Marketplace 2023-01-27

Staff Photos by Dalvin Daniels

Terriers name Chesney new top dog

The Yorkton Junior Terriers are celebrating 50 years in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League this season.

To mark the milestone Yorkton This Week is digging into its archives and pulling out a random Terrier-related article from the past five decades of reporting on the team, and will be running one each week, just as it originally appeared.

This feature will appear weekly over the entire season in the pages of The Marketplace.

Week #19 comes from May 8, 2002.

It will be a familiar face behind the bench of the Yorkton Terriers this fall.

Don Chesney, who has lived just south of the city most of his life, was announced Friday as the team’s new Director of Operations.

Chesney was chosen from among some 30 applicants for the job,

which came open with the resignation of Blaine Gusdal earlier this year.

In making the announcement, Terrier president Glenn Kozak made it clear Chesney’s mandate was a simple one – to build a winning Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team.

“There’s no question the Yorkton Terriers have to develop a winning team here,” he said.

Kozak said in looking at the applications they sought someone with experience in the league and experience in winning, In Chesney, they found a coach who in the 2000-’01 season was SJHL coach of the year, and a season earlier was coach of the year in the South Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The Terriers were also looking for a little spirit to help boost the team.

“We wanted somebody to introduce a little colour to the scene,” said

Looking back at the Yorkton

Kozak.

Chesney – who signed a one-year deal – was pleased to be at the helm of the Terriers in his home town.

“I guess my hockey roots started when I was just a little kid south of town,” he said, adding he used to come into the city to watch the senior

Terriers to play.

While Chesney commented “the trail of hockey has been good,” getting the Terrier job was still something special.

“Who the heck would have thought I’d end up here?” he asked. “I’m still a little flattered, a little bit over-whelmed.”

Asked what he saw himself bringing to a Terrier team which has missed the SJHL playoffs the last two seasons, Chesney said attitude will be important.

“I guess what I’m trying to bring to the hockey club … is to have a hardworking club … a club with a lot of energy,” he said.

The first big decision for Chesney will be choosing an assistant coach, a decision he said he’s just starting to work on making.

“I’ve knocked a few things around,” he said. “I want someone who added a little different dimension than what I bring to the hockey club.

“My philosophy is I want the best guy to help me help the team. I don’t want somebody to just bring me coffee … I want them to really bring something to the hockey club.”

Chesney also expects to start securing players, adding he would start calling veterans as early as Saturday.

“Then the middle of next week (this week) I’ll jump in my car and visit as many families as I can and have a pizza and a coffee with them,” he said.

Chesney has one advantage going into the job, having watched many Terrier games last season when he was scouting for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

“For sure I watched about 99 per cent of your home games and all of your games in Melville,” he said.

From his vantage point in the stands Chesney suggested it looked as though “some of the players were a little frustrated last year.”

That frustration must evaporate and a new attitude must prevail if the Terriers are to make the playoffs next season.

“We’re going to need a little better work ethic,” he said.

And, Chesney said some returning players may simply not fit the Terrier program.

The process of building the team may mean “some pieces have to be thrown out and new pieces brought in,” he said.

One position is goaltending with Peter Bartline gone to a scholarship and Mike Zastre struggling from last year’s team.

“Right off the bat … we’ll be looking to bring in a 19, or 20-year-old with a bit of experience,” he said.

There are other holes to fill on the Terriers who also graduated two of their top three scorers in Lance Kopan and Trevor Secundiak, and as well their captain Jeff Cassan on defence.

Chesney said everyone on the team must have the Terriers first in their minds, something he added seems obvious but players sometimes lose track of.

“The team has to come first. Players don’t really realize that,” he said.

Chesney said he also wants players to know every role on the team is important.

“Guys blocking shots, or killing penalties, are just as important as someone who leads the league in scoring.” He said.

Chesney said he wants a good atmosphere around the team to help spur on-ice performance.

“You’d be surprised what a good time can do,” he said.

Champ talks about allure of MtG

It was back in around 1994, I went to Minot with a bus tour to attend a soil conservation tour.

It was a few months earlier I had seen a brief article in Dragon magazine about a new card game coming out which would pit two wizards against one another in a battle of spells. The game was Magic: The Gathering, and I was intrigued.

There was no store in Yorkton carrying MtG at that time, but I found a deck in Minot and eagerly purchased it, bringing it home not realizing a second deck was needed for an opponent, but I still had one, which I surmise had to be one of the first decks in Yorkton.

I tell this story only as background for my long held interest in a game that easily makes my top10 games off all time even though I haven’t played in far too long.

The game originated in 1993 and has seen multiple expansions every year since creating a vast array of cards and a game that has remained active, with major tournaments still happening in cities the world over.

One such event was recently held in Calgary with Winnipeg’s Joseph Karani coming out of the fray in top spot.

While I played in some local events which were very informal affairs years ago – we really need to see one tried again – I never took MtG quite that serious so I was curious about Karani’s road to being a champion in a big event, Via email Karani explained, “after playing

Yugioh, (another collectable card game), my good friend Kevin Brown got me to come with him to a few FNMs, (Friday Night Magic events) and play draft. I got hooked from there and wanted to start playing more competitively as I had done in Yugioh.”

So, what is it about MtG that has held Karani’s attention?

“The game’s mechanics are cool and welldesigned,” he said. “The mana system, (the method to play cards), makes for a solid turn-by-turn card game.

“The main thing that held my attention with Magic was the competitive scene at the time and community of people around it. Some of my friends came from Yugioh with me into Magic, but I also made friends along the way and now have a great community surrounding me.”

Of course loving a game doesn’t mean you become competitive, but for Karani it was a natural step to take.

“I have always been a competitive person,” he said. “When I was younger I played football, basketball, soccer, Starcraft, and Yugioh. With these games and sports I always had the drive to improve and get better along the way.

“Magic’s Pro Tour System at the time looked extremely attractive and I wanted to prove to myself and friends I was good enough to get on it.”

Once Karani headed down the tourney trail was there a secret to being a good player?

“Preparation and a

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fundamental understanding of the format you’re playing,” he replied. “I think a lot of people can do well in this game if they have the right preparation and dedication to the game.

“There’s a lot of gifted players out there but hard work and dedication will help you push through.

“Also keeping a good mental space and not letting the ups and downs of long tournaments get to you. You can’t get too

excited or tilted because it will drain your energy and make you lose focus.”

Karani’s first major event was SCG Minneapolis a few years back.

“I was so nervous and didn’t fully understand the game. I had a very medium record and didn’t make day two,” he recalled.

Now he is on the tourney trail as a near regular.

“I attend as many events as my work allows

me to and friends want to go to,” said Karani. “I do all the local scene events, but will travel to bigger tournaments once every one and a half months or so. I love playing the game with my friends and these travels with them make it all worth it.”

Of course between events is when much of the work toward success takes place.

“I do a lot of theory and learn through watching others play, see what works for them and what doesn’t,” offered Karani.

“When I have an actual tournament to prepare for I will spend about 10-15 hours of practical practice into it. I have gotten to the point where my fundamental understanding of the game is good, I just need to see what the format provides and how to sequence decks within it.”

With MtG being based around five colours of magic with spells within each, it was natural to ask if Karani has a favourite?

“I prefer blue as my favourite colour,” he said. “I really like interactive game play and believe that if I have more choices in a game I will be able to win more often than not. Cantrips are a great way to have more choices alongside interaction spells.

“Also who doesn’t like saying no to opponents with counterspells?”

Which brings us to Karani’s big win in Calgary near the end of 2022.

“Calgary was my biggest win,” he said, noting it came with “an invite to Worlds which is amazing and I can’t believe

I was able to get it. My goal was to get onto the Pro Tour again but never imagined I would play in the Worlds.

“I have won a Grand Prix and Face to Face Open before but those don’t compare to the stakes of getting a Worlds invite.”

Karani said in Calgary the cards were rolling out of his deck well.

“The deck was just smooth, my sideboard and plans for each matchup felt really well-tuned and I was extremely happy with the choices I made,” he said.

Now with the Worlds on the horizon what does the opportunity to attend mean to Karani?

“It’s honestly hard to describe what it means,” he said. “I feel validated for the amount of work and time I have put into the game. I feel happy that I get the opportunity to play against the best players in the world.

“But overall I am in shock and still don’t fully grasp the moment that is being presented for me.”

Will his winning deck from Calgary be going with him?

“If I were playing in a tournament next weekend, yes this list felt great and I was happy with it,” said Karani. “I don’t see there being a big change in the meta any time soon.

“For the Pro Tour another set will be released so I have to see how it changes the meta.

“But the overall deck felt amazing and I was happy with all the card choices I had for it.”

The Worlds are set for Las Vegas in September.

Terry Dennis and Ken Krawetz sanctioned by Russia

Canora-Pelly MLA

Terry Dennis and his predecessor Ken Krawetz recently found out they are on the latest list of about 200 more names of Canadians sanctioned by the Russian government. Krawetz, who served as Canora-Pelly MLA from 1995 to 2016, said the sanctions are largely a form of retaliation against Canada.

“If I ever have plans or business interests in Russia, I would never be able to fly to Moscow, so I could never have business dealings there,” said Krawetz. “I think it’s more of a show that the Russians are putting on for their people, sanctioning Canadians response to Canada’s sanctions against Russians.”

Krawetz said it was no surprise that Dennis’ name was on the list, since he has been prominent in his support of Ukraine in his role as Saskatchewan Secretary for Ukrainian Relations, including supporting displaced Ukrainians finding their way to Canada.

“Obviously the Russians are displeased with him.”

But Krawetz found it somewhat humorous that he was listed by the Russians as Saskatchewan deputy premier.

“I stepped down from that position in 2015 when I decided not to seek re-election,” he explained. “But then I looked at others in this latest list and realized it is a reciprocal move by the Russians. Because of what Canada did to the Russians, maybe the goal is to sanction more Canadians because of the number of Russians that have been sanctioned by Canada.”

In addition to politicians, the Canadian names on the sanctions list include: business people, actors, producers, journalists, doctors, police officers, professors, activists and soldiers.

Krawetz welcomes additional new lists of people being sanctioned.

“We have to put more pressure on Russia,

one way is to sanction Russian oligarchs (rich business leaders with plenty of political influence) and the money doesn’t flow to Russia.

I heard that Putin was going to add up to 1.5 million troops to their army in the next few years. We need to keep in mind that Ukraine isn’t just fighting for its own future, it’s fighting for democracy in all of Western Europe.”

The effects of the war are being felt on a global scale.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, an international economic and policy forum, has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine will cost the global economy $2.8 trillion in economic output by the end of 2023. OECD estimates that figure could be even higher because of the risk of declining economic activity in several European countries as they attempt to ration their energy supplies during winter.

Krawetz has remained active since stepping down as MLA, with an

emphasis on supporting Ukraine.

“The former Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada had approached me and asked me to be the honourary consul of Ukraine, a position we didn’t previously have in Saskatchewan,” said Krawetz. “Then he was moved back to Ukraine, and there was no ambassador for a while. But then the Russian invasion took place, Ukraine appointed a new ambassador, and I was appointed as honorary consul.”

A significant portion of Saskatchewan’s population is of Ukrainian descent, with the latest figure between 17 and 18 per cent.

Krawetz has been busy in helping with the effort to support Ukraine, including assisting Terry Dennis in meeting with various groups to look after displaced Ukrainians who have arrived in Saskatchewan.

“It’s been good to see the international support for Ukraine, especially the support and leader-

ship of U.S. President Joe Biden. Without that, the war might have gone the other way by now,” assessed Krawetz.

“Canada’s response on the other hand has been quite disappointing. They’re saying we might be able to supply a limited number of tanks but we need to do more and quick, every day there are many people killed.”

Ukraine’s soldiers have shown themselves to be worthy of the support, according to Krawetz.

“Ukraine is a surprising country to many. They are innovators in technology and are adopting older equipment to meet today’s needs on the battlefield.”

Krawetz said he is not at all concerned about being sanctioned by the Russians, but rather looks at is as motivation.

“Yes, it will encourage me to do even more in Saskatchewan for displaced Ukrainians, supporting fundraising, whatever I can do to ensure the terrorist nation is driven out of Ukraine in whatever

means necessary. “We need to do all we can to help the war come to the correct conclusion.”

Ken Krawetz, former Canora-Pelly MLA, continues his support for the Ukrainian cause, even after being sanctioned by the Russian government. Here he is in his traditional Ukrainian attire for the Yorkton М hosted by Troyanda Ukrainian dance club on Jan. 14, supporting his two granddaughters

who are club members.

Joseph Karani

Submitted photo

History and culture goes into wooden lacrosse sticks

Regular readers will know lacrosse is generally my favourite sport, a love pre-dating by years the arrival of the NLL Rush in Saskatoon, but solidified by their presence.

So, when I recently came upon the traditional wood lacrosse stick forum on Facebook, I had to join.

I was aware that the creation of wooden lacrosse sticks was highly cultural, but I wanted to know more, finally emailing stick maker Travis Gabriel who was kind enough to agree to an interview.

Gabriel is from Kanesatake, west of Montreal, part of the Mohawk Nation, and a noted stick maker. In fact, his handmade sticks were used in a re-enacted game held to mark the 150th anniversary of the sport by the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation in 2017.

While now wellrespected as stick maker, it was not until 2008 he took up the craft.

“Lacrosse is very important here,” he explained, adding “. . . We were known in this community around the world as makers.”

For years the sticks of

Mathew Etienne had put the community on the lacrosse map. But in the ‘90s he became ill.

“He stopped making sticks,” said Gabriel, adding when he stopped it left a void.

“It sort of felt something was empty.”

Gabriel said there had always been the seed of a thought that he might make sticks, but it wasn’t until 2008 he took the plunge.

“I picked it up on my own,” he said, adding while a woodworker, he had much to learn to create a lacrosse stick. “. . . It was a really hard process of learning on my own.”

As it happened there was a tree in the yard that was in the way of a project.

“The tree needed to come down. I didn’t want to waste it,” said Gabriel.

So the wood would become his first attempt at creating a stick.

“Sure enough I was able to do it,” said Gabriel, although he admitted the first stick was not very good. “. . .

The second one went better.”

Still the craft took time to develop.

“My early sticks really were nothing to brag about,” he said, adding

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there is an extensive process to learn and refine to make a lacrosse stick.

It starts with harvesting the wood, allowing it time to cure, steaming to allow the curved head to be fashioned, carving to finish the stick, and of course stringing the head to create the pocket.

Gabriel said each stick takes about six months to create from harvesting the wood to stringing the pocket.

In time though the skill developed for Gabriel, to the point he realized stick making was a “good fit” for him.

“So 2008 really was an exceptional year for me,” he said.

At one time makers might have made hundreds of dozens of sticks in a year.

“There is no way I’m near that number,” said Gabriel, adding as a part time stick maker he makes a few dozen a

year, although his sticks are prized.

“People seek me out. It’s something I didn’t anticipate would ever happen,” he said.

While you won’t see wooden stick on an NLL floor, Gabriel said among the Mohawk they are still used in some games.

The key is knowing how to use a wooden stick, checking with the gut sidewall, not the wood, said Gabriel.

“In our culture you play the game tough. You play the game hard, but play it fair,” he said.

Still most sticks are purchased as gifts for birthdays and weddings, or graduation.

“It’s a reminder of what the game represents in its truest form,” said Gabriel.

And as the maker, it means something special too.

“It does so much for me to make a stick. . . The

ESL speaker to highlight Toastmasters’ event

YORKTON –Developing the confidence and skills to become a successful leader is the theme of the Treasure Chest Toastmasters Open House on Jan. 25.

The event will feature guest speaker Daisy Wei, a senior engineer in the energy sector, who will share her personal story on how she became a confident, successful leader as an English as an Additional Language Speaker with the help of Toastmasters.

Today Wei is a Distinguished Toastmaster and serves

as a Toastmaster District Club Quality Coach, Director of Career Development at a charity school and a committee member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

“Most people know of Toastmasters as an educational program that helps improve your public speaking skills, but it’s so much more than that,” says Chris Federuik, President of the Treasure Chest Toastmasters.

“Skills such as leadership, meeting management, strategic thinking,

organization and conflict management are also improved through the education program offered by Toastmasters. Best of all, it’s very affordable, you can work at your own pace and you can take it locally,” added Federuik.

Treasure Chest Toastmasters is inviting people to learn about the club and what Toastmasters has to offer with the Open House scheduled for Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. People are welcome to come in-person at Parkland College, 200 Prystai Way in Yorkton or join online via Zoom.

Interested participants can email the club at contact-1245@toastmastersclubs.org for more information. The event is free and open to the public.

The Toastmasters’ Pathways program helps members build the competencies they need to communicate and lead in a range of situations. Highlighted by interactive, customized and flexible learning, Pathways offers expanded skill development and competencies that users can apply in their careers, personal lives and in the community. Skills the programs

process is what means a lot to me. There’s so much energy, so much history that goes into making one stick,” he said.

Gabriel added he believes that feeling transfers to the player using it too.

“It will do something special for someone playing on the field . . . The player is really playing with history.”

Gabriel said he very much at peace making sticks now.

“It really touches my heart in the context of what it means to be a stick maker,” he said.

develop include effective coaching, enhancing listening skills, improving communication skills, boosting team collaboration and guiding successful teams.

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Pasqua First Nation Indigenous pro wrestler just made his AEW debut

By Mina Kerr-Lazenby, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (North Shore News)

When Sebastian Wolfe gets into the ring, he has more than just winning a match in mind.

As a proud member of the Pasqua First Nation in Saskatchewan, the professional wrestler views the squared circle as a place to raise awareness of Indigenous history, culture and issues as much as one to wipe out competition.

Preceding most matches, Wolfe will make his entrance swathed in his nation’s flag, and his wrestling boots, adorned with red handprints on each side, are a small but mighty nod to his solidarity with missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across North America.

“Being Indigenous is definitely something I am very proud of,” said the North Vancouverborn bruiser.

“It is important to me to try to help put a spotlight on my nation and our people in general across the country, and some of the issues we face.”

Just this month, those small crimson handprints were put in front of the eyes of thousands as Wolfe made his All Elite Wrestling debut — his first big milestone on what is no doubt expected to be a long and illustrious career.

In the wrestling world, AEW sits high in the ranks, only beaten in size by American pro wrestling giant WWE. It has two national television shows that air every week on The Sports

Network and a weekly Youtube series AEW Dark, which Wolfe appeared on during its Jan. 10 episode. Both are filmed in front of mass crowds and some of the industry’s most notable names.

“To get an opportunity like that on such a major stage, it was pretty surprising,” he said.

The match had been a Trios, a three-versus-three, against Matt Hardy — notorious WWE alumni and the nucleus to one of the industry’s greatest tag teams, The Hardy Boyz.

With Wolfe only waiting in the wings as an “extra” on that day, there had been no guarantee he would actually take to the ring, and so to be called up — in a match against one of his childhood idols no less — was a sweet, serendipitous moment, he said.

“[Hardy] is actually somebody I’ve been watching for over 25 years on TV, so to get a match with a company like this, in front of an audience like that, with somebody of that caliber, it was very surreal.”

Wolfe’s infatuation with the sport began in his preschool years when his Nana, babysitting from her home in Lower Lonsdale, would have WWE blaring from the small screen. It embedded a seed that would continue to sprout as he moved with his family back to Saskatchewan shortly after, and again still when he returned to North Vancouver, attending Sutherland Secondary, over a decade later.

“She was a huge fan, I had no choice,” he laughed.

“I was just captured by it instantly, and as I grew older I kept loving it. I knew it was something I had to pursue.”

Still, Wolfe, now in Vancouver, began his wrestling career much later than what would be expected for a man of his success. After dabbling in fitness instructing and various trades in his 20s, it wasn’t until an opportunity came up at the Lions Gate Dojo in Surrey, a training gym he credits as being “one of the best in the country,” that the ball truly began rolling.

The Cree wrestler had his first match in 2018. Now, just

Brakes on SaskTel plan to charge for email

SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA — Minister for SaskTel Don Morgan has put an end to SaskTel plans to start charging a monthly fee for its email users.

SaskTel had recently announced plans to charge users $1.95 a month for the previously free SaskTel email, with the change set to happen April 21 for all users of SaskTel email.

But the plan received a swift negative reaction from users, with many threatening to bolt for the other free email services out there.

Late Friday afternoon, Morgan issued the following statement:

“Following the decision from SaskTel earlier this week to implement a monthly fee for email users, I have spoken with

five years later and aged 33, he is being recognized by one of the industry’s largest promotions. While he is yet to be contracted by AEW, the acknowledgement is enough of a career milestone in itself – one likely to set the tone for future opportunities to come.

“This is a foot in the door with the company. They know your name, they know who you are, and that’s what everybody wants to work towards.”

Wolfe said he hopes his recent feats are an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination – especially for those within his own

community. He is not oblivious to his mushrooming following, he said, and hopes to harness that fame to influence and educate wherever possible.

“I’ve talked to my chief and friends and family, and I know that there are younger people who know me and follow me,” he said.

“That is definitely something that I’m proud of, and I don’t take it lightly. I just hope that as my name grows, and I get more exposure, the light can shine even brighter on certain issues and other kids can realize that this is just as possible for them.”

Sebastian Wolfe made his AEW debut on Jan. 10, during an episode of Youtube series AEW Dark.

Saskatchewan residents for SaskTel subscribers. of Saskatchewan and

Medicine Hat College Takes You From Classroom to Career

Written by the Medicine Hat College

Saskatchewan highways and high schools are a familiar sight for Landon Heilman. As the student recruitment coordinator for Medicine Hat College (MHC) he’s travelled extensively throughout the province over the years, meeting with students and high school counsellors and sharing all that MHC has to offer.

As a comprehensive community college in sunny Southeast Alberta, MHC is focused on unique student pathways and programs that help learners reach their educational goals. From certificates, diplomas and degrees to university studies and apprenticeship training in the areas of health care, community services, business,

education, science, arts, trades and technology, there really is something for everyone.

• Consider a rewarding career as a health care aide, improving the lives of those in hospital or living in a care facility or pursue degree options in nursing or paramedicine and benefit from access to state-of-theart simulation training.

• Gain hands-on training through a wide variety of apprenticeship programs including automotive service and welding, or build sought after skills as an information or engineering technologist.

• Expand your business acumen and specialize in accounting, administration, marketing, management or financial services, or explore exciting new specialty programs in Sport

& Event Marketing and Management, Sustainable Innovation, or Service Dog and Canine Management Studies.

• Become a teacher

across our programs create more opportunities to engage and build relationships; while work integrated learning provides real world experiences. Flexible

ing and coaching, writing support, personal counselling, accessibility services, tutoring, and career services are all available to MHC students, while a brand new fitness centre and Indigenous gathering space provide opportunities for health, wellness and cultural growth.

walk across the stage during graduation, is my favorite part about my job.”

in our collaborative Bachelor of Education program, discover your creative side with an applied degree in art and design, or start your education with a variety of university studies programs in arts and sciences that build a solid foundation for degree completion elsewhere.

Small class sizes

delivery options help students balance school and life. Dedicated faculty and staff know you by name.

From application to graduation, MHC strives to be a leader in student support by offering exceptional services and a personalized approach that builds confidence and trust. Academic advis -

Speaking from experience as a former student in MHC’s School of Business, Heilman is passionate about supporting future students on their own path to post-secondary.

“The best part about being a student recruiter at MHC is the opportunity to have a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Being a source of encouragement for someone to take the first step in achieving their educational goals, and then getting to see them

With all the amenities of a larger centre plus the feel of a small town, there’s lots to love about “The Hat.” Enjoy the natural beauty of the region with the city’s extensive trail system, parks and golf courses, and easy access to Cypress Hills Provincial Park and the Canadian Badlands. Medicine Hat also boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene featuring exceptional musical talent, sporting events and festivals, and unique local coffee shops, pubs, and retail stores.

Join us for Open House on Saturday, March 4 and discover MHC! Visit mhc.ab.ca for details or call 1-866282-8394 to book a tour or appointment.

With all the amenities of a larger centre plus the feel of a small town, there’s lots to love about “The Hat.”

Learn Where You Live With USask Nursing

Written by the University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) top nursing student for 2022 may have never entered the nursing program if it wasn’t for the chance to learn close to home.

Taylor Fulawka is from Yorkton, and along with 14 classmates, together they pursued a nursing education in Yorkton. The supportive environment where it was possible to live at home rent free and concentrate on studying was a major contributing factor to not just graduating, but excelling. Taylor was awarded the W. S Lindsay Gold Medal in Nursing and the University Prize in Nursing; the top academic nursing awards at USask.

Taylor says finances were a significant concern and the cost of relocating to a major centre was simply not possible. The College of Nursing’s Learn

Where You Live model removes these barriers for approximately 450 nursing students in communities throughout Saskatchewan each year, as these students reside outside of Saskatoon, where the main USask campus is located.

Taylor says many people in Yorkton would not complete the nursing program if they had to leave the community.

Passing the National Council Licensure

Examination in fall 2022, Taylor is now working as a registered nurse at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Taylor’s story highlights why USask’s College of Nursing has taken steps to ensure nursing education is offered throughout the province.

Smaller centres face special challenges in

recruiting and retaining health-care professionals. The College of Nursing Learn Where You Live model has proven successful in establishing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in rural and northern communities.

Since the first nursing students entered the BSN program at distributed sites in La Ronge and Ilea-la-Crosse in 2012, 65 students have completed their program in northern Saskatchewan.

Since the program began in Yorkton in 2014, 63 students have completed their BSN.

When nursing students complete their degree in rural and northern communities, most graduates stay and practice there.

Saskatchewan’s rural and northern communities need nurses, who are familiar with the culture, the people, and the rural and remote way of life.

The need for registered nurses has never been greater. Over the next three years, USask is taking responsive steps to

expand access to nursing education in the northern and rural regions of Saskatchewan.

By adding additional seats to nursing sites beyond Saskatoon, com-

munities will be able to take advantage of USask’s distributed nursing education infrastructure and strengths in rural, remote, and Indigenous nursing education.

Taylor has seen health centres in smaller communities around Yorkton

close, in part due to staffing shortages. Taylor believes nurses educated in Yorkton and similar centres will be more willing to work in rural settings because they are already from a smaller community.

Taylor felt called to the profession of nursing when Taylor’s grandmother, who used to share stories about practicing as a young nursing aid, was in the hospital, and Taylor saw first-hand how care was provided with kindness and support.

Our province and the world needs nurses like Taylor, who are smart, talented, and want to be there for others in a time of need.

USask’s College of Nursing is making this possible for students, no matter where they live in Saskatchewan.

For more information about USask nursing programs, please visit nursing.usask.ca.

University of Saskatchewan Nursing Graduate Taylor Fulawka (BSN’22) at Spring Convocation.

Photo submitted by University of Saskatchewan.

Second

Cribbage tournament attracted 20 players

The Sturgis READ Club was the location for a cribbage tournament that attracted 20 players on Jan. 13.

“It has been a long time since we

could get together and host a tournament,” said Betty-Lou Skogen, Sturgis READ Club representative. “COVID-19 put a halt to everything and it felt great

to be able to have a tournament again.”

The team who captured first place was Mary Sill and Betty-Lou Skogen, second place was won by Bob Lebo and

Darrell

Hanson, and third place went to Don Kurulak and Gail Kozak. The 50/50 draw was won by Bob Lebo.

Betty-Lou Skogen, left and Mary Sill won first place in the Sturgis READ Club cribbage tournament held Jan. 13.

place was claimed by the team of Bob Lebo and Darrell Hanson at the Sturgis READ Club cribbage tournament. Betty-Lou Skogen, left made the presentation to Lebo and Hanson, right.

Gail Kozak, middle and Don Kurulak won third place at the cribbage tournament held at the Sturgis READ Club. Betty-Lou Skogen, left, made the presentation.

CN worker rescues kittens frozen to the ice in Humboldt, Sask. railway shack

By Julia Peterson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humboldt Journal)

On New Year’s Day, a CN Railway worker in Humboldt found an unexpected surprise: someone had left a little orange kitten in one of the railroad’s warm-up shacks. He had been left with a bowl of food, but nothing else. And with temperatures in the -20 Cs, his paws had frozen

to the ice. The worker had to chip him out, and found a local family to look after him.

On social media, Kristie Mino has been posting stories and pictures with her new kitten — her family named him Milo — and sharing her appreciation for the quick rescue.

“He is doing very well,” said Mino. “I am so grateful to the CN worker for finding him when he did, because the outcome of how he is

doing would have been significantly different. It pains me that anyone would do this to these little cuties, or any animal.”

But the next day, when the worker came back to the shack, he heard crying. He went in and found another kitten in the snow, badly frostbitten and in need of medical care.

After chipping the little gray cat out of the ice, he took her to the Humboldt and District

Senior Accounting Technician

•

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Demonstrated experience working in a cross-cultural environment

What We Offer:

• 37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours per day).

• Competitive Compensation in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Level 7 - $33.78 - $40.25).

• Comprehensive benefits and pension plan.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Professional, respectful and flexible work environment.

About Us: Parkland College offers an array of educational services to adult learners in East Central Saskatchewan. Our vision is to shape the future of our communities by providing top notch learning opportunities that will lead to local and global employment and growth. Parkland College employees are student focused, knowing their work has a strong and positive impact on students, communities, partners and the economy. Our values of being innovative, responsive, inclusive, relevant, sustainable, accountable and catalytic have helped to form a positive culture at Parkland College.

For a more detailed description of the position and required qualifications, visit www.parklandcollege.sk.ca.

Closing Date: February 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM Please send your application electronically, quoting competition #65-2223 to: careers@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Candidates will be required to provide a sufficient vulnerable sector check prior to initial employment.

General Employment

NOW HIRING live in property manager for Yorkton apartments, 403-580-5050 ext 2

General Employment

Seniors, Parents, Children!

Earn some extra cash (possibly of up to $400/month depending on route size), get exercise and work only a few hours a week too!

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SPCA.

They named her Doodlebug, for her happy, loveable personality.

Shelter staff member Kassidy Remenda, who stepped up to foster Doodlebug, said the kitten has a long road ahead of her.

“One of her legs got really bad frostbite from being stuck to the ice for so long, because she was placed right on the bare snow,” Remenda said. “We were trying to treat the leg, but unfortunately we weren’t able to save it.”

Soon, they realized they would have to amputate.

“She is doing amazing” since the surgery, Remenda said. “I’m quite surprised. She’s only about five weeks old, so it’s like she never had a leg there.”

Remenda said she can’t imagine why someone would abandon kittens outdoors in harsh winter conditions. She wonders if putting them in the unheated railway shack might have been a deeply misguided attempt to keep them safe — the shack is more sheltered than the open street — but there is no way to know for sure.

“I don’t know why they didn’t even put the kittens in a box, or something, if they were trying to keep them out of the elements,” she said. “We are all not very happy about it. We can’t believe how anyone would do that to something so small.”

Remenda said the shelter is seeing more and more people looking to re-home their pets this winter.

Some were COVID animals, adopted when people were working from home. In other cases, families simply can’t afford to keep them

anymore, she said.

“With the increases in costs, I’ve heard a lot of people saying they can’t afford it. They can’t buy dog food, and things like that.”

There are always better options than leaving an animal out in the cold if you can’t take care of it anymore, she added.

The Humboldt and District SPCA encourages people to try to rehome the animal themselves, or take it to the shelter. If the local SPCA is full, they will send people to the surrounding shelters, Remenda said.

General Employment

General Employment

VILLAGE OF EBENEZER

The Village of Ebenezer is accepting applications for the position of Town Maintenance Person. This position starts on April 15th, 2023. The successful applicant must be able to work alone and without supervision. You must have some knowledge of operating equipment for cutting grass as well as grading the roads. Duties will include but are not limited to:

1. Keeping the grass cut and trimmed around the village and municipal buildings.

2. Minor repairs and maintenance of town equipment.

3. Grading the roads in the summer and cleaning snow off the streets in winter.

4.Reading water meters 6 times a year, as well as any other duties assigned by the Council.

Wage will depend on the experience of the successful applicant. Please submit your resume by email to: village.ebenezer@sasktel.net of by mail to: Village of Ebenezer • Box 97 • Ebenezer, SK., S0A 0T0

GUANG ZHOU RESTAURANT

Now Hiring a Chef / Cook

Must be able to Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods.

Must be able to speak Cantonese and /or Mandarin to be able to communicate with the head chef.

Must be able to prepare and cook Cantonese meals, Chinese/ Canadian food, the ability to make Dim Sum is an asset and make appropriate changes to suit the allergy requirements.

From time to time, you will be required to plan menus, makes changes to menu if necessary, estimate food requirements and costs, Inspect kitchens and food service areas, team work and able to supervise kitchen helpers.

Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment, Clean kitchen and work areas, Manage kitchen operations. Minimum of 3 years of experience required, must have professional training of a cook or chef, must be flexible to work from lunch hours to evenings, weekends. Business opening hours are 11am-7:30pm, Sundays 8pm. Please email mayliang4965@gmail.com with your resume, qualifications and proof of experiences to apply.

Five-week-old kittens Milo (top) and Doodlebug (bottom) were rescued from a CN Railway shack near Humboldt in early January 2023. Photo courtesy Humboldt & District SPCA

Local Ukrainian Dancers help ring in the new year

BY NATALIA PROKOPETZ

Submitter

On Jan. 13, a Ukrainian New Year’s Eve (Malanka) dance was held at Canora Rainbow hall. Approximately 200 persons were in attendance.

We were very excited to have everyone joining us after a few years of not being able to celebrate together! Ancestors of Ukrainians believed that on Ukrainian New Year’s Eve (Jan. 13) good and evil spirits descended on the earth. In order to ward off evil forces and ensure a bountiful new year, the night was spent dancing, partaking

in a lavish and ritualistic meal, and so on. By tradition, the festival of St. Vasyl is celebrated the next day, Jan. 14.

The evening started out at 5 p.m. with the Zayshley band playing music at the door, where I welcomed the guests. Then the ladies served a beautiful supper at 6 p.m., including chicken, pork nachinka, mashed beans, pyrohy, holubtsi, salad, buckwheat casserole, kutia, wheat salad and trifle.

At 7 p.m., four group dances and a solo were preformed by the Canora Veselka Ukrainian dancers. At 8.30 p.m., the dance

music started and the floor was full of dancers until after midnight. Dancers came from near and far, including: Canora, Theodore, Yorkton, Esterhazy, Roblin, Wadena, Foam Lake, Kelvington, Lintlaw, Hazel Dell and Saskatoon. We had door prizes and 50/50 draws. Congratulations to Ivan and Cheryl Rostotski on their win of Dauphin Ukrainian Festival tickets. At midnight Bohdan Korol recited a Ukrainian greeting.

Here’s wishing everyone good health, prosperity and a bountiful 2023!

The Canora Veselka Ukrainian Dancers performed at a Ukrainian New Year’s Eve (Malanka) dance held at Rainbow Hall in Canora on Jan. 13 with approximately 200 individuals in attendance.

FN right winger hopes to crack university squad

By Sam Laskaris, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Windspeaker. com

Carson Baptiste’s junior hockey eligibility is coming to an end.

But the 20-year-old, who is Cree and a member of Montana First Nation in Alberta, is working to prove himself this year in the hopes he’ll be able to further his career at the post-secondary level next season.

Baptiste, a right winger toiling with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), is certainly doing his best to make others take notice.

He has already surpassed statistical totals he had last season in terms of goals, assists and points. He’s collected 44 points, 10 more than all of last year, in his first 30 regular season outings.

And with 24 goals so far, he’s scored a halfdozen more times than he did in 52 regular season matches during the 2021-22 campaign.

Baptiste’s play during the month of December was impressive. He averaged more than two points per game. He racked up 13 points, including nine goals, in six matches.

For his efforts he was named the MJHL player of the month. And he was also chosen as the third star for December for the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League, an umbrella circuit that is comprised of the nine Junior A leagues across the country.

“I believed in myself and thought I could have a pretty good year,” Baptiste said. “And so far, I’m doing it.”

Baptiste, who is leading the Waywayseecappo squad in scoring, said one of the main reasons for his success has been the solid play of his linemates. He’s spent the majority of the season toiling with centre Andrew Boucher and left winger Boone Mathison. Boucher, however, has missed the team’s past few games with an injury and has been replaced on the Wolverines’ top line by Cody Blight.

The line has continued to produce though and Baptiste has earned six points in five games with his new linemate.

The Wolverines are also getting production and solid play from several others. This explains why the club has registered a 21-9-3-2 record.

The Waywayseecappo side is sitting atop the league’s six-team West Division. The MJHL also includes a seven-club East Division.

“Coming into the year I wasn’t sure how the team would be,” Baptiste said. “I didn’t think we’d be this good.”

Baptiste praised Taylor Harnett, who is in his sixth season as the Wolverines’ head coach and general manager, for building a solid club.

“Before the season he brought in a bunch of guys from all over,” Baptiste said.

The Wolverines’ current roster includes five players from the United States. And Baptiste is one of eight

players from Alberta in Waywayseecappo’s lineup.

The Wolverines, who play their home contests in Waywayseecappo First Nation, are the only franchise in the CJHL that is owned by a First Nation. Baptiste, however, is just one of two Indigenous players with the club this season. Defenceman Lucas Eagle, a member of Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, is the other.

Besides the regular season success they are currently enjoying,

Baptiste is hoping the Wolverines can also have a lengthy post-season.

A year ago the Waywayseecappo side was swept 4-0 in its opening best-of-seven playoff series against the Virden Oil Capitals.

Baptiste said the club is considerably better this season.

“We still have the offence. We can still score,” he said. “But this year we are a lot better defensively, that’s for sure.”

As for his future, Baptiste is hoping he’ll

be able to play at the university level, either in Canada or the United States, next season.

He is eager to return to the classroom. He has not been a student/ athlete since 2019 when he graduated from high school.

Baptiste left his First Nation home in Alberta the following year to commence his junior hockey career with the Wolverines.

He appeared in just two of Waywayseecappo’s 10 games that season before league play was

shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baptiste is hoping to enrol in a social work program at university. He said no school team on either side of the border has expressed an interest in his services so far.

He’s hoping continued solid play this season will eventually lead to some sort of offer.

“I wouldn’t mind going to the U.S.,” he said. “And if I’m going to stay in Canada I want it to be a decent (school). I just want to go where I will be treated well.”

United 4 Survivors .ca

The Île-à-la-Crosse Residential Boarding School was operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese, largely funded by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, and remained in operation until the mid-1970s.

For over 100 years, Métis children were taken from their loving homes and forced to attend the school. They’ve reported stories of sexual and physical abuse and neglect perpetrated by the priests and instructors just like those experienced in other residential schools across Canada.

Île-à-la-Crosse Survivors - have not been recognized.

A new action filed in court is hoped to prompt both the Federal and Provincial Governments to at last meet with Survivors, work toward a resolution and recognize the harms they suffered, failing which the matter will go to court.

Each day we lose more Île-à-la-Crosse School Survivors. We must act now to acknowledge their story and allow them to move forward and heal.

Now is the time to recognize the injustice. Governments – settle this now. Recognize. We stand with our Survivors. Their strength is our strength, and the strength of the Métis Nation is with them.

We are United4Survivors.ca

Learn about the proposed class action lawsuit and how you can add your voice for the Survivors’ cause.