July 23 2021 by Nickel Belt News

Nickel Belt News Volume 61 • Issue 29

Friday, July 23, 2021

Thompson, Manitoba

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

Deaths and self-harm incidents prompt Tataskweyak Cree Nation to declare state of emergency

Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) said July 14 it is declaring a state of emergency for the community of Split Lake due to recent suicides and incidents of self-harm. “We are calling for immediate mental wellness supports and long-term solutions for our community members," said a press release sent out by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), which represents TCN and many other Northern Manitoba First Nations. “We have reached a breaking point and our community is under crisis with alcohol and drugs contributing to it.” MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said in a subsequent press release that four

youth have died by suicide in the community in the past two months and that five others died by suicide in the 12 months before that. “This is an unimaginable loss for this community and our entire province,” he said. “The pain of losing your child is like no other. My heart goes out to those families who are trying to cope with their losses.” Churchill-Keewatinook Aski NDP MP Niki Ashton said July 15 that she was contacted by family members of young people who died by suicide and immediately reached out to leaders and community members and also called the minister of Indigenous services to ask him and his depart-

ment to take immediate and comprehensive action in response to TCN declaring a state of emergency. “This crisis didn’t just happen,” Ashton said in an emailed statement. “Community members have been clear – the COVID-19 crisis took a toll on young peoples’ mental health. The few resources that existed were overstretched and inadequate. The tragic situation in TCN highlights how Canada is failing to provide supports, yes. But even more, failing to give young people in northern and Indigenous communities hope. The federal government must act now to support TCN in this time of crisis.” MKO’s mobile crisis team

is in Split Lake, and TCN has also reached out to the mobile crisis team from Keewatin Tribal Council and is requesting additional support, including 24/7 in-community mental health counselling, from Health Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, the RCMP and the province of Manitoba. Settee said a crisis drop-in centre and resources to help protect young and vulnerable people from alcohol and other drugs are needed. A TCN band councillor, who spoke anonymously to a local journalism initiative reporter at the Winnipeg Sun July 15 because he fears reprisals from people in and out of the community who sell drugs, said it is the

amount of substances coming into the community that is causing the crisis. “That is the biggest problem we are dealing with, it’s the amount of alcohol and drugs being brought into the community, and pushed onto young people,” the councillor said. “And the more it comes in, the more it pushes people over to the dark side. The young people are being exposed to drugs and alcohol, and it really feels like the community is at war with the bootleggers and the drug dealers. There is a high increase of people using, and there is an increase in young people using, and what it is doing is creating this crisis in our community.” Settee also said children

are sacred and the heart of their communities. “I want to send a message to the youth, and all community members, that you matter,” he said. “You are important and you are loved. If you are considering harming yourself, please reach out to others for help. Suicide and harming yourself is not a solution to the problems you are facing.” Kids Help Phone is available 24 hours a day for youth who need someone to talk to at 1-800-668-6868. Youth can also communicate with someone by texting “CONNECT” to 686868. - with files from Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun

Search of vehicle and homes in Cross Lake and Winnipeg turns up over $2 million, 20 grams of cocaine Manitoba RCMP say they seized more than $2 million from a vehicle pulled over on Highway 6 near Winnipeg and residences in Winnipeg and Cross Lake as well as cocaine and jewellery. Headingley RCMP’s roving traffic unit pulled over a vehicle around 1:45 a.m. June 29 as part of an ongoing investigation. A search of the vehicle turned up a significant amount of cash and a 39-year-old female in the vehicle was arrested. Investigation by Cross Lake RCMP led to search warrants being executed at a residence in that community and another one in Winnipeg. In addition to the money, 20 grams of cocaine and a significant amount of expensive jewellery were also seized, along with some drug-trafficking paraphernalia.

The 39-year-old woman, from Pimicikamak First Nation (Cross Lake), faces two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of cocaine, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. She has been released for a future court date and the investigation continues. “This is a significant arrest and seizure,” said Chief Supt. Rob Hill, Manitoba RCMP officer in charge of criminal operations. “To get more than $2 million that would be used in the illegal drug trade off the street is an important seizure for the community of Pimicikamak, and for the province as a whole. The investigation conducted by our officers was extremely well done and has netted some really positive results. Illegal drugs affect communities in so many negative ways, and

Woman arrested after Cross Lake death being investigated as a homicide Cross Lake RCMP arrested a woman in connection with a July 17 death being investigated as a homicide. Police responded to a report of a man needing medical attention around 11:45 a.m. Saturday and located a 30-yearold man who was transported to the nursing station, where he died of his injuries. A 30-year-old woman from Cross Lake was arrested that day and remains in custody. RCMP Major Crime Services is assisting Cross Lake RCMP with the ongoing investigation.

the RCMP is dedicated to finding those involved and getting those drugs off the street.” More than $2 million and 20 grams of cocaine was seized by police in an investigation that included searches of a vehicle on Highway 6 and of residences in Winnipeg and Cross Lake. RCMP photo

Shamattawa RCMP searching for missing fisher last seen July 17 RCMP officers and Shamattawa residents are searching Gods River for a missing fisher. Leon Redhead, 51, was last seen around 4 p.m. July 17 when he left the community to go check his fishing nets in the river. He was reported missing around 10:30 a.m. July 18. Anyone with information can call Shamattawa RCMP at 204-565-2350. Leon Redhead, 51, hasn’t been seen since leaving Shamattawa to check his fishing nets on Gods River. A search by police and community members is underway. RCMP photo

Page B-2 • Grad

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Congratulations

Jordan

We are very proud of everything you have accomplished! Love, Mom, Dad & Jarrett

Friday, July 23, 2021

Congratulations Jordyn Larter

You did it! We are so proud of you, there is nothing you can’t accomplish! Love always, Grandpa & Grandma Katchmar

Hannah & Julie CLASS OF

Congratulations

2021

We are so very proud of you!

Graduate Love Mom & Dad CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF

2021 GRAD U A T E

CLASS OF

2021 YOU DID IT!

Class

Guntaas Uppal Congrats to you and the Class of 2021! The Corner Deli

Friday, July 23, 2021

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Grad • Page B-3

Virtual and in-person grad ceremony a fitting end to a school year of classroom and online learning BY IAN GRAHAM

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The 156 members of R/D. Parker Collegiate’s 2021 graduating class said goodbye to high school in a June 30 ceremony that combined in-person and virtual elements, much like their Grade 12 school year. The lessons learned and character built during a school year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic were a theme for several speakers at the ceremony, which was divided into two sections to abide by public health orders. “I consider us to be the strongest and most resilient class ever to graduate from R.D. Parker,” said valedictorian Kern Dhawan in a video speech to his classmates, which also included a wish for a return to normalcy. “Bring on the vaccines so we can have our normal teenage social life back again.” In her message from parents, Robyn Foley, both a teacher at the school and a parent of one of the graduates, reiterated that living though a topsyturvy last year of school would serve the graduates well as they adapt to challenges in the future. “You have the experiences and skills to face anything,” she said. Reflecting that she would ever have pictured herself speaking to graduates as a high school principal when she graduated from RDPC in 1987, Bonnie Rempel reminded the Class of 2021 that nothing is impossible but that time and passion are among the keys to a happy and successful life. “You can always make more money but you can never make more time,” she said. “Find something that truly makes you happy.” That advice was echoed by Mayor Colleen Smook. “Whether you’re going to go on to further your education for your path or maybe you’re already in the workforce and you plan to continue doing that … please follow your hearts with your career paths and follow your instincts. That is what’s going to get you everywhere. You have to be happy with your life in order to make others around you happy.”

R.D. Parker Collegiate Class of 2021 valedictorian Kern Dhawan receives his diploma from principal Bonnie Rempel during a ceremony in the RDPC gym June 30.

"All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder." - Unknown GAVIN GREEN

Graduated with honours from Vincent Massey High School in Brandon, June 2021 I can’t help but look back and marvel at the little boy you once were–seems like only yesterday ... you were so young, smart and funny, so carefree and happy with a sweet little face and your innocent bright eyes that shine from within.

And now, like then when I think of you I still can’t help but smile, because some things never change... you’re still a beautiful soul, but you have grown into such a remarkable young man with a kind and good heart... the kind of heart that makes me so very proud.

Love you more! Nan

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Arlen Dumas re-elected as Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs grand chief An election between three candidates with Northern Manitoba roots for grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) saw the incumbent re-elected July 14. Arlen Dumas, a member of and former chief of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation at Pukatawagan, received 38 of 57 votes on the second ballot, according to CBC News. Dumas, who was first elected as AMC

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Published weekly by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. of 141 Commercial Place, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 1T1. The Nickel Belt News is owned and operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change

Friday, Friday, July March23, 16,2021 2018

grand chief in 2017, beat out Sheila North, a member of Bunibonibee Cree Nation at Oxford House, and David Harper, of Garden Hill First Nation. North was grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), an advocacy organization that represents a couple dozen Northern Manitoba First Nations, from 2015 to 2018 before running unsuccessfully for grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Harper preceded North as MKO grand chief, holding the position for two terms beginning in 2009 before being defeated by North in the 2015 election. The Manitoba chiefs also elected Cindy Woodhouse

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT: BROCHET (BARREN LANDS) SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: BARREN LANDS, MB Position: Unit Supervisor One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Reporting to Director of Services (North) and in accordance with Awasis Agency policies, procedures and standards, the Unit Supervisor is responsible for providing leadership to a team of staff within the specific unit of Brochet in order to ensure strong staff and work teams, as well as to develop and strengthen community based services. This position requires competencies in the areas of positive role-model leadership abilities, and demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management, results management, selfmanagement, critical thinking and problem solving. Qualifications: • BSW Degree • 5+ years of experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated positive role-model leadership ability, previous Supervisory experience is preferred • Demonstrated knowledge of CFS legislation and issues • Experience with Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Good assessment, planning, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution • Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding and acceptance of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree and/or Dene language would be 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 commensurate with education and experience. Closing Date: Friday, August 6, 2021 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 2021-046 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2021-046 315 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

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

Spiritual Thoughts

educentr.dumont@gmail.com Sister Andrea Dumont

Thompson Citizen file photo Arlen Dumas, seen here in Thompson in March 2020, was re-elected for a second term as Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs grand chief July 14. as the new AFN regional chief to replace Kevin Hart, a Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation member, who stepped

down for an unsuccessful bid to become AFN national chief in elections held a week before the AMC vote.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA UNIT: GOD’S LAKE NARROWS SUB-OFFICE LOCATION: GOD’S LAKE NARROWS, MB Position: Child & Family Services Worker One (1) Full-Time, Permanent Position Reporting to the Unit Supervisor the Child & Family Services Worker is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific directions/directives of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in the field of child protection. The duties would include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/ follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community kelly.bindle.mla.office@gmail.com education and networking with collateral resources/services.

MLA Report

Constituency Office: Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in child welfare Unit 3-40 Moak Crescent preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be consideredThompson, MB R8N 2B7 204-677-2066 • Kelly Strong commitment to community based service delivery Bindle • Knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Good organizational and time management skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be 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 and/or Dene language would be 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 commensurate with education and experience Closing Date: Friday, July 30, 2021 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 2021-047 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2021-047 315 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.

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