Nickel Belt News Volume 62 • Issue 01
Friday, January 7, 2022
Thompson, Manitoba
Serving the Norman Region since 1961
Clinical services at Gillam Hospital resumed Jan. 5
BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
One of two Northern Manitoba health care facilities forced to temporarily close their doors in the week after Christmas due to staff shortages reopened Jan. 5, the Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) says. Clinical services at the Gillam Hospital, including the emergency department and the inpatient unit, resumed at 4 p.m. Wednesday. These services had been suspended Dec. 28, along with the primary care clinic, which resumed operations on Dec. 31 and remains open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Prenatal, postnatal and immunization home visits and other public health activities continued as scheduled during the shutdown as did mental health home visits. “No one wants to close a health centre, even for a few days,” said the NRHA. “We understand the apprehension some community members felt and that’s why our goal was to implement our plan to meet the health needs of citizens served by the Gillam Hospital during this extraordinary time.” The NRHA says the staffing situation in Gillam remains precarious and that staff calling in sick or be-
ing turned away from work due to COVID-19 screening could jeopardize the hospital remaining open, though every effort is being made to maintain health services. “The leadership team in the Northern Health Region has been working tirelessly to re-establish services at Gillam Hospital,” an NRHA spokesperson said Jan. 4. The Leaf Rapids Health Centre was also forced to close temporarily due to a lack of staff and is not expected to reopen until Jan. 10. Seven of 13 registered nurse positions with the NRHA in Gillam were vacant as of Nov. 1, as were two of three RN positions in Leaf Rapids. A Facebook post by the Manitoba Nurses Union on Nov. 26 said that management was making urgent requests for nurses to cover day and night shits in northern communities such as Snow Lake, Gillam and Lynn Lake, the last of which had three of four LPN and four of five RN positions empty at the beginning of the month. “This is how short northern communities are,” said the MNU post. “Without services, our people are left in a vulnerable situation with NO access to healthcare services if nurses
Emergency and inpatient services at Gillam Hospital, unavailable since Dec. 28, resumed Jan. 5 at 4 p.m., the Northern Regional Health Authority said. are not able to cover these shifts. If nurses do step up to cover these shifts, it in turn leaves other areas throughout the region short. It's a no-win situation. SOS...we are drowning.” With the news of the late December closures, one NDP Member of Parliament asked the federal government to step in and work with the province to offer assistance in communities where there are health care staff shortages, and where health care facilities were closing their doors. On Dec. 29 Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton sent a letter to federal Minister of Indigen-
Man charged after stealing, crashing vehicle with gun inside it in Lynn Lake on Christmas Eve A police dog helped Lynn Lake RCMP recover a rifle that came from a stolen car on Christmas Day. Lynn Lake RCMP officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Gordon Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and learned that there was a gun inside the vehicle when it was stolen. Soon after, police were notified that the stolen vehicle had been involved in a single vehicle collision on Highway 391 at the turnoff to Black Sturgeon Falls. Witnesses said they had seen a man with a gun running from the scene and into the bush. The man was located near the treeline and arrested without incident but police did not recover the firearm until the following day, when police service dog Linkin and his handler attended the area and found it. A 25-year-old male from Brochet faces multiple charged related to the incident, including motor vehicle theft, weapons possession offences and refusal to provide a breath sample. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on March 22.
ous Services Patty Hajdu asking that the feds now step in. “I am calling on Indigenous Services Canada to immediately work with the province of Manitoba and take whatever measures necessary, including engaging the Canadian Armed Forces to provide emergency medical services in Gillam and Leaf Rapids at this time,” Ashton said in the letter. Ashton called the closures of the facilities “shocking” as COVID-19 cases spike in the province, and because of the amount of people in those communities and in the surrounding areas that rely on those
facilities. “This is a shocking decision on the part of our province given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in Manitoba at this time,” she said. “Gillam and Leaf Rapids provide medical services to people from neighbouring communities, including many First Nations and Métis people. The nearest hospital in Thompson is far away, a drive of over three hours.” “All options must be considered including bringing in medical personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces. Our region needs help now.” Doctors Manitoba, a not-for-profit organization that represents thousands of physicians in the province, said Dec. 29 that the issues with health care staff shortages have become particularly problematic lately in the province and not just in the north. “Just today, we have had reports from physicians about critical staffing shortages and service disruption in hospitals throughout rural Manitoba, including in Gillam, Boissevain, Killarney, Deloraine, The Pas, Dauphin, Ste. Rose, Selkirk and hospitals throughout the Interlake region,” Doctors Manitoba communications director Keir Johnson said.
“On one hand we are seeing health-care systems across the country struggling to keep up with Omicron, but what we are seeing in Manitoba is a system that is highly, highly stressed because of the staffing situations in hospitals.” During a Dec. 29 press conference, Manitoba chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin was asked about the situation in health care facilities in the north, and why it has become so dire that some facilities are being forced to close. “We have increasing demands on the health care system for various reasons, but most notably because of Omicron,” Roussin said. “And then what we know is just as we've seen an increased number of cases, well part of those increased cases include health care workers and so that puts extra strain on the staffing. “So that challenge is why we've put in more measures and why we're asking Manitobans to do what they can to reduce their contacts. That's why we've pleaded with Manitobans to get vaccinated as soon as they become eligible for another dose.” - with files from Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun
Ice fishers rescued from Clearwater Lake by police after truck breaks down A snowmobile and a rescue trailer were used by The Pas RCMP to search for an located three men who got stranded on Clearwater Lake Dec. 31 after their truck broke down. RCMP photo
RCMP photo RCMP police service dog Linkin helped Lynn Lake RCMP find a rifle that was taken from a stolen vehicle on Christmas Day.
Three would-be ice fishermen from Steinbach were rescued from Clearwater Lake near The Pas shortly after midnight on Dec. 31 after their truck broke down. The Pas RCMP were notified around 12:15 a.m. that three people were stuck on the lake without
the equipment needed to withstand the bitterly cold temperature, which was around -38 Celsius with the windchill factor at the time. Four RCMP officers, an off-duty paramedic and a conservation officer set out to locate the missing men, two aged 18 and one
aged 19. The search party covered a large area before locating the stranded men in the northwest portion of the lake and transporting them back to safety. The stranded fishermen and some of the searchers suffered minor physical injuries related to the extreme cold.
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Manitoba needs halfway homes in north, says MKO grand chief Spiritual after visit to Stony Mountain Thoughts
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Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee with Janalee Bell-Boychuk, the warden of Stony Mountain Institution, during a tour of the federal prison in early December. Stony Mountain Institution’s Indigenous community development officers Veronica Clarke and Nitanis Leary for a tour of the Stony Mountain Institution prison in early December. He had originally planned for the tour to happen last spring, but it was postponed because of fears at the time of the possible spread of COVID-19. Stony Mountain, Canada’s oldest federally run prison, is a multi-security facility that sits north of Winnipeg, and it is currently estimated that 65 to 70 per cent of those incarcerated in the prison are Indigenous. MKO represents 26 Northern Manitoba First Nations and with that high number of Indigenous people in the prison, Settee said he wanted to see conditions for himself, but also wanted to meet directly with MKO members who are serving time there. “I was honoured to meet MKO citizens who are incarcerated at the penitentiary,” Settee said in a release put out after the visit. “I express my sincere appreciation to the MKO citizens who took the time to smudge with me and to sit with me in a sharing circle. Sitting together and hearing insights from the people living on-site was a powerful experience.” Settee said it was import-
ant to allow some of the in- us to treat each other with mates to share their personal kindness and love.” stories, as he said he does Settee said that although not want those who are in he did see Indigenous inkelly.bindle.mla.office@gmail.com prison to ever feel “forgot- mates receiving access to Constituency Office: ten” by society. cultural activities and prac“Many men I met areUnittices StonyCrescent Mountain, he 3-40atMoak fathers and expressed theThompson, still believes that more MB R8N 2B7 can love they have for their be204-677-2066 done to improve that Kellyand Bindle children the regret they accessibility. have that their choices took “While there are cultural them away from their chil- supports in Stony Mountain, dren. They expressed their there are no language lesdesire to turn their lives sons. I encourage staff to around to enable them to explore options for offering become better fathers,” Set- language lessons,” he said. tee said. And with many MKO “Sitting in a sharing circle members being from Northprovides people with time to ern Manitoba, Settee said express whatever is on their he would also like to see mind. The circle is central more options so that those to First Nations culture and who get out of prison can rein a sharing circle we are integrate into society closer all equal. It was my honour to home. to spend time with MKO “There is a clear need to citizens in this way and to continue to move towards remind them that they are restorative justice and to not forgotten.” work to ensure MKO citAnd it is access to cultural izens have a safe place to traditions and practices that live when they complete Settee believes will help In- their sentences,” Settee digenous people in prison said. “There are currently no to heal and to reintegrate halfway homes in northern into society when they are communities. released. “The sense is people “Indigenous people of all may be more successful at ages need to have access to reintegration if they could culture, Elders, ceremony, be housed in Northern and language lessons,” Set- Manitoba.” tee said. “With the reclam— Dave Baxter is a LoRCMP ation Thompson of our culture comes cal Journalism Initiative the return of ourTip pride, reporter who works out of Drug Line self-esteem, and overall the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is health and wellness. “Our culture provides funded by the government sacred teachings that help of Canada.
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
for possible publication. All of the Nickel Belt News’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that the Nickel Belt News receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisements produced by the Nickel Belt News, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.
BY DAVE BAXTER
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
A Manitoba grand chief recently got a firsthand look at life inside Manitoba’s largest penitentiary, while also saying that he will continue to work to find ways to bring down the high rates of Indigenous people who are currently living behind bars. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee joined
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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
Friday, January 7, 2022
Study identifies Indigenous communities that are hotspots for flooding risk
Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Cowichan Tribes Emergency Response A Canadian Armed Forces task unit arrives to help Cowichan Tribes erect sandbag barriers during B.C.’s November flood. BY ROCHELLE BAKER
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER
A recent study has identified Indigenous communities that are “hot spots” for flood risk in Canada, which can help senior levels of government shape and prioritize flood management strategies in line with social equity and environmental justice. A total of 40 risk hot lation spots were identified in the University of Waterloo study among 360 Indigenous reserves, with the highest number of hot spots aler! located in B.C. at 13 and in Ontario with 10. on will mean that the Thompson top infive flood risk hot what that means forThe residents spots in the country are the Shamattawa First Nation reserve in Northern Manitoba, the centre receives and prepares it for Pigeon Lake reserve 138A port our recycling to market. (shared by four nations) in y recycling during the shut the down? Alberta, Whycocomagh reserve in Nova Scotia, the e asked to drop their recyclable waste off ntre prior to the shut down, and to hold on Ekuanitshit-Mingan Innu s the seven days if at all possible. reserve in northern Quebec and Tribes of your recycling with your the regularCowichan waste, making some room by getting rid on of their reserves Vancouver Is-
ruption
first: plastic, tin, and aluminum materials vironment than paper and cardboard.
land, B.C. The study is unique because in addition to evaluating the likelihood of flooding and potential property and infrastructure damage, it also factors in a community’s social vulnerability, or its capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from a flood, said co-author Jason Thistlethwaite. Traditionally, risk planning for floods tends to focus on areas with concentrated structural and economic assets, often cities or industrial settings, he said. However, the capacity of these areas to prevent or recover from flooding is likely higher, as bigger cities or industrial areas have more resources and capacity to apply for funding and develop and implement response plans. Employing social vulnerability measurements better determines where the highest risk areas are, along with which people will be impacted most, said Thistlethwaite, a flood-risk
The Thompson Recycling Centre is seeking new board members to assist the Recycling Centre in continuing its mission to serve as a regional hub for Northern Manitoba, processing recyclables from Thompson as well as outlying communities and Hydro Generating stations. Incorporated in July/1997, the Thompson Recycling Centre is a non profit organization dedicated to waste diversion in Northern Manitoba. We are a controlled entity of the City of Thompson with a stand alone Board of Director’s. Board meetings are held monthly with the exception of December, July and August. Meetings are held at the Thompson Recycling Centre starting at 4:45 p.m. and are approximately 1 hour in duration. If you have: • A passion for the environment and our community. • Previous Experience as a board member. • Financial or business experience. • Education or experience in Waste Diversion Please reach out by phone (204) 677-7991 or e-mail trec@mymts.net to express interest. We look forward to hearing from you!!!!
expert and associate professor at the University of Waterloo. “Governments have a responsibility to increase investment in those (Indigenous) communities to try to limit the exposure and decrease the vulnerability of those populations to flooding and other climate risks.” To understand a community’s social vulnerability, Thistlethwaite said the study employed an index that weighed 49 different socio-economic variables, including a community’s demographics, household makeup, housing, income and infrastructure and social supports. The study shows 81 per cent of the 985 Indigenous land reserves in Canada were at risk of flooding with impacts to people or residential properties. While the threat to residential property is similar between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, once social or environmental inequities come into play, the overall risk is higher for Indigenous communities. The national study is a preliminary step, and more research has to be done at a local level with the Indigenous communities potentially at risk to “ground truth” the findings, examine flood threat dynamics and create management plans adapted to the specific environment and community priorities, Thistlethwaite said. For instance, an Indigenous community’s flood protection priorities might also involve environmentally sensitive or culturally important sites that aren’t necessarily near buildings
or structures, he said. Cowichan Tribes cope with three serious floods in two years Sandbag walls and removable flood barriers surround the big house and homes at Clem Clem — the Cowichan Tribes’ ancient village site at the junction of the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers on central Vancouver Island. The temporary structures will stay in place to try to prevent any further damage from flooding until after the spring melt swells the rivers, said Chris Jancowski, the Cowichan Tribes’ new emergency planning and response manager. Clem Clem and other areas on Cowichan reserve lands were flooded twice in January and November this year and in February 2020, said Jancowski. Much of the reserve is on a floodplain and regularly sees limited, localized flooding, but the severity is increasing with climate change, Jancowski said. The latest flood on Nov. 15 — a one-in-100-year event that prompted evacuations and a local state of emergency — occurred during the atmospheric river that caused torrential rains and devastating floods across B.C. Approximately 100 homes on the reserve were evacuated and multiple roads were closed due to high water or landslides after the area got 150 millimetres of rain over a twoday period. Given both B.C. and local governments declared states of emergency, Cowichan Tribes were able to secure immediate resources from the provincial and fed-
eral governments to start relief work and prepare for additional rainstorms, Jancowski said. A Canadian Armed Forces response unit arrived on Nov. 27 and teamed up with residents, Cowichan forestry workers and a local contractor to put temporary flood measures in place at Clem Clem and other residences at risk, Jancowski said. However, these structures aren’t a permanent fix and the Cowichan don’t typically have outside resources and bodies to step in and help, he said. “These protection measures are seasonal,” Jancowski said, adding that between the flooding in early 2020 and the November event, at least 29 homes need to be repaired. “We’re starting conversations now about what can be done with the support of the provincial and federal governments for recovery and longer-term solutions.” Following the 2020 flood, the federal government provided $24.2 million in funding to Cowichan Tribes, in November of the same year, to develop a watershed resiliency program that will alleviate flooding in winter and droughts and low water levels for salmon in the summer. The areas on the reserve typically at risk of flooding were impacted in the November event, but the damage was less severe, thanks to gravel removal and initial natural restoration work along the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers during the summer, said Darryl Tunnicliffe, manager of environment and natural resources, in a news
release. The success and co-operation of the Cowichan flood relief effort in November is a case study for the effectiveness of measures that involve all three levels of government, Jancowski said. However, the widespread devastation with the recent flooding in B.C. demonstrates the overall mandate of shared responsibility has eroded over time, said Thistlethwaite. “Very quietly over the last 10 to 15 years, senior levels of government have tried to wash their hands of responsibility for flood management,” he said. “In B.C. for instance, they downloaded most of the management to local governments, or Indigenous communities, and that is the wrong level of government to be handling these types of risk.” Jancowski agreed senior levels of government need to also prioritize Indigenous communities particularly vulnerable to flooding. The Cowichan community is landlocked by reserve boundaries, and the floodplain makes up a large portion of the land. “We have to understand climate change is here for the long game,” he said, adding the Cowichan aim to build capacity and develop proactive measures to protect the community for decades. “I may put myself out of work, but I hope down the road by improving the river management and by implementing plans for improved infrastructure and homes, hopefully, we’ll eventually reduce the need for flood response.”
Friday, January 7, 2022
Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
News • Page B-5
One dead, two wounded in pair of New Year’s Day shootings, suspect faces homicide, weapons charges: RCMP BY ERIC WESTHAVER FLIN FLON REMINDER
A New Year’s Day homicide and a pair of shooting incidents in Flin Flon and Creighton ended with the Mounties getting their man after a community-wide manhunt. RCMP located and arrested a suspect following a day-long manhunt spanning communities in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. RCMP announced that 18-year-old Xander Tardiff had been arrested Jan. 2. The arrest took place after nightfall at the Aspen Grove apartment complex, which had been the location of a series of police searches earlier in the day. "Xander Tardiff has been safely taken into custody. The Manitoba RCMP thanks the public and media for their assistance," reads a Manitoba RCMP news release confirming the arrest. Tardiff was described as armed and dangerous by police before his capture and was believed by police to still be in the Flin Flon, Creighton or Denare Beach areas. Shootings Police were called shortly after midnight Jan. 1 to Creighton’s Main Street, with reports of a shooting near the Creighton Community Centre. Officers from both Flin Flon and Creighton detachments responded and found a 24-year-old male from Cranberry Portage who had been shot – the man was taken to Flin Flon General Hospital in stable condition. As officers combed the nearby area for the suspect, another call came in about an hour later notifying police of a second shooting in Flin Flon at a home on Bellevue Avenue. On arrival, police found two people had been shot at the home – a 26-year-old woman from Flin Flon and
a 47-year-old man from The Pas. The man was transported to hospital in stable condition, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as Catherine Morin, originally from Denare Beach. RCMP secured the scene at Bellevue Avenue, along with a portion of the road in front of the house, in the aftermath of the violence. The road was still blocked off as Jan. 3. The homicide is Flin Flon’s first since last year, when RCMP laid a murder charge in relation to the death of a 10-month-old infant several months earlier. Manhunt Tardiff was named as a suspect not long after the second shooting. “Officers at the scene confirmed that both incidents were targeted and linked to one suspect,” reads an RCMP statement issued about the case Jan. 3. Search efforts for Tardiff fanned out across Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach, including officers from both Flin Flon and Creighton detachments and help from outside units from both provinces. Local police received assistance from the Manitoba RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Major Crime Services, Forensic Identification Services and Air Services, as well as the Saskatchewan Critical Incident Response Team. Search efforts were centred around several areas, but throughout the afternoon of Jan. 1, most police resources were deployed at Aspen Grove. Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Manitoba RCMP had issued a statement advising the public to avoid the area, also advising people to avoid sharing photos of the police presence online, saying doing so could jeopardize the
Flin Flon Reminder photo by Eric Westhaver RCMP vehicles secure a scene near Aspen Grove Jan. 1 after a pair of violent incidents New Year’s Day in Creighton and Flin Flon. Three people were shot over the course of an hour shortly after midnight, with one person dying of their wounds. A suspect, an 18-year-old male, was arrested after a day-long police manhunt. safety of police on scene. "Expect a heavy police presence as officers work to safely resolve the situation. Do not post or share photos of officers on social media," read a statement from an RCMP spokesperson. At 6 p.m. Saturday night, a Manitoba RCMP spokesperson confirmed to The Reminder that after area searches, Tardiff had not been found at Aspen Grove and the pursuit of the suspect would continue. "Xander Tardiff was not located in the Aspen Grove area of Flin Flon. The Manitoba RCMP thanks residents for their understanding and collaboration during the search," reads a statement from Manitoba RCMP issued early that evening. Reports came of increased police presence in Denare Beach after nightfall Saturday, but police even-
tually returned to Aspen Grove, where, according to eyewitness reports, RCMP statements and video obtained by The Reminder, Tardiff was found, arrested and escorted by police from the complex shortly before midnight. Charges Tardiff faces a slew of charges in relation to both shootings, issued for both Manitoba and Saskatchewan jurisdictions. The sus-
pect faces a second-degree murder charge in Morin’s death, along with charges of discharge firearm with intent, reckless discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm while prohibited. Tardiff also faces two charges, discharge a firearm with intent and possession of a firearm while prohibited, relating to the incident in Creighton. The fact that the incidents happened in two
different provinces means that Tardiff will have two separate court dates, one for each set of charges. Tardiff will make his first court appearance in The Pas Provincial Court Jan. 4, relating solely to the charges for Flin Flon, and will have a second appearance in La Ronge Provincial Court for the two counts from the Creighton shooting. None of the charges have been proven in court.
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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
Friday, January 7, 2022
Feds must set aside $8 billion for First Nation water infrastructure, settlements: courts BY DAVE BAXTER
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
A recent court decision mandates billions of dollars be set aside to bring clean drinking water to
a number of First Nations communities and to compensate community members who have lived for years under boil-water advisories and without access to clean water.
Manitoba Advises of Public Consultation on Regulated Health Professions Act Counselling therapists in the province have requested self-regulation under The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), and Manitoba Health and Seniors Care would like to advise Manitobans they have an opportunity to provide feedback on this application. The application for self-regulation was submitted by the Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Manitoba earlier this year. Individuals can provide written submissions to the Health Professions Advisory Council no later than Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. The Health Professions Advisory Council is responsible for advising the Minister of Health and Seniors Care on matters relating to the Act, including the regulation of health professions. To do this, the council seeks information from and consults with members of the public, health organizations and regulatory colleges and conducts research to determine if it is in the public interest to regulate a health profession. For further information on the consultation process and to participate, please visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/rhpa/hpac.html. Alternatively, if you do not have access to a computer or internet service, you may mail your request to participate in the consultation to: Health Professions Advisory Council c/o Legislative Unit, Manitoba Health and Seniors Care 300 Carton Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3M9
RHPA Public Consultation ad Thompson Nickel Belt News Size: 2 cols (3.17”) wide x 95 lines deep Issue date: Fri. Jan. 7, 2022
In a joint decision, the Federal Court of Canada and Manitoba’s Court of Queen’s Bench approved an $8-billion settlement agreement. In 2019 the Northern Manitoba community of Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) along with Ontario communities Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation filed a class-action lawsuit against the federal government that seeks to have access to clean drinking water recognized as a basic human right. With the courts’ decision, $6 billion will now be set aside that the feds said would bring clean drinking water to First Nations communities over the next several years. The agreement also includes billions of dollars in compensation for those who have lived for years without clean drinking water, as $1.5 billion will be set aside to compensate individual community members who have lived and suffered under boilwater advisories. The agreement will apply to First Nations communities and individuals that have been subject to long-term boil-water advisories for one year or longer beginning in 1995. In an affidavit, TCN Chief Doreen Spence said that TCN, a community of about 2,000 on-reserve members, has been under a boil-water advisory for more than three years, saying the community gets its drinking water from Split
Lake, but that the water has been contaminated by upstream development and recurring flooding, as well as sewage that is periodically released into the lake. According to the affidavit, Split Lake is currently contaminated with E.coli and large-scale blue-green algae blooms, which can cause serious illness. While speaking on Dec. 30, TCN band councillor Nathan Neckoway said there is still a lot of work to be done to get clean drinking water into the community and added they already have bottled water for their members ordered for at least the next year. He said the bottled water that is currently being flown in to the community barely covers the community’s needs. “We are giving two or three crates of water to each home per week, but some of these homes have 10 or more people living in them, so it doesn’t last very
long,” Neckoway said. “It’s very challenging.” And according to Neckoway the lack of clean tap water also affects residents’ health in other ways. “Children are using the water to bathe and then they come down with serious rashes and bumps on their skin, so it’s a very bad situation out here,” Neckoway said. Neckoway did call the decision a “good step” towards the community once again having clean drinking water. “It’s a win for us for sure,” he said. In his written decision, Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench Justice Glenn Joyal called the agreement “historic” and “long overdue,” and said he hopes it "represents what many hope will be a turning point for Canada and First Nations.” "Although the parties reached the settlement in just under two years, the courts acknowledge that
Indigenous communities have been advocating for decades to ensure future generations’ access to safe water," Joyal wrote. In Manitoba, there are currently two communities without access to clean water, as both TCN and the Shamattawa First Nation are currently under boilwater advisories. In a news release, the federal government said it is committed to improving reliable access to safe drinking water in First Nations communities. "The government of Canada will continue to work with all First Nations, to address water concerns," the news release said. "Together, we will develop sustainable, long-term solutions.” — Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the government of Canada.
MKO hits milestone with its status card program BY DAVE BAXTER
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
An organization that represents dozens of First Nations communities in Northern Manitoba says they have now reached an important milestone as they continue their work to help First Nations citizens apply for and receive their status cards. In December, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) said they have reached their goal of assisting 2,500 First Nations citizens in Manitoba to apply for their secure status cards in 2021. MKO first launched a service to help community members with status card applications back in January of this year, with the service running out of their Thompson office. The organization, which represents 26 First Nations including several remote northern communities, said they started the service because First Nations people in many communities have struggled to get their status card applications completed, which can lead to them struggling to access a number of services or resources.
MKO said in a statement that they partnered with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to “ensure that Northern residents have improved access in obtaining their Treaty status cards, as some do not have the means to travel to Winnipeg to get an appointment.” “I am extremely proud of our small, dedicated team that has provided service to 2,500 citizens from various First Nations to help them apply for their secure status cards,” MKO’s Grand Chief Garrison Settee said in a media release. “Many of us know it’s challenging to get a status card, so I’m grateful for the staff at MKO who have worked diligently to remove barriers to citizens who are trying to get a piece of government-issued ID.” Settee added the service is now more important than ever because of proof of vaccination requirements that are in place in many businesses and venues in the province. “Having access to identification is absolutely necessary, especially now with the need to show government-issued ID along with one’s proof of vaccine,”
Settee said. MKO said it has been the work of status identification intake clerks that has allowed them to reach the milestone of assisting 2,500 community members. “Our team is small but mighty,” senior status card intake clerk Gina Spence said in a release. “Our team has travelled to Norway House Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, and Winnipeg to hold pop-up clinics, where we helped people apply for their status cards. Providing northern residents with easier access to obtaining their status cards is extremely beneficial as many of the people we meet don’t even have any identification. “It is difficult to access benefits or exercise treaty rights when you don’t have your status number or status card. I’m proud to be part of the team helping people to obtain their secure status cards.” — Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the government of Canada.
Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line
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Thompson, MB R8N 1Z4 Fax: (204) 778-1477 Email: recruiteast@nrha.ca $BMM VT UPEBZ -PDBM PS 5PMM 'SFF
Friday, January 7, 2022
Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
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Careers • Page B-7
Northern RHA has a Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to selfdeclare. Criminal Record, Child Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.
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Death of 28-year-old man in Moose Lake being investigated as a homicide Moose Lake RCMP are investigating the death of a 28-year-old man as a homicide. Police were called to a report of an in-
jured man outside a Portage Road residence around 6 a.m. Jan. 4. The officers and emergency medical
Fatal accident near Dauphin Dec. 31 claims life of St. Theresa Point man
services personnel arrived to find a man with life-threatening injuries who was transported to hospital in The Pas where he was pronounced dead. RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification services Moose Lake RCMP are inare assisting with the vestigating the Jan. 4 death ongoing investigation.
of a 28-year-old man as a homicide.
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MANAGER OF FINANCE
callHELPER us at 2042 -677FISHER WEEK4534 WINTER Communities Economic Development Fund, lead entity for the delivery of the Look North Initiative is recruiting TRAINING PROGRAM a Manager or email ads@thompsoncitizen.net of Finance for its head office based in Thompson, Manitoba.
• ARE YOU A NEEDS A ? The Manager of FISHER Finance THAT is responsible forTRAINEE the financial • WOULD YOU TRAIN BE A part FISHER ? administration of LIKE CEDFTO and is an TO integral of the management team. The ideal candidate will have a professional accounting designation, but an acceptable combination of WE OFFER EXPERIENCED A education and experience would be INDIVIDUALS considered. Experience $1,500.00 SUBSIDY TOWARD TRAINING A FISHER in Treasury Management, Operational Budgeting and Project Management would be considered HELPER BETWEEN JANUARY an 1STasset. & MARCH 31ST. CEDF is a Manitoba Crown Corporation. Its legislative mandate BE ELIGIBLE THIS PROGRAM ALL is TO to encourage EconomicFOR Development in Northern Manitoba. ThisTRAINEES position offers a competitive benefit MUST BE 18compensation OR OLDERand AND: package. The salary for this position is negotiable and will UNEMPLOYED, EMPLOYED depend on education andUNDER experience, plus remoteness allowance. OR RECEIVING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE. Interested applicants can submit their cover letter and FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FISHER TRAINING PROGRAM CALL: résumé to: CEDF THOMPSON, MB. (204)778-4318 OR TOLL FREE: 1-800-561-4315
A 35-year-old man from St. Theresa Point First Nation was one of three Manitobans killed in a trio of separate fatal accidents in less than 12 hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The 35-year-old died when his vehicle was struck from behind by an SUV about four kilometres south of Dauphin shortly before 11 p.m. Dec. 31. RCMP say the SUV, driven by a 70-year-old man from the rural municipality of Dauphin, rear ended the vehicle, which caused it to go into the ditch and roll, at which point the 35-year-old was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene while the 70-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Less than six hours earlier, Blue Hills RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 1 in the rural municipality of Whitehead. A westbound pickup driven by a 43-year-old man hit another westbound vehicle being driven by a 64-year-old woman from Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation. She was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries while a 56-year-old male passenger in her vehicle, also from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver was not injured. Shortly before 3 a.m. Jan. 1, a vehicle being driven by a 22-year-old man went off the main road near the bridge in Berens River and rolled. The driver of the vehicle, its only occupant, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. School District of Mystery Lake
Success for all
The School District of Mystery Lake
invites applications for Accounts Officer CelebrateSenior Education Week: April 16-20, 2018 The School District of Mystery Lake is hiring a permanent BoardOfficer of Trustees to celebrate SeniorThe Accounts at theinvites Schoolyou Board Office. This is 2018 our schools. a 12 monthEducation position atWeek 7 hours perinday. Happy Education Week to all of the District staff. Required qualifications include: It takes everyone to support our students in their learning. • Grade 12 academic standing Thank youofforformal all thateducation you do to in general • At least two years the lives of our students. of work accounting.enrich Applicants with a combination experience and qualifications will be considered. “You can teach a lesson for a day; • A keyboarding speedaofstudent 45 w.p.m. but if you teach him learn by Office creating • Proficiency andcan knowledge ofto Microsoft (Word, curiosity, he will continue the learning Excel, and Outlook) and familiarity with process accounting as long as he lives.” Clay P. Bedford applications. • Proven organizational skills and the ability to work in Thank you. a fast paced environment with demanding deadlines. • Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to workBoard withinofa Trustees team environment. TheCriminal School District Mystery RecordsofCheck andLake Child Abuse • Satisfactory Registry Check are required. The rate of pay for this position is outlined in the 8223-00 Collective Bargaining Agreement located on the district website (www.mysterynet.mb.ca) Starting wage is $32.76 per hour plus C.O.L.A. Newly hired employees who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing up to three times per week. For further information, please contact Tami Bodnaryk, District Accountant at the School Board Office at 204-677-6113 Please apply on our website at www.mysterynet.mb.ca and select Job Centre. We thank you for your application however only applicants shortlisted will be contacted.
Chris Thevenot, CEO CEDF 15 Moak Crescent, Thompson MB R8N 2B8 Fax: 204-778-4313 Email: admin@cedf.mb.ca We thank all applicants, however only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA OFFICE: BUNIBONIBEE SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: OXFORD HOUSE, MB Legal Assistant Position at Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro
(Approximately 1 year Term position at 40hrs per week – with the possibility of becoming permanent) Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro is a well-respected Law Firm which has been serving Northern MB and the outlying communities for 50+ years. Our law firm provides a stimulating atmosphere to come to work each day. We value our relationships with our community, clients, and our team. We pride ourselves in serving our clients with honesty and integrity. Legal Assistant responsibilities include: • Providing administrative support to lawyer • Handling communication with clients, witnesses etc. • Legal administrative support for trials Job brief We are looking for a self-motivated Legal Assistant to ensure smooth running of a lawyer’s practice dealing mainly with family and estates matters. Responsibilities • Provide administrative support to lawyer and enhance office effectiveness • Handle communication with clients, witnesses etc. by phone, email & in person • Administratively support the lawyer & occasionally file docs in court • Locate and develop case relevant information including being knowledgeable in file content and maintain an organized filing system • Type and file legal documents and correspondence, this includes typing, dictation & creating documents as directed. • Answer and direct phone calls including conducting intake interviews, booking appointments & maintaining lawyer’s schedule. • Maintain contact lists • Monitor deadlines and manage calendars Requirements • Team Player, good people skills • Professional dress + appearance • Have own vehicle • Criminal Record check • Confidentiality • Familiarity with law, legal procedures and protocols, and court system an asset but not necessary • Computer literacy & typing speed of at least 50 - 60 wpm • Proficiency in English, fluency in written English & spoken English • Good knowledge of Outlook, Excel & Word • Excellent secretarial and organisational skills • Ability to juggle multiple activities and work under pressure with deadlines • Legal Assistant certification or diploma not necessary. Experience preferred but will train. • Ability to work occasional Overtime is required Please send Cover letter and Resume via email only to lucy2@mdplaw.ca Closing date: January 21, 2022
Position: Foster Care Worker One (1) Full-Time Permanent The Foster Care Worker will perform a full range of foster care activities for Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba; this includes recruitment, home assessments, orientation, training, foster home licensing, places of safety and support services to foster homes and foster parents. The Foster Care Worker provides temporary and longterm placements for children as directed by the Child and Family Services Act and the Program Standards. The Foster Care Worker will also ensure that services are being delivered in accordance with the policies, procedures and specific directives of Awasis Agency. Qualifications: • BSW Degree preferred with experience in child welfare or combination of education and experience in a related field with the completion of 2 years in the BSW program may be considered • Strong commitment to community based service delivery • Working knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills • Strong work ethic and reliable • Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree language would be considered an asset Working Conditions: • Fast-paced environment • Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information • Overnight and remote travel approximately 10% of the time • Maintain a satisfactory Prior Contact Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience Closing Date: Friday, January 14, 2022 Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2021-104 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2021-104 315 McGee Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1M7 Fax: 204-790-4455 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. **Note: Following the Provincial Mandate – all employees must provide proof of full covid-19 vaccination
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Federal government pledges $40 billion to compensate harms done First Nations children by CFS BY DAVE BAXTER
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
The federal government has announced $40 billion will be spent to compensate First Nations children who have been harmed by the Child and Family Services (CFS) system. But some who have suffered at the hands of that
system say no amount of money can compensate for the harms that CFS has inflicted on families and communities for decades. On Jan. 4, the federal Liberals said they have reached an agreement-in-principle with First Nations partners to compensate First Nations children who were harmed by the underfunding of Can-
ada’s on-reserve child welfare system, and to make reforms to CFS and how it deals with First Nations children and communities. “No amount of compensation can make up for the traumas that First Nations children, families and communities have experienced,” federal Minister of Indigenous Services
Electrician Regular/Full-Time Central Services, Thompson, MB Advertisement Number: 38454 Closing Date: January 17, 2022 Salary Range: $60,000 - $71,103 (plus remoteness allowance, if applicable) The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities). This is a preference competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however first consideration for this competition will be given to women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. Applicants are requested to selfdeclare at the time of application. Qualifications: Experience operating and maintaining electrical systems in a large commercial, industrial and/or institutional facility. Experience working with electrical legislated codes and regulations. Must be eligible to work in Canada. Must possess a valid Interprovincial Class H Journeyperson Electrician license. Must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license. Must be able to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check. For the full listing of qualifications and conditions of employment, please visit http://www.manitoba.ca/govjobs/. The Manitoba government has a comprehensive benefits package which includes extended health, health spending, dental, vision, long term disability, supportive employment program, maternity and parental leave, and a defined pension plan. Central Services provides ongoing professional and educational development for its employees. Duties: The Electrician is responsible to maintain, repair and install electrical equipment and related systems at different facilities within the District. The Electrician’s primary responsibilities include maintenance of electrical equipment and systems, repair and installation of electrical equipment and systems, maintenance of life safety equipment, consultation and direction on electrical work being performed by outside contractors, and participating in safety training and meetings. Apply to: Advertisement No. 38454 Service Centre 3 Human Resource Services 600-155 Carlton Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8 Phone: 204-945-8819 Fax: 204-948-3382 Email: govjobs@gov.mb.ca
Patty Hajdu said during a Tuesday press conference announcing details of the agreement. “But this will begin the process of healing, and it will support families on that journey of healing, and support individuals that have experienced extraordinary loss and harm.” According to details of the agreement, the feds will spend $20 billion to compensate First Nations residents harmed by the system, and another $20 billion to reform CFS over a five-year period. Compensation will be made available to First Nations children who lived on-reserve or in the Yukon, and who were removed from their homes between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2022. Christine Miskonoodinkwe-Smith, who lives in Toronto but was born in Winnipeg, didn’t spend any of her childhood with her birth family, as when she was just one she was taken from her mother and her home, and would endure horrific abuse for years at the hands of the couple who adopted her. On Tu e s d a y, Miskonoodinkwe-Smith said that although she is happy to see the settlement reached, she does not believe that money alone will compensate for what many children have gone through and continue to go through. “I think it is good that it is finally happening, but money does not solve
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
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conference, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Chief for Manitoba Cindy Woodhouse, who has been leading negotiations that led up to the announcement, spoke about what years of underfunding and “discriminatory practices” within the CFS system has done to harm children and families in First Nations communities. “Discriminatory funding under the federal First Nations CFS system has led to a massive overrepresentation of First Nations children into the child welfare system in every province and territory in this country,” Woodhouse said. “Every day for decades First Nations children, some even newborns, have been ripped from their families and many denied medical services and other supports when they needed them, all at the hands of a program that should have protected them.” AFN estimates that as many as 200,000 children could be compensated through the agreement. The parties have until March 31 to finalize details of the deal, and it is not yet known when payments will be made, or how much each recipient of compensation will be paid. — Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the government of Canada.
Province tabs funds for northern technical vocational institute BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH
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everything, and the government needs to do more than just compensate through money when it comes to what happened to so many First Nations children here in Canada,” Miskonoodinkwe-Smith said. “I think they need to offer more supports for people that have been through the system or are going through the system, because when you don’t have support that is when you feel alone and left behind just like I did for many years.” According to Miskonoodinkwe-Smith meaningful reform to the system can only happen when more Canadians fully understand how CFS has operated in First Nations communities for decades. “We can’t just throw money at things and believe they will be fixed,” she said. “I want to see more education about how this system has operated, because if we don’t understand what is wrong and what has been wrong for years than we can’t fix it.” On Tuesday, Sixties Scoop Legacy of Canada director Katherine Legrange said she does not believe the settlement goes far enough to compensate victims. “We feel that this settlement falls short of fully atoning for the decades of discrimination and broken families we have endured at the hands of government,” Legrange said in an email. During Tuesday’s press
The latest round of successful Teachers’ Idea Fund pitches includes the creation of a new technical vocational institute in Northern Manitoba — the most expensive project to be approved to date. Education Minister Cliff Cullen has announced nearly $5 million — $750,000 of which is for the Northern Lights Institute of Trades and Technology — has been earmarked for 28 new educator-led initiatives that aim to improve student outcomes in the province. During a conference call with reporters Dec. 13, Cullen said Swan Valley School Division’s proposal to develop a vocational institute caught his attention because of the extensive
partnerships involved in the project. The institute of trades and technology, which will receive $150,000 in provincial funding annually over the next five years, will support high schoolers and mature students to enter post-secondary training by providing them with “transitional opportunities.” The division’s plan is to work with nearby communities, First Nations, employers and educational institutions in the North to help graduates build both confidence and resumés. “We’re looking for new and innovative ideas coming from (teachers). I would say our goal here is to see what programs are effective,” said Cullen. “If we find very effective programs, that’s something we can implement across the
province.” The Teachers’ Idea Fund is a $25-million pool set aside to fund front-line education projects — which can focus on items including teaching models, mental health, pandemic recovery learning, K-12 transitions, and parent engagement — over the next five years. Since the inaugural round of projects was unveiled earlier last year, the province has approved $6.5 million for 108 teacher pitches, 18 of which are multi-year projects. The latest initiatives include recovery learning interventions and virtual art classes. Teachers can apply for up to $25,000 for a single-year initiative. The cap on multi-year projects is $150,000 annually.