Nickel Belt News Volume 61 • Issue 4
Friday, January 29, 2021
Thompson, Manitoba
Serving the Norman Region since 1961
Northern Manitoba continues to see multiple COVID-19 outbreaks and high test positivity
BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
The recent trend of Northern Manitoba accounting for the majority of new COVID-19 cases in the province continued Jan. 25, with 58 new northern cases of the virus among 113 new cases overall. Most of the new northern cases – 33 – were in the Island Lake health district, which now has nearly 700 active cases of the virus. “That is an area where we’re seeing a lot of transmission,” said chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin at a press conference on Monday. “There’s a lot of work from all levels to address that through
that public health approach. We’re really concerned with the level of transmission that’s happening right now." Northern health districts with single-digit increases since Sunday included Cross Lake/Pimicikamak, Gillam/ Fox Lake, The Pas/Opaskwyak Cree Nation/Kelsey, Bunibonibee/Oxford House/ Manto Sipi/God’s River/ God’s Lake, Grand Rapids/ Misipawistik/Easterville/ Chemawawin/Moose Lake, Shamattawa/York Factory/ Tataskewyak/Split Lake and Thompson/Mystery Lake. With 98 active cases and 474 since the pandemic began, the Thompson/Mystery Lake health district has now had the second-most total cases
of any health district in the north. “Right now the test positivity is quite high in the north,” said Roussin. “We see outbreaks in many areas throughout the north. It may certainly be from some sort of travel and back into the community and then, just like anywhere else, when we see outbreaks it’s caused by gatherings, larger gatherings and then we see a large amount of contacts. A certain amount of those contacts become cases. It’s the nature of this virus. The more we gather the more spread we’re going to have.” The north passed 3,500 total cases of the virus since the pandemic began with the
new cases announced Monday, and about half of them are officially considered active, though the actual number of active cases both in the region and throughout the province is likely lower. “The active case count is a surveillance tool," Roussin said. “There can be a discrepancy between the actual active cases and the reported ones. Most people are focused now on contact tracing and finding cases rather than removing people off of our surveillance list.” Roussin also addressed the fact that some northern communities are lobbying for restrictions to be lifted on a community-by-community basis rather than having
a blanket approach for the whole north. “In the region in the north where we see the most test positivity we had to keep those restrictions in place and of course there’s going to be sectors, there’s going to be individuals, there’s going to be communities within there that feel that they should open but it’s very challenging to write these orders at a much more targeted approach than at the regional level. We’ll continue to review it and we’ll continue our public health approach to try to bring down those numbers in the northern region so that we can all loosen some of these restrictions.” Across Manitoba, there
are 145 people in hospital with active COVID-19 infections and 127 whose infections are no longer considered active. Of those, 23 with active infections and 13 who are no longer infectious are receiving intensive care. Forty-four northerners are in hospital due to the virus, all but three of them with active infections. Five of those northern patients are in intensive care. Five deaths due to COVID-19 were announced Jan. 25, bringing the total number who have died from the virus in Manitoba to 804. The provincial five-day test positivity rate was 10.8 per cent on Monday.
Canadian Armed Forces personnel deploy to Garden Hill First Nation to tackle COVID BY NICOLE WONG
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
Approximately 30 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel have been deployed to Garden Hill First Nation to provide humanitarian assistance and address the emergent needs of the community. Between Jan. 17 and 18, members of the CAF were sent to support an Indigenous Service Canada-led liaison and reconnaissance team to rapidly assess the situation in the Northern Manitoba community. Following a formal request for assistance, the CAF arrived at the First Nation on Wednesday to work alongside other community members and other government departments and agencies.
“In Island Lake, we have been working hard to try to mitigate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” Alex McDougall, executive director of Four Arrows Regional Health Authority (FARHA) told the Winnipeg Sun Jan. 22 “Bringing down the number of cases in the region is something we want to see very quickly, and having the military personnel in the community to assist with the immunization plan is something that needs to continue.” FARHA oversees health services for all Island Lake Anishininew Nation communities, including Garden Hill First Nation, Wasagamack First Nation, St. Theresa Point First Nation and Red Sucker Lake First Nation. Garden Hill First Nation
is located 610 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg and 350 air kilometres southeast of Thompson. Manitoba’s Island Lake health district saw a total of 300 active cases as of Jan. 21 with 266 of those cases from Garden Hill First Nation. According to CAF spokesperson Jessica Lamirande, tasks which the CAF has been called to do are: · Provide general duty support to the community and nursing station for clerical, maintenance, cleaning duties of isolating personnel where required; · Integrate into the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) command post in the community to coordinate activities with the chief and his council and other government
partners; · Assist in the establishment and operating of a local Alternative Isolation Area (AIA), · Arrange for training and support to incoming staff in the operation of the AIA; · Provide limited assistance with patient management tasks, including triage, secondary assessment, monitoring of patients, testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients; · Where necessary assist with home wellness checks; and · Offer transportation assistance to other responding government departments in and out of the affected area for cargo and personnel, if required. On Jan. 15, approximately
one-third of the 5,300 Moderna vaccines allocated to Manitoba First Nations arrived at Island Lake. Garden Hill First Nation received 320 doses of the vaccine during the weekend. Despite many COVID-19 cases in the region, there are still some who refuse to receive immunity against the virus. “We are seeing apprehension within the community members in Garden Hill. The situation there is bad as well as overall in Island Lake. Community members are frustrated and scared at the same time,” said McDougall. “This is a strong indicator that we need to continue with our education and awareness piece, and share with our members the importance of
participating in the immunization plan,” he added. FARHA has been working with the provincial and federal government for two decades to bring in critical infrastructure in the area such as a hospital that can provide services to the residents of Island Lake. McDougall said that patients suffering from COVID-19 in Island Lake need to be flown out to Winnipeg to receive treatment. Currently, the Garden Hill community is under lockdown, with non-essential travel prohibited. Nicole Wong is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
2020 was busiest year ever for paramedic calls in Thompson BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
The overall number of calls that Thompson Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) responded to in 2020 was up marginally from the previous year, thanks mainly to a four per cent increase in emergency medical services (EMS) calls. "We had 6,881 EMS calls last year compared to 6,616 in 2019,” TFES Chief Selby Brown told Thompson’s recreation and community services committee at their Jan. 19 meeting. That is the highest number of EMS calls the department has ever had and it was the fifth straight year that there were more than 6,000 EMS calls. Fire calls, on the other hand, numbered 473 last year, down 264 from the highest ever total of 727 in 2019. With the exception
Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham An ambulance at the scene of a December traffic accident in Thompson. of 2018 and 2019, fire calls have generally hovered from the mid-400s to mid-500s over the past 10 years. Calls requiring response from multiple
units have increased greatly over the past decade, reaching nearly 3,300 in 2020, the highest number ever. 2019 was the first year that the department had more than 3,000 multiple unit calls and there have only been over 2,000 twice before that, in 2016 and 2018. “It goes up exponentially every year,” Brown told committee chair Coun. Braden McMurdo when asked if the increases were due to reclassification of incidents or just raw numbers. “That’s a trajectory that we certainly need to jeep our eye on,” McMurdo said. “It’s hard to believe it’d be sustainable going in that direction.” Coun. Kathy Valentino said the city should use the numbers to its advantage when trying to convince the province of the need for more health care services in Thompson and for funding for a new fire hall.
“As always they are rising so we need to use this document for the province,” she said. “We’re basically using the same fire hall as in 1997 for triple the fire calls,” said Mayor Colleen Smook. McMurdo said that the province doesn’t always agree with Thompson’s position as a regional hub but that it recognizes it as such when it has to, which led to the decision to establish a COVID-19 vaccination site here. “Maybe now we can even leverage the fact that the Thompson Airport and the TRCC are being used as the Vaxport with the pandemic,” said McMurdo. City manager Anthony McInnis said the city would contact provincial ministers with data about EMS call volumes. “The mayor and I actually discussed that yesterday,” he said. “Let’s get Vaxport up and running and then send those letters off.”
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Friday, January Friday, March29, 16,2021 2018
Public health orders unchanged in the north Spiritual BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin and Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister announced Jan. 21 that public health orders were being relaxed Jan. 23 in four of the province’s five health regions to allow limited social gathering, the operation of hairstylists and barber shops at reduced capacity and the in-person purchase of non-essential items, but the north will not see any changes until Feb. 13 at the earliest, after current public health orders are in place for three weeks. “Because of the current case counts and test positivity in Northern Manitoba and many First Nations, we’re going to not have
the loosening of these rePallister said the fact strictions apply to the north, that some northern comincluding Churchill,” educentr.dumont@gmail.com said munities, including First Roussin. Nations, are COVID hot Asked if restrictions spots right now, is part of could be eased on a com- the reason why the province Sister Andrea Dumont munity-by-community is working with First Nabasis in the north, given tions to vaccinate residents its large geographic size, aged 70 and over. Roussin said right now “We’ve worked in partthere are cases dispersed nership with our Indigenthroughout the Northern ous leadership, medical Regional Health Author- leadership to get those ity (NRHA) but that the vaccines up there but it’s regional approach could not the same thing dishing change in the future. out a vaccine in St. Ther“Right now we’re going esa Point or Pukatawagan to include the entire north as it is in some urban combut watch things quite munity so there’s chalclosely,” he said. lenges there,” the premier He also said no further said. “The people up in the travel restrictions were be- northern communities that ing contemplated other than are working on delivering those already in place, in- that vaccine are doing great cluding the ban on non-es- work and we thank them sential travel to the north. for that.”
Thoughts
Holiday visits contribute to high COVID-19 numbers on First Nations, says doctor
surprise to them either that of vaccine arrived in Misome First Nations were not sipawistik Cree Nation able to protect themselves (MCN) and Chemawawin Health experts have de- from the pandemic because Cree Nation (CCN). It was reported Jan. 19 termined that the high rates of their housing situation kelly.bindle.mla.offi ce@gmail.com that there were 35 positive of COVID-19 in First Na- and issues with their drink- Constituency Office: cases, with over 200 people tion communities are due ing water advisories. Unit 3-40 Moak Crescent As of Jan. 20, Mani- who have been in direct to younger adults being in R8N contact MB with a 2B7 positive contact with each other dur- toba First Nations peopleThompson, LON CONSTITUENCY MLA FOR FLIN FLON CONSTITUENCY make up approximately case in MCN. Vaccination 204-677-2066 ing the holidays and underKelly Bindle lying conditions are also a three-quarters of active in MCN was expected to cases in the province and begin Jan. 21. complicating factor. REPRESENTING: Brochet, Cold Lake/Sherridon, “The way I look at it, our According to Dr. Mi- about 60 per cent of the new Cranberry Portage, Cross Lake, Flin Flon, great-grandparents recogchael Routledge, medical cases. There are 62 First Nations nized the value of medical Herb Lake Landing, Lac Brochet, Leaf Rapids, advisor at Keewatinohk patients currently hospital- science to help our people, Inniniw Minoayawin Inc., Lynn Lake, Norway House, Pukatawagan, the transmission of the virus ized along with 16 in ICU. and that’s why healthcare Snow Lake, South Indian Lake, Tadoule Lake Some communities had is in our treaties, and we happened mostly during tremendous feedback re- have a treaty right to the Christmas and New Year. Constituency Office: Additionally, challenges garding the Moderna vac- vaccine,” said MCN Chief in terms of housing and ac- cine. Over 90 per cent of Heidi Cook. “I plan on getMB.93 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB. cess to clean drinking water elders over the age of 70 ting it myself whenever I pm HOURS: Mon–Fri, 9 am – 4 pm within the First Nation com- have accepted the vac- am eligible, that may not be munities have also contrib- cine along with the bene- for a while, but I believe we PHONE: 204-687-3246 uted to the high number of fits it could bring to their need to protect more of our FAX: 204-687-5649 elders and those with health hospitalizations as well as communities. EMAIL: anitoba.ca EMAIL:tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca “I think it is important to conditions first.” those in the intensive care communicate the effectiveChief Clarence Easter units (ICU). “What we have seen in ness of the vaccine rollout from CCN said he received the last week or two is a in our First Nations. It has his Moderna vaccination on Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation fairly significant increase of given us a renewed sense Jan. 18 after an elder had invites you to participate in a virtual (Zoom) activity in the North which of hope and optimism, and cancelled their appointment. Community Information Meeting is impacting some of our I believe we have reached His community received 40 to discuss the proposed Manitoba Keewatinowi a pivotal point of our jour- doses Jan. 16, and the rollJune 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023 Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) ney through this pandemic,” out started Jan. 18. Two-Year Forest Management Operating Plan Other than the soreness in communities. It is a mixed said MKO Grand Chief for Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation bag; some are seeing low Garrison Settee. “It (the his arm, he said that he felt and Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd. transmissions but others vaccine) gives our people fine and encouraged other Community Date Time are having quite severe the chance to have the pro- elders to take it as well. Nicole Wong is a Local outbreaks,” said Routledge, tection they need for their Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House) February 4 7:00 p.m. families, so this is a good Journalism Initiative respeaking during a press conThompson RCMP Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) February 8 7:00 p.m. day for us as we now have porter who works out of ference Jan. 19. Nelson River Forest Section (Thompson, Wabowden February 11 7:00 p.m. bring the Winnipeg Sun. The LoDrug toTip Line Routledge added that the opportunity safety and wellness to our cal Journalism Initiative is KIM had expected to see Meeting links are available upon request by phone (204) 623-8545, funded by the Government these high rates due to the First Nations.” email NFMC@niso.ca or on the CKP website at www.canadiankraftpaper.com Last week, the first batch of Canada. holidays, and it was of no Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister
Nickel Belt News file photo
BY NICOLE WONG
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
MLA Report
NDSEY TOMLINDSEY
204-677-6995
Nickel Belt News
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without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertisement content: The Nickel Belt News attempts to be accurate in editorial and advertising content; however no guarantee is given or implied. The Nickel Belt News reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see t. The Nickel Belt News will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Nickel Belt News will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted
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Friday, January 29, 2021
The successful candidates will join a dynamic team in providing support to the facility located in the beautiful Swan River Valley as it embarks on a new and exciting journey of producing Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net News •siding Page B-3 for a growing market.
Police dog tracks down assault suspect and finds gun in Norway House
Louisiana-Pacific offers a competitive JOB POSTINGwage and benefit package in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. LouisianaCommunity Addictions Worker Full Time employer. Indefinite Term Pacific is an equal opportunity ADDICTIONS FOUNDATION OF MANITOBA We thank all applicants, however, only those Eaglewood Addictions Centre, Thompson, MB selected for interviews will be contacted. will be subject 90 PrincetonCandidates Drive This an exciting time for Manitoba health care. Manitoba’s health system is currently inbackground transition with planning to issuccessful completion of comprehensive and changes aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of health care services throughout screening and tohealth checks. Manitoba. AFM contributes the health and resilience of Manitobans across the province by providing addictions
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services and supporting healthy behaviours. If you would like to be part of a foundation of excellence in addictions Pleaseandforward your cover and resume to: consider a career with us. services support and build a new vision ofletter integrated health services in Manitoba,
RCMP photos Police service dog Linkin helped Norway House RCMP recover a firearm from the woods and track down a man suspected of assault Jan. 22. A police dog helped Norway House RCMP track down a man who was reported to have committed an assault on Jan. 22. Police were called to a residence on Jack River Road around 3 a.m. Friday after receiving a report that a man armed with a knife and a gun had assaulted a woman. The man had fled by the time police arrived and he had taken the victim with him. The area was contained and police service dog Linkin and his handler were deployed along with a containment team. Linkin located a gun in the woods and he continued to track the suspect to a residence on Paupanekis Point Road, where the man was located inside the home and arrested. A 21-year-old woman suffered minor injuries during the incident and a 25-year-old man is facing assault and weapons charges. Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.
Schneider Reporting to the Program Supervisor, Lorraine the Community Addictions Worker provides a wide variety of AFM services for Thompson and the surrounding area. The focus of this position is to provide counselling, education, and support Human Resource Generalist I services to individuals, families and the community related to alcohol, drugs and gambling, with the capacity to Louisiana-Pacifi c Canada Ltd. work in other program areas as required. This position requires a commitment to a client-centered philosophy and approach to the P.O. development, support of AFM programs and services. Boxprovision, 189, and Minitonas, MB R0L 1G0 The Community Addictions Worker will work as a member of the Community Based team and will Phone: demonstrate the(204) following:525-2479 Ext. 2104 Fax: (866) 678-5969 e-mail : lorraine.schneider@lpcorp.com • Ability to communicate respectfully and positively with clients and staff and presents self in an approachable and friendly manner. • Demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for client-centred care and demonstrates empathy and compassion. • Exhibits the ability to respond to client requests and crises in a responsible, timely and flexible manner. • Demonstrates the ability to balance the needs of clients, other staff persons and those of the organization. • Demonstrates enthusiasm for ongoing professional development activities, and engages in reciprocal learning experiences with colleagues and supervisors. • Recognizes the importance of regular individual and team supervision meetings. • Demonstrates active listening abilities, is coachable and responds positively to supervision. • Works collaboratively in the context of a provincial organization, with numerous colleagues, to ensure a consistent “AFMâ€? approach. • Demonstrates a strong commitment to personal and professional ethics, integrity and responsibility. • Ability to manage one’s own emotions and strong feelings; maintain a calm and tactful composure under a t $PNQFUJUJWF 4BMBSJFT t 3FMPDBUJPO "TTJTUBODF broad range of challenging circumstances; think clearly and stay focused under pressure. t $POUJOVJOH &EVDBUJPO t 3FNPUFOFTT "MMPXBODF t &YDFMMFOU #FOFĂśUT RESPONSIBILITIES: >• Demonstrated ability to conduct bio-psychosocial/spiritual assessments and collaborate with clients to design client-centred, strength-based treatment plans that reflect evidence-based practices and clinical skill. 5IPNQTPO (FOFSBM )PTQJUBM o 0QFSBUJOH 3PPN • Demonstrates knowledge and skill related to individual and group counselling services to adults whose primary concerns are alcohol and drugs. 1BSU 5JNF '5& • Ability to match treatment services to client’s unique circumstances. 5IFSF XJMM CF BO PQQPSUVOJUZ UP XPSL QBSU UJNF GPS UIF %FOUJTU JO • Demonstrated ability to maintain current and accurate confidential records of client files. BEEJUJPO UP UIJT QBSU UJNF QPTJUJPO • Demonstrates skill and knowledge related to Motivational Interviewing techniques and coaching skills. • Works collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team within the organization. • Participates on committees, teams or work groups at the local provincial level as requested byassists supervisor. Under the direct supervision of the Patient CareandManager or designate, • Establishes and maintains professional working relationships and regular communication with community and multi-disciplinary team personnel performing a variety of patient care other related organizations relevant to client’sin needs. activities andtherelated services necessary in caring for the • Demonstrates ability tonon-professional operate Microsoft software applications, internet and email communications.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Dental Assistant
personal needs and comfort the patient. is an position that QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree of in social sciences orThis related fieldintegrated with a minimum of one year related includescounselling coordination and of dental procedures the Operating supervised experience (orscheduling volunteer experience) or a Diploma in applied for counselling with a minimum of two years supervised counseling (or in volunteer experience); in the addictions field an Room (OR). This will requireexperience expertise developing andworking maintaining excellent asset. Demonstrated knowledge and a skills related to assessment, individual and and group counselling; excellent working relationships with broad range of individuals organizations. The organizational, interpersonalwill and function oral communication knowledge the addictions OR Dental Assistant withinand thedocumentation provisions skills; of the Vision, ofMission, and mental health fields and demonstrated ability to work within a complex systems of services are required. Values, policies and procedures of theand Northern Health Region (NHR) and Experience working from a client-centred perspective training and/or experience in the utilization of Motivational will incorporate NHR core competencies intopreparing working Interviewing techniques is essential. Experience in planning, andpractice presenting(Customer/ educational material is Client Initiative Pro-activity, Diversity Awareness, Teamwork, and an asset.Focused, Demonstrated ability work&within and contributing to a positive team environment is required. Effective communication and Development problem solving skills An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with Collaboration, of are Selfrequired. and Others, and Adaptability). culturally diverse populations is essential. The ability to communicate in French will be considered an asset. A valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle and travel to outlying communities will be required. The incumbent must fulfill the requirements of the Criminal Records/Vulnerable The Competencies for the Community Addictions Worker opportunity are: Person, Child Abuse Registry check and Adult Abuse Registry check, and adhere • Adaptability/Flexibility to all Northern Health Region policies and procedures. • Client Centred Change • Continuous Learning Qualifications: • Responsiveness t Diversity Gradeand 12Cultural education or equivalent • Effective Communication t Successful completion of a recognized Dental Assistant Program required • Ethical Conduct and Professionalism t Planning Current practicing registration with Manitoba Dental Association • andactive Organizing t Teamwork Excellent of Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, • and knowledge Cooperation • Case Management Outlook, and Internet) • t Counselling Minimum three (3) years’ experience as a Dental Assistant required • Crisis Intervention t Previous experience working with Pediatric cases preferred • Understanding Substance Use, Abuse and Dependency t Ability to speak Cree an asset
This position may require the ability to work some evenings and varying hours.
It is AFM practicelist to request a criminal record checkvisit and conduct and child abuse registry check prior For complete of qualifications please our website www.nrha.ca. to finalizing the appointment of successful candidates.
Competition No:resume # 2020-145 Please submit by February 2, 2018 to: LoriSalary Rasmussen, Recruitment Officer Range: $29.51 to $35.42 an hour (under review) Remoteness allowance if applicable (Potential to move to a maximum 867 ThompsonPlus Drive South $38.121Z4 per hour with specific qualifications) Thompson, MBofR8N Closing Date: February 5 Fax: (204) 778-1477 2021 Apply in writing to: Director, Northern Area Email: recruiteast@nrha.ca Addictions Foundation of Manitoba $BMM VT UPEBZ -PDBM PS 5PMM 'SFF
90 Princeton Drive Thompson, MB R8N 0L3 Northern RHA has aFax: Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to self(204) 677-7328 Email: Child afmnorth@afm.mb.ca declare. Criminal Record, Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required. We thank all candidates applying.and Only those selected forselected interview be consideration contacted. will be contacted. We thankfor all applicants advise that only those for will further AFM VALUES DIVERSITY AND LIVED EXPERIENCE www.nrha.ca www.afm.mb.ca
WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers
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Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham Wapanohk Community School principal Kathleen Kelson and vice-principal Nadine Yetman accepted a cheque for $5,850 from 100 Women Who Care Thompson on Jan. 21. The money is being used to provide kindergarten classes at the school with iPads, which will be used for remote learning, to communicate with parents and to showcase student portfolios while helping young students develop technology skills.
Indigenous communities across Canada are leading the charge toward a renewable energy future as technology advances and networking opportunities are fostered. The successes and advancements were on full display last week at the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) gathering (held virtually this year). Darrell Brown, a Winnipeg-based Cree entrepreneur, chairs the ICE executive board. He was thrilled to see the community come together in support as different First Nations get started down the path of sustainability. “It’s come a long way. The communities get it now. They see what everyone’s doing,” Brown said.
In Loving Memory of
Wayne Richard Zahayko October 15, 1973 – January 29, 2015 If roses grow in heaven dear God, Can you pick a bunch for us? Place them in Wayne’s arms And tell him they’re from us. Tell him we love and miss him, And when he turns and smiles. Place a kiss on his cheek And hold him for a while. Remembering him is easy, we do it every day But there is an ache in our hearts that will never go away Though you’ve passed on before us, You’re always in our hearts And though were not together, We’ll never be apart To lose you when you were so young Leaves such an empty space Our only consolation You’re in a better place Put your arms around him Lord And treasure him with care For you have in your possession A son and brother beyond compare. Loved beyond words, Missed beyond measure.
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Always and forever in our hearts Mom and Dad Jason, Lynelle, Sadie and Seth
Brown started his business, Kisik Clean Energy, last year to support Indigenous development of hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and microgrid technologies. He’s worked in the clean energy industry for five years, and had a hand in developing the renewable energy project at Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) in northwestern Ontario. The KZA project involved solar power and battery storage in a microgrid distribution system developed to reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel as a power source. The First Nation is not connected to the provincial power grid. AJ Esquega, KZA energy projects co-ordinator, explained the technologies don’t allow the elimination of diesel as such yet, but the First Nation has lowered its use by approximately 25 per cent (some 120,000 litres per year). One project is positive, Brown said, but it’s even better to see other communities be inspired by these successes. Sayisi Dene First Nation, on the shores of Tadoule Lake in Northern Manitoba, 250 kilometres west of Churchill, is one of the off-grid communities looking to take the leap into renewables. Empowerment is a big part of the equation. “They feel like they’re taking care of their land, taking care of their water, and the wildlife and that goes with their beliefs. Everything you do with renewable energy and reducing fossil fuels it does with the whole belief system. It’s what all of us Indigenous people believe, taking care of Mother Earth,” Brown said. Other benefits include new job opportunities, lowering greenhouse gas
emissions, lowering environmental risk associated with fuel storage, and an improvement of health outcomes (the burning of diesel is linked to negative health impacts). Even communities that are hooked into provincial grids, such as Fisher River Cree Nation in central Manitoba, are investing in renewables to avoid the high cost of power. This summer, the community unveiled the largest solar farm in the province, with excess energy sold back into Manitoba Hydro’s grid. The three Indigenous communities on the doorstep of the oilsands in northern Alberta — Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Métis Association — are operating the largest solar farm in the country. (It began operations in November 2020.) The success of each community is levied off one another, Brown said. “We’re limited with our resources in our isolated communities. So, when you pool it together, that’s where the value comes from because you have people in each community that are wanting the same thing for their own community,” said Vince Robinson, clean energy co-ordinator at Nuxalk Nation, in B.C. “It seems like there’s at least five questions every day that pop up, where you don’t even know how you would go about answering those questions. And then, the ICE network is there, almost like a big brother.” Robinson, Brown and Esquega all benefited from an Indigenous clean energy mentorship program called 20/20 Catalysts, which continues to bring forth new graduates each year and is part of the ICE network.