press Release associated with this announcement was brief and parts were factually incorrect, while key information was also missing.

• None of the five Nations involved in this claim signed T reaty 8 in 1899.

• The reference of “lands taken by others” should have read “lands disposed of by government to others”. Every land transaction from Crown to private ownership was as per government rules and regulations.

No private person, business or corporation just “took” the lands for their own use.

• The reference to “109,385 acres” of land as being the shortfall at time of Treaty signing is incorrect. Most of the land being offered in this settlement (+/- 88,000 acres) are lands BC is making available as per their BC Hydro/Site C compensation agreements and are not shortfalls from the time of the Treaty signing. The Site C Agreements were agreed to in principle in 2020, except for WMFN as they opted to continued with their infringement” court case against BC Hydro and Site C. No mention if the April 2023 agreement ends this court case or not.

• No mention of dollar amounts given by the federal government. The dollar amount of $800 million was only offered up during Minister Miller’s question period after the release; “This was withheld for proactive reasons. There is extreme reticence in communities about the effect of a cash influx and the stigma that occurs with the perceived windfall this could be. It’s not a windfall, it’s not free money. It’s a bill that’s not been paid for 100 years.” No amounts per Band were announced.

• And impor tantly for the non-aboriginal communities of northeast BC, no update or reference to which lands are being converted from Crown to First Nations ownership, either as reserve or freehold. Yes, one can search the web and find references to lands that were being negotiated in various reports during consultations; at least our government did make an effort to communicate which lands were being offered, but nothing seems readily available as being final.

And then some wonder why there is so much cynicism with our Federal and Provincial governments.

This in contrast to the DRFN history of this agreement on their website Treaty Land En-

titlement (TLE) - Doig River First Nation (doigriverfn.com); “The amount of reserve land they were allocated was calculated based on a formula provided in the Treaty that relied on the population of the band.

Unfortunately, when the Crown conducted a count of the members, many were on seasonal rounds, away from the community. As such, the band was never allocated sufficient land, in accordance with the promise of the Treaty.” (DRFN website 2023)

Now, a bit more perspective of the history of the TLE claims.

Treaty 8 was first signed in 1899 between Queen Victoria’s representatives and the various aboriginal peoples in the Lesser Slave Lake area (pre-Alberta). The Fort St John Band signed in 1900 and in 1977 they split into the DRFN and BRFN bands. The Hudson’s Hope Band signed in 1914 and in 1977 they split into the HRFN and WMFN. SFN signed in 1914 and exists as that today.

The first TLE claims were submitted to the Federal government in 1995, others following a few years later. Canada agreed to hear the first claims in 2002 and it has been ongoing until final agreement this year (2023).

As each band signed onto Treaty 8 reserve lands were established using the formula of 128 acres (51.8 hectares) per band member. Missing in these calculations were those individuals not present or accountable for when the Treaty was signed, hence the need to recalculate the population to determine lands owing.

Catch part II next week!

Dear Ms Pattiselective amnesia?

Dear Miss Patti, I don’t know if you can answer this here or not but it’s in relation to a teenage not a young child. My teenager who has ADHD has such a hard time completing his chores. I feel like I am enabling him if I give him constant reminders, but if I don’t, he constantly forgets.

Selective Amnesia?

Dear Selective Amnesia, This seems to be a typical teenager problem, but it is even more amplified for teenagers with ADHD. Constant reminders are great, but you’re right, we’re not really setting them up to be successful in a job, secondary education, or life when we’re the ones rescuing them all the time. We want to give them the tools so that when their parents are not there, they have their own resources to access.

If you want them to use technology, they can set timers and reminders on their phones to help keep them on track. So, for example, you have asked them to complete a chore, but they aren’t ready to do it on the spot. They can set a reminder or even better an alarm that goes off in an allotted time to remind them they need to do something. If technology doesn’t work for them, a simple sticky note might.

When you walk in their room and ask them to unload the dishwasher and you get the standard “In a minute” get them to write the chore down on the sticky note and that way when their game is finished (or whatever it is they are doing in the moment that’s preventing them from completing the chore that second) they have a reminder that something needs to be done. No matter the age, also break down the chore into steps of instruction. We might assume they know how to clean their bathroom, but they might forget mirrors, taps or other things we don’t even think about.

If they do get a job, you can remind them to inform their employer to please write out instructions for different job (if a manual is not given on the job) During many orientations, the instructions are given verbally, and the teenager might nod and do the customary “Uh huh” and forget when it’s time to do the task. These are all tools that will help them be successful and one’s adults use frequently but forget to share the resources we use to help us stay on track.

Miss Patti

LETTER: on the merger of North Peace Savings and Credit Union and Interior Savings Credit Union

Re: Document for proposed Merger of the North Peace Savings and Credit Union and Interior Savings Credit Union

As long-time members of the North Peace Savings and Credit Union, since 1947, we are opposed to the potential merger.

We believe in local autonomy and do not agree that bigger is better.

Why was this not brought to the members when it was first proposed? On page 15 of the Members’ GuideStronger Together, it gives the timelines and clearly shows that this has been in the works since 2021. Many people do not use social media or electronic communication, have vision problems, and have no idea of a potential merger.

In the letter to Members, it states that “As members,

you are owners, not just customers.” We certainly don’t feel like any kind of an owner.

Why was this proposal or concept not brought forward in a public meeting so that concerns could be addressed before money was spent?

With the head office in Kelowna, the number of pending potential mergers, where is the future North-

east representation? Interior Savings is in the process of creating mergers with a number of other small Credit Unions across the province.

There is no guarantee after the first term that we will have a representative on the proposed new Board. How will checks and balances be put in place so that we will not be driven by Interior Savings Credit Union. Who will represent our interests?

We will have lost our voice yet again.

The NPS&CU was started by pioneers in Fort St. John who saw a need and has served the community very well.

We want our North Peace Savings & Credit Union for the People of the Peace.

Margaret & Jim Little

Feminine hygiene products are low on non-profit donation lists, period

“There are 17 locations across northeast BC,” says Lynnsy Noll with the United Way.

A food bank volunteer says these are products half the population use each month.

the consequence of actions that weren’t even my own. It’s not fair that a young lady should have to go without something that is necessary through no fault of her own.”

Rob Brown

Managing Editor

Lisa Foremost is a mother of two - and also a Peace region food bank client.

She says feminine hygiene products are often a

forgotten donation when it comes to food bank hampers for those in need.

“It sometimes is left off like toothpaste or toothbrushes, but these items are just as needed.”

cp?with Living

For the month of May, locations throughout the Peace region will be accepting donations of feminine hygiene products – including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek Safeway, Save On, and Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

“I was 12 when I got my first period. I don’t remember having access to menstrual products at the time. A lot of the time we couldn’t afford them, struggled to buy them, or only had a small amount. I remember my perception of being “rich” as a young woman was having all your needs met, never having to worry about rationing necessities, or worrying about going without necessities,” she says.

“It wasn’t my fault that we went without, I was just a kid, but life isn’t always fair, and I had to deal with

Other FSJ locations taking hygiene product donations include; Nenan Dane zaa Deh Zona Family Services Society, LiUna (internal), BizzyBody Enterprises, Strait (internal), and Shell. DC collection locations are; Network Ministries, Rebel Beauty Inc., Our Social Collective, Central Middle School (internal), South Peace Secondary School (internal), Dawson Creek Public Library, Dawson Creek City Hall, Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre, and Work BC. Chetwynd locations include Work BC, Chetwynd Public Library, and Tansi Friendship Centre.

editor@dcdn.ca

Police look for Kiskatinaw Bridge jumper

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RCMP are looking for a parachute and BASE jump enthusiast.

Dawson Creek RCMP are investigating an unusual circumstance where a man was seen parachuting off of the Kiskatinaw Bridge.

Two witnesses reported to RCMP about

a man dressed in all black throwing a parachute into the air and then leaping from the Kiskatinaw Bridge on the afternoon of April 23, at about 3:15 pm. The man is believed to be engaged in BASE jumping or some form of extreme sport.

A search of the area

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did not reveal anything of concern, however RCMP seek further information about the circumstances surrounding the man on the bridge.

Please contact the Dawson Creek RCMP at 250-784-3700 if you have any information.

editor@dcdn.ca

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BC Northern Real Estate Board of Directors named for 2023-2024

Local gymnasts shine at Northern Lights Invitational

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Read on for a quick recap of the second annual Northern Lights Invitational.

This year had 182 athletes representing six different Clubs from across Northern British Columbia and North-Western Alberta register for the event.

Recommended reads for you: Passaglia, Cutler and other football alumni demand removal from SFU Hall of Fame

CATCH the VIDEO: spinning those wheels

The North Peace Gymnastics Association (NPGA) was well represented with their 72 athletes who participated.

The NPGA came away from the event with countless ribbons and multiple top three finishes.

These performances included 14 third place, 23 second place, and 24 gold medals (first place finishes), held in Fort St John on April 15.

Nearly Half of the special awards for the Northern Lights Invitational, were rewarded to NPGA athletes this year.

Kathryn Yates comes away from the event with the Xcel Platinum Championship, and Sophia MacDougall received the Xcel Bronze Championship.

“I just want to say we are so proud of all the athletes and so grateful for the organizers for making this event such a success. All the teams that attended had a great time, friendships were made, and countless personal bests performed again. The athletes here in Fort St John continue to blow my mind with their dedication, work ethic and drive! I can’t wait to see what these kids do at our next meet May 5-7 in Prince George,” said Mimi Lessard, coach with the NPGA.

Local athletes receiving awards:

· Hope Long Vigorous Vaulter for Vault

· Olive Shishido Super Swinger on Bars

· Elliotte Orcutt Brilliant Beam for her Beam Skills

· Morgan Andres Vigorous Vaulter for Vault

· Bristol Patterson Super Swinger for her Bar routine

· Lexi MacDougall Beautiful Beam For her Beam Routine

· Abby Baker Dazzling Dancer for her Floor Routine

· Most Dynamic Vault went to Natalia Carroll

· Hunter Earle got a Vigorous Vaulter Award

· Anna Fowler received a Super Swinger Award for her routine on Bars

· Aven Felske received a Brilliant Beam Award· Kathryn Yates received the Most Dynamic Vault award

RCMP are looking for a parachute and BASE jump enthusiast.

Dawson Creek RCMP are investigating an unusual circumstance where a man was seen parachuting off of the Kiskatinaw Bridge.

Two witnesses reported to RCMP about a man dressed in all black throwing a parachute into the air and then leaping from the Kiskatinaw Bridge on the afternoon of April 23, at about 3:15 pm. The man

is believed to be engaged in BASE jumping or some form of extreme sport.

A search of the area did not reveal anything of concern, however RCMP seek further information about the circumstances surrounding the man on the bridge.

Please contact the Dawson Creek RCMP at 250784-3700 if you have any information.

editor@dcdn.ca

Avery Nolan (Xcel Gold) Anika Carroll (Xcel Platinum) and Katie Yates (Xcel Platinum) They are the NPGA 3 highest level athletes.

Taylor Bridge? Peace River Bridge? What’s in a name?

Rob Brown

Managing Editor

Colloquial names become part of the lexicon. This week after a story about cleaning of the ‘Taylor Bridge’ the Alaska Highway News received a letter from a road maintenance business.

“We are being informed by the general public and road users of Hwy 97 that the Alaska Highway News knows very little about our region as the Alaska Highway newsroom is constantly reporting on Maintenance on the Tay-

lor Bridge.” they write.

“Yet there is no Taylor Bridge but there is a Peace River Bridge in Taylor. It is misleading the public of the region the traveling public at large and it would be appreciated if the Alaska Highway News reported the news to prevent constant calls from the public.”

“I mean, come on,” says Peace River North MLA Dan Davies.

Peace River South MLA Mike

Bernier concurs, noting with small exception of the odd unaware tourist – calling it the Peace River Bridge makes little sense.

“I strongly think Taylor Bridge is the name to go with to not confuse people,” he says, adding ‘Peace River’ bridge would be confusing with the bridge in Peace River, Alberta.

What do you think, readers?

editor@dcdn.ca

RCMP shoot man who was stabbing people

RCMP shot a man Wednesday after receiving a report of him stabbing people.

Attending officers located a reportedly armed suspect who became aggressive.

After a taser did not drop the man - Prince George RCMP shot him. He was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The victim of the initial complaint was also treated at

hospital.

The IIO BC is currently investigating police actions in the incident.

Prince George RCMP note they are also conducting a subsequent investigation into the initial assault complaint.

editor@dcdn.ca

Murder charge approved in Prince George stabbing death

A Dawson Creek man has been charged with seconddegree murder in connection with a stabbing death in Prince George.

Braidan Josie Meck, 29, faces the count for a June 11, 2022 incident at a motel on Queensway that led to the death of Devon Myles Lindstrom, 28, Prince George RCMP said Wednesday.

Both the accused and the victim were known to the

police and courts.

Second-degree murder implies that act was committed on impulse. To convict a person of first-degree murder, Crown must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the act was planned and deliberate.

The sentence for seconddegree murder is life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 10 to 25 years, as determined by a judge.

The sentence for first-degree murder is life without chance of parole for 25 years.

Meck also continues to face drug and gun-related charges from an alleged December 2016 incident in Dawson Creek and counts of dangerous driving and fleeing police from an alleged July 2022 incident, also in Dawson Creek. He remains in custody, according to court records.

Les Leyne: BC and Telus settle

health argument

Everything is once again right between the B.C. government and Telus Health after the corporation agreed to stay in its lane while providing medical services.

Health Minister Adrian Dix announced a settlement Wednesday of a dispute that erupted last year over whether the company was extra billing customers to see doctors.

They were definitely billing customers several thousand dollars a year for wraparound health care above and beyond medically necessary treatment. And they definitely had doctors on staff treating patients. But was the fee for the comprehensive, non-insured ancillary treatments? Or did the purchase price include the right to see a doctor as well?

The latter is against the law, because it would allow people to buy their way past the lineups that now form daily outside many clinics.

Telus Health got into that business line after buying a private clinic that had been working the grey area for years. It was one of many acquisitions that have turned the company into a global player in the comprehensive health-care field.

But the clinic purchase brought them a lot of scrutiny from the Health Ministry. The company denied that the LifePlus plan it was selling amounted to extra billing. Dix ordered the Medical Services Commission to investigate whether the business plan was legal. The probe lasted months and produced enough evidence that the commission went to court last December seeking an injunction to shut down LifePlus.

Telus Health denied that the program conflicted with the law. The company described it as a preventative, add-on service and the fee was for the ongoing ser vices by way of dieticians, kinesiologists and wellness therapies.

The application prompted several months of negotiation that culminated in the deal announced Wednesday.

Telus Health committed to make “agreed-upon operational changes” to ensure compliance with the Medicare Protection Act. On that basis, the commission suspended its pursuit of an injunction.

Dix said Telus Health will no longer offer physician services to new clients of LifePlus. It will still have doctors but they will offer publicly funded medically necessary services apart from LifePlus.

There will be continuity of care for current customers and the government is not going to take away their family doctors, he said. But “there will be no new patients [in LifePlus].”

The government said the settlement should serve as an indicator to others “who may be offering expensive patient-funded health care programs.”

The warning is that “charging for access, or priority access, to medically-necessary health care will not be tolerated.”

Dix said the case demonstrates the value of the Medicare Protection Act. There has always been a law governing extra billing but the NDP in 2018 toughened it.

“This is not about punish-

ing people. It’s about providing services for patients.”

Dix appeared acutely aware that it’s the overwhelming strain on the public system and difficulty in seeing a doctor that drives the market in the first place. So he spent a considerable part of the announcement stressing various primary care initiatives, like the new payment model for family doctors, and hiring campaigns to ease wait times.

“This is how you bring change. It’s not just depending on the Medicare Protection Act. It’s not an ideological goal; it’s an effort to get service to patients.”

Dix was also eager to smooth the government’s relationship with parent company Telus, which is a major entity in B.C. and a communications partner with the government in various other health programs.

He said he was delighted with the settlement because “Telus is a great B.C.-based company that makes an “enormous … significant contribution to health care.”

He cited the work on the vaccine program, home health and electronic medical records.

“I’m very pleased to continue our work together with Telus now and in the future.”

The company issued a statement saying the settlement came from a “highly collaborative, transparent and thoughtful process.”

It said the program will be modified to ensure a clearer delineation between insured and uninsured care delivery while maintaining continuity of care for clients.

Les Layne Columnist

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Roland “Earl” Creighton

1947-2023

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Earl at 75 years of age.

A memorial service was held Monday, May 1, 2023 at the North Peace MB Church.

Condolences can be shared through Hamres Funeral Chapel. www.hamresfuneral.com.

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Jam Sessions at the FSJ Seniors Hall.

Tuesdays 2-5. Age 55 and up. Drop in Fee.

“Betty” Orcutt

August 24, 1942 - April 24, 2023

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Orcutt, wife, mom, granny, on April 24th, 2023 in Fort St. John. Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 2nd at Hamre’s Funeral Chapel. She was interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Betty was born on August 24th, 1942 in Lethbridge, Alberta to her parents George and Mary Oswald. Betty was the seventh of eight children. She spent her childhood in or near Warner in southern Alberta.

Betty is survived by Vane, her devoted and loving husband of almost 64 years; her three children, Kerry (Darla), James (Bev), and Jerelyn; her grandchildren Kara, Megan (AJ), Andrew (Shae-Lynn), Cailem, Tyrell (Lacey), Kathleen, Emily, Sarah and Nicholas; her great-grandchildren Kraden, Camron, Emmynd, Elliotte, Charlie, Laney, Oliver, Loretta, Lexie and Logan; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, and her grandson, Garnett.

A special thank you to Dr. Terri Hopkins for her outstanding care, kindness, compassion, and communication with the family.

Rest in peace, Granny. Donations in memory of Betty can be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences can be forwarded through Hamres Funeral Chapel at www.hamresfuneral.com.

Do you have a problem with Food? Too Much Too little, Bingeing or Restric ting. Overeaters Anonymous Can Help. Wednesdays 5:20 to 6:05.. 45 mins meeting. Salvation Army on 100ave Fort St John. Forty Five Minute Hybird Meeting Zoom info OA.org or come in person. Anonymity guaranteed. Join Zoom Meeting http://us06web.zoom .us/i/99534584150?p wd=VzZYdC93dmirKz JreXpTSGtVbHBPQT09 Meeting ID: 995 3458

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1-866-979-HOPE (4673) Education TAKE YOUR CONFIDENCE & communication a level. Get the career and family life of your dreams! Jon a Toastmasters International group near you. www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club Books, Coins,stamps Todd’s Coins: Buying gold, silver & coins 250-864-3521

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Born April 14, 1931 in Turtleford, Saskatchewan. Passed away peacefully in the Fort St. John Hospital, surrounded by family on April 21, 2023.

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Eva will be greatly missed by her 9 children and their families; Sandra Levac (Marcel), Shirley Petrie, Marlene Lacey (Rod), Hal Rutz, Barry Rutz, Karen Stanley (Blair), Dale Rutz (Niki), Cindy Rost, Kirk Rutz; her 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

A very special thank you to the doctors and nurses who did so much for mom while she was in their care. Also a very special thank you to her caregivers Loretta, Theresa, and Carol. You are very special people. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Eva to the Silver Willow 4H Beef Club or the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com.

B.C. nurse banned from narcotics handling for three years

Jeremy Hainsworth Reporter

A nurse who stole narcotics from their employer won’t be able to handle workplace drugs for three years, a BC College of Nurses and Midwives inquiry committee says.

The nurse is unnamed due to the medical nature of the situation to protect their personal health privacy.

In an April 25 public notice, the committee said the diversion of the narcotics for personal use while on and off duty happened between September 2020 and September 2022.

“Diversion directly from patients was not shown to have occurred,” the notice said.

It was the nurse themselves who disclosed the situation when seeking treatment.

“This disclosure

ensured that their medical diagnosis and subsequent prognosis and treatment recommendations matched the extent of their substance use disorder, providing a greater likelihood of treatment success,” the committee said.

The committee considered that admission a mitigating factor in its discipline decision.

Committee ‘satisfied’

The nurse has voluntarily agreed to:

a limit impacting access to and handling of narcotics, with concurrent medical monitoring, to support the stable return to fitness to practice for three years; compliance with treatment and monitoring recommendations from treating specialists; and, disclosure of treatment recommendations to relevant employer representative(s).

The agreement will remain in place for a minimum of four years of continuous nursing practice.

The college is one of 18 regulatory bodies empowered under the Health Professions Act to regulate health professions in B.C. It regulates the practice of four distinct professions: nursing, practical nursing, psychiatric nursing and midwifery.

Similar legislation in other self-regulated areas such as the legal and notary public professions also allow citizens to know about discipline issues in the public interest.

“The inquiry committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public,” the college said.

jhainsworth@glaciermedia.ca

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B.C. nurses ratify new threeyear collective agreement

Nurses in British Columbia have ratified a new three-year collective agreement covering about 51,000 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in the province.

The new deal includes wage increases and comes alongside a government promise to make B.C. the first Canadian province to adopt a nurse-to-patient ratio to improve workload standards in public health.

The BC Nurses’ Union says 61 per cent of its members voted in favour of the new deal, which also includes improvements in job flexibility and access to leaves, and investments in workplace health and safety.

Union president Aman Grewal says the agreement recognizes nurses’ dedication and sacrifice and includes significant investments to recruit more into the profession.

Premier David Eby says the agreement is part of the government’s commitment to continue supporting nurses and strengthening the provincial health-care system.

The government says it will spend $750 million on the new staffing model, which will allow nurses to spend more time with the people they care for and provide better services.

- With files from CP