Marketplace 2023-02-10

Staff Photo by Calvin Daliels

‘It’s about time:’ Donny Parenteau founds Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association

By Julia Peterson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The StarPhoenix)

When Donny Parenteau was starting his music career in Saskatchewan, he knew he wanted to play his fiddle on the world’s biggest stages.

Now, the highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer has a new dream — to help up-andcoming Indigenous musicians from across the province shine.

“All through my career, I’ve had people call me and ask me for advice,” he said. “’What do I do here? What should I do here? I wrote this song — but I don’t know if I’ll ever make it.’ And I say, ‘You’ve got to get that out of your head. You’ve got to get past the four walls where you learned your craft, and take it to that next level.’ But a lot of the time, that’s the problem. People don’t know where to go.”

That’s what inspired him to create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music

Association (SIMA).

The association will organize an awards show, to highlight the breadth of Indigenous music happening in Saskatchewan.

At many of the major music awards in Canada, Parenteau has noticed that Indigenous music is often featured in a single category, regardless of genre. He himself has been nominated for ‘Aboriginal recording of the year’ at the Juno awards three times.

But at an Indigenous awards show, the vast array of Indigenous music being produced in Saskatchewan today can all have time in the spotlight.

“We’ll have different Indigenous artists playing all kinds of music — every genre, from pow wow right through to rock, heavy metal and rap,” he said. “There’s so much out there right now. And I’m just talking about Saskatchewan.”

Parenteau also believes this will make Saskatchewan the first province to have its own Indigenous music awards show.

“Somebody asked me … what took so long to

make it happen?” he said. “And I don’t know why. But the most important thing is, it’s finally here. It’s about time.”

The awards show is only one part of what SIMA will do. As Parenteau started building the association’s board, reaching out to friends and colleagues in the music industry, he says there was so much enthusiasm that the idea just grew and grew.

Now, Parenteau says SIMA will be there to help Indigenous musicians in Saskatchewan at every stage of their careers.

“Our main goal for this organization is to take all the knowledge that we have, so that someone from a small community, who just started playing, who’s not sure what to do, can call us,” he said. “And we can be a helping hand to guide you to that next step.

“Our board has such a wide breadth of knowledge. It’s absolutely phenomenal. If we don’t know the answer to your question, I guarantee you we’ll know somebody that does.”

When he moved back

to the province in the early 2000s, an organization like this would have helped him find his feet in the local music scene, he says.

“It could have guided me a lot more easily down that path.”

He knows exactly what kind of doors he’d like to open for talented young

Indigenous musicians in the province.

“This is what I visualize happening,” he says. “We’re going to meet a 12- or 14-year-old person who comes forward, and all of us as a board are going to guide them. And when they turn 25 or 26, they’ll receive their very first big award in

Canada. And they’ll be asked, ‘Who would you like to say thank you to? How did you get your start?’ And they’ll say, ‘the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association.’

“That’s when I’ll sit back and just beam with pride and go, ‘Wow. We made it. We did it.’”

Breaking Bread together in reconciliation in Porcupine Plain

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humboldt Journal)

An upcoming event in Porcupine Plain will focus on reconciliation, share Métis culture and embrace the diverse cultures within the community.

Representatives of Métis NationSaskatchewan Eastern Region II (MN-S ERII) and various diverse local community leaders are in the final planning stages of “Breaking Bread Together In Reconciliation,” which will be held at the Porcupine Plain Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Originally Elder Margaret Harrison approached ERII and the local in Porcupine Plain to plan a cultural potluck, which then grew into a mini-

folkfest featuring Métis, Norwegian, Filipino and Ukrainian cultures. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and all the vendors will provide a supper featuring authentic dishes from different cultures. Participants who attend are encouraged to bring a traditional dish to share. There will be cultural food tasting all day and people are welcome to bring something to share if they wish. Demonstrations of each culture will be happening throughout the day. A Métis jigging workshop will start at 2:30 p.m. At 3:15 p.m. there will be Ukrainian Music and Easter egg painting. At 4 p.m. there will be a Filipino performance and at 4:45 p.m. there will be Norwegian music. The final performance, at 5:30 p.m., features the Creeland Dancers and the Dean Smith Band.

The event is sponsored by BHP Jansen, MN-S ER II & MN-S ER II Elders Branch. Elder Harrison said that traditional foods from each culture will be prepared and showcased to all the participants. Traditional methods of cooking and preparing each food will be used and shown to those in attendance.

MN-S is a government, governed by the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA) that represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of approximately 80,000 Métis people in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is divided into 12 regions with an elected regional director representing each. MN-S ER II includes Porcupine Plain, Melfort, Nipawin, Wynyard, Preeceville and Hudson Bay.

Brent Digness is the director for ERII. He is also the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism for the MN-S. He said he is excited for this event and hopes to bring unity in the community and more reconciliatory events to other communities within his region.

In the Porcupine Plain and Chelan Locals, there are approximately 60 Métis Citizens that are members. There are around 350 Métis citizens, who are members of locals, in ERII. These numbers do not include the youth, so they are actually higher when those are factored in.

Since Minister Digness was elected and became Director for ERII, Métis people obtaining citizenship has increased significantly in ERII.

Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association board members (L-R) Sheryl Kimbley, Donny Parenteau, Paul Lomheim and Roland Corrigal stand for a photo in Prince Albert, Sask. in January 2023.

Submitted by Donny Parenteau

Terrier’s captain on the bench

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 #21 comes from March 20, 1996.

Neil Schell still has a spot on the Yorkton Terriers bench, but now he’s wearing a civilian suit rather than the captain’s ‘C’ as he has throughout the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season.

“It’s really tough right now, now that we’re into the playoffs,” said Schell, who was sidelined when

an injury forced the removal of a kidney just days before the end of the regular season.

Schell said being on the bench has been a big help in adjusting to the fact he can’t play.

“It has helped being around the guys, and on the bench … being there to bang gloves after a good play,” he said.

It was also a morale boost when the team brought the SJHL South Division championship banner to his hospital room.

“They hung it up in my room. That meant a lot,” said Schell.

Of course being a local kid on the Terriers meant a lot to Schell, even before the injury.

“It’s probably been the best three years of my life, along with winning the Maller championship (Schell was a member of Air Canada Cup Midget AAA champions),” he said.

As for the injury which ended Schell’s SJHL

50 YEARS Looking back at the Yorkton Terriers

career, he said it was just a freak accident.

“I went to hit a guy and he moved. I ran into (teammate) Lee Rusnak. It was a harmless looking hit,” said Schell.

“I just felt like I was winded. It didn’t feel that severe.”

Schell skated back to the bench, but suddenly felt sort of sick. Team doctor Krishna Vittala suggested it might be a bruised back or kidney.

“It started to hurt through the stomach and down into the groin,” he said.

Schell spent the third period in the dressing room, and after the game was diagnosed with a torn kidney.

“Because of my age they tried to repair it.

They (doctors) said if I had been older they would have just removed it,” said Schell. “They thought they might be able to save it.”

For about a week it looked as though doctors had repaired the damage successfully, but then the kidney started to bleed.

“So they went back in,” said Schell.

While now he has accepted it, at the time it was a real blow.

“I was up here,” he said slicing the air above his head. “The I just came down. Emotionally it was really hard to deal with it.”

The good news is Dr. Jae Choi has told Schell he can lead a normal life, including hockey.

The question now is

what hockey options are open to the 20-year-old.

Like most SJHL players, Schell was hoping for an American college scholarship, but the injury will keep him out of the playoffs and his final chance to impress scouts.

“Right now it doesn’t look too promising,” he admitted. “Nothing was solid before and this just sort of adds to it.”

But Schell isn’t lamenting the possible lost opportunity, pointing out there are other options, including ending his hockey and concentrating on education.

“I’m really uncertain what I want to do right now. When I feel a little better I’ll make some decisions,” he said.

Doctors expect it will be at least six weeks –Schell hopes it will be sooner – before he can skate again. At that time, he’ll have a better idea whether his future will include hockey.

Schell said playing hockey in Europe, or in

the Canadian college ranks, are also possibilities.

“The doctors said to get lots of rest. That’s what I’m going to do, that and hang out at the rink. When I can see what I can do, then I’ll decide.”

Until then, Schell said he’ll stick with his teammates for as far as they go, and, he added, the team has its sights set on the Royal Bank Cup finals in Melfort later this spring.

Cross-country skiers enjoying winter, looking forward to Lamplighter Loppet

Courtesy of Canora Courier

Even after the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, it seems that the popularity of crosscountry skiing continues to grow.

According to Darryl Stevenson, Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club president, the club is enjoying a full and

active ski season.

“An abundance of snowfall early in November created excellent skiing conditions,” said Stevenson. “In excess of 50 club memberships have been registered on Zone4.ca, however many more skiers have been utilizing the trail system.”

The ski trails received a couple heavy

snowfalls prior to the first of the year and it was discovered that the dry, fluffy snow was not suitable for packing.

“The Yorkton SnoRiders Club trail setting equipment was again brought in this season in early January to pack and condition the trails,” reported Stevenson. “This undertaking provided a solidly packed base to set perfectly groomed ski trails. In addition, this year almost all of the trails are double tracks throughout the park and are enjoyed by many while gliding along together.”

Stevenson said provincial park staff, supervised by manager Brian Dudar, do an excellent job of weekly trailing grooming.

“Trail conditions are updated Thursdays on their website and on our club social media. Minimal snowmobile damage has occurred this year and skiers are quick to report any resulting loss of ski trails via social media.

Members of the Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club have recently been certified to assist with trail grooming, according to Stevenson.

“New procedures brought in last year required the park staff to complete a snowmobile safety course. This year, volunteers were required to complete the Sask Snowmobile Safety Course and evaluations, prior to being allowed

to operate the park’s equipment.”

Club members are once again preparing for the annual Lamplighter Loppet, coming up at Good Spirit Lake on Saturday, Feb. 11.

“The trails will be set! The bonfire will be going and the hot dogs will be hot and ready for all our hungry skiers,” advised Stevenson.

“Refreshments will be served in the awesome warmup shelter. Participants can hit the trails at 5:30 p.m. and ski to your heart’s content with your head lantern leading the way.”

The fireworks show is slated for 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends, “and enjoy a great evening of skiing fun at Good Spirit Provincial Park. Please register on Zone4 under ‘Lamplighter Loppet 2023,’” indicated Stevenson.

“Let’s hope the temperatures are mild for that night but cancellation may occur if it drops well below -20°C.”

At press time, the long-range weather forecast was for comfortably mild weather across the region for the Lamplighter Loppet

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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Neil Schell

When skiers are ready for a rest, they can take a quick break at the ski shelter before heading back out on the trail. The shelter is lit up on the inside by candles, along with two solar lamps to the left on the ski rack.

The Good Spirit Cross Country Ski Club is reporting that cross-country ski trails are attracting more and more skiers each year. In this photo, Anne Stupak is enjoying a run with her dog Hootch.

Linklater using platform to talk issues

Michael Linklater might not be the first person one thinks of in terms of Canadian basketball, but his resume suggests he probably should be a person at least coming to mind.

Linklater came to prominence in the sport when he was a key member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s basketball team when it captured its first and only CanWest Conference Championship and CIS National Championship in 2010.

Linklater, a Nehiyaw (Cree) descending from the Thunderchild First Nation, located in Treaty 6 Territory, then went on to establish himself as one of the FIBA 3x3 World’s top professional basketball players and was a Team Canada member. He was named 3x3 World Tour Most Spectacular Player.

Linklater is also the recipient of the 2018 Tom Longboat Award, which recognizes Aboriginal athletes “for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada”.

And, he was a member of the CEBL

CALVIN DANIELS Sports

Saskatchewan Rattlers in the league and team’s inaugural season which ended with the Rattlers winning the championship.

It is the sort of impressive resume which now gives Linklater, retired from pro ball, a platform to speak out for Indigenous inclusion in sport and other issues of importance to his people.

That includes receiving a call from the Toronto Raptors.

“It was the cultural inclusion side of the operation,” Linklater explained, adding they wanted Indigenous people “to have a voice and representation,” and he was asked to fill the role.

Linklater said basketball is becoming a bigger sport for many indigenous youth, adding it has

been that way in the United States for many years already. He said as a youth when he began playing the difference was many did not stay on the court.

“I was one of the few in Canada who really stuck with it, and took it to the heights that I did,” he said.

Today, in part because of the influence of the Raptors and to a lesser extent the CEBL, the game is seeing greater interest from youth in general.

“In Canada we’re definitely seeing the growth of basketball and interest rising,” said Linklater.

Linklater said a key to the growth is how easily youth can become involved.

“For myself it was accessibility. Coming from a humble background we

could never afford hockey,” he said, adding with basketball it was a ball and you were able to play as courts inside and out generally exist.

While lower cost than hockey, basketball still offers youth all the benefits of team athletics; social skills, life skills, noted Linklater.

The path of basketball has certainly been a good one for Linklater, even getting him to the American White House recently, as he attended the first ever Native American Heritage Month reception. His invite to the November 15 event came from first lady Jill Biden.

“I think I was the only Canadian,” he said. “It was a tremendous experience, something I’ll never forget.”

Linklater said the invite was a result of his advocacy work with youth, which is something he holds as personally very important.

“I want to give back to Indigenous youth as an advocate for our culture,” he said, his interest in giving back has “always been part of me and who I am.”

Michael Kinklater

And that means being more than a basketball player, said Linklater who added he believes he has more to offer as an advocate for Indigenous culture.

But, he also realizes he has a platform from

which to do that because of the recognition he has from excelling at basketball.

“Sport was a great calling for me,” he said. “. . . Sport was a great blessing to have been able to play.”

ECDAA District curling hosted in Yorkton

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The ECDAA Junior Curling Districts were hosted at the Yorkton Curling Club Friday and Saturday.

David Baron, one of the event organizers said the event was an encouraging one in terms of interest.

“Last year we had eight teams at Districts,” he said. “This year we had 16.

“A majority of the teams featured Grade 8 and younger players. I think maybe curling is making a bit of a comeback -- fingers crossed.”

On the mixed side of the event Yorkton Regional High School topped the field which included teams from Esterhazy, Springside, the YRHS, Norquay, Canora and Columbia schools.

Norquay defeated Columbia 7 – 2 to advance to the gold medal game, with Columbia eventually taking home the bronze medals.

In the gold medal game, it was the YRHS foursome over Norquay

11 – 1.

The YRHS team was made up of skip, Mara Vogel, third Nate Wasylenchuk, second Naomi Goeree, and lead Grace Woytas.

Norquay were awarded the silver medals.

Seven teams entered the Junior Boys District play downs including; Saltcoats, Springside, Esterhazy, YRHS, Canora, Sturgis, and Yorkdale Central schools.

In the gold medal game, Esterhazy beat Sturgis 9 – 3, with Sturgis taking the silver medals.

Sturgis had qualified for the final with a 6-5 win over Yorkdale Central School. The game advanced Sturgis to the gold medal game.

Yorkdale Central School took home the bronze medals.

On Friday morning three teams set out to win gold in the Junior Girls category at ECDAA Curling Districts.

By the end of the day, Saltcoats had claimed the bronze medal.

In the Gold Medal final Esterhazy had

prevailed 10 - 4 over Springside.

The Esterhazy team included Paisley Beck at skip, Jovi Dutka at third, Jaylen Walker at second, and Brooklyn Stewart playing lead.

Curling teams from the East Central region competed in district playdowns.

IN BRIEF

Champion likes what Paco Sako offers

If you are a chess fan you are likely aware that there are dozens, maybe hundreds of variants which have been created through the years.

One of those is Paco Sako, a chess variant by designer Felix Albers. The game was reviewed here back around the year it was released (2017), and it did not resonate with myself, or the Meeple member I test drove the game with.

For background, “Paco Ŝako is played on the same board and with the same chess pieces as traditional/classic chess, though the Paco Ŝako chess pieces have a different functionality. Black and white pieces can be merged into a union and can stay together on one square. Because there are no pieces taken, all pieces stay on the board during the game. Once unions are created, both players can still move them; you can take over a union and release your piece out of a union by replacing it with another piece and eventually there is the chain reaction, which really brings out the Paco Ŝako gameplay. Taking over unions and releasing pieces mean you may move several pieces in one turn,” detailed Board Game Geek.

The feel is quite unique in the sense no pieces are taken, and instead of a ‘battlefield’ experience which is chess, this one is more like pieces on a huge dance floor switching partners in a waltz seeking the king.

Of course whether a single reviewer likes a game matters little. It is simply information for readers to digest regarding various games.

Paco Sako is doing fine these days, with an online world championship recently held.

To start a huge tip of the hat to organizers. One thing that often seems missing with games today is the effort to organize ‘world’ clubs and events to build the game community, so this championship is most certainly a positive.

The winner of the event was Raimond Fluijt, who was kind enough to consent to an interview on Paco Sako via email.

Fluijt, 44, lives with his wife and three children in Houten in the center of the Netherlands, where he works as configuration manager at a company which produces

heavy vehicles.

Board games are a long held recreational passion for Fluijt.

“I’m playing board games since I was little, four years old or so,” he said adding, he has never stopped playing games. “When I started going to the secondary school I was more involved in video games, but never stopped with board games.

“Now it’s almost like an addiction. I play several board games in a week physically and daily I am playing board games online or on apps. Video games are way less these days.”

So it was natural to ask which games he plays?

“What board game I don’t play?” said Fluijt. “That will be a lot but we do play a lot of games. We have a board game group of six persons. We play every Wednesday our board games. Next to that we often meet on Fridays with the same or other persons to play board games. On occasion we play on Saturday or Sunday and we start in the afternoons and go on into the evening. My wife is always joining and in the times in between we play together board games too. So it’s a lot I think.”

Not surprisingly given the recent championship Fluijt also plays chess among the many games.

“I play chess also since I was four years old and never stopped since,” he said. “I never played at a club only casual games. I started at the primary school to get certificates from a club and did some tournaments on school team.

“I also played a lot of chess matches with my uncle.

starting. Next to playing against my uncle I played online some chess games but not for a rating.”

And then Fluijt discovered Paco Sako.

“Through my passion for board games, I attend yearly board game fairs,” he said. “Several times I saw Paco Šako.

“Chess variants always interested me, I bought one once but never played it. So I was hesitant to buy another chess variant because I was expecting not to play it with others.

“In 2019, I was at a local fair in Gouda, in the Netherlands. Felix (the designer) his companion was explaining the rules and asked me to try. It was nice to play the game.”

Shortly after at the largest board game fair in The Netherlands was held, and a Dutch championship of Paco Šako planned, and Fluijt was told he should attend.

“I was planning to go there so I thought why not,” he said. “I played my second match at that fair and tournament. I finished somewhere in the middle of 16 competitors I believe.

“Our youngest daughter was with us at the fair and she liked it too, so I bought a coloured set.”

But, is Paco Sako better than chess? Or, just different?

“Technically, it is just a chess variant and it is to everyone’s liking if

pieces remain on the board. Due to the creation of chains you get an extra level of options and more variations to consider. In Paco Šako you are able to turn the game around in one move.”

For Fluijt it is now the game of choice.

“Right now I’m only playing chess with my uncle via an app daily or physically when I am at his place. I am not playing against others chess,” he said.

“Almost daily I am playing Paco Šako online. Not that much physical, but I have every colour and several Paco Šako boards.”

Fluijt said he has developed a particular approach to game play.

“I try to play as many games upfront in the tournament as I can,” he said.

“Next to that I try to review the last games which I lost or where tough moment occurred.”

Fluijt’s in game play in now familiar in the Paco Sako world.

“I am using the same opening which is named after me, ‘the Rai’ or ‘the Ray’,” he said. “In the first few moves the ‘H’ pawn is moved two forward followed by the rook. This you will not see often in regular chess but in Paco Šako, it proved its value many times.

“Further more the two knights are very strong. They are providing many combo’s, loops and

worlds Fluijt was feeling good about his chances.

“I know I will do well in the tournament, there was no reason to not do well,” he said. “I was fit, I had played many games, although I lost many lately. I felt confident to start tournament and do well.”

But, was the competition tougher than anticipated?

“The competition was kind of what I was expecting,” offered Fluijt. “The outcome of the tournament is a little different then expected.

“Last year I did not win the World championship. The World champion did attend this tournament and he is hard to beat.

“Competitors from last year were improving their skills a lot. At the last Dutch championship there were new contesters who are very good, one made it to the finals.

“Up front I did not expect to win this tournament, that counts also for the Dutch Championship though.”

In the end though Fluijt succeeded.

“When the first match of the final started my heart was beating up to my throat,” said Fluijt. “That particular game I was set immediately under pressure. It was an opening which I practiced a lot, ‘the Swedish Knights’, but it went with a little twist and I made the wrong move. On a moment I placed my knight on d7 which was a mistake. I should have

played my other knight or my queen. The game pretty much felt like a torture, but I was always hoping there is a way out.

“Like I mentioned in one move the game can turn. Nevertheless, I lost the match 1-0.

“The second match started and my heartbeat was directly high in my throat. The pressure in play was on both sides. I think due to my experience and having the confidence to recognize patterns I don’t get stressed in these positions. I managed to create and see the nice chain to finish it, 1-1, phew.

“The third game went a bit similar as in the feeling of putting pressure on the opponent. Therefore, my heartbeat dropped a little, but the tension was still in the game. Again with a nice chain I could make the Paco and it is 1-2.

“Luckily the development of the fourth game went better for me, less pressure towards my side. I think my opponent made a mistake and I won the match, 1-3.

“It felt like a relieve but unbelievable. It is what I really wanted, because it was my first official World championship. It felt like the effort I put into it paid off. That felt nice. I am happy.”

And he will defend this year.

“I certainly will play Paco Šako in 2023. I have two titles to defend,” said Fluijt.

Kamsack, Norquay teams compete at Canora senior bonspiel

Courtesy of Kamsack Times

At the Canora Senior Bonspiel held from Jan. 16-19 at the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre, Canora teams dominated the top of the standings by claiming the top three positions.

Organizer Vern Schick said local teams may have had somewhat of an advantage heading into the event.

“We’ve been on the ice the last two years when some other towns weren’t,” explained Schick. “Home ice helps too, especially on the first day of the bonspiel.”

Schick said it was a very successful event, with 16 teams taking part in the Brandon Draw format. Each team played five games,

six ends each, and attempted to maximize their point totals. Four points were awarded for a win, two points for a tie, two points for each end won, and zero

points for a blank end.

The Canora rink skipped by Bob Kolodziejski finished first with 62 points, including a perfect game where they won

all six ends for a total of 16 points. Other members of the winning foursome were: Darryl Stevenson (third), Robin Ludba (second) and Vickie

Pederson (lead).

Second place went to the Canora team skipped by Peter Wiwchar with 54 points, and Don Probe’s Canora rink placed third with 50 points.

Other foursomes taking part in the bonspiel included: Bill Foreman and Ernie Gazdewich of Canora; Tom Foster, Joy Hubic and Bob Lumley of Norquay; Joyce Maclean, Gerald Reesker and Scott Sears of Kamsack; Ivan Peterson of Sturgis; Kalvin Warner of Springside; Laird Gervais of Crystal Lake; David Zbeetnoff of Yorkton; and the Ross Tressel rink of Yorkton, Melville and Canora.

A number of other awards were handed

out at the banquet held after the final draw.

Larry Dahl of Norquay was the winner of the button draw, with Laird Gervais of Crystal Lake placing second.

In addition to finishing second in the bonspiel, Peter Wiwchar’s rink also won the team draw, ahead of the runner-up Tom Foster rink of Norquay.

The most experienced team, with the highest combined age, was the Joyce Maclean rink of Kamsack. The Rookie Rink award went to the Scott Sears foursome, also of Kamsack.

The Kalvin Warner rink of Springside took home the award for the most sportsmanlike team.

Clarence Homeniuk, left, and Bill Foreman checked out all the possibilities before deciding where to place the broom for Foreman’s next shot.

this rock on target.

Aided by the sweeping of Vickie and Darryl Stevenson and the shot making of Robin Ludba, the rink skipped by Bob Kolodziejski (not pictured) won the Canora Senior Bonspiel held from Jan. 16 to 19.

Saltcoats born athlete honoured

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Nolan Barnes, who grew up in the Saltcoats area was recently presented an Inspire Through Sport Award.

The presentation was made at the 2022 Saskatchewan Sport Awards on Jan. 26 in Saskatoon, the first time since 2019 for the ceremony to be held.

Barnes was nominated by Waterski and Wakeboard Saskatchewan.

Barnes, an adaptive water skier told Yorkton This Week that his selection was unexpected.

“I was almost blindsided,” he said, the nomination itself was more than

he would have imagined. “. . . That alone was quite a special moment for me. It feels pretty good when you are recognized for your effort.

“It’s pretty special for me.”

Barnes became involved in water skiing after a single vehicle collision in 2010 left him a paraplegic.

Barnes had to start from the very basics of the sport but worked his way to a spot on Canada’s national team in 2012, going on to become a world champion and world record holder.

The records included smashing the MP2 record in slalom at the 2019 world championships in Norway.

The record had been a score of 1,000-points and he increased it to 1,363-points.

Barnes said he sees his latest award as important for his sport too, having adaptive water skiing on the stage with a lot of other sports, most better known than his at this point.

“It’s a non-Olympic sport,” he said, adding he appreciates that adaptive water skiing has lots of room for growth, but that will need more recognition and dollars, but things are moving in the right direction.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth,” he said.

That has meant greater recognition within the water ski commun-

Auctions for SLGA permits are now on

By John Cairns, SASKTODAY.ca

REGINA - The online auctions for private SLGA retail liquor store permits have now begun on the McDougall Auctioneers website.

The first auction is for five permits, in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Watrous and Carlyle. Bids open at $100 and the online auction continues until 2 p.m. on Feb. 15.

This is the first of six groups of permits being put up for bid, with the final grouping to close on Feb. 24. According to the McDougall Auctions website the auction sale requires pre-registration, with a refundable deposit of $5,000 per permit required to participate. Each auction is open for 10 days with auctions taking place in real time, with bids visible as they are made.

Minister for SLGA Lori Carr announced the

process for the online auction when speaking to reporters at the legislature in January.

A total of 35 permits are up for bid in the entire process. 34 permits are up for auction to take over the licenses being freed up with the closure of the

last remaining SLGA liquor stores, while one permit covers a previously-closed store in Saskatoon.

SLGA is currently in the process of closing the remaining public liquor stores, with stores being closed up until the end of March, 2023.

Terrier duo attends showcase

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The Saskatchewan and Manitoba junior hockey leagues joined forces recently to hold a showcase event in Winnipeg.

Two Terriers took part in the event; Clay Sleeva and Dylan Ruptash.

“I was pretty honoured to be selected . . .

To represent the Terriers there,” said Sleeva.

“It felt really good in my first year in the league to get the opportunity to represent the team,” said Ruptash, adding it was a great experience . . . It was a great week.”

The game, while an all-

star format with wins and losses meaning little, it was still hockey played for pride and to showcase skills.

“It was really fast,” said Sleeva.

As for college scouts watching, the two Terriers said while aware more eyes were likely on the action than usual, it wasn’t something they wanted to think about too much.

“You try not to think about it, but it’s kind of always in the back of your mind,” said Sleeva, adding he tried to take the position “you’re just there to show what you can do.”

“Obviously you

ity where the adaptive side of the sport is now getting a place at the table and are involved in world championships.

Barnes said it is important to sport itself in being inclusive.

Barnes knows well about sport growth noting after his own accident he was not even aware adaptive water skiing was a thing.

“It wasn’t even on the radar. I didn’t even know

it existed,” he said, adding he only learned of it from a poster and as soon as he was out of the rehab centre following his accident he was checking out the sport.

Barnes visited the local water ski club and had one request “I want to learn how do to this adaptive skiing,” he explained.

Not that sport was really in his plans early on.

Barnes said before the accident he was anticipating following his family into farming near Saltcoats, but the farm sector is not really easy for someone in a wheelchair, so his path took a left turn of sorts, including a move to Saskatoon.

“It was a better decision going on my own. I wanted to develop my new life in the chair on my own,” he said.

know they were there and watching,” echoed Ruptash, adding “I just tried to set that aside and played my game.”

That said Ruptash said he did get some interest too.

“I talked to a couple of scouts after the second game,” he said, adding “it feels good to know your hard work is paying off.”

In terms of the action, Sleeva said he was satisfied with what he did on the ice, especially being lined up with guys that he had only seen in opposition jerseys before the showcase.

“I thought I played pretty well,” he said.

Nolan Barnes.

Submitted Photo

SLGA Minister Lori Carr speaks to reporters at the Legislature in January, following the announcement of when the SLGA auctions will commence.

Photo courtesy of John Cairns

Awards acknowledge trophy winners

Courtesy of Preeceville Progress

The Lintlaw Timberline Wildlife Federation hosted its annual supper and awards evening with local hunters acknowledged for their trophy entries on Jan. 28.

Prior to the awards evening, students from kindergarten to Grade 5 at the Kelvington Elementary School participated in a poster contest. The winning entries won cash prizes and a free supper ticket, with the entries displayed at the awards banquet.

During the evening there were bucket draws that featured a basket of cheer raffle.

Kristie MacDonald of Archerwill provided the catering for the approximately 120 persons in attendance at the banquet portion of the evening. The banquet concluded with awards handed out for trophy winners. Bryce Murray received the white-tailed deer award for his entry that scored 144 and 1/8; Mathew Davis received a white-tailed deer award that scored 143, Davis also received the typical mule deer award that scored

149 and 3/8, and the elk award for his entry, 293; Graham Pottle won a white-tailed deer award for his entry, 132 and 1/8; Shelly Mills won the nontypical white-tailed deer award that scored 120, and Shelby Reschny won for elk that scored in at 232 and 3/8.

“The club would like to extend a huge thankyou to everyone who attended the supper, anyone who made donations and for everyone who volunteered their time. We look forward to holding this event again next year,” stated Chelsey Kurytnik, club representative.

Saskatchewan police report 414 impaired driving offences in December

Some drivers came out of the holiday season with a bigger regret than just an inflated credit card bill.

Saskatchewan’s police agencies reported 414 impaired driving offences for the month of December. As a result of strong impaired driving enforcement – including dozens of checkstops and other less obvious tactics -- there were 240 people charged with an impaired driving offence under the Criminal Code, and another 174 were issued sanctions – including licence suspensions

and vehicle impoundments -- for exceeding provincial limits for alcohol (.04 BAC for experienced drivers, .00 BAC for new drivers) or drugs (zero tolerance for all drivers).

All impaired driving offences come with Safe Driver Recognition penalties and requirements to attend impaired driver education courses. The penalties are more severe upon conviction, and they can also result in suspensions, stiff fines and potential incarceration, depending on the severity of the offence

and the driver’s record. While this news release is about the hundreds of people who were caught driving impaired in December, it’s also worth noting that over the holiday season, thousands of people made good decisions and chose not to drive after drinking or using drugs. Kudos to everyone who got a ride home from a taxi, a bus, a rideshare, a designated driving service, Operation Red Nose, a sober friend or family member. The holidays may be over, but finding a safe

ride is something that drivers should do yearround. Impaired driving offences come with a wide range of penalties that can wreck your budget, but an impaired driving collision can destroy so much more than that.

Other results from December:

• 254 tickets for seatbelt and occupant restraint offences;

• 2,931 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences; and

• 491 tickets issued for distracted

driving • 411 for using cellphone while driving, and

• 80 for driving without due care and attention. — Submitted

Graham Pottle received a white-tailed deer award at the Lintlaw Timberline Wildlife Federation annual supper and awards.

Mathew Davis won several awards for big game at the Lintlaw Timberline Wildlife Federation awards.

Shelby Mills was the recipient of a non-typical whitetailed deer award.

Dillion Lindholm , left, vice-president of the Timberline Wildlife Club in Lintlaw, presented cash prizes to students who won the colouring contest at the Lintlaw Timberline Wildlife Federation annual supper and awards evening.

RMs of Barrier Valley, Connaught receiving funding for partnerships

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (Humboldt Journal)

The RM of Connaught was approved for $21,656 for developing their official community plan and zoning bylaw while the RM of Barrier Valley was approved for $34,725 for a shared emergency response plan with the Village of Archerwill.

Government Relations Minister Don McMorris announced 15 new municipal projects that will receive a combined provincial investment of more than $500,000 under the Targeted Sector Support

(TSS) Initiative.

“Together, we will help communities better serve their citizens by strengthening local governments across this great province,” McMorris said.

Wayne Black, Reeve for the RM of Barrier Valley, said that this funding will mostly go towards the RM hiring a consultant to develop an emergency measures plan. He said that this plan will help better prepare the RM to respond quickly and effectively. It will greatly improve our communications. Major emergencies are infrequent but having this plan in place will ensure

our RM will be better prepared.

Administrator Jaime Orr for the RM of Connaught said there funding will go towards the development of an updated official community plan and updating zoning bylaws. Orr said the RM is the lead on the application, with the Village of Ridgedale as the partnering municipality.

It is a requirement of the TSS grant to partner with another community. The grant encourages inter-community collaboration. She said the majority will be to the consulting firm, with

advertising, public consultations and printing as secondary expenses. Orr said without this funding, we wouldn’t be able to do the entire building, OCP and zoning bylaw updates, so we are grateful to receive approval.

The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants to support municipalities partnering to enhance their core responsibilities through projects focused on good governance, capacity building and regional cooperation. Funding covers up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs.

“By investing in projects that foster good

governance and encourage inter-community collaboration, the Targeted Sector Support Initiative is helping to strengthen Saskatchewan’s hometowns and improve the lives of our residents,”

SUMA President Randy Goulden said. “SUMA is proud to be a partner of this important initiative and we look forward to the benefits these new projects will have in our communities now and in the future.”

“SARM couldn’t be more pleased with the impact the TSS initiative is having in our communities,” SARM President Ray Orb said. “We have

experienced RMs using their grant to provide municipal governance training to not only their own elected officials, but officials from surrounding municipalities as well.”

TSS projects are funded under one of the following streams: dispute resolution and relationship building, capacity building, regional cooperation, and municipal transition.

All Saskatchewan municipalities are encouraged to apply for TSS funding in the next intake for applications, which is expected to open in early March.

Kelly Knapp wins first SaskTel Tankard championship

By David Willberg, SASKTODAY.ca

ESTEVAN - The Kelly Knapp rink has won the SaskTel Tankard provincial men’s curling championship in Estevan.

Knapp scored one in the 10th end to defeat the Steve Laycock rink 5-4 in the final Sunday evening.

After two blank ends to start, Knapp drew to the back of the eight-foot ring to score one in the third end.

Laycock responded with two in the fourth end to take a 2-1 lead.

Knapp responded with one point in the fifth end to tie the game.

Laycock took the lead again with one in the sixth. After a blank end in the seventh, Knapp scored two in eight. Laycock put up one in nine, but Knapp would get one more to finish the scoring.

Knapp will represent Saskatchewan at the upcoming Tim Horton’s Brier in London, Ont.

Terriers spend time with students

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

A number of Yorkton Junior Terriers visited M.C. Knoll School recently.

“We have been very lucky to host Terriers players at our school a number of times throughout the year,” explained Phil Adams principal at the school, adding the players have interacted with students in various ways including taking students to Weinmaster Park, attending the school’s Halloween Dance, to supporting inclass learning. “Terriers players have been a consistent presence at M.C. Knoll School.”

Most recently, players spent time in Grade 3 supporting learning stations and engaging with

students in small groups.

“They even signed some autographs,” said Adams.

Adams added the school wants the community involved when possible.

“At M.C. Knoll School we value relationships and community,” he said. “The Terriers have supported those values this year and our students and staff appreciate it.”

Farmers Business Network Yorkton Distributors

Will no longer be selling Shell Oils. Our supply is currently limited to what we have in inventory, so it will be first come first serve. Special pricing in effect. Only Cash, Cheque, Visa or Mastercard can be accepted on these sales.

We want to thank everyone for their past patronage!

Come see us at our new location 236 Myrtle Ave, Yorkton Or call us at 306-782-2645

The Kelly Knapp rink has won the SaskTel Tankard in Estevan.

Photo by David Willberg

Monuments

1100 Cards of Thanks

1120 Announcements

To advertise in this spot contact the Sales Team at

1130 Coming Events

BELOW FACTORY DIRECT PRICING !!!

NOW

In Memoriam IN MEMORY OF

1050 In Memoriam

GAWRYLIUK — Elaine. In lov-

ing memory of a dear sister who entered God’s Heavenly Kingdom on September 26, 2011. Of all the many blessings

However great or small

To have had you for a sister

Was the greatest gift of all

The family chain is broken now

And nothing seems the same

But as God takes us one by one

The chain will link again.

— Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by brother Ed, sisters Sylvia & Lorraine and their families.

WEGNER — In loving memory of Albert Wegner, February 14, 1921 to September 23, 2009.

He had a nature you could not help loving,

And a heart that was purer than gold., And to those that knew and loved him, His memory will never grow old.

— Ever remembered, forever loved, Elsie and family

1100 Cards of Thanks

The family of the late Dennis Kuzek would like to thank everyone who supported us through Dennis’s illness and after his passing. The gifts of food, cards, phone calls and donations will never be forgotten. Thank you to Father Mel Slashinsky, cantor, choir, pall bearers and the Orthodox Ladies for serving the lunch after prayers, Ron Sebulsky and Cheryl Bilokreli for preparing the lunch in Theodore after the funeral and a thank you to Garry Gawryliuk for the eulogy. Also a special thanks to the staff at Bailey’s Funeral Home for their caring and professional matter for — Val & Family USE MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS

306-782-2465

The family of the late Kirk Neibrandt wish to extend our heartfelt thanks for the numerous cards of sympathy, flowers, gifts of food, the generous donation Education Trust Fund, visits, phone calls and support from relatives and friends following the loss of my husband and our father. Thank you to the Doctors, Nursing Staff of ICU and 1st West, Home Care Treatment Nurses and Palliative Care of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. The Doctors and Nurses of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Regina, Regina General Hospital and the Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, for their care of Kirk. A special thank you to Dr. van Heerden and staff and Louck’s Pharmacy also. We also wish to express our thanks to Vern and staff at Christie’s Funeral Home for their professional service, Pastor Dan Moeller for officiating the service, Jackie Guy - soloist, for her special songs, the Rhein Lion’s Club for the use of the hall and the many people who helped with set up of hall, lunch and clean up. Thank you to everyone who shared with us and our families, Kirk’s Celebration of Life on August 15, 2012. Your support was overwhelming. “You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived; Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

— With healing hearts, tears in our eyes, Wendy, Brandi and Dana Neibrandt.

The family of the late Pauline Spelay wish to extend their heartfelt thanks for cards of sympathy, mass cards, flowers, gifts of food, donations, visits, phone calls from relatives and friends following the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Pasqua Hospital - Regina, St. Peter’s Hospital - Melville for their care. Also a special thank you to St. Paul Lutheran Care Home, Melville for your excellent care during this past year. We also wish to express our thanks to Larry and staff at Bailey’s Funeral Home for their professional services, Father Ray Lukie, Father Peter Pidskalny, Father Joakim Rac for officiating the services, the cantors, choir and the Knights of Columbus for leading the holy rosary, the grandchildren and great grandchildren for being pallbearers, crossbearer, epistle reader, and giving the eulogy, the luncheons as served by the St. Mary’s Cultural Centre after the prayers, and the Royal Canadian Legion after the funeral service.

— Dennis, Michael, Trudy, Dave and Family

1120 Announcements

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MUSIC MAKERS - Music & Movement classes for children birth through age 4; PIANO LESSONS for all ages & styles. Call Diane at 641-9887.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’ s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. swna.com.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS.

Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

1130 Coming Events

YORKTON FARMER’S MARKET

FALL SUPPER; LOCATION: BURGIS BEACH HALL, DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012. Two sittings - 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Walk-ins Welcome. ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CANORA PHARMACY, CANORA AND ALEXANDER’S MEN’S WEAR IN YORKTON or call Linda at 563-4885 or Dodie at 563-4174. ADULTS $12.00, 4-12 YEARS $6.00, UNDER 4 FREE (Children’s tickets available at the Door). All proceeds will go to replacing the playground equipment that was destroyed in the 2010 flood.

1140 Companions

LOOKING FOR a female companion between 55 and 65. I enjoy dancing, dining, cooking, and shopping. Please respond to Box E, c/o Yorkton This Week, Box 1300 - 20 Third Ave., Yorkton, SK, S3N 2X3

1150 Personals

BUSINESS CLOSING NOTICE –A. GOODE UPHOLSTERY LTD.

LOCAL HOOKUPS BROWSE4FREE 1-888-628-6790 or #7878 Mobile HOT LOCAL CHAT 1-877-290-0553 Mobile #5015 Find Your Favourite CALL NOW 1-866-732-0070 1-888-5440199 18+

Please be advised that due to the passing of Nelson Alfred Saunders, the owner and operator of A. Goode Upholstery, the business is currently being wound up. Clients who may have items currently held at the business premises of A. Goode Upholstery are required to pick up their items or make arrangements with the interim upholsterer by March 31, 2023 for completion of any required work that was to be done by A. Goode Upholstery. Any unclaimed items that remain will be kept in storage, by the Personal Representative, Sharon Saunders, for a period of 1 year commencing March 31, 2023. Any items that remain uncollected at the expiry of the 1-year period will be deemed abandoned and dealt with accordingly. Please contact the business directly by telephone at 306-782-1744 or attend at the business during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. A. Goode Upholstery thanks you for your continued patronage over the years and for your cooperation in this matter. In addition to the above, if anyone happens to know where Nelson Saunders stored his 1971 Monte Carlo, please contact the business as indicated above.

PROBLEM WITH Birth

Every

Certificates? Maybe late issued. Maybe I could help correct the record at Vital Statistics. Call John @ 306-563-6883. REMOVE YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD 100,000+ have used our services since 1989. BBB A+ rating. US waiver allows you to travel to the US, or apply for a Record Suspension (Pardon) - professional & affordable Call 1-8-NOW PARDON (1-866-972-7366) www. RemoveYourRecord.com

Wade

Wade.Berlinic@HammondRealty.ca

Steel - below factory pricing 1x8 6-tfn 2023.cdr

Classified folder wk 6

in Yorkton, Saskatchewan during regular of ce hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Copies are available at cost.

Written Submissions

Any person(s) may make a written submission to council regarding proposed Bylaw Z2/12. Submissions will be accepted either by mail or at the public hearing. Mailed submissions should be forwarded to: Rural Municipality of Orkney No. 244 26 - 5th Ave. N., Yorkton, SK

S3N 0Y8.

PREVIOUS OWNER of Lil Eva / Voodoo, a black female cat rescued from the shelter in Yorkton, SK would like to speak with new owner to see how Lil Eva / Voodoo is doing. Call John, 306-853-7056

Public Hearing Council will hold a public hearing on October 11, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., at the R.M. Of ce at 26 - 5th Avenue North, Yorkton Saskatchewan, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed Bylaw Z2/12. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing, or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal of ce before the hearing.

and pick up a copy.

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

Synchro teams compete in Yorkton

Eighteen synchronized skating teams from Saskatchewan and Manitoba were in Yorkton on over the weekend to compete at the 2023 Prairie Regional Synchronized Skating Competition presented by

SIGA. The competition was held at Westland Arena Saturday, and Sunday. Entries is various team categories came from as far away as Winnipeg and Saskatoon.

Staff Photos by Calvin Daniels

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!

Be a Yorkton This Week Carrier!

• No early mornings

• No collecting

• We pay by direct deposit on the last Friday of every month

• Weight bonuses

• Sales bonuses

• Any age welcome

• Only 2 days or less per week

If you would like a route, please e-mail us at: circulation@yorktonthisweek.com or telephone circulation at: 306-782-2465

HAY FOR SALE. Excellent quality square alfalfa/orchard grass bales. $8 each. Call or text 306-620-6108

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