Northern_Experience_Issue2-2010

Featuring: Snow Lake Mine Update Reopening of mine could spur economic revitalization for town

Plus:

• Introducing the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy • Thompson cuts the ribbon on their new jet engine testing facility • Northwestern Canada Integrated Road Network Concept Plan

Tourism | 1-800-665-4774

CNSX-CZC COPPER REEF MINING CORPORATION is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in Northwest Manitoba and Northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Company’s properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Company has no long-term debt and has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects, including strategic locations in the Flin Flon Greenstone belt in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

ACTIVE MAJOR PROPERTIES North Star-Gold Rock (Reed Lake Snow Lake Camp) Mink Narrows (Flin Flon Camp) McIlvenna Deposit (Hanson Lake Camp) Hanson Lake (Hanson Lake Camp)

COPPER REEF DRILLS HIGH GRADE GOLD AT GOLD ROCK Copper Reef Mining Corporation CZC (CNSX) has drilled 79 holes on its Gold Rock Property in the Snow Lake area, Manitoba.

Selected Results from 2009 Press Releases include: Copper Reef drills 1.9 M OF 58.64G/T GOLD at Depth Press Release 2009-03-02

Course gold from the North Star-Gold Rock Vein System

Gold from the North Star - Gold Rock Vein System

Copper Reef drills 3.2 M OF 104.4G/T GOLD at Gold Rock Press Release 2009-02-24 Copper Reef drills 1.6 M OF 81.7 G/T GOLD at GoldRock Press Release 2009-02-17 Copper Reef drills 2.2 M OF 53.6 G/T GOLD at Gold Rock Press Release 2009-02-10 Copper Reef drills 3.9 M OF 24.14 G/T GOLD at Gold Rock Press Release 2009-02-04

More Results to be released in April Northstar Mine portal

Course gold in a quartz vein

ORTHSTAR MINE PORTAL w w w.copperreef.com

Phone: 204-687-3500 Fax: 204-687-4762 P.O. Box 306, 12 Mitchell Rd. Flin Flon, MB R8A 1N1

Phone: 416-363-3456 Fax: 416-363-6032 15 Toronto St., Suite 600 Toronto, ON. M5C 2E3

Experience

Table of Contents

Ventures North Manitoba’s Northern Experience Published on behalf of NorMan Regional Development Corp.

NorMan RDC Box 700 Snow Lake, MB R0B 1M0 Phone: 204-358-3520 Toll free phone: 1-800-665-4774 Fax: 204-358-3524

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A Message from the Premier of Manitoba A Message from Manitoba’s Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines

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Experience NorMan NorMan News

Northern Development

Publisher

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Lester Communications Inc. 701 Henry Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1T9 Phone: 204-953-2189 Toll free phone: 1-866-953-2189 Fax: 204-953-2184 Toll free fax: 1-877-565-8557 www.lesterpublications.com

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Introducing the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy Flin Flon the setting for new mining school Men of the Deep The subterranean world of the mining industry has changed dramatically over the years Aero Geometrics Introducing a new technology in element analyzing

President

Northwestern Canada Integrated Road Network Concept Plan Roads in the north an ongoing project

Vice-President

Sean Davis

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Editor

Quinn Bogusky Kathy Kelley Louise Peterson © Copyright 2010, NorMan Regional Development Corporation. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NorMan Regional Development Corporation.

Publication Mail Agreement #40606022

Printed in Canada.

Please recycle where facilities exist.

F ishing and Hunting Paradise Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake offer tourists a slice of untamed heaven A Balancing Act Economic development and sustainability not only co-exist, but thrive, at Nueltin Fly-In Lodges

Adventure North

Design & Layout

Account Executives

Northern Aboriginal Art Impacting Canada culturally and economically

Ready, Set, Test Thompson cuts the ribbon on their new jet engine testing facility

Stone Wallace

John Lyttle Myles O’Reilly

Mushing in a Northern Town Dog sledding: A unique travel experience

The Pas & Area

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Cormorant OCN (Opaskwayak Cree Nation) The Pas R.M. of Kelsey

Greenstone

38 Flin Flon 39 Snow Lake 40 Cranberry Portage

Northwest

41 Leaf Rapids 42 Lynn Lake

On the cover

Featuring: Snow Lake Mine Update Reopening of mine could spur economic revitalization for town

Plus:

• IntroducIng the northern ManItoba MInIng acadeMy • thoMpson cuts the rIbbon on theIr new jet engIne testIng facIlIty • northwestern canada Integrated road network concept plan

tourIsM | 1-800-665-4774

As Lisa Kopochinski writes in this issue’s NorMan News (see page 6), the revitalized Snow Lake Mine may create 250 new jobs. Cover photo by Marc Jackson.

North central

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Churchill Cross Lake Gillam Norway House Cree Nation Thompson Nelson House

North

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Lodges, Accommodations and Services Listing Index to Advertisers

CENTRE

Jeff Lester

Not Your Parent’s Retirement New pilot program matches skills of those over 50 with employers

Map of northern Manitoba – use this issue’s map to plan your next adventure to northern Manitoba.

Brandon University Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface Brandon UniversityUniversity College of The North Brandon University Collège de Saint-Boniface Universityuniversitaire of Manitoba Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface University of College of The North University Winnipeg University College of The North University Manitoba College AssiniboineofCommunity University of Manitoba University of Winnipeg Red River College University of Winnipeg Assiniboine Community College Assiniboine Red River College Community College Red River College

Bringing Post-Secondary Education to You Bringing Post-Secondary Education to You Bringing Post-Secondary Education to You

Campus Manitoba (CMB) is a consortium of Brandon de of Campus University, ManitobaCollège (CMB) universitaire is a consortium Campus Manitoba (CMB) of is athe consortium of Saint-Boniface, College North, Brandon University, Collège universitaire de What isUniversity Campus Manitoba?

Brandon University,University Collège of universitaire de University of Manitoba, Saint-Boniface, University of Winnipeg, theofNorth, Campus Manitoba (CMB)College is a partnership Saint-Boniface, University College the North, universities and colleges designed to facilitate Assiniboine Community College and RedofRiver University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, access to post-secondary education within of theWinnipeg, University of Manitoba, University College.

CMB access to post-secondary province of facilitates Manitoba. College CMB centres staffed Assiniboine Community and Red River Assiniboine Community and by CMB coordinators provide College academic and Red River education within the province of Manitoba.

College.

CMB facilitates access to post-secondary logistical support for students enrolled in College.

CMB facilitates access to post-secondary courses offered through Campus Manitoba. education within the province of Manitoba. withinbythe province of Manitoba.

CMB education centres staffed CMB coordinators provide academic support for CMB What centres staffed bylogistical CMB coordinators Willand My CMB centres staffed by CMB coordinators students enrolled Be inand courses offered through provide academic logistical support for Courses Like? provide academic and logistical support for Campus Manitoba. students enrolled in courses offered through Campus Manitoba courses are delivered students enrolled in courses offered using a variety of interactive technologies, through Campus Manitoba. multimedia, web support and teleconferencing.

Campus Manitoba.

Enrolling in courses does not mean that you have to own a computer. CMB centres can provide access to computers and high speed internet. Qualified personnel are available to solve technical problems.

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Why Study With Campus Manitoba? ● Campus Manitoba provides an opportunity to take postsecondary education in your own community.

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● By taking courses with Campus Manitoba, you can maintain your current employment, family and community commitments.

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● Courses offered by distance learning are identical in every way to on-campus courses.

The only difference is the means of delivery.

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● Centre coordinators provide academic and logistical support. ● Studying with Campus Manitoba can facilitate an easier transition to on campus studies. ● Centre coordinators provide NO COST exam invigilation for all Campus Manitoba students.

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Altona 9 Tel: 204-324-6543 CMBAltona@brandonu.ca Altona 9 Tel: 204-324-6543 1 Altona Boissevain Tel: 204-324-6543 CMBAltona@brandonu.ca 10 Tel: 204-534-6152 CMBAltona@brandonu.ca CMBBoissevain@brandonu.ca Boissevain 10 Tel: 204-534-6152 2 Boissevain Brandon Tel: 204-534-6152 CMBBoissevain@brandonu.ca 11 Tel: 204-727-9668 CMBBoissevain@brandonu.ca CMBBrandon@brandonu.ca Brandon 11 Tel: 204-727-9668 3 Brandon Carman Tel: 204-727-9668 CMBBrandon@brandonu.ca 12 Tel: 204-745-2910 CMBBrandon@brandonu.ca CMBCarman@brandonu.ca Carman 12 Tel: 204-745-2910 4 Carman Cross Lake Tel: 204-745-2910 CMBCarman@brandonu.ca 13 Tel: 204-676-2677 CMBCarman@brandonu.ca CMBCrossLake@brandonu.ca Cross Lake 13 Tel: 204-676-2677 5 Cross Lake Dauphin Tel: 204-676-2677 CMBCrossLake@brandonu.ca 14 Tel: 204-638-4647 CMBCrossLake@brandonu.ca CMBDauphin@brandonu.ca Dauphin 14 Tel: 204-638-4647 6 Dauphin Deloraine Tel: 204-638-4647 CMBDauphin@brandonu.ca 15 Tel: 1-866-445-0063 CMBDauphin@brandonu.ca CMBDeloraine@brandonu.ca Deloraine 15 Tel: 1-866-445-0063 7 Deloraine Eriksdale Tel: 1-866-445-0063 CMBDeloraine@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-739-2141 CMBDeloraine@brandonu.ca CMBEriksdale@brandonu.ca Eriksdale Tel: 204-739-2141 8 Eriksdale Tel: 204-739-2141 CMBEriksdale@brandonu.ca CMBEriksdale@brandonu.ca

Flin Flon Tel: 204-687-5410 CMBFlinFlon@brandonu.ca Flin Flon Tel: 204-687-5410 9 Flin Flon Killarney Tel: 204-687-5410 CMBFlinFlon@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-523-4492 CMBFlinFlon@brandonu.ca CMBKillarney@brandonu.ca Killarney Killarney Tel: 10 204-523-4492 Southport Tel: 204-523-4492 CMBKillarney@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-428-5371 CMBKillarney@brandonu.ca CMBSouthport@brandonu.ca Southport Southport Tel: 11 204-428-5371 Steinbach Tel: 204-428-5371 CMBSouthport@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-320-2500 CMBSouthport@brandonu.ca CMBSteinbach@brandonu.ca Steinbach Steinbach Tel: 12 204-320-2500 Swan River Tel: 204-320-2500 CMBSteinbach@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-734-9739 CMBSteinbach@brandonu.ca CMBSwanRiver@brandonu.ca Swan River Swan River Tel: 13 204-734-9739 The Pas Tel: 204-734-9739 CMBSwanRiver@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-627-8650 CMBSwanRiver@brandonu.ca CMBThePas@brandonu.ca The Pas The Pas Tel: 14 204-627-8650 Thompson Tel: 204-627-8650 CMBThePas@brandonu.ca Tel: 204-778-7400 CMBThePas@brandonu.ca CMBThompson@brandonu.ca Thompson Thompson Tel: 15 204-778-7400 Tel: 204-778-7400 CMBThompson@brandonu.ca CMBThompson@brandonu.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-445-0063 www.campusmanitoba.com

Toll Free

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ventures North

Norman Experience

A Message from

The Premier of Manitoba

O

n behalf of the Province of Manitoba, I welcome all readers to discover and celebrate Manitoba’s north with the 2010 Fall Issue of Northern Experience magazine.

The North is a key part of our provincial identity and the future growth of this region is bright. Our government believes that the priorities, strengths and experiences of northern Manitobans must guide northern development. In partnership with local communities, we are supporting education and training to assist Northerners to take advantage of new opportunities in this developing region. The Wuskwatim partnership is a model for further similar partnerships with First Nations. The province has committed over $90 million for the East Side Road Initiative bringing all Season roads to twenty three isolated communities. Community Benefits agreements have been signed with a number of communities and Federal support for this vital project is being sought.

Our Northern Development strategy recognizes that there is a growing potential local workforce that will be crucial to the future of the North and the provincial economy. We are committed to working with Northerners to assist them to realize their goals. The capital investments we are making through the University College of the North and on other infrastructure projects will have long term benefits for all of Manitoba. Churchill is Canada’s only arctic seaport and remains key to the development of Northern Canada.

Only in Northern Manitoba will you discover people as friendly, stories so diverse and nature as magnificent as you will in this region of our province. We look forward to continued work with Northern communities to promote our north and all of its future economic opportunities. u

Greg Selinger Premier of Manitoba

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Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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Norman Experience

ventures North

A Message from the Minister of Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines

Investing in Northern Manitoba’s Future

M

anitoba’s majestic north country continues to reveal opportunities for people and businesses to learn, grow and thrive.

Our government is committed to helping this region make the most of its many assets, particularly

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Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

human and natural resources. Industry development means jobs for Manitobans, prosperity for enterprises and communities and a stronger province for us all. That’s why the economic development theme in this edition of Manitoba’s Northern Experience is timely and gratifying.

Our government is proud to encourage northern economic development. Our support has proven to be well placed, notably for mineral resource development, a major economic driver in the north. Manitoba has long been recognized, nationally and internationally, as one of the best places for exploration and mining. According to an independent survey, our province has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 jurisdictions worldwide, for more than a decade, for mineral policies favourable to mining investment.

Among our recent initiatives to support exploration and mining in the province: • introduced a new mining tax rate of 10, 15, or 17 per cent, based on profits • increased Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (20 per cent in 2009 and 30 per cent in 2010); the most generous in Canada • offered the Training and Workforce Retention Program and the Northern Essential Skills Training Initiative to address skilled labour shortages in the mining sector • entered a $3 million partnership with the federal government in re-mapping Manitoba’s far north to advance regional exploration for gold, base metals, uranium, platinum group elements and diamonds • invested $42 million in 2009/10 to support the cleanup of 18 orphaned and abandoned mines I’m pleased to report that the results of our efforts show we are on the right track. In 2009, the value of our mineral and petroleum production totalled $1.9 billion, resulting in 5,400 direct jobs and another 18,000 in spin-off businesses. The mineral industry invested more than $461 million in capital expenditures and companies spent another $83.7 million exploring for new mineral deposits in northern Manitoba.

Education and training is the key to economic development, so we collaborated with our federal counterparts to invest in a Northern Manitoba Mining Academy at the University College of the North (UCN). The academy will create jobs, maintain employment in Flin Flon and bolster the region’s workforce for many years to come.

Jobs in mining are becoming more scientifically complex, computerized and mechanized, so higher level training is required to ensure safety and efficiency. The academy will not only meet the needs of the mining sector, but also strengthen UCN’s

ventures North capacity to deliver training and retraining opportunities in a wide range of industries and professions beneficial to northern communities.

In July, our government again collaborated with our federal counterparts to invest $1.7 million to develop and deliver a mining equipment training program at the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy in Flin Flon. The academy, along with the new program, will strengthen the mining sector as a major resource to fortify community and industry partnerships and allow northern residents to train close to home for high-wage, high-skilled jobs.

We have also invested in exciting new technologies with the implementation of a CISCO TelePresence network which will offer world-class immersive teleconferencing capabilities to support the education and collaboration of Manitoba researchers, educators and students. The northern node of the network at UCN will provide a new and significant distance education opportunity in Manitoba, including the ability to provide additional teaching expertise in rural, northern and remote communities.

It will also provide an opportunity for students, educators, researchers, governments and the northern business community to leverage a world class video-conferencing network; paving the way for face-to-face meetings in a virtual environment which is “greener” (facilitating the reduction of Manitoba’s carbon footprint), cost effective and efficient.

The Province also has invested in industry-led programs that are engaging Aboriginal youth in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) projects; raising awareness of the opportunities within the ICT industry and creating pathways for Aboriginal youth to follow toward a successful

Norman Experience

ICT career. Led by the ICT Association of Manitoba (ICTAM), the Aboriginal Youth ICT Challenge is a unique program that develops technical and non-technical skills, including business knowledge (sales and marketing) for youth in Grades 10 through 12. Students design and develop a website. Under the guidance of professional instructors from the University of Winnipeg, students are led through 10 comprehensive workshops and given the knowledge and skills necessary to see their project through to completion. This year, delivery of the program included Grand Rapids School.

For all of our progress, there is still more work to be done.

Manitoba has a remarkable wealth of human and natural resources. By working together with communities and industry, we can develop new opportunities and strengthen our economic development efforts in this important region.

I commend the publisher and staff of Manitoba’s Northern Experience for increasing public awareness of the contribution of Manitoba’s north to the strength of our province. By discussing the projects already happening in our majestic north country, we can only inspire more.

My staff and I look forward to working with northern communities, enterprising companies and other interested parties, to help realize the tremendous potential of Manitoba’s north. u Dave Chomiak, Minister Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines

Wapusk Parc national National Park Wapusk parkscanada.gc.ca parcscanada.gc.ca

Your adventure starts here!

L’aventure commence ici!

Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Churchill

Centre d’accueil de Parcs Canada, Churchill

Local experts Life-sized polar bear den Films, displays

Spécialistes de la région Tanière d’ours polaire grandeur nature Films, expositions

1-204-675-8863

PARKS 11986 - MB North Adventer Ad - FIN.indd 1

8/26/10 1:35:30 PM

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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norman exPerIenCe

VENturEs North

experience norman W elcome to Manitoba’s Northern Experience magazine, a presentation of the NorMan Regional Development Corporation, and your gateway to the real Northern

Experience.

The magazine has a dual focus on tourism and economic development. It is designed to offer a snapshot of not only things to see and do in the north, but also of developments in Manitoba’s largest region.

The NorMan Region encompasses close to two-thirds of Manitoba’s land mass, making it easily the largest and most diverse in the province. The region’s range of activities and opportunities reflect that size and diversity. Common throughout NorMan are people who look forward to showcasing their communities, and who will greet you with a warm smile regardless of the temperature outside.

• The NorMan Region is home to cultures that have called this area home for thousands of years. Come north and discover their traditions old and new.

• The NorMan Region has a rich history of explorers and fur traders, from David Thompson, Samuel Hearne and John Franklin to countless voyageurs. Come north and do some exploring of your own.

• The NorMan Region has some of the best sport fishing on the planet – walleye, pike and trout abound. Come north winter or summer and drop a line.

• The NorMan Region was the site of Canada’s last gold rush.

Come north and explore our mining history.

• The NorMan Region is home to Pisew Falls, Wekusko Falls, Karst Springs and many other natural wonders. Come north and discover the wonder for yourself.

• The NorMan Region is home to owls, gulls, geese, eagles and birds too numerous to list. Come north and discover world-class birding.

• The NorMan Region is constantly growing with new hotels, malls, shops and services opening all the time. Come north and experience our traditional northern hospitality with all the services you expect.

• The NorMan Region is buzzing with new hydro developments, mineral exploration, people making use of non-timber forest products and an exploding tourism industry. Come north and experience this growing region.

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The NorMan Region is also home to the NorMan Regional Development Corporation (NorMan RDC). Like this magazine, we are focused on tourism and economic development.

Manitoba’s Northern Experience is just one of our corporation’s projects.

NorMan RDC consists of 10 cities and towns, 52 communities and numerous First Nations located north of the 53rd parallel, working with each other, businesses and government to strengthen and promote the region.

Tourism is important to our northern communities and the people that make them great. The NorMan Regional Development Corporation has formed a strong partnership with Tourism North Manitoba, housing the office with our corporation. We invite you to contact Tourism North Manitoba or the NorMan Regional Development Corporation any time for further information on how you can discover the Northern Experience. u Contact us at 1-800-665-4774 or info@nrdc.ca

VENturEs North

norman exPerIenCe

norman news

Snow Lake Mine and area.

Photo by Jim Parres

Photo by Marc Jackson

Inside the new Britannia Mill Building.

snow lake mine Update Reopening of mine could spur economic revitalization for town

By Lisa Kopochinski

A

fter closing in early 2005 after more than a half-century in operation, the New Brittania Mine in Snow Lake may soon be back in business.

Renamed the Snow Lake Mine, Alexis Minerals Corporation acquired 100 percent of mine shares from Garson Gold this past April, and released an independent preliminary assessment indicating that the mine could be put back into production, likely producing up to 90,000 ounces of gold annually, for at least six years. This is close to the rate that Kinross Gold Corp.

– the previous operator – was mining as recent as 2004. From 1996 to 2004, the mine produced more than 840,000 ounces of gold.

Alexis is also completing a feasibility study this fall, after which a production decision will be made, says Bruce Birch, vice president, investor and corporate affairs for Alexis Minerals Corporation.

“The company has conducted exploration on the property and results may represent the discovery of a major new ore zone,

similar to one of the two principal ore lenses, which broadly characterize the Snow Lake deposit.”

Historically, the mine has produced more than 1.4 million ounces of gold during two previous mining periods in 1949 to 1955 and again in 1995 and 2005, under two previous names – the Nor-Acme Mine and New Britannia mine. The first gold bar was poured in 1949, and from 1948 to 1958 another 1,100-plus gold bricks were poured. The mine has also won numerous awards for mine safety and remains the last gold mine in the province.

When Kinross shut down the mine in 2005, it sold the property to Garson Gold Corp., which did not put the mine back into production but did some exploration on the property.

As for the economic revitalization of this town of approximately 700, situated 685 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Burch says everyone is very enthused that the mine may be back in production during the next year.

“If the mine is reopened, Alexis anticipates up to 250 new jobs may be created for the community which, understandably, excites the town of Snow Lake as well as the province.”

harper begins northern trek in churchill

O

n Aug. 23, Prime Minister Stephen Harper began a weeklong trip to the Canadian north with a stop in Churchill, the self-proclaimed “polar bear capital of the world.”

It was Harper’s fifth summer trip to the Arctic, with plans to visit all three northern territories over five days. He travelled to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, for another announcement before heading farther north to Resolute, where Canadian Forces are on an Arctic sovereignty exercise, called Operation Nanook.

He toured the nation’s three territories as part of the federal government’s effort to assert Canada’s sovereignty in the far north. The trip came just days after the government announced a

new policy towards the region, with a heavy emphasis on diplomacy to settle existing boundary disputes.

“Every time I visited the region, I have made announcements with respect to those four priorities, but the No. 1 priority is the protection of and promotion of Canadian sovereignty, and that will not change,” Harper told reporters.

He said it’s all part of building the “four pillars” of his Arctic strategy: Asserting sovereignty through a stronger military and border control; fostering economic and social development; protecting the environment; and giving northerners more control over their own affairs.

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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PM announces new Arctic research station The federal government selected Cambridge Bay, Nunavut as the site for the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station, a facility which should generate millions of dollars in new investments for the Victoria Island community.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to Cambridge Bay during his northern visit to make the announcement.

Leaders in the communities of Pond Inlet, on Baffin Island, and in Resolute Bay, had lobbied to be the site of the new station.

The government announced plans to build the research station in 2007 but, after a $2-million feasibility study, finally decided where to put it.

Cambridge Bay, with about 1,100 people, is the largest port near the Northwest Passage, the trans-Arctic shipping lane that Canada claims for its exclusive jurisdiction.

The new high arctic research station will be a year-round multidisciplinary facility but it will not be up and running for a while.

In the last federal budget, the government said it would need five years and $18 million for pre-construction design of the station.

“By building this leading-edge research station, we are advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic’s resources and climate, while at the same time ensuring that Northern communities are prosperous, vibrant and secure,” Harper said in a statement that was to be released upon his arrival in Cambridge Bay. The federal government earmarked more than $85 million in its 2009 budget to be spent by the end of next year to update science and technology facilities in Canada’s north.

Harper later travelled from Cambridge Bay to Resolute, Canada’s most northern non-military community.

Churchill Airport gets $13.4 million for improvements While In Churchill for the first stop of his five-day tour of northern Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced funding for improvements to the Churchill Airport.

The federal government, which owns and operates the airport, pledged $13.4 million for improvements to runways, ramps, taxiways and the reconstruction of the entrance road to the terminal building.

Harper said new funding for the federally run airport will allow Churchill “to be a staging point for access to the entire north of Canada.”

“Thousands of people call Canada’s North and communities such as Churchill home,” said Harper. “Through investments such as this, our government is committed to ensuring that these Canadians have access to the goods, services and opportunities they need.’’

“Canada’s regional and remote airports play a vital role in bringing us together as a nation and linking our communities to the world,” Harper added.

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“This has to be a long-term project,” Harper later told reporters. “This is a sparsely populated, under-developed region for the country and it will require sustained investments and attention to take advantage of the opportunities that await it.”

The airport upgrades will be complete by the fall of 2011.

The money will be used to improve the Churchill airport’s taxiways, ramps, runways and roadway to the terminal building.

Harper’s tour of northern Canadian included visits to all three northern territories over his scheduled five days. He travelled to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, for another announcement before heading farther north to Resolute, where Canadian Forces are on an Arctic sovereignty exercise, called Operation Nanook.

He also visited Whitehorse.

Ottawa gives $110 million to fight diabetes in aboriginal communities The federal government is giving aboriginal people a $110 million boost to help fight diabetes in their communities.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced the funding today at Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba, a community Aglukkaq commended for its commitment to supporting healthy living.

“I think there are lessons to be learned here,” she said of Long Plain. “This is a model I think we need to duplicate.”

Before her announcement, the minister visited a local garden, a new baseball diamond and helped cook a healthy meal with community children, in support of healthy lifestyle choices.

Creation Of New Provincial Park Would Protect Birch Island North Of Dauphin The province is seeking public input on proceeding to designate Birch Island Park Reserve as a provincial park, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie announced today.

Birch Island Park Reserve is about 150 kilometres north of Dauphin. The area features a diverse mix of forest and muskeg habitats on land, and small islands and reefs on the lake that are used by colonies of nesting birds.

Park reserves provide temporary protection to land while the area is being considered for designation as a provincial park. Under the Provincial Parks Act, public consultation is required to create a permanent designation as a park.

“We want to protect the Birch Island area for future generations to enjoy as a great example of Manitoba’s varied landscapes,” said Blaikie. “The area was uniquely shaped by the movement of glaciers and now features forested ridges, black spruce muskeg and important nesting habitat for bird colonies. Making this area a provincial park would acknowledge this special area and protect the natural landscape.”

The proposal to create the new park would see the existing Birch Island Park Reserve designated as a natural park and the area classified under the backcountry land-use category. The designation would legally protect the park area from commercial logging, mining, hydroelectric development, and oil and gas development, while continuing to respect Aboriginal rights in the area, said the minister.

ventures North Wuskwatim Project The Wuskwatim Project is a 200-megawatt, hydroelectric generating station under construction at Taskinigahp Falls on the Burntwood River in the Nelson House Resource Management Area.

We are developing the project in partnership with Manitoba Hydro, the Manitoba provincial Crown Corporation responsible for providing energy resources, including electricity and natural gas within the province of Manitoba.

Discussions and negotiations leading to the agreement to build Wuskwatim were ongoing for nearly nine years, from 1997 to 2006, and involved consultation with Manitoba Hydro, our Members, the wider community and other interested parties, as well as government regulators.

Norman Experience

companies and their employees to implement customized training and workforce-retention initiatives to help bridge periods of downtime through up-skilling or re-skilling opportunities to match current and future job demands.

Wuskwatim is being built on the Burntwood River at Taskinigahp Falls, approximately 45 kilometres southwest of Thompson and about 40 kilometres southeast of Nelson House.

While the partnership with Manitoba Hydro doesn’t include the transmission lines, we have consulted with Hydro in planning the best route through our territory and compensation for any impact on affected communities. Construction of the transmission line is underway in several phases and is expected to be complete by April 2011.

Our recent history has influenced how we have approached this project. Since the 1960s our people have, in one way or another, been involved with Manitoba Hydro regarding hydroelectric development in our traditional territory.

Province Recognizes Northern Aboriginal Mining Graduates On June 11, 2010, Manitoba recognized the critical role of northern and Aboriginal people in the mining industry as seven Aboriginal students received certificates in underground core mining at a ceremony held in Wabowden attended by Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak.

The program, led by Aboriginal instructors, is the product of a unique partnership between the University College of the North, Northern Manitoba Sector Council, Employment Manitoba, Cross Lake First Nation, Wabowden Community Council, Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin, Crowflight Minerals, Dumas Mining Contractors, and the Manitoba Metis Federation.

The seven graduating students immediately began a sixmonth work experience with Crowflight Minerals at the Bucko Lake Mine for the third and final phase of their training. Thirtyfive miners have successfully been trained through the program to date, Dave Chomiak said.

The program is part of a $4.5 million Northern EssentialSkills Training Initiative that is helping address skilled-labour shortages in the north by providing focused, industry-driven training for Aboriginal and northern residents, Chomiak added.

Manitoba has also recently contributed $1 million to the Training and Workforce Retention initiative for mining

Photo: Stoli152

Where Wuskwatim is Being Built

Northern Manitoba Lake Named in Honour of Jonathan Toews On July 11, 2010, Premier Greg Selinger announced that the Province of Manitoba is naming a lake in honour of Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews.

“I know all Manitobans will join me in congratulating Jonathan on his achievements,” Selinger said. “Winning the Stanley Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy and an Olympic medal all in one year is an incredible success story. We are all extremely proud of Jonathan and naming a lake in his honour is a fitting tribute.”

Toews Lake is situated about 95 kilometres north of Flin Flon. It is approximately 2.4 km long and 1.6 km wide.

In 2007, Toews was inducted into Manitoba’s Order of the Buffalo Hunt in recognition of his outstanding achievements in winning two gold medals with Team Canada in the 2007 world junior and world men’s hockey championships.

“Jonathan is an excellent role model for the youth of Manitoba and a superb ambassador for our province and our country,” Selinger said. “At 22 years old, his career in hockey is just beginning. He has come a long way from his days of lacing up his skates at Winnipeg’s Dakota Community Club.”

At the Legislative Building today, Selinger presented Toews with a certificate documenting the lake bearing the hockey star’s name. u Pharmacist – Warren Hicks: 623-5150 PRESCRIPTION ORDERS: 623-2381 AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY: 623-6588 Compliance Pill Paks upon request Full Lotto Service – Cosmetics – Home Health Care – Carlton Greeting Cards Toys – Boxed Chocolates – Baby Care – Health and Beauty Aids Otineka Mall, Opaskwayak, The Pas, MB – Fax: 623-2812 Monday – Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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Northern Development

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Introducing the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy Flin Flon the setting for new mining school

by Jim Chliboyko

I

t takes money to make money, as the old saying goes. Or to be more precise, maybe that should read ‘it takes an investment to make money.’

This is what is happening in the mining sector in northern Manitoba over the course of this winter—an investment. But this investment isn’t in real estate or merely a few pieces of spaceage technology. Rather, the investment will be in people.

It was announced this past April that the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy (NMMA) would be established in Flin Flon, an effort led by the University College of the North (UCN), with help from funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan). The UCN also worked closely with the Northern Manitoba Sector Council on establishing the academy, as well as the provincial government, the City of Flin Flon, the University of Manitoba and HudBay Minerals.

“It’s going to be on land donated by HudBay Minerals, physically right beside the HudBay mine; a couple hundred yards from Main Street,” said Doug Lauvstad, Executive Director of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the mining academy took place on July 27.

“We are planning to have everything in place for April 1, 2011. It’s a very, very aggressive schedule,” said Dr. Kathryn McNaughton, Vice-President, Academic and Research, for the University College of the North.

The inspiration for the mining academy seemed to be an idea with several different sources, says Dr. McNaughton.

“It came from a number of different places simultaneously.

This is a conversation that’s been held in the north over time, as the mining sector has grown,” she said.

“From an industry perspective, I think we see on the horizon a number of dynamics happening,” said Lauvstad. “You have an aging workforce, and some new mines opening in the north.

We need to work with northern people to get skills to work on jobs in the north. A significant employer is the mining sector; we needed an entity specific to the (training) needs of the mining industry.”

Flin Flon seemed to be a natural choice for the location of the academy, a town created by the mining industry. Its population,

NMMA Groundbreaking ceremony (from left): Tom Goodman, HudBay Minerals Inc.; Tom Therien, Mayor of Flin Flon; Dr. Denise K. Henning, President & Vice-Chancellor of University College of the North (UCN); Hon. Dave Chomiak, Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines; Hon. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; Premier Greg Selinger; Gerard Jennissen, MLA for Flin Flon; Hon. Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade.

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ventures North of almost 6000 people, is almost the same size as the amount of people employed by mining in the province.

The project has taken off at great speed, so much so that Dr. McNaughton says it is still too early to comment on curriculum and staffing levels, but things will develop over the winter; the curriculum will be constructed the same time the academy’s physical structure goes up.

Dr. McNaughton says there will likely be an administrator as well as a combination of full- and part-time administration positions, along with instructional and maintenance staff.

“We had the opportunity to see the excitement in the community,” said Dr. McNaughton. “Sometimes people aren’t aware of the opportunity or the impact of post-secondary education.”

As for instructional staff, the UCN team has a few ideas on the qualifications of the type of person they’d like teaching at the academy.

“We’re going to be looking for people with industrial experience and an academic background,” said Dr. McNaughton.

“There’s going to be a pretty high priority on hands-on experience.”

The building won’t just be a series of classrooms and blackboards. The courses will have, as mentioned, a large handson component, as well as significant lab time with state-of-the-art equipment. According to Western Economic Diversification Canada, it will also be equipped with a geology lab, a multi-purpose wet lab, video-conference facilities and a library specializing in mining and geosciences.

Already, significant money has been pledged towards the necessary technical gear alone; it was also announced in July that both the Canadian and Manitoban governments would contribute $1.7 million towards two mining equipment training simulators, to better prepare mining students with how to manoeuvre equipment, how to react in an emergency situation and how to learn relevant safety practices. It is evidently the first time that these kinds of simulators, which have proven to be useful in other miningintensive areas of the world, have been available to Manitobans.

“There will be a large, large component of field work and time at the lab and analyzing samples, and getting to know

Northern Development

“Sometimes people aren’t aware of the opportunity of the impact of post-secondary education.”

– Dr. Kathryn McNaughton, Vice-President, Academic and Research, for the University College of the North the technical side of the program. We’ve certainly learned how computerized mining has become,” said Dr. McNaughton.

“It will be a very well-equipped lab to support crushing rock, doing analysis, all the things that are essential in the mineral science processing field.”

In addition to the obvious educational and training bump that the academy will give to northern Manitoba, there are several other benefits to establishing the NMMA. There are the economic benefits, of course. The academy also will most likely act as a powerful magnet, luring people to--or back to--Flin Flon, but there will also be the networking opportunities which come from having a facility like this in town.

“Working in Flin Flon, it is a worldclass ore body,” said Dr. McNaughton.

“People are coming in every spring. The NMMA will provide a home away from home, but will also benefit from the partnerships and networks created.”

Lauvstad says that academics are already drawn to Flin Flon, noting the vans festooned with logos of distant universities that he sees prowling the area regularly.

“If you’re a geology student, (this area) is the mother lode,” he said.

But, of course, it’s the education that comes first.

“UCN’s mandate is to increase participation of northern and Aboriginal learning, and our goal is to provide an umbrella for all these related opportunities that are connected, and give students a pathway,” said Dr. McNaughton. “We want to be able to broaden the level of educational accessibility.”

The academy is not the only way in which the powers-that-be are looking to boost the training of Manitobans, largely northern, who are working in the mining sector. Indeed, this past summer,

seven Aboriginal students received their underground core mining certificates in a ceremony in Wabowden after completing their course, part of the Northern Essential-Skills Training Initiative that had already seen 35 others graduate. It’s all part of a movement towards a strategic customized training and workforce retention in the north.

Every little bit helps. As Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, said at the academy’s groundbreaking ceremony, “This funding will help the Northern Manitoba Sector Council provide the necessary technical training to address this (labour) shortage, as well as the mining industry’s needs to recruit and retain highly-skilled workers in the sector.”

“It’s specific to the needs of the hard rock mining industry,” said the NMSC’s Lauvstad of the academy. “That’s going to be key. We see people coming here from all over the north for training.” u

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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Manitoba’s Men of the Deep The subterranean world of the mining industry has changed dramatically over the years

By Margaret Anne Fehr

M

anitoba’s status as one of the three Prairie provinces, land of waving wheat fields set against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky, only tells half of its story. Manitoba’s other bounty lies northward in mining communities like Flin Flon and Snow Lake, where generations of miners have made their daily trek towards the centre of the earth to seek the mineral resources that enrich our lives.

Despite their benign exterior presence, the subterranean world of the mining industry has changed dramatically over the years, as health and safety issues, environmental rules and regulations, increased production and new technologies have altered the world that lies beneath. Three Manitoba miners share their stories about their lives underground.

The way it was

Garry Zamzow retired from mining in 2000 after a career that spanned nearly 35 years. Garry’s retirement life has been full and active and he serves as mayor of Snow Lake and engages in many enjoyable activities above ground.

Garry witnessed many changes in the mining industry during his career. “I’ve seen quite an evolution take place in the mining industry during my time underground. When I first began my employment with HudBay, the tools of the day were for the most part air-driven. We had huge compressors on the surface and those compressors serviced air lines on all the individual levels and workplaces throughout the mine along with water lines.”

“Our tools of the day were referred to as jacklegs, stopers, and diamond drills, and everything was air-driven. Those tools pretty much were used in the industry up until the mid 70’s and then we started to see a change as we were able to bring more electricity into the mining operations and we also started to bring in some diesel-powered equipment.”

By the time Garry retired in 2000, mining equipment had advanced from air-driven to diesel to diesel-hydraulics and had changed from a complement of miners to a significant crew of mechanics who kept all the equipment, worth millions of dollars, running properly and efficiently.

What personal characteristics does it take to be a miner?

Gary says, “It takes an individual who’s committed to carrying that lunch bucket to work everyday. That’s a huge commitment when you consider that you have to be there day after day, year after year.”

“It takes someone who’s willing to collaborate with others, because there are so many things going on simultaneously at the mine that, at the end of the day, everyone contributes to a successful day of production.”

There was a certain element of uncertainty, and according to Garry it went beyond safety issues. “It wasn’t a negative. Everyone 12

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

“I’ve seen quite an evolution take place in the mining industry during my time underground.”

– Garry Zamzow, mayor of Snow Lake and former miner who goes to work has that; it could be a bus driver in Winnipeg who has to deal with that, for example.”

“The uncertainty that I’m speaking about has to do with the fact that the industry relies on global demand for its products. I’ve been involved with three downsizes and one strike but when things were on a roll and that mine was making its production and the company was doing well, you felt really good about that.”

“If I could turn back the clock 30 years, I’d do it all over again. When I retired, I just found so many other things that captured my imagination, but part of me is still down there.”

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The way it is

Rick Pettipas has been a miner for 34 years. Besides working for New Britannia Mines in Snow Lake, Rick has worked in Bissett, the Pas, Flin Flon, Leaf Rapids, and Thompson, as well as mines in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Rick has seen significant changes relating to the improvement of safety rules and regulations. “A worker today has the right to refuse to do a job if he or she feels it is unsafe or is uncomfortable doing it. And that’s right, ‘she’ is also part of the workplace. In fact, Rick’s wife worked for 9 years in the mine as a rock breaker and loved it.

“In case of fire or another major hazard, the mine will send down a chemical that has a very unpleasant odour like rotten eggs. It’s flushed down the main ventilation and through the compressed air lines. That’s the signal to head to refuge stations that are scattered throughout the mine for safety and wait for further instructions.”

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Northern Development

Rick has had his share of memorable underground moments: “Some good, some bad. I have learned most of my lessons on the job through close calls. In mining, you always learn something new everyday.”

Technology plays a huge role in modern mining. “The equipment is larger and faster. Some equipment is even being run remotely by computers. The explosives we use now are more stable and safer to handle, unlike the old style of explosives that carried a nitro base. With new technology, it takes less manpower to do a job.”

Rick characterizes underground miners as being a different breed of people because after all: “It’s not natural to be down there. It’s not for everybody, particularly if you don’t like a feeling of confinement. You have to your wits about you at all times.”

Working underground is its own world. “You do not have flush toilets or running water, you carry down drinking water at most mines and learn how to eat lunch with dirty hands.”

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Rick, fortunately, was a natural. “I loved it the first day I was down there, because it was different and you have your freedom.

No one is looking over your shoulder. You drill and blast and it’s a bonus system. That’s why the money is good. You can see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day and so can the company.”

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Cal Huntley has been employed at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting in Flin Flon for 32 years, starting when he was just 19.

Cal is the first to admit that his career path has probably been somewhat unusual in the industry.

“I’ve managed to have five different careers within the same company. Initially, I worked production underground for three years, and then entered the maintenance side of the business as a steam fitter apprentice. Three years into that we were hit by an economic downturn, and I went back underground. Once things started to turn around, I was again offered an apprenticeship, but in a different trade as a boilermaker/welder picking up two interprovincial tickets.” Following that, Cal had the opportunity to resume his original apprenticeship in steam fitting, but nine months from completion was offered a position in Human Resources. He recently left that career path and is currently in the Logistics area as the Contracts Administrator for HudBay. “It’s been a strange but exciting ride and it’s not over yet.”

Looking back to how much the industry has changed, Cal says, “Most of what I did as a 19 year old probably doesn’t exist anymore. The tasks have all changed and applicants have to bring other skills to the table in order to be underground workers.”

The imminent opening of the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy in Flin Flon next April is hailed as a major industry benchmark. “The facility will house a simulator that accurately copies the equipment controls and mimics the actual look and feel of the underground environment and will make it easier for students who want to take up a mining career to train on key pieces of equipment,” says Cal. Technology will continue to have a major effect on the mining industry. “But the biggest challenge that the mining industry has right now is finding qualified people, both professionals and trades people. We’ve been recruiting from as far away as South Africa.”

Cal endorses the mining industry as providing a good future for people who are inclined that way and one that can provide many opportunities for a great quality of life. u

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NortherN DevelopmeNt

Aero Geometrics Introducing a new technology in element analyzing By shelley Wildgen

W

hat’s in a rock? If that question could be answered easily, the global need for erudite geologists would be lessened considerably, but, alas, the question is not simple. For centuries, geologists have been chipping and shipping away every piece of every sample found on each project, analyzing and re-analyzing their specimens in city labs far away from the physical site. Routinely, months will pass before the deciphering of the assay results can begin. This process is expensive and often delays future planning and permitting. Companies like Aero Geometrics know this all too well.

Based in Vancouver, Aero Geometrics has been providing government, engineering, forestry, mining, and environmental consulting communities with their Geomatics services on an international level for over thirty-five years. Cost efficiency is always a concern whether the project includes aerial and ground surveys, digital mapping, Orthophoto production or volumetric calculations.

Time is money, and progressive thinking is tantamount to success, so Aero Geometric has turned to a state-of-the-art, cost effective and, dare we say, ‘ground-breaking’ alternative

– dramatically shortening geological analyses timelines and creating more and better data for optimizing future decisions. Aero Geometrics’ Olympus Innov-X’s new DELTA line of portable multi-element XRF analyzers are now the world’s most powerful, rugged and compact XRF units.

With many ranges of power and portability, the Innov-X line of analyzers are equipped with auto-calibration as well as the ability to be custom calibrated to the uniqueness of an individual property. The analyzer offers immediate field testing while georeferencing your sample location. The XRF analyzer uses x-rays to emit electrons from their various orbits called “shells”. The energy of each shell has a specific amount of energy unique to each element which can then be measured and quantified for most elements. When outfitted with a differential GPS, the XRF gun will also display the sample’s geographic location anywhere in the world. Adding to that, the Olympus Innov-X Systems analyzer contains no radioactive material, making it safe and easy to transport by all forms of travel.

Prior to the power of this new technology, taking samples from mining operations and for exploration activities was

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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Northern Development

Tim Daly, president and C.E.O. of Aero Geometrics, counters that process with that of the Innov-X XRF analyzers.

“For an initial outlay of fifty to seventy thousand B Y I N N OV-X SYSTEMS H AN DH ELD XRF AN ALYZERS dollars, you have a piece of equipment that assays samples in real time, indicating what it contains, and recording where it was found. With each analysis taking twenty seconds to a minute, you can take 1,000 assays a day in the field, and make immediate planning decisions. Instant geochemistry versus thousands of dollars in assay costs. Even when assays are required, numbers of samples can be decreased to a fraction by screening them prior to shipping.

Tim compares this advance in element analyzing with the ease and convenience of digital cameras in the world of photography. That said, XRF analyzers are not limited to mining and exploration. They are also used to determine alloy composition, testing for lead in paint and plastics, as well as soil testing for environmental evaluations. These units are even used on ships to monitor how much metal content is contained in their engine oil, thereby detecting early warnings of potential engine wear and metal fatigue. cumbersome and needed to be carefully documented as to their Currently, there are Olympus Innov-X analyzers being used location of origin. The samples’ weight and bulk made their worldwide, but the portability, powerful data collection ability collection and shipping time consuming and expensive. Also, and the GPS coupling with data sampling on the new Delta sending hundreds of samples of dubious value to a lab for testing units, offer the pinnacle of economic sensibility. Please contact resulted in large and unnecessary cost. It then takes months to Aero Geometrics Ltd. or visit our website at www.aerogeo.com receive results from the lab because of distance and workloads at for all of your XRF needs or questions. u the testing facility.

E LE ME NT S DE TE C TA BL E H

He

1

2

IIA

0.05

IIIA

0.11

Li

1.25

Na

3.31

12

3.59

IIIB

3.69

K

14.96

14.17

14.96

16.74

15.78

4.62

0.51

17.67

16.62

2

5.95

5.9

0.57

0.58

0.64

18.62

17.48

19.61

18.37

Cr

2.17

57.53

7.9

2.29

59.32

9.02

8.15

2.42

61.14

8.4

19.28

8.65

42.27

38.72

0.78

21.66

2.56 63

64.9

43.83

40.12

45.41

41.54

0.93

23.82

22.16

2.84

66.83

2.98

68.8

9.44

47.04

43

23.17

48.7

44.48

6.71

6.27

10.26

26.1

24.21

3.13

46

27.28

25.27

3.49

3.44

82.58

74.97

Tl

10.27

52.12

47.55

26.36

10.55

53.88

49.13

27.47

3.6

77.11

79.29

11.13

57.52

52.39

36

1.53

28.61 32.29

1.59

3.94

81.52

54

4.22

4.11

92.3

83.78

At

11.43

59.37

54.07

4.42

94.87

Rn

85

13.45

33.62

Xe

53

4.03

89.8

1.64

29.78

I

84

14.11

Kr

35

Po

13.02

12.65

Br

31

3.77

83

10.84

1.48

52

3.84

87.34

Bi

12.61

11.92 13.29

1.42

Te

51

3.66

84.94

18

12.5

34

1.38

3.19

Ar

17

Se

29.73

2.96

Cl

11.22

Sb

82

12.21

11.73

1.32

Pb

81

11.82

28.49

2.82

16

33

10

2.62

S

As

1.28

50

3.29

72.87

10.54

1.22

Sn

49

3.32

80

50.38

1.19

In

Hg

9.99

10.98

32

1.12

2.46

15

Ne

9

2.31

P

Ge

31

70.82 80.25

11.44

9.89

Ga

48

3.15

77.98

79

9.71

1.1

Cd

Au

11.07

9.25

1.03

30

47

2.99

75.75

78

9.57

Zn

24.94

Pt

10.71

1.01

Ag

46

2.83

8.64

0.95

29

Pd

73.56

8.91

Cu

21.18

Ir

9.18

8.05

0.87

28

77

10.36

8.26

Ni

45

2.68 2.7

71.41

76

8.91

0.85

Rh

Os

10.01

7.48

0.79

20.22 22.72

44

2.54

69.31

7.65

27

2.14

14

IIB

F

8

2.01

Si

13

IB

Co

Ru

75

9.67

6.93

0.72

26

Re

74

9.34

20.62

7.06

Fe

43

2.39

67.24

W

73

0.71

Tc

42

2.26

65.22

Ta

6.4

0.65

25

Mo

41

2.12

63.23

72

6.49

Mn

24

Nb

Hf

4.83

5.41

0.52

Al

Group VIII

VIIB

5.43

V

2.04

55.79

VIB

23

40

1.92

36.38

4.47

4.95

0.46

Zr

56

97.47

4.93

Ti

39

1.87

VB

22

Ba

55

86

13.88

11.73

14.32

88.47 100.13

Fr

Ra

87

12.03

0.45

Y

1.81

32.19

4.51

0.4

21

38

1.75

34.99

Cs

4.46

Sc

Sr

37

1.69

86.1

0.4

15.84

Rb

4.29

4.09

20

0.34

30.97

4.01

0.34

Ca

19

IVB

1.84

0.85

O

7

1.74

VIIA

0.68

N

6

1.56

VIA

0.52

C

5

1.49

1.3

Mg

11

13.4

B

4

1.07

VA

0.39

0.28

Be

3

1.04

IVA

0.18

88

14.77

12.34

Lanthanides 57-71 Actinides 89-103

15.24

33.44

37.8

34.72 39.26

La

4.84

93.35 105.61

Ac

Th

15.71

5.03

Nd

95.87

108.43

5.23

Alloy Analysis:

Elements detected: Magnesium (Mg, Z=12) through Sulfur (S, Z=16) and Titanium (Ti, Z=22) through Plutonium (Pu, Z=94).

13.29

111.3

U

92

16.7

13.61

Sm

61

5.72

98.44

91

16.2

Pm

60

5.49

Pa

90

12.97

37.36

59

5.26

90.88 102.85

89

40.75

Pr

58

5.04

12.65

36.03

Ce

57

4.65

5.43

5.64

5.85

6.46

6.06

Ho

Dy

Tb

64

63

6.21

66

65

6.98

6.5

6.72

55.68

7.81

106.35 120.16

109.10 123.24

111.90 126.36

114.75 129.54

117.65 132.78

120.60 136.08

Pu

Am

Cm

Bk

Cf

Es

Fm

13.95

17.74

14.28 18.28

Low-Density Sample Types (Soils, powders, liquids)

Please see separate Alloy Analysis LOD Specifications.

14.62

18.83

96

14.96

K1

Kß1

Ag

Symbol

Principal lines keV

19.39

47

L1

97

15.31

19.97

98

15.66

20.56

16.02

99

7.18

Md 101

100

21.17

16.38

8.1

7.42

61.28

Lu

70

69

6.95

103.65 117.15

95

Yb

Tm

68

7.53

Np

94

50.74

Er

67

7.25

101.00 114.18

93

17.22

Gd

Eu

62

5.96

71

8.4

7.66

No 102

8.71

Lr

103

21.79

Principal lines keV

<1% in air

<5 ppm

<10 ppm

Atomic Number

<20 ppm

<50 ppm

<200 ppm

Lß1

Not Measured

Detection limits are a function of testing time, sample matrix and presence of interfering elements.

Detection limits are estimates based on 1-2 minutes test times and detection confidence of 3o (99.7% confidence).

Interference-free detection limits are intended as guidelines: please contact Innov-X Systems to discuss your specific application.

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Northern Development

Northwestern Canada Integrated Road Network Concept Plan Roads in the north an ongoing project

by Jim Chliboyko

T

here are 6000-year-old corduroy roads found in the English countryside and there are also paved streets of the same vintage made by ancient workmen in today’s Iraq. The socalled Sweet Track, an ancient causeway in the English county of Somerset was thought to have been the oldest timber trackway, until another, older one, predating Stonehenge, was found while constructing an extension to Greenwich’s notorious Belmarsh Prison.

Clearly, roads have been a concern for human beings for millennia, and no less so in northern Manitoba.

Of course, the people who dealt with northern Manitoba highways a thousand years ago didn’t have to worry about timbers and drainage and gravel shoulders: our old highways were made from water. But things, of course, are a little different these days.

“The reality is that roads are expensive to maintain, and really expensive per vehicle,” says Barry Prentice, a professor of supply chain management at Winnipeg’s I.H. Asper School of Business. Clearly, Thompson, for example, has benefitted from its own connection to a busy and important highway (see article on the city’s new cold weather testing facility).

The province is almost at the end of its current five-year Highway Renewal Plan, which is to run from 2007 to 2011. The department in charge of the plan, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation, is an entity that already spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year on road implementation and maintenance. This, in a province where the establishment of a gravel all-weather road is estimated to cost $1 million per kilometre.

According to the provincial government’s web site, of the $2 billion spent over these five years, it will be split into “$1.2 billion in the Construction and Renewal Infrastructure Program, including long-term projects addressing the province’s core highways,” and $800 million for “winter roads, maintenance and preservation, which is the day-to-day, annual and shorter-term work on highways and bridges to help maximize their lifespan.”

“The main intent of that (renewal plan) is to let the public and our contractors know what we’re doing into the future,” says Ron Weatherburn, Executive Director of Construction and Maintenance of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation.

“The overall budget for maintenance and winter roads this year is $525 million, substantially higher than it was in the past. But the number fluctuates from year to year.”

“This year, just the capital part of that money was $366 million. Not too many years ago, we were spending $100 million a year. Overall, we’re spending more money everywhere.

Government in the last several years has understood the importance of the maintenance of our roads and bridges. Aging infrastructure is certainly a concern across Canada.”

Photo courtesy of the Province of Manitoba

Of course, it’s difficult to talk about transportation in the north without mentioning the capricious and seasonal ice road highways that form late each year in the north. Without the ice highways that link the communities of the north for those few precious months each year, many communities, of course, would be stranded, land-wise, from the rest of the country permanently.

Or at least until a larger northern road network is established.

According to a provincial government website, “The winter road system extends approximately 2,200 kilometres across the province and serves over 38,000 Manitobans in 24 communities.” The government estimates that there are 2500 shipments every year over such roads.

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

17

Northern Development

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“The reality is that roads are expensive to maintain, and really expensive per vehicle.”

– Barry Prentice, a professor of supply chain management at Winnipeg’s I.H. Asper School of Business.

Work continues on the ice road network, though; 600 kilometres of ice road have been “realigned” from ice to land over the last several years. The government also estimates that spending on ice roads has doubled in the last 10 years. According to the Encyclopedia of Manitoba, there were over 4000 kilometres of ice roads maintained yearly back in the 1960s, though some years, like 1998, were a (weather-caused) washout.

The ice roads, of course, are a group project.

“We work with the First Nations communities themselves to construct them, with our staff providing the engineering, and the communities providing the construction and the maintenance,” says Weatherburn.

But for now, much of the work is going towards maintaining what we, as a province, already have.

“Primarily in the highway network, we’re investing on keeping roads the way they are now, and doing some enhancements, some repaving, maintenance and upgrading,” says Weatherburn. “We’re not building too many roads on the existing network.”

But a road network, ice and otherwise, is like a living document; something that is always changing. There are plans in various stages of completion for future roads, which would add to Manitoba’s (and northern Manitoba’s) current network. Some projects seem more likely than others, at this stage. For instance, there’s the Arctic Bridge shipping initiative that’s making the rounds, which may affect future plans, and there’s also the potential

The Churchill Gateway

OmniTRAX, Inc. Phone: 204-947-0033 Fax: 204-953-3687 www.portofchurchill.ca

18

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

future road to Nunavut from Manitoba, possibly going through Churchill, not to mention the CentrePort initiative.

And while something like a highway to Nunavut would be convenient, there are also some possible roadblocks.

“That’s something that governments are continuing to investigate,” says Weatherburn. “There are no timelines for construction. It certainly would be extremely expensive, and difficult to construct, but we’re not there yet.”

Yet, in early September, the Manitoban and Nunavut premiers, Greg Selinger and Eva Aariak, resurrected the idea of a Manitoban road to Nunavut, considering a cost-benefit study on a year-round, all-weather road as a joint priority when they met in Rankin Inlet that month. At this stage, according to the Nunatsiaq News, the road would begin at Gillam, and connect the towns of Churchill, Arviat, Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet, using 60 bridges and 1200 kilometers (and approximately $1.2 billion) worth of road building materials to get there.

There is also the potential for new routes into the east side of the province, through the East Side Road Authority.

This fall, an almost $8-million project is to commence on linking Hollow Water First Nation and Bloodvein First Nation via the Rice River Forestry Road. And those are only two of 13 First Nations (and 30 total communities totalling 36,000 people, 96 percent of whom are First Nations) who make the east side home. While it is still in the south part in the province, the project is perhaps an initial step to putting more roads, ultimately, into the northeast corner of the province.

But, as Eric Robertson, the minister responsible for the East Side Road Authority, reminds us, the money on new roads will, most likely, be appreciated by people in remote communities.

“The provincial road network is something other Manitobans take for granted,” he writes in the East Side Road Authority newsletter.

And let’s remember that there’s a reason why humans have been building roads for millennia.

Says Prentice, the professor: “Areas that don’t have road access aren’t subjected to development.” u

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Northern Development

Ready, Set, Test Thompson cuts the ribbon on their new jet engine testing facility

by Jim Chliboyko

F

irst, it was the cars, then it was the jets.

Long known as the home for a variety of cold-weather testing facilities, both official and unofficial, Thompson, Manitoba, will soon be home to the Canadian Environmental Test Research and Education Centre (CanETREC), a coldweather jet-engine-testing facility.

The approximately $40-million project, announced in April, 2009, is set to officially open fall, 2010. There was support from both Winnipeg and Ottawa for the facility: some $22 million of the funding comes from both the provincial and federal governments. The facility itself, where the icing certification and research will actually be conducted (with an icing system provided by the National Research Council), lies about 10 kilometres south of town.

The Global Aerospace Centre for Icing and Environmental Research Inc. (GLACIER) is the name of the collaboration of the organizations behind the joint venture. Particularly prominent are the international turbine-manufacturing giants Pratt

& Whitney and Rolls-Royce Canada Limited. Rolls-Royce isn’t just a car company; earlier in its iteration, it powered half the Allies’ aircraft in World War I and, later, many of the better planes in WWII. But it’s an example of the type of firms that Thompsonites will be rubbing shoulders with, thanks to the city’s newest industrial offering.

“Our government is proud to be investing in the largest, and most advanced, cold-weather testing and research facility in the world,” said Vic Toews, former Treasury Board President and Manitoba MP, at the announcement. In addition to being the allegedly largest and most advanced facility of its kind, CanETREC will also be open year-round.

But it hasn’t gone up overnight.

“This has been an ongoing process, I would say, for the last four or five years,” said Gary Ceppetelli, Thompson’s Director of Planning and Community Development. “The city was pursuing this for cold-weather testing diversification. A lot of the facilities were currently in place.”

An illustration of the Canadian Environmental Test Research and Education Centre (CanETREC), the jet testing facility at Thompson Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

19

Northern Development

ventures North

Thompson welcomes its newest hotel While not directly connected to the CanETREC facility, there also happens to be a new 70-room hotel currently being constructed in Thompson, to be ready for the spring. It is off Moak Crescent on the east side of town, a facility made particularly for, but not limited to, extended stays. The new 70 rooms will add to the city’s current inventory of between 350 and 400 rooms, a 15- to 20-percent increase.

“One of the issues in Thompson has been lack of accommodation,” says Gary Ceppetelli, Director of Planning and Community Development. “This (extended stay model) fits well with their model of business, but they will offer the one-night stays, as well.”

Thompson Unlimited’s Mark Matiasek says that the level of hotel rooms between 2010 and 2011 is somewhat in flux (another hotel is building an extension, for instance), but that more rooms is a good thing.

“Sometimes it has been hard for testers to find rooms. This type of hotel appeals to people who need accommodations for weeks at a time. It’s kind of like an apartment, but it’s a hotel.”

Indeed, the City of Thompson has been aggressively pursuing other economic diversification (not just of the cold-weather testing variety), setting up Thompson Unlimited, the name for the city’s economic development corporation. Thompson Unlimited has also launched the Thompson Sub-Zero campaign, which has taken them to places like the Paris Air Show to tout the benefits of setting up shop at the Hub of the North.

“Thompson Unlimited has a subcommittee actively pursuing winter weather testing for all components of industry,” says Ceppetelli. He says the next target for the local wish list are tire companies, but there are many organizations looking for coldweather testing. In addition to cars, Thompson has been the testing ground for subjects as varied as waste-disposal vehicles, helicopters and snowmobiles.

“It’s not strictly related to autos or the air,” says Ceppetelli.

Thompson isn’t the only place where cold-weather testing has ever been attempted; this testing facility is said to have had up to 50 potential destinations at one point. (Fairbanks, Alaska, is one distinct rival.) But Thompson is the one—through the consistency of its weather, its handy-yet-remote geographical location and its facilities, amongst other factors—that seems to have given it the reputation as the place to test.

All this frenetic cold-weather testing activity had a rather humble beginning. The old story is that the initial trials of cold-weather testing involved car companies leaving lines of cars in wintry hotel parking lots overnight without being plugged in (also known as a “cold soak”), setting up for a cold start in the morning.

“That’s actually true,” says Roxie Binns, development coordinator for Thompson Unlimited. “Years ago Ford started that way. We’d be driving by and see all these vehicles with all their hoods up. One day, one resident asked if he could give a hand.

This is how we learnt that they were conducting cold-weather testing.”

Things have become a little more scientific since then.

The CanETREC facility, in particular, instead of a hotel parking lot, consists of a two-stage site, almost two kilometers apart. The stars of the show, the jet engines, will be brought to Thompson on a flatbed truck. Upon arriving, the engine will be placed in a harness at Site A, where a few preliminary tests 20

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

are done. The drive then continues down the recently named “Test Avenue” to Site B, 1.7 kilometres away, an open-air site where the engine is placed in a stand, 45 feet in the air. The employees then monitor the testing from the Site A control centre.

Binns says that the facility will employ about 14 people, and along with the technical positions, there were openings for other site-specific jobs, like security, which, in a nice local tie-in, could be provided, thanks to the University College of the North’s course for security guards.

“The first engine arrives this week; the commissioning engine, the Trent 900,” said Binns, back in August. “The first engine is slotted to be certified this November: the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB.” The benefits of establishing Thompson as a cold-weather testing facility are many. Researchers, of course, tend to eat and sleep, so they need to find places that will help them with those activities; as well, they need the raw materials and services that a town like Thompson can provide. There is even word of a new hotel being built in Thompson to accommodate the city’s new business (see sidebar).

“We were quite amazed,” says Binns. “One company alone, in one year, brought in almost $800,000 and used 65 local businesses. Thompson Unlimited was surprised with that themselves.”

And there’s no telling what those companies will need. Says Binns, “One company actually wanted peat moss.”

“I think the reaction is very positive, that anything helps this community to diversify, to shed the image of Thompson single-resource community, making Thompson more of a service centre,” says Ceppetelli. “It fits well into that goal of what this community should be. This is a lot more sustainable, not tied to the boom-and-bust cycle of the industry.”

Though Thompson’s remote location adds to its cachet of a cold-weather testing centre, says Thompson Unlimited General Manager Mark Matiasek, there is also a cloak-and-dagger aspect of becoming a cutting-edge R & D location.

“We do see cars wrapped in checkerboard (cloth),” he admits.

ventures North

Northern Development

But the benefits of Thompson’s relatively new identity, of course, are not confined to industrial intrigue.

“Economically, this is bringing new money and new people into the community,” says Matiasek. “There’s going to be people moving to Thompson, bringing new, higher-paying jobs and new employment opportunities as well as training. This means mechanics and engineers will stay here for weeks and months while the testing goes on, visiting retail outlets, et cetera. That’s going to be a nice boom, an injection, to the local economy.”

“All in all, it’s a nice addition to Thompson. Who thought you could make money from cold weather?” u

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Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

21

Northern Development

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Not Your Parents’ Retirement New pilot program matches skills of those over 50 with employers

By Lisa Kopochinski

I

t used to be that once you retired, that was it. You might spend your time travelling, doing hobbies, or watching paint dry.

For some, this still represents retirement, but for a whole new generation of those over 50 – third quarters – full retirement is not such a draw as they still have so much to contribute.

It was for just this reason that four chambers of commerce from across Canada collaborated on a new pilot program called ThirdQuarter.ca “Today, people turn 50 and aim for 100. You may have retired around the same age your parents did or even earlier, but you know it’s not the same kind of retirement life,” said Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President Graham Starmer, who launched the new program in Winnipeg this past May with Federal Minister Vic Toews, Member of Parliament for Provencher.

“You are likely healthier and are probably better educated.

And you are probably going to live longer. Many people in their 50s and 60s are not only healthy and able, but want to put their life’s experience to good use.”

The premise of ThirdQuarter.ca is simple: the online service is a skills and networking tool designed to connect employers with third quarters eager for new opportunities – either paid or on a volunteer basis.

“More and more often we hear business leaders tell us they worry about a shortage of workers as we head into a retirement boom,” says Starmer. “But we also know people who retire from full-time careers have plenty of essential skills they can make count. For the Canadian economy to grow and for small towns to prosper, we need those third quarters to remain active.”

The $2.3 million program – which is sponsored by the chambers and funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills – is being rolled out across 16 communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada over the next two years. Of the total funding, $1.15 million will be focused in Manitoba: in Arborg, Winkler, Dauphin, Steinbach, Selkirk, Portage la Prairie and Thompson.

Community coordinators are being hired in the various communities to help individuals and firms use the website. A skills assessment questionnaire helps third-quarter workers identify skills that will be transferable to a new job. Applicants then post their skills on the website and connect with companies looking to fill positions.

The program is unique in that it highlights life experience and mature skills that may not be entirely evident based on an applicant’s resume.

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Experience allows seniors to remain a valuable asset to the workforce

ventures North “Many people in their 50s and 60s are not only healthy and able, but want to put their life’s experience to good use.”

– Graham Starmer, President, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce “It doesn’t use traditional resumes to find matches,” explains Starmer. “Many third-quarter people want a change and to use the skills they have to transfer to another line of work. So an accountant, who has been a handyman all of his life, may like to work part time at a hardware store in the small community near his cottage. A typical resume does not tell the hardware store owner the hidden talents of the former accountant. But www.thirdquarter.ca uses a series of skill tools to help bring those valued and essential skills to the surface.”

Angela Enright is the ThirdQuarter. ca coordinator for Thompson. She says the program so far has matched people in a wide range of industries such as hospitality, janitorial, management, administrative/ office positions and retail. “We’ve had everything. The process is a short skills assessment with a few questions.”

For instance, sample questions might include the following: Do you like to organize your working environment around you? What do you do in certain situations?

The assessment takes applicants through certain categories and matches their essential skills with an employer’s needs. These may not be the skills they learnt in previous jobs, but skills learned in life.

“There are people who are surprised at the results of what they could be involved with,” says Enright. “It’s a whole new interactive approach. The moment the connection is made on the computer, the employer receives notification saying a match has been made. The applicant is then invited for an interview, which is the first set of interviews. It’s a way to connect without having to go through the regular job ads or sites. It’s really neat.”

The program is so innovative that it prompted Brian Sharfstein, owner of Canadian Footwear in Winnipeg to help launch the program, even though it is not available in Winnipeg.

“I was an immediate fan because this is something that Canadian Footwear has been dong for years,” Sharfstein says. “We have many employees within our company

who are considered third quarter. If this program were in Winnipeg, we would most definitely use it as a recruitment resource.”

Sharfstein adds that older employees are an important part of his company’s success. “They come with a wealth of wisdom and experience, along with emotional maturity and a strong work ethic.

These people have proven to be incredible mentors and teachers for our younger staff.”

Barb Thornton and Deb English are two such employees who are so pleased that Canadian Footwear recognized their skills.

“I’m 55 now and retired from the airline industry a few years ago, but I knew I wanted to continue to work,” says English, who is the human resources manager. “I

Northern Development was lucky to find an employer who saw that I had skills that I could transfer from airplanes to footwear.”

Adds Thornton, 64, who is in retail sales, “I retired in 2008 and came back about a year later because we sold our house, our life settled down and I had time work again.”

Though there are no hard figures right now for the number of businesses and applicants involved in the program because it is still so new, Enright’s aim over the next year is to have 15 percent of Thompson’s businesses involved.

“Up north we have a shortage of workers,” she says. “We have mega-projects going on – hydro dams, major road projects and other projects coming out of our ying yang. We have a huge need and the greatest opportunities.”

She adds that Thompson – like many northern communities – also have the problem of young people moving to larger centers, which makes it tough for businesses to grow. “But if third quarters can fill this gap, it will help our provincial and northern economy grow. We’re all about economic growth.” u

Churchill Motel We offer : • Free shuttle services • 26 spacious rooms with private bath/shower • Cable TV, fridges, laundry services and wireless Internet

152 Kelsey Blvd., Box 218, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Phone: 204-675-8853 Fax: 204-675-8228 Toll-free: 1-877-675-8853 Email: motelch@mts.net

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• Water Hauling & Septic Services • Truck / Bus / Equipment Rental • Licensed Heavy Equipment Mechanic On Site • General Welding Phone: 204-675-2620 Fax: 204-675-8228 Email: hbmech@mts.net PO Box 34, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0 Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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Mushing in a Northern Town Dog sledding: A unique travel experience

By Lisa Kopochinski

W

hile most of us opt to reach our destination by plane or car, Dave Daley is an unusual traveler. He prefers a much more traditional mode of transportation—dog sled.

“Last January I went by dog sled to Winnipeg,” says the lifelong Churchill resident. “It took 20 days and 1,200 kilometres.

I ended up at the Forks for the 2010 Manitoba Homecoming Campaign.”

As owner of Wapusk Adventures—which means ‘white bear’—this musher offers a unique and authentic dog sledding experience to tourists. While most visitors come to Churchill to see the polar bears, beluga whales and the Northern Lights, Daley says his business is an added option.

“For a lot of people, we’re on their bucket list. They say they always wanted to go dog sledding.”

While his competitors simply offer just dog sled rides, Daley prefers to introduce visitors to the whole package.

“I sell a dog sledding experience. I teach everybody what the kennel is about, how we take care and feed the dogs, how 24

NormaN rDC • 1-800-665-4774

we treat their injuries, and what goes into training a team of dog athletes. I teach visitors about the making of a dog team and then take them for a one-mile ride, which is appropriately called the ‘ididamile,’ which goes through Churchill’s boreal forest.”

Daley has 20 mixed-breed dogs in his kennel with names like Smoke, Little One, Ice, Zoro, Scruffy, Blue and Kudluk. All must meet certain criteria in order to make the team. For instance, they must have the attitude to run and be ravenous eaters.

“Dogs are all individuals,” he says. “They have personalities like people do. Some dogs like to go through water, some dogs like to lead without a trail, and some dogs are just honest hard workers. That’s how you have to make up your team.”

To be a good musher, Daley says he has to be a coach, vet, dog psychologist and nutritionist. This was never more evident than on his recent trek to Winnipeg.

“We were running 100 to 120 kilometres some days, depending on weather and trail conditions, and other days we went 50 or 60 kilometres,” he recalls. “We set up camp at night and

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had some days of rest to treat their feet. Dogs are susceptible to any injury that an athlete gets, so I will rub their feet with soothing oils.”

With visitors coming to Churchill from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Japan and China, Daley offers tours in July and August (using carts instead of sleds) and then again in October, November, January and February.

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Visitors can choose to travel inside a cozy dog sled wrapped in a polar bear blanket or drive on the back of the sleigh with the musher to feel the cold Arctic air.

Having grown up in this town of 1,000 situated on the edge of the Arctic, Daly says there were always dog sledding teams around. He made his dream of owning a kennel and dog sledding business a reality 10 years ago. In conjunction with

Dave Daley and dog team on his Churchill to Winnipeg run.

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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“Dogs are all individuals. they have personalities like people do.”

– Dave Daley, owner, Wapusk Adventures Wapusk Adventures, his wife, Valerie, runs the Wapusk General Store. Daly also works full time for Calm Air as a base engineer, and sits on the board of several community organizations.

Wapusk Adventures was awarded the Manitoba Spirit of the Earth Award in 2005, which Manitoba Hydro presents for ecotourism. Additionally, the company also won the 2005 Manitoba Aboriginal awards, an honor that Daly, who is Metis, feels especially proud of.

When asked if he thinks his town is too remote, he replies that he likes the remoteness.

“Churchill is my home. My grandfather came in the 1950s and I am raising my children here. It’s a beautiful place to be. I call it the last place of freedom. It’s like the frontier land.” u

PASKWAYAK Business Development Corp. Ltd. “The Economic Development Division of Opaskwayak Cree Nation since 1987”

RJ Ecosafe Homes is proud to have been chosen as the Design Builder for the University College of the North’s expansion of teaching facilities and teacherages in eight First Nation communities. Our commitment to the UCN is the same one we make to all of our clients; and that’s to build to the highest environmental, safety, health and fire standards so people can live and work in comfort.

To learn more about our

• • • • • • • • •

IGA Kikiwak Inn OCN Shell Big E-Mart Sports Traders Paskwayak Convenience Store Northland Redi-Mix Concrete and Gravel OCN Blizzard Otineka Mall P.O. Box 10100, Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0, phone: 204 - 627-7200 fax: 204 - 623 - 6830, Opaskwayak, Manitoba is located on the outskirts of The Pas.

affordable, energy efficient, fire and mould resistant, 100 year products give us a call or send us an email.

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Retail space is available at the Otineka Mall for more information to rent space contact the Otineka Mall General Manager Box 10310 Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0 Phone: 204-627-7230 Fax: 204-623-2770 Website: www.otineka-mall.ca

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Northern Development

Manitoba boasts many examples of Aboriginal Art and Architecture, ranging from carvings to the designs of prominent local buildings, such as The Buhler Centre and Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Northern Aboriginal Art Impacting Canada culturally and economically

by Jim Chliboyko

I

f anyone thinks northern aboriginal art is merely a pleasant hobby in which various northerners engage to get through the winter, they may want to take a trip to the Winnipeg Art Gallery sometime. The WAG, internationally known as a bastion of northern art, recently wrapped up an exhibition on the work of Nunavut artist Andrew Qappik, he of the Nunavut coat of arms, and the institution is following that up with a retrospective on the sculpture of Cape Dorset’s own Kiugak Ashoona.

The WAG, of course, sits on prime real estate, on Memorial Boulevard, the road leading to the Manitoba Legislature. There was an August announcement of establishing an Inuit art centre on the WAG property, while across the street, the University of Winnipeg is looking to establish a potential new “hub of indigenous studies, culture and art” at Winnipeg’s downtown Hudson’s Bay flagship store. Meanwhile, Winnipeg will also be the scene, in January 2011, of “Close Encounters: The Next 500 Years,” a

massive multi-institute collaboration focusing on international indigenous artists. One of those institutes is the Plug-In Gallery, its new home being on Memorial, too; a lot of indigenous art on one city block.

A lot of the attention, however, seems to be on non-Manitoban aboriginal art. While Manitoba does stop at the 60th parallel, that doesn’t mean Manitoba’s own brand of northern aboriginal art isn’t “representing,” as well. The Keystone Province is no slouch when it comes to northern artists, visual or otherwise, whether it’s Garden Hill’s Jackson Beardy, he of the “Indian Group of Seven,” or the Highway brothers, René (dance) and Tomson (theatre and literature), originally from Brochet.

It may also be that the behemoth known as Inuit art has overshadowed much of northern First Nations art ever since James Houston first worked himself into a lather over it in the 1940s and 1950s. Surprisingly, though, it’s only been in the last Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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generation that First Nations art has been treated like art, as opposed to a series of anthropological objects.

“It wasn’t until the 1980s that the National Gallery of Art actually purchased its first First Nations art,” says Mary Reid, a curator at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She says there has been a lot of debate about the placement of First Nations art in the art world. But it is a form that is rapidly coming into its own.

The Encyclopedia of Manitoba invokes the spirit of the late Beardy, saying “First Nations artists are doing significant work and gaining international acclaim.”

According to Marcia Carroll, there’s a quiet, steady movement of promising young aboriginal artists in Manitoba’s north.

“One of our newest artists is 16,” says Carroll, owner of the Precambrian

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Art Centre in Thompson, referring to Nadean Disbrowe. Maybe it’s in the blood; Nadean is the daughter of local artist Ron Disbrowe. “She paints images of children, paints pen and ink on birch bark.”

Carroll also mentions Garden Hill artists like Eddy Munroe and Jeff Monias, as well as Jasyn Lucas, who has ties to Pukatawagan, and whose work often incorporates images of northern wildlife and the aurora borealis. Carroll says that she’s recently sold two of Lucas’ pieces and two of the younger Disbrowe’s art to a collector in Chicago.

There are Manitoba sculptors, too.

While many northern artists do eventually migrate down south, some stay, or return, up north. One Winnipeg art dealer says the best carver in the province

is Irvin Head, who currently makes his home in Cranberry Portage.

“It didn’t start off that way; I was marketing myself,” says Head. “Where else to do it but down south? I was doing it just to, more or less, get my name down there. Once I established myself, I stopped running around, chasing people down. Now I have an address where they can find me.”

Head, who says he’s selling as fast as he’s carving, now runs his own gallery in Cranberry Portage: Northern Buffalo Sculpture, and says he has noticed a definite change in the First Nations art scene lately. There is more support, for one, in the form of grants and mentorship. And he says that not only are Manitoban First Nations artists not overlooked anymore, but they are working together, as well.

“It’s just a matter of getting a few shows and showcasing our artwork,” he said. “Now, people are more aware of what they have right here. It’s not hard to sell when you know where to do it. Artists aren’t competing – they are putting shows on together. We promote one another.

We usually carry one another’s cards.”

The impact of art is both culturally and economically important to the entire country, as a Canada Council for the Arts study found, back in 2006, concluding, “The direct impact of the arts and cultural sector in Canada – as measured by its contribution to gross domestic product – was close to $40 billion in 2003-04, with total direct employment reaching an estimated 600,000 jobs.”

Carroll, for one, thinks there is evidence that some youth in the north, while maybe not yet considering a career in art, are ready for the challenge.

“Those that are getting encouragement are getting excited to find they have something marketable,” says Carroll. u

ATIKAKI WILDERNESS PARK

• Affordable & Flexible • Walleye & Northern Fishing • Direct flights from Winnipeg 28

NormaN rDC • 1-800-665-4774

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the Northern experience in manitoba

Map courtesy of Snoman Inc.

For trail conditions visit www.snoman.mb.ca

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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All photos in this feature courtesy of Travel Manitoba

Northern Development

Fishing o Hunting Paradise Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake offer tourists a slice of untamed heaven

By Lisa Kopochinski

W

hile Churchill has done a magnificent job of marketing itself worldwide as the Polar Bear Capital of the world, Northern Manitoba is home to at least two more gems that aren’t getting the recognition they deserve.

Dubbed “The North’s Hidden Treasure” and the Sportsfishing Capital of Manitoba,” Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake are both idyllic paradises for fisherman, hunters and other outdoorsy types.

“I’ve fished everywhere, but in my opinion fishing is the best here,” says Leaf Rapids Mayor Ed Charrier. “There’s spectacular scenery and high numbers of fish.”

Located nearly 1,100 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Leaf Rapids was built in 1972 by the NDP government and Sherritt Gordon Mines as an experimental town for mine employees.

It was so unique that it won the Vincent Massey Award for Excellence in urban design in 1975. The town has no main street and exists under a 210,000-square-foot town centre complex complete with a shopping centre, school, curling rink, movie theatre, two gyms, 40-room hotel, drugstore, restaurant, health clinic, 10-bed hospital and more.

But when the mine closed in 2002, problems quickly followed with a mass exodus. Within six months the town dwindled from 1,300 to 130 people. With this, some of the businesses closed, such as the hotel.

“I came a month after the mine closed,” recalls Charrier. “It was sad, but I fell in love with the place. I’m a retired pilot and 30

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

have been all over North America, and this is probably the most unique community I have ever seen.”

With a current population of about 550, he says the town is redefining itself as the new Leaf Rapids and thinking outside the box.

“We have a huge potential in sport fishing,” he says. “A lot of Americans come up. The most I have ever seen was this year.”

With no shortage of pike, trout, pickerel, walleye and whitefish, the Churchill River provides hundreds of kilometres of safe, navigable waterways.

Leaf Rapids also boasts the only golf course in Northwestern Manitoba. Free to all, it is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.

Hikers will love the numerous trails that wind through the forest, while hunters can surround themselves with untamed wilderness and wildlife that includes black bear, bull moose, Timber wolves, and a wide variety of birds.

“It’s a big boost, but it could be a much bigger boost to the economy,” Charrier adds.

Ollie Romanow, secretary-treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce in Lynn Lake, 105 kilometres away, says she too has noticed an increase in tourism over last year, but would always like to see more.

A Lynn Lake resident for 24 years, she quickly lists off her town’s benefits. “The clean air and abundance of fishing. Visitors like it because we’re not overcrowded on the lake.”

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Northern Development

“We have a huge potential in sport fishing.” – Ed Charrier, Leaf Rapids Mayor The area is such a fisherman’s paradise that every summer the Chamber hosts the Great Northern Pike Live Release Fish Derby.

Visitors have been known to come from the U.S., Europe, Asia, Central and South America. Not surprisingly, Romanow says, “All the four winners were from out of town this year.”

Lynn Lake was founded in 1950 when a deposit of nickel was discovered. Named after Lynn Smith, chief engineer of Sherritt Gordon Mines, the mine was developed and soon gold was also discovered. It is now considered the third largest nickel producing region in Canada.

Hunting is also a big draw for this town of 800 surrounded by the boreal forest. Bear hunting begins in May and lasts

until mid June. Moose and caribou season in September attracts many American visitors, some as far away as Kansas. The rugged wilderness is also a draw for those wishing to view the spectacular Northern Lights and engage in winter sports such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, skating and dogsledding.

With two hotels and two bed and breakfast inns in town, Romanow says times are tough for lodge operators, largely because they can be expensive. To cut costs, she says, “some of the American tourists own cabins here. And, if you come with an RV or tent, it’s relatively reasonable.” u

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Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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A Balancing Act

Economic development and sustainability not only co-exist, but thrive, at Nueltin Fly-In Lodges By teresa Falk

A

pproximately 1,200 kilometres north of Winnipeg along the Manitoba and Nunavut border, the Gurke family is finding a balance between economic development and sustainability.

In 1987, Garry Gurke purchased a small fly-in fishing operation in northern Manitoba and renamed it Nueltin Fly-In Lodges after one of the largest bodies of water in the area. The Gurke family immediately began lobbying the federal and provincial governments for a protected area. Recently, their hard work finally came to fruition.

“This is a huge accomplishment for Canada,” says Shawn Gurke, co-owner of Nueltin Fly-In Lodges. “This means a Protected Area that will save one of the most unique and pristine wildernesses for future generations.”

Nueltin Fly-In Lodges consists of five lodges and nine outpost cabins within 14,000 square miles. Approximately 500 visitors descend on Nueltin between June and September, coming mainly from the United States, but some also arrive from Europe and other parts of Canada.

Besides their tourism business, the Gurke family also operate a logistics company that deals with exploration and mining.

Gurke says the mining was a natural extension of the tourism activities.

“The miners require the same sort of facilities that we provide the tourists. We honed our skills developing camps for the tourists and it was just natural that we were approached by mining companies who valued local knowledge and it snowballed from there,” he says.

Nueltin Fly-In Lodges consists of five lodges and nine outpost cabins within 14,000 square miles.

Inset: Guests can enjoy a spacious yet comfortable dining environment.

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ventures North To an outsider his family’s goals seem contradictory, he says, because they’re involved both in sustainable tourism and mining.

“But our point is that although the economy needs to move forward and envelop the lands stakeholders and provide jobs, we still need to be cautious of how we do that; we need these protected areas,” he says.

Nueltin Fly-In Lodges is proud to have recently received a Sustainable Tourism award from Travel Manitoba. Sustainable tourism fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, government and visitors. It can be sustained over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area.

Nueltin Fly-In Lodges implements many sustainable practices including being the first area to use single barb-less hooks, instituting a catch and release policy and shortening its season to minimize the effects on spawning patterns.

The Gurke family has also been very active in a provincial program that provides rods and reels to First Nations youth in northern Manitoba. Over the past five years they’ve given more than 7,000 fishing rods to students, along with a presentation on proper fishing and catch and release techniques.

“We’re trying to instil in our kids the need for conservation, and also introduce them to local conservation and RCMP officers,” says Gurke, noting this initiative also makes local youth aware that there are work opportunities, such as law enforcement, tourism and mining, available in their own communities.

Gurke is also in the process of developing a training program that will empower Northern Manitoba and Nunavut’s willing workforce to move forward in the economy.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to bring economic development to our communities,” he says.

The Gurke’s are certainly doing their part to boost the local economy. Most of their employees in both their tourism and logistics operations are local aboriginal people. The Gurke’s are Manitoba Metis.

“The nice thing about tourism is that it’s a pure input to the local economy and

Northern Development

The Gurke family receiving their Sustainable Tourism award from Travel Manitoba.

it’s sustainable,” he says. “The problem is that it doesn’t provide the amount of employment that’s required to bring these communities more into the economy and that’s why we also developed the logistics company. We have found balance within

www.nueltin.com 800-361-7177

our own enterprise and it makes sense to share how we accomplished that with as many people as we can”.

For more information on Nueltin Fly-In Lodges visit www.nueltin.com or www.facebook.com/nueltinlodge. u

Welcome To The Big Leagues.

At Nueltin Fly-In lodges we’re BIG on everything. For BIG fish, accommodations and service, check out our angler’s paradise.

It’s like no other. NUELTIN, WELCOME TO THE BIGS.

Go on FacebWooank atna be a Big Nueltin fan ? www. facebook.com /nueltinlodge.

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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CORMORANT

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS ABOUND

C

ormorant Lake, with its surrounding rivers, islands and streams, provides some of the most breathtaking views for anyone wishing to visit our area.

If it’s fishing on a warm summer evening, swimming on a secluded beach, camping or hiking you’re searching for, a vacation visit to Cormorant Lake will be a memorable one.

The winter months cannot be forgotten as a possible time to enjoy Cormorant.

After a day of ice fishing for walleye or northern pike, highlight your evening with a moonlit drive on a snowmobile, offering the chance to explore areas that you cannot access during the summer … and don’t forget the northern lights. It’s all here in Cormorant. u

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NORMAN RDC • 1-800-665-4774

Welcome to Cormorant town office: 204-357-2145 population: 300 location: West Central Manitoba, 77 kilometres northeast of The Pas on PTH 287.

Located along the shores of Cormorant Lake.

Founded: Early 1900s major events: • Cormorant Winter Carnival/Métis Days, third weekend in March • Cormorant Lake School Fishing Derby, end of March major Sites: Beautiful Cormorant Lake, with its clear water and gorgeous shoreline.

ADventure north the pAS & AreA

OCN – OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION BUILDING ON SUCCESS

B

Welcome to opaskwayak Cree Nation population: Primary Trading Area – 16,105; Secondary Trading Area – 19,840

lessed with a rich heritage and strong culture, and led by a strong business development organization, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) has become an economic leader among Manitoba First Nations.

The Paskwayak Business Development Corporation (PBDC) was founded in 1987 to promote economic development for the membership of its First Nation. The organization is run as a commercial holding company and is fully owned by members of OCN. PBDC activities include planning and implementing business initiatives and overseeing growth of businesses, including several retail and service outlets. The organization’s leadership and vision has allowed many businesses to thrive in the area, creating a social and economic environment that is well equipped to serve new business interests.

The area’s retail centre is the Otineka Mall. While originally envisioned by the Otineka Development Corporation as a community grocery store, today the complex covers 13 acres and houses stores and offices throughout its three levels. The PBDC’s newest ventures include Sports Traders, Your Dollar Store with More and the Big “E” Mart.

The IGA grocery store offers the only scratch bakery in town (specializing in wedding and all other occasion cakes), a fresh meat counter and wide deli and produce selections. In addition, personalized calendars and photo greeting cards can be made here.

In a corner of the mall parking lot lies another PBDC success story. The OCN Shell Gas Bar opened in November 1998. When the organization took control of the struggling business, they were told it would sell no more than four million litres of gas annually. The PBDC added pumps, space and staff, and it paid off. Today, the location sells more than eight million litres each year, and the confectionery sells more than $100,000 worth of goods annually.

Sports Traders is one of the newest ventures located inside the mall and specializes in team orders and new or used sporting equipment. The store also takes trades and has a full-service repair depot and offers skate sharpening in the winter.

The Big “E” Mart is located in Big Eddy and services the people in that area with groceries and snacks.

Your Dollar Store with More has many items for all age groups at a very affordable price.

The Pas Food Town, which has the new name Paskwayak Convenience Store, is another convenient location. The store, located on Hogan Avenue, opened in December 1997 and is another successful PBDC business. The facility offers groceries, tobacco, produce and fresh meat and has a lottery ticket outlet. It is open seven days a week and during all holidays for the convenience of its customers.

For those who have business clients travelling to OCN, there is a comfortable place to stay. The 3 1/2 star Kikiwak Inn opened in 1996 and features 60 guestrooms, a pool, hot tub, exercise facilities and a full-service restaurant and lounge. The hotel also has meeting facilities, so important business decisions can be made without even leaving the building.

In addition to OCN’s economic base of retail, office space and accommodations, PBDC business Northland Redi-Mix Concrete & Gravel Operations can supply material to be used for new business construction.

If you’re interested in exploring the economic opportunities that lie in OCN, call Paskwayak Business Development Corporation at 204-627-7200.

For more information, visit www.thepasarea.com u

location: West-central Manitoba, across the Saskatchewan River from The Pas Website: www.thepasarea.com Slogan: “Progress and Independence” Founded: 1906 mission statement: To have true Aboriginal Self-Government as determined by the people, which incorporates our cultural values and traditions and is based on our own unique history. major sites: Kikiwak Inn, Otineka Mall, Aseneskak Casino major developments: Kikiwak Inn, which officially opened in 1996, is an $8-million hotel with a pool, hot tub, dining room and lounge and 60 rooms.

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THE PAS

Welcome to the pas

GATEWAY TO THE NORTH

K

nown as “The Gateway to the North,” The Pas is a multi-industry northern town. The Pas community is one of the oldest and most striking settlements in northern Manitoba. Boasting one of the three true blue lakes in existence, outdoor adventure abounds set to the raw natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world.

Throughout the year, The Pas offers unique recreational activities and a variety of cultural attractions such as the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival, Agricultural Fair, and Opasquia Indian days.

The Pas and the surrounding area are not only internationally renowned for trophy lake trout, northern pike and walleye but also rich in and well known for game animals and waterfowl such as moose, black bear, deer, woodland caribou, elk, Canada goose, snow goose, duck, etc. The vast farmlands in the region provide excellent waterfowl habitat. The Pas is also one of the largest breeding and staying areas of migratory waterfowl in the world.

The abundance of lakes, rivers, creeks and swamps in the surrounding area and the four distinct seasons provides The Pas with a year-round recreational paradise.

There are plenty of recreational water activities, including boating, canoeing, sailing and swimming. In the winter season wilderness watersheds, hiking trails and scenic vistas become an ideal setting for cross country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

The Pas boasts over 60 sports and recreational clubs as well as excellent recreational facilities. The Town maintains many spacious parks, playgrounds and tot lot areas for residents and visitors of all ages. Softball fields, soccer pitches, tennis courts, track and field facilities, skating parks and even a 1/4 mile stock car oval are all available in The Pas. The Pas serves as the retail and service center in northwestern Manitoba. It features more than 200 retail outlets and two shopping malls as well as a number of well-known chain restaurants, stores and hotels which are able to satisfy various business needs and consumer interests and also provide local residents and visitors a wide selection of products and services.

For more information visit our website: www.thepasarea.com. u

Box 2519; R9A 1M3 The Pas, MB Email: Wescana@mts.net

town office: 204-627-1100 population: 5,589 (2006 census) location: 630 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, near the border of Saskatchewan Slogan: “The Gateway to the North” little Known Facts: The Pas is sometimes still called Paskoyac by locals. That was the official name of the town until it was incorporated in 1912 and its name was changed. The word “Paskoyac” comes from the European transliteration “O’Paskoyac,” an attempt to render phonetically the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. major sites: Sam Waller Museum, Devon Park, Via Station, LaRose Avenue major developments: The town hosts one of the two main campuses of the University College of the North.

Tel.: 204-623-5446 1-800-665-9468 Fax: 204-623-3383

Newly renovated rooms Dining Room/Lounge/Night Club Sledding Packages On designated routes and close to fuel

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PHOTO BY DAVID COBB

www.wescanainn.com

ADventure north the pAS & AreA

R.M. OF KELSEY

Welcome to the r.m. of Kelsey

SEE IT ALL

population: 2,453

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he Rural Municipality of Kelsey will provide you with a true northern experience. From farming to fishing, the R.M. of Kelsey has what it takes to make your stay both fun and comfortable. The R.M. of Kelsey consists of five diverse areas, which form a wellmanaged and viable jurisdiction.

location: 600 kilometres north of Winnipeg

Carrot Valley Carrot Valley is one of Canada’s oldest farming areas. Long summer daylight hours and rich soils provide an excellent environment for grain and cattle farming. The rivers and lakes surrounding the area host world-class fishing opportunities year-round and are a sportsman’s delight. During the fall, migratory birds fly overhead. Moose and deer population call this area home.

little Known Facts: The R.M. of Kelsey is the most northern farming community in Manitoba. Located north of the 53rd parallel, the R.M. of Kelsey has longer daylight hours in the summer, which is equivalent to 10 extra growing days.

Ralls Island Ralls Island area consists of rural residential, small mixed agricultural and hobby farms. The picturesque countryside brings many visitors out to enjoy numerous hiking trails and bird watching. Avid fishermen come to enjoy the great outdoors, where they fish for walleye off the banks of the Saskatchewan River.

Young Point / Big Eddy and Umperville Settlements Native culture is kept alive with many aboriginal heritage events being held each year, such as powwows and Opaskwayak Indian Days. Participants come from all over the country to enjoy these events.

Founded: 1945

major sites: Many of the world’s most beautiful lakes, wildlife and scenery.

Visit the R.M. of Kelsey and enjoy what nature has to offer!

Wanless Wanless is an outdoorsman’s dream! The lakes abound in northern pike, walleye and smallmouth bass, which bring people across the nation to enjoy this wonderful area.

There are hunting and fishing lodges, along with campgrounds to accommodate tourists and travellers. The Wanless area hosts a Country and Western Jamboree, which brings local talent to the stage each year.

Cranberry Portage Cranberry Portage has many wonderful opportunities where you can build your dream home or cottage. The area consists of beautiful beaches with canoe routes, camping sites, lodges, cycling and hiking trails; these offer boundless recreational enjoyment. Join in the fun-filled days of the Canoe Portage Race or visit the World’s Largest Teepee, which is approximately 2,800 square feet. Visit for a weekend or your entire vacation, and enjoy the great outdoors! u

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SNOW LAKE GOLD COUNTRY’S RECREATIONAL PARADISE

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now Lake is the perfect spot for a winter holiday. The town is easily accessible by paved highway and is central to the three northern cities. It is just a few minutes off PTH #39, and you will see the tumbling falls at Wekusko Falls on your way.

There are many lakes and rivers for ice fishing, and you might experience the thrill of hooking a Master Angler. Plan to stay a few days at a local motel, hotel or bed and breakfast. Wake up to a delicious home cooked breakfast before heading out in the fresh air of our pristine wilderness.

Snowmobilers will have a marvelous time on the groomed trails through the boreal forest of the Canadian Shield. The local club hosts the competitive Sno Drifters’ Snow Drags on March 5.

Cross country ski trails meander through the forest, and Snow Lake is known internationally for its scenic beauty, so make sure to bring your camera.

If you like to stroll through the forest, there are three walking trails with interpretive signage.

Brochures are available at various locations, including the Town office. While in town take a stroll to see the indoor and outdoor murals, including the Heritage Mural painted by artist Cindy Santa, and visit the local art gallery and various shops.

One of the fun events for the whole family is the Winter Whoot Festival held in early March.

It’s so much fun you forget it is winter!

For further information, contact Beverley Atkinson, Community Development Officer, at 204-358-7630 or snowlake_cedo@mts.net

TEE OFF ON THE SCENIC GOLF COURSE

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t’s worth the drive to play at Snow Lake’s challenging and beautiful nine-hole golf course.

You will play on a course carved out of the boreal forest, with huge Canadian Shield boulders just off the fairways that will give you an edge if you are veering offcentre – the ball might hit the rocks and bounce right back on the course! There are no sand traps, but with water and other hazards, you will still need all your skills. There’s also a well-groomed practice green. Would you believe no tee times are necessary?

A special treat is a view of the lake from certain fairways, and the mine head frame in the background adds a unique touch. Wildlife is frequently sighted, and last time playing on the 7th, we had the joy of seeing a raven flying overhead with a golf ball in its beak. One young player had confessed to losing 12 balls that round, but maybe part of it wasn’t due to bad shots!

Foxes and bears have also been sighted, as well as the Canada Geese.

Snow Lake Golf Course is located at the centre of the three northern cities: Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson, so it’s common to have players from those centres come for a day at the course and enter tournaments. As well as enjoying a great game of golf with friendly Snow Lake residents, have a look at the world-renowned scenic beauty of the town and area, plus a tour through the Manitoba Star Attraction Mining Museum. Finish your day with a relaxing dinner on the deck at the clubhouse, or have another round before darkness sets in just before midnight. u

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Welcome to Snow lake town office: 204-358-2551 population: 1,050 (estimated) location: Highway 392 Website: www.snowlake.com email: snowlake_cedo@mts.net Slogans: “Gold Country’s Recreational Paradise” Founded: 1940s as a result of gold discovery little known fact: Fur traders of the Hudson’s Bay Co. came through Snow Lake as early as 1692 major sites: Manitoba Star Attraction Mining Museum, Tramping Lake Petrographs, Wekusko Falls with suspension bridges, Snow Lake Heritage Mural major events: • Manitoba Theatre Centre, March 11, 2011 • Ladies’ and Men’s Bonspiels, February • Prairie Theatre Exchange Production, February • Winter Whoot Carnival, March • SnoDrifters Snow Drag Races, March • Poker Derbies, February and March • Manitoba Theatre for Young People, May • MMF Annual Hidden Length Fish Derby, June • Canada Day Festival, July • Seniors’ Dinner, September • Annual Fall Supper, October • Age Friendly Initiative Seniors Meeting in October • Legion Fall Tea, November • Aurora Borealis Craft Sale, November • Community Christmas Concert, December • SnoDrifters Boxing Day Social • New Year’s Day Community Party

ADventure north GreeNStoNe

FLIN FLON

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lin Flon’s unique placement, built upon rock at the edge of the Precambrian Shield, makes the city as scenic from all angles as it is rich in mineral deposits. Thanks to solid infrastructure and abundant recreation opportunities, the area is a wonderland for businesses and vacationers alike.

Flin Flon’s population of about 6,000 makes it Manitoba’s sixth largest city, and one of the province’s most thriving communities.

Mining has traditionally been, and remains, the city of Flin Flon’s main industry. But Flin Flon’s economic success is built on more than mining. Tourism is a strong secondary industry in the area. Canadians, and American travellers from the northern states to as far down as Texas, visit Flin Flon for abundant fishing and hunting opportunities. Recreational opportunities also abound, with an indoor swimming pool, campgrounds, curling rinks, a junior hockey team, ski club, Ski-Doo club, sailing club, and many other activities available in the city.

Flin Flon’s residents have access to many quality services. A 68-bed hospital employs eight doctors, 32 registered nurses and 14 licensed practical nurses. In addition, the city has two dentists, a denturist, an optometrist and two chiropractors. Education options are plentiful for all age groups, with elementary schools (including French Immersion Curriculum), a high school, an alternative learning centre and a University College of the North campus.

The city’s public transportation system and taxi service, along with daily air and intercity bus service, ensures easy access to Flin Flon, and access to all amenities held within the city.

In addition, anticipated upgrades to highways throughout the city should continue to make the city’s infrastructure desirable for those looking to invest in northern opportunities.

Indeed, Flin Flon has already begun to see its economy diversify, as new businesses and industries begin to take notice of the area.

Unique business opportunities such as nontimber forest products that are harvested in the region provide some supplementary income to residents. In 2004, more than $2.5 million in building permits were issued, and the city currently has 22 industrial, 183 residential and 15 commercial lots available.

In addition, 2008 marked 75 years for the city of Flin Flon. Many residents re-

VISIT THE SHIELD turned home for the celebrations. For more information about the city of Flin Flon, visit www.cityofflinflon.com Flin Flon can look ahead to a very bright future, with many new possibilities on the horizon. It is a vibrant northern city with everything a business owner could need, for work and play. u

City hall: 204-681-7511 population: 6,267 location: On the Saskatchewan/ Manitoba border Website: www.cityofflinflon.com mascot: Flinty Founded: 1933 little known fact: Flin Flon has the only legalized underground marijuana operations – Prairie Plant Systems for Health Canada.

major events: • Bust the Winter Blues Festival, mid-Feb. • Flin Flon Ski Club Centaloppet, late Feb. • CFAR Leisure Show, late April • Indoor Soccer Festival, late April • Bakers Narrows Days, early June • Canada Day Celebration, July 1 • Trout Festival, July long weekend • Demolition Derby, July • Arts & Craft Show, Nov. 6 • Rotary Club Travel Dream Draw, Nov.10 • Santa Claus Parade, December • Community Dance Recital, March 19 • Spring Break for the Kidz March 28 – April 1 • Rotary Lobster Night, May 7

THE PERFECT PLACE TO GROW

a family a business a great life!!

Flin Flon is the ultimate vacationer’s destination nestled in the majestic Canadian Shield. Evolving from a prospectors’ camp into a thriving northern centre, this friendly community is a great place to live and raise a family, offering a wealth of year-round recreation, family, and cultural activities. With historically strong local business support, it’s also an exceptional place to invest.

Welcome to Flin Flon

major sites: Flin Flon Station Museum, Joe Brain Petting Zoo, Flinty Boardwalk, Phantom Lake Golf Club

FLIN FLON

Participate in over 40 performances and interactive events during Flin Flon’s Culture Days September 24 – 26, 2010. For complete list see www.flinflonartscouncil.com.

Cheer on the world famous Flin Flon Junior Bombers at Flin Flon’s historic Whitney Forum as they pursue their quest for another Division Title in the 2010 – 2011 season. See www.bombers.ca for schedule details.

The City of Flin Flon 20 First Avenue (204) 681-7511 www.cityofflinflon.com

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CRANBERRY PORTAGE AN INSPIRING PLACE

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or those looking to relax and enjoy themselves, Cranberry Portage offers excellent and affordable camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, with our many lodges, campgrounds and lakes.

Lake Athapapuskow and the Cranberry Lake/Simon House Lake area are on a divide, with water from the Cranberrys running east to the Grassy River chain, into the Burnt Nelson chain, and Lake Athapapuskow’s pristine waters flowing south into the Saskatchewan River. Cranberry Portage is on a route that was used by Henry Kelsey years ago and is one of the most beautiful areas in the North.

The Cranberry Portage area began to expand its tourism potential two years ago, when the premier of Manitoba announced the development of 1,000 lakeside cabin lots.

Since then, two more developments have been put together, offering tourists looking for a peaceful spot in nature many exciting choices.

Aside from tranquil settings and peaceful spots, Cranberry Portage offers a number of local attractions guaranteed to keep tourists coming back.

One such place is Northern Buffalo Sculptures Gallery. The gallery, which opened in June 2004, is 100 per cent owned and operated by internationally renowned Métis sculptor, Irvin Head. Head started the gallery after working with many other talented artists who originated in northern Manitoba, and who had since moved to work and market their creations in the southern half of the province. Head and the other artists felt the beauty of the North must return and should be showcased in the North.

Cranberry Portage has 140 surveyed lots developed with roads and hydro to most of them. Watch for a draw notice on gov.mb.ca/conservation website. Cranberry Portage is located between the Grassy River Park head waters and Lake Athapapuskow. Cranberry has access to water travel to Flin Flon, northwest 80 kilometres, east 70 kilometres to Elbow Lake and other points north, and south via Rat Creek to the Saskatchewan River. The areas canoe routes, camp spots, lodges, cycling and walking trails, along with beaches offer boundless recreational opportunities. The scenery and wildlife add to one’s enjoyment.

The community is also home to the World’s Largest Tipi, (which is approximately 2,800 square feet); it was erected during the National Aboriginal Artist Administrators Gathering that was held in Cranberry Portage in August 2007.

Feel free to visit Cranberry Portage to experience all the wilderness has to offer. u

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Welcome to Cranberry portage town office: 204-472-3219 population: 700 location: On Highway 10 between the larger communities of Flin Flon and The Pas Slogan: The New Wilderness Adventure Founded: Mid-1950s major developments: • Cottage lot developments • Community playground • Schist Lake Developers: titled lakefront lots

ADventure north NorthWeSt

LEAF RAPIDS

Welcome to leaf rapids

THE NORTH’S HIDDEN TREASURE

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he townsite of Leaf Rapids is situated on a glacial esker five kilometres from the beautiful Churchill River. The location is an idyllic playground for outdoor activities. Local guides ensure safe passage along the nearby Churchill River system. In summer, the mighty Churchill River provides hundreds of kilometres of navigable waterways. The town is a fisherman’s dream come true, because of its abundant northern pike and walleye. Several lakes in the area boast incredible lake trout fishing, and two stocked lakes offer the thrill of fishing for rainbow trout. A variety of hunting opportunities exists, including spring and fall black bear hunts, moose hunts and game bird hunting.

For families, tenting facilities are available along with safe sandy beaches that offer quiet relaxation. The walking trails are a delight to the nature lover and berry picker alike. The crystal clear tranquil lakes are ideal for canoe enthusiasts. In winter, cross-country ski trails and snow machine trails criss-cross the area, providing recreation for everybody. A major attraction is the Leaf Rapids Winter Carnival; this event is held in March and provides fun and entertainment for the whole family. Winter or summer, Leaf Rapids is a photographer’s delight. Unsurpassed scenic photo opportunities abound throughout the untouched wilderness area.

Recreational Paradise Summer and winter sporting facilities abound in Leaf Rapids. The Churchill River provides hundreds of kilometres of waterways for fishermen dreaming of trophy catches.

Local guides ensure safe access to the river, and the great fishing provides family fun.

You can experience amazing catches of northern pike and walleye. Nine holes of golf are played surrounded by some of the most Unparalleled sunsets, hiking trails and canoe routes. Trophy fishing and breathtaking scenery in northern Manitoba. hunting with bountiful natural resources.

The golf course, like the town itself, was designed to preserve the integrity of the natural environment. Everywhere you look you are reminded that, only a few short years ago, you would be standing in the middle of an untrammelled wilderness. Turnbull Lake lies four kilometres south of town and offers sandy beaches and crystal clear water for great family fun and entertainment.

Come Home To The North’s Hidden Treasure For a complete listing of homes /cottages available for $35,000 & less visit our website – www.townofleafrapids.ca Town of Leaf Rapids 204-473-2436 Located 1,000 km north of Winnipeg

population: Approximately 550 location: In northwestern Manitoba on Provincial Road 391 Website: www.townofleafrapids.ca Slogan: The North’s Hidden Treasure Founded: 1971 major sites: Town Centre Complex, Churchill River, Churchill River Lodge, Ancient Rock Pictographs, Turnbull Beach, Golf Course, National Exhibition Centre, which is the most northern National Exhibition Centre in Manitoba major developments: First municipality in North America to ban single-use plastic shopping bags major events: • Winter Carnival

Natural Resources, Vegetation and Wildlife Leaf Rapids lies in the northern boreal forest region, which is predominantly comprised of jackpine, spruce and tamarack, as well as a variety of low berry bushes, such as blackberry, wild strawberry, gooseberry and high bush cranberries; it extends over northern Manitoba and transitions to the treeless tundra characteristic of the Churchill area. Prominent features in this northern landscape are sandy ridges or ‘eskers,’ which often extend for miles. The town itself is built on such a ridge.

These surface ridges of sand and gravel are generally covered with a thin layer of topsoil that supports the growth of trees and a light cover of mosses and lichens. Being well elevated, the eskers have good drainage and are not subject to permafrost, thus offering a stable base for construction.

Numerous small lakes and the Churchill River system offer habitat for a variety of fish including northern pike, walleye, trout, grayling and whitefish. The Leaf Rapids environs are also home to numerous species of wildlife, such as black bear, wild rabbit, moose and ptarmigan. The rich wildlife of the region offers opportunities to develop the outdoor recreation environment. u Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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LYNN LAKE EXPERIENCE TRUE NORTHERN ADVENTURE

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et your senses help you unwind from your hectic life. Take a moment to touch eskers made of sand and gravel crafted by the powers of retreating glaciers that were made decades ago. Gaze at the sky and be mesmerized by the incredible spectacle of the northern lights (aurora borealis). Breathe the purity of the northern boreal forest after a summer rain. Taste the delicacy of fresh pan-fried walleye (pickerel). Listen to the enchanting calls of loons during a sunset. Once you arrive in Lynn Lake, there is no mistaking that you are in Canada’s true north: free, rugged, and breathtaking.

Pristine lakes and rivers surrounded by the rugged northern boreal forest offer memories that young and old will treasure for a lifetime. Raw wilderness in an untouched setting offers solitude and an opportunity to become one as a family, and with nature.

This is the Land of Little Sticks, where spruce trees have been crafted by the forces of nature. Two provincial parks, Berge Lake and Zed Lake both located within 20 kilometres of Lynn Lake are evidence of the beauty in northwestern Manitoba waiting for you.

Lynn Lake is the regional service centre providing a number of essential services and goods for northwestern Manitoba. Education, health care, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Conservation District Office, Manitoba Transportation roads crew, and the RCMP provide services regionally and locally. In town, businesses include a Northern Store, a video store, two hotel/motels, two restaurants, a legion, auto garage, gas station, bulk fuel gas and diesel outlet, jewelry/gift shop/Sears Outlet, hardware store, variety store with pharmaceutical pickup, two B&Bs and heavy equipment construction/trucking firms. The special surroundings supported by our businesses and community services attract tourists year-round.

Local businesses also extend their services into the region’s lodges and mining camps.

The same business services along with necessary local infrastructure are able to support local and regional mineral exploration programs. Located at the end of the road, Lynn Lake is your dependable and affordable air and freight transportation corridor into Nunavut.

Lynn Lake is your portal to true northern adventure. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day being the only fisherman on a tranquil lake, or challenging white water canoeing, you will find it here. Annual caribou migrations to the North, abundant moose, bear and wolf populations, extreme snowmobiling, hiking along eskers and, of course, unparalleled affordable and road-accessible sport fishing; it’s all here. Lynn Lake: Your Portal to True Northern Adventure. For further information, visit www.lynnlake.ca u

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lynn lake – Your adventure starts at the end of the road population: Approximately 830 location: 1,100 kilometres north of Winnipeg, 311 kilometres from Thompson Website: www.lynnlake.ca Slogan: Sport Fishing Capital of Manitoba Founded: 1951 little known fact: Cartoonist Lynn Johnston (For Better or Worse) lived in Lynn Lake for many years. Rock star Tom Cochrane was born in Lynn Lake. Steve Andreychuk, former WHL and NHL hockey player, was raised in Lynn Lake. Devin Latimer of the band Nathan was born and raised in Lynn Lake. major sites: The murals depicting the region’s natural beauty, Mining Town Museum, Linn Tractor Display.

ADventure north North CeNtrAl

CHURCHILL

Welcome to Churchill location: 970 kilometres north of Winnipeg by air and 1,700 kilometres by rail

VISIT POLAR BEAR COUNTRY

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nown as the Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Capital of the World, Churchill boasts a thriving tourism industry that is associated with growth. New markets such as northern lights (January to September) and North America’s foremost bird watching location (May to July) have served to inspire the development of year-round eco-tourism opportunities.

Historically, Churchill has also been on the cutting edge of research and development, commencing with the construction of the Prince of Wales Fort in 1732 and followed by the development of the rail line and the grain port at the start of the 20th century — both still in full operation today. As a result, Churchill has become an international transportation hub that could easily be complemented by a variety of manufacturing opportunities.

During the Cold War, Churchill was the ideal location for upper and lower atmospheric research, which produced an infrastructure unlike any other in northern Canada. Today, a fully functioning rocket and research facility waits for its next opportunity, and scientists and researchers from around the world gather to use the facilities at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Equipped with dormitories, full-service kitchen facilities, research science labs, observatory domes, a reference library, computer lab and equipment and vehicle rentals, the centre is well positioned to handle any scientific requirement.

For those looking to visit or relocate to Churchill, the community has superior standard of living and is bursting with recreational opportunities for families. The jewel in Churchill’s crown is a 240,000-square-foot Town Centre Complex, equipped with an indoor playground, daycare facilities, a curling rink and lounge, arena, gymnasium, swimming pool, library, restaurant, video rental, 300-seat theatre, a K-12 school, the Regional Health Authority and the offices for the Town of Churchill. The facility also features plenty of premier locations for viewing the natural beauty of the Hudson Bay coast. Economic opportunities abound within Churchill as new businesses, such as gift shops, restaurants, hotels, tour operators and other services, expand with the growing demand for the town’s world-class eco-tourism experience. u

Website: www.churchill.ca Slogans: “Polar Bear Capital of the World” “Beluga Whale Capital of the World” major sites: Polar bears, beluga whales, bird watching, northern lights, Wapusk National Park, York Factory fur trade centre, Fort Prince of Wales, Cape Merry stone battery, Eskimo Museum, Rocket & Research Range, Miss Piggy airplane wreck, MV Ithaca shipwreck

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CROSS LAKE RICH IN HERITAGE, CULTURE AND TRADITION

By Judy Penz sheluk

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wo closely related, adjoining but independent communities are known as Cross Lake. One is located on the Cross Lake Indian Reserve, and the other is on nearby provincial crown land. The provincial community consists of non-status and Métis, with a population of about 500. Cross Lake Band Reservation is one of the fastest progressive reservations in Manitoba, and has the largest youth population in all the 63 reservations in Manitoba. Unlike any other native community, Cross Lake Band government is under the leadership of the chief and council (the community is governed by a mayor and council).

Cross Lake, so named for its geographical location, is situated on the shores of the Nelson River where the river crosses the lake. Roughly an eight-hour drive from Winnipeg, and about three hours drive from Thompson, a newly constructed bridge offers all-weather road access from provincial road 373 and 374 into the community.

Throughout history, the area of Cross Lake has been a centre of fur trade and commerce; a place to meet people and exchange ideas and bond inter-tribal families.

Cross Lake was, and still is, rich in heritage, tradition and culture. Present economic activity includes fishing, trapping and local services. Small deposits of lithium, copper and titanium are known in the immediate area, but currently are not economically recoverable. Ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of the community and create long-term economic growth and infrastructure include building a community centre in the future. Provincial funding for a new administration, fire and ambulance building was announced in April 2008. u

Welcome to Cross lake Cross lake Community Administrator: 204-676-2465 population: 7,000 (both community and reserve) Website: www.crosslakeband.ca location: Approximately 190 air kilometres south of Thompson and 520 air kilometres north of Winnipeg Founded: 1875 Cross lake Band events: Cross Lake Winter Festival (late February/March); Cross Lake Indian Days/Annual Treaty Days (late July/early August); Elder’s Annual Gathering (August); Pimicikamak Cree Nation Mamawimawacitowin Annual Competition Pow Wow (August); Battle of Nations Softball (August); Cross Lake Diabetes Marathon (September) Cross lake Community events: 7th Annual Family Camp Out in July; Annual Firefighters Rodeo in September; Annual Christmas Santa Parade and Children’s Party in November.

First Fact: In July 2006, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets launched a corps in Cross Lake, the first ever established on a First Nation in the province. little Known Fact: Perimeter Airlines flies from Winnipeg to Cross Lake three times per day, Monday to Friday. There is one flight daily on Saturday and Sunday.

Cross lake people’s Cree Name: ‘Nikickonakos’ (Otter People)

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ADventure north North CeNtrAl

GILLAM

Welcome to Gillam town office: 204-652-3150

RELAX IN THE POWER CAPITAL

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population: 1,239

illam, the Power Capital of Manitoba, is a small but growing community located north of the 56th parallel, approximately 300 kilometres north of Thompson. The town’s main industry is power generated by Manitoba Hydro, and Gillam has grown along with the need for hydro.

Gillam began as a small Native and Métis community, but has grown to a town of more than 1,100 people. With the prospect of several more power dams being built in the area, the population is expected to continue increasing.

Gillam boasts an indoor swimming pool – the Nelson River Aquatic Centre – located next to the Gillam Recreation Centre. Open for public swimming for all ages, the pool also offers swimming lessons and private bookings. The pool can comfortably accommodate 50 swimmers and also houses a waterslide and a kiddie pool.

As part of Gillam’s beautification plan, several lighted walkway paths are planned to be established throughout the town. A new “Welcome to Gillam” sign will be installed at the entrance to the town. Also adding to the appeal of Gillam is the town’s new driving range, which opened in August 2007.

The town includes a credit union, hardware store, an insurance office and post office in a centrally located mall. The main town area is home to a beauty shop, grocery store, convenience store, garage, motor sports shop, liquor vendor/gift and flower shop, a hotel, motel and three restaurants. Gillam has its own hospital and offers regular dental, chiropractic, massage therapy and optometrist visits. The town also has a large school accommodating students from nursery through senior four.

There are several ways to get to Gillam. An all-weather road, PR 280, is a wonderful way to see the beautiful terrain surrounding the area. Gillam also enjoys regular air service with Calm Air, daily bus arrivals and departures with Greyhound, and service with Via Rail. You can also travel on to Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital, from Gillam with Via Rail. u

location: 730 kilometres north of Winnipeg Founded: 1910 major sites: Manitoba Hydro dam site tours, hunting and fishing, aurora borealis major developments: • Town of Gillam Driving Range • Housing Development • Housing Replacement • Airport Lighting Rehabilitation Project • Pumphouse Beach Upgrading

THE TOWN OF GILLAM Welcomes you to fishing, hunting and camping country.

Explore the road to Gillam then relax on the train to Churchill.

Town Office: 204-652-3150 Website: www.townofgillam.com Location: 730 kilometres north of Winnipeg by air, 1,065 kilometres north of Winnipeg by road, 1,401 kilometres north of Winnipeg by rail.

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NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION THRIVING COMMUNITY

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ne of the largest First Nations in Manitoba, Norway House Cree Nation is a thriving and vibrant community.

Located approximately 874 kilometres north of Winnipeg, it has a population of 6,258 members.

The reserve consists of 19,435 acres along the southern shoreline of Little Playgreen Lake and the Nelson River. The Norway House resource area is comprised of 43 registered traplines, encompassing approximately 5.2 million acres.

Norway House boasts a large number of amenities, including a hospital and personal care home, three schools, four churches, apartment buildings and public work facilities, such as a housing warehouse, water treatment plant and water truck warehouse.

The community has seen a significant amount of infrastructure and community developments since 1994, such as the Kinosao Sipi Multiplex, a new Council and Administration Building, York Boat Inn, retail mall and cellular phone service.

Culture and traditions are important aspects of life in Norway House. Events like the Annual Pipoon Festival, Powwow and the Annual Treaty & York Boat Days are celebrated each year.

With exceptional services available in the community, Norway House has the ability to host many important events, such as the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs AGA and Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin AGA. Employment for Members is a priority, with new opportunities for employment created by projects such as the clean up efforts at two-mile and eight-mile channels, establishing winter roads to Oxford House, God’s Lake and God’s River. New areas for employment in coming years will include the tourism sector.

Top-quality education is another priority, and 2004 marked the beginning of a new era for Norway House Cree Nation and its Membership. The community celebrated the grand opening of the Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Education Resource Centre.

Another initiative toward advancing education options has been the conversion of the Norway House High School into a postsecondary facility serving as a home for the University College of the North. Negotiations have been ongoing for the final phase of the school project, which will house a brand new Community Complex.

Norway House recognizes that the strength of the future community lies with the youth; therefore, it is important to provide youth with opportunities for quality education, give them the ability to learn and use different technologies, introduce them to politics and athletics and encourage them to be creative and imaginative.

Norway House brought the first-ever cellular phone service to a First Nations community in the North – an initiative of which 46

NORMAN RDC • 1-800-665-4774

we are extremely proud. The cellular tower was erected in August 2003, and service was in place by November 2003, with a radius of 25 kilometres. The availability of such service has improved the communication ability of the community.

Kistapinanik Mall was completed in 1998, after a year of construction. It was planned as an initiative to create jobs, provide business opportunities, generate rental revenue for the Band and alleviate the need for Band Members to travel in order to access shopping and services. The vision for the mall was to attract customers from surrounding communities and contribute to strengthening the local economy. The mall currently includes the following tenants: Northwest Company Quikstop Food Court Royal Bank Ranger Insurance Teekca’s Boutique

Myleen’s Treasures Cree Nation Design Creelite Communications Canada Post Office K.S. Dental Centre

Norway House Cree Nation has many small businesses, such as the Fisherman’s Co-op Gas Bar, Apetagon’s Gas Bar & Repair Shop, Anderson’s Fuel and Confectionary, Super Video World, etc., with most being locally owned and operated. Norway House also serves your shopping needs with the Northern Fort and Low’s Family Foods stores. There are also four restaurants in town: the York Boat Diner, Shania’s, Chicken Chef and Riverside Restaurant. Apetagon’s Video also has take-out food.

Visitors to the area are well-served with local accommodations at the York Boat Inn, Riverside Cottages and the Playgreen Inn. Forty-two air miles northeast of Norway House, amidst the beauty of the Canadian wilderness, lies the ultimate in trophy fly-in fishing – Molson Lake Lodge. With three species of trophy-sized fish – northern, walleye and lake trout – complemented by unsurpassed service, it is no wonder guests of Molson Lake Lodge are 90 per cent repeats or referrals. The American Plan main lodge on Molson Lake offers world-class fishing along with all the amenities of a five-star resort. Staff will assure that your stay in “God’s Country” will be in firstclass comfort.

Washahagin Lake Lodge is 37 air miles east of Norway House. The fishing at Washahagin Lake is exceptional for the walleye and northern pike. The lodge is open from June until September. Washahagin Lodge is accessible only by float plane.

Washahagin Lake Lodge is a great fly-in fishing camp, with beautiful scenery and hospitality that is second to none.

ADVENTURE NORTH NORTH CENTRAL

During the winter months, Norway House has much recreation to offer. The Multiplex is home to many recreational activities, including hockey, curling, minor hockey, and a drop-in centre. The Junior “B” Northstars also participate in the Keystone Junior “B” Hockey League, against teams from down south such as Pequis and Winnipeg. The Minor Hockey Association also has various tournaments throughout the year for the different age categories. Norway House also boasts a “AA” Midget hockey team that won the Provincial Championship in 2005.

Honouring our Elders is a tradition that goes way back.

The Elders are acknowledged during Treaty & York Boat Days and again during Christmas. Elders receive gifts from Chief & Council on behalf of the Membership, and a feast is given in honour of the Elders.

The Annual Pipoon (Winter) Festival is held in the month of March. Many activities are enjoyed during the festival, including the King & Queen Trappers event, dogsledding, snowshoeing and traditional square dancing.

In the summer months, the recreation department is busy fulfilling the needs of the community, which is no small order.

The community hosts traditional and cultural events during both National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day, including York Boat excursions, fireworks, powwow and traditional events.

The Annual Powwow is held during the last month of July, and allows community members to participate in cultural and traditional events. Dancers come from all over North America to compete for cash and other prizes.

Treaty and York Boat Days, which are usually held in early August, are the main attraction during the summer. Competitors and spectators from all over the world come to Norway House.

The celebration takes place the first week in August, starting on Monday and finishing up on Sunday. Activities include children’s events, adult events, basketball, volleyball, card tournaments and marathons. The main attraction of the week is the Men’s and Women’s World York Boat Championships, with a grand prize of $25,000 going to the winner of each of event. The races commemorate the old fur trading tradition, when men from Norway House would use York Boats to haul freight for a living.

Visit Norway House Cree Nation’s website at www.nhcn.ca ◆ Norway House Office p.o. box 250 norway house, Mb r0b 1b0 phone: 204-359-6786 Fax: 204-359-4186 email: nhcreent@mb.sympatico.ca Winnipeg Office 780-125 Garry st.

Winnipeg, Mb r3c 2p2 phone: 204-957-0968 Fax: 204-957-0981 email: nhcn@escape.ca

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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ADVENTURE NORTH NORTH CENTRAL

THOMPSON HUB OF THE NORTH

F

ound in the north central portion of pristine northern Manitoba is the City of Thompson; the Hub of the North. The award winning Spirit Way Walkway characterized by the famous artistically painted concrete wolf statues looking toward the sky, and the range of services, shopping and comfortable amenities nestled in the middle of the northern boreal forest help deďŹ ne Thompson - the largest community in northern Manitoba oďŹ&#x20AC;ering something for everyone.

Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a modern and progressive community that is active in its own development and realizes the importance of working with the region, levels of government, First Nations, business, and other stakeholders. We recognize that we have an essential role to serve well in terms of being a regional service centre; transportation, education, medical, a centre for First Nations leadership, and government and business services combined made us the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hub of the Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The relationship between Thompson and the region is one that is best understood in terms of collective sustainability achieved by working together and

Thompson Unlimited is a resource available to assist this process. Thompson is committed to working on creating the kind of community that is rich in opportunities.

Thompson is located 830 km north of the American border, and 750 km north of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city -Winnipeg.

Several towns and First Nation communities located in northern Manitoba have established transportation links with Thompson, either by road, train, or air. Thompson is located in the Precambrian Shield on the shores of the Burntwood River. It is nestled amongst numerous lakes and rivers, and is surrounded by the boreal forest. The community rests alongside one of the largest nickel ore deposits in Canada.

Current labour shortages experienced in Thompson and other communities across Canada are expected by experts to worsen over time. This shortage will inevitably aďŹ&#x20AC;ect everyone; businesses and consumers. Within this shortage though will bring enhanced opportunities for people wanting to participate in the labour force. Entrepreneurial opportunities also exist and can

5)0.140/ 'ROWING $YNAMIC 0ROSPEROUS 0H WWW THOMPSON CA INFO CITY THOMPSON MB CA

48

NormaN rDC â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-665-4774

0H WWW THOMPSONUNLIMITED CA INFO THOMPSONUNLIMITED CA

ADVENTURE NORTH NORTH CENTRAL

attract persons to become self-employed. Assistance is available through Thompson Unlimited and other organizations to help address shortages by matching persons looking for work to employment opportunities, or linking with training either through industry or government sources, or directly with businesses.

Investment opportunities are invited to Thompson. Big box retailers, real estate developers, and openings of new franchises in the community are some of the opportunities available. The Vale Inco modernization plan, the development of the new UCN Thompson Campus, and hydro dam constructions are some of the larger public and private sector developments that help open new business opportunities. The emerging tourism industry and working on developing the winter weather testing industry are longer term efforts that speak to diversifying the community from a community based, bottom-up approach.

Thompson’s commitment to working with First Nations is clear. The Aboriginal Accord signed on National Aboriginal Day in 2009 is an acknowledgement of the role that Aboriginals had and continue to have in the social, economic and environmental dimensions to Thompson. The Accord states that positive relationships must grow between the City of Thompson and Aboriginal communities based upon a foundation of the shared values of honesty, respect, mutual sharing and contribution. This Accord affirms that more can be gained by working together. ◆ Thompson – the City of Unlimited Opportunities For further information about Thompson, please contact Thompson Unlimited – Thompson’s Economic Development Corporation.

206 – 55 Selkirk Ave., Thompson, MB R8N 1P1 Phone: 204 677-1900 Toll Free: 1-866-965-3386 info@thompsonunlimited.ca www.thompsonunlimited.ca

Welcome to Thompson Population: 13,446 (2006 Stats Canada Census Population) Location: Approximately 740 km north of Winnipeg along Provincial Highway #6 north Website: www.thompson.ca Slogan: Hub of the North Mascot: King Miner Founded: City incorporated in 1970 Major Events: • Larry Hall Show & Sale – Oct. 1-30 • Halloween Skate – Oct. 29 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

• R.D Parker Art Exhibit – Nov. 2 – 30 • Computer Based Music Production Workshop Nov. 6 & 7 • Annual Thompson Fur Table Contact 204-677-1901 • R.D Parker Art Exhibit – Dec. 1 – 17 • Don Amero Concert Performance – Dec. 4, 8 p.m.

• Don Maclean Bantam Hockey Tournament Dec. 10 – 12 • Skate with Santa – Dec. 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

• Christmas Break Free Skate & Shinny Dec. 29 – Jan 1, 2011 • Don Maclean Bantam Hockey Tournament Jan. 7 – 9, 2011 • Martha Guth & Tyler Duncan Concert Performance – Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

• Kiran Ahluwalia Concert Performance Jan 25, 8 p.m.

For more information on any of these events contact the Recreation Centre at 677-7952 or e-mail rec@city.thompson.mb.ca or drop by between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Major Sites: Millennium Trail, Thompson Zoo, Heritage North Museum, Paint Lake Provincial Park, Pisew Falls, Spirit Way Walkway, Thompson Golf Club, Mystery Mountain Winter Park, World’s largest lighted mural, Norseman Plane Tribute, King Minor Statue Major Developments: • University College of the North – Thompson Campus development • Expansion of the Days Inn • Rogers Communications expansion into the Thompson market • Proposed new Extended Stay Hotel and restaurant • Ongoing Wuskwatim Dam construction • Global Aerospace Center for Icing and Environmental Research (GLACIER) Centre • Ongoing Thompson Sustainable Community Plan • New Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre building project • Proposed Keewatin Housing Authority Affordable Housing Development • Our Home Kikinaw project • Thompson Recycling Centre upgrades Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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ADVENTURE NORTH NORTH CENTRAL

NELSON HOUSE WHERE THREE RIVERS MEET

By Judy Penz Sheluk

N

elson House is located on the north shore of Footprint Lake, at the convergence of the Burntwood, Footprint and Rat Rivers, approximately 80 kilometres west of Thompson. The lands, totalling 14,460 acres or 5,852 hectares, are comprised of four reserves (Nelson House #170, #170A, #170B, #170C), and are populated by the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN). The Cree name Nisichawayasihk means “Where three rivers meet.”

As nomadic people, NCN’s ancestors developed a spiritual connection and respect for the lands and waters for their life-giving bounty from fishing, hunting, trapping and the fruits and medicinal plants from the forests. The lands of the Nelson River area are part of the northern boreal forest comprised of tracts of black and white spruce wilderness interspersed with rivers and lakes.

Although the traditional economy of fishing, hunting, gathering and trapping is valued and will be preserved, this young nation is also focusing on economic diversity. In 2006, NCN made a significant investment as a partner with Manitoba Hydro in the Wuskwatim Project, a 200-megawatt hydroelectric generating station built at Taskinigahp Falls on the Burntwood River in the Nelson House Resource Management Area. NCN is also committed to ongoing investment diverse range of economic development opportunities in tourism and construction. ◆

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Welcome to Nelson House Cree Name: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation NCN Band Office: 204-484-2332 Population: 2,095 Location: Approximately 80 kilometres west of Thompson, 250 kilometres northeast of The Pas, and 813 kilometres north of Winnipeg Website: www.ncncree.com Founded: 1908 NCN Companies: Mystery Lake Motor Hotel (Thompson), Nisichawayasihk Construction Limited Partnership, Taskinigahp Power Corp., Nelson House Development Corporation Little Known Fact: More than 60 per cent of NCN are between 13- and 30-years-old; at the 2006 census, the median age at Nelson House was 18.9 years.

ADVENTURE NORTH NORTH NORTH CENTRAL

BISSETT

Welcome to Bissett Council Office: 204-277-5218

THE HIDDEN PARADISE!

B

Location: 250 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg on Provincial Road 304 Founded: In existence since 1911, officially recognized in 1972 Major sites: Bissett Gold Mine, Rice Lake

• Bissett

PHOTO BY ANDREW RIVLIN

issett is located in the heart of wilderness country, situated on the shores of Rice Lake, 250 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg on PR #304.

There are endless recreational opportunities that await the eager outdoor enthusiast in all seasons. Fishing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, swimming, boating and canoeing, just to name a few.

Campgrounds in the area are English Brook, Wanipigow Lake and Wallace Lake.

You can contact Mark at 204-277-5463 for further information on these camping locations.

Blue Water Aviation is located right within the community and can be contacted by calling its office at 204-277-5536.

Fishing Lake Lodge and Outfitters can accommodate those looking for a remote fishing experience. Call 204-277-5262 for more information.

Bissett is located a short distance from Nopiming Provincial Park and Atikaki Wilderness Park.

Bissett offers services from lodging at Hotel San Antonio, 204-277-5250; and Northern Wings B&B, 204-277-5215; gas and hardware at Dee’s Service, 204277-5585; lumber from W. Zirk Lumber, 204-277-5275; Wynne’s Place groceries, laundromat and restaurant, 204-277-5500; and contracting services by Clinton Spence, 204-277-5070, and Byron Grapentine, 204-277-5262, and W. Zirk Contracting, 204-277-5275.

Bissett is host to an Annual Mixed Bonspiel each March and an Annual Fish Derby each August long weekend.

Please visit our website at www.granite.mb.ca/bissett We can be contacted by phone at 204-277-5218, or by email bissett@granite.mb.ca or fax 204-277-5521. ◆

Population: 125, fluctuating with the rise and fall of the Bissett Gold Mine

Issue 2 • 2010 • ManItoba’s northern experIence

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LISTINGS

Lodges, Accommodations and Services Listing Churchill Adventure Walking Tours Ph: 204-675-2147 Fax: 204-675-2103 Nature hikes, birdwatching Arctic Trading Company Ph: 204-675-8804 Fax: 204-675-2164 www.arctictradingco.com Canadian indigenous art Aurora Inn Ph: 204-675-2071 Toll free: 1-888-840-1344 www.aurora-inn.mb.ca Spacious suites Bear Country Inn Ph: 204-675-8299 26 cosy rooms, courtesy van Bear’s Den B&B Ph: 204-675-2556 Blue Sky Bed & Sled Ph: 204-675-2001 www.blueskymush.com Dog sledding/B&B Boreal Projects Ltd. Ph: 204-675-8866 July and August by appointment Calm Air Ph: 204-675-8858 Toll free: 1-800-839-2256 www.calmair.com Caskey B&B Ph: 204-675-2962 Churchill Arctic Travel Ph: 204-675-2811 Toll free: 1-800-267-5128 Churchill Chamber of Commerce Ph: 204-675-2022 Toll free: 1-888-389-2327 Churchill Motel Ltd. Ph: 204-675-8853 Fax: 204-675-8228 26 rooms, shuttle service Churchill Wild Ph: 204-377-5090 Toll free: 1-888-UGO-WILD (846-9453) Remote fly-in eco-lodge Churchill Wilderness Encounter Ph: 204-675-2248 Dymond Lake Outfitters Toll free: 1-888-WEBBERS (932-2377) www.webberslodges.com Remote fly-in fishing and hunting packages

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Eskimo Museum Ph: 204-675-2030 Great White Bear Tours Ph: 204-675-2781 Toll free: 1-866-765-8344 www.greatwhitebeartours.com Gypsy’s Bakery Ph: 204-675-2322 Fax: 204-675-2413 Hudson Bay Helicopters Ph: 204-675-2576 Toll free: 1-867-873-5146 www.HudsonBayHeli.com Helicopter charters and tours Hudson Bay Port Company Ph: 204-675-8823 Iceberg Inn Ph: 204-675-2228 8 rooms, Sears outlet Kivalliq Air Ph: 204-675-2086 Toll free: 1-877-855-1500 Lazy Bear Lodge & Café Ph: 204-675-2969 Toll free: 1-866-OUR-BEAR www.lazybearlodge.com Lodging, dining and tours Nanuk Entertainment Ph: 204-675-2303 North Star Tours Ltd. Ph: 204-675-2356 Northern Ph: 204-675-8891 Northern Images Ph: 204-675-2681 Northern Nights Lodge Ph: 204-675-2403 Parks Canada Ph: 204-675-8863 Pizza by the Bay Ph: 204-675-8262 Polar Bear B&B Ph: 204-675-2819 Polar Cinema Ph: 204-675-8452 Polar Inn & Suites Ph: 204-675-8878 Toll free: 1-877-765-2742 www.polarinn.com Sea North Tours Ph: 204-675-2195 Fax: 204-675-2198 www.seanorthtours.coms Tour boat/snorkeling Seaport Hotel Ph: 204-675-8807 Fax: 204-675-2795 21 rooms/licensed dining

Tamarack Rentals Ph: 204-675-2192 Vehicle rentals The Tundra Buggy® Adventure Toll free: 1-800-663-9832 Fax: 204-667-1051 www.tundrabuggy.com Tundra Inn Ph: 204-675-8831 Toll free: 1-800-265-8563 Fax: 204-675-2764 www.tundrainn.com Vera’s B&B Ph: 204-675-2544 Wapusk Adventures & General Store Ph: 204-675-2887 Fax: 204-675-8042 Dog sledding/ souvenirs and gifts Via Rail Toll free: 1-888-842-7245 www.viarail.ca Wat’chee Lodge Ltd. Ph: 204-675-2114 www.watchee.com Winter wildlife viewing

Cormorant Cormorant Lakeshore Guesthouse Ph: 204-357-2218 (evenings) Cormorantlake@mts.net www.mts.net/~bshlache/

Bakers Narrows Lodge Ph: 1-866-603-6390 info@bakersnarrowslodge.com www.bakersnarrowslodge.com Bearskin Airlines Ph: 204-687-8941 Calm Air International Ltd. Ph: 204-687-7453 or 1-800-239-2256 Chicken Chef Ph: 204-687-3779 Doe Doe’s Pizza & Subs Ph: 204-687-6241 Donut King Ph: 204-687-8522 Flin Flon Station Museum Ph: 204-687-2946 Friendship Center Restaurant Ph: 204-687-4525

Aurora Gardens Motel Ph: 204-652-6554 Motel and restaurant Chow’s Chester Fried Ph: 204-652-5050

Fox River Outfitters Ph: 204-652-6441

Hong Kong Restaurant Ph: 204-687-4941 Jackson Air Service Ph: 204-687-8247 Fax: 204-687-7694 Kelsey Dining Room Ph: 204-687-7555

Mike’s Ice N Burger Hut Ph: 204-687-8600

Constables Lakeside Lodge Ph: 204-472-3241 (summer or winter)

Mugsys Café & Deli Ph: 204-687-7676

Viking Lodge Ph: 204-472-3337 www.mts.net/~viking/ index.htm

ACE Wilderness Guiding Service Ph: 1-888-286-0433 204-383-5628 (seasonal)

Greenstone CFDC Ph: 204-687-6967 Fax: 204-687-4456

Cranberry Portage

Tonepah Lodge Ph: 204-472-3372

Gillam ACE Gillam Bed & Breakfast Ph: 1-888-286-0433 204-652-2623 (Seasonal) hunting@mts.net

Doug’s Lodge Ph: 204-652-2259

Caribou Lodge Ph: 204-472-3351

Northern Spirit Lodge Ph: 204-472-3285 www.northernspiritlodge.ca

Victoria Inn Ph: 204-687-7555 Fax: 204-687-5233

Gateway Drive-In Ph: 204-687-4338

KFC Ph: 204-687-6078

Cranberry Portage Park Ph: 204-472-3219 Ludcran@mts.net

Verona Pizza & Specialty Ph: 204-687-8258

Oreland Motel Ph: 204-687-3467 Paradise Lodge Ph: 204-687-8175 (summer) or 204-687-3070 (winter) Phantom Lake Golf Club Ph: 306-688-5555 Fax: 306-688-3104

Gillam Air Services Ltd. Ph: 204-652-2109 Gillam Co-op Ltd. Ph: 204-652-2661 Gillam Motor Inn Ph: 204-652-2670 Lucky’s tavern, licensed Grey Goose Ph: 204-652-6395 Monkman Outfitters Ph: 204-444-4025 Town of Gillam Ph: 204-652-2121 Trapper’s Shack Ph: 204-652-2160 Via Rail Canada Inc. Ph: 1-888-842-7245 Westwood Lodge Ph: 204-687-6307 www.westwoodlodge.ca

Grand Rapids

Pizza Hut Express Ph: 204-687-8522

ET Trucking Service Inc. Ph: 204-639-2386

Royal Ribs & Steakhouse and the Royal Hotel Ph: 204-687-3437

G.R. Consumer’s Co-op Ph: 204-639-2434

Flin Flon

Speedy Treats Ph: 204-687-3179

Aberdeen Lodge Ph: 204-687-0495 (summer) or 204-623-6710 (winter)

Subway Ph: 204-687-5558

Grand Rapids Esso Ph: 204-639-2459 Open 24 hours, gas, diesel, garage, towing, restaurant, etc.

Grand Rapids Taxi Ph: 204-639-2338

LISTINGS Grey Goose Bus Lines Ph: 204-639-2459 Hilltop Cabins Ph: 204-639-2380 Hobbs Resort Ph: 204-639-2266 King’s Boat Repair Ph: 204-639-2279 Manitoba Hydro Ph: 204-639-4138 Moak Lodge Campground Ph: 204-739-2669 www.moaklodge.com Misipawistik Cree Nation Ph: 204-639-2219 Fax: 204-639-2503

Leaf Rapids National Exhibition Centre Ph: 204-473-8682 Leaf Rapids Public Library Ph: 204-473-2742 Leaf Rapids Town Properties (LRTP) Ph: 204-473-8118 Leaf Rapids Youth Centre Ph: 204-473-8861 Natural Resources Ph: 204-473-8113 Town of Leaf Rapids Ph: 204-473-2436

Pelican Landing Restaurant Ph: 204-639-2184

Wistoba Connection, LLC Ph: 608-356-0243 Ph: 202-473-8837 Vacation rental, fully furnished, fishing, family fun, wildlife, boating, golf, hunting/outfitters

Pelican Landing Gasbar Ph: 204-639-2402

Yves Plumbing and Heating Ph: 204-473-8837

Town of Grand Rapids Ph: 204-639-2260 Fax: 204-639-2475

Lynn Lake

Northbrook Inn Ph: 204-639-2380

Leaf Rapids Centre Auto Ph: 204-473-8116 Churchill River Lodge & Outfitters Ph: 204-473-2362 403-932-1237 Accommodations, boat rentals, gas

Atiik Askii Adventure Tours Ph: 204-356-2500 Summer and winter tours Betty’s Bed & Breakfast Ph: 204-356-8328 Fax: 204-356-8328 Home-cooked meals, cable

Betty’s Country Cooking and Jennifer’s Lounge Ph: 204-356-8050 Fine dining, lounge with VLTs The Bronx Ph: 204-356-2471 Housekeeping suites, cable Cat Train Tours Ph: 204-356-8845 Fax: 204-356-8845 Clarke’s Health and Variety Ph: 204-356-2572 Gloewen Enterprises Ph: 204-356-8511 Propane Distributor Grand Slam Lodge Ph: 204-356-8648 (winter) or 306-758-3188 (summer) Grey Goose Ph: 204-356-2918 Fax: 204-356-8408 Bus depot Grey Owl Outfitters Ph: 204-356-8261 Halstead Motors Ph: 204-356-2703 Laurie River Lodge Ph: 1-800-426-2533 www.laurieriverlodge.com Lynn Lake Air Service Ph: 204-356-8805

Sanche Hardware Ph: 204-356-2428 Fax: 204-356-8066

Lynn Lake Airport Ph: 204-356-2900 or 204-356-8552 Flight services and air service information

Town of Lynn Lake/ Lynn Lake Campground Ph: 204-356-2418

Lynn Lake Esso Ph: 204-356-8692 Fax: 204-356-8259

Transwest Air Ph: 204-356-2457 Fax: 204-356-8018 Charter air service

Lynn Lake Fly-In Outpost Camps Ph: 1-800-700-3807

Wolverine Lodge Ph: 760-770-0810 320-732-6843 www.wolverinelodge.net

Lynn Inn Inc. Ph: 204-356-2433 Fax: 204-356-8780 25 rooms/suites, licensed Lynn Lake Mining Museum Ph: 204-356-8302 Lynn Lake Video Ph: 204-356-8051 DVD, VHS video and game rentals, gift shop

Norway House Anderson Car Wash & Store Ph: 204-359-4270 Anderson Towing Ph: 204-359-4296

Northern Store Ph: 204-356-2272 Groceries, retail

Apetagon’s Ph: 204-359-6696 Gas/propane

Nueltin Fly-in Lodge Ph: 204-356-8805

Chicken Chef Ph: 204-359-6646

Patty’s Place Ph: 204-356-2918 Fax: 204-356-8408 Groceries, video

Fort Island Auto Group Ph: 204-359-6503

Perimeter Aviation Ltd. Ph: 1-800-917-2555

Northern Ph: 204-359-6258

Low’s Family Foods Ph: 204-359-6689

Royal Canadian Legion Ph: 204-356-2238

Consumer Co-op Ph: 204-473-2411 Groceries, hardware, clothing, appliances, furniture

Lynn Lake

Fields Ph: 204-473-2783 Department store G’s Place Ph: 204-473-2754 Gold Cook Ol’ Man’s Restaurant Ph: 204-473-8276 Grey Goose Ph: 204-473-2754 King’s Health & Variety Ph: 204-473-8111 Lakeland Air Service Ph: 204-473-2963 Leaf Rapids Community Development Corporation (LRCDC) Ph: 204-473-2978 Social and economic development, apartment rentals, housing sales, small business loans Leaf Rapids Education Centre Ph: 204-473-2403 Leaf Rapids Health Centre Ph: 204-473-2441

Where lifetime memories are created.

For further information, visit www.lynnlake.ca or call 204-356-2418

The Sportfishing Capital of Manitoba

With untouched lakes and rivers, rolling eskers and the northern boreal forest, Lynn Lake is home to moose, geese, bear, and wolf.

Wintertime activity includes snowmobiling trips as well as caribou sightings.

A special experience for serious outdoor adventurers wanting more and for families wanting time for themselves awaits at Lynn Lake – northwestern Manitoba’s centre.

Lynn Lake – Where your adventure starts at the end of the road.

Lynn Lake was a preferred location for two tapings of Bob Izumi’s The Real Fishing Show.”

Welcoming all anglers to Lynn Lake – Sportfishing Capital of Manitoba

For brochures, call 204-356-2418 or visit our website at www.lynnlake.ca

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

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LISTINGS Norway House Community Council Ph: 204-359-6719

Blackcat Café Ph: 204-358-7321

Norway House Co-op Ph: 204-359-4633 Gas bar Norway House Cree Nation Ph: 204-359-6786 Norway House Riverside Outdoor Adventures Ph: 204-359-4444 or 1-877-778-4447 www.norwayhouseriver.com

Bluenose Bed & Breakfast 107 Cherry Street 204-358-7305 Email bluenbb@mts.net Website http://web. me.com/gzamzow/ Bluenosebb/Home.html Burntwood Lake Lodge Ph: 204-358-7114 burntwood@burntwood.com Chell’s Sled Shed 204-358-7911

Perimeter Aviation Ph: 204-359-6311

Clovelly Lakeshore Apartments Ph: 204-358-2846 lakeshoreapts@mts.net

Playgreen Inn Ph: 204-359-6321 16 rooms, beverage room

Connie’s Taxi Ph: 204-358-2933 Fax: 204-358-2004

Riverside Restaurant Ph: 204-359-4866 Skyward Aviation Ph: 204-359-4900

Cornerview Family Foods Ph: 204-358-2928 Fax: 204-358-2055

Super Video World Ph: 204-359-6089

Diamond Willow Inn and Willow House Ph: 204-358-2842 bart4952@mts.net

York Boat Inn Ph: 204-359-6550 Fax: 204-359-6444 32 rooms, cable TV

Franal’s Snow Lake Service Ph: 204-358-2325

Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Gogal Air Service Ph: 204-358-2259 burntwood@burntwood.com

Aseneskak Casino Ph: 204-627-2250 or 1-877-627-2267

Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast 204-358-2323 Main Street Laundromat Ph: 204-358-9797

Kikiwak Inn Ph: 204-623-1800 or 1-888-545-4925 kikiwak@kikiwakinn.net www.kikiwakinn.net

Manitoba Star Attraction Mining Museum Ph: 204-358-7867 slmuseum@gillamnet.com

Opaskwayak Cree Nation Ph: 204-627-7100

Northern Mist Wild Rice Ph: 204-358-2131

Otineka Mall Ph: 204-627-7230

Snow Lake Art Gallery Ph: 204-358-2533

Snow Lake

Snow Lake Golf Club Ph: 204-358-2744

Angilina’s Pizza Ph: 204-358-2611 Bartlett’s Fishing Camp Ph: 204-358-2383

Snow Lake Home Building Centre Ph: 204-358-2343 Fax: 204-358-2770

Bearskin Airlines Ph: 204-624-5106 Fax: 204-624-4108 Airport

Good Thymes Restaurant & Bar Ph: 204-623-2412 Fax: 204-623 4008

Snow Lake Motor Inn Ph: 204-358-2331 Fax: 204-358-7449 simpsone@mts.net 11 rooms, dining, licensed

Missinippi Airways Ph: 204-623-7160 Fax: 204-623-3635

Gourmet Pizza Ph: 204-623-5469

Sunset Bay Bed & Breakfast 204-358-2145 or 358-0065 or 358-0071 Email: sunsetbaybb@mts.net Sweet Nothings Florist & Giftware Ph: 204-358-7659 Tawow Lodge Ph: 204-358-2485 candyce@tawowlodge.com Town of Snow Lake Ph: 204-358-2551 www.snowlake.com Wekusko Falls Lodge 204-358-2341 toll free 877-358-2341 tonybrew@mts.net Wekusko Falls Provincial Campground Ph: 204-358-2521 1-888-482-2267 For further information, contact Beverley Atkinson, Community Development Officer, at 204-358-7630 or snowlake_cedo@mts.net

The Pas A&W Restaurant & Drive-Thru Ph: 204-623-2246 www.aw.ca Alouette Hotel Ph: 204-623-2272 Fax: 204-623-6873 Atikameg Forest Centre Ph: 204-623-3983 Forest tours, in-town tours Aseneskak Casino Ph: 1-877-627-2267 www.aseneskak.ca/main.htm

Burger Ranch 2000 Ph: 204-623-1451 Canadian Territorial Helicopters Inc. Ph: 204-624-5776 Fax: 204-624-5761 Carpenters Clearwater Lodge Ph: 204-624-5467 Fax: 204-624-5606 cclodge@mailme.ca www.carpenterslodge.com TV, convention/banquet facilities, games room, beach, boats, motors Clearwater Canoe Outfitters Ph: 204-624-5606 or 204-624-5647 Custom Helicopters Limited Ph: 204-623-4595 Fax: 204-623-4595 Dutch Drive In Ltd. Ph: 204-623-3721 Drive-in restaurant, chicken, fish, shrimp, ice cream, burgers, home style chips Evergreen Resort Ph: 204-624-5750 Fax: 204-623-4686 fkobelka@mts.net www.evergreenthepas.com Cabin rental, hunting and fishing Fat Boy Restaurant Ph: 204-623-6322 Golden Arrow Motel Ph: 204-623-5451 Fax: 204-623-5457 Rooms 39.95 single or double.

“A clean, quiet place to stay” Golden Star Chinese Food Ph: 204-623-7879 Fax: 204-623 5111

1717 Gordon Ave., The Pas, MB • Indoor Pool & Water Slide • Hot Tub • Free “Super Start” Breakfast • Large Parking Lot For Trailers & Vans • Meeting Room Facilities • Free Wireless Internet • Coin Operated Laundry Under New Management

(204) 623-1888

For Toll-free Reservations: 1-800-8000 54

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

Grey Goose Ph: 204-623-3999 Fax: 204-623-4533 www.greyhound.ca Halcrow Lake Golf & Country Club Ph: 204-627-2300 Huskie Travel Services Ltd. Ph: 204-623-3414 Fax: 204-623-3416 Kelsey Bus Lines Ltd. Ph: 204-623-2161 Fax: 204-623-4810 Kentucky Fried Chicken Ph: 204-623-2120 Fax: 204-623 3712 www.kfc.com Kikiwak Inn Ph: 204-623-1800 or 1-888-545-4925 Fax: 204-623-1812 Kikiwak@kikiwakinn.net Lounge, fitness facility, outdoor pool, WC access La Verendrye Motel Ph: 204-623-3431 Fax: 204-623-6873 Mr. Ribs Ph: 204-623-4888 Fax: 204-623-6475 New Avenue Hotel Ph: 204-623-6255 New Colony Restaurant Ph: 204-623-1674 New Vickery Lodge Ph: 1-888-624-5429 Fax: 204-624-5429 Full service, drive-in, guides, store, hunting, fishing, open May-October North Country Air Service Ph: 204-623-7594 Fax: 204-623-3857 Adventure Territory – The Pas & Area Tourism Group Ph: 1-866-627-1134 towntp@mts.net Pizza Hut Express Ph: 204-623-7888 Fax: 204-623-3055 R.M. of Kelsey Ph: 204-623-7474 Rupert House Hotel (1984) Ltd. Ph: 204-623-3201 Fax: 204-623-1651 Daily, weekly, monthly rates, kitchenettes

LISTINGS Sam Waller Museum Ph: 204-623-3802 Fax: 204-623-5506 www.samwallermuseum.ca Small admission fee; admission by donation on Wednesdays Super 8 Motels Ph: 204-623-1888 or 1-800-800-8000 Fax: 204-623-4488 www.super8.com Indoor pool/waterslide, free breakfast, computer ports, conference room, WC access The Pas Curling Club Ph: 204-623-3813 www.thepascurlingclub.com The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Ph: 204-623-7256 Tolko Pulp & Paper Mill Ph: 204-623-8659 Tours during the summer Town of The Pas Ph: 204-627-1100 or 1-866-627-1134

Burntwood Curling Club Ph: 204-677-2580 Calm Air International Ltd. Ph: 204-778-6471 or 1-800-839-2256 Fax: 204-778-6954 www.calmair.com Charters, air service in Manitoba/Nunavut Chicken Chef Ph: 204-677-2331 Fax: 204-778-6499 www.chickenchef.com/ index.html Family restaurant Chicken Delight Ph: 204-677-2692 www.chickendelight.com Fast food, chicken City of Thompson Ph: 204-677-7910 www.thompson.ca

Trappers’ Festival Headquarters Ph: 204-623-2912 Venus Ristorante & Pizzeria Ph: 204-623-6673 Fax: 204-623-3615 VIA Rail Canada Inc. Ph: 1-888-842-7245

City of Thompson Recreation Centre Ph: 204-677-7952 Cliff’s Taxi Ph: 204-677-2543 Club Fire & Ice Burntwood Inn Ph: 204-677-4551 Fax: 204-778-6219

Weathered Welcomes Ph: 204-623-1764 Wescana Inn Ph: 204-623-5446 Fax: 204-623-3383 wescana@mts.net Full service, dining room, lounge, VLTs, cable TV, sauna, laundry room. CAA approved. WC access Wildlife Adventure Tours Ph: 204-623-6513 Wildlife and birdwatching tours

Thompson A&W Ph: 204-778-6500 Fax: 204-677-9182 www.aw.ca Fast food, burgers, chicken Adventurers North Dining Room Ph: 204-677-3662

Boston Pizza Ph: 204-677-0111 Fax: 204-677-4411 doic@bostonpizza.com

Arctic Trading Post Ph: 204-677-2026 Fax: 204-675-2164 Baaco Pizza Ph: 204-778-4444 Fax: 204-677-8630 Lounge, pizza/pasta Bankside Bar & Billiards Ph: 204-677-0101 Fax: 204-677-0103

Huskie Travel Ph: 204-677-0777 Ilios Restaurant & Lounge Ph: 204-778-4332 Interior Inn Ph: 204-778-5535 Fax: 204-778-6658 54 rooms, queen-size beds, doubles, suites, coffee, cable, Internet access, fridge/ microwave available Grey Goose Ph: 204-677-0360 Fax: 204-677-0370 www.greyhound.ca Bus charters, regular bus service Hanson’s Bear Creek Outfitters Ph: 204-778-5037 Heritage North Museum Inc. Ph: 204-677-2216 Fax: 204-677-8953 hnmuseum@mts.net Hub of the North Ph: 204-778-5630 Fax: 204-778-7897 Full-service restaurant/lounge, Greek, lunch/dinner Hudson Bay Railway Ph: 204-778-6253 J-Del Aviation Ph: 204-677-2337 Fax: 204-677-5794

Corner Deli Ph: 204-677-3997 Fax: 204-778-5145

KFC Ph: 204-677-4664 Fax: 204-778-4069 www.kfc.com Fast food, chicken

Country Inn & Suites

By Carlson Ph: 204-778-8879 Fax: 204-677-3225 www.countryinns.com Suites, indoor pool, pets allowed

Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Ph: 204-677-0950 Fax: 204-677-0970 www.mamowwetak.mb.ca Hostel, aboriginal services, kitchen-restaurant

Culture, Heritage & Tourism Ph: 204-677-6780 Fax: 204-677-6862

McCreedy Park Ph: 204-778-8810 Camping & RV storage

Custom Helicopters Ltd. Ph: 204-677-3720 Days Inn & Suites Ph: 204-778-6000 or 1-800-DAYS-INN Fax: 204-778-6999 www.daysinnthompson.com Driftwood Nickel City Taxi Ph: 204-677-6000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car 93 Commercial Place Ph: 204-778-3111 Flight Aviation Services Ph: 204-677-4920 Fax: 204-778-5917 Airport Grapes Grill & Bar Ph: 204-677-3333

McDonald’s Restaurants Ph: 204-778-7779 Fax: 204-778-6101 bigfry@mts.net www.mcdonalds.ca Fast food, burger chain Meat Eater Deli Ph: 204-778-7726 Fax: 204-778-8683 Meridian Hotel Ph: 204-778-8387 Fax: 204-677-4087 www.thompsonmb.com/ hotels/meridian.htm Free parking, rooms with or without meal plan, 41 modern rooms

Millennium Trail Ph: 204-677-7952 rec@city.thompson.mb.ca www.thompson.ca/dbs/ millenniumtrail Also recreation, parks and culture Multiculture Centre Ph: 204-677-3981 Fax: 204-677-3980 Mystery Country Lodge & Outposts Ph: 1-888-246-9749 www.mysterycountryoutposts.com Mystery Lake Motor Hotel Ph: 204-778-8331 Fax: 204-778-4193 Bar, microwaves, VCRs, laundry room, and exercise room Mystery Mountain Winter Park Ph: 204-778-8624 info@mysterymountain.ca www.mysterymountain.ca Ski hill, rentals, lessons, x-country, snowtubing, chalet National Car Rental 40 Station Road Ph: 204-677-2312 NC Crossroad Lanes Ph: 204-677-4415 Norplex Swimming Pool Ph: 204-677-7963 North Knife Lake Lodge 1-888-WEBBERS www.webberslodges.com remote fly-in fishing packages North Star Taxi Ph: 204-778-3333 Northern Flavours Coffee House Ph: 204-677-8281 Northern Inn & Steak House Ph: 204-778-6481 Fax: 204-778-7601 Northern Lights Bed & Breakfast Ph: 204-677-4111 Fax: 204-677-8027 nlights@mts.net www.mts.net/~nlights 7 rooms, 2 common rooms, 2 kitchens Oxie’s Ph: 204-677-3711 Paint Lake Provincial Park Ph: 1-888-482-2267 Campground, beach Paint Lake Resort & Marina Ph: 204-677-9303 Fax: 204-677-5573 Cabins, restaurant, bar, patio, boat launch Perimeter Aviation Ph: 204-778-5924 Airport

Pizza Hut Ph: 204-677-7888 www.pizzahut.com Pizza, lunch buffet Popeyes Ph: 204-677-5575 Homemade burgers/fries.

Seasonal business Poseidon Restaurant Ph: 204-677-2558 Greek Precambrian Art Centre Ph: 204-677-1940 mcarroll@digistar.mb.ca Ramada Burntwood Inn Ph: 204-677-4551 Fax: 204-778-6219 www.ramada.com/Ramada/ control/home Indoor pool/waterslide, whirlpool suites, hot tub, newly renovated, lounge Riverview Restaurant Ph: 204-677-2525 Roadside Restaurant Ph: 204-778-7172 Robin’s Donuts Ph: 204-677-4444 Santa Maria Pizza & Spaghetti House Ph: 204-778-7331 Take out, delivery Sasagiu Rapids Lodge Ph: 204-677-9351 Conference facilities, wheelchair accessible, out-post camps, guides, hunting, fishing Shinook’s Bed & Breakfast Ph: 204-677-3563 Strand Theatre Ph: 204-677-8301 Subway Ph: 204-677-2222 Fax: 204-677-2222 www.subway.com Fast food, subs, sandwiches, soup Thompson Cabs (1987) Ltd. Ph: 204-677-6262 Thompson Chamber of Commerce Ph: 204-677-4155 or 1-888-307-0103 Fax: 204-677-3434 commerce@mts.net www.thompsonchamber.mb.ca Tourism information Thompson Golf Club Ph: 204-677-3250 Thompson Golf Course Ph: 204-778-5537 Thompson Inn Ph: 204-677-2371 Fax: 204-778-8442 tinn@mts.net Cable TV, queen-size beds, a/c, 35 newly renovated rooms Thompson Lanes Ltd. Ph: 204-677-3005 Fax: 204-778-6866

Issue 2 • 2010 • Manitoba’s Northern Experience

55

LISTINGS Thompson Ski Club Inc. Ph: 204-778-8624

Wawatay Inn Ph: 204-677-1000

Thompson Zoo Ph: 204-677-7982 www.thompson.ca Free admission

Webber’s Lodges/Dymond Lake Outfitters Ph: 204-377-5090 1-888-WEBBERS info@webberslodges.com www.webberslodges.com remote fly-in fishing and hunting packages

Tim Hortons Ph: 204-677-8467 Tom’s Restaurant & Pizza Place Ph: 204-677-1999 Trappers Tavern Ph: 204-778-8331 Twilight Water Ski Club Ph: 204-778-6301 Vale Inco Ph: 204-778-2326 valeinco@valeinco.com Venture Air Ph: 204-778-8225 Fax: 204-778-8243

Index to Advertisers Aero Geometrics Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bakers Narrows Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Calm Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside Back Cover Campus Manitoba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Churchill Gateway Development Corp / OmniTRAX). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Wong’s Asian Bistro Ph: 204-778-8880 Wonton Place Ph: 204-778-5578 Fax: 204-778-6648 Chinese food

Churchill Motel / Hudson Bay Mechanical. . . . . . . . 23 City of Thompson / Thompson Unlimited . . . . . . . . 48 Cook & Cooke Insurance Brokers. . . Inside Back Cover

YWCA of Thompson Ph: 204-778-6341 Fax: 204-778-5308 ywca@mts.net www.ywcacanada.ca Women’s shelter

Copper Reef Mining Corporation. . . . Inside Front Cover Gerard Jennissen, MLA Flin Flon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Town of Gillam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Via Rail Canada Ph: 204-677-2241 or 1-888-842-7245 www.viarail.ca Train service in Manitoba

Town of Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Hayles Geoscience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 HudBay Mineras Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Please let us know of any new additions or corrections. Contact the NorMan Regional Development Corp. at 1-800-665-4774 or info@nrdc.ca

Keewatin Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Kenanow Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Town of Leaf Rapids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Town of Lynn Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Meetah Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 N.C. Crossroad Lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Gerard Jennissen MLA FLin FLon Flin Flon oFFice 24 Main Street, Box 331 Flin Flon, MB r8a 1J4 Ph: 204.687.3367 Fax: 204.687.3398 email: gerard@mts.net

Manitoba legislature rooM 234, legiSlative Bldg.

WinniPeg, MB r3C 0v8 toll Free: 1.800.282.8069 ext. 2936 Fax: 204.948.2005

Representing: Brochet, Cold Lake/Sherridon, Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon, Granville Lake, Lac Brochet, Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan, Snow Lake, South Indian Lake and Tadoule Lake.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Murray Nychyporuk

Recording Secretary Warren Luky Financial Secretary Scott Clements Treasurer Wayne Levac Trustees Paul Bentley, Gord Medwid, Sheila Thompson Guide Murray Pappin

Parks Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Paskwayak Business Dev. Corp. / Otineka Development Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Perimeter Aviation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 RJ Ecosafe Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Sasa-Ginni-Gak Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Town of Snow Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The Standard Resort Insurance Program. . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Stittco Energy Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Super Thrifty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Thompson Unlimited /City of Thompson. . . . . . . . 48 Thompson YWCA Residence Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Tourism North Manitoba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 USW Local 6166. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Wescana Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Guards Craig Costello, Ian Harman cl/Cope 342 cl/COPE 342

Norman RDC • 1-800-665-4774

Nueltin Fly-In Lodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Super 8 Motel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Vice President Dan Dnistransky

56

Nickel City Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Wings Over Kississing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cl P: P: F:

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