Recently the UCN was named one of the top 25 employers in Manitoba.

Deanna Kondakor, Human Resources Director with the UCN said it’s the opportunities, the facilities, and the benefits that are available to employees that make it such a welcoming place.

Opportunities for internal training, and life-long learning for students, and employees help lead to employee retention.

The UCN will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary coming up next week on September 5^th with celebrations happening on The Pas and Thompson campuses.

The Manitoba Tourism Education Council is hosting their AGM in less than 2 weeks on September 11th.

The event is open to everyone including those that work in the tourism industry.

It will take place virtually through Zoom, and registration can be done from now until September 9^th at mtec.mb.ca.

There will be over 4000 dollars in prizes that support the Manitoba Tourism Industry.

MTEC was established in the late 80’s to help provide assistance and training to help keep the Manitoba tourism sector alive and thriving.

A ribbon cutting happened last week to unveil the new MMF development in The Pas that included 3 state-of-the-art steel frame seniors’ homes, a project that has been in the works since 2021.

The investments in the area from the MMF have included 40 new licensed childcare spots, an affordable housing initiative, a community garden and Public Park, and the new development at the end of Second Street.

Mayor Murphy said this is one of the most significant investments made into the community recently.

Travel across the north will be getting harder as Mahihkan Bus lines announced their closure yesterday.

The Bus lines will cease operations on September 6^th.

Officials from the bus line said that despite their best efforts they will no longer be able to provide reliable transportation options to northern Manitoba due to a variety of pressures the business is under.

The Kelsey school division has been hard at work preparing during the summer months for the upcoming school year.

Some changes in the division include Krista Moisan taking over as Principal of the Opasquia School and Nick Popiel taking over as Vice Principal.

At the Scott Bateman Jordan Audia will move into the vice principal position, with Kelly Wadelius returning as the principal.

Cam Nagle Has Stepped into the spot as director of the Kelsey Learning Center.

At the Margret Barber Colligate, Pat Berry will take over as Principal and Michelle Sabet will take over as vice principal.

There will be no major staffing changes at the Kelsey Community School or the Mary Duncan, although it’s noted the Division is looking for substitutes for the upcoming year.

Wednesday, September 4th will be orientation with teachers, on the 5th students will be back to in-class learning, the MBCI will host orientations on both the 4th and 5th with the first-in-class day on the 6th.

Calendars and school supply lists for the upcoming school years can be found online marking all important dates.

Opening day conferences for parent-teachers will take place next week, times should have been sent home with report cards.

Schools can be reached now for information regarding orientations, and for parents with students new to the school staff will be in contact with you over the week.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak is holding its Annual General Assembly at the RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg this week.

The Event was moved due to a large number of forest fires affecting evacuees across the province.

Tomorrow, the election for MKO Grand Chief will take place with two candidates vying for the position.

Incumbent Garrison Settee of Pimicikamak Cree Nation is being challenged for the title by Chris G. Baker of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation.

Both candidates have a long history of service to the indigenous peoples.  Their biographies are available at mkonation.com.

All MKO member First Nation Chiefs and Councillors are eligible to vote in this election.  There will be no proxies.

Representatives with Service Canada will be in the community today with a session on the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.

The Canada Pension Plan is a monthly, Taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire.

If you qualify, you will receive the benefit for the rest of your life, but understanding how it works and how the numbers are determined can be challenging.

Some of the things they will be discussing involve eligibility, when you can start receiving benefits, plus the option to wait longer for an enhanced benefit.

They will also help with the application process.

Today’s session will run at the Immigrant Services office located at 232 Fischer Avenue in The Pas and those on the verge of receiving the benefit are encouraged to attend.

1029 CJAR’s annual 100 grand in your hand contest ended last night with over 13 thousand dollars in prizes awarded to the 50 qualifiers that won golden tickets over the previous month and a half.

The Grand Prize winner last night was Christian Matheson although the 100 thousand dollar prize was not won, Christian still walked away with 1520 dollars in prizes that included a BBQ, outdoor furniture package, gift cards and a pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses.

The event also helps raise funds for local senior recreational programs at the St Paul’s and the Rod McGillivary care homes in The Pas and area.

For winners, prizes will be available for pick up starting Monday at 8 am, for everyone who didn’t qualify for this year’s event and prizes there will be another opportunity next year.

Also, keep your eyes open for NHL Hockey Drafts in the coming weeks as CJAR looks to bring its next big contest back for the season.

The Pas Fire Department responded to a semi-trailer on fire about one kilometre outside of Wanless in the late evening on August 21^st.

Seven members of the team responded and deployed the department's pump and tanker trucks to the scene.

When they got there they found the rear portion of a chip truck engulfed in flames, the fire had spread to the cargo.

The team implemented traffic control and where able to limit the spread of the fire.

Under Pressure was called in for assistance with the removal of the wood chips on fire and heavy equipment was used.

They were able to have the fire fully extinguished by 4:30 am and service where fully restored at that time.

The team wanted to note that when barricades are in place it is dangerous to drive around and you are asked to find a secondary route.

Earlier this month on August 11^th Thompson RCMP received a report of an assault that occurred at a residence in the city.

Officers spoke with several residences but could not substantiate what had happened.

Investigators have been attempting to locate a 20-year old female who may have information to the incident but have so far been unsuccessful.

RCMP are requesting help in locating Angel Kraeker, 20, of Thompson as they believe she is missing.

Kraeker is described as 5’4”, 160 pounds with long black hair and brown eyes.

A Photo can be found on the Manitoba RCMP website.

A search for answers will continue next week as the Ministikok Project will conduct a grounds search of the.

Next week, from Tuesday to Friday, the team will be on location at the Mckay Residential School site.

On top of ground penetrating radar, the use of K-9s has been quite successful in locating remains.

Specialized dogs and their handlers will be on-site conducting searches volunteers are welcome to join and support but are asked not to feed or touch the dogs involved with the search as it might hinder the results.

Last month a search of a former residential school site in Pimicikamak Cree Nation found over 150 anomalies, 59 that were believed to be unmarked graves.

Determining what’s an unmarked grave can be a little trickier, and that requires excavation, which can be troubling for some, but can also provide closure.

The search of the site will take place from 8:30 to 4:30 next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and you're asked to dress appropriately.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

You can call Joe Partridge at 431-355-1167.

Over the weekend The Pas Immigrant Services hosted a newcomer's BBQ and gathering, to welcome individuals to the community, many coming from abroad.

Representing the diverse cultures in the community is one of the goals immigrant services have.

The Tri-Community Culture Days are coming up in just over a month, and immigrant services will be hosting a variety of cultural shows, food, and vendors.

They are looking for performers to participate, drummers, dancers, and singers are all welcome to represent their culture at the event.

There is also a need for vendors, and that can include the selling of any cultural or ethnic artifacts, souvenirs, or food.

The Event will run from September 27 to October 6 at various locations around the community, if you would like a piece of your culture on display you can contact the immigrant services at 204-263-3699 and take part in the festival.

The Kelsey Adult Learning Center located at the UCN is gearing up for the school year.

Some of the things the program can help with include helping mature students obtain high school diplomas, upgrading courses to put towards post-secondary education and literacy work.

Registration for the upcoming school year at the Adult Learning Center is happening on Aug 27 from 9 to 2 at the UCN and to qualify for your mature student high school diploma you have to be 19 years of age or older and have been out of school for at least 6 plus months.

It’s the Rodeo Weekend at the Ag Grounds in The Pas.

Lots will be on display starting tonight when gates open at 4 pm.

The Opasquia Agricultural Society is hosting chuck wagon and chariot races, a BBQ rib cook-off, a baking contest, a bounce castle for kids, a beer garden for adults, a pony and redneck challenge and a chance to win prizes in the annual grocery races.

Cody Strandquist’s bull, Rose Tattoo, has been named bull of the year more than once, including this year, and winners will have an up-close chance to meet the bulls and their riders.

Bull riders will be coming from Australia to showcase their skills.

Chuck Wagon and Chariot races will start tonight at 6:30 to kick off the event and you can find a full event schedule in this week’s copy of the Opasquia Times.

At The Town of The Pas's council meeting during the citizen period earlier this week, Lake View Residence talked to the council about taxation and how it affects lake property.

A discussion also took place regarding derelict buildings and abandoned vehicles in town and with lake properties.

The town also received word from the insurance company that it could remove the debris from the Lido theatre, which has been sitting since April.

The plan is to have it cleaned up by the end of August/beginning of September.

Murphy also talked about a visit with Immigration Minister Marcelino and an upcoming visit with Health Minister Asagwara in the coming weeks to continue advancing the community's priorities provincially.

The next town meeting will be held on August 26th, and the town will implement new streaming equipment for better online access.

An Event Headquarters has been set up at the Otinika Mall for the 58th annual Opaskwayak Indigenous Days, where you can find event details and gear.

You can also find clues for the hidden tomahawks and Bigfoot statues that have been placed around the community.

The Parade today will start at Noon at the GLMC.

Angle and children’s races will occur at 10 am at various locations, and traditional events will take place starting tomorrow morning.

One such event is the Canoe Classic, which has been run for over 40 years.

Registration for the canoe classic will take place at 7 pm tonight.

The Oaskwayak Indigenous days continue today, and the Parade and official opening ceremonies will take place at Pike Lake with the firing of the arrow to kick off the celebrations at the 58th annual event.

The Parade today will start at Noon at the GLMC.

From the GLMC, the Parade will head to Pike Lake, where the opening ceremonies will take place, followed by a feast.

For a complete list of events, head over to the Opaskwayak Indigenous Days Facebook page.

Tomorrow night at 7 PM, a film screening will take place at the Kikiwak Inn in The Pas.

The Film Becuase She’s Adopted follows Kristal Parks’ journey to finding her lost heritage and past.

The film was produced by Kristal Park and OCN Local Gabrielle Constant.

It tells Kristal’s story from when she was taken from her mother in the OCN during the 1960s Scoop.

The 60’s Scoop was a mass removal of Indigenous Children from their families, causing many children to float from one foster family to the next or become institutionalized.

These conditions of suppressed identities and abuse led to psychological and emotional problems.

The film was released last year and screened at film festivals nationwide.

Through the Film, the team involved has been able to support and empower adoptees and advocate for their rights.

The online community for 60s scoop survivors has been growing over the years, providing a large outlet for spreading awareness.

The Film also features residents from the OCN and the surrounding area.

Kristal says learning about her home and culture was a big part of the experience and that she is also working on a book about decolonization and the 60’s Scoop.

Last Saturday afternoon, RCMP in the Pas responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Provincial Road 287 in South Cormorant.

When officers arrived they found a vehicle in the ditch, it was determined that the vehicle, travelling eastbound, lost control and rolled.

Two male passengers, a 35-year-old from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and a 36-year-old from Prince Albert were pronounced dead at the scene.

The 39-year-old driver and 28-year-old passenger both from OCN were transported to Winnipeg Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A 25-year-old passenger was also treated for minor injuries at The Pas health complex and later released.

The Pas RCMP along with Forensic Collision Reconstructionists are investigating.

University College of the North has announced a partnership with NORCAT to launch a Mining Readiness Training program in Manitoba.

The program is set to commence in September 2024.

Prairies Economic Development Canada is providing over 1.25 million dollars in funding to support the program.

NORCAT, headquartered in Ontario, is known for delivering industry-standard miner training across Canada and globally.

Doug Lauvstad, President of UCN, expressed his enthusiasm for offering the training, stating, "UCN is responding to the needs of a growing mining industry in Manitoba.

Lauvstead said the program would help Indigenous and Northern Manitoba people find work in the north.

The program will collaborate with 3 existing mines in the north, aiming to provide program participants with the opportunities needed to enter the field.

The program will first launch in Sagkeeng First Nation near Lac Du Bonnet and is expected to enroll over 100 students over the next 18 months.

Upon completing the program, students will receive a dual certificate of Completion from the UCN and NORCAT.

Chalk the Walk is now running in The Pas and OCN; the suicide awareness program is meant to help change the narrative and reduce the stigma that goes along with suicide.

World suicide awareness day is September 10th, and for the month leading up to that, Chalk the Walk will be happening.

The goal is to show your support for those affected by suicide and to help continue the stories of those who have been lost by covering a portion of the sidewalk in chalk drawings.

Artwork can then be submitted to the OHA to win prizes.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there is help available; call or text 8-9-9 for 24-hour support.

Late Monday afternoon, RCMP traffic service was patrolling Highway 6 when they located a head-on collision between an SUV and a minivan operating as a handi van.

Officers found a deceased occupant, and those needing EMS, Grand Rapids Fire Department and EMS were called in to assist.

A 42-year-old passenger of the minivan was taken to a nursing station, where she succumbed to her injuries; the other passenger of the minivan received non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the passengers of the SUV, a 23-year-old, was declared deceased at the scene; the other two passengers of the SUV received non-life-threatening injuries.

An early investigation has found that the SUV crossed the median and collided with the van.

No charges have been laid at this time.

The crass resulted in the highway being closed from approximately 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with most vehicles opting to turn around and find a secondary route.

When the highway reopened, one of the waiting vehicles would not start due to a drained battery.

At approximately 1130 pm, a truck stopped to assist, and occupants of the vehicles exited.

At this time, a northbound van pulling a trailer collided with the truck, which struck the SUV and caused it to hit the two individuals standing outside.

A 33-year-old from The Pas was declared deceased on the scene, and a 36-year-old from The Pas received non-life-threatening injuries.

Forensic Collision Reconstructionists are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The 59th annual Opaskwayak Indigenous Days is coming next week, and preparations for the event have been ongoing for several months.

This year’s theme, “Do More in 24,” was chosen to encourage everyone to be better.

The Princess pageant contestants have been busy fundraising and promoting awareness, and registration for various events and activities is already underway.

The Canoe classic, soccer tournaments, singing contests, and feasts are only part of the celebrations that promote cultural awareness.

The event runs from the 12th to the 17th in The Pas and OCN.

The Jesse Niquanicappo Memorial Youth Talent Show will take place on Friday, August 15th, and huge cash prizes will be available at both the youth and adult competitions.

1 in 5 Canadians experience challenges with addictions whether it be substance abuse gambling or alcohol

Taking the first step to a positive change is made easier with somebody’s help. This is where the Manitoba Addictions Helpline comes in. You can call their number at 1-855-662-6605 and receive help today. If trying to find help over the phone is difficult try their website mbaddictionhelp.ca.

The website also provides questionnaires and organizations that can help those suffering from addiction like Rosaire House Addiction Center in The Pas or Eaglewood in Thompson.

So if you or somebody you care about is suffering from addiction make that important first step and call or text 1-855-662-6605 or go to their website at mbaddictionhelp.ca.

Starting today at Fisher Island, families of those affected by the McKay Residential School will gather, because the Ministikok project is underway.

The Ministikok Project has been funded to find answers, search for those who went missing, and learn about the school and the people who attended.

They are investigating unmarked graves at the McKay Indian Residential School site and talking to those with insight.

The school ran from 1912 to 1932.

Joe Partridge said he had family that attended the school, but not much was ever discussed regarding their time spent there.

That's why they will contact community members for statements and record videos to learn more about people's experiences at the school.

The project team recently found what they believe to be the only living survivor of the school.

Starting today, birch bark basket making will take place.

On Thursday, tipi and medicine teachings and a performance of Bear Grease will take place.

On the evening of August 2, The Pas RCMP received a distress call reporting a stranded boater with his family and pets on Clearwater Lake.

The boat had experienced a power and propulsion failure, leaving them adrift two kilometres from shore near Camper's Cove boat launch.

The boaters, from Mitchell, Manitoba, had been stranded for over three hours and were struggling to fix the boat in diminishing light and worsening weather conditions.

When a rescue team of three RCMP officers arrived, they encountered rough waters but managed to locate the stranded boat just in time, as it was dangerously close to a reef.

The team worked swiftly to secure and tow the boat back to shore, no injuries occurred.

The 5th annual walk for Kendara will take place tonight, and everyone is welcome to show support for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

The Gathering will take place at the UCN near the site where she was found.

The walk will start at 5:30, and from the UCN, they will head to Kinsmen Park.

Following the walk, there will be a gathering in the park with speeches, a BBQ, and a Ribbon Hanging.

Kendara was tragically taken from her family and Friends in 2019; she was known for her kindness and love for helping others.

Her family continues to seek justice for her and other missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

The Community Futures Cedar Lake region hosted its annual General meeting earlier this week.

An update on the business assessment survey project was shared.

The data was collected last December and has since been analyzed by a group of UCN Business Seminar Students.

The students involved were Walter Bigornia, Corey Constant, Jeremy Constant, Vanessa Constant, Zoey Henderson, and Jaden Thomas, in consultation with Janice Seto as their advisor.

Sandra Shapiro with Community Futures Cedar Lake Region says the students' work has already had a positive impact.

One of the first recommendations undertaken is an accommodation listing for housing in The Pas.

That listing can be found at the Town of The Pas dot ca along with a comprehensive list of accommodations in the community.

The update also included recommendations regarding the Business Assessment Project the group undertook last year.

The group is now entering the next phase of the project, which involves group discussions of the recommendations, but work has already been done on one of them.

Other projects being looked at include a senior housing co-op and other co-op ideas like community gardens, community kitchens, and a Children's Business Fair that would have kids develop a product, market it, and make it available at an event.

You can also call the office at 204-627-5450.

Last Saturday, as part of an ongoing investigation, RCMP in Grand Rapids Executed a search at a residence in Misipawistick Cree Nation.

A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a firearm, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Donna Mercredi, 42, and Conrad Genaille, 33, have been charged with various offences, including weapon possession, contrary to a court order.

They were remanded into custody.

RCMP investigations are ongoing.

A Member of the OCN was crowned Miss Indigenous Canada 2024 at an event in Ontario last week.

Jessica McKenzie was awarded this year's title, she was born in the OCN and currently lives in Toronto and she says this is only the second pageant she's been in.

Miss Indigenous Canada is a new pageant, and McKenzie was honoured to be the contest's inaugural winner.

The event promotes culture, understanding, empowerment, and self-development for young indigenous women.

McKenzie said it was an honour to represent her community and culture and to win this year's crown.

This weekend, the Wanless community will celebrate its 95^th anniversary with a homecoming.

Celebrations will start tomorrow with a gathering and meet-and-greet at the Wanless Community Club from 6 to 7 pm.

There, the time capsule will be opened, and names can be entered for the king and queen.

Anniversary merchandise will be on sale at the hall all weekend, and raffle tickets will be available.

On Saturday, the parade starts at 11 am, and at 1, a service to pay tribute to long-time community members will take place.

Saturday afternoon will also feature a scavenger hunt, horseshoe tournaments and other activities, followed by a dinner and dance in the evening at the Wanless community club.

Find full event details on the Wanless Community Club Facebook page.